The Vintage & Handmade Market Notes from the scene
Almost four years after splitting off, guitarist Marcos Curiel has rejoined his homies in P.O.D. After the separation, Curiel started mainstream hard-rock band The Accident Experiment with members of Sprung Monkey and former Grammatrain vocalist Pete Stewart. That project doesn't come close to the raw explosiveness of P.O.D. and hasn't really taken off as the band hoped. P.O.D., meanwhile, hired guitarist Jason Truby. While Truby is no slouch, the band sorely missed Curiel's signature epic guitar sound on their 2003 album, Payable On Death. This summer, P.O.D. parted ways with Atlantic Records because the band didn't like personnel changes at the label. Atlantic wasn't fond of P.O.D.'s declining sales, which coincided with Curiel's departure (although a shift in popular-music trends is equally, if not more, to blame). The all-new, all-old lineup (Truby remains with the band) has reportedly signed a new record deal that they'll announce in January. They'll perform live in Times Square on Jimmy Kimmel Live on New Year's Eve.
Rolling Stone has chosen three-piece band bill out of 1,700 contenders as one of the “25 Best Bands on MySpace.” While there is no actual prize besides bragging rights, bill's song “Watercolors” is featured on the magazine's website. www.myspace.com/bill.
Though they haven't played a single show, new quartet The Lonely Hearts Club is already drawing attention from record label A&R. The band features rockers Tim Hines (The Stereotypes, The Bad Apples), Jason Hee (Buzzkill Romantics, Bunky), Sean Taugher (Airport81, Waterline Drift) and Mike Kamoo (The Stereotypes, The Loons). They're already working on a debut album and are in talks with Sony/BMG-affiliated indie label Thrive Records. In related news, The Stereotypes will shoot their first video for the song “Outside” in January-paid for by Coleman Camping Gear as part of an ad-campaign deal. The band's fourth album, 4, is scheduled for an April 2007 release. www.myspace.com/thelonelyheartsclubmusic.
On Jan. 2, Dizzy's will host a fundraiser to benefit the Elizabeth Weedmark Foundation, which provides grants to students at the San Diego School of Creative & Performing Arts. Performers include Jamie Valle, Gregory Page, Sven Erik Seaholm, Patrick Dennis (of The Truckee Brothers) and members of Loam. www.dizzyssandiego.com.
Best local albums of the year
Al Guerra
Host of 91X's local-music show, “Loudspeaker”
The North Atlantic's Wires in the Walls
(We Put Out Records)
Wires in the Walls doesn't compromise the band's integrity or vision, and it comes across in the lyrics and music. www.thenorthatlantic.com.
Goddamn Electric Bill's Swallowed by the Machines (99X/10 Records)
When I'm stressed, tired, impatient or frustrated, I reach for this album. It takes me to a safe place. www.goddamnelectricbill.com.
Switchfoot's Oh! Gravity (Columbia)
It's an evolution in the right direction-polished, raw and insightful. Honestly, a gem I can't wait to share with all my friends. www.switchfoot.com.
Tim Pyles
Host of “The Local 94/9”
The Album Leaf's Into the Blue Again (Sub Pop)
For those introspective moments in the day when you need to make sense of it all. www.albumleaf.com.
Black Heart Procession's The Spell (Touch & Go)
I feel like I'm walking the streets of some ancient city where music pours from speakeasies, as I hear the strains of a saw. I'm drawn to one in particular where men smoke opium in the shadows as the band plays on. www.blackheartprocession.com.
The Hot Snakes' Thunder Down Under (Swami)
Pure rock magic caught live, jokes included. www.hotsnakes.com.
Troy Johnson
CityBeat music editor
Delta Spirit's I Think I've Found It EP (Monarchy Music)
With the former rhythm section from Noise Ratchet and a moody vocalist who's got both indie-rock and soul down pat, this debut has a lot of people predicting “next big thing” for good reason. www.myspace.com/deltaspirit.
Kite Flying Society's Where Is the Glow? (self-released)
Wimpy Anglo music done impeccably well-KFS takes Beach Boys harmonies and pop music that would be perfect for both the O.C. soundtrack and a tribute to The Shins. www.myspace.com/kfsmusic.
Deep Rooted's Second Coming (Openmyndz Ent.)
The second album for San Diego's soul and hip-hop ensemble is even better than their stellar first effort-smooth flows, good choruses and actual songs mixed with MC mouthplay. www.myspace.com/deeprootedent.
