Tia Carrera, Kodiaks, Observers, and Attic Ted

In this mathematical abnormality zone, "7 & 7 Is" always either 7 and 12 (inches), or 331/3 and 45 (revolutions per minute). And any combination of said figures – bisected by the total number of tree rings (tracks) dividing each slice of vinyl heaven. And hell, if you're referencing the ambient Sabbath improv of local metal mainstay Tia Carrera and their new, petroleum-only LP, Live 6-3-03 (Emperor Jones). That's two tracks, 25 minutes, and 12 inches on side A (rad center labels fellas), and one cut clocking in at the same on the flip side, all of it free-flowing instrumental ejaculations into the void. Technical ecstasy, and it's already a collector's item. Colored vinyl has that effect on us, so the antique, tulip-lamp orange of the Kodiak's new 45 on local label Super Secret Records was a winner even before the spin cycle. The Austin quintet's debut single earlier this year was a raw, blues-based punk squawk, and the new "Cherry Blossom"/"Evil and Alcohol" four-track is no less rabid, even at 331/3rpm. "Stomp Song," "Beat Jazz" – keep this beast out of the ice chest. Portland, Ore.'s Observers also call Super Secret home, on a handsome, limited-edition marble slab. The fourpiece's "Lead Pill" is old-school UK punk, also spinning slower to slug out more pep for your pence. "Can't Be Sad" is instructional on just such matters. Closer to River City is Attic Ted, courtesy of San Marcos' Pecan Crazy Records, on plain black vinyl. Think Klezmer band ramped down and minus the Klezmer – as in spike, indie spike. With shortwave radio short circuits, chanting ("Old Man"), and Bill Jeffery's trumpet thrown in for good measure, odds are you'll get hooked.

Contact: www.emperorjones.com; www.supersecretrecords.com; www.kodiaks.tv; www.theobservers.org; Pecan Crazy: PO Box 434, San Marcos, TX 78667; [email protected]