Columbus releases: The Flashing Clock, Two Cow Garage

The Flashing Clock - Hot Brown
Dan Spurgeon is probably better known for his other band, Bush League All-Stars, but the Flashing Clock just might change that with its new album, Hot Brown.

Recorded by Datapanik’s Nick Schuld, it consists of 11 two- and three-minute ditties that sound like they were all put to tape in a creative frenzy one substance-fueled night. The songs are devoid of frills and (high) fidelity, just old-fashioned rock ’n’ roll with a dash of punk thrown in.

Lyrically, it’s doubtful any of these songs will have you pondering your place in this world. (Take the hook in “Teardrop Tattoo”: “Teardrop tattoo, don’t know what I’m gonna do.”) But rock music doesn’t always have to do that. Sometimes all you want is distorted guitars and a catchy chorus, and the Flashing Clock delivers. I absolutely love “Knife Fight” and “Have You Seen.” Let’s hope Spurgeon (or “Cosmo Time,” as the CD sleeve refers to him) keeps this project on the front burner.

RIYL: Bush League All-Stars, the Patsys

The Flashing Clock and You’re So Bossy are on the bill for the Evil Queens’ (possibly) last show Saturday night at Ruby Tuesday.

Two Cow Garage - Speaking Cursive
Speaking in Cursive, the fourth full-length from Two Cow Garage, follows in the same vein of the band’s last one, III, but this talented band’s cowpunk just keeps getting better—probably a result of constant touring.

“Bastards and Bridesmaids” and “Your Humble Narrator” are destined to become Two Cow classics. “Swingset Assassin” is a folk song that highlights singer Micah Schnabel’s knack for storytelling, tracking his childhood musical journey from the Beatles through Black Flag: “I wrapped myself up in Black Flag and flew it as my own...But in the end punk rock just left me empty and alone.” But Schnabel never discarded any of those influences completely; all of them have been incorporated. Two Cow Garage’s sound wouldn’t be the same without that punk edge--due in part to Schnabel's shredded vocals--alongside the country and pop-rock sounds.

Along with tackling death, drugs, self-doubt and heartbreak, Speaking in Cursive continues Schnabel’s attempts at reconciling his love for music with its destructive force in his life. In “Folksinger’s Heart,” he mentions a bit of advice he received: “My father, and the truth: ‘Destroy the thing you love, son, before it destroys you.’”

Good thing for us he’s not heeding his father’s warning.

RIYL: Haynes Boys, Drive-By Truckers, Replacements

(Also at the Other Paper)