Doop and the Inside Outlaws - What Am I Supposed Do? (2011)

A new release from this alternative country/roots rock group from Detroit. Again I'll admit I mightn't have gotten turned on to these guys if it wasn't from me having made the acquaintance of a member of the band. However I heard of them, I'm rather happy I know of them now. Luckily in my life I don't have to hear much popular country music, which serves me in not being sour toward country music altogether. So I'll also confess that if any of the popular stuff is half as sincere regarding heartbreak, regrets, and drinking away sorrows as Doop and the Inside Outlaws then I can understand how it is so dominant. This is especially well expressed in the song "Sittin Here" which I immediately liked. Also, there's a rather fine rock song, the aptly titled "You Gotta Rock 'n' Roll Sometimes." Good remorseful music, which can be streamed on bandcamp or bought for $10. Can't get down on Detroiters trying to make a buck too much.

To be had here:
Doop and the Inside Outlaws - What Am I Supposed Do?

The King Khan and BBQ Show - Invisible Girl (2009)

More garage rock, although of another sort. While some garage rock is more punk influenced and raw, others kept the pop, blues and soul influences of earlier era closer. Flamboyancy is a prized quality in the performers of garage rock in general, and King Khan and BBQ surely have it in spades. Considerably more mellow than something like the Stripes or Ty Segall shared recently, it reminds me of something Jon Spencer would be involved in. A raunchiness akin to Pussy Galore but style closer to Heavy Trash, if you're familiar with Spencer's work. The King Khan and BBQ Show is a combination of two Montreal-based gentlemen that have has some previous experience in bands of the genre. Their experience and rhythm shines throughout. One of the better features is the amazing crooning on tracks like "I'll Be Loving You" and "Tryin" that leave me memorized. However, as with all garage rock it is something that enters one's listening orbit only to exit in due time, but like comets and planets it returns regularly.

To be had here:
The King Khan and BBQ Show - Invisible Girl [192 VBR kbps]