2009 is really turning out to be a great one for record releases. Some of the best stuff I’ve heard in years.

First Off is the new Rancid record “Let The Dominoes Fall”

This is their best record since “…And Out Come The Wolves.” Definitely pick up the Deluxe version which come with a beautiful All Acoustic CD and Making Of the Album DVD! On top of 19 tracks already on the first disc, this is their most diverse and creative album to date. Every song is a classic punk anthem and the album is a contender for this years best.

Next up is an album that was recorded in the 70’s and first surfacing on CD Now! An all African-American punk band called DEATH! “…For The Whole World To See.” This is Funk-Punk and it holds up today both lyrically and musically. It is as important as it probably was back before I was born. You can pick it up on Amazon.com and if back ordered it’s worth the wait.

Ben Harper’s new group Relentless7 is a great band. They are high energy live with one of the best drummers I have seen in a while. Lyrically strong as usual and “White Lies For Dark Times” smokes. Kick-Ass artwork fills the physical release.

Akron/Family’s “Set ‘Em Wild, Set ‘Em Free” is an eclectic mix of psychedelic goodness. It’s a fun listen. I feel it is the answer to Animal Collective, which to me is just un-listenable.

And finally Bumpin’ Tacos! “Greatest Tits.” Some absolutely Love it, some absolutely Hate it. Call it shameless self-promotion, I can’t stop listening to it. ha haa. Keyboard heavy, genre-crossing, freak-folk-punk-rock, reggae… WTF is it? It’s funny and it’s trippy, and it’s our baby.

I Art Directed and Designed the 2nd Modest Mouse 7″ single for Autumn Beds. This is an embossed black on black design using varnishes and is limited to 4,000 copies.

Here’s a picture of the AC/DC Black Ice Vinyl I designed this past year.

I designed the Jamaican themed 7″ single “Hey You” for 311.

I just created the monster squid vs shark drawing on Canada’s own BALL HARNESS cd, War Without Witness. Bassist John Wellman colored it! These guys are sick and you should really check out this recording…Love it!