Music Library: Dead Boys, Dead Kennedys, Dead Meadow, The Dead Milkmen, Dead Prez, Dean Martin, Dears, Death Cab For Cutie

The Dead Boys - Young, Loud & Snotty. Aptly named punk album anchored by the excellent tracks "Sonic Reducer" and "What Love Is." The Dead Boys were built on the punkier half of the amazing mid-70s Cleveland band Rocket From The Tombs. The other half went on to become Pere Ubu.

The Dead Kennedys - "California Uber Alles." All the DKs I need.

Dead Meadow - Feathers. Psych-rock band from Baltimore fronted by David Simon's nephew. I don't much care for them, unfortunately. I mean, they're okay, but noticeably short on memorable riffage.

The Dead Milkmen - Big Lizard In My Backyard. Awesome fun album that I loved like crazy when I was 16. Listening to it was a blast.

Dead Prez - Let's Get Free and "Hell Ya (Pistol Pete Remix)." I like my hip-hop to be a head trip.

Dean Martin - Greatest Hits. Dead Prez is going to hate this, but Deano completely upstaged them.

The Dears - Gang of Losers. These guys had quite a bit of hype a few years back with this album. I really don't understand why. It sounds like near-generic sub-Smiths indie rock. I mean, I don't hate anything on this album, but I don't like any of it, either. When a song ends, I remember nothing about it. I can't even decide if I should delete it. It doesn't move me now, and I don't know if it will ever move me. I'd be surprised, but sometimes you have to leave room for surprise. I'm left with a Big Hmm.

Death Cab For Cutie - "405," Transatlanticism, and Plans. As with The Dears, I have no idea why these guys are such a big deal for certain music fans. The music doesn't annoy or offend me, but I can't recall a moment where I thought anything close to "wow," and I can remember nothing at all about it when it's over. Wallpaper music.