Los Angeles pop punk squad Candygram for Mongo return with an eponymous 13-track offering chock full of infectious melodies containing more hooks than a tackle box. Cuts like “What Are We” and “Big Mary” portray the rambunctious feel of a spiked hair contingent with the usual imminent sense of danger replaced with the sharp songwriting skills you’d hear from the likes of Elvis Costello or Cheap Trick. Edgy yet accessible, tracks like “Meltdown” and “Fairfax Avenue” display a bounce that’s perfect for the Warped Tour with a sing along chorus tailor-made for a drunken night with old friends while songs like “Rock To Live” showcase the Celtic-esque vibe employed by the likes of Flogging Molly and Against Me. With their freewheeling nature at the forefront of everything they do, Candygram for Mongo have made a prime candidate of a record to throw on to not only get the party started but to keep the good times rolling all night long. www.myspace.com/candygramformonoband –Mike SOS
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Editor’s Note: Just in case you have no clue where this band gets their name from:
The famous scene and line begins at approx. 3:20…from the Mel Brooks’ classic BLAZING SADDLES.
Los Angeles trio Chingalera’s latest disc suggests this unit definitely spent a lot of time with their Melvins and Tool discs with a smattering of Queens of the Stone Age and Fantomas on the side prior to stepping into Sylvia Massy’s lair. The sprawling five-track, near hour long exhibition 
Yes, you read that right…Myspace Records. Japanese art punk rock troupe Polysics and their latest installment of Devo-inspired new wave WE ATE THE MACHINE is a weird but refreshing choice for such a mainstream outlet, but it works. Heavy beats, odd sounds, and tons of synth-rock give songs like “Kagayake” a Mr. Bungle-esque carnival feel, while “Digital Coffee” has all of the nuances to be considered for an Asian game show theme song. While singing occurs in Japanese, English, and gibberish, the electronic manipulations and pop-rock guitar and drums pretty much translate across the board for a stimulating listening experience for purveyors of video game robot rock. 
The latest offering by Pacific Northwestern lo-fi one-man band The Microphones is actually a reissue from 2001. Nonetheless, it requires multiple listens for the baked-in subdued goodness to soak into your big musical brain. Containing hushed melodies and tranquil rhythms accentuated via simple yet elegant instrumentation, the folksy feel and organic aura of this 20-track affair emits an engaging charm and earthy feel that reverberates through your soul. If you dig tripped out yet mellow music injected with a sense of lovelorn melancholy, then this disc (which comes with a bonus disc chock full of alternative versions, other tracks, and assorted other goodies) will be a welcomed addition to your collection. 
Without getting too political on a rock and roll website, I’d like to state that this is arguably the most exciting election of our lifetimes. We will bring either the first African-American into the chief position or see the first female Vice President. No matter how you look at it, Americans are angry and upset with the Bush administration and are in the need of major relief. Here are five tunes for your Nov. 4 playlists to aid in this celebration…
Stumble It!
GEARS OF ROCK 
