Justin: We've run a few stories about 60 Watt Kid releasing new music and I find myself returning to his Myspace page nearly every day at work to listen to the four songs that are up there. I think I'm settling into old age early, as all this pretty, light strummy music that seems to be the rage in the indie rock world really appeals to me. "Hollywood Hunter" has a feel akin to the Simon & Garfunkel song "The Only Living Boy In New York" that was made so hip by Garden State recently. The whole sound is very reminiscent of the days when "singer/songwriter" meant more than some ex-frontman playing with a guitar and singing off-key. The featured harmonica definitely fits perfectly and the whispy vocals put my mind at ease. Plus, he's from Oakland. Everyone loves Oakland!
60 Watt Kid - Hollywood Hunter 60 Watt Kid Myspace Aubin: A little blast from the past here in New York's Reagan Youth; though the band released very little material, the band's music and image made for a powerful combination. Adorned in Nazi or KKK garb, and with a name intended to strike parallels between the Gipper and a certain German dictator, Reagan Youth were nothing if not confrontational. But despite the shocking image, the band managed to deliver gems of early New York hardcore punk and frontman Dave Insurgent possessed a commanding vocal delivery which may remind you of early AFI.
Unfortunately, there isn't anything in MP3 format easily accessible, but there are eight real audio tracks available for streaming online. It's a taste, but one that should inspire you to track down the retrospective A Collection of Pop Classics or the companion, Live and Rare.
You can check out the songs here