The Brian Jonestown Massacre “Something Else” 2018. A Recordings, on white vinyl. Jangly neo-psychedelic alt-rock, Something Else is the band’s 17th LP. In their almost 25 year career they’ve released 20 LP’s (plus comps, live albums, EP’s, etc.) though it remains to be seen if more are coming: during a performance in 2023 the notoriously volatile frontman Anton Newcombe hit guitarist Ryan Van Kriedt over the head with a guitar which ended the show and the rest of the tour (see below). Anyway! I don’t think I’ve ever sat down and intentionally listed to a full record by BJM, though I’m certainly aware of their music and watched Dig!, the 2004 documentary about them and the Dandy Warhols (who I adore – it’s been a long time since I’ve seen it and I feel like I should watch it again).

Something Else is really great. I adore a buzzy, garagey psych rock sound and this album is chock full of it. My top track is the jangle-forward, ass-shaking “Skin and Bones” which reminds me a lot of 80’s era Echo & the Bunnymen. I also really like the groovy, hypnotic 60’s-styled, touch of Velvet instrumental “Animal Wisdom” and another animal themed-stomper “Who Dreams of Cats?”