Heave Media

 

Chavez – Our Boys Will Shine Tonight - Ride the Fader was released on Matador in 1996. While they are occasionally name dropped, it seems that Chavez only really got some recognition in the press when guitarist Matt Sweeney decided to join Zwan (the Billy Corgan train wreck of a band featuring Dave Pajo and Pumpkins drummer Jimmy Chamberlin). Ride the Fader is easily one of the most forgotten 90’s rock records available. If you really love Chavez, go pick up Better Days Will Haunt You which contains all of the band’s recorded output on two discs.  Little known fact: The name Chavez came from Lou Diamond Phillips knife wielding outlaw that he played in the movie Young Guns. Okay, I made that up, but it could be true, couldn’t it?

 

Bellini – The Best Song on a Starship – Bellini formed in 2001 after the demise of Don Cabellero. Former Don Cab drummer Damon Che decided to back the Sicilian husband/wife duo of Agostino Tilotta and Giovanna Cacciola. Snowing Sun was released in 2002 and Damon Che quit after an on stage tirade shortly thereafter. They released another album in 2005 called Small Stones. Both albums are worth checking out, but the metal influence and angular riffs may not be for everyone. To each his or her own.

 

The Red Elvises – Pilot John – These Russian, Elvis loving, surf-rockers have released eleven albums since 1998.  I found out about these guys when I watched the post-apocalyptic film Six String Samarai. They played a surf band composed of futuristic assassins. The music that The Red Elvises create is not terribly original or interesting, but most people are at the very least intrigued by the idea of a Russian surf rock band. Even if you never listen to anything else by The Red Elvises in your entire life, make sure you rent Six String Samarai. It's a fantastic movie.