This is probably a cheap shot journalistically, but I want to take advantage of the opportunity of Burger reissuing Dead Meadow’s second album Howl to mention a band playing extraordinary, magma-laced stoner rock since ‘98 that never seems to get anywhere. John Peel asked them to record for his show based on their first album. Matador signed them (which might have been part of the problem). They had tour support. And they’re still going. Regular touring. New album. I know what you’re thinking: you think this band sucks and I’m just doing that old man thing where I wax poetic about a group that’s been around forever. But I’m really not. I’m actually part of the problem. I forget about them from time to time. I had the pleasure of reviewing their live show for The Tucson Weekly a few years ago and the first thought I had was: “That band is still playing?!” I don’t have to tell you nobody was there. I’ve seen them in D.C., the band’s hometown, and no one has been there except those people who always go to shows. Since ‘98 they have mostly only attracted the attention of those people who always go to shows. And John Peel. This band has been solid since their first record, producing several albums of mountain range sound waves made up of highs of stoner fury and lows of thoughtful fuzz psych. Howl is an album, not just a collection of songs. And you can now get it for your tape player for six fucking dollars! I’m sure the sales from their cassette reissues will buy them a nice meal. If you’re into heavy psych or stoner rock, just take the leap on this one. –Billups Allen (Burger)