I don’t like that surfing shit. Rock ‘n Roll’s been going downhill ever since Buddy Holly died. -American Graffiti

Surfing is the coolest. With surf-inspired lo-fi pop on the rise in the last year or so via bands like The Drums, Surfer’s Blood, Wavves, Crystal Stilts (thank you tidal waxing) it’s easier to conch out on the sound swells and pipelines of significant American music tanning the gamut from 60s Teen Idol Frankie Avalon to early 90s Estrus Records Trash. So Hang-Loose, Drop-In and Duck Dive into My Top Ten Collection of Super Cool Surf Jams.

10 Weezer Surfwax America



The Blue Album is a melodic pop-rock masterpiece built on the sandy foundation of Brian Wilson’s beach craze.





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9 The Jesus & Mary Chain Kill Surf City



Just when you think it’s okay to have a good time at the beach, TJ&MC show up to remind you that the ocean (and love) will take your life and wash your bloated remains up on shore.



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8 Jonathan Richman & The Modern Lovers Modern World



Nantucket is no surfing slouch and even if it was, Jonathan Richman could surf the desert sand if he wanted.



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7 Shadowy Men on a Shadowy Planet Any Song



Of all the surf-instrumental groups (first or second wave), Shadowy Men are my fave.



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6 Morrissey Everyday Is Like Sunday



As significant as Normandy.



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5 Ramones Rockaway Beach



Not sure what the waves are like in Queens but the Ramones shred them hard.



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4 Chris Isaak Wicked Game



A paradise that exists somewhere between Blue Hawaii and Blue Velvet (perhaps in a Blue Hotel).



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3 The Pixies Dig For Fire



The very best of New Wave and Surf Music crafted on the shores of another planet and kindly brought to Earth by Frank Black & Co.



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2 Sparks Let’s Go Surfing



Beach Blanket Bingo comes to the Arthouse. AKA Best Surf Song to reference Richard Wagner, Charles Dickens, and Billy Shakespeare.



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1 The Ventures Walk Don’t Run



As straight forward and powerful as the waves themselves. This says it all!
















Bunting book courtesy of Josh E right on time for Opening Day.

I’ve never met Andy Luce in person but we’re slowly becoming best buds. Recently he sent the Sauce a sensitive little note scribbled on the stamped stationery above. His penmanship (and future friendmanship) is incredible! See more of his work HERE.



In case you’re listening in Andy, leave the Stinky Onion immediately so you can meet me at BBD where we’ll stuff ourselves on Tostones and Capt. Eli’s Ginger Beer. Then we’ll steal your sister’s MB and cruise over to R&R Heaven to score some Alison Moyet 45s.

My buddy Griff, of For Ex-Lovers Only, stopped by this past week to drop off his latest 7″ on Magic Marker Records (label home to Tullycraft and Dear Nora). It took a bit of convincing but Berthold Akzidenz-Grotesk was the way to go.



Listen to Price Is Righteous and enjoy it as much as I do:



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Cold Weather Starring Cris Lankenau.

One of the greatest human beings on the planet on display for the entire world to see. Can’t wait to watch him get a piece of one in that batting cage!

If feature-length films were crafted with this much care, I’d be a bigger fan of movies.

I don’t know where to begin. Somewhere on the earth a roomful of geniuses finally put the two greatest things together for all the world to see. A party ensued. Can you imagine the feeling one might get right after hitting a line drive into the left field gap and then snacking on some guacamole at second base? Bobby Clemente come back from the grave with your kind eyes and save us!


Thanks be to Tyler Petito for telling me about this and to Israel Hill for debunking any possible myths. Truly T.F.O.A.B. you are.

In honor of my one true favorite, Jessica K. Jancek, and our fulfilling first year together.