The Muslims “Right and Wrong”

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Tracking down this record was one of the most interesting experiences I have endured in a long time, eventually culminating with me letting myself into Matty’s (the Muslims’ guitarist) house and picking up a copy of the LP from his dining room table. (Replacing it with a $10 bill, of course!). My brother who lives in San Diego (where the Muslims were based, though they now live in L.A.) tells me the album is in every record store. It’s harder to find here in L.A. But the search for this album only makes me like it more. The album draws from my favorite elements of the Velvet Underground, blending the White Light / White Heat dissonant drone with the pure pop sensibilities of Loaded, while at the same time jangling like the Replacements or R.E.M. at their early eighties finest. The seven song record is one of my favorite albums to come out so far this year, and the CD that comes along with it has all the album tracks as well as three bonus songs, including the amazing “Bright Side” and “Extinction.” This is the perfect album for a sunny Sunday morning drive, a cozy rainy night, or—as the case may be—a binge party weekend leading to a little bit of trouble.

— Daniel Clodfelter