Monitor Records

Baltimore Maryland's Monitor Records is headed up by co-conspirators Brian and Jason, who must have some serious hypnotic powers to be able to coerce such a fine roster of artists for their fledgling label. More realistically, these bands know that Monitor doesn't screw around and is bound to get their music out to you...and that's all that matters.

Bellini
The octopus Damon Che from Don Caballero is back behind the drums, along a group of ex-Touch and Go co-conspirators from Uzeda, to form Bellini. They're similar in sound to both those previous bands, but the unique mixture here creates something abusive, technical, and spectacular.

Snowing Sun - 2002


Brendon Canty and Jerry Busher
Brendon Canty and Jerry Busher are both drummers who've messed around with other instruments during their tenures in bands like Rites of Spring, Fugazi, All Scars, and Fidelity Jones. They got together to contribute a track to Membraphonics, a Monitor Records collection of songs by drummers gone solo.

Membranaphonics - 2001


Damon Che
Simply put, Damon Che is one of the most talented, innovative, and at times heart attack-inducing drummers working today, as his longtime tenure with Don Caballero has demonstrated. He goes solo on a breathtaking track from Monitor Records' Membraphonics compilation, an ambitious collection of songs recorded by rock's most interesting drummers.

Membranaphonics - 2001


Eiffel Tower
Intelligent pop hooks and clever wordplay abound on this stunning debut from New York's Eiffel Tower. Drum machine, keyboard, guitar, and low-key production combine to make irresistibly charming songs.

Eiffel Tower - 2000


Everlasting the Way
Explore the endless possibilities of unfamiliar landscapes and open roads with this thoughtful and lovely music. This side project from Sean Meadows (June of 44, the Sonora Pine, Lungfish, The Letter E) is perfect for quiet contemplation in any state of mind.

long-stretch-motorcycle-hymn-highway - 2000


Ink
Ink
Complex yet minimal, familiar yet inventive, and arty yet comforting, Ink's avant-pop describes vast spaces with delicate lines. Art rock for people who don't like art, pop music for people who don't like sugar, noises designed to embrace and inspire you.

Ink - 2000


Jeff Mueller
Sometimes plaintive, often sweet, always honest and engaging, Jeff Mueller's solo work is full of whispered promises and intimate truths.

Fold and Parish - 1999


Oxes
Oxes produce a hyperactive mix of precision and lunacy with their nonstop Shellac-meets-Don Cabellero-meets-The Champs weirdo parade.

Oxes/Big'n Split CDEP
Oxes - 2000
Oxxxes - 2002


Per Mission
As a solo artist, Jason Noble of Rachel's and The Shipping News offers us eerie and off-kilter drum loops, spoken word, and creepy ambience.

A Ritual Loop


Sweeder
Sweeder's slow, gentle, lushly arranged compositions positively shimmer with warm textures and dreamy moods. Music for gray days and warm sleepless nights.

Swallowed by the Sun