One of my favorite bands is the Toadies. I’ve mentioned them before but I don’t think I can express how much I like them. Seeing them many times in Texas while I was in college and the fact that they just have really great music helped to cement my love of this wonderful band. Strong lyrics (albeit very dark at times) and catchy hooks make listening to the music over and over very easy to do. The band was also quite approachable (as opposed to other Texas bands of the era like Tripping Daisy, bastards. However many bands were approachable and are some of my favorites. Hagfish, Rev. Horton Heat, Beefmasters. They all love and respect their fans). So, There are four releases from the Toadies: Pleather EP (1993), Rubberneck (1995), Hell Below/Stars Above (2001), and Best of Toadies: Live From Paradise (2002). Notice the rather large gap between Rubberneck and HB/SA. That’s a long time to wait for a sophomore effort and unfortunately many people gave up on the Toadies in those intervening years. They were definitely hot with a platinum album and appearances on many soundtracks (Cable Guy, Escape from L.A., i Basquiat, Crow: City of Angles, and X-Games Volume 1). Sometimes I wish there was a collection of those B-sides, but I guess if I want them I’m just going to have to hunt for them (ahhhh, Amoeba Music will be the death of me :). I just recently picked up the Live From Paradise album and I must say, it’s one of the best live albums I have now (It will easily rest at the top of my live list along with the Dropkick Murphys Live on St. Patrick’s Day). For anyone that liked Rubberneck and has listened to it once in the last two years you should so get this album. Also, if you like Todd Lewis’ vocals and singing you might want to check out the Burden Brothers where he sings and writes some of the songs. It’s a bit different though just so you’re warned. And now I must start my day and wonder why some of the best albums I have are all the final release from excellent bands with short careers.