The Reigning Monarchs are a really interesting case.

Let's start off by just saying that they're very good. Their LP "Black Sweater Massacre" was fun and energetic from start to finish, and full of variety and creativity. They talk a lot about melding surf with ska, reggae, punk - which I hear, but I hear them as a surf-influenced band first and foremost.

The Phantom Operators just released two songs in support of V2 Tuesday (V2uesday?), which is raising money for Bob Spalding and Leon Taylor, current members of the Ventures, to release a new record through Indiegogo. All purchases of this single or their other works will go to V2 today.