The recording industry is so stupid it's almost laughable.  While tripe from acts like Nickelback and Creed are crammed down our throats, talented artists like Wilco and 34 Satellite are virtually ignored by all except critics and the 2% of the true music fiends.

34 Satellite's new long-player, Stop, delivers an enjoyable blast of rootsy rock that will please fans of Matthew Sweet, Wilco or The Replacements.  This thirteen track album is solid from start to finish, and is jam-packed with searing electric guitars and sing-along vocals.

"Elijah St. Marie" opens Stop with a quiet Brit-pop intro that quickly transforms into a melody that would make Rivers Cuomo jealous.  The guitars slash and grind away, then everything falls apart to a beautiful verse.  "Get Out Alive" finds the band in Paul Westerberg territory, and a gorgeous string section is wrapped around guitar melodies in "Longest Day."  The folky intro to the title track is quickly absorbed by heaps of gut-wrenching electric guitars.

Since albums like the wonderful Oh Brother Where Art Thou have captured the public consciousness without any help from the recording industry, there is hope that Stop will find its way to a larger audience.

Miss this one at your own risk.

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