Aly Leif - The Meek. Nuclear Bunker Discs.

Guardian of The Bunker

The Meek are evolving. They're becoming huge. They were huge anyway, but this sound is now something else. Biding their time might just be the best thing they could have done.

We asked Aly Leif whether she would consider choosing her 5 albums to spend the rest of eternity holed up with. Happily for us she said yes but she'd have to think about it...

Since we first spoke, there's been the non too small a matter of playing at Austin Psych Fest, & absolutely nailing it too, by all accounts.

Then there's been the additional workload of running your own business in between: Aly is responsible for the lingerie brand, Liaison. During our chats, we've sussed that we should expect to see more designs, updates & photo shoots very soon & when we do, we'll let you know.

So first up 2 tracks by The Meek, then Aly's 5. What we will say is that this first track, a live performance is, for us, simply stunning. As we hinted at above, The Meek have taken their time. Time well spent if this is anything to go by. I'd have been blown away if it was a single but it's a live version. New addition Gregg Foreman adds to the massive sound but there's hypnotic keyboards at the heart of this song. This is a definite & noticeable progression in style & sound & hints at what's to come.

Aly's final thoughts on entering the bunker? "It was a tough decision having to leave behind Joy Division (but since Amy has this in her bunker I figure I can always pop over there) and one of my other favorites The Soft Moon too..."

We'll allow it...you can't say no to The Meek. We better find someone who will choose The Soft Moon too...

1. Phil Spector – Wall of Sound 1961-1966 - Got to give him credit. Although he didn’t sing or play on these tracks he created every aspect of this series of singles he termed "little symphonies for the kids"…My mother agreed. It’s coming with me.

2. The Velvet Underground and Nico - Easy choice. This melodic pièce de résistance summons me…it invokes an ethereal defiance.

3. Suicide – First Album - My dark rhythmic dream machine producing seductive repetition. A necessity.

4. Singapore Sling – Perversity, Desperation + Death - This album is mesmerizing. Henrik is a brilliant songwriter with an avant-garde approach I admire. This album is incredibly atmospheric and emotive with its somewhat haunting and intense progressions. These people are cool as they come.

5. The Cramps – Bad Music for Bad People - Love this band! Fearless and innovative, zombie surf rock. Many great tracks on this particular album...I dig this video so here you have it.