John Garcia (self-titled)

Next time you and Mr. Goat are itchin' to ride, you'll want to take this album with you, yessir.Erstwhile Kyuss and current Vista Chino singer John Garcia has come out of the desert like a rock and roll shaman to groove you with tales of obsession and danger on his debut solo album. Need I say more?

Yeah, okay. Those of you (myself included) not familiar with his genre pedigree may be unaware of Garcia's ability to craft genuine down and dirty hard rocking tunes, covered in dust and sweat, and brimming with effortless swagger and attitude. And that's just what his eponymous debut delivers in spades, due in part to assistance from folks such as The Doors' guitarist, Robby Krieger (His Bullets Energy), and Kyuss co-hort, [bassist] Nick Oliveri to name just a couple. This is the jam to crank on your next cross-country drive, top down and cigarette (or whatever you may prefer to smoke) dangling from your mouth.

The Bottom Line: Stoner metal fans who like a little more bluesy rocking than psychedelic tripping to their tunes should enjoy the hell out of this solo album. You dig?

Tunes To Never Take Your Sunglasses Off While Listening To: Rolling Stoned, The Blvd, His Bullets Energy and Saddleback

- Genghis wonders if it's really so bad to legalize it...