Rare CD: Roxxi "Drive It To Ya Hard"

I don't know much about this one, the band's release from 1963. Here are details I found at Amazon:
Audio CD (July 1, 1991)
Original Release Date: 1963
Number of Discs: 1
Label: Dead Line

Sold on ebay for $280.

Review: Green Day "21st Century Breakdown"

I've never disliked Green Day, but I can't say that I've been an avid fan, especially after the lackluster follow-ups to 1994's smash hit "Dookie". That began to change in 2004 with the release of their excellent "comeback" concept album "American Idiot". Now, 5 years later, "21st Century Breakdown" makes me want to buy a Green Day T-shirt to wear with pride.

"American Idiot" was a huge success at the critic and commercial level - these kinds of records, appearing after a decade of being together, create a fear in the fanbase that the last hurrah has been achieved...how in the world are they going to possibly top "American Idiot"? I must admit I had the same concern myself. With each passing year of nothing new from Billie Joe and the gang, I grew closer to writing off "American Idiot" as a fluke and concluding that the band had nothing more to say.

This could not have been more wrong. "21st Century Breakdown" is stupendous. I know it disturbs many of the old school Green Day fans, but the band's new musical direction (a logical extension of where they were headed with "American Idiot") takes their game to the next level. I believe this record will cement Green Day as a force to be reckoned with in the rock world.

Not only is the music on "21st Century Breakdown" some of the most accessible and melodic of their career, but the layers of lyrical depth have me believing that Green Day could be this generation's U2. The record is another concept album of sorts, tracing the history of a young couple (Christian and Gloria) through the first decade of the new millennium.

Produced by Butch Vig along with the band, and mixed by Chris Lord-Alge, "21st Century Breakdown" is a sonic masterpiece. The band continues to experiment by adding piano and strings to their crunchy and punchy guitars, and their harmony vocals have never been more abundant and effective. There are almost too many good songs to pick favorites, but I'll go with "Viva La Gloria", "21 Guns", "Before the Lobotomy", and the title track. "Before the Lobotomy" is particularly cool because it starts out as an acoustic ballad that is 'covered' by the more traditional sounding Green Day towards the end of the song.

Absolutely terrific record. Don't let the current single "Know Your Enemy" fool you - it is one of the more simplistic and banal tracks. I am puzzled why it was selected as a single when so many of the other songs are far superior.

iPOD-worthy: 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 11, 13, 15, 16, 18

Green Day on MySpace. Official site.

Check out the video for the single "Know Your Enemy":
Know Your Enemy

Review: Ace Noface "Toxic Charm"

A lot of people are under the impression that piano-based music just can't rock...Ace Noface proves just how false this assertion can be. His excellent new release, "Toxic Charm", pounds its way into your head with its infectious melodies and lyrical urgency. No doubt this urgency stems from the fact that Ace Noface has tragically been diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease).

Musically, we're dealing with some very catchy stuff - the vocals have a clear, warm tone that sound like a cross between Jason Falkner and Ben Folds, and the harmony vocals are plentiful and well placed. But beyond the engaging melodies are some of the most thought-provoking lyrics in music today. Ace Noface is unafraid to explore the themes that most musicians wouldn't dare touch, from religion to the cowardliness of bigotry, to deep contemplations on the meaning of it all. Much like Freddie Mercury on Queen's masterful "Innuendo", Ace Noface boldly shares his most intimate thoughts knowing that the hands of fate are tightening up around his throat. Those of us who take our health for granted can all learn a lesson hearing what someone in this unique position has to say. He's also a great storyteller, getting into the head of the notorious Toronto bicycle thief Igor Kenk on "2000 Bicycles".

Amazingly, Ace Noface crafted "Toxic Charm" literally note by note, as it was written with just one finger due to his disability. This is completely undetectable after hearing the layers upon layers of musical complexity, which effortlessly weave standard pop progressions with threads of jazz and prog rock. Highlights include "Regret", "Whiskey Bottle", and "Gotta".

Pick up this CD from Ace Noface if you are a fan of Ben Folds, Keane, Mêlée, or Five for Fighting. "Toxic Charm" is easily one of the best piano-driven rock CDs of the year so far, musically and lyrically.

iPOD-worthy: 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 9

Ace Noface on MySpace. Official site. Get it.

Donate to the ALS Association.

Review: Chickenfoot "Chickenfoot"

It is refreshing to see a classic hard rock act get the A-list treatment in terms of promotion. I seem to find signs of Chickenfoot everywhere - even on the (gasp) radio! For those of you who have recently been rescued from a desert island, Chickenfoot is rock's latest supergroup comprised of one half Van Hagar (Sammy Hagar and Mike Anthony), guitar wizard Joe Satriani, and Red Hot Chili Pepper drummer Chad Smith.

The pros: The chemistry between these guys is fantastic and their individual talents gel well to produce a modern rock feel - the record sounds great. Sammy's vocals are still incredible after all these years of tequila-drenched wailing and to say that Satriani is amazing with the guitar is a vast understatement. The packing is pretty cool, too, with the heat-activated digipak whose artwork shows up after warming up.

The cons (you know there have to be significant cons when one of the pros commends the packaging!): The biggest drawback is that the songs are mediocre at best, lacking the meaty hooks and sing-a-long choruses that make arena rock songs memorable. There isn't enough of the trademark Hagar and Anthony harmony vocals, which may have been avoided as a conscious effort not to sound too much like Van Hagar. Finally, Sammy seems to be on a 'man on a mission' with his lyrics to prove that older does not mean wiser (with rare exception).

Like the band's ridiculous name, the Chickenfoot CD is attention getting, but leaves you scratching your head and asking, "What? This is the best they could do?" For me, Chickenfoot is one of this year's biggest musical disappointments - it is a clucking bore! There is an abundance of talent in this coop spinning out of control - if it can be centered to revolve around strong melodious hooks, they will truly earn the title "superGROUP".

iPOD-worthy: 5, 8, 9

Chickenfoot on MySpace. Official site.

Get the Chickenfoot mp3 album for only $3.99 at Amazon.

Review: Tieweb "Indier Than Thou"

Virginia-based Tieweb, featuring Justin Fazzari on vocals & guitar, Chris Aylward on bass & vox, Eric Bayles on lead guitar, and Steve Quesenberry on drums, claims to be putting the "die" in indie rock. They refer to themselves as the "most quirky band on the planet"; with influences ranging from Herbie Hancock to Phish to The Pixies, I think they are deserving of that title. Their latest effort, "Indier Than Thou", recorded by Washington Area Music Association (WAMA) award-winning producer Marco Delmar, is a sonic treat that defies genre classification.

Tieweb hastens to engage the listener right away with the rousing rocker, "Way Out", and follows it up with the vastly different but equally likable track called "Fade". I found my mind wandering during the subsequent tunes, but the upbeat acoustic rocker "Up and Down" captured my attention once again. They saved my favorite track for last...another peppy acoustic-driven gem called "Baby Don't Cry". Definitely the most accessible and catchy track on "Indier Than Thou", "Baby Don't Cry" is a perfect summer charmer. Overall, Tieweb is refreshing and innovative indie pop, and they weave some tangled, albeit interesting melodies along the way.

The CD art claims to make you "hipper" (more hip?) by listening to this music - I must admit that I do indeed feel cooler driving down the road with Tieweb blasting out of the speakers. "Indier Than Thou" is for fans of Frank Black/Pixies, Spoon, and Thee Makeout Party.

iPOD-worthy: 1, 2, 6, 10

Tieweb on MySpace. Official site.

Review: Mike Herrera's Tumbledown

Mike Herrera's Tumbledown is a side project for the frontman of the punk rock band MxPx. His self-titled debut is described as "Pop-Punk-a-Billy", so I wasn't too sure what to expect when I popped the CD into my player. Turns out that it sounds like what the Soggy Bottom Boys (the fictional bluegrass band from "O Brother, Where Art Thou?") may have recorded if they formed today rather than during the 1930s.

Tumbledown is a unique mash-up of punk, rockabilly, and country rock that may be likened to a collaboration between MxPx and Hank Williams. It is not something I would pick off the music menu routinely, but this style is refreshing to have every now and then. I don't think anyone could have pulled off the idea with greater success than Herrera. Herrera's voice is remarkably adaptive and makes this unusual blend of genres really work, at times with amazing results. He reminds me of a vibrant version of Mike Ness (Social Distortion). Lyrically, Herrera channels a lot of George Thorogood, with plenty of songs about hard luck, fightin' and drinkin' - if you ever need a good drinking soundtrack, "Tumbledown" more than qualifies. The energy and intrigue that imbues this project keeps it interesting, and the guitar work is extraordinary.

Check out Tumbledown if you like Stray Cats, Mojo Nixon, Beat Farmers, Social Distortion, or if you have a musically adventurous spirit that wonders what John Denver might have sounded like if he were adopted by The Ramones. I bet you are curious now, so go get a six-pack and check them out now.

iPOD-worthy: 4, 5, 8

Mike Herrera's Tumbledown on MySpace. Official site.

Review: Superdrag "Industry Giants"

Have you ever bumped into an old friend that you haven't seen or heard from in about 10 years or so? You get to talking and you feel this sudden rush of euphoria as you listen to the familiar voice and relive the good old days? But as the conversation goes on, your heart begins to sink as you realize that your friend has changed and is not the same person you remember liking so much. Before long it occurs to you that you really don't have much at all in common anymore. You begin to glance at your watch every two or three minutes, growing restless and waiting for the encounter to end. This is what listening to the new album by Superdrag was like.

iPOD-worthy: 3, 4, 7

Superdrag on MySpace. Official site.

Review: The Campbell Strokes Sunshine Recorder "Makes Your Ears Smile"

The name of this "band", taken from a 19th century meteorological device used to quantitate sunshine, is quite a mouthful. But The Campbell Strokes Sunshine Recorder (let's call them CSSR for short, shall we?) isn't a "band" after all, but rather a one man recording project - none other than Andy Morten, whose had an extensive musical history collaborating and drumming for bands like The Nerve, Bronco Bullfrog, and Leonardo's Bicycle.

Ask Andy what CSSR sounds like and he'll reply, "Someone who can't actually sing or play any instruments properly and should have stayed behind his drumkit but has lots of lovely friends egging him on and wants to be the new Fairfield Parlour." After hearing his CD I'd have to argue his description is a tad too self-effacing! While the vocals are lightweight, he can certainly carry a tune that fits his brand of mellow pop very nicely, and the instrumentation is more than adequate.

"Makes Your Ears Smile" is all about optimism and lots of - yes, you guessed it - sunshine. In addition to naming his "band" after a sunshine recorder, "Makes Your Ears Smile" features song titles such as "She Looks Good In The Sun" and "Feel The Sunshine", making it clear that Andy is a morning person. The CD is brimming with such happy and gay pop that you are just waiting for tune about rainbows and unicorns to radiate from your speakers. The sunny songs mentioned above are indeed two of the highlights, and I'd add the catchy "Track One" and "You Can Make Me Smile" to that list, the latter being the closest CSSR comes to rocking out.

The CD will appeal to fans of Cherry Twister, The Merrymakers, and pagan Sun-god worshippers. Easy light pop to cheer up your day.

iPOD-worthy: 1, 2, 6, 9

The Campbell Strokes Sunshine Recorder on MySpace.

Review: Lisa Bianco "Post-Data"

On her new record, Lisa Bianco "takes on the new and constantly evolving relationship between people and a data-saturated world, searching for the personal connection that breathes life into humanity...and music". The NYC singer/songwriter has exhaled a refreshing collection of insightful and charming songs on "Post-Data".

Vocally, Bianco is somewhere between Tanya Donelly (Throwing Muses, Belly) and Nina Gordon (Veruca Salt). Musically, she crafts accessible songs that are generally pop rock or folk rock, and she often adds an alternative edge that gives the tunes just the right amount of umph. Whether she is encouraging the listener with empathetic balladry ("Sideways"), or ranting with angst about our proclivity for virtual relationships ("Post Data/We Communicate"), her voice is up to the task and finds the right groove to fit the mood.

With each spin of this disk, I appreciate more and more the sensibility that went into making this record. The first third is captivating and draws the listener in with its interesting lyrics and piercing hooks; while the middle third demands the listener invest a little bit more time for the hooks to sink in, the final third is an in-your-face melodic rock fest that leaves you wanting more.

Check out this CD if you like KT Tunstall, Nina Gordon, or Meredith Brooks. I can find at least one element in each song that makes it a keeper, so narrowing the list for the top picks is an exercise in futility. Bianco is a rising star whose music deserves to stand out above the other zeroes and ones on your mp3 player.

iPOD-worthy: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 9, 10

Lisa Bianco on MySpace. Official site.

Review: The Seldon Plan "Lost and Found and Lost"

The Baltimore power pop scene is about to get a shot in the arm with the latest from The Seldon Plan. This band specializes in "whimsical, nostalgic indie pop" and their latest record, "Lost and Found and Lost", "tells the story of expectant hope and recession blues". "Lost and Found and Lost" is their third record, and for The Seldon Plan the third may well be the charm.

The Seldon Plan established a good reputation in pop circles with 2007's record, "The Collective Now", which was named a top 40 record of that year by The Big Takeover, and one of the "Best Baltimore albums of 2007" by The Baltimore Sun. "Lost and Found and Lost" will serve to solidify that reputation. The band, a tad older and wiser now, have created a highly consistent, soaring piece of indie pop. Each song features lush arrangements, well-crafted harmonies, and intelligent lyrics. The vocals are gentle and soothing with richly textured music to match..."Lost and Found and Lost" goes down nice and smooth, with no bitter aftertaste. There is a host of creative extras peppered into the songs, such as a bit of trumpet here or cello there, some well placed hand claps or la-las, all of which keep things fresh and surprising.

Some interesting bits of trivia about the new songs can be found on the band's official site. For example, three of the songs are direct “responses” to other famous tunes. My favorite tune on the CD, the acoustic based “Philadelphia and a Moment”, is a response to Fleetwood Mac’s classic “Sara”.

I'd recommend The Seldon Plan for fans of Death Cab For Cutie, Pernice Brothers, Nada Surf, or The Churchills. And, if you are near Baltimore, go catch their CD release party at the Metro Gallery on June 27. All eyes are on them...

iPOD-worthy: 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 12

The Seldon Plan at MySpace. Official site.

Review: SKooBER "SKooBER" [EP]

Heads up on a great new power pop release by the New York band SKooBER - their EP is available FOR FREE on Noisetrade.com (see below). You'll hear this band's influences all through their songs; influences from such pop rock masters such as Cheap Trick, The Raspberries, and Enuff Z’nuff. SKooBER is a duo of exceptional musical chemistry: Tawni Bates sings over the pop rock played by Andy Weaver. Andy cranks out catchy and crunchy riffs that Tawni's Blondie-esque voice is perfectly suited.

Generally these tracks are rockin' and bursting with hooks, but my picks to highlight are "Sucks To Be You" and "Don't Be The One To Leave". Fans of 50s rock will be enamored with the retro feel of "On and On and On". SKooBER will appeal to folks who like Kelly Jones, Letters To Cleo, and Vibeke. Go check them out today!

SKooBER on MySpace. Official site.

Or try here.

Review: Justin Trawick "Starting Over" [EP]

The folk rock genre has exploded in recent years; the "Starting Over" EP is Justin Trawick's bid to add his brand of "urban folk rock" to this bandwagon. Trawick doesn't really bring anything new to the increasingly cluttered table of eclectic artists wielding beat up acoustic guitars, but certainly can be counted as a worthy addition. He's opened for some notable headliners (including Bob Schneider, Jill Sobule, Edwin McCain), and won the “Emerging Artist Competition” at the 2006 Takoma Park Folk Festival.

Trawick infuses an intriguing blend of bluegrass, honky tonk, and even funk into his folk rock sound, so the record is anything but uninteresting. There's not a lot of hooks to keep your attention, but the wild mixture of styles and his distinctive, passionate vocals make things memorable. A particularly fun track that I keep going back to is "Moving On".

Trawick's formula is to not follow a formula. He is free and inventive, and he no doubt puts on a fantastic live show. This EP should attract fans of Jason Mraz, Andrew Ripp, and Ryan Adams.

Justin Trawick on MySpace. Official site.

Review: Rock Kills Kid "Are You Nervous?"

Lucky me to find a gem like this in the $1 bin. Rock Kills Kid plays classic 80s synth pop with a modern rock edge. It is a combination that takes great skill to execute without sounding dated, but this band makes the blend seem natural. Best of all, the music is grounded in melodic sensibility.

The singer (Jeff Tucker) sounds a lot like Bono at times, but the music is reminiscent of landmark 80s acts like A Flock of Seagulls, The Cure, or The Psychedelic Furs. You could say they do what bands like The Killers do, but with much catchier and accessible songs.

Highlights include the driving 5-star opener, "Paralyzed", the midtempo "Hideaway", the funky "Midnight", and very U2-esque title track. Their 2006 CD is only a penny used at Amazon.com.

iPOD-worthy: 1, 2, 3, 4, 9

Rock Kills Kid on MySpace. Official site.

New stuff from Dan Weir

New from Dan Weir:

"I posted a new demo to my MySpace page. “The Girl Who Lit the Northern Lights” is a fight song for girls of all ages, and one in particular. It’s POWERPOP -- for fans of The Jam, early Joe Jackson, XTC, etc. Recorded by Me, Myself & iMac. I’m planning an open-mic tour of San Francisco this summer with Ray Wilcox (Orphan Town, Zircus, Tang) under the name, Mr. Microphone".

Finally, Dan also has a column about lyricism and overcoming writer's block on a songwriting blog(Serve the Song) here.

Brandon Schott "Homegrown Recordings" Free mp3

From Too Poppy...

Here's the latest Brandon Schott Homegrown Recordings: click here

Also don't miss last month's, which included a cover of Michael Penn's "Perfect Candidate": click here.

Review: Tinted Windows "Tinted Windows"

If I were to assemble a rock supergroup, I don't think I would have ever dreamed up the combination that constitutes Tinted Windows. We have Taylor Hanson (Hanson (duh)) doing the lead vocals, James Iha (Smashing Pumpkins) on guitar, Adam Schlesinger (Fountains of Wayne, Ivy) on bass, and Bun E. Carlos (Cheap Trick) beating the skins.

It is easy to take shots at this band, and many critics have ripped them apart already. I won't argue that the songs are musically simple with lyrics that are just one rung up the evolutionary ladder of your typical Hanson tune (ok, maybe down a rung in some cases - "Cha Cha"). Surprisingly, most of the songs were written by Schlesinger, but are devoid of his usual humor and clever wordplay. I guess you could say he tailored the songs for Taylor. But the point of this record is not lyrical sophistication - it is supposed to be light, fun, and catchy...and on those three criteria, Tinted Windows is wildly successful.

The record is buoyant 70s bubblegum pop with a modern rock kick, not unlike what The Raspberries might be doing today. And Taylor's voice fits the rock groove very well. "Kind of a Girl" is the perfect summer sonnet sure to energize your mood: a by-the-book melodic rocker. Other highlights include "Messing With My Head" and "Nothing To Me".

Call it low brow, musical junk food, a guilty pleasure - regardless, the feel good pop rock of Tinted Windows will be blasting out of my car speakers all summer.

iPOD-worthy: 1, 2, 3, 4, 9

Tinted Windows on MySpace. Official site.

Check out the video for "Kind of a Girl":

Review: Braxton Parker "CD Preview"

Braxton Parker is yet another example that justifies my love of the Philly music scene. Keep an eye on this guy to blast onto the scene in a big way.

The CD preview I was sent totally blew me away - each of the three tracks is a mini masterpiece of modern pop rock perfection. Braxton Parker, whose voice sounds like a cross between Cliff Hillis and Ryan Cabrera, aims to please with his box full of hooks and head full of pop sensibilities. His voice effortlessly swings into falsetto and back, allowing his melodies to be more creative than most vocalists. Moreover, he has recruited some top notch talent to round out the sound - check it out for yourself by visiting his MySpace page (link below). While the energetic and instantly memorable "City Lights" is the most impressive track to date, the midtempo sweetness of "Everything Changes" and the driving alt rock groove behind "Not Yet" prove he is no one trick pony.

If you like Train, Lifehouse, or Ryan Cabrera, you'll love Braxton Parker.

I am brimming with optimism that the full-length release will build on the quality of these three tracks. If he's saving all his brightest lights to round out the CD, the debut release by Braxton Parker promises to be a strong contender for the best of the year. It could do what "Yourself and Someone Like You" did for Matchbox 20.

Artist bio:
"Somewhere between indie and mainstream you'll find Braxton Parker. An accomplished unsigned artist with an intense and profitable touring schedule, die hard DIY work ethic, and strong regional fan base, Braxton released his EP in April 2007 to great reception. Since its completion, the songs have been picking up a slew of radio, internet, satellite plays and press support. Friend and producer, Ted Comerford (Army of Me, Virginia Coalition, Zox) brought in the right players, including members from Ben Kweller for the project. With Comerford producing and Paul David Hager (Avril Lavigne, Butch Walker, American Hi-Fi) on board, Braxton Parker was set to show what he's got. Since his start as a solo artist in July 2006, Parker has already managed to secure a regular spot on tours all over the country with Billboard Live and Ellis Entertainment. He has also had the honor of sharing the stage with artists such as Bon Jovi, Yellowcard, Dashboard Confessional, Guster, and New Found Glory."

Braxton Parker on MySpace. Get it.

Review: Fastball "Little White Lies"

Fastball returns with their fifth studio album, "Little White Lies". By and large, I enjoy the pop songwriting craft and trademark harmonies of Miles Zuniga and Tony Scalzo, which rival The Rembrandts in quality and creativity. I got hooked on them during the splash of their breakthrough record, "All the Pain Money Can By" (1998), which remains one of my favorite melodic rock records of that day. I did not enjoy the follow-up ("The Harsh Light Of Day") so much, but loved 2004's "Keep Your Wig On". So the band historically has been hit and miss for me - but when they hit they knock it out of the park.

I will have to rank "Little White Lies" among the misses. It takes some great swings, and it is always great to hear this team play, but I'm just not enamored with this record after a couple spins. I am confident in time the other tracks will grow on me as the hooks sink in, but I don't like to have to put that kind of effort into enjoying a CD.

Fastball slides right across home plate with the infectious opener, "All I Was Looking for Was You", which is written like it was intended to be a do or die single and has all the elements of pop rock perfection. Unfortunately, there aren't too many tracks that reach the caliber of this one, although some come close. The title track is an groovy little number that makes you want to shake some booty, followed by the very catchy and smart "Mono to Stereo." "We'll Always Have Paris" and "She's Got The Rain" are two more highlights, but the rest, while good, just isn't grabbing me as fast as some of their previous stuff.

iPOD-worthy: 1, 4, 5, 7, 9

Fastball on MySpace. Official site.

Review: Blue October "Foiled"

With their new album out now, I figured it was high time I checked out what the big stink is about Blue October. Their previous (2006) effort is abundantly available in the used CD bins now, so I could give it a listen without spending a lot of money. After a spin, I see why there is a lot of Blue October being unloaded by audiophiles - beyond the big radio singles "Hate Me" and "Into the Ocean", there is not a lot here that stays fresh.

"Foiled" is an eclectic record, and while a few people might like the constant shifts in sound and speed, others will find it creates a disconnect. The band also incorporates a lot of unexpected sounds (from techno beats to strings); I can admire the adventurous spirit to be daring with the sonic landscape, but too often the choices are not judicious and these elements stick out like a sore thumb. A number of other things foil the record for me. First, the vocals - Justin Furstenfeld displays a striking resemblance to Peter Gabriel; this works well for some of the songs (most effectively "Into the Ocean"), but not so well for the harder songs. He shouts too much or uses distortion on the vocals and it just doesn't sound right. Second, there are not too many hooks in the tunes that make me want to go back and listen anytime soon. The vibe is dark and the hodgepodge of disparate sonic elements is like a musical Frankenstein lurching through the fog.

However, the lyrics will make you remember some of these songs - the word choice is unorthodox at times (I don't recall too many songs with cockroach imagery in them). Often a tormented soul, Furstenfeld deserves credit for laying it all out there with interesting words and even more interesting perspective. Highlights beyond the singles include the near bouncy "Overweight" and the touching acoustic ballad, "18th Floor Balcony".

iPOD-worthy: 3, 5, 8, 13

Blue October on MySpace. Official site.

Video for "Hate Me"

News: Henry Lee Summer busted

Sad story of the fall of a mighty good 80s pop rocker...





Hoosier rocker Henry Lee Summer charged in meth possession case

Hoosier rocker Henry Lee Summer was charged today with methamphetamine possession in connection with a traffic stop in which he allegedly tossed the drug out the window and resisted arrest.

Summer, 53 — whose real name is Henry Lee Swartz — led police on a brief chase late Tuesday through a subdivision just north of Indianapolis Motor Speedway, according to a probable cause affidavit. After he stopped, the affidavit says, he lay on the ground but pulled his hands away when Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department officer Kevin LaRussa tried to cuff him.

Full story here.