Donner Party

You may know Sam Coomes as the leader of Quasi, a duo that often serves as a hired-gun for Elliott Smith. And if you don't, so what. You can still enjoy the music of his first band, Donner Party, in all its noisy, messy glory. This rough-around-the-edges music explores jangly guitar noise and rock 'n' roll that struts and seethes. Commes' voice at times reaches Arlo Guthrie heights, which is a treat in and of itself.