Las Vegas Weekly

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Click here to download the complete Badass Playlist and other featured tracks from the Badass Music issue.

The Clydesdale, “Pleasure” (myspace.com/theclydesdale) While you’re counting the days till the cow-punkers’ new fourth album, this summer’s Clementine, why not saddle up to this golden oldie, from 2007’s Horse Feathers?

I Am the Thief, “Monster Squad” (myspace.com/iamthethief) Apparently, rumors of the melodic hardcorists’ late-’08 demise were greatly exaggerated, as evidenced by the new six-song EP available for free download on the band’s MySpace page.

One Pin Short, “Waiting” (myspace.com/onepinshort) This road-tested ska-pop tune, the opening track from OPS’ new self-titled album, sounds so polished, you can almost hear a national buzz growing in the background.

Black Camaro, “Calypso” (myspace.com/blackcamaro) Hard to believe Brian Garth and Thomas Miller’s weirdo-rock project has been at it more than half a decade. Hear just how far the Camaro has journeyed with this genius power-pop ditty from December’s Pistachio Moustachio EP.

The Faint, “Mirror Error” [Afghan Raiders mix] (myspace.com/afghanraiders) We don’t typically tout remixes, but this one A) is officially sanctioned (yeah, The Faint asked Mikey and Beans to mess with their music) and B) actually sounds a lot cooler than the original. While you’re listening, dial up Spin.com’s plug for the Raiders at spin.com/articles/download-hot-new-electronic-duo-remix-faint.

JLA ft. Neone, “Hour Glass” (myspace.com/justiceleagueaaron) The Macro-Fi collective is chock-full of backpack rappers like these, with an ear for nifty beats and loads to say lyrically.

Jameson, “Keep Me in the Light” (myspace.com/brentjamesonmusic) Recent Vegas arrival Brent Jameson, now 24, recorded this breezy, soulful tune at age 20; bodes awfully well for his trio’s upcoming five-song EP. Catch him solo Friday nights at the Palms’ Rojo Lounge, or with his band, well, all over the freaking place.

Holding on to Sound, “Waves” (myspace.com/hotsmusic) Eco-friendly, alternately super-hardcore/bouncily ska’d-out punk rock, off H.O.T.S.’ January album, Songs of Freedom. On Sunday, the trio embarks (with One Pin Short) on its first-ever national tour.

The Seventh Plague, “Return to the Gallows” (myspace.com/theseventhplague) Imagine a growlier, less merciful Iron Maiden, and you begin to get a sense of these fast-rising, Extreme Thing-rocking woolly metal mammoths.

Underwater Ally, “To the Sky” (myspace.com/clickbang101) We’re not sold on the-band-formerly-known-as-Click-Bang!’s new name—especially since at least two other acts, including a German rap-metal outfit, have already appropriated it—but that won’t stop us from taking this nine-minute space-rock excursion. –Spencer Patterson