Desaparecidos/The So So Glos

For whatever reason, prolific singer-songwriter Conor Oberst just hasn't made Desaparecidos a priority. The band formed in 2001 but only released one full-length before taking a break in 2003. It's too bad because that one album, 2002's Read Music/Speak Spanish, is a white-hot blast of rock 'n' roll that lacks the pretentiousness of Oberst's other, more folk-oriented outfits. Three years ago, the band reunited to play a benefit concert for the American Civil Liberties Union. It's been recording and touring ever since. While the band essentially serves as an outlet for Oberst's leftist stance on politics (in one song, he takes aim at Arizona's anti-immigration act), the raw punk-inspired music hits on all cylinders. (Niesel)