Words: Ray Cobra & Rick Gethin // Photo: Tristan Whitney Weary

This Five Albums is one that I feel is long overdue. Simply because of what Rick Gethin does. He runs the very successful blog Music in Motion and The Cat Club Podcast, which made its return this weekend. When it comes to coverage of the local scene here in Columbus, Rick knows his stuff. He and his team are present throughout the city and bring some of the best coverage you will see.

But also Rick is one of those people I look forward to running into around town because I know it’s going to be a good time and I’m going to take something from our conversation. He has being around music for most of his life, so you can imagine the stories he has and the advice he can give. And his gears are always turning, he truly just wants to help local musicians anyway he can and I for one admire that. We need more people like that. So it’s no surprise to me that his Five Albums have to do with local bands. If you haven’t heard of any of these acts, I highly advice that you do.

With our normal lives on temporary hold, I was honored to be asked by the one and only Cobra to compile one of his famous “5 Albums” lists. Normally, I’m loathed to put together music lists of any kind because music is so very subjective. But I believe that this is the perfect time to step outside your comfort zone and discover the underrated musical wonders of Ohio.-Rick Gethin

. Ruinr – Not Enough Room for Clovers (Columbus)

The first time I listened to this album I was struck by the depth of emotion that permeates every note throughout its entirety. From the opening notes of the title track, I felt as though I was listening to a modern version of Patti Smith. The visceral nature of the lyrics put the listener squarely within each song. In a word, you “feel” every joy and sorrow at your very core. This continues throughout all eight tracks.

Public Squares – From Up There (Cleveland)

This concept album by the Cleveland rockers encompasses all that was great of 1980’s music without sounding dated. They have accomplished the herculean task of taking the listener on a journey through the cosmos without ever leaving the comfort of this little rock we call home. There’s something for everyone throughout the two tracks (Program Alpha is side a and Program Omega is side b) that comprise the thirty minutes of non-stop awesomeness. Plus, they recruited an all-star cast to contribute to the music and segues between each part of the album.

The Typical Johnsons – In Other Words (Minster)

This five-piece truly embraces Midwestern Americana with a healthy dose of in-your-face rock-n-roll, beginning with the lead-off track, Drawing Blood. It’s an eight-minute tour de force that ironically they use to end their live shows with. You can hear the influence of Drive-By Truckers and Frank Turner within almost every tune, delivered with a vibe and style that is unique and very much their own.

Tiger Sex – Weirdo (Cincinnati)

“When was the last time you were affected profoundly, on an almost spiritual level, by a band? Take your time, I’ll wait…”

I wrote these words after experiencing this power trio in all their raw, live glory. Kelly commands your attention in ways that few vocalists (male or female) are able to achieve. This is a band that is the stuff of your best nightmares, guaranteed to leave its mark on your soul.

McGuff & The Dumpster Fires – Trip Gone Wrong (Dayton)

Although only six tracks in length, the listener is left feeling wrung-out… but in a way that plasters a smile on your face, while simultaneously leaving you wanting more. The powerhouse vocals are proof positive that great things come in small packages. The lyrical tales are truly Midwestern and full of a “geekiness” that each of us feel at some point in our lives.

In summation, these are five bands that are excellent and may just fill a bit of the empty space within your soul as we continue to hunker down during this time of dealing with a global pandemic. And speaking of the Coronavirus, I believe it’s time for a beer…-Rick Gethin