Review / 200 Words Or Less
Taylor Hawkins
KOTA e.p.

Independent (2016) Kevin Fitzpatrick

Taylor Hawkins – KOTA e.p. cover artwork
Taylor Hawkins – KOTA e.p. — Independent, 2016

CEO of SPB Inc: "No."

Me: "why?"

CEO of SPB Inc: "Because we don't include EP's on the top 25 year end list. You were aware of this when you signed the contract"

Me: "But sir, while the contract does state as such, if the EP in question is one of the best releases of the year, should it not be included?"

CEO of SPB Inc: "No. The contract is binding. When you signed the contract, you agreed to all statements contained therein."

Me: But then what do we do with great songs like "Range Rover Bitch" and "I've Got Some Not Being Around You To Do Today" - just ignore them? It's like having a brand new Cheap Trick album! It's 70s arena rock with a cool-ass modern flair!"

CEO of SPB Inc: "Read your contract"

Me: "Sir, all legalities aside, I feel I would not be performing the writing duties I have be assigned to complete if I were to leave it off my list".

CEO of SPB Inc: "Read your contract"

Me: "Sir, I'm afraid I must insist. Either Taylor Hawkins' KOTA e.p. stays on my list, or I walk."

CEO of SPB Inc: "You'll be missed. Not!"

Me: "That reference is 30 years old"

CEO of SPB Inc: "And yet still valid. And hilarious. We'll see you in court."


Taylor Hawkins – KOTA e.p. cover artwork
Taylor Hawkins – KOTA e.p. — Independent, 2016

Related news

Taylor Hawkins memorial shows announced

Posted in Shows on June 14, 2022

Taylor Hawkins passes away

Posted in Obituaries on March 27, 2022

Recently-posted album reviews

Poison The Well

Peace In Place
Sharptone (2026)

There’s no way to talk about Peace In Place without acknowledging the shadow it steps out from. Poison the Well isn’t just another reunited band dusting off an old name. They’re literally architects of the genre. The Opposite of December… A Season of Separation didn’t just help define metalcore, it rewired how heaviness and vulnerability could coexist. And honestly, is … Read more

Bitter Branches

Let's Give The Land Back To The Animals
Equal Vision (2026)

Sometimes when you think of a town you think of a certain sound. Philadelphia is not one of those cities for me, as the bands I know from the area vary a lot in style. Yes, there is the Dan Yemin tree (Lifetime / Kid Dynamite / Paint It Black) but there are also poppy bands and emo bands and … Read more

Top Jimmy & The Rhythm Pigs

Pigus Drunkus Maximus (Reissue)
Blind Owl Records (2026)

If rock ’n’ roll ever had a smoky, beer-soaked, throbbing heartbeat, it lives in Top Jimmy & The Rhythm Pigs’ Pigus Drunkus Maximus. Recorded in 1981 but not released until 1987 on Restless Records, the album always felt like a document out of time — lightning caught like fireflies in clumsy hands, then bottled too long. This newly remastered reissue, … Read more