THIS WEEK IN MUSIC >>>

The Weekly Volcano never sleeps. It's true ... or very close to true.

We average only a few hours of shut-eye a night, be it because we're compulsive insomniacs who stay up long hours watching Battlestar Galactica, or simply because there's just so much to do.

Included in all this doing? As always, another shining installment of the Weekly Volcano music section.

We wouldn't lie. You better believe we pumped out another stellar Weekly Volcano music section - your every-Thursday chance at the best in local music coverage.

Here's a look at the sonic goodness coming at you in print and online in this week's Volcano ...

FEATURE: DICK DALE RETURNS TO TACOMA

Dick Dale created the surf guitar sound. This is a statement that is irrefutable (a rare commodity in music). As it's been documented and retold, Dick Dale began by playing the drums and then transferred this percussive quality to the electric guitar - the result being the breakneck strumming and picking that has become irrevocably associated with surf guitar. As a style, surf guitar has endured and informed generations of guitarists, from heavy metal to garage rock and every rock-minded station in between.

"I was raised on big band music, and Hank Williams and country music," says Dale. "I never took a lesson. When I play, I play by ear." ... -- Rev. Adam McKinney

HIP-HOP: JAY BARZ & MORE

Also dropping last month was the official video for "Match," from Jay Barz's new project, 420 Experienced. Again, YouTube it. It's a posse-cut featuring Barz, Tacoma's Partners In Crhyme and Humboldt's Potluck. It's a hip-hop, rock, stoner hybrid of a song. One thing's for certain, though: all MCs spit their verses tight and proper. It's got the type of energy and party vibe that most stoner songs miss. ... -- Josh Rizeberg

WE RECOMMEND: CORIN TUCKER BAND

... Stripping her sound bare and rebuilding it in a more mature mold did Tucker quite well. In her new, more muted mode, it's easier to see the innate talent and charm she has. And Sleater-Kinney or no, I think it's a safe bet that Tucker still brings it like hell, live. - Rev. AM

EXTRA CREDIT: GORILLA PRODUCTIONS V. GIRL TROUBLE

Good things come to those who wait.

Or, in Girl Trouble's case, good news has come to those who waited - specifically news that the lawsuit hanging over the band's head in Ohio for almost two years has officially been dismissed. Judge Joan Synenberg ruled Nov. 22 to toss a lawsuit levied against the band by Ohio music promotion company Gorilla Productions, based on a motion filed by Girl Trouble 19 months ago arguing a lack of personal jurisdiction over the band in Ohio.

The motion worked. It just took a while. - Matt Driscoll

PLUS: Better Living Through Music: A Leaf, Roman Holiday, Christian Mistress

PLUS: Concert Alert

PLUS: Comprehensive Live Local Music Listings

PLUS: Hope and Optimism for the New Year