THIS WEEK'S VOLCANO MUSIC COVERAGE >>>

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 busy putting together another jaw-dropping issue of the Weekly Volcano, or simply because we're strung out on Xbox.

It's true. And you better believe we managed to pump out another stellar Weekly Volcano music section, just like we do every Thursday.

The Weekly Volcano music section is your weekly chance at the best in South Sound music coverage. This week's Volcano music section includes Piko Panda, Hip-Hop 4 the Homeless, Tac Army Radio, Destruction Island and more.

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

FEATURE: PIKO PANDA

Jacob Gosselin, who also performs in Oh Dear!, has released two albums under his Piko Panda moniker. Sure enough, his first album, Learns Colors, is a collection of late-night solo recordings, which he claims were recorded in one go from 2 to 4 a.m. on Garageband, all the way back in 2006. In this environment, as one can imagine, it's hard not to echo the late Elliot Smith's depressed yearning, and Piko Panda doesn't make any effort to dodge these similarities. ... -- Rev. Adam McKinney

FEATURE: HIP-HOP 4 THE HOMELESS

Founded in 2002 by Olympia DJ and hip-hop activist Luvva J- real name Jose Gutierrez Jr. -- in Vancouver, B.C., the non-profit organization Hip-Hop 4 the Homeless has now been spreading awareness of homelessness for a decade. Once a year, Luvva J and friends host the two-day event that includes one day of live performances by various hip-hop artists and offers free admission with donations of clothes, blankets, tents, food or anything that could be useful to the homeless. Day two of the annual event offers open doors to the homeless community, providing those in need the opportunity to take whatever necessities are available from the previous night's donations. A warm meal is also provided, along with a haircut and professional massage. In 2006 Luvva J decided he wanted to move the organization to the states and since then Olympia has happily become its home.

"The purpose of this event is to not only spread awareness of the issue but to encourage folks to get involved and develop a deeper understanding surrounding poverty in America" says Gutierrez, who has written for the Volcano in the past. Gutierrez also admits he enjoys seeing the artists that choose to play the yearly event use their talent and voice to help those in need. ... -- Nic Leonard

HIP-HOP: TAC ARMY RADIO & MORE

As far as I know there is only one radio station playing nothing but Pacific Northwest hip-hop 24/7/365. I'm talking about tacarmyradio.com. The station is run by I-Ballz, who is a member of Blue Nose Music. I-Ballz is very open to supporting all local talent, so hit him up if ya want yo music to be played on the station.

On the station's website you can also order the Tac Army Compilation CDs. These albums are a good way to experience the broad range of styles and artists we have in our region. One of the main ways to support the scene is simply by listening to this radio station - so do it!  ... -- Josh Rizeberg

WE RECOMMEND: DESTRUCTION ISLAND

Destruction Island makes big sounds and big hooks with their guitars, but the band persists in being betrayed by small sound. As much as Destruction Island puffs out its chests with these arena sounds, the band always cheat a look of uncertain modesty-like a plunky piano line or a hollow snare tap-to lend an aspect of humility to the proceedings. Though they largely succeed in dealing up proper, confident indie rock, they have a nagging need to bare themselves in plaintive ways. ... -- Rev AM

WE RECOMMEND: TOO SLIM & THE TAILDRAGGERS

Take the modern alt-country blues sound of Drive-By Truckers, throw in the fun loving attitude and riff-blues-rock of ZZ Top, mix them all together and you get close to the vibe of Too Slim and the Taildraggers. This is real, down and dirty rock and roll - a delightful jumble of virtuosic slide guitar work from frontman Tim "Too Slim" Langford and the revamped rock sound of the Taildraggers. ... -- Weekly Volcano

PLUS: BETTER LIVING THROUGH MUSIC - Sound Icons, Science!, Atomic Outlaws and more

PLUS: COMPREHENSIVE LIVE LOCAL MUSIC LISTINGS

PLUS: CONCERT ALERT

PLUS: COMPLETE RIDICULOUSNESS LIKE THIS