2009 REVIEWS
2007 REVIEWS

12.29.08
Boat
TOPPS 7"- (MAGIC MARKER)- You're definitely going it get me hooked with a baseball themed 7"' but when it includes some hand drawn baseball cards (I got 6 including Robin Yount, Julio Franco, Chili Davis and others) plus a piece of gum (that I am in no way eating) and some great music by Seattle's Boat, well, you have one valuable single. The title track is Boat at their quietest and cleanest, a rinky dink keyboard and some oozin' ahhh's. Turn it over and side b has "For Beds for Boat' which is actually a bit soulful and the 3rd and final track, "Bee Buzz" sounds like Mark. E. Smith (if he sobered up and became…uhh….nice). Boat deserves your money so why not give it to them. www.magicmarkerrecords.com

12.29.08
The Honus Huffhines
LIVE ON KPSU 7"- (BRAXELING)- Speaking of baseball themed 7", well, I know the leader of this band, Mr, Andy Giegerich and being the baseball fan he is there must be some Honus Wagner tie in with the name. As it says in the title, this is a live 7" from a local college station here in Portland and the 'Hines offer up 4 tunes and while the recordings is slightly rough (it is recorded live in a radio station, after all) the tunes are all ace. Imagine if Elvis Costello and the Attractions were a decade younger and lived in Portland and drank good beer (instead of that piss they get in the UK) and you'll be in the ballpark (pardon the pun). Song one , "Rory is a Bastard" is awesome, all jittery energy and hooks while tune 2, "Dave Klopfenstein meet Dave Lee" hits the gas pedal a bit and revs it up. The flip offers up two more slices of what we call heaven. (plus the extra thick vinyl looks a bit purplish to me). www.myspace.com/thehonushuffhines

12.29.08
Plastic Stars
SHEENA GETS AROUND 7"- (NFT)- It seems that whenever I speak to my pal Gary Strickland (he of the great Honeyrider) that he always has a new band brewing, usually a few of them but this is one he was really excited about. On here he's known as Gaz and while the spazzy, high-energy new wavey punk has been all the rage the past few years it's even better in Gary's hands as the guy is a such a killer pop songwriter. Only two cuts here but two fantastic ones as the keys on the title track (side a) is pure Buzzcocks/Undertones while side b, "Shut Up" is no less melodic and just as strong. I really hope these guys stick around for more than just one single. www.nofrontteeth.net

12.29.08
V/A
SEARCHING FOR THE NOW VOLS. 1 & 2- (SLUMBERLAND)- Leave it to Mr. Mike Slumberland to release a few 7' that have some cool colored vinyl (for my benefit, of course). Volume 1 has the red cover and it white vinyl with green swirls and includes one song each by The Company Presents Roy Moller and The Hermit Crabs (who have a record out on the Matinee label). The Company is a Glaswegian band with Roy Moller who joins forces with Belle and Sebastian's Stevie Jackson and Gary Thom (Astrid) and their "Join the Dots" is a plaintive pop tune that doesn't forget the melody. The Hermit Crabs (another fine Glasgow band) give us "Flaxen-Haired Boy" which is a real handclapper and sounds pure 60's. Volume 2 in the series has the blue cover and has one tune each with Bye! (a Washington , DC supergroup led by Velocity Girl's Archie Moore and gorgeous vocals by Pam Berry) . Their "Oh No, Baby Don't' is good enough for me to want to hear more while the flip is a song by Germany's The Happy Couple (another Matinee Records band) who give us the chirpy pop of "Song for the Troubadour" (acoustic version). While you're at it get volumes 3 (with one song each by A Sunny Day in Glasgow and The Sunny Street) and 4 (with The Pains of Being Pure at Heart and Summer Cats). I really hope this 7" series continues! www.slumberlandrecords.com

12.22.08
International Jetsetters
HEART IS BLACK EP- (PLANTING SEEDS)- This Oxford, England 5-some has a few famous members in leader/guitarist/vocalist Mark Crozer (who was in Jesus and Mary Chain) and drummer Loz Colbert (Ride). Only 6 songs here but that's a perfect taste as the band really hammers it home. Opener "Inside Out" rocks the fuzz out while "Inside Yourself' is a bit darker but no less potent with those searing guitars. The next three cuts, "Never Slows Down", "My Redemption" and "Heart is Black" are slower and more heartfelt but still bask in their warm ,murky grooves (definitely some Velvet Underground influence in there). The record ends with a demo version of "Never Slows Down" that's just as good (if not better) than the studio version. Can't wait for the full-length. www.plantingseedsrecords.com

12.22.08
The Safes
SIGHT OF A LIGHT EP- (O'BROTHERS)- Dug their debut ep BOOGIE WOOGIE RUMBLE which rocked my socks off and the follow up last year, WELL WELL WELL was just as righteous. This new 5 song ep blurs by in under 15 minutes but the band puts its best foot forward on here. The band is made up of 3 brothers, the O'Malleys, who probably argue like the Hanson Brothers (see film SLAP SHOT for reference point) but who cares….the songs rock. Whomever the guitarist is he seems to be speaking a new language on each tune and if you don't believe me check out "The Sky is Falling", "Sight of All Light" or the Husker Du-ish "Greed' for proof. Sounds like the best Dirtnap Records band that isn't on that label. www.thesafes.com

12.22.08
Starkeys
DILMUN EP- (TIGERS AGAINST CRIME)- This duo is comprised of two brothers (American) who were apparently raised on the island nation of Bahrain (ok, I'll have to bust out my map to find out where that is) but then ended up right here in Portland, Oregon (snow capitol of the world, at least right this second it is!). Only 4 tunes here but they seem to have a great pop sensibility. One tune one , "Shift Drink" the vocals sound a bit like Elliott Smith while those melodic guitars reminded me of The Shins while "Surf Song" could be their homage to the Beach Boys with a great roller-rink organ. "Okey Dokey Bye Bye" begins all folksy then jumps into chiming pop territory and the final cut, "Dilmun" adds some dissonance to the melody but goers on for a bit too long. All in all a real nice outing. www.tigersvscrime.com

12.22.08
Warm In The Wake
SPEAK PLAINLY EP- (BETA CLOUD)- This band's 2007 full-length, AMERICAN PREHISTORIC, was an out -of –left- field fave of mine. A record I wasn't even sure I was going to listen to that ended up being a fave around my house. While getting ready to record their new full-length the band decided to whet their fans appetites with this 5 song ep. Main guy Chris Rowell was in Regia (Spinart Records) and he has retained all the melody from that band as evidenced on the opening cut "Explorer (Caving Day)" while the folkier "Middle Eastern Feathers" is more in the Wilco/ M. Ward territory. The next two songs are more in the YANKEE HOTEL FOXTROT vein and thus not favorites of mine and the ep ends with the lovely "Place Change." Three out of five isn't bad as the three good cuts are all terrific. www.warminthewake.com

12.15.08
Andy Bopp
THIS GUITAR KILLS SINGER SONGWRITERS- (RAINBOW QUARTZ)- Interestingly named solo debut from the man behind power pop band Myracle Brah. Mr. Andy Bopp has been wowing that scene for years but here he strikes out on his own with only a guitar and his voice and the results are impressive. Some of the songs are yearning and hopeful (like "Hello" and "Whisper Softly") while others strike a more downcast chord ("Broken", "Miss Fortune",etc.). It takes a talented person who can captivate with just a voice and guitar and Bopp has done just that on this record. Fans of Todd Rundgren, Pete Ham and Eric Carmen take note. www.rainbowquartz.com

12.15.08
Crystal Stilts
ALIGHT OF THE NIGHT- (SLUMBERLAND)- It's always good to see some new releases on the Slumberland label (the new Pains of Being Pure at Heart cd review will be up in a few weeks and they also just release a new Cause Co-Motion record too). I kept reading these guys name in reviews and it took me a while to notice it was on Slumberland. I had never heard of the band before but they seem to take heaps of inspiration from some very influential bands: vocals occasionally remind me of Joy Division, some of the guitar jangle sounds wiped from some Flying Nun records (think The Clean) , the rhythmic thump of the Velvet Underground and the fuzz that was leftover from the Jesus and Mary Chain records. The band isn't afraid to try a surf number either "Crystal Stilts" (well, it ain't Dick Dale by any stretch),the F.N. label comes to mind on the woozy "Prismatic Room" and the Reid Brothers previous magic on "The Sinking." There's a few missteps here (took me a while to get used to the vocals and a couple of the songs were a bit too droney) and while I think this record is more than solid I think they have a better record in them. I'm waiting patiently for that one. www.slumberlandrecords.com

12.15.08
Bart Davenport
PALACES- (ANTENNA FARM)- If I'm not mistaken this is the same Bart who used to be in the r & b combo The Loved Ones who played around the Bay Area in the mid 90's or so (caught 'em once and enjoyed their stuff) . He seemed to take a decidedly pop turn on his Paris Caramel debut from 2002 and 2005's MAROON COCOON on Antenna Farm Records) offered some more heavenly slices of key lime pie (don't forget the whip cream). PALACES is just as engaging and the best thing is that he's so good as so many different styles. The opening title track adds some folky sunshine pop while "Jon Jon" adds some Bossa Nova flair to the proceedings (think High Llamas) and on "A Young One" he dips both feet into the soul pool for some lovely results. Elsewhere you have some chirpy Beatles-esque pop ("When My Dream", "Strangelife", etc.). He even conjures the ghost of Mr. Gram Parsons on the country-inflected "Freeway Flowers" and does a darn good job of it. You might not know his name yet but do yourself a favor and check out PALACES on your next trip to the record shop. www.antennafarmrecords.com

12.15.08
Vivian Girls
S/T- (IN THE RED)- Can't tell you how bummed I am about missing both of their Portland gigs this year but the third time will be a charm for this NYC trio. The initial buzz on these gals was that they sound like the Shop Assistants (a band near and dear to my heart) and happily enough I do hear some of the S.A.'s fuzzed-out charm. This record was originally released on their own label in an edition of 500 which sold out in 15 minutes and the record doesn't last much longer than that (10 songs in 21 minutes) but the trio of vocalist/guitarist Cassie Ramone, bassist Kickball Kathy and drummer Frankie Rose (who has since been replaced) know their pop history from the previously mentioned Shop Assistants to the Fat Tulips to the Vaselines to the Aislers Set and Tiger Trap too, the songs are simple, fuzzy, not very well produced (a good thing here) and catchy as all get out. Every time I listen to this record I find a news anthem for the week: "Wild Eyes", "All the Time", "Damaged" and a few others. Bring this cd to your next work party and your popularity at your job will definitely increase. www.intheredrecords.com

12.08.08
Dry Rib
WHOSE LAST TRICKLE- (HYPED 2 DEATH)- Three British folks influenced by, I dunno….the TVP's ? Actually these guys got together before the TVP's if I'm not mistaken so maybe Dan Treacy and his pals took from Dry Rib? . Anywo,. Mr. Ed Ball released some of their stuff on hi Clockwork label and now Chuck from the H2D label has issued this 20 song cd. I you think you know obscure music then check out some of the stuff that H2D has released and you'll realize you don't know everything. The band was led by the guitar/vocalist Rob Vasey and I hear choppy, off-kilter pop music that sometimes reminds me of the Minutemen ("Stale Creed", "Men of War", etc.) and some of the later stuff even has flute, keys , viola and sax on it. That world of H2D is one everyone should inhabit, at least once. www.hyped2death.com

12.08.08
Love
FALSE START- (COLLECTOR'S CHOICE)- Love's 6th album, which has been reissued under Collector's Choice Music, represents a shift to a harder rocking band than the first three Love albums. Love founder Arthur Lee is the only member from the original LOVE line-up, who teams up with former members of "Noon Express" to form a new version of LOVE. In 1970, with the release of Led Zeppelin I and II, Arthur saw this as the perfect time to transform LOVE, Los Angeles's leading Psychedelic band of the late 1960s, to a much more rocking outfit. Although this line-up was together for only one album, they toured Europe managed to produce 10 songs presented in False Start. The first cut The Everlasting First features Jimi Hendrix ripping on Arthur's '54 Stratocaster and wah wah pedal, with Arthur's doubled unison vocal part, a great song climaxing with Arthur and Jimi presenting at full volume, the beginnings of hard rock! Flying is an r&b tune with a groovy tight drum track, and bass vocalist holding down the bottom, boogie piano, some harmonica flavor to knock it home. Gimi A Little Break has full vocal ensemble with cowbell! Happy, tight arrangement with Arthur enlisting the ensemble to "move right on in the shi-yi-yi-yine …" as the song fades out. The fourth cut Stand Out is live from their European tour. Luckily they preserved this on tape because Arthur literally had to be dragged onstage due to his substance issues, which eventually led to the demise of the band. The band does a good job of not rushing the tempo in the middle section, with some tight snare and laid back drums. The crowd loved this one …Keep On Shining a pretty happy song, very soulful vocal delivered by Arthur Lee, nice doo wop backing. Good to hear them sounding like a good old r&b band. Tune six Anytime features Arthur and guitarist Gary Rowles trading vocal/guitar licks, responding to each other like ol' Stephen Stills and Neil Young used to do. Thanks Gary, for the in-your-face guitar solo … leading the band to climax at high volume while it fades out … Slick Dick is country western in the key of E, sounds damn tight transforming into a ripper wah pedal screamer solo, ode to Jimi and Cream-era Clapton. Arthur's doubled vocal technique is used throughout this record and adds depth and power when he does it. Tune eight is Love is Coming, sound like Delaney and Bonnie & Friends, cool guitar line with the grooviest tambourine on the record. Too bad it's only 1:24! Feel Daddy Feel Good shows the band putting together American Beauty-era Grateful Dead vocal arrangement. The heavily phased guitar solo is the highlight of this one … The last cut Ride That Vibration is remarkably happy, given that this is the last song before the band fell apart. They really rocked hard again with wah wah guitar in the middle section, then tightened it down for the harmony vocals, a nice way to end the record. After listening to this record a few times, it really grew on me. It will never have the staying power that original Love's Forever Changes has. But LOVE is still gaining new fans 40 plus years after their reign in Los Angeles, as one of the finest and most original bands in its music history. For anyone interested in Arthur Lee after the success of the original LOVE, False Start is a must have. Excellent liner notes by Richie Unterberger. www.ccmusic.com GREG SOCOLOFSKY

12.08.08
Vancougar
CANADIAN TUXEDO- (MINT)- 2nd terrific record in a row from this all-female Canadian quartet. Their previous one, LOSIN' IT (Scratch Records) was an rousing, buzzing mix on indie pop, 60's garage, punk and C-86 pop all rolled up into one hyperactive ball and it sounds as if CANADIAN TUXEDO is at least as good and maybe better. They seem to be at home on the Mint label (was surprised the debut wasn't on that label) and here they toss out 10 more tasty nuggets that are nearly impossible not to like. The opener "Unmanned" gets thing revved up from the get-go, all buzzing guitars and cool harmonies while "Phone Calls" hits the gas pedal a bit and even gets out of the speeding ticket (the cop had a crush on all four of these ladies) and track number three, 'Philadelphia" is an epic tune about the city of brotherly love (locals call it hostile city). The other seven tunes are all worthy of your time as well. There honestly isn't a band cut on here and my fave part is Eden Fineday's cooing/sassy vocals. If the sound of an all-female Ramones sounds good to you then you'll be ok with this. www.mintrecs.com

12.08.08
Daniel Wylie
CAR GUITAR STAR- (NEON TETRA)- I always loved Daniel Wylie's contributions to the Cosmic Rough Riders records and to be quite honest, that band has not been the same since he left. The previous Wylie solo records I've heard , 2004's RAMSHACKLE BEAUTY and 2006's THE HIGH COST OF HAPPINESS were both exercises in strummy pop goodness and this record is no different. While Wylie still lives in his native Scotland you'd be forgiven for thinking the guy was a California as much of his music has a Laurel Canyon feel to it. The record starts of f with the soaring, Beach Boys-inflected "I Love America" while "I'm a Machine" is nearly its equal and "You Go There" is classic Wylie, with darker vibe but classic jangling guitars and "Hold Me Close" is more of a tender ballad. The title track is more pure pop bliss and the instrumental "Grand Canyon Experience" shows more of Wylie's infatuation with America. Step into Wylie's world for a little while and watch all of that stress float away. www.neontetrarecords.co.uk

12.01.08
Baby Grand
LIGHTS ARE GETTING LOW- (SELF RELEASED)- I loved this Sacramento, CA band's debut ep from last year (COMING TRUE ep) and this new one is just as good, maybe better. The band takes the basic blueprint of pop masters like Belle & Sebastian (especially when Isobel was in the band and sang) and Camera Obscura. Vocalist Geri White has the gentlest pipes this side of Isobel Campbell while the songs are a bit more produced than the previous ep. The opening tune, "Best and Brightest" is a perfect tablespoon full of confectionary sugar while "Tell Me Now" has a bit of a girl group feel ala Shangri-Las and "Winter Night" is the perfect bedtime lullaby (we just put our 11 month old to bed with it). . The other two songs are ace as well and I have to say, I still cannot believe this band isn't signed, what is wrong with these record labels out there??!! A few side notes: the band has full-length (SPECTRUM) from 2002 that I still need/want to hear and the band's bass player is none other than Leon Levy who was in Shelflife Records fabulous (but now defunct) Frenchmen. Order this now and make this band rich. www.myspace.com/babygrandmusic

12.01.08
Ally Kerr
OFF THE RADAR- (MUCH OBLIGED)- Ally Kerr's 2004 record, CALLING OUT TO YOU (Quince Records) was a total pop surprise in this household and became one of my favorite records of the year. Like Baby Grand reviewed above this band will also appeal to fans of swift jangle pop like Belle & Sebastian but also there are some tender folky moments on here that are Kings of Convenience all the way. The record veers back and forth between the snappier pop tunes and the slower, more pensive folk stuff and while I like the former more the latter tune are just as well written. In the former category you have pop gems like the smooth opener "Could Have Been a Contender" plus "I Think I'm Bleeding", the ebullient "Mystery Star", the majestic "The Truth That I Have Earned' and the title track. It's no wonder why this record has been garnering rave reviews all over the UK and it's about time they got discovered on these shores. www.muchobligedrecords.com

12.01.08
The Mojomatics
DON'T PRETEND THAT YOU KNOW ME- (GHOST)- Really dug this Italian band's debut on the German label Alien Snatch so was psyched to get this. The band is Mojomatt on vocals, guitar and harmonica and Davmatic on drums and percussion and together they give the garage/blue/punk scene a righteous kick in the pants with 12 take-no-prisoners tunes with hooks and the perfect amount of grit. Give a listen to killer cuts like "Miss Me When I'm Gone", "Clean My Sins", "You Are Not Me (unfortunately)" and bask in the greatness that is The Mojomatics. Can't believe someone would take The White Stripes (just to name another rootsy duo) over a band like this but I'm sure there's several dolts out there who would do it. Italy's best export since Sophia Loren? www.ghostrecords.it

12.01.08
Okkervil River
THE STAND INS- (JAGJAGUWAR)- Okkervil River's previous record, last years THE STAGE NAMES was my favorite record of last year and while THE STAND INS doesn't quiet equal the genius of that record, it comes damn close. Considered the sequel to that record (both records recorded during the same session, apparently) THE STAND INS still shows leader Will Sheff and his hirsute crew scribbling on the pitfalls of fame with songs that examine random folks and their relationship to guest lists, groupies, green rooms and the like. Sheff also documents real folks too on cuts like "Bruce Wayne Campbell Interviewed on the Roof of the Chelsea Hotel 1979" (Campbell was the real name of late glam rocker Jobriath) and adult film star Savannah on "Starry Stairs" (which adds some tasteful horns). On "Singer Songwriter' Sheff muses that "this book you once read says there's less people dead at this point now that those who are not" against a backdrop of chiming pop and on "Pop Lie" Sheff just goes ahead and writes a driving, straight-ahead pop tune with no u-turns just 'cos. Sheff seems to have been honing his craft on the first few records, then went up a few notches on BLACK SHEEP BOY and now, after THE STAGE NAMES and this he's right up there with the people he was previously compared to. Lend him an ear and then some, he's earned his keep. www.jagjaguwar.com

11.24.08
Champagne Riot
PARIS AND I- (SHELFLIFE)- Much like the other 5 releases in this new Shelflife series this is a gatefold 7" sleeve that has a cd on a little rubber spindle (put together by hand by Ed Shelflife and his gang of underpaid workers at his sweatshop here in southeast Portland. The cd has 4 songs and the accompanying 7" has 2 songs (come on Ed, start springing for the colored vinyl!). The band is basically the work of one person, a Dane called Caspar Bock Sorenson who from what I understand has not left his house in 7 years. All he does is record. That is it. The name is a bit of a goof a the only riots this would incite is a Morrissey versus Marr argument or maybe Human League versus O.M.D. as the synth-pop of the early 80's was obviously a big deal to Caspar (and maybe They Go Boom!! too). The bottom line here is the songs, which are all terrific. "Scandinavian Warfare" opens with a fat, chewy synth melody, one you can really take a bite out of while "Music to my Ears" is my favorite cut on here, one that would have me dancing if I didn't have two left feet. "I Dream About You" has Caspar spilling his heart out on a proverbial platter and "Before We Wave Goodbye", in addition to being a song title Bobby Wratten would kill for, is a superb pop tune. The 2 songs on the 7" are stellar as well. With the holidays around the corner PARIS AND I would make the perfect gift for both young and old. www.shelflife.com

11.24.08
The Doll Test
MOSQUE ALARM CLOCK- (UNSMASHABLE)- Wow, more terrific power pop from Seattle. Is there something in the water up there? Funny how a town know (I don't wanna say it) grunge (there I said it) for, has been churning put terrific pop bands (an probably always has. You already have The Riffbrokers, Shake Some Action, Andy Werth, Young Sportsmen and many others I'm forgetting here and now this bunch. Had never heard of these guys before but a few of them were in the Model Rockets and one guy was in the (aforementioned) Riffbrokers so they are now newbies fresh out of college but definitely seasoned vets. The more rockin' stuff is definitely Who influenced while on the janglier bits (like the great "Fall Away") I hear echoes of Mr. McGuinn and company. The record starts off with the down n' dirty "I'd Rather be Asleep" but then offer a few choice pop cuts after that like "Everything's Fine", the (previously mentioned) super melodic "Fall Away" and the organ-fueled "The Bell The Map The Stars." It's nice to see a band not worry about their sideburns or creases in their leather jackets and just concentrate on good songwriting and there's plenty of it here. Forego the big block of Tillamook cheese for 2 weeks and pick this up instead. www.unsmashablerecords.com

11.24.08
Manhattan Love Suicides
BURNT OUT LANDSCAPES- (MAGIC MARKER)- Hailing from the UK and exuding a noise punk cool of the Jesus and Mary Chain with leather jackets, sunglasses, sneers and dangling cigarettes , the four piece of Darren, Caroline, Rachel and Adam create one holy hell of a racket on this 27 track compilation of exclusive tracks, singles, radio sessions and the like. With records by the aforementioned Mary Chain, Shop Assistants, Black Tambourine, Strawberry Story and My Bloody Valentine perched atop the shelves in their practice space, the bands kicks the fuzz into high gear from the first song ("Jonny Boy") to the last ("Live in Vain") and barely pop their heads up for air. The first time they actually do take a breath is on The Ronettes meets Galaxie 500 tenderness of "Keep It Coming" while the awesome "Extra Medication" sounds like it could be a Primitives outtake and the squealing "Kick It Back" will have that guitar hook embedded into your brain (a cerebral tattoo?). A few of these are from the Magic Marker "Kick it Back" 7", a few others are from their Cloudberry Records 3' cd and still some others are from a radio session they did at WOXY in Austin, TX (probably during their SWSX appearance last year). If you've read the review this far then you've got good taste and deserve to hear Manhattan Love Suicides. They do what they do very well, you can at least give them the courtesy of a listen (or ten). www.magicmarkerrecords.com

11.24.08
John Phillips
PUSSYCAT- (VARESE' SARABANDE)- PUSSYCAT by John Phillips, produced by Mick Jaggar and Keith Richards, recorded between 1976 -78, is loaded with original songs by JP. The first solo artist signed to Rolling Stones records, this recently released album contains cuts from these sessions and recently-located material from the soundtrack The Man Who Fell to Earth, starring David Bowie. The opening cut Wilderness of Love begins with a short drum intro with John leading a gospel choir through a maze of disco, fat bass, and Keith Richards vibe. It's a well written song with Keith sporting his Some Girls- era phased guitar sound. Dig John's doubled vocal line with choir round as the song fades …2001 is Keith all the way, John singing a "documentary about time", that the year 2001 is only 24 for years from the song's inception. Great choir arrangement and boogie piano. The third cut Oh Virginia may be the best song on the record. Opening with 12 string guitar , this track has a timeless beat and excellent vocal duet with John and Keith, including ripper lead solo by ex-Stone Mick Taylor. This song about missing Virginia and the Shennendoah Valley – ode to John Denver ?? She's Just 14 features Keith's slide guitar sounding just like Ventilator Blues from Exile on Main Street. Mick and John singing harmony duet, Ronnie Wood's 12 string the backing guitar track, a bluesy tune could easily part of the Stones set list. John soars high on Zulu Warrior featuring Ollie Brown, percussionist from the Stones' '75 and '76 tours, featuring the Ronnie&Keith's layered guitar rhythms … great vocal in the middle section as the ensemble rides the song to the end … The title track Pussycat is a straight ahead blues cut about a strip club. Great gospel vocal line in the middle "if I had a million hearts to give". Listen to this one while looking at the cover of the disc – it puts the listener at the Pussycat lounge with John's white suit and wide tie. Peep show only 25 cents! Several bonus tracks were added for this project, which was later shelved only to be re-discovered and reissued under Varese Sarabende Records in the "Papa John Presents" series. This is the latest release from the series which included John Phillips (The Wolfking of LA) and Jack of Diamonds. PUSSYCAT has elements of disco, rock and gospel flavor, and is distinctly different than the country rock/pedal steel vibe of Wolfking. Papa John was excited about the project and felt the band was creating something great. He was unaware of the location of the original 1978 mixes until they were finally re-discovered in 2003. The liner notes and photos are excellent including several of Keith and John, with JP playing his signature Glen Campbell Ovation guitar. It's a must-have record for anyone interested in John's life following the monumental success of The Mamas and the Papas. www.varesesarabande.com GREG SOCOLOFSKY

11.17.08
Beaujolais
LOVE AT THIRTY- (PARASOL)- Whoah, this s not what I was expecting from Joe Ziemba, …I wanted a new record by his combo with his wife, The Like Young (they were also in Wolfie and Busytoby together). Well, what seemed like an indie marriage made in heaven was apparently not as Joe and Amanda are no longer a couple and LOVE AT THIRTY chronicles the breakup in honest and occasionally harrowing fashion. Not since that first Trembling Blue Stars record (or the last one) have I heard an artist speak (sing) so bluntly about love that has gone wrong. The tunes seem to fit right into that middle ground where Elliot Smith meets The Beach Boys with some Smog tossed in for good measure. Cuts like "The Grim Weeper", "Contemptual You" and "Please Don't Let This Be True" cut like a knife and as I've said before with records like this, the man's loss is our gain. I don't want Joe (or anyone) to have to go through this again but LOVE AT THIRTY is a tremendous record chronicling a man's despair. www.parasol.com

11.17.08
Butcher Boy
PROFIT IN YOUR POETRY- (HOW DOES IT FEEL TO BE LOVED)- It was the strangest thing, and it took a couple of listens to recognize that it was happening. The Butcher Boy's record Profit in Your Poetry had sounded fine and all: Its airy instrumentation allows for some very fine songwriting to shine through. But I wasn't sure if it merited a spot in my regular "listen" rotation or if it should be relegated to the "hmmm, yeah, it's been a few months, guess I'll check this out again" pile. Something wasn't quite grabbing me about it, but something else was. That's when it hit me: This record gets better the further into it you listen. That is, it begins peaking with the last five songs on the record, especially "Fun" and "Keep Your Powder Dry." So I decided to try something: I reversed the order on my player so that the last song, the brilliant "Days Like These Will Be the Death of Me," played first. Yup, that's the way to listen to this. "Days. .." plays well as a first song, "Trouble and Desire," the opening track, plays well as the last. All told, Butcher Boy's really for less playful Belle & Sebastian fans. The money lyric; "I was blinded by the times/that we had fun," from "Fun." John Blaine Hunt's very British voice croons majestically over fairly simple chord structures. From front to back, Profit in Your Poetry is a good record. From back to front, it's a great record. www.butcher-boy.co.uk ANDY GEIGERICH

11.17.08
Celestial
CRYSTAL HEIGHTS- (LAVENDER/MUSIC IS MY GIRLFRIEND)- The first Celestial record was 2006's fantastic, DREAM ON (released in the USA on the Skipping Stones record) and I didn't even know that Andreas Hagman, who basically is Celestial, was working on a new record when this popped into my po box. I do remember the occasional female vocals on that first record but on this sophomore effort most of the songs are sung by either Malin Dahlberg (who appeared on DREAM ON) or Ulrika Nymark. Ulrika sings on the first 3 songs and they are among the record's best, The first cut, "Preston Park" might be my favorite Celestial song ever, 3 minutes o the best jangle pop this side of any Field Mice song. "Warm Against the Cold" was slower and more sublime but no less intoxicating. Malin sings on songs 5-9 and her songs are just as dreamy though her vocals are a bit spunkier. The title track has some gorgeous ooohs and ahhhs while "How Does It Feel?" adds more of that Rickenbacker sting that we heard all over the first Primal Scream record (or The Razorcuts). Basically if you dig any band that Bobby Wratten has been in (or most of the Sarah records stable at all) or Camera Obscura then you'll be more than ok with this. www.musicismygirlfriend.com www.lavender.se

11.17.08
The Offramps
SPLIT THE DIFFERENCE- (DELUXE)- Record number two from Michigan trio who add some bite to their chunky pop tunes. Never did hear their debut HATE IT WHEN YOU'RE RIGHT but every review I've read of this record makes it seems like this is a natural progression so while I'm thinking that was a decent to good record this one is good to great. The band doesn't seem to have any gimmicks (though I have never seen them live) so the only thing that would really make them stand apart from the rest of the pack is the songwriting and it's good. Singer/guitarist Jeremy Porter seems like he has heard a few Replacements records in his life and they band seems to have a strong work ethic: take your time, write good tunes and practice your asses off. Nothing earth-shattering here just a baker's dozen of fine pop/rock tunes with plenty of muscle, melody and tension. The hook that opens up "Everything on a Longshot" is classic and the 6-string damage on "Take You Away" was pure Superdrag and "Party of One" is yet another winner. In case you haven't figured it out yet, this record is well worth your precious time. www.theofframps.com

11.10.08
Blue Skies For Black Hearts
SERENADES AND HAND GRENADES- (KING OF HEARTS)- I have a previous full-length and ep by this Portland band that I thought was pretty good (apparently they have a few other too) but then I was reading reviews of this one and lots of folks were saying how terrific this new record was and how the band had made a huge jump from a decent/ good band to a good / (occasionally) great one and for once, "they" were right. I think the bands leader and main songwriter, Pat Kearns, may be the same Pat Kearns who worked on that amazing Exploding Hearts (rip) full length (one of my fave records of all time) as well as ones by Spoon and Death Cab for Cutie. While the Exploding Hearts went for something punkier, Blue Skies do more of an upbeat take on classic 60's pop with The Beatles being the main influence (at least the main one I hear). Opener "Siousxie Please Come Home" is a perfect leadoff track, all swaying melodies and luscious harmonies. While track two, "A World Without Love" speeds the tempo up a bit and adds a hookier guitar line. The jazzy trumpet on "Jenny & Steve" is the sort of horn work I live for and he (mr. gtrumpeter) appears on a fews others songs too. I yapped about the first three songs here, there's 9 more and the songwriting is stellar throughout. Good to see that a behind-the-scenes guy like Kearns can step into the spotlight and impress just as much as a musician as he does as a producer/engineer. www.kingofheartsrecords.com

11.10.08
Love Is All
A HUNDRED THINGS KEEP ME UP AT NIGHT- (WHAT'S YOUR RUPTURE?)- Remember these guys being on that What's Your Rupture? Comp from a few years back (with the Long Blondes and Cause Co-Motion) but that was buried under a pile of other cds so it got lost in the shuffle. When I finally did listen to it I realized that Love Is All kick some serious booty. The initial thing I hear is the shrill vocals of Josephine Olausson, sounding like a more crazed Poly Styrene (X-Ray Spex). In fact, once that honking sax kicks in on the first tune "New Beginnings", it's hard not to think of GERM FREE ADOLESCENT and that record's sax player Jak Airport (Oh, where are you Jak Airport??!!). In addition to the Spex I also hear bits of the B-52's, Rezillos/Revillos, English Beat, Free Loan Investments, and a few others as well. "Movie Romance" is one of those tunes where you feel like you're gasping for air at the end of as you've just been on the best musical rollercoaster of your life and on "Sea Sick" Olausson shouts "I'm bored to death of all of this shit!" and right then it becomes an anthem for the Gen Xers, or Gen Y-ers or whatever the hell generation these early 20-somethings are calling themselves these days. Pick up A HUNDRED THINGS ….right now because you sure don't wanna be the last guy on your block to be in on this secret. www.whatsyourrupture.com

11.10.08
Prisonshake
DIRTY MOONS- (SCAT)- After a long absence (had no idea it had been 15 years though!) Scat major domo Robert Griffin is back with the band he started in the mid-80's when he was still based in Cleveland (now based in St Louis….go Rams!). Yup, DIRTY MOONS is their first record since 1993's THE ROARING THIRD (which I just played the other day) and these 22 songs spread out over 2 discs have been recorded over the years in different place but the whole things holds together really well. Someone once described them as a cerebral bar band and that sounds about right as you have the roaring guitar of Griffin, the lounge lizard vocals of Doug Enkler and the fairly new (well, they have been around for 12 years but new as far as P-shake is concerned) rhythm section of Steve Scariano on bass and Patrick Hawley on drums and the songs are all over the map but when the band is on its game, as on rippers like "Favorite Hospital", "The Cut-Out Bin", "You're Obviously the One" then you'll remember why you're a . Prisonshake fan to begin with. They add a 5-piece suite to disc one as well that totally works. Disc two sounds bit more experimental and starts off with some spooky piano on "Janus" the later on gets melodic on "In Disguise" and the awesomely titled, "Fuck Your Self Esteem." This band is one of America's long (nearly) lost treasures and the fact that they have returned is a minor miracle. You probably blew it 15 years ago (if you were even born yet) don't blow it again. www.scatrecords.com

11.10.08
The Rollo Treadway
S/T- (SELF RELEASED)- These days it seems like lots of bands are influenced by The Beach Boys and Zombies and other pop masters of the 60's and 70's. If I had a nickel for every time The Beach Boys show up on RIYL lists well, I'd have a lot of nickels. I'm happy to say that this BKNY band is the real deal. The band they remind me of the most of The Zombies (vocalists breathy pipes are reminiscent of Colin Blunstone) and The Association too and apparently leaders David Sandholm (main songwriter) and Blake Fleming (who was in the Mars Volta , if you can believe that) are not afraid to express their love for the 60's pop masters (and I also hear bits of current maestros like The Wondermints, High Llamas, etc). In addition to the pop perfectionists I also hear echoes of some of the bubblegummy psychedelic music as well (The Millennium, Strawberry Alarm, Clock, The Left Banke, etc.). I have to say the band have made a stunning homage to their heroes here as tunes like "You Laugh, I Cry", "Dear Mr. Doe", "Kidnapped", "The Seahorse" and a handful of others are not just pillow-soft fluff but strong songs with intricate melodies and dark lyrical content throughout and deserve to be heard by all intelligent pop fans. Oh, and in case you were wondering the band took their name from the character Buster Keaton played in the 1924 film, THE NAVIGATOR. www.therollotreadway.com

11.03.08
Murry Hammond
I DON'T KNOW WHERE I'M GOING BUT I'M ON MY WAY- (HUMMINGBIRD)- If you don't know, Murry is the bass player in the Old 97's , one of the finest bands on 8 legs and if you have never checked them out then by all means do (start with their 1997 Elektra debut, TOO FAR TO CARE). I have always enjoyed his songs on 97's records and this is his first solo record. This record has a real old timey feel to it from the cover art to the tunes, which, as my pal Keith stated, reminded him of some of the old Johnny Cash spoken word/trains records/songs. There are definitely a handful of songs about trains on here. The record starts off with the gorgeous lament, "What Are They Doing in Heaven Today? (complete with Murry's yodels) while "Between the Switches' is one of those spoken words tunes about trains. Elsewhere "Wreck of the 97" is a near-perfect acoustic song with a hook to dies for and some lovely ooohs and ahhhs as is the equally sublime "Next Time take the Train." The record has a nice mix of original and traditional tunes and not too many folks out there could tackle these traditional tunes with such aplomb but old soul Murry is the perfect candidate to try and the results are absolutely wonderful. www.myspace.com/murryhammond

11.03.08
The Last Shadow Puppets
THE AGE OF UNDERSTATEMENT- (DOMINO)- I was actually in Target (say Tar-jhee) last week shopping for necessities like toilet paper and paper towels when I got the ok from mah ol' ladee to get cd and the cover looked interesting and it said o n the sticker that one of the guys from the Arctic Monkeys (Alex Turner) and his pal Miles Kane from a band called The Rascals is in the band so I thought what the hell. And first off, if you're as big a fan of Scott Walker's orchestrated pop (or Neil Hannon's The Divine Comedy) with his band The Walker Bros (and his solo records SCOTT 1-4) as I am then you'll love this. It's a perfect mix of swinging ,string-soaked 60's pop mixed with some spaghetti western stuff ala Morricone and some of the swankier James Bond movie tunes that John Barry did. The opening 3 songs (title track, "Standing Next to Me", and "Calm Like You") are all flat out great while other tunes like the galloping "Only the Truth" and "In My Room" deserve A plusses as well. They apparently got Final Fantasy's Owen Pallett to do the string arrangements on here so it's a major feather in his cap but let's give Turner and Kane the credit here, these two young chaps have made a monster of a record here. Let's put it this way, if you miss out on this record you're missing out on one of 2008's best records. www.dominorecordco.com

11.03.08
Listing Ship
THE HULL FULL OF OIL AND BONE- (SELF RELEASED)- The previous Listing Ship record (2006's TIME TO DREAM) wiggled its way into my heart so I figured this one would do the same. And it did….it just took some time. I have to say, the first song was a total snoozer and I was ready to toss it out of the car window while driving 75 mph on I-5 but I let it play and thankfully I did cos' the rest of the record is terrific(plus, with my luck, I probably would've gotten popped for littering). The band, led by longtime friends Heather Lockie and Lyman Chafee, is full of 7 major players, multi-instrumentalists who could probably make beautiful sounds from a squeegee, a strainer and or potato peeler. Anywho, after song # 1 the record wakes up and we're treated to the Celtic folk sounding title track which us sung by the deep-voiced Shawn Lockie while the jangly "Coal-Hearted Woman" has some terrific call and response vocals from Shawn and Heather I believe. "Dragonfly' is where the Belle & Sebastian comparisons (Ladybug Transistor too) come in, a near-perfect jangly pop tune with strings and male/female vocals. The best thing about THE HULL FULL OF…. Is I don't hear any egos, just some truly talented musicians who love writing songs together and are damn good at it. www.listingship.com

11.03.08
Oxford Collapse
BITS- (SUB POP)- This is record number 4 from these Brooklyn-ites but it's only the second one I've heard. Their previous one on Sub Pop, REMEMBER THE NIGHT PARTIES was good but I don't remember it being this good. Maybe these guys pulled a Nada Surf where out of nowhere on their 3rd record they pull a rabbit out of a hat and magically all of these terrific new songs appear. The first thing I thought of when listening to BITS is that it really reminded me of the golden age of indie rock, the early 90's when bands like Pavement, Superchunk, Velvet Crush, Archers of Loaf and countless others packed compact dive bars from coast to coast when these type of things were mostly word of mouth (if the internet was around I sure as hell didn't have it). Seriously, tunes on here like "Electric Arc", "Young Love Delivers", "Back of the Yards' has a certain electricity and flair that's missing form most bands these days. Not sure if it's the (ace) production from Eric Emm and Chad Matheny but the songs have raw without sound horribly underproduced. I'll bet live on good night these guys could tear roofs off. www.subpop.com

10.27.08
The Asteroid No. 4
THESE FLOWERS OF OURS: A TREASURY OF WITCHCRAFT AND DEVILRY- (THE COMMITTEE TO KEEP MUSIC EVIL)- I always assumed these guys had a happy home on the Rainbow Quartz label as it seemed to be a perfect fit but ending up on the Anton Newcombe's label (he of BJM fame) isn't a stretch either. Whatever label these Philly freaksters are on , and they have been going on a decade now, they have consistently delivered the goods and none as convincingly as on THESE FLOWRS OF OURS. Hazily, the band drifts through genres like folk, 60's psych and jangly, Byrds-ian pop and they do them all very well. The opener "My Love' is a gorgeous folky tune while #2 , "Let It Go" is all driving melody and tambourines (as is the equally good "Flowers of Ours"). "She's All I Need" is pure 60's psychedelic garage ala 13th Floor Elevators while "She Touched the Sky" is akin to something the Rain Parade were doing in the mid 80's. The songwriting is strong throughout and I could see this record ending up on many critics best of for the year lists. I'd have to say this is one trip well worth taking. www.asteroid4.com

10.27.08
Gene Clark
WITH THE GOSDIN BROTHERS- (SUNDAZED)- I remember In the mid-90's I saw a copy of this cd used in a record store in Santa Rosa, California (The Last Record Store….great shop, check it out if you are ever in S.R.) so I went home and dashed off an email to Jud "The Professor" Cost about whether I should pick t up or not and he basically replied "It's a great record and if you don't pick it up I'll personally drive up there to Santa Rosa and kick your ass" or something to that effect. Anywho this is ex-Byrd Gene's first solo record , recorded in 1966 (not released until January of 1967) and I think most folks were surprised that the tambourine n' vocal guy, who was the first one to leave the Byrds, actually had this much talent. In addition to the 11 original tracks on here Sundazed has unearthed 6 extra tracks, alternate versions of tunes on the record (always leave it to Sundazed to find more tracks hidden in the vault). Many of these tunes would've come close to fitting on SWEETHEART OF THE RODEO, straight up classics like "Tried So Hard", "Keep on Pushin'", "Elevator Operator" and a few others have some country leanings but this is more a folk rock record. The songwriting here is stellar and Gene has one of those rare voices that's able to break your heart no matter what line he is singing. In the words of Prof Jud, if you don't own this, get to or someone (not me) will undoubtedly kick your ass. www.sundazed.com

10.27.08
The Dirtbombs
WE HAVE YOU SURROUNDED- (IN THE RED)- Ok, I'm not sure at this point if they're going to make Mick Collins the Mayor of Detroit (especially in light of what happened to their most recent one) but I'm hoping they have at least given him a key to the city as the guy is a true renaissance man. Yet another band that Collins probably planned on recording one 7" has turned into a full time concern and on their 4th full-length here, they have tightened things up and most of these 12 songs are in the "kicks serious ass" category (including their covers of Sparks and Dead Moon tunes). The apocalyptic opening, "It's Not Fun Until they See You Cry" was just ok but on "Ever Lovin' Man" he offers up more of that r & b garage punk that they have perfected complete with some cool backing female vocals. "Indivisible" has some of that menacing, jagged guitar throughout and "Wreck My Flow" is one of the simplest yet most effective anthems of the year as is "I Hear the Sirens." The Dirtbombs have spat forth another gem here and if you happen to see Mick on the street please buy the guy a steak dinner that he so rightly deserves (and if he doesn't eat meat then buy him a large chunk of tofu). www.intheredrecords.com

10.27.08
The Girls
YES NO YES NO YES NO- (DIRTNAP)- That previous (debut) record by The Girls, 4 or 5 years back, seemed to fly a bit under the radar but then again, Dirtnap had released a whole slew of amazing records (Exploding Hearts, Briefs, Minds, Epoxies, etc.) so they had some stiff competition. I will still never forget the one time I saw this band live which was at the Exploding Hearts benefit gig and it was the hottest day of the year and the gig was at the old Meow Meow (which I called "The Bunker"). Musta been 105 degrees outside and it felt like 125 inside that place. I do remember The Girls lead vocalist Shannon Brown strutting across the stage in a speedo, a pair of Converse Chucks, umm…and I think that's it. Then they (seemingly) vanished for a few years only to return here with their sophomore record and it's at least as good as the debut if not better. Taking cues from Devo, The Buzzcocks and a few of those other Dirtnap bands, they trim the fat her with 10 economical, compact pop tunes with hooks and all the trimmings. Give "Transfer Station", "Edit the Actor" and "You and a Chair" a listen and get sucked into the band's undeniable vortex. YES NO YES NO YES NO is like a trip to another galaxy, just don't forget the radiation suit an energy dome for protection. www.dirtnaprecs.com

10.20.08
Be Your Own Pet!
GET DAMAGED ep- (XL)- Was assuming (hoping) this was going to be their tribute to Black Flag's DAMAGED record with some covers but it's not. Still, having said that these 3 songs still kick some major booty. Apparently their label, Universal, felt that these 3 songs were lyrically "too violent" for their last full-length (GET AWKWARD) so XL decided t release the ep. The three songs, on question, "Becky", "Black Hole" and "Blow Yr Mind" all have great chunky guitar and the vocals of Jemina Pearl who is spitting out lyrics like someone just cut in front of her in the cafeteria line ( the band members are all under 20, by the way) so please don't ever do that. At least not if Jamima is in front of you. Just buy this instead. www.beyourownpet.net

10.20.08
Dirty Mittens
PINKY SWEAR ep- (SELF-RELEASED)- Portland bunch who I'd heard plenty of good things about before hearing this. Actually I saw the band live about a month ago (at MFNW) before hearing anything they recorded and while the live show is sloppier (in the best way possible) their total sense of fun doesn't come through as much on record. The opening cut, "The Small Things" seems like a pretty typical mid-tempo indie pop tune until you get to hear the high-pitched vocals of Chelsea Morrisey and that groovy horn section that kicks into high gear near the end. "Time Forgiver" starts out coy and bashful but by the end turns into some kinda party with all the right people and "Amelia' sounds like Saturday Looks Good To Me if Fred Thomas sung in a falsetto. The last two tunes, "10 feet Deep" and "The Dock" are both charmers as well and don't wait as long as I did to fall victim to this bands enchanting spell. www.myspace.com/dirtymittensband

10.20.08
Singing Bridges
SUNNY DAY RAINY DAY ep- (SKIPPING STONES)- This is Will and Christine who run the Skipping Stones label along with two friends and I hope this is a regular thing and not a one off project or something. The gorgeous opener, "On Y Va" (meaning Let's go) is absolutely spellbinding and one of the best pop songs I've heard this year (reminded me a bit of Lush) with its female vocals (from both women in the band) and soothing keyboards. "Disappear" is darker and more brooding while "The Makeout Song' reminded me a lot of the tunes I was hearing in the early 90's by bands like Flying Saucer and Tsunami. The final tune, "Permanent Ink" was a bit like one of the sparser Heavenly songs. All told this is a terrific ep and I'm really hoping to hear more. www.skippingstonesrecords.com

10.20.08
Transient Songs
PLANTATION TO YOUR YOUTH ep- (INDIE CASINO)- Seattle two-some of Jon Frum and Jimmy Andrews and on the little sticker on it it said "RIYL Dean Wareham/Luna/Galaxie 500, Jesus and Mary Chain and The Church" and I like all of the above so I figured why not pop it in the stereo,. I also hear echoes of bands like East River Pipe, Mercury Rev and Band of Horses "Greenwood Backyards' was a terrific low-key opener but on the title track the band tosses in some thick and chewy hooks that every music fans loves to hear (along with some heavenly backing vocals). "Southern City Saturdays" cranks up both the reverb and the guitar fx and it's wobbly and majestic at the same time. "Locust Shells' is just as beautifully chaotic while "Living with Decay" cranks it down a notch or two but is still more than righteous. I'd say these are 5 songs you cannot live without. www.myspace.com/transientsongs

10.13.08
The Antiseen
THE BEST OF- (TKO)- It's hard to believe but when I interviewed Antiseen back in 1989 (for DAGGER #10) it seemed like they had been around for a long time and here it is, nearly 20 years after that interview that they are still around and releasing a greatest hits cd after umpteen million records. Well, all the hits are here, 40 songs chronologically in order and spread out over two discs with a 12 pages booklet with liners by Russell Ward. They hail from the south (North Carolina/South Carolina) and are damn proud of it. The core of the band has always been vocalist Jeff Clayton and guitarist Joe Young with a series of different rhythm sections over the years. The thing about Antiseen is that they have never changed and they never will, some of the songs are about as un-pc as punk gets ("Wifebeater", "Ugly American", etc.) as tongue-in-cheek as they are and they have never tried to explain themselves, water their music down or "get to the next level." The music is raw, loud and brutal and like The Ramones or AC/DC the band has a specific sound and you either like it or you don't. I haven't heard a lot of their more recent stuff but the material on this cd sounds as good as their early stuff. If you're not of the faint of heart and it sounds like it'd be up your alley then visit the TKO Records website right here. www.tkorecords.com

10.13.08
The Darling Downs
FROM ONE TO ANOTHER- (CARROT TOP)- A couple of Australian legends team up to form The Darling Downs. The vocalist is Ron Peno, he of the great Died Pretty (if you don't have any early D.P. records then go find them now as everything up to and including LOST is great and a few after that are good too). The few Died Pretty gigs I caught back in the late 80's were amazing and Peno, small in stature but big in voice, is a terrific, soulful front man (even interviewed them after one of those gigs…Peno and guitarist Brett Myers were both real nice guys). The man on the guitar/banjo is Mr. Kim Salmon of The Scientists and he has been around the block a few times himself. What I was not expecting from these two was a record full of classic Appalachian bluegrass/folk stuff. The records opens with the heartfelt "A Moment of Despair", all gorgeous acoustic guitar and Peno's classic vocals while on the banjo-picked "Gather 'Round (stomp it down)" we hear Peno does a series of whoots and yelps and on the slow, lilting ballad, "Everytime We Say Goodbye" Salmon seems to be able to make his Cole Clark acoustic guitar bend and cry. That is just the first three songs and I have to say there is not a bad tune on here and, I must say, this is not what I was expecting when I d heard these two made a record. I, for one, am really hoping they make it over here for a tour. www.carrottoprecords.com

10.13.08
Poland
SCHOOL BOY CRUSH ON CHE GUEVARA- (SELF-RELEASED)- Straight outta Seattle comes Poland ,a wonderful fairly new indie pop band that has found a home in the Emerald City alongside other pop notables as Math and Physics Club and Patience Please. I reviewed and enjoyed their previous record and now comes this full-length and it's even better The band is led by main songwriter Mark Bombara and he either writes or co-writes all 10 of these songs (his songwriting partner being Mark Romanowski ) and the band I am reminded of the most on these cuts is the High Llamas for their relaxed, easy-going pop nature that is imbued with strings (3 violinists and a cellist) plus the two main guys are both multi-instrumentalists. "Factorytown" is a perfect opener to ease the listener in and then the terrific "Small Talk and Miracles" follows it up with its sawing strings and gentle vocals by Romanowski. Both "Movie Scars" and "Goodbye Blue Monday" are both svelte pop tunes that are smooth as silk and some of this stuff, like the former tune and some others, also could be used in some film soundtracks. If they're not doing it already I think both Bombara and Romanowki could have a future in doing film soundtrack (pays a helluva lot more than trudging along the indie pop scene) but whether they take my advice or not, SCHOOL CRUSH ON CHE GUEVARA (curious title?) is still well worth your time. www.myspace.com/polandmusic

10.13.08
The Makeout Party
PLAY PRETEND- (TEENACIDE)- Had never heard of the band before and the goofy band name had me crinkled eyebrow curious but hey, it's on Teenacide so it has to be good, right? Well, most stuff on this label hits me right away but this one took a few spins. They hail from Southern California and are obviously influenced by all the good stuff (ie: 60's bubblegum, 60's sunshine pop, 60's jangle, and …umm…you get the picture) and while the opening cut, "Wreckless Epic" (nod to Stiff Records there?) is a classic of the genre the rest of the record took a few spins to sink in and it seemed to hit both my wife and I last weekend as we were driving around Portland all day with this in the cd player. My wife (who is not nearly as indie pop/rock obsessed as I am) turns to me and is like, "I'm really liking this record" to which I reply, "Me too!" and even our 9 month old seemed to be grooving and swaying to the record. Later on "Run Kitty Run" kicks the mph up a few notches and adds some cool "Woos and whoahs!" while "Pauline" could've been on an Apples in Stereo or Marbles record and "Change" sounds like a Smittens outtake. Towards the end they have a song called "Rasberries" who I'm assuming are another big influence. If you're looking for something to ponder for a while then check out an old Spacemen 3 record (or the new Mercury Rev) but if you want something fun that you can wag your head to (while eating your morning bowl of Captain Crunch) then PLAY PRETEND is the perfect prescription. www.teenaciderecords.com

10.06.08
Broadfield Marchers
THE INEVITABLE CONTINUING- (RAINBOW QUARTZ)- Another out-of-the-woodwork band on the Rainbow Quartz label. This trio comes from Louisville, KY (home of Squirrel Bait, Babylon Dance Band, Palace Brothers/Will Oldham/Bonne Prince Billy, etc) and this is (I believe) their 2nd record. My initial thought was that they sound a bit like early Who (the really poppy stuff) mixed with Galaxie 500 with bits of The Shoes, REM, The Byrds and some Guided by Voices, Olivia Tremor Control and Pink Floyd too. The band is led by brothers Dustin (lead vocals/guitar) and Mark Zdobylak (bass and backing vocals) along with Justin Carter hittin' the skins and Dustin has a thoroughly pleasant voice and most of these 19 songs are right around the two minute mark (and several under 2 minutes). A few of the gems included here are the untra-mellow "Leopards with Empty Claws", the jangly "Watchful Hill People" the low end groove of "Sad Earth Maze" or the simple yet effective pop of "Patterns of the Glance." They could have chopped a few of the songs off but that's a minor quibble as Broadfield Marchers have made a terrific record here and now I want to hunt down that debut. www.rainbowquartz.com

10.06.08
The Broken West
NOW OR HEAVEN- (MERGE)- After their terrific debut from last year, I CAN'T GO ON, I'll GO ON I was expecting big things from this So. Cal bunch but when I first heard thing my initial thought was "wow, amazing first song but the rest of the record….umm….not so much." I didn't want to give up on them that easily though so I continued playing the record. Between my car and my wife's vehicle it got played a lot and more and more songs started to stick. The opener, as previously stated, is a classic opener with its zippy drum machine and melt your heart melodies while "Auctioneer" reminded me of the best INXS songs Yes, I did just say INXS (not a band I was ever a fan of but they have a handful of great songs, check out "Don't Change' from SHABOOH SHABAAH) and I also have a read a lot of reviews on this record that compared them to Tears for Fears and U2 but since I have not really listened to U2 since like their 3rd record I don't have any idea. I also hear some Frausdots too and if you don't believe me check out "Ambuscade" or "The Smartest Man Alive" while "Perfect Games" is another cool, classic pop gem (that could have been on the debut). I have to give the band a lot of credit 'cos myself and everyone else was expecting (and wanted) a I CAN'T GO ON, I'll GO ON part 2 and the band came back with the biggest curveball of all so good for them. They took a chance and it paid off in spades. www.mergerecords.com

10.06.08
Cheap Time
S/T- (IN THE RED)- A few observations, first off, it's on In the Red Records so chances are it's gonna be good, plus they has from Nashville, TN (ok, so that doesn't mean anything) , secondly, they have had records out on Douchemaster, one of the best record label names ever. Thirdly, they have this great, grainy color photo on their cd cover with some retro writing for their name and Fourthly, they dedicate the record to Runaway, Sandy West. As far as a more recent reference the band sounds like a snottier, slightly less melodic Exploding Hearts but if you want classic references think Buzzcocks and even some Wire (check out that opening guitar on "Zig-Zag") and some spazz new wave of Devo (like on "People Talk"). Like a lot of the (great) In the Red Records band they don't really care what anyone thinks (except maybe Larry Hardy) so in this day and age when almost everything is commercialized or a commodity (or so it seems) it's good to see some snotty punks plug in and raise a hearty middle finger to both fan an haters alike. www.intheredrecords.com

10.06.08
The Hush Now
S/T- (SELF-RELEASED)- I don't know where this bunch crawled out of (ok, so it was Boston) but like the above Cheap Time record, I dug the cd cover on this one and just had a feeling I'd like it and sure enough, my hunch was right. The band is led by the songwriting for one Noel Kelly (who used to be in the L.A. band Cerulean) and they got former Mighty Lemon Drop-per David Newton to produce and on their my space site the first 3 bands they mention as influences are Guided by Voices, 10CC and Hall and Oates so how about that. The first song (#2, since #1, "The Man from Galway", is basically talking) is the driving, melodic "Bedtime Stories" which is all sweet vocals, crashing drums, and fuzzy guitars. "Vancouver" slows it down a bit but doesn't take away any of the melody and "Sadie Hawkin's Dance" hits the gas pedal again and is bouncier. That is just the first 3 songs and I have to say I'm quite impressed with the songwriting but again my gut (not a small thing) was telling me I'd like it and I surely do. Elsewhere don't miss cuts like "Landlord and the Tenant", "Subtle like Bombs", and the Joy Division/Field Mice-ish "Tradition." If the bands mentioned above are your bag or The Lilys or The Jet Age then please visit this website listed to the right. www.myspace.com/thehushnow

09.29.08
Mates Of State
RE-ARRANGE US- (BARSUK)- Man, it seems like it was just yesterday that Kori and Jason were just starting out, had just moved to the Bay Area and were on lots of opening slots at Bottom of the Hill opening for Aislers Set and other Bay Area popsters. Well, here they are in 2008, living back on the east coast with 2 kids releasing their best record yet. The thing is, there has been a natural progression from record to record and each one has been better than the previous one. One interesting thing here is the contrast between the cover of This cd and their last one is striking, this one is all black with a silhouetted photo of each of them (looking post-punky) while last year's BRING IT BACK was bright, colorful and new-wavey. Back to the record, the songs on here are bright and compact with a lot of the edgier edges shaved off. This might scare off longtime fans but I think it shows a band who knows what they want and knows how to go about getting it with a minimum of hassle. Tunes like the opening "Get Better", the dreamy "My Only Offer", and the streamlined "Jigsaw" may show a band maturing with age and while that used to be a reason for me to move on as a fan I know love to see how bands handle it. Some fail while others like M.O.S. handle it with aplomb. www.barsuk.com

09.29.08
Shannon McArdle
SUMMER OF THE WHORE- (BAR NONE)- If you looked up the words "underrated band" in the dictionary I'm guessing that the now defunct Mendoza Line would be pictured there. That NYC band released a string of criminally underrated records then split when the core of the band,. Tim Bracy and Shannon McArdle got divorced. Well, here it is less than a year later and McArdle graces us with her first solo record. With her sultry, southern charm, she sounds like she could be the main character in a Tennessee Williams story about a vixen in the deep south driving all the men crazy with her truck driver's mouth and devil-may-care attitude. The record opens with the haunting "Poison My Cup" which shows her still in love ,possibly ("Don't have to tell me you love me, baby, I'll still go down") while the gorgeous "That Night in June" employ some gorgeous violin and McArdle's best vocals yet. "Leave me For Dead" is a mid-tempo R & B number complete with a cowbell (I think?) and lyrics of serious conviction ("You can leave me for dead I'm not going away boy") and "This Longing" adds some cool pop sensibility. McArdle seems caught between feelings of liberation and vulnerability and it only make SUMMER OF THE WHORE all that much stronger.
www.bar-none.com

09.29.08
Mike & The Raven Boys
NOISY BOYS! THE SAXONY SESSIONS- (ZOHO ROOTS)- I had never heard of these guys but apparently they were playing Vermont frat houses and barn dances back in the early 1960's and this the first time these guys have recorded together in more than 30 years but If you think you're going to get some old geezers aping Perry Como (admittedly, not a bad thing) then you're wrong. These guy stomp on their pedals, play distorted, primal garage rock and have probably played Cavestomp too (and if they haven't then they should have. The songs, most written or co-written by rhythm guitarist Stephen Blodgett, sound as out of left field as say, The Monks did 4 decades ago (Eddie Shaw from The Monks has a quote on the back of the cd cover). The opener, "Roller Roller Rollerland" sounds like The Cramps had they been born an era before and "Sweet Potato Red Sez has some of the best fuzz guitar I've heard in ages. Elsewhere "She Wolf", "Easty" and "Two Keys" formidably bring the noise. Not sure if these guys were on any of the NUGGETS comps but I have to check my box sets and see. Really nice to see some old timers not doing the usual wedding band wink and nod in Hawaiian shirts. Nope, Mike & the Ravens are the real deal, listen and find out. www.zohomusic.com

09.29.08
V/A
IMAGINE THE SHAPES- (WHAT'S YOUR RUPTURE?)- God, I received this one ages ago an wanted to review it then but it somehow got lost in the shuffle (not too difficult in my mess of an office). Shame too as there is some killer tunes on here. I had never heard of the label before but they have an interesting name and any comp disc that has The Long Blondes and Comet Gain has to be at least pretty good plus there is a Swedish band on here that I have recently gotten into called Love is All which makes only one band on here I have not heard of; Cause Comotion. Sweden's Love is All start the disc off with 3 songs and they reminded me a bit of X-Ray Spex with some horns tossed in and shrill female vocals sounding a bit like Poly Styrene. Their best song here is the opener "Spinning and Stretching." Up next is NYC's Cause Co-Motion with 4 songs sounding a bit like a train crash between the Television Personalities and a few bands on the C86 stable (Mighty Mighty or Close Lobsters). Tunes like "Baby Don't Do It" and "This Just Won't Last" has some of the best scratchy guitar I've heard in ages. The Long Blondes, probably the most well-known band on here give us four early, minimal tunes and Kate Jackson and her crew sounded on their way here. Last but not least is longtime pop wrench-tossers Comet Gain grinding out 3 tunes that sound as shattered and scattered as anything they've done. If I were you I'd write this label and see if they have any of these left. I'm just sayin'. www.whatsyuorrupture.com

09.22.08
Nelson Bragg
DAY INTO NIGHT- (SIDE B)- You may not know the name but he has a cool day job as Brian Wilson's percussionist and has played or recorded with (DAGGER favorites) The Tyde, The Quarter After, Mia Doi Todd, The Mockers and plenty of others. On his first solo record Bragg chalks up a solid bunch of winners here. In much the same way that his "boss" Wilson first began dreaming of a perfect summer day in Southern California and laid it out in a song, Bragg has done that with this 12 opus. Side A , songs 1-6 (cd but done up lp stylee) is the day side while songs 7-12 is the night side. Opener "Forever Days" is a perfectly laid back summer song with some guitars that sound right off a Byrds record while "Tell Me I'm Wrong" has some of the dreamiest backing vocals I've heard in a long while. The night side starts off with the slower and pensive "Death of Caroline" while "Lived this Life too Long" is another near-perfect strummy pop nugget. Bravo (and a major round of applause) to Bragg from stepping out from the shadows and right into the limelight. One of 2008's best. www.sidebmusic.com

09.22.08
Danna & The Changes
CONSONANT CACAPHONY- (POP BOOMERANG)- The name might sound like some generic bar band but this Aussie bunch, yes, led by someone named Danna (no last names here) ,are the furthest thing from that. Unlike the usual power pop that the Pop Boomerang label usually releases, this bunch go for a more trad sound (albeit, one with plenty of hooks) although to be honest it's a mixed bag with several genres being represented here including alt country, power pop and even some folksy stuff too. The opener "Baby Love" is pure fun and hooks, the kind of song that anyone can appreciate and enjoy as is song #2, "Good Duet." "He and She" is a lovely piano ballad, "Are You Gonna Take me Home" sounds like prime Walter Clevenger and they ape the Beach Boys, with exquisite harmonies, on "He was Irrelevant." The musical gems keep coming until the very end with the gorgeous slow churner "Station." I'm not sure how many records in these guys are but here's to hoping Danno and his Changes have a long and storied career in the music industry and that CONSONANT CACOPHONY is just the beginning. www.popboomerang.com

09.22.08
Dimebox
FIVE AND DIME WALTZ- (AVEBURY)- I wondered what had happened to Kristi Callan, who led the 80's L.A. pop combo, Wednesday Week and then seemingly vanished (sister Kelly, who was also in W.W., runs the Avebury label). OK, so she didn't vanish, it is just that I didn't keep up with her musical comings and goings. She and her pal Pam Moore recruited a few friends and decided to record a pure country record and FIVE AND DIME WALTZ is full of classic sounding tear-in-your-beer tunes. They have called a female Flying Burrito Brothers and that sounds about right and for all of you out there who have a bias against country music, just give it a chance dammit! This isn't "alt country", no, this is closer to the real thing (think Dolly Parton or Loretta Lynn). The harmonies are beautiful and the songwriting on here is terrific. The secret weapon here is fiddle and mandolin player Edie Murphy, who tosses in some solos on her instruments and it only adds authenticity to the whole shebang. Give a listen to wonderful homespun cuts like "High Road", "Bone to Pick", "Live a Little", "Cotton Pickin'" and a few others and who knows, then next thing you might want to do is ride the mechanical bull. www.aveburyrecords.com

09.22.08
The Dutchess And The Duke
SHE'S THE DUTCHESS, HE'S THE DUKE- (HARDLY ART)- Kimberly Morrison and Jesse Lortz make up The Dutchess and the Duke. Apparently they grew up together and have hung around ever since so they probably know each other next move and finish each other's sentences. On their debut full-length they go for an early Rolling Stones acoustic vibe (or Brian Jonestown Massacre when Anton breaks out the acoustic guitar) with loose acoustic tunes while they trade off vocals (and sometimes do the call and response thing). The guitar riff at the beginning of "The Prisoner" is the same lick that opens the Stones "Paint It Black" while Jesse's vocals on "Back To Me" do indeed sound like a young, cocksure Jagger (first time I've ever used the word cocksure in a review). They don't wear out their welcome as there is 10 songs on here and a perfect taste for a band on their debut (I'm the guy who hates bands that release cds with like 18 songs and run 75 minutes…no one, and I mean NO ONE has that much good material….ok, maybe Belle & Sebastian do, or used to). Try this one on for size, I think you'll dig it. www.hardlyart.com

09.15.08
The Hold Steady
STAY POSITIVE- (VAGRANT)- Wow, The Hold Steady is really on a streak here. For me the streak began with their terrific last record BOYS AN GIRLS IN AMERICA. Now I must say, I know I'm in the minority here but I think their first 2 records, ALMOST KILLED ME and SEPARATION SUNDAY were both decent records with some good songs but neither one of them bowled me over. BOYS AND GIRLS…..did bowl me over and STAY POSITIVE is just as good if not better. The record starts off with the near-hit, "Constructive Summer" which starts off with leader Craig Finn's irony goat lyrics, "Me and my friends are like, the drums on "Lust for Life", we pound it out in floor toms, our psalms are sing-along songs." An opening classic if ever there was one and one smart scribe even opined that it was their reaction (homage?) to Husker Du's "Celebrated Summer" (remember, Finn and at least some of these guys are from Minneapolis). Next up is the single "Sequestered in Memphis", a rousing E Street Band-esque tune if ever there was one while "One for the Cutters" make interesting use of a harpsichord. "Both Crosses" is where they delve into Zeppelin's HOUSES OF THE HOLY territory and get all freaky on us but the song works while the title track brings it all home with fist-pumping good vibes and lyrics citing old hardcore influences. With all of the hoodrats that Finn sings about you can't help but think that he's living vicariously through these dregs but hey, when the songs are this good, who cares?! www.vagrant.com

09.15.08
Minisnap
BOUNCE AROUND- (MAGIC MARKER)- When there is a new release (or a side project) by New Zealand's beloved Bats it's always time to celebrate in my house and while this isn't The Bats, it's ¾ of them and that's good enough for me. Minisnap is The Bats minus leader Bob Scott. It's where Bat's other guitarist Kaye Woodward steps up to the plate and writes all the tunes and wow, what a wonderful songwriter she is! In that usual near-perfect New Zealand way, the songs sound bright ,fresh and warm (I'm making them sound like cupcakes fresh out of the oven or something). "New Broom" opens things up with a cool, shuffling drumbeat and those unmistakable jangly guitars while "Leave It To You" sounds like prime bats (with Kaye singing, of course) and "Innocent" adds a bit more bite to the proceedings. That's just the first three tunes and there's 12 altogether here and honestly not a bad song in the bunch. Trust me folks, this isn't some half-assed side project with throwaway songs, this proudly stands on your cd shelf along with Bats (or any other superb pop band: The Feelies, The Chills, Galaxie 500, …should I go on?) cds. And while you're at it, buy Curt and Mark from Magic Marker Records a beer the next time you see them. They deserve it. www.magicmarkerrecords.com

09.15.08
Semion
HELP ME I WORK IN AN OFFICE- (SELF-RELEASED)- Saw this listed on the Not Lame site so I figured it'd be good power pop and it sure as heck is. For those of us who work in an office (and have the cubicle life) the title is hilarious. The bands hails from London and it sounds to me that Teenage Fanclub are a big influence here (Fountains of Wayne too) as the band rips and snorts right from the opening track, "Rum Runner" and doesn't quit until the final song. Vocalist/guitarist Gary Ford sings as though he wants to be playing Budokan instead of the dive pub down the street and who can blame him (I'm sure these guys all own copies of that live Cheap Trick record). He and his pals dig up the hooks and the whole thing is so damn hummable that I can't not like it even if I wanted to. You want more? Give cuts like "Rubbing Alcohol", "Never Changes" and "Black Cloud" a listen and if you're not pounding your fist on the dashboard well, you must be riding a motorcycle or taking the bus. I wanna give them rookie of the year honors, you voting with me? www.semionline.co.uk

09.15.08
V/A
JUST LIKE A DAYDREAM: A DREAMPOP, SHOEGAZE COMPILATION- (JAM)- The label may be run by Mr. Jam himself,. Jeremy Morris, but this superb compilation is the work of his (very talented) daughter, April (she a member of The Glowfriends who have a track on here, the killer "Snesible"). It's 18 songs from some of the best dream pop bands out there. Other than bands from the U.S.A. other countries represented here include Germany (Malory), Sweden (The Morning Paper). England (Secret Shine), Norway (Je Suis Animal) while our American friends include Tears Run Rings, Airiel, The Brother Kite, The Panda Riot and plenty of others. Most of the songs are previously released (or forthcoming) but that's ok as April has cherry picked the best of the genre with heaping waves of sugar n' salt from Malory (with the opening "Just Be") , The Morning Paper with the otherworldly "Making You Up", Airiel with the swaying "Cinnamon", The Brother Kite (who have blown me away with almost everything they have released) with the dreamy "The Finest Kind", Tears Run Rings with the soaring "Mind the Wires" and too many others. Some folks might think shoegaze went the way of other non-flavor of the month genres (like twee pop) but with comps like these (and labels like Claire, Skipping Stones and Cloudberry) it should be obvious that it's very much alive. www.jamrecordings.com

09.08.08
The Billionaires
REALLY REAL FOR FOREVER- (TOO SOON)- Coming from Todd Philips label ( the ex drummer for Bullet Lavolta and Juliana Hatfield, not the filmmaker) is an ebullient pop band that is giving the New Pornographers and The Apples in Stereo a run for their money in the upbeat pop dept. The band apparently hailed from Martha's Vineyard and all grew up together but now call L.A. home which is no surprise as the melodies on this record are as sunny as a perfect day in Orange County. The record opens with "The End of Summer Song", a perfect tune for driving with the top down (and if you don't have a convertible then just roll down all the windows and act like you do) while "Highschool High" slows it down a bit but with melodies just as tasty as does the swaying "Eighties Movie." Yeah, I have to admit, some of it does seem like forced cutesy nostalgia goo but the songs are good enough where you'll (mostly) forget it. They even do a fast-paced (not quite h/c/) rocker called "Pass the Bottle" and get away with it. It doesn't quite hold up for the entire record as it loses a bit of steam at the end but the good songs are really good and they have those harmonies down. If you're low on sugar in the house then REALLY REAL FOR FOREVER will more than suffice. www.toosoonrecords.com

09.08.08
Jeff Hanson
MADAM OWL- (KILL ROCK STARS)- The publicist seems upset that people wonder, in reviews, if this is a girl singing and yes, maybe it is a lazy observation but….umm…..have you heard this guys voice??!! It makes Antony from the Johnsons sound like Lemmy from Motorhead. The guy has this amazing soprano that any male vocalist would be proud to call their own (ok, except for Lemmy) and it's hard to believe that he used to be in emo bands when he was a lot younger (but maybe he didn't sing in those bands). Anywho, this 30 year old man is singing nearly classic/baroque folk (lots of strings on MADAM OWL) and the addition of the extra instrumentation has added layers of wonder and mystery to Hanson's already terrific songs. The first cut, "Night", is a perfect way to start off a record with swaying, crying melody and "Your Only Son" is flat out gorgeous and the banjo on "If Only I Knew" was a nice touch (as were the horns) and the vocals on that song really remind me of Elliot Smith. From start to finish the songwriting is strong and I have to hand it to co-producer Robert Bartleson for being able to bring out the best in Jeff. MADAM OWL is a powerful enough statement to bring even the toughest of street tough to tears or at least put him in a gentle mood for the duration of the record. It has that kind of power. www.killrockstars.com

09.08.08
Larry Norman
REBEL, POET, JUKEBOX BALLADEER:THE ANTHOLOGY- (ARENA ROCK RECORDS)- To be called "The Father of Christian Rock" is a pretty heavy tag, one that apparently Larry Norman was trying to dodge his whole life. I was expecting with a moniker like that for this to be a Jim Bakker with a microphone and longer hair but that's not even close. I barely knew anything about the guy but he died in Salem, OR and there was a lot of chatter when he passed earlier this year and I became very curious about his life and music. This 20 song anthology cherry picks the best stuff from his countless records but mostly grabs songs from records such as ONLY VISITING THIS PLANET, SO LONG AGO THE GARDEN, IN ANOTHER LAND and UPON THIS ROCK. The record opens with a cove of The Zombies "I Love You" (which he recorded in the band People) then from there into the beautiful piano ballad "I've Got to Learn to Live Without You", the wanky rock of "I am the Six O'Clock News" and that's just the first 3 songs. Elsewhere, on "The Great American Novel" is where he briefly forgets he's not Bob Dylan , though he comes close (later on he briefly forgets he's not Van Morrison). I have to say that straight up, the guy was a terrific songwriter and even if you have a strong bias against Christian rock you have to give him a chance. There's a reason guys like Frank Black and Bono were fans and thanks to Greg at Arena Rock Recording Co. the tunes are here for the taking on the proverbial silver platter (with an awesome 24 page full-color booklet with plenty of pics and liners) so put down the pipe and buy this if you really wanna get higher. www.arenarock.com

09.08.08
The Rationales
THE GOING AND THE GONE- (SELF RELEASED)- Not sure where this bunch popped out of (ok, I think it was the Boston area) but this guy David Mirabella and his crew have released a damn good ep here. There's only 6 songs which is a perfect taste (I love eps!) and they do a nice mix of rock/pop tunes along with some alt-country on some others. The opener, "Guardrail" is the former with some sweet hooks and perfect tension while "No Guarantees" sounds like prime Elvis Costello with a slight Americana influence in there. "Far Away" evokes some classic Old 97's with a thumpa dump beat and feathery backing vocals. "Cliché" rocks a bit hard and has a cool opening riff sounding like it was straight off a True West record and "Ruby Colored Halo" is where they go full bore with the gorgeous pedal steel, gentle vocals and sweet acoustic guitars. Not sure if they have a full-length in the can but I hope so because they sure sound ready for it. In the meantime pick this up, you won't be disappointed. www.therationales.com

09.01.08
Boy Genius
ANCHORAGE- (GREENPOP)- NYC band consisting of 2 boys and 2 girls. This group , who I had never heard of, deliver us their debut full-length (after an ep) and I see big things in the future for this bunch. Right out of the gate with the catchy-as-all-get-out "Radio Silence' which to me sounded like prime Beulah. I also hear elements of some prime Flying Nun bands (The Bats, Look Blue Go Purple, etc.) , the Go-Betweens and some of The Feelies too. Main vocalist Jason Korenkiewicz has one of those lazy but enjoyable mumbles/drawls like Glenn Mercer of The Feelies but with a bit more pep to it (and the other 3 all sing back up too). "No Beginning' sounds like one of those Dunedin, NZ tunes I was talking about and "Talk About Love" is all cheery "bah bah bah's" from the start. A few of the other songs don't hit you from the get-go but will tug at your ear on further listenings. I'm happy to say that ANCHORAGE is a fine pop listen from a fairly new band and well worth spending your hard-earned dough on. www.myspace.com/boygeniuses

09.01.08
Drive-By Truckers
BRIGHTER THAN CREATION'S DARK- (NEW WEST)- This one came out back in January and I have been meaning to review it for ages but just because it's getting a late review does not mean that I have not been listening to it. On the contrary, this 7th full-length from these Georgia peaches has been getting played to death. I have to say, at 19 songs it's too much but man, the high points here are high. The band was struck a hard blow when one of the 3 main songwriters, Jason Isbell, left the band leaving Patterson Hood and Mike Cooley to man his post tho' bassist Shonna Tucker hands over a few cuts in Isbell's absence. Cooley's terrific "3 Dimes Down" gets down and dirty at the beginning and even references Bob Seger ("come on baby rock and roll never forgets") while Hood's astounding "The Righteous Path" searches for meaning in suburban normality with hooks a plenty. Elsewhere you have the bluegrass-ish "Perfect Timing", the hooky "Self Destructive Zones", the honkytonk humor of "Bob" and the epic "Ghost to the Most." Even with the loss of Isbell they seem to have gotten stronger and regrouped perfectly and honestly, that's how you can tell a great band from good one. DBT's have proudly risen to the occasion. www.newwestrecords.com

09.01.08
Hearts By Darts
S/T- (PEAPOD)- Whenever I see in a press sheet that the band is for fans of Galaxie 500, Opal, and American Analog Set (among others) I get pretty excited. The Peapod label is relatively new but has released some outstanding stuff the past few years and this Baltimore band is right up there. The band consists of longtime friends Sei Petersen and Mike Evitts (both previously in the band Sharky). After forming Hearts by Darts they added the sublime vocals of Wendy Wiehs and began whipping up fuzzy dream pop numbers and garnering attention. The record starts of slowly with the low-key "Oct. 3" but the picks up the pace a bit with the piano-laced "Company", the choppy yet tasty "Cumulus" and the bouncy "Prime." Their hometown is garnering lots of national attention as plenty of good bands call Baltimore home and I hope these guys are getting their slice of that pie because they certainly deserve it. www.peapodrecordings.com

09.01.08
Superdrag
4 TRACK ROCK 1992-1995- (SUPERDRAG SOUND LABORATORIES)- Time to clean out the vaults kids! Tennessee's Superdrag called it a day a few years back (and leader John Davis has already released a few solo records) but this odds n' sods collection is a must for fans, It's a 2-cd set consisting of, as it says, 4-track tunes that were recorded during the bands early days of 1992-1995 (22 songs on disc 1) then , on disc 2, is 18 songs known as the "Bender' sessions. Many of these tunes showed up later in their debut ep (THE FABULOUS 8 TRACK SOUNDS OF SUPERDRAG from 1995) and lp (REGRETFULLY YOURS from 1996). Both discs are rough around the edges but disc one is rougher but you still get to hear gems like "Cinderella" (on 8-track from 1993), the acoustic "6/8", the snot thick "H.H.T", the Husker Du-ish "Pine Away." The Bender sessions disc cleans things up if only slightly and has fuzz heavy gunk like "Load", "Carried", "Twisted F***" and plenty more. Fans of the band will find plenty to love here while it might be too much for the more casual listener. www.superdrag.com

08.25.08
Apollo Sunshine
SHALL NOISE UPON- (HEADLESS HEROES)- Third record from this Boston trio which is just as all over the map as their first two. Ok, truth be told I never heard the 2nd one but that debut, KATONAH, was a lot of fun. They seemed like bearded hippies trying to infiltrate the indie pop scene and that's fine by me 'cos they did it so darn well. While exploring different musical regions, the band definitely excels at upbeat, psychedelic pop ala The Apples in Stereo, Mazarin and The Flaming Lips. Also, don't let the 16 songs scare you off that you're going to be in for hour plus monster as the band is able to trim the fat as they have pared Shall Noise Upon down to a mere 40 minutes. Opener "Breeze' is as cool as it sounds while "666: The Coming of the New World Government", which sounds like a Brian Jonestown Massacre song title, isn't as sinister as it sounds and instead sounds like the aforementioned Apples in Stereo (as does "The mermaid Angeline"). Elsewhere, "Brotherhood of Death" sounds like The Stooges haunted by the memory of Charlie Feathers while "Money" (not the Pink Floyd song) is a gentle, acoustic tune full of good vibes and pleasant dreams. The record, while a bit schizoid, is able to stick together and sound more cohesive than not and I think I need to go back and fine record #2. www.headlessheroes.com

08.25.08
Apple Orchard
HALF STEPS TOWARDS BRIGHT SKIES- (HAYMARKET RECORDINGS)- The Apple Orchard is the Marquez brothers, Ryan and Dale. They hail from the San Francisco area and were (and still might be) fixture on the indie pop list and have been on some others bands as well (Sodajerk, Carnival Park, etc.). It's obvious from listening to HALF STEPS….that both Field Mice and Trembling Blue Stars are big influences (Brighter too). Aside from a 7" a year or so ago I had not heard their stuff but this is really impressive. The first tune, "Unfazed" sounds a lot like something off of Trembling Blue Stars debut, HER HANDWRITING but from there the band see ms to find its own voice bit on tunes like the icy "Harsh", the gentle "The Comforts of Strangers" and the melodic title track (not that I mind when they sound like TBS ). This is a perfect record to put on when you're lazing around on a Sunday afternoon. Having this and a nice, comfortable couch is really all you need for the total relaxation. www.appleorchardpop.com

08.25.08
Chris Mills
LIVING IN THE AFTERMATH- (ERNEST JENNINGS)- Well heck, it took me long enough to finally listen to this and after listening, I wish it hadn't taken so long as this is terrific. The thing is, as long as he has been writing and recording head-turning pop music the poor guy just can't catch a break. After a handful of terrific records the guy can't even get arrested. If you looked up the word underrated in the dictionary I'm sure that Chris Mills' picture would be next to it. Anywho, on to the record, Mills tosses out liberal does of a few different kinds of pop, some orch pop here, a bit of country pop there and other times just straight up rockin' pop. First tune "Calling All Comerades" is a gate-bustin', fist-pumpin' call to arms with blasting guitars and some well-placed trumpet. Next up is the brilliant title track which is all good vibes (great organ!) and one of the best songs I've heard all year. He slows it down on "Nightmare at 20,000 Feet" then cranks it back up on "Untitled #1" which reminded me a bit of a classic Old 97's song. That's just the first four songs and there's 6 more. With the group of players on here (some of Chicago's finest) it's obvious how well-respected that Mills is and I, for one, can't wait to see what he's up to on his next record. www.ernestjenning.com

08.25.08
Pugwash
ELEVEN MODERN ANTIQUITIES- (NICE)- This friendly trio from Dublin, Ireland was kind enough to send me a copy of their latest record and it's fantastic. I had no idea that the band has been around since 1999 and I'm not sure how many other records they have out but lead guy Thomas Walsh is one helluva talent and he guy has some friends in high places as the list of guest on this record includes a few members of XTC (Andy Partridge co=-wrote two of the songs on here), Neil Hannon (The Divine Comedy), Eric Matthews, Michael Penn, Jason Falkner and a few others. The opening cut, "Take Me Away" is one of those brilliant pop tunes that you cannot not like (unless you're an idiot) and "Cluster Bomb" is amazingly orchestrated with horns and strings all over the place and the piano ballad "Here' sounds like Sir Paul McCartney back in his prime. That's just the first 3 cuts and there's 8 more to bask in. I think in Thomas Walsh we have a (fairly) new pop songwriter who is already near the top of the heap. I hear their previous record, JOLLITY ,is as good as this. Now, I finally see what the big deal is. www.myspace.com/pugwalsh

08.25.08
Carcrashlander
S/T- (PARKS AND RECORDS)- I first met Cory Gray (aka Carcrashlander) shortly after moving to Portland as he was then the piano player for local emo heroes Desert City Soundtrack (I may have met him briefly in my previous home of Santa Rose, California as that was where he moved here from as well). I could tell from local D.C.S. gigs that the guy was supremely talented and he has since lent his talents to records by plenty of other folks both local (Decemberists, Norfolk and Western, etc.) and beyond (Aussie popster Darren Hanlon) but Carcrashlander is his solo baby. Some of the earlier Carcrashlander stuff I heard was basically Cory and his piano but on most of these songs he has other players help him out and most songs get the full band treatment. The first cut, "Gold Sunset" perfectly sets the tone for the record where an air of mystery surrounds it all while "Carbon Waltz" was more upbeat and even a bit, playful and "The Skin that You've Grown" has an otherworldliness about it (hard to describe but it's there). As opposed to musicians who can simply play, Cory can write well-crafted pop songs too and I have to say, this debut full-length is full of them. www.parksandrecords.com

08.18.08
The Explorers Club
FREEDOM WIND- (DEAD OCEAN)- Had heard some good things about this South Carolina bunch but the main quip on most people's lips seemed to be "They sounds a lot like the Beach Boys." Yes, like bands before them such as The Wondermints and The High Llamas these guys do take that golden sound of Brian Wilson and Co. and make it their own (and the totally retro looking cover is cool and authentic as well). The opening cut, "Forever", has that same unmistakable drumbeat opening at The Ronettes "Be My Baby" (Jesus and Mary Chain used it too, on "Just Like Honey") and from there the song basks purely in a tub of sunny melody and, more importantly, golden harmonies. Same thing on "Don't Forget the Sun" and on "Lost My Head" and "Do You Love Me?" and….well, you get the picture. My personal favorite it the quicker tempo'd "Last Kiss" (wish there were a few more of these on the record). Most people I talk to say that why listen to a record like this when you can go over to your cd shelf and pull out PET SOUNDS. That is true but PET SOUNDS was created over 40 years ago and as great a record as it is, I am always curious about new and current bands who can use the same inspirations and ape their influences. It's not original but for me, if it's done well it can be just as magical. The Explorer's Club do it really well. www.deadoceans.com

08.18.08
King Khan And The Shrines
THE SUPREME GENIUS OF...- (VICE)- I am a recent convert to the genius of King Khan & the Shrines (who I have been a fan of King Khan and BBQ Show for a few years now) so when I had heard that the Vice label was releasing a "best of" I was confused as I thought their latest record, WHAT IS ?? was their debut, not know they had several 3 records out prior to that one (and have been going at it as a band for nearly a decade). Vice Records cherrypicks the 16 best tunes (with several coming from WHAT IS?!) and it makes this record a total scorcher. What does the band sound like, you ask? Well, it's a mixed bag but imagine a white James Brown fronting (ok, so Khan isn't exactly white) fronting a 60's s garage band, like The Seeds, and you'll be in the ballpark but there's more; you also get some slower-grooved organ workouts and a shopping cart full of funk. Give a listen to bonafide classics like "Outta Harm's Way", "Took My lady to Dinner", "I Wanna Be a Girl", "Sweet Tooth", "Burnin' Inside" and plenty of others. All of their records are imports and hard to find so the Vice label has done us a major public service here, don't blow it. Oh, and you have to, have to, see them next time they come to town. www.vicerecords.com

08.18.08
Secret Shine
ALL OF THE STARS- (CLAIRE)- It's nice to see some of the old Sarah Records band either getting back together or simply revving up once again (after never having broken up, St. Christopher comes to mind) . Not sure if England's Secret Shine were in the former or latter category but this is their first record in ages (aside from an ep last year) truthfully I'm just glad to see them again and ALL OF THE STARS is as good as anything they had previously done on the Sarah label. Unlike a lot of the bands on Sarah these guys went more for a shoegaze sound (ala Slowdive or My Bloody Valentine) and things start off briskley with the classic "Voice of the Sea' with those phased out guitars and the dreamyboy/girl vox while "Stars in the Sky" starts off with a car crash of a sound like something off of ISN'T ANYTHING (or Secret Shines debut, UNTOUCHED) and "Hate You When You Smile" again kicks the guitars into overdrive then drifts right into more cooing vocals and was more reminiscent of early Pale Saints. Nice to see the band delivering the goods (most of the songs were co-written by the band leaders Jamie Gingell and Scott Purnell) once again and kudos to the Claire label for once again cherry picking the best of this genre. www.clairecords.com

08.11.08
The Foxglove Hunt
STOP HEARTBEAT- (COMMON WALL MEDIA)- Alrighty, now here is some good new wave that I can sink my teeth into. This band is a new collaboration between Rob Withem who was in Fine China (have their cd somewhere around here) and Ronnie Martin (who is in Joy Electric) but I think that he Foxglove Hunt is better than either of their other bands (Rob wrote all of the songs here, by the way). Right from the get go, this record takes off, "A Concealed Weapon" is a terrific opener a bit dark and foreboding at the start then becoming more inviting as the song progresses while "Strength Early" extends its friendly hand from the start and "Business Casual", track number three, might be my favorite on the whole record, pure melody and catchy synth lines all over the place (and those icy cold vocals). They even do a cover of The Psychedelic Furs "Love My Way" and do justice to it! If the sounds of bands like New Order, early Depeche Mode and even my beloved Pet Shop Boys float your boat then you'll be ok with this,. www.commonwall.com

08.11.08
The Gurus
NOW- (RAINBOW QUARTZ)- Record #3 from these Spanish mop-tops who have lots of Kinks records in their collection (a must for any band on the Rainbow Quartz label, it must be in their contracts) as well as a dash of Pink Floyd plus, on NOW, they cover The Doors ("Roadhouse Blues") and Status Quo ("Elizabeth Dreams"). On the opener, "Yer Space Rocket", they seem to be trying to find their footing but by track two, "Second Scene", they go all Byrds-y on us and crank out a classic jangly tune. "In the Queue" isn't afraid to crank the volume up to 11 as it gets all riff heavy and "Jokes", all 1:42 of it, is 4th gear the whole way. Their dirty, garage rock version of The Doors tune was ok but I like this bunch better when they put the pedal to the metal and add plenty of hooks and harmonies to the tune, like on "I Don't Know How Crazy I Am" (great song title) or "Why Why." At 14 tunes it's a bit long,I think they could have trimmed the fat a bit down to 10 or 11 songs and made a really terrific disc but still, NOW is not bad by any stretch. In fact I'd call it another notch in this label's already impressive belt. www.rainbowquartz.com

08.11.08
Jeremy
POP EXPLOSION- (JAM)- As the woman who sits next to me at works, says, Good Gravy!! Jeremy Morris, erstwhile leader of the jam label, simply does not quit. I swear he releases at least 2 records a year. Now, I am not complaining here, I'm just amazed at his prolificness. POP EXPLOSION is a 2-disc set, disc one has 14 of his own songs and then, on the special disc two, he offers up 24 covers of some of his favorite songs (some of these are tunes by The Replacements ("Here Comes a Regular"), Teenage Fanclub ("Thirteen"), The Beatles (of course), The Who ("Circles"), The Byrds, Yo La Tengo ("Big Day Coming"), Bay City Rollers and plenty of others). On disc one I dig originals like the slightly bitter "Come Clean" ("don't say you care when you couldn't care less") , the pure jangle of "Superstar", the Byrds-y "Time is Running Out", the 50's-ish "My Heart Beats for You" (which has this great rockabilly-ish riff) and the classic pop of "Everyone makes Mistakes." I think I've said this before, but this is my favorite Jeremy disc on a cd shelf full of them. Yes, good gravy indeed. www.jamrecordings.com

08.11.08
Teenage Head with Marky Ramone
S/T- (SONIC UNYON)- Yet another band that I have yet to really explore their catalog even though I have heard great things about this Canadian band for years. Apparently this record is full of songs (12 of them) that are re-recordings of songs off their early records (but with an emphasis on their debut). Right from the get-go, with the opener, "Top Down" the record leaps out of the gate with a sound not too far from, you guessed it, The Ramones. "Top Down" takes all the high points of a song and compresses it into a few minutes as does the more 50's influenced, "Let's Shake." Vocalist Frankie Venom has got a great set of pipes for these sorta tunes, with a bit of vocal soar that reminded me (just slightly) of early Glenn Danzig while you can tell guitarist Gord Lewis has been at this for a few decades with his grab bag of riffs he chooses and the rhythm section (Steve Marshall on bass and you know who on drums) hold down the fort. Not sure if this is a one off or will be a regular gig for these guys but I'm hoping for the latter. www.sonicunyon.com

08.04.08
The Chapin Sisters
LAKE BOTTOM- (PLAIN)- Yes, they are all sisters in this L.A. area band (same mom) but 2 of them have Tom Chapin as a dad (his more famous brother, Harry, is an uncle) and Wes Craven is the old man for the other one (yikes!). Interesting pedigree but don't think this is some L.A. cheeseball act ala Wilson Phillipps. Judging by a photo I saw it looks like all 3 sing while one plays acoustic guitar and while the ladies may all be all wearing white nighties on the cover of their debut record, there seem to be some dark secrets hidden in these 11 songs. The opener, "Let Me Go" has a eeriness that comes with the best Cat Power tunes while "Hey" is a more tender lament. Still, other tunes like "Wash Away" and "Shady River' add plenty of melody to the tunes which are already dripping with stunning harmonies. I would even like to hear this bunch tackle and all-covers record as I think they'd do justice to everything from Sabbath to Squirrel Bait to Sebadoh. I say give LAKE BOTTOM the utmost attention it so rightly deserves. www.thechapinsisters.com

08.04.08
Jeffrey Halford And The Healers
BROKEN CHORD- (SHOELESS)- Had never heard of Jeffrey Halford or his band the Healers before but I believe they have 4 or 5 other records out there and heaps of praise too. He and his unkempt pals write some terrific bluesy/boozy Americana influenced tunes that sound straight out of the Lone Star State (and not San Francisco, where he resides). Speaking of San Fran, one of the first things I noticed when I began reading the info on inside the sleeve is that it was produced by ex-American Music Club guy Bruce Kaphan (Kaphan also contribute some slide guitar on a few tunes as well). The record opens with the weaving, deep groove "Dead Man's Hand" while "Rock n' Fire" is a classic, punchy rocker with some classic Hammond grinding in there. Both "Runnin Crazy" and "Louisiana Man" are head n' hip shakers sure to get the feet moving (and I'll bet live favorites) and "Rockabilly Bride" is as pure rock n' roll as the genre gets. As anyone who reads this site knows I don't usually touch anything blues-influenced with a 10 foot pole but Halford adds enough Americana grit to the tunes (as well as chewy hooks) that it all makes BROKEN CHORD simply irresistible. www.jeffreyhalford.com

08.04.08
Tim Lee
GOOD2B3- (PAISLEY POP)- Wow, one thing about ex-Windbreakers guy Tim Lee, is that he is not lazy. He and his band (which includes his wife Susan on bass and drummer Rodney Cash) have released a fair amount of records these past few years (most on the Paisley Pop label) and I think his solo output probably surpasses that of his tenure with The Windbreakers (though I believe this is the first record under the name Tim Lee 3). The opener, "Til the Roof Caves In" was ok but not his best song (and not a great opener) but from there the record takes off in Lee's usual ambush of killer hooks and snot-thick guitars, occasionally charging into Crazy Horse territory with their reckless abandon. "Saving Gracie' could be called a sing-along while "Chronic Liar" is classic pop, well, classic pop in the Lee tradition (reminded me a lot of Dumptruck, actually) and those grinding but hooky chords on "The Bridge" is one of this record's best (and Susan's backing vocals, ok, actually it's more of a call and response) makes it all the better. Not sure if GOOD2B3 (ok, bad record title) will give Lee the respect he deserves but it's not for his lack of trying. www.paisleypop.com

08.04.08
The School
LET IT SLIP EP- (ELEFANT)- If you dig the sweet, 60's sounds of bands like Camera Obscura and, especially, The Pipettes as much as I do then you will love The School. Like The Pips they also hail from England and while not all females, still sound like they've been bitten hard by the Phil Spector bug. The band is a 6-piece though they are led by vocalist/keyboardist Liz Hunt who wrote 3 of the 4 songs here (and co-wrote the other one) and as far as my ears can tell, she sounds supremely talented. The opening title track is nearly the classic that Camera Obscura's "Lloyd I'm Ready to be Heartbroken" was a few years ago, all sweeping melodies, chirpy harmonies and some majestic trumpet in there. "Shoulder" is a weepier lament though the full band still spreads it wings on it and "I Want You Back" sounds like one of the early Belle & Sebastian songs that was sung by Isobel Campbell. The EP ends with "I Don't Believe in Love", a male-sung song (well, the first part anyway until Liz comes in) that deserves its place here among the other three. I know the band also has a 7' out (which I have already ordered) and I simply cannot wait to hear more. www.elefant.com

07.28.08
Ryan Auffenberg
MARIGOLDS- (EVANGELINE)- Very talented youngster (well, at 26 he's a youngster to me) who seems like he's been around a lot longer than his age (maybe hailing from the same town, Jefferson City, MO, as Jesse James might do that). After landing in San Francisco he began working with Dylan from Badman Records and was soon opening for folks like Mark Kozelek and Will Mason. On this, his debut record and with help from former A.M.C. guy Tim Mooney on production (and drums) Auffenberg has created a mini-masterpiece of rolling rhythms, jangly guitars and his well-worn vocals. Someone said "Joy Division meets The Eagles' and I'd say that's pretty accurate. The opener title track is a gentle, gorgeous opener while "Undercover" jumps the tempo up a bit and does sound like an old Eagles tune. The guitar on "Deep Water" creates sort of a spooky vibe and the swaying waltzing "Waking Up Alone" sounds like it might fit in on a Calexico record. The songs on MARIGOLDS are truly impressive and I can't even believe this is his first record. Well done sir. www.evangelinerecords.com

07.28.08
Chewy Marble
MODULATIONS- (SIDE B MUSIC)- It's been a few years since the last Chewy Marble cd but it is good to have them back. Brian Kassan, who used to be in The Wondermints, leads this L.A. bunch through 12 moments of punchy power pop and on MODULATIONS the band sounds really good. Taking cues from masters like Brian Wilson, Ray Davies, Burt Bacharach and others, Kassan really knows how to start a record. The record jumps out of the gate with the 1-2-3 punch of the opener "She Roxx' into the bouncy "Don't Look at the Sun" into the melodic masterpiece (and one of the best songs I've heard this year) "Cross-Hatched World." Later on he adds a bit more grit to the proceedings on cuts like "Black & White" and "Picture the Finger." He even adds a haunting acoustic song called "Hey Dad" which I'm guessing might be about his late father. With help from another Side B artist Nelson Bragg on drums, Kassan has created a terrific pop record here and with full support from the label hopefully is will a much shorter time in between records. www.sidebmusic.com

07.28.08
Ghosty
ANSWERS (OXBLOOD)- (SUB POP)- Hailing from Lawrence, KS, I'm guessing the rent there is cheap enough to keep the members of this band on the road handling other duties (frontman Andrew Connor worked with Benjy Ferree, bassist Mike Nolte did sound for Dr Dog and Rogue Wave and guitarist Jake Blanton played keys for Sia) but luckily for us they got back together and recorded record #2 (never did hear their 2005 debut, WAKE UP OR SLEEP IN). The opening cut, "Dumbo Wins Again" was as bit of a bore (and, IMHO, not a great song for a leadoff track) but from there the record really takes off. "You Are a Big Screen" slips along nimbly like some lost Sea & Cake track and "Junior Grows Up" adds a bit more muscle to the proceedings but keeps all the melody and "The Underground Factory" has this awesome, snakey guitar lead through most of the song while the bottom end is held down by rock solid rhythm section. The band sounds supremely confident and this is one promo I'm really glad I was sent. www.oxbloodrecords.com

07.28.08
Phil Wilson
INDUSTRIAL STRENGTH- (SLUMBERLAND)- Where ya' been Phil??!! I'm if not mistaken Mr Wilson, the leader of the mid-80;'s UK popsters the June Brides dissolved that band 2 decades ago. After that he recorded some solo stuff for the Caff and Creation labels and then….he vanished. Not sure what he was doing for all of that time (raising a family? Selling shoes in the mall? Getting pissed every night? Maybe all 3 things?) but I'm glad that he's back. Anywho this 4-song ep is all covers (which I had no idea since the cd had very little info and I go not press release) but I guess he covers songs by Faust, Throbbing Gristle, S/T, and Kraftwerk (in a bit of a Krautrock state of mind Phil?). Not sure what songs are by home but the songs are as follows; "Neon Lights", "United", "It's a Rainy Day, Sunshine Girl", and "What Happens…Happens." They are all basically really trippy, folky, and mostly acoustic. My favorites are the mystical sounding "United' and the janglier "It's a Rainy Day, Sunshine Girl" but really all 4 songs are worth hearing. Glad to have Mr. Wilson back and I caught him live here last week and he put on a terrific show. www.slumberlandrecords.com

07.21.08
Daniel Ahearn
PRAY FOR ME BY NAME- (RIPARIAN)- This is the same guy who used to be in that band Ill Lit, a band I had heard of but never actually heard. Not sure if Ill Lit's music is anything to go on but this solo debut from Ahearn is a real step in the right direction. It's basically folky Americana stuff with odder bits of noise tossed in to mess with your indie rock heads. Parts of the first song, "Down for the Count", reminded me a bit of Butterglory (remember them?) with its shuffling, aw shucks pop personality and "Nowadays" had some of the most beautiful cello playing I've heard in ages (I'll bet that was L.A. gal Heather Lockie playing that). Both "Jesus Saves" and "San Vincente" were more spare and heartbreaking as was the final epic,' Whitewashing" and that is where I can see the Gram Parsons/Townes van Zandt comparisons comin in). Not a bad tune here outta 5. 5 for 5 is better than Ichiro is doing this year. www.myspace.com/danielahearn

07.21.08
Kuryakin
STILL HERE- (SHELFLIFE)- Ed Mazzuco combs the globe looking for new pop talent for his fledgling Shelflife label and he has come up with yet another winner here in Kuryakin. The band is a two-piece hailing from , where else? Sweden! Petter Gjores plays guitar, computers and sings while his pal Johan Norberg does just the guitar and computers. Please let me ask this, does every Swedish band have to have a guy named Johan in it? Or is it that the same John (Angergaard) is in every band? It's obvious that a few of the Sarah Records band , namely the Field Mice and Brighter, were a big deal to one or both of these guys but that is no bad thing as these guys are first and foremost concerned about the songs and there's plenty of good ones on STILL HERE. "Take My Hand" has that awesome arpeggiated guitar along with some Trembling Blue Stars-ish keys while "Snow" has some of the most beautiful melodies ever recorded. As with all of these Shelflife Mk 2 releases, all come in a 7" gatefold sleeve with a cd on it (5 songs on the cd) and a 2 song 7".If you like your pop gentle and , aw heck, I'll say it, wimpy, then Kuryakin is the band for you. www.shelflife.com

07.21.08
Mudhoney
SUPERFUZZ BIGMUFF (DELUXE EDITION)- (SUB POP)- I thought that last repackaging of all the Mudhoney hits, SUPERFUZZ BIGMUFF PLUS EARLY SINGLES (from 1990) was the granddaddy of all Mudhoney releases but this blows that one away hands down. Not only does it have all of the first ep and early singles but on disc one it also has 3 demos. Disc 2 has 9 songs from that (now famous) 10/10/88 gig in Berlin plus 6 songs from Jay Hinman's radio show from 11/88 at U.C. Santa Barbara (Jay did the liners notes to this reissues and also does the fantastic blog called Detailed Twang). You already know how good the early recorded stuff sounds so I'll go on to the live stuff: that stuff from Berlin sounds great and from that set we get to hear "No One Has", "Need", "Touch Me I'm Sick", "In n' Out of Grace" and plenty of others. The stuff form Hinman's radio show doesn't sound as good as that Berlin gig but while a but rough, doesn't sound bad and we get to hear "Here Comes Sickness", "No One Has", "Touch Me I'm Sick" (of course) and 3 others (and you get to hear someone , maybe Mark , talk about "wanting to play Strip Santa Barb-opoly." These guys always seemed like they were having the most fun playing out (they were) and let's face it, Mark Arm always has had the coolest voice in rock and while I'm not sure how much it resonates with the young ones these days, I have to say that back then, in my early-mid 20's's mind, this bunch were really something special. They really were (which is to take nothing away from current day Mudhoney as they're still around and still rock). www.subpop.com

07.21.08
Silver Jews
LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN, LOOKOUT SEA- (DRAG CITY)- Who woulda thought that all these years later that Silver Jews and their fearless leader, David Berman, would still be around making records. Early on they had aPavement connection so I thought they were just hangers on shooting for a small piece of the pie that Malkmus, Kannberg and Co. were already munching on. Well, here we are, 6 records later and Berman seems, to me anyway, to be at the peak of his career. He couldn't sing back then and still can't (never stopped Bob Dylan or Bruce Springsteen though, now did it?) but what he can do is write an infinitely hummable tune with quirky lyrics (you gotta check out "San Francisco B.C."). The opener "What Is Not But Could Be If" is a bit awkward but the record takes off after that as "Aloysius, Bluegrass Drummer" has some groovy, party piano playing and "Suffering Jukebox" has gorgeous backing vocals from Berman's bassist wife, Cassie. "Strange Victory, Strange Defeat" sounds like it could have been on anyone of the Jews previous records and is as strong as anything they've ever done as is "Open Field." The aforementioned "San Francisco B.C." is the classic here, a chugging gem with a fancy beat and brilliant lyrics ("She said you don't make enough to provide for me, I said what about the stuff we quote believe"). Great to see a clean ,sober and healthy Berman at the top of his game. www.dragcity.com

07.14.08
Fleet Foxes
S/T- (SUB POP)- Like the Band of Horses discovery a few years ago, this Seattle 5-some is Sub Pop’s newest indie darlings and with good reason too, they can write one hell of a good song and their 4-part harmonies are second to none. Also like B.O.H. I see lots of facial hair in promo photos so who knows, maybe they can’t afford razors. It’s funny that the record this reminded me of, on the cd cover art alone, was that old Pearls Before Swine record BALAKLAVA and while they don’t sound exactly like P.B.S.’s hushed ,hippy folks they’re not completely far off either. Lead vocalist Robin Pecknold has a sweet, high-pitched voice and his partners in crime, doing their 4 parts harmonies (caught ‘em yesterday at Sub Pop 20 festival and I think I caught one of the five not singing) ,make the vocals the centerpiece of the record (plus a great production job by producer in demand, Phil Ek). Gentle hymns that march along include the gorgeous “White Winter Hymnal”, the almost gospel-meets-doo wop-meets indie rock “Ragged Wood” and the soaring “Heard Them Stirring” are good enough to be on my mix tapes , that is, if I still made mix tapes (yes, you know it’s an outdated medium if even I don’t make mix tapes anymore). But still, ya’ gotta hear Fleet Foxes, you just gotta. www.subpop.com

07.14.08
Stars In Coma
YOU'RE STILL FROZEN IN TIME- (MUSIC IS MY GIRLFRIEND)- Ok, the cover of this cd is freaking me out. It’s 8 photos (Brady Bunch style) of who I assume is the main guy in this band (Andre’ Brorsson)and aside from the last photo where his eyes are open he looks like……he’s…..frozen (hence the record’s title). Apparently he has a handful of records out on some assorted indie pop labels but this is the first time I’ve heard of him. The 13 songs here all appeared on other records but they have all been re-recorded for your benefit and on the opening cut, “This Picture”, the guy sounded to me like a poor mans Phil Spector with a mini wall of sound and a cool keyboard groove. Some of the other bits reminded me of his countrymen Acid House Kings, Club 8, or even The Legends (ok, let’s just mention every band that Johan Angergaard has ever been in why don’t we). A few of my favorites here were the aforementioned first cut, the drivingly melodic (and superbly titled) “People Put Up with a lot of Shit” and the early Magnetic Fields soundalike “Invisibility Trick.” There are some darker moments on here too and they work as well (though I like the upbeat stuff more). Someone please give this guy a hot meal and a milkshake and let him record some more. www.musicismygirlfriend.com

07.14.08
Adrian Whitehead
ONE SMALL STEPPING MAN- (POP BOOMERANG)- I read a few rave reviews of this cd then whammo, it comes barreling out of my po box and into my brown Trader Joes bag that I bring to the post office to pick up my mail and the reviews were right, this one is a doozie. For all of you out there that were blown away by The Red Button cd from a year or two back well this is just as good if not better. Leader Whitehead , of this Aussie quartet, plays piano and sings and he has a lovely voice, perfect for his own brand of breezy, 60’s-70’s inspired pop while the rest of the band seems to be obedient to his every whim and they sound , to me , like a well-oiled machine. The opening track, “Caitlin’s 60’s Pop Song”, is a perfect opener, all cascading melody and gentle rhythms, “Radio One” is just as melodic and “Julia” is a perfect tribute (or should be) to John Lennon. There is even a song on here called “Spector’s Dead” so maybe they know something we don’t know? The rest of the record is all aces too so for a country that gave up pop maestros the Go-Betweens, Adrian Whitehead and his band have done their country proud. All 10 songs here are worthy of your time and major kudos to the always reliable Pop Boomerang label for discovering this soon to be pop giant. www.popboomerang.com

07.14.08
The Whitsundays
S/T- (POP ECHO)- One thing is for sure about this Canadian band (led by erstwhile songwriter Paul Arnusch), they love their keyboards. The guy is an obvious Zombies fan (with some UK influences too, namely Beach Boys and The Zombies) and I’m not gonna say that his pipes are the equal to Colin Blunstone but there are definitely some similarities. The opener “Loraleee” gets things started in a righteous way with some of those cool keys leading the way (apparently the guys has a large collection of vintage keyboards including some Rhodes and Wurlitzers) while “It Must be Me’ is the most Zombies-like song on the record (with a bit of Syd Barrett nuttiness in the vocals) and “Antosocial” starts off with nifty bass riff then rocks the house with some guitar reminiscent of The Saints. “Already Gone” as a spooky, eerie quality to it with a bit of surf guitar and I have to give major props to Arnush and his pals for making such a diverse record where each song has a different sound to it, a tough quality to find these days. www.popecho.com

07.07.08
Baskervilles
TWILIGHT- (SECRET CRUSH)- NYC’s Baskervilles burst onto the indie scene a few years back with a cool aesthetic including artwork on the cover of their cds (I full lengthy and one ep) that looked like it was taken from the wall of the graffiti on the tv show GOOD TIMES and songs that recalled classic popsters like Roxy Music, Belle & Sebastian, The Hidden Cameras and the Television Personalities (they have played as Dan Treacy’s backing band on occasion and helped resurrect his career). On this full-length number two, produced by Mitch Easter, the band put its best foot forward with these 14 songs (originally released as 14 separate downloads on their website) and really took the time to write a batch of classic tunes (most written or co-written by leader Rob Keith). “A Little More Time” bounds out of the gate with nothing but good vibes and “Smash”, with its orchestral horns and strings and TVP-ish bits of whimsy, is one of the best of the bunch here and “Everybody Looks Not Everybody Finds” has a cool, low-end grove to it. If you miss out on TWILIGHT you’ll be missing out on one of the year’s most pleasant surprises. www.baskervilles.net

07.07.08
Let's Go Naked
INSIDES- (EGG)- It’s always a great surprise to hear a new (old) band that I can’t believe I had not discovered before. Not sure if I was in the dark of if these guys were just really obscure (probably a bit of both) but I have to admit I had never heard of this classic Aussie (Brisbane) band before but first off, it’s on the Egg Records label so I knew it was going to be good plus the band had, at one time, the old Go-Betweens bass player John Wilsteed in its ranks. The main reason is that I listened to the cd and heard a fine batch of gentle pop songs in the classic Go-B’s tradition (and a bit of June Brides too). Apparently the band had only released on full-length and a few singles in their career and the songs on here are mostly outtakes from their entire career. The band was led by vocalist/guitarist Murray Power and the guy definitely has a pleasant voice and a knack for a subtle hook and tickling melody. Some of the worthier tracks here include “Three Limbs”, “See Me Now”, the keyboard-led “Such” , the super-melodic “Cheapest Paper” and at least a few others plus the last 2 songs on here are recent recordings as the band have recently reformed! Good on ya’! www.eggrecords.co.uk

07.07.08
The Old Believers
EIGHT GOLDEN GREATS- (FINE ROMANTIC)- The Portland-via-Alaska duo aren’t even old enough to buy booze in our local shops but who cares, young as they are they are obviously influenced by some of the classic old country, bluegrass n’ Appalachia greats and on this, their debut record, it shows. What I’m trying to say is that they are wise beyond their years and I wouldn’t be surprised if I went to their house and saw old vinyl copies of records by Dolly Parton, Merle Haggard, Patsy Cline, The Louvin Brothers and others (and some 78’s too ). The band is basically the lovely pipes of one Keeley Boyle and her man, instrumentalist Nelson Kempf and they truly keep it real. The opener, “There It Is”, cloppity clops along with the tender harmonies shining thru while “Granny’s Song” has gobs of reverb and echo with shaky (in a good way) percussion and the awesomely titled “Betcher Ass” sounds straight out of the AM car radio circa 1963. Glad to see this record getting ace reviews all over the place and I can’t wait to hear what their next move is. www.oldbelieversmusic.com

07.07.08
The Spongetones
ALWAYS CARRY ON: THE BEST OF THE SPONGETONES 1980-2006- (LOADED GOAT)- Not sure who/what I was listening not through most of the 80’s (ok, so it was hardcore) but I was definitely not listening to this North Carolina bunch and that was my loss. While their Nawth Cackalackey brethren, Corrosion of Conformity and Antiseen were tearing up stages in their fair state these guys were more influenced by mop tops like the Fab Four from Liverpool. The songwriting seemed to be split between guitarist Patrick Walters, bassist Steve Stoeckel and vocalist/guitarist Jamie Hoover (who joined the band a bit later and produced all of their recordings). At the risk of overstating the fact….the band was really influenced by The Beatles but not just them, I hear echoes of bands like The Zombies, Dave Clark 5, The Kinks and plenty of others. Cuts like “(My Girl) Maryanne”, “Cool Hearted Girl”, “Anna”, the very 80’s sounding “Where Ever Land” and too many others. There’s 26 songs in all here (including a live cut from CBGB’s) and aside from a small handful of clunkers, most are terrific. Big kudos to Jim at the Paisley Pop label for getting this thing the proper distro because this is essential. www.spongetones.com www.paisleypop.com

06.30.08
All Girl Summer Fun Band
LOOKING INTO IT- (AGSFB MUSIC)- It’s been four long years since these Portland gals released a record (their 2nd record, 2, was released on the K label in 2003) so in the meantime they lost bassist Ari Douangpayna to motherhood (drummer Kathy Foster has been busy playing in The Thermals) and decided to release record number 3 on their own. Losing Ari was the bad news but the good news is that LOOKING INTO IT is as good as anything they have previously done. This thing kicks into gear with “Not the One for Me”, all buzzing guitars and sunny harmonies , reminiscent of Tiger Trap or the Fat Tulips while “Something New” has some opening riffage that sounded like something off Husker Du’s WAREHOUSE SONGS AND STORIES. In fact a few of the faster songs on here do remind a bit of the old hardcore days while a few others brought to mind LA’s old queens of garage, The Pandoras (r.i.p. Paula Pierce). 11 songs on here and not a bad one in the bunch so with their third terrific record in a row they have hit the trifecta! Welcome back ladies. www.agsfb.com

06.30.08
The Libertines
TIME FOR HEROS: THE BEST OF- (ROUGH TRADE)- With only having released 2 full-length record and then breaking up, putting out a BEST OF record might seem a bit , I dunno…..odd, premature, presumptuous, cocky….whatever it is The Libertines did it. While both Pete Doherty’s Babyshambles and Carl Barat’s Dirty Pretty Things aren’t bad (Babyshambles are the better of the two) neither of those two bands could match the magic of The Libs. They came, they saw and they conquered and got out before they decided to suck. Some of the classics on here include the punchy “Up the Bracket”, the hopelessly romantic “Time for Heroes”, the hardcore-ish “Mayday” (from their I GET ALONG ep) and that was the great thing about the Libertines is that they go from loud, fast and snotty to slower and gorgeous and sounds like champs doing either. There are a few “hits” that are missing from here: “Horrorshow”, “Last Post on the Bugle” “Don’t be Shy:” and at least a few others but heck, it’ s still great (and there’s a few unreleased tunes her too) and I say buy it just to have this cool mix of Libertines songs on one cd. Am I a good salesman or what? www.roughtraderecords.com

06.30.08
Los Campesinos
HOLD ON NOW YOUNGSTER...- (ARTS & CRAFTS)- Sometimes I wonder if there’s 100 people in this band (actually 7) because this Cardiff, Wales based bunch make a buncha racket , at times sounding like 3-ring circus complete with flying trapeze artists, sword swallowers, fire-eaters and too many other freaks to name. The band then decided to hop a place to Toronto to record this sophomore effort (with David Newfeld, who also produced Broken Social Scene, a band I DO NOT like) and while the debut was the cat’s ass, this is his ass and feet. Right from the opener, “Death to Los Campesinos!” they are off to the races and it doesn’t end until the final cut, “Sweet Dreams, Sweet Cheeks.” Let’s face it, to keep up this energy level they’ve gotta be on something and I have a hunch I know what it is…..they’re all hepped up on gobs of Jolt Cola, Pixie Sticks, Twinkies and whatever else those Brits eat when they invade our country. It’s almost ridiculous how over the top energetic and well happy this is, sorta like a Go Team! for more of the twee pop set (though most twee poppers I know love The Go Team too). I personally blame this bunch for the 7 speeding tickets I have gotten in the last week but you know what, it’ll take the cops a month to pry the smile off my face. www.arts-crafts.ca

06.30.08
Old 97's
BLAME IT ON GRAVITY- (NEW WEST)- Ok, to be honest here the last Old 97’s disc, DRAG IT UP, was the first one since the debut that I didn’t love. Oh sure, it had “Won’t Be Home”: on it , the leadoff track that’s one of the best songs the band has ever written but overall that record was just ok. Fast forward 4 years and the band, still on New West Records, has released another fantastic record in a career filled with fantastic records. One thing that I can respect and appreciate about this band is that after 14 years it’s the same four guys and I have not heard one thing about drug problems, spousal abuse, mental hospitals and the like. Opener “The Fool” starts off with the lyrics, “He came from Phoenix in a borrowed VW Bug to be somebody or just be somebody who came from Phoenix in a borrowed VW Bug.” Rhett Miller has always been one to turn a clever phrase or two. The record, like all of their others, is a nice mixed bag. As always there’s a few Tex-Mex tunes on here (“Dance with Me”), a few power poppers (“My Two Feet”, “Ride”) and a couple of Murray-sung cuts ( that would be bassist Murry Hammond for you newcomers) and plenty of in between. If you want the band’s classic then pick up their Elektra debut from 1997, TOO FAR TO CARE, otherwise BLAME IT ON GRAVITY is certainly worthy of your hard-earned cash. www.newwestrecords.com

06.23.08
The Black Angels
DIRECTIONS TO SEE A GHOST- (LIGHT IN THE ATTIC)- The Black Angels seemed to take the world by storm a few years ago with the release of their debut cd, PASSOVER. I ended up catching them by accident when I had gone to see The Tyde who were opening for them. I was ready to head out and then someone asked if I was staying for the Black Angels? I told them I wasn’t but asked if I should be and they said absolutely and the rest, as they say is….well, not history but I did become a fan that night. On record number two the band doesn’t stray too far from the sound they oozed out on PASSOVER but they do refine it and make it more of their own. It’s not a wholly unique sound, you hears echoes of drone of The Velvet Underground, the proud drugginess of Spaceman 3 and Brian Jonestown Massacre , the 13th Floor Elevators pure psychedelia, middle eastern weirdness and even the occasional Jim Morrison/Doors chant. Vocalist/bassist/sitar player Alex Maas leads the mass with fuzzboxes as the wine, reverb buttons as the bread and his commanding vocals as the readings out of a bible they wrote themselves. “Doves” might be their best song yet, “Mission District” is purely eerie and “Never/Ever” stops breathing for a few minutes then the smelling salts bring it back to howling life. DIRECTIONS TO SEE A GHOST sounds like it could be one long song that builds, crumbles and builds itself back up again as it stands proudly atop drone mountain, planting their own flag. www.lightintheattic.net

06.23.08
The Bridal Shop
FROM SEAS- (MAGIC MARKER)- I swear, one of these days I’m going to hop a plane and head to Sweden, the land of blonde haired boys and girls, Johan Angergaard (he of too many great bands to mention) Ikea, Lena Olin, and some of the finest pop bands the world has seen. I’m happy to say that The Bridal Shop is yet another fine band from Sweden who are completely worthy of your time. There are only 7 songs here and they clock in under 30 minutes but it gives you a nice taste of what they’re all about. Suffice it to say if you dig most of the bands on the Sarah Records label (specifically The Field Mice, Brighter and Blueboy) as well as New Order then this will give you a reason to do a backflip this week. On the title track you hear the gorgeous sounds of some of the best female vocals I’ve heard in ages while a drum machine clicks away and the keyboards sway while on “Lend Me Your Heart” the drum machine approximates a sound of bongos while the vocals (male) sound like they’re being piped in from another room. “Beyond Our Grasp” brings back the fem vocals and opens sleepily but kicks in to full soothing pop overdrive. The rest of the material is all ace and the band also has something out on the Cloudberry label and hopefully more stuff in the can. www.magicmarkerrecords.com

06.23.08
Dave Dill
FOLLOW THE SUMMER- (SELF-RELEASED)- Had never heard of this Rhode Island popster t’il his previous record that he was kind enough to send me. Dill had some records prior to that (ones I picked up later) so the guy has been around for a while peddling his own brand of sunny, ebullient Badfinger/Beach Boys-esque pop and FOLLOW THE SUMMER is the best one I’ve heard yet. The record starts strongly with “Today”, all pure pop bounce while “Miss America’ slows it down, if just a bit, but the hooks are just as chewy and he rocks (well, as much rockin’ out as Dill does) out a bit on “Happily Ever After.” Song five, “Never So Beautiful” has a stutter step bounce to it and one of Dill’s strongest vocals yet while “Don’t Remember” is one of those perfect, put-the-convertible-top-down-and-hit-the-gas tunes and “Follow the Summer/Pink Skies” adds some orchestration to it and is one of the best song Dill has written yet. Though Dill wrote and played all of the songs here he did have Derek Holt of the Climax Blues Band co-write 3 of the songs with him, (and they are three of the best songs on here). The calendar reads June 13th as I write this so summer is around the corner and luckily I have FOLLOW THE SUMMER to speed things up here (especially in Oregon) and kick start it a week early! www.davedill.net

06.23.08
Gary Louris
VAGABONDS- (RYKO)- It’s not surprising to see that Jayhawks guy Louris in a more acoustic, stripped down vein as their last record, 2003’s RAINY DAY MUSIC, was of that ilk as well (though the Jayhawks have unofficially broken yup, Louris and other main ‘hawks songwriter Marc Olson (who left the band in 1995) have toured a few times in recent years). On VAGABONDS it seems Louris has gone in a more spiritual/gospel direction and it serves him well on its 10 songs. With help from some famous friends (producer Chris Robinson, plus the Laurel Canyon Family Choir which includes, among others, Robinson, Susanna Hoffs, Jenny Lewis and The Chapin Sisters) VAGABONDS unwinds like some lost classic from the Laurel Canyon scene of the early 70’s with the classic opener, “True Blue’ then onto the more rollicking, spiritual “Omaha Nights” (strong Robinson influence on thus one) and the gorgeous, choir-ish “She Only Calls me on Sundays.” A strong Crosby, Stills & Nash influence pops up on “We’ll Get By” and the brilliant, swaying title tracks is tucked near the end, all poignant piano and crying pedal steel. Not sure what I was expecting from a Louris solo record but it wasn’t this. VAGABONDS has gone above and beyond what I expected and let’s not forget the producer Robinson who has turned in a sparkling, nearly perfect job here. This is what music is supposed to be about, all heart and soul. www.rykodisc.com

06.16.08
The Hope Trust
THE INCURABLE WANT- (SELF-RELEASED)- At first their emo-ish name turned me off a bit (sounds like it would be the name of a Death Cab for Cutie b-side) but a positive review on the Not Lame site had me curious and when I finally listened to it I had my proverbial socks knocked off. The band is actually a gent by the name of Kelly Upshaw who hails from Denton ,Texas. Denton is a town I have never been to (ok, I’ve never been to Texas period) but seems to have an inordinate amount of good bands that hail from it and this band has to be near the top of the heap. They (he) do a fine mix of jangly pop with some Americana influences, ala Joe Pernice (actually they sound to me to be right in the middle of where the Scud Mountain Boys meet the Pernice Brothers) while Upshaw’s vocals occasionally remind me of David Lowery (especially on the superb “Run Through It”). “Ok Alright” is a supreme downer in the best way possible and “Parting Shot” has some of those big hooks that the Old 97’s used to employ. Admittedly the 2nd half of the disc could use a few more upbeat tunes but I’m not complaining too much as the songwriting is so strong. Hey Kelly, give us more. www.myspace.com/thehopetrust

06.16.08
The Lodger
LIFE IS SWEET- (SLUMBERLAND)- UK’s The Lodger exploded onto the indie pop scene a few years back with a slew of terrific singles that was released last year in the Slumberland label in a 14 song collection GROWN-UPS. It was a ramshackle bunch of tunes that seemed to be held together by leader Ben Siddal’s special brand of duct tape that he breaks out when it’s time to write a new song. If I’m not mistaken these songs were record together in one recording session as opposed to the debut which was recorded at different times thus making LIFE IS SWEET seem more like a cohesive record. Opener “My Finest Hour” opens with some suave pop, upbeat music coupled with lyrics about a busted relationship while song #2, “The Good Old Days” , is one of the picks to click her with plenty of that high harmonic guitar work ala Orange Juice, The Wedding Present , Aztec Camera and other bands that occupy Siddal’s record collection. The violin on “Honey” was a perfect addition and gives the record a different side and “A Year Since Last Summer” quickens the pace and brings to mind UK’s late, lamented Housemartins. While some of these songs needed to initially grow on me, LIFE IS SWEET now seems like a perfect progression from the debut and each listen is revealing new and lasting magic. www.slumberlandrecords.com

06.16.08
Nada Surf
LUCKY- (BARSUK)- When Nada Surf burst onto the scene in 1996 with their debut HIGH/LOW it had a minor hit single with “Popular” and I wrote the band off as a “band with a dumb name that has a novelty hit.” The next record, THE PROXIMITY EFFECT was a bit better and had the amazing opening track, “Hyperspace” on it so I decided to keep listening. How was anyone to know that their 3rd record, LET GO (2003) , was not only simply better than the first two but nothing short of an amazing follow up. 2005’s THE WEIGHT IS A GIFT wasn’t the masterstroke that LET GO was but still a really strong record. Well, here we are 12 year after their debut record and full-length #5 is another terrific batch of songs that is at least the equal to THE WEIGHT IS A GIFT. The opener is one of those simple-yet-not-so-simple pop songs that it seems like Matthew Caws and company can write in their sleep with dreamy harmonies and intricate guitars while “Whose Authority” should be one of those songs that is heard all summer long wherever you go: malls, baseball games, the gym, etc and “Here Goes Something” is the closest the band will come to writing a country song. “Weightless’ is another one of those should-be-a-hit songs that is the perfect mix of gentle melody and power. How this band has gone from a band I never thought about (after their debut) to a band that I completely look forward to each release is beyond me but they did it and they did it the only way I know how: by releasing a string of fantastic records. www.barsuk.com

06.09.08
The Black Watch
ICING THE SNOW QUEEN- (ESKIMO)- Like old man river, TBW’s John Andrew Frederick just keeps rolling along. The guy is a professor so it’s not like he needs the money , no, Frederick writes music simply for the love of doing it (and for all the millions he makes doing it). He has been at it for over 20 years and ICING THE SNOW QUEEN is yet another fine example of chiming, literate pop that he and his crew have been doing for ages. It seems like every review I write about his music I call it “literate” but hey, if the show fits. Australia’s legendary Go-Betweens were always described as literate as well and there are some similarities between both bands (occasional erudite/literary lyrics for starters). The title track starts things off with its mix of guitars both buzzing and jangly and Fredericks; speak-sing vocals which almost scream “I’m smarter than you are” without him being a dick about it. “On Another Plane” has the same sorta feel to it (“The Beatles meet MBV”, as someone once said). “The Love of the Buzz” is another mid-tempo charmer with its solid backbeat asking “Have you had enough had enough had enough…today?” while the jangly shuffle of “Quite Contrary” was cool change of pace. Once again all around good guy on bass, Scott Taylor, produced the thing and it sounds sharp. I say skip the milk, bread and eggs this week and buy this instead. www.theblackwatchmusic.com

06.09.08
For Against
SHADE SIDE, SUNNY SIDE- (WORDS ON MUSIC)- First came the reissues then this Lincoln, NE band began writing songs again and released COALESCED in 2002 on this same label (this label also reissued the bands 3 records from the late 80’s: ECHELONS, DECEMBER, & IN THE MARSHES) . It was their first record in 5 years and now this. First off SHADE SIDE… is made more special as it’s the band’s first record in 20 years with their original guitarist, Harry Dingman. Bassist/vocalist Jeffrey Runnings is still running the show here (ha ha ha ) and rock solid drummer Paul Englehard is still aboard but it’s Dingman’s guitar textures that are a wonderful surprise. As the band used to be described (by me, anyway) as “REM meets Joy Division” now their sound is more geared toward the latter with its icy, haunting vocals and murky guitar textures. The first two tunes, “Glamour” and “Underestimate’ are both perfect examples of this as is their Section 25 cover of “Friendly Fire” and the driving, amazing “Aftertaste.” There’s 9 songs here (including three topping thee 6-minute mark) and you’ll hear something new every time you listen to it, new nuances and textures pop their head up. Just when you think this bunch is dead they always manage to come back and blow your mind and this record is no exception. www.words-on-music.com

06.09.08
Headlights
SOME RACING, SOME STOPPING- (POLYVINYL)- You don’t hear a lot about this Illinois trio but that doesn’t mean they are not any good. On the contrary, this bunch are a terrific, low-key pop band with some occasional grand ideas and they have the chops and intelligence to pull off anything they try. Not sure how I heard about them but their debut full-length KILL THEM WITH KINDNESS (appearing after a debut ep) was an out-of-left-field surprise and I’m glad to report that SOME RACING is even better. “Get Your Head Around It” is a perfect opener, all note-perfect guitars, tight rhythms and gentle vocals (plus some awesome xylophone) while the dreamy “Cherry Tulips” is an airy confection with Erin Fein’s loveliest vocals yet and “Market Girl” rocks out about as hard as this trio does and does it in a classy manner I might add. On some of the more pensive stuff, like the title track, they remind me a bit of Death Cab for Cutie while on the chirpier material I think a bit more of Rilo Kiley meets Mates of State. At 10 songs the record is compact and Headlights have learned a thing or two about trimming the fat (something a lot of bands could learn from them) and that makes SOME RACING, SOME STOPPING the best of both worlds: economical with fantastic songwriting. Having said all of that I think this band has an even better record in them. Their next record could be a flat out great one. www.polyvinylrecords.com

06.09.08
Whiskey Priest
HUNGRY- (BRIC A BRAC)- I enjoyed the one Easterly record I have (released on the Not Lame label) and wondered what happened to this Salem, Oregon band. Well, leader Noah Hall has resurfaced as a solo acoustic musician in his new project, Whiskey Priest (on his own label, Bric A Brac). Not sure what happened to Easterly, if that is still a going concern or not but I was really hoping a sophomore release would have surfaced. Instead Hall is going the coffeehouse folkie route as many of these 11 charmers are all gentle acoustic guitars and smooth, light vocals. Noah also gets help from Portland man about town Jeff Saltzman who adds some tasteful strings and keyboards. A few of the tunes like “Nothing New”, “Love & a Gun”, “See Ye First” will appeal to fans of Nick Drake and while I would have originally thought an acoustic version of Guns n’ Roses “Sweet Child of Mine” (done here simply as “Sweet Child”) would have been an awful idea Hall does the song justice and adds a certain vulnerability that’s missing from the original (I wonder if Noah’s been giving tips to Axl?). Occasionally the record gets a bit too precious for its own good but overall this is a really strong start and I’ll definitely check out what Whiskey priest is doing next time.
www.bric-a-bracrecords.com

06.02.08
American Music Club
THE GOLDEN AGE- (MERGE)- Looking back in retrospect (ie; ok, I’ll be honest now) LOVE SONGS FOR PATRIOTS was ok but I didn’t think it was the return to form that many critics hailed it as. THE GOLDEN AGE is that record, absolutely terrific from start to finish. AMC are a band that I was obsessed with from ENGINE (their 2nd record) on. I thought that ENGINE and the three records that came after it (CALIFORNIA, UNITED KINGDOM and EVERCLEAR) were all amazing records while the 2 that came after those (MERCURY and SAN FRANCISCO) were decent to good but not great (many of my friends consider MERCURY to be their best). This is also a band that from the time I moved to the Bay Area in 1992 until the time they broke up in 1995 I never missed a single gig of theirs in San Francisco (or an Eitzel solo gig). Anywho, onto THE GOLDEN AGE, aside from the disappearance of longtime bassist Danny Pearson and drummer Tim Mooney, Eitzel is back with ace guitarist Vudi and a new rhythm section of Sean Hoffman on bass and Steve Didelot on drums and the songs bend, sway and shimmer in a way they haven’t in a decade and tunes like the cooing “The John Berchman Victory Choir” and the hushed gorgeousness of “The Sleeping Beauty” are as good as anything they have done previously and the driving, epic “Decibels and Little Pills” is among the best songs they have ever written. I’m happy to say THE GOLDEN AGE is a perfect return to form from these longtime masters. www.mergerecords.com

06.02.08
The General Store
MOUNTAIN RESCUE- (BREWERY)- I really enjoyed the previous General Store record (their debut) that the Not lame label released a few years back so when I heard that Tam Johnstone (sounds like the name of a pro wrestler but he is actually the son of Davey Johnstone, Elton John’s longtime guitarist…kinda cool to think that Tam has probably turned Elton onto some cool, obscure indie and power pop) had a new record out I was quite happy. As good as LOCAL HONEY was, this is even better. The record starts off with the infectious “Early Morning Fuzz” that has a guitar hook to die for and then onto the Neil Young-ish “Come Around’ (that guitar riff is pure Shakey) while “Girls from the Mall” sounds like a lost Beach Boys classic outtake from the early 70’s and “Desert Weathered Highway” sounds like total Byrds. So even though he is from England it sounds like all of Tam’s favorite songwriters hail from California. Those are among my favorite bands too so when a current songwriter takes inspiration from those masters and is able to make the sound his own, like Tam has been able to do here, well, it’s just a bonus for those of us who long for that classic songwriting sound. Tam has not forgotten the craft of the song and has made an 11-song record full of three and a half minute tunes (ok, a few of the songs do go on for a bit long) that are hummable, tappable, and ultimately a joy to listen to. Well done Mr. Johnstone. www.breweryrecords.com

06.02.08
Lolas
LIKE THE SUN- (JAM)- It’s been a few years but Tim Boykin (aka Mr. Lolas) is back in a big way. On LIKE THE SUN he offers up 20 tunes in his usual hooky, over the top pop tradition. This is the same guy who released the terrific SILVER DOLLAR SUNDAY record, an amazing pop record that I really wish more people would have heard. In a just world this guy would be selling out arenas and bands like Fall Out Boy would be struggling for 5 paid attendees on a Saturday night at the local watering hole. At 20 tunes I must admit it’s a big gulp, especially for those of us with kids, jobs, houses and basically, little time on our hands, but the amazing thing about Boykin is how amazingly consistent he is on all of his records. The guy is a fantastic songwriter and the ratio of good to bad songs on all of his records is tipped well toward the good side. On here he goes for straight up, upbeat power pop tunes like “Eye Eye” and “The Laurie Song” to more jangle rockers like “Blue Shadows”, Sticker” and “When I Look into Your Book.” He tosses in a few rawk tunes and even a few ballads. The kind of tunes, however, that Boykin excels at are those ebullient, flavorful, excitable poppers like “Staying Inside” and “Electric Power.” Once again this guy has a winning combination of what makes a mighty fine power pop record and I think now is time for me to go search the record bins and try and find some Shame Idols records (Boykin’s previous band). www.jamrecordings.com

06.02.08
Times New Viking
RIP IT OFF- (MATADOR)- After their killer debut on the Siltbreeze label DIG YOURSELF (which I was a bit slow on the draw on) this Ohio trio got signed to Matador and have released a scorcher here in RIP IT OFF (though I think there was a record in between the debut and this). If you go to the band’s my space site it says the band members are Hamish Kilgour, Mark Ibold and Brix Smith and what a match made in heaven that sounds like, eh? But alas, the trio includes Jared, Adam and Beth who have somehow, in this year of 2008, found new ways to make guitars squeal, new ways to make their amps sound busted in the most glorious way possible and , most importantly, found new ways to write 3 minute pop songs with hooks. Oh sure, there are influences: the clatter of early Pavement, the super clatter of early GBV and the clatteriest clatter of……hell, I dunno, Television Personalities. I guess what I’m trying to say here is that this might be the trebliest record all time. 16 songs blur buy in just over half an hour and they have titles like “The Early 80’s”, “Mean God”, “RIP Allegory” and, of course, “Times New Viking vs. Yo La Tengo.” While listening to this record I can’t help but think they are the first band to ever put distortion to pop songs and while I know this isn’t true if I can feel that for the 30 minutes this record is on then Times New Viking are doing something right(eous). www.matadorrecords.com

05.19.08
The Breakup Society
NOBODY LIKES A WINNER- (GET HIP)- While I never heard this Phoenix via Pittsburgh’s band’s debut, this sophomore effort is a real head turner as main guy Ed Masley seems to have an unlimited supply of hooks in his leather bag of tricks. No surprise here that the Masley got both Scott McCaughey and Ward Dotson to contribute to this record as I was going to say how this reminds of both The Minus 5 (McCaughey’s band) and The Pontiac Brothers (Dotson’s previous band before The Liquor Giants…before that he was in The Gun Club). This guy Masley is definitely his own animal, the guy has a wit sharper than Don Rickles and tunes like “How Failure Saved Me from Myself”, “No one Wants to be Remembered”, “Lower Expectations” and “I Didn’t Mean to Wreck Your Day” are self-deprecating blasts of guitar raunch with hooks and humor. I also hear echoes of The Kinks, Elvis Costello and The Lolas. Kudos to Bob Hoag for a great production job and some fine keyboard/organ work as well. Time to go look for that debut. www.gethip.com

05.19.08
Luke Brindley
S/T- (AER)- I wouldn’t know Luke Brindley if he walked up to me on the street and punched me in the mouth. Not that he would have any reason to do that but it’s just that guy is so darn anonymous and if I hadn’t read a positive review in HARP I probably would never have heard of him and thus, never given his record the time of day. But I did and a cd popped into my po box one day and after a few listens I realized the guy is a fine songwriter. First off he’s from my native New Jersey so I had to give him at least a listen (if nothing else) and while I like the slight rasp of his voice it’s his terrific backing players he has assembled who really give this record its understated elegance with, in addition to the usual rock format, Luke adds horns (sax and trumpet) and some pedal steel. “Never Alone” and the 2nd tuner, “Ain’t Got You” both have a bit of Van Morrison with a dash of E Street Band and some Ryan Adams and while that might sound like a complete disaster to some it totally works on here. “Surrender” has a nice little c & w bounce to it and he even tackles a Dylan song (“Love Minus Zero/No Limit”) and does a superb job of it. What I’ve described is just the first half of the record, the 2nd half is just as strong. This record is well worth dropping your hard-earned dough on. www.lukebrindley.com

05.19.08
Sera Cahoone
ONLY AS THE DAY IS LONG- (SUB POP)- Sera Cahoone comes from a long line of drifters, bank robbers, cattle ranchers, dynamite salesman and builders of the transcontinental railroad. Ok, so maybe only one of those things is true but had I not told you, you might have believed me (and the “daughter of a dynamite salesman” does make for a good story). Leaving Colorado with $37 in her pocket shed headed west to Seattle and joined Carissa’s Weird and then later, drummed on the first Band of Horses record (and for L.A. musician Patrick Park too). On this, record number two for Sera, she has assembled a crack musical cast who seem to be able to predict her every move, whim and want. The music has an old west, dusty feel to it and sounds sparse and haunting even when the full band is playing. Cuts like the opening “You Might as Well”, the dreamy “Baker Lake” the upbeat “Runnin Your Way” (which has some tasty pedal steel) and the cloppity clop of “Shitty Hotel” all sound like the work of someone who has been writing songs for decades. ONLY AS THE DAY IS LONG was a left field surprise for me and I cannot stop playing it. Side note: two of the guys in the band resemble Jeff Tweedy while another looks like a dead ringer for J. Macscis). www.subpop.com

05.19.08
Brent Cash
HOW WILL I KNOW IF I'M AWAKE- (MARINA)- Wow, where did this guy come from?! Well, according to the reviews I’ve read (and his myspace page) he came from Athens, GA and with his laundry list of backing players Brent Cash has created what can only be described as a sunshine pop classic. If someone had told me this was a lost record from 1967 by members of The Association and The Free Design I would have no reason not to believe them. In addition to those two classic bands think Brian Wilson, The Yellow Balloon, Harper’s Bizarre and anything Curt Boettcher related. With swooping strings, drifting woodwinds (let’s hear it for the flutes!!), and those majestic horns Brent know exactly what he wants to do and managed to get there with a minimal amount of errors. If you are a sucker for the soft pop sound (like me) then you’ll want to spin songs like “Only Time”, “Everything That’s Grey” and “When the World Stops Turning” over and over again. If I could spout out one minor quibble is that it could have used a few more upbeat tunes but really, considering what we have here and how rarely we hear something of this caliber, it’s a minor complaint. Germany’s Marina Records does it again….do not miss this! www.brentcash.net

05.12.08
Michael Dean Damron & Thee Loyal Bastards
BAD DAYS AHEAD- (IN MUSIC WE TRUST)- This is the first release by Mike D. with his new band, Thee Loyal Bastard after 4 records with country punk renegades I Can Lick Any Sonofabitch in the House (one of those was a live record) and a solo record from a few years ago. He has a solid cast here (including ex-Wipers drummer Sam Henry) and l’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, Damron is the hardest working person in show biz (especially since James Brown is now dead). I must say, he has mellowed (just a bit) with age but from the opener, “I Love the Rain”, you’d never know it as bluesy rock tune howls with ripping guitars and Damron’s tainted spirit vocals. “By the Time I get to Heaven” is a crowd-shakin’ melodic pop tune and “Swear to God” is a guts n’ glory burner, that kind of tune he perfected in S.O.B. “Ghost’ is a life-affirming acoustic tune and “Andy Gibb” opens with the line, “go ahead pass the cocaine, look at all the good it did” (even if it wasn’t a great song, which it is, I’d still give him points for naming a song “Andy Gibb”). The real story is told on the next to last song, “Hotter Hell”, where Damron admits, “I’m tired of fighting, I’m tired of runnin’…I’ve seen hotter hell, I just can’t remember when.” Let’s just hope those prophetic words don’t end up being truth as this is the best bunch of musicians he has ever worked with and I’m hoping this is just the beginning of a new Damron era. www.inmusicwetrust.com

05.12.08
The Estranged
STATIC THOUGHTS- (DIRTNAP)- Fairly new Portland trio who have spent time in gutter punk bands like Remains of the Day Coldbringer, Hellshock and others (don’t worry, I haven’t heard of any of them either and I live here). The thing is, on STATIC THOUGHTS, they eschew the gutter punk style for something less angry and in your face and more immediate and arresting. The first band that comes to mind while listening to this is The Wipers but I also hear the angular riffage of Mission of Burma (the band cites both bands as influences). “No Love” is a terrific opener, one of those songs with a cool, driving rhythm section and thick guitars while “Don’t They Know” has a wiry guitar lead (courtesy of guitarist/vocalist Mark Herman) running through its river with Sage-esque vocals and song number three, “Nervous Blood”, is a perfect mix of the first two songs (with some “whoahs” and “yeahs” throw n in for good measure). The onslaught doesn’t end there, “Nothing to Say” rips from the get go and then slips into a cool middle part where bassist Derek Willman gets to show off his chops. We can’t forget the drummer: Keith Testerman occasionally overplays and if you think I’m going to dis that then you’re wrong. I love when drummers overplay (one of the reasons why I loved bands like Moving Targets, Bitch Magnet and oh, let’s not forget about Rush). These guys are going places and I’m happy to say we have yet another winner from Dirtnap Records.. www.dirtnaprecs.com

05.12.08
The Service Industry
LIMITED COVERAGE- (SAUSPOP)- Jeff Smith has turned the Texas music scene on its ear with his mighty fine label Saustex Records where he has released stellar titles by cow punk bands/artists like Steve Tombstone, Hickoids and Snowbyrd. With The Service Industry’s more pop sound Smith started a new arm of the label, Sauspop, and this Austin bunch are a great way to start. In much the way that The Minus 5 add the three H’s: heart, humor and hooks to their tunes, , T.S.I. , on their second record here, drill home the point with melodic chugging guitars and a general sense of fun all the way around. The six folks that make up this band have all been around the Austin scene for a long time (including bassist Hunter Darby who has played with both Spoon and Dumptruck) and most of the tunes were written by vocalist/guitarist Mike McCoy. Not sure how many lousy jobs McCoy has had but here are a few of the song titles: “Job of Quality”, “Have to go to Work” (one of the best songs on here) , “They Fired Me”, and, of course, the final tune, “Still Have to go to Work.” I like when percussionist Julie Lowery (the token female here) adds her vocals to the songs and I only wish we’d heard more of her. Still, that’s a small complaint as most of LIMITED COVERAGE is the kind of bar band rock that I wish more bar bands could play. www.sauspop.com

05.12.08
She & Him
VOLUME ONE- (MERGE)-You know her because she has been in ALMOST FAMOUS, THE GOOD GIRL, ELF, FAILURE TO LAUNCH and plenty of other movies. You know him because he has released 4 terrific records on the Merge label (and worked with tons of other more famous musicians). Zooey Deschanel and M. Ward together make up She & Him and though you have never heard the songs on Volume One before (save for The Beatles and Smokey Robinson covers) they will sound instantly familiar to you if you grew up on 60’s and 70’s AM radio. Deschanel, who wrote the songs, has a voice that is warm, inviting and vulnerable and Ward’s music perfectly compliments it and what you have is some really low-key pop tunes. Think Phil Spector, at least on a few songs, minus the wall of sound. She & Him offer up piano ballads (“Sentimental Heart”, “I Thought I Saw Your face Today”, etc.) , rollicking pop (“Why Do You Let Me Stay Here?”, “I Was Made for You”, ), country twang (“Change is Hard”, “Black Hole”, “Got Me”), covers (“You Really Got a Hold on me”, “I Should Have Known Better”) and two soaring, amazing pop songs in the batch (“This is Not a Test”, “Sweet Darlin’). Not a bad ratio here, 10 good to really good songs and 2 flat out great ones. I’m hoping (assuming) with the title that they’re leaving the door open for a Volume Two. www.mergerecords.com

05.05.08
Robert Forster
THE EVANGELIST- (YEP ROC)- I didn’t realize that it had been 12 years since the last Forster solo record (WARM NIGHTS) but now that I think about it that was right around the time that the Go-Betweens had reformed so it would make sense. Things probably didn’t get any easier when Forster lost his songwriting partner and best friend Grant McLennan to a heart attack 2 years ago but Forster soldiered on, and thankfully so because THE EVANGELIST is a terrific record (and three of the songs were co-written by McLennan as he and Forster were beginning to write the next Go-Betweens record). Armed with the same rhythm section he has used for quite a while (Adele Pickvance on bass and Glenn Thompson on drums) Forster opens the record with two slower, prettier songs in “If It Rains” and “Demon Days” both with melodies so subtle you could blink and miss them. Then the gorgeous, ringing “Pandanus” comes in with those guitars that sound perfect to these ears. The title track sounds like it could about Forster’s German wife (now living in Australia?) while my favorite song on the record, the upbeat “Let Your Light In, Babe” (love that mandolin!), a strummy tune about a man finding love with a woman at his church. The sweeping, majestic “Don’t Touch Anything” (with its grand strings and cool Hammond organ) is one of the best songs on the record as is the tribute to McLennan, “It Ain’t Easy” (“but it was melody he loved most of all”). THE EVANGELIST is an outpouring of love and emotion told only in a way that Forster can do (and has been doing for over two decades). One of 2008’s best. www.yeproc.com

05.05.08
The Goldbergs
UNDER THE RADAR- (KOOL KAT)- Led by the affable Andy Goldberg, this Northeast trio are a power pop band in the Beatles (and Badfinger) tradition and have no problem admitting it. It’s not like we need yet another bunch who dig the Fab Four but Goldberg can write a hooky tune and as I’ve said before, I don’t care who bands are heavily influenced by as long as they write good songs and The Goldbergs do (and it’s not like these guys sound exactly like The Beatles anyway, it’s just one of their many influences). I think I heard their 2006 record, HOOKS, LINES & SINKERS but I don’t remember it being this good. UNDER THE RADAR begins with the ebullient “Please Won’t You Please” which is all chiming guitars and pleading vocals. “Feel the Sun”, like its title implies, is all about taking time to stop and smell the roses (or in this case, going outside and enjoying the sun….not always easy to do in Oregon). “Water Blue” is one of the slower, more acoustic driven songs and the band can do that too (no one trick pony here) and the cool organ on “Better Times” is pure Merseybeat bop. It’s spring now folks and a perfect time to try on something new. The Goldbergs might just be a perfect fit. www.koolkatmusik.com

05.05.08
Clint Sutton
S/T- (SELF RELEASED)- This guy is probably getting tired of reading reviews where they call him “that hick from West Virginia” or that he recorded it “way out in the sticks of West Virginia.” I mean, that state does have cities you know. I had never heard of Sutton before but I read about his cd, but I requested one from him and he was kind enough to send me one. I’m glad he did too as this is a nice big old butterscotch kiss on top of the gooey chocolate chip cookie (fresh out of the oven). The photo on the back cover of the cd might give away a little bit as above the couch is a framed picture of a Superdrag poster and even before seeing that I was going say that the Tennessee crunch popsters seem to be a big influence on Sutton (Matthew Sweet too). Hard to believe the record was recorded by Sutton alone as it sounds like a full rock band, but it was and the opener “Somebody Told Me” is pure gold, all gushing melody and big guitar. In fact that’s probably a way I could describe a lot of this record. Other hook-driven gems include the punchy “Because”, the swaying “Foregoing the Breakdown”, the crunchy “Theory” and a few others. Clint may look like a hippy on the cd cover but trust me, this is no hippy music. www.myspace.com/clintsutton

05.05.08
The Tripwires
MAKES YOU LOOK AROUND- (PAISLEY POP)-The always reliable Paisley Pop label returns with a release that is chock full of chewy melodies courtesy of the Minus 5’s John Ramberg plus the Sangster Brothers (Johnny is a studio engineer while bro Jim has played in the Young Fresh Fellows among others) and Mark Pickeral, who has drummed with everyone, most notably his old band the Screaming Trees. Despite all of the talents this is Ramberg’s baby and anyone who has seen him play guitar in the Minus 5 knows he’s hot shit. This has the same kind of stick o’ dynamite energy that guys like Nick Lowe and Dave Edmunds brought onto the scene back when I was just entering high school. The first tune, “Lessonpony” kicks out of the gate with some seriously unique, twangy guitar in there while the start/stop “Arm Twister” adds a few more hooks to the repertoire. They slow it down on the pretty “Big Electric Light” and add a big ol’ gob of melody on the smooth “Comedienne.” They toss in a Chuck Berry cover near the end (“Tulane”) and on the band’s my space site the first band listed in their influences is the Bee Gees so how about that. Ramberg and his pals have plenty of talent and MAKES YOU LOOK AROUND proves it. www.paisleypop.com

04.28.08
The Apples In Stereo
ELECTRONIC PROJECTS FOR MUSICIANS- (YEP ROC)- Offered up as a companion piece to their first compilation, 1996’s odds and sods collection SCIENCE FAIRE, this 14 track effort collects, in chronological order, b-sides and rarities from head Apple Robert Schneider and his gang of unabashed pop cohorts. Despite the title, ELECTRONIC PROJECTS FOR MUSICIANS (named after a how-to manual by Craig Anderton) features no electronic music at all but instead more of Schneider’s gleeful, fuzzed-out pop music with more hooks than a tackle box. Let’s face it, Beach Boys- obsessive Schneider has been mining this pop territory since the early 90’s so at this point he has honed his craft down to a science. Highlights include the shimmering “Man You Gotta Get Up” (from a spinART Records 1997 single), the playful “Onto Something” (from a split 7’ with Sportsguitar) and the effervescent gush of “Shine (in your mind).” As the record plays on the songs get better and better and show Schenider perfecting his craft throughout the 2nd half of the 90’s and into the 00’s. Chalk this up as yet another shiny gem in an already impressive jewel box. www.yeproc.com

04.28.08
Ivy League
THIS IS IVY LEAGUE- (TWENTY SEVEN)- I loved this NYC (via Florida) band’s debut EP from 2006 with the great title track “London Bridges” (included here) and a terrific Arcade Fire cover (“Crown of Love”) plus 2 other worthy songs. Well, this full-length has 11 songs and it’s everything I was hoping for. The band consists of two stylish guys, Ryland Blackinton and Alex Suarez, who probably get more action than you or me (ok, I’m married, I don’t count) and the sound is mostly one of sweeping pop with grand melodies but they also toss in some flamenco, folk, and some tropicalia/bossa nova as well (with an Astrud Gilberto influence). The record starts off with “The Richest Kids”, a suave little mid-tempo pop song with a cool little island-flavored lick and lots of oohs and ahhs. “Love is Impossible” picks up the pace a bit and sweeps across the dance floor in the smoothest way possible. “Til the Day” sounds like a Kings of Convenience outtake that is way too good to be an outtake and “Celebration”, just as its title implies, gets the party started. From what I hear, these guys should be huge and if you’re anything like me then you’ll find this impossible not to like. www.twentysevenrecords.com

04.28.08
Jon Spencer Blues Explosion
JUKEBOX EXPLOSION- (IN THE RED)- While I must admit I was always partial to Pussy Galore, when the JSBX first burst upon the scene in the early 90’s they were something special. As unique as they were, they were always a bit out of step with their other early 90’s indie rock brethren (Pavement, Sebadoh, etc.) Still, they always threw down with all of their cool attributes: Spencer howling at the moon, no bass player, the large drummer pounding the small kit and the other guitarist, Judah Bauer, bending strings like he invented them. Oh, and then there was that freaky theremin! Back in the old days they released a string of what they called juke box singles, no picture sleeves just paper sleeves and 2 songs (modeled on a similar series that old rockabilly cat Charlie Feathers had done in the 70’s). Listen to the beautiful racket of barn burners like “Shirt Jac”, “Train #3”, “Naked”, “Latch On”, and plenty of others (18 songs in all). Plus, the nice, thick booklet that comes with it gives up plenty of photos and liner (including one story about the band getting ready to play “Dig My Shit” on SNL before NBC heard the song title and scrapped the whole thing). www.intheredrecords.com

04.28.08
Mia Doi Todd
GEA- (CITY ZEN)-I remember hearing this Southern California folk gal’s debut (THE EWE AND THE EYE from 1997 on further’s Xmas Records label) back when and thinking that had something, a special songwriting gift. Well, here we are and this is Todd’s 7th full length and it’s her grandest, fullest sounding record to date (no need to worry though, the Joni Mitchell folkisms are still there). On GEA Todd is helped along with an array for players of everything from viola to cello to oboe to flute to harmonium (played by Todd herself) to clarinet and bassoon and …well, you get the picture. Todd spared no expense or turned down any instrument to get the sound she wanted. This lovely record opens with the 10 minute “River of Life/The Yes Song” and then goes right into the equally mystical “Night of a Thousand Kisses.” Up next, “Big Bad Wolf & Black Widow Spider” picks up the pace a bit and makes great use of the bongos, “Esperar Es Caro” is sung completely in Spanish and “Kokoro” waxes philosophical about the importance of friends (apparently the record is a song cycle about a difficult breakup). On GEA Todd has put herself out there as only true artists do as GEA is at times classic, haunting and passionate. A beautiful record on many levels and each listen unveils a new layer. www.miadoitodd.com

04.21.08
Baby Grand
COMING TRUE- (SELF RELEASED)- I wasn’t aware of it but apparently this Sacramento, CA band has been around for quite some time and had a debut record out in 2002 (that I now need to hear) and that features at least one person from the late great Frenchmen in Mr. Leon Levy (why, oh why did they have to break up?!!) an they have a nice, gentle sound akin to both Belle & Sebastian and Camera Obscura. The band is led by the vocals/acoustic guitar/songwriting by Gerri White who has the sweetest, softest coo of a voice, the loveliest since I first heard Isobel Campbell. Some of the songs, like the terrific opener, ‘Everything You Say” and “Pop Psychology” break out of the gate like it has already had its morning coffee while others, like “Holiday in Space” and “Autumn Wind” gently unfold, like taking your head off your soft pillow in the early morning. The only bummer here is that there’s only 7 songs. Hopefully they have more in the can …not sure what it is about Sacramento, maybe it’s the water, but occasionally a great pop band like this will emerge and restore my faith in indie pop (remember Rocketship, Tiger Trap, Holiday Flyer, The Frenchmen, etc.???). www.myspace.com/babygrandmusic

04.21.08
The Incredible Vicker's Brothers
GALLIMAUFRY- (BUS STOP)- After yet another long hiatus Brian Kirk returns with a new release on his long running Bus Stop label. Brian seems to release some stuff then vanish for while only to return again with more (usually) stellar releases. And stellar is definitely a word to describe The Incredible Vickers Brothers. The band is Bob Vickers, who used to drum for Allen Clapp’s Orange Peels (Allen produced this) and his brother Rob (my pal suspected that “Bob” might be Larry Winther who was in the Orange Peels w/ Allen and Bob). Anywho, no matter who it is they have created a wonderful 60’s influenced pop record here that I have not been able to stop playing over the last several weeks. It starts off with the acoustic dreamer “Blues for Frankie Valli” and then rips right into the more upbeat “What She Does” which is pure good vibes about a very special woman. By mid-record they toss in two masterpieces: the slap happy “We’re Gonna Get Along Fine” (sample lyric: “…why don’t you just admit that you are in the presence of genius!”) and the driving, epic “English Rose.” They toss in some more pop candy, a few more Simon and Garfunkel acoustic gems and the record ends with the vaudeville-esque “Record Collection Blues” and you, the listener, are feeling not just content but overjoyed , happy that you’ve heard one of the best records of the year. www.busstoplabel.com

04.21.08
The Jet Age
WHAT DID YOU DO DURING THE WAR, DADDY?- (SONIC BOOMERANG)- After years of toiling in obscurity in his previous Washington, D.C. combo, The Hurricane Lamps, Eric Tischler returned a few years ago with another power trio: The Jet Age. This time with the same bassist, Greg Bennet, but with a new over-the-top drummer, Pete Nuwayser (a guy who would make Keith Moon proud) and it cranked things up a notch. WHAT DID YOU ….is broken up into 3 acts (11 songs in all) and it pieces together as a “soundtrack to an imaginary musical” about a guy who become a suicide bomber in order to save his family during a war. Since Tischler lives near our nation’s capitol the political things sinks in more. Onto the music, the band kicks into overdrive on the first cut and don’t even really take a breath until song five as the first four blur by with in a whir of crashing drums, thick, thumped bass and Tischler’s aggressive guitar and nasal vocals (unmistakable). They then contemplate things on “Shake” and do so at the start of “Dumb” until that rhythm section comes rolling in. “False Idols” starts off with more of that great Wedding Present/Unrest scratchy, quickly strummed, jangly guitar while “Maybe Love’s a Transmission” might be my favorite on the record. It ends with the Beatle-esque, mellow “Ladies, Don’t Cry Tonight (Reprise)”. Ok, whew….if you think you; know what’s going on in the mind of Tischler then just give up. You don’t. WHAT DID YOU DO… shows a creative mind at work and while not for the faint of heart, shows a band wanting to push the envelope that much further. www.sonicboomerangrecords.com

04.21.08
Summer Cats
SCRATCHING POST- (POP BOOMERANG)-Always one to discover the talent that seems to be brimming in the Melbourne, Australia area, Pop Boomerang comes up with yet another winner on this 5 song ep (3 of these 5 songs were on their Cloudberry Records release last year…which I do not own so it was all new to me ) . Only together since late 2006, this winsome 5-some (3 boys and 2 girls) only give us five songs here but they are stylish, winning and catchy as all get out. “Wild Rice” opens things up with a mid-tempo skree complete with cool organ and sweet vocals. “Hush Puppy” brings in more of that organ (reminded me a bit of early Modern Lovers) with slap dash drums and the vocals that seems a slight but out of synch with each other (which I why I dig it). Then next tune, “Super Computer”, might be my favorite of the bunch, all gushing melody and more of those slightly off-kilter vocals. The last two songs, “Discotheque’ and “Crocodile”, are both just as good and at this point I’m wondering if the band has recorded a full-length yet because from the sound of this EP they are certainly ready to do so. You have my blessing Summer Cats! www.popboomerang.com

04.14.08
The Nines
GRAN JUKLE'S FIELD- (T.A.S. GOLD)- This Canadian bunch is led by impressive songwriter Steve Eggers. Their debut was released on the Bare Naked Ladies’ Page Records label (ok, so no one’s perfect) and while this is the first I’ve heard of them they have several other records out and this one was highly anticipated. You’re probably thinking that the world doesn’t need yet another Beatles influenced band but trust me, these guys are a cut way above the rest (and are more influenced by XTC then the Fab Four anyway). The opener, “Insanity (The Sanest Thing You’ve Got)” is a perfect opener, pure melody in the Moulding/Partridge songbook while “Don’t be a Fool” is McCartney at his chirpiest and “I Am Lost” is pure Bee Gees. If you want something a bit more rockin’ then “She Hijacked Me” cranks it up a bit with some cool, rollicking piano and “Virginia” is a terrific sing along. I like the mixed bag approach with all sorts of different pop styles on one record so you don’t feel like you’re listening to the same song over and over. Eggers has mastered that art on GRAN JUKLE’S FIELD. www.ninespop.com

04.14.08
No Age
NOUNS- (SUB POP)- Guitarist Randy Randall and drummer/vocalist Dean Spunt are the two members of the Los Angeles-based No Age. In addition to recording numerous 7” singles for many different labels (collected last year as WEIRDO RIPPERS on the Fat Cat label) these two art-damaged freaks have designed hats, curated art shows, created zines and played anyplace that gave them a stage and an hour (or less). On NOUNS, their Sub Pop debut, 12 songs nudge up against one another, slug it out and end up in a group hug by the record’s end. Coming together at that center of the road where Sonic Youth’s jagged blasts meet up with The Clean’s loopy, swerving pop , tunes like the opening “Miner”, the chant-heavy “Teen Creeps” and the driving “Here Should Be My Home’ all offer up that salty and sweet dichotomy. No Age is putting a fresh spin on some tired sounds and it’s as smart and vital as anything you’ll hear this year. www.subpop.com

04.14.08
Tears Run Rings
ALWAYS, SOMETIMES, SELDOM, NEVER- (CLAIRE)- The term “shoegazer” has been way overused when describing a certain type of music but then again, so have terms like “punk”, “new wave”, “indie rock ” and however else you want to pigeonhole music. But when writing reviews you want a point of reference and for this quintet (based up and down the west coast) shoegazer fits as well as any. They are influenced by the cream of the crop of the genre (Slowdive, My Bloody Valentine and Flying Saucer Attack with dollops of Moose and Secret Shine…who they recently toured with) Their EP from last year, A QUESTION AND AN ANSWER was a nice introduction to the band but on ALWAYS, SOMETIMES, SELDOM, NEVER is where they have put it all together. “How Will the Others Survive?” is pure F.S.A. with heaping waves of guitar distortion laid overtop a bed of dreamy melody and “Beautiful Stranger” hypnotizes you with that perfect riff repeated over and over again. On “World Upside Down” they speed it up (if just a bit) and get fiercer and more in your face and “Waiting for the End” is, simply put, the best dream you’ve ever had. The band really took its time on this record, every note, every riff, every vocal right where it should be and it paid off in spades. Dive in to the new sound of tomorrow. www.clairecords.com

04.14.08
Tennis Courts
S/T- (POP ULYSSES)In this household I never get tired of intelligent, well-played hooky power pop music with smarts and this Chicago trio have got an overflow of it. Led by a guy named Wes Hollywood who I guess has lots of records out both solo and with other bands but I had never heard of him before. He and his cohorts (including a drummer named Jason Styx!) waste no time in rocking the pop as opener “Girls Like This” suggests with yearning vocals, driving guitars and punchy rhythms while “Victoria and Monica” is an homage to The Kinks (who I’m guessing are one of Hollywood’s favorites) and “She’s out of Control’ is the big sing along, the one you want playing in your car while trying to impress someone (a girl? a boss? a long lost aunt?). From there Wes and his crew still don’t run out of gas, “All of the Tears’ is a slower heartbreaker while “Dead End Street” is another one you want to play air guitar to (as long as no one sees you) with all the hooks and charm of an early Cheap Trick song. Wes knows the economics of rock n’ roll, get in, hammer the song out, go on to the next one. Professor Hollywood says classis is dismissed. www.myspace.com/tenniscourts

04.07.08
V/A
CAMP BURLESQUE- (BIRD SONG)- I have to admit I had never heard of this guy Tony Marsico before this cd came in the mail but apparently he has played bass on sessions for Bob Dylan, Neil Young, Willie Nelson and plenty of others (plus he was in L.A. band The Plugz and The Cruzados). Anywho, from Ric Menck’s label comes a sweet cd/dvd package that is an homage to the burlesque flicks that Marsico used to catch while a youngster. You’ve got some heavy hitters on here like Matthew Sweet (doing the theme to CAMP BURLESQUE) , John Doe, Peter Case, Dave Alvin, Big Sandy and The Cruzados with Bob Dylan as well as plenty of others I hadn’t heard of before this (The Martini Kings, The Del Reys, Rick Vito, The Big Island Boys, etc.).. The bands all put their best foot forwards and grind it out in pure burlesque style and it makes for a lot of fun to listen to. The dvd is another thing altogether, totally campy and titillating, you’ll think you found some old lost Russ Meyer classic that was in your dad’s closet complete with busty women and , if I’m not mistaken, Ric Menck himself as the gardener. From the minds of Marsico, Menck and Sweet, I’m glad someone is putting the fun back in something these days. Classic! www.parasol.com

04.07.08
V/A
CINNAMON GIRL: WOMEN ARTISTS COVER NEIL YOUNG FOR CHARITY- (AMERICAN LAUNDROMAT)- This label has released quite a few tribute records and even though we have been inundated with tributes these past several years I still like hearing them, especially if it is an artist whose music I dig (like Neil). This is a 2-cd set that, as the title suggests, is all women artists covering Neil tunes. On disc one the set opens with Tanya Donelly’s lovely take on “Heart of Gold” while Britta Phillipps (Luna, Dean & Britta, etc.) offers up a dreamy version of “I Am a Child” and Veruca Salt (remember them?) cranks out “Burned.” Elsewhere on disc 1 is Josie Cotton, Jill Sobule and others. On disc 2 Euro-Trash Girl opens with smooth version of the title track (“Cinnamon Girl”) while Elk City does a gorgeous version of “Helpless” and The Watson Twins melt your heart with their version of “Powderfinger.” Also on this disc is Kristen Hersh, Louise Post (Veruca Salt) and plenty of others ( I wish someone would have tackled “After the Goldrush”, one of my faves). It’s a great lineup and it’s for a great cause. Casting for Recovery is a national non-profit support and educational program for women who have (or had) breast cancers (sadly, American Laundromat President, Joe Spadaro, lost his mom to the disease in 2005). Well done! www.alr-music.com

04.07.08
V/A
MESSTHETICS 104: D.I.Y. 1977-'81 SOUTH WALES- (HYPED 2 DEATH)- After a brief pause (or so it seemed) Hyped2Death records is back with another volume of their Messthetics set. I truly don’t know where H2D leader Chuck Warner has found these bands but they give the word obscure a new name. As the title implies, volume 104 has 23 bands from South Wales creating their own version of music. The Czechs start off this collection with a taut, sharp angular sound on “Suffocation + 44 Seconds” while Current Obsession “Fish” sounds like some the X Ray Spex might have done had they taken a few downers and “What to Wear” sounds like South Wales own version of the (early) Feelies. Later on The Spitfire Boys crank up some old busted synth and get you to dance while The Sane, with , “Arnold Palmer”, make The Shaggs sound truly professional. You want more? How about Table Table, Reptile Ranch, Addiction, Decadent Few, Janet & Johns and plenty of others. If you’re one of those people who knows it all…well, you don’t and the Hyped2Death label will prove it to you (jerk). (Messthetics #105 is out as well and this documents Scottish d.i.y. and indie post-punk from the same years (1977-’81) with He’s Dead Jim, The Exile, Visitors, Strutz, Ettes, Brills, Radio Ghosts, and plenty of others. Add Hyped2Death to your favorites and break out your atm card. Time to buy! www.hyped2death.com

04.07.08
V/A
SWEET RELIEF EP- (JAM)-From the heart and mind of Jam Records leader Jeremy Morris comes this 3 cd set that is a benefit for Hurricane Katrina victims. Morris has long been a supporter of both good music as well as giving folks a helping hand when they need it the most and this is a labor of love from the get go. The cover shows a heart full of Skittles (or are those M & M’s?) and you get 74 tracks in all (for $10!). The set opens up with The Next Big Things doing the uplifting “Float Me on the River”, The classic pop of The Red Button with “Free” (if you have not heard full-length SHE’S ABOUT TO CROSS MY MIND , get it !), Israel’s Rockfour with “Where the Byrds Fly” (pure McGuinn baby!) and elsewhere you get cool cuts from Dressy Bessy, Glowfriends, Bobby Sutliff, Seaside Stars (Germany’s answer to Teenage Fanclub) plus plenty of others and that’s just the first disc. On the other two discs you’ll get choice gems from folks like DM3, John Wicks and The Records, The Spongetones, Shoes, Lolas, The Blondes plus DAGGER contributor Gary Pig Gold with his band The Ghostrockers and a new favorite of mine, Pop is Art. It comes with a nice 20 page booklet with plenty of info/liners. Come on there chumpy, drag two $5 bills out of your wallet and order this, it’s the best deal in town. www.jamrecordings.com

03.31.08
Organ Blues
THE TANK EP- (SELF-RELEASED)- Three guys from other places decided to move to Philly and form a band. Nothing too out of the ordinary, right? Except all three of these guys are at least 6’ 8” and weigh in at 275 lbs plus. They all have beards, like to fight, have all worked as mechanics at one time or another and would beat you senseless in a bar merely for walking by and accidentally bumping them and making them spill some beer. Ok, so maybe none of that stuff is true (well, they all do now live in Philly) but these are the places my mind wanders to when I hear words thrown together. The words “Organ Blues” conjures that up in my mind, so sue me. These 4 songs all wander and creep and then, after sucking you in, hammer you over the head with a sledge hammer (ouch). “Grow Your Grass Greener” hammers home a blues riff but it isn’t blues (thank god) while “Organ Mechanic” has the filthiest riff since James Williamson last picked up a guitar. “Little Weasels” sounds like Brian Jonestown massacre on even more downers and the final cut, “El Dorado” isn’t exactly what you would call “pop” but it’s the most charming of the four. The band gets major bonus point for putting a picture of Al “Grandpa Munster” Lewis on their myspace site but get docked points for having a photo of guy named Robert on the same site who has the absolute worst looking sweater I have ever seen. Oh, did I tell you that you really need to hear Organ Blues?
www.organblues.com myspace/organ blues

03.31.08
The Quarter After
CHANGES NEAR- (THE COMMITTEE TO KEEP MUSIC EVIL)- This L.A. band, led by the Campanella Brothers Dominic (vocalist/main songwriter) and Rob (guitarist/producer), impressed many (including, most importantly, me) on their 2005 self-titled debut record (on Ric Menck’s label). Here they return with their sophomore effort (on Anton Newcombe’s imprint …go figure) with an even stronger batch of songs. Mixing up equal parts of The Byrds and Love with dashes of Rain Parade and even Gram Parsons, CHANGES NEAR genre hops with jangle (“Sanctuary”), psych (“She Revolves”), country (“Counting the Score”) and classic pop (“See How Good it Feels”) and that’s just the first four songs. Elsewhere, blaring trumpets are the perfect ingredient to “Early Morning Rider” while the tabla helps elicit a darker, murkier feel of “Winter Song.” A few of the songs go on for a bit too long (“Nothing out of Something”) but that’s a minor quibble as most of the songs CHANGES NEAR are just right in length. The Quarter After aren’t aping their heroes so much as updating a classic sound and this record finds the Campanella Brothers really hitting their stride. While producing many of the L.A. area’s finest bands (The Tyde, Beachwood Sparks, Mia Doi Todd, BJM, etc.) it’s nice to see them getting recognition for their own fine band. www.bomp.com

03.31.08
The Ruby Suns
SEA LION- (SUB POP)- Just by the cover art I knew I was going to like this. For some reason I could tell it was from New Zealand even before I read about it. Back in the mid-80’s records on the Flying Nun label by bands like The Chills, The Clean and The Bats (the Holy Triumvirate of N.Z. music, if you ask me) used to boast similar artwork done by the band members themselves. The “band” here is actually one guy and he’s not even from New Zealand, originally. Ryan McPhun, a California native, has explored the globe and landed in N.Z. a few years back, assembled a cast of players and The Ruby Suns were born. The fruits of McPhun’s travels are the basis for the inspiration behind SEA LION. On “Oh Mojave” he sounds like an exalted jungle priest from the wilds of Africa summoning his people to par-teeee while “Tane Mahuta” is sung entirely in Maori (the native language of New Zealand) and bounces to a similar jungle/island beat. You know a record like this a great when there is a song on here called “Kenya Dig It” and it doesn’t suck (on the contrary, it’s one of the strongest on the record). This guy McPhun is putting the “Phun” back into music (ok, everyone reading just turned off their computer in disgust) and I am going to see the band this coming week here in Portland and I simply cannot wait. www.subpop.com

03.31.08
The Vandelles
S/T EP- (SAFRANIN SOUND)-These cats (two guys and two gals) look like they hail from Los Angeles but they call NYC home. The Vandelles are the product of two previous bands that busted up, The Mercenary Gang and Del Black Aloha (don’t feel bad, I hadn’t heard of them either). Only 5 tunes here but this well-dressed bunch does one of the best Jesus and Mary Chain/Raveonettes dirty surf sound I’ve heard in a while. The opener “Fever of the Beat’ sounds like one of the best nightmares I’ve heard in a long time while the prime psych out of “Swell to Heaven” ups the reverb to levels previously unheard and at this very moment is making the Reid Bros. break out their copies of PSYCHOCANDY and think about how they could have improved it. “Die for it Cowboy” is a song that would have been on the GREASE soundtrack if that film was based in the 1980’s and Danny and Sandy both got severely strung out. “Lovely Weather” (definitely not about Portland at the moment, I got hailed on yesterday) soaks up all the badness the band garnered in THE WILD ONE (Brando baby!) and spit out into a 3 minute pop tune. The record ends with “Dead Wave” which is slower, creepier and (thankfully) does not let up on the reverb one iota. Where is the full-length ‘cos as Iggy once said, I need more. www.safraninsound.com

03.24.08
Antietam
OPUS MIXTUM- (CARROT TOP)- Was just thinking about this band’s 2nd record, 1986’s MUSIC FROM ELBA (when I thought their name was pronounced An-tee-tam) and how much I dug it and how I wish it would get reissued on cd. I had no other choice but to bust out my vinyl copy, take all of the cds off the turntable lid and play it. Ya’ know what, it sounded great? Well, here we are 22 years later and the core of the band Tara Key and Tim Harris are still chugging along (with longtime, though not original drummer Josh madell) , this time with a double cd. This is their first release since VICTORY PARK, which was four years ago and it’s a double cd (apparently it was supposed to be two separate records but they decided to release it as a double). After a brief, quiet intro Tara’s incendiary guitar kicks in on “RPM” while “Turn it on Me” has a cool guitar hook while the rhythm section lays down a warm groove as does the equally catchy “Miss Me Bliss.” Disc two tosses out a bunch of lush, warm tune (mostly instrumentals) where Tara gets to show off her chops even more (the female J. Mascis? ) and while I must admit that 26 tunes is a lot to swallow for any meal, there’s hardly any throwaways here and for as sprawling as this disc is, that’s pretty damn impressive. www.carrottoprecords.com

03.24.08
Ben Forrest Davis
ROUGHS- (BIRD SONG)- This guy was the drummer in a band called Sugarcult, a band I had heard of but never listened to (from what I’ve heard, I don’t think I missed too much). Not sure what happened after Sugarcult bit the big one but Davis had a rough stretch in life and ended up being homeless, living in an abandoned mattress warehouse (and I guess if you’re going to be homeless there could be a lot worse places to call home than a mattress warehouse). Here Ben shows us his sensitive singer-songwriter side, “softy rock” you could call it and the guy has oodles of talent (plus he tosses in some dashes of country rock). He has a terrific voice and can place a well-meaning hook right where it needs to be. The opener, “Wide Open”, is the one tune on the record not written by Ben (written by his guitarist, Lance Austin…a fantastic song) but on “Everything Decays” we hear the secret David Gates buried deep within while “I Don’t Want to Know” has some gorgeous piano and “I Don’t Miss You” would make your girlfriend, your mom, and even your grandmom swoon with its beauty. Terrific find here from Birdsong Records prez, Ric Menck (he of a few amazing bands himself) and I, for one, hope Ben keeps going on the singer-songwriter path. www.parasol.com

03.24.08
Days
DOWNHILL- (SHELFLIFE)- This is the third installment in the latest Shelflife series in which label President and C.E.O. Ed Mazucco finds a terrific, obscure pop band (the other two were Warm Morning -001 and A Smile and a Ribbon-002) and includes in the package a slick 7” gatefold sleeve that comes with a 7” that has 2 songs and a cd that has 5. The artwork is always choice and the whole thing screams collector and since I am one (a collector, that is) I need to have them and so should you (hey Ed, let’s see some colored vinyl next time!). Anywho, Days are yet another band from the pop capitol of the world, Gothenburg, Sweden and met as youngsters and from I’ve heard this is their first record (though they’ve recorded “hundreds of songs on old cassettes” says vocalist Fabian). The sound, as you probably imagine, is heavily influenced by bands like The Smiths and a few bands on the Sarah or Sunday labels with brittle, streaming guitars, gentle vocals and a rhythm section who play off each perfectly. Should-be pop hits like “A Part of the World”, “Echo of Last Summer” and “Downhill” are near the top of any greatest hits that a Swede would make of bands from his country. That country has a lot of music to be proud of and I’m happy to say that on this first record, Days fit in among the greats. www.shelflife.com

03.24.08
Sambassadeur
MIGRATION- (LABRADOR)-Ya’ know, there’s not much I can tell you about Sambassadeur except that they fall in between cds by The Salteens and Samhain in my collection, they hail from Sweden and that this is the second terrific record I have heard by them (I also have their BETWEEN THE LINES ep). And honestly, this sophomore release is better than their good-but-not-great debut as they have tightened up their sound considerably and managed to find even more hooks for us to sink our teeth into. Also, the male/female vocals are mostly gone too as Anna Person sings all but one tune on here but I don’t mind as I love her pipes and it’s nice to hear the hits just keep on coming on MIGRATION. The first song, “The Park”, has this sparkly jump to it like it wipes away everything bad in the world while the alluring strings on “Subtle Changes’ nearly do the same and, well, add the third song, “That Town’ to the list too. A hat trick! Then they blow us all away with a cover of Dennis Wilson’s unreleased, obscure classic “Lady” (here called “Fallin in Love”). The record stays strong and even glides into some nice electro-pop on the second half and my only beef here is that I’d wish I’d heard the record last year (when it was released) because it would have been on my top 10 list! www.labrador.se

03.17.08
The Crowd
LETTER BOMB- (TKO)- The Crowd were always one of those bands that I had heard about for years but have never heard until much later. Well, never heard much of I should say, I have had the BEACH BOULEVARD comp for a long time. I used to always get them mixed up with The Last, too. They hail from Orange County, California but somehow did not make it into the same stratosphere as bands like The Adolescents and Agent Orange. The good folks at TKO Records have taken it upon themselves to do us all a favor and reissue LETTER BOMB (originally released on Flipside Records in 1996) which was a comeback lp , of sorts. The opener, “Run for the Money” is melodic and has a cool, slap-happy beat to it while the guitars on “Politics” are a bit grittier and give the band a real UK punk sound. The title track hits like a ’57 Chevy at full-speed while “Time’s Up” sound like prime Saints from 1977 (like something off the I’M STRANDED record). This reissue includes the original 14 songs plus 4 songs from the DIG YOURSELF ep (which includes a fine cover of The Buzzcocks’ “Love You More”). Thanks TKO for bringin’ The OC back. www.tkorecords.com

03.17.08
Eux Autres
COLD CITY- (HHBTM)- The photo on the inside of the cd cover looks like they're a couple you might see in an ad in a fashion magazine but this is no couple. Eux Autres is the Portland brother/sister duo of Nick and Heather Larimer who I thought might have broken up. Not only are they still together but have put out a terrific 2nd record. They originally hailed from Omaha, Nebraska (if I’m not mistaken) but have called Portland home for several years now and on COLD CITY, with the help of producer/engineer Jeff Saltzman, the sound has tightened up quite a bit and the melodies (and songwriting) have gotten stronger. The two offer up a fine blend of garage rock, twee pop, a dash o’ new wave and a hint of whatever would count as French pop. “The Deadball Era” is a perfect opener, getting the engine revved up for what’s to come next: “Molly” has some tasty backing vocals, “When I’m Up” would fit on any classic indie pop mix tape, “The Town that Never Was” adds some guitar grit to the proceedings and the Nick-sung “The City All to Himself’ is probably the best song the band has written yet. Kudos to Happy Happy Birthday to Me Records for having the smarts to release this. www.hhbtm.com

03.17.08
The Squires Of The Subterrain
FEEL THE SUN- (ROCKET RACKET)- Really glad to see that upstate New Yawker, Chris Z. (aka The Squire) is still making music. The first I’d heard him was his terrific debut, POP IN A CD (1998) , that sounded like Brian Wilson recording in his bedroom and not much has changed. The Squire definitely loves his 60’s pop music idols (Wilson, The Beatles, Kinks, Zombies, etc.). The opening title track sounds like it could have been a SMILE outtake while the baroque pop of “Alexander Mannequin” bounces along like a lost early 70’s classic and “Concerning Helen White” is GBV at its most polished and melodic. “Red of Roses’ and “Her Story” are two terrific ballads which show The Squire isn’t afraid to show his more tender side (the latter being very Beach Boys influenced). If you are a newcomer to this guys music and you like what you’ve read so far then by all means go to his site and dig in fork first. The guy is an untapped talent just waiting to be discovered by masses somewhere. I’m surprised it hasn’t happened yet. www.squiresofthesubterrain.com

03.17.08
Underwater Tea Party
SUBURBAN METRONOME- (ZIP)-Every time I turn around it seems like there’s some new band from Spain coming onto the scene. The tweely (?) named, Underwater Tea Party is yet another one of those bands. Yes, the name conjures up images of Sarah Records and bands like The Field Mice and Tallulah Gosh but they are actually a bit more rockin’ than their name would imply (but they’re not AC/DC by any stretch). This bunch play a strummy, breezy brand of pop that is difficult not to like (unless you’re an Avenge Sevenfold fan). The opening cut, “Cityscapes and UFO’s”, is a call to arms as the first line of the songs demands “Gentlemen, Draw your lines and take control” while “Ampelmann” reminded me a bit of the best Velocity Girl (or Ivy) tune with a bit less guitar fuzz and a hint of Stereolab too. “The Last Good bye” takes things on a bit of a downturn but the next song, the instrumental “Wildtracks Build Bricks” (one of my favorites on the record) is one of my most uplifting instrumentals I have ever heard. And as good as SUBURBAN METRONOME is, I hear more untapped potential and an even better record in them. Now that’s something to look forward to. www.ziprecords.com

03.10.08
Clockcleaner
BABYLON RULES- (LOAD)- Known as “Philly’s most hated band”, a badge of honor that these three wear proudly (slugging it out with Pissed Jeans), John, Karen and Richard are Clockcleaner. And not since the heyday of Am Rep Records, specifically the reverse toilet swirl of the God Bullies (as well as the futuristic hell-on-earth vision of Chrome), do I remember ugliness being so damn beautiful. I guess you could call what they are playing minor chords as the dirges and mangled guitars sound make Kilslug sound like The Partridge Family (ok, so I’m exaggerating there but you get the picture). Songs that make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside include the truly wacked “Vomiting Mirrors”, the dirgy “When My Ship Comes In” and the gnarled synth chatter of “Human Pigeon” If unemployment sounds like a better option than whatever crappy job you’re currently working, then bring this in at the next board (bored) meeting. www.loadrecords.com

03.10.08
The Ginger Envelope
EDIBLE ORCHIDS- (ONE PERCENT PRESS)- …and out of nowhere comes Athens, GA’s the Ginger Envelope. Patrick Carey and Matt Stoessel were tired of their band going nowhere in Lafayette, LA so they picked up stakes and headed east to the indie ‘burb of Athens. Along the way they picked up members of Dark Meat, Venice is Sinking and South San Gabriel and out comes this confident, jangly sound that endeared itself to me on the first listen. The melodies seem completely effortless and Patrick Carey’s vocals are smooth as a baby’s bottom. The fluid opener, “Caretaker”, reminded me of Sea and Cake and their songwriting ease while “Lady Barber” brought to mind the country wail of Okkervil River and that pedal steel on “Dirty Penny” would make your crotchety grandfather and your bitter uncle both bawl tears for joy. Let’s hope this isn’t some pushed-to-the-side side project as if they take it seriously, this bunch could have a long and storied career. Yes, I did just use the word storied. www.onepercentpress.com

03.10.08
Goodnight Loving
CROOKED LAKE- (DUSTY MEDICAL)- Apparently their debut, CEMETERY TRAILS, had quite a Feelies vibe to it and since I loved that N.J. band I’ve gotta find it. Don’t hear much of a Feelies groove on here but that’s not to say it’s not a good record. On the contrary, CROOKED LAKE shines with a nice mix of raucous garage rock and sped up country rock. Like if Camper Van Beethoven was a bit more reckless, but most of the tunes are straight up terrific. The opener, “Another Foggy Yesterday” is the one that they probably open up their sets with, the one that gets the crowd revved up from the get-go. “Train Hopping Man” is a bit more, tweaked, the guitars are bent and the rubber room escapee vocals give it an extra special twist and the drunken sing along, “My Important Heart”, is probably the set closer, when all the drinks have been drank and the crowd is good and blotto. That’s just the first three songs and there’s ten more to go. So go ahead, be the first on your block to discover the music of Goodnight Loving (oh, and don’t get the record title mixed up with the band name as CROOKED LAKE is written above Goodnight Loving). www.dustymedical.com

03.10.08
Julie Ocean
LONG GONE AND NEARLY THERE- (TRANSIT OF VENUS)-It’s pretty much a given that any band that Terry Banks is in, I’m bound to like it. He knocked the socks off the indie crowd with his first band Tree Fort Angst, then did some fine work in St. Christopher and Glo-Worm, and more recently, The Saturday People (with Archie from Velocity Girl). In Julie Ocean he has another V.G. alum in their drummer Jim Spellman (he plays guitar in Julie Ocean) while the rhythm section of drummer Alex Daniels and Hunter Bennett have done time in Swiz and Weatherhead respectively. Now that introductions are out of the way I’m happy to announce that Julie Ocean kicks ass! Mixing up a tasty stew of 60’s garage, indie rock and bubblegum the songs hit you like an Ali one-two punch with the wiry opener “Ten Lonely Words” leading the pack right into the should-be-a-hit “#1 Song” (no pun intended) which then segues into the bashing “My Revenge. “Here Comes Danny” should be a top 10 hit and the final 1:40 of the closer, “Looking at Me/Looking at You”, couldnlt have ended this set more perfectly, all sweaty and panting. I have to say that this is my favorite record that any of these folks have been involved in (and that’s saying a lot as I previously mentioned how big a fan I am of their prior bands) and best of all, the 10 songs blur by in less than half an hour (for those of us with kids and short attentions spans!). Julie Ocean has given me my perfect amount of sugar intake today. www.transitofvenusmusic.com

03.03.08
The Cynics
HERE WE ARE- (GET HIP)- Grinding in the garage for 2 decades it’s a pleasure to say that at this stage in the game The Cynics are still making strong, relevant records. Have they mellowed a bit with age? Sure they have, heck so have I (I’ll be 44 next month, thank you very much). Based in Pittsburgh (home to my beloved Pirates…who I wish would have a winning season !), the songwriting team of guitarist Gregg Kostelich and vocalist Michael Kastelic go for a more Byrds-influenced batch of tunes on HERE WE ARE . The opening title track is pure McGuinn and Co. while “Coming Round My Way” a real meatgrinder . More six-string jangle comes courtesy of “The Warning” and “Me Wanting Her” (especially the latter which sounds straight out of 1966) and the eerie “She Fell” tells of a story of a gal who “didn’t jump, she wasn’t pushed to her death…she fell.” The Cynics have made one of their strongest records in years and, along with bands like The Chesterfield Kings and anything Jeff “Monoman” Connelly has been in, are still near the top of the garage heap and still daring all comers to try and knock them off. www.gethip.com

03.03.08
Monster Bobby
GAP- (HYPNOTE)- I was expecting some monster mash-up doing Bobby Boris Pickett covers but was pleased as punch to find out that Monster Bobby is one Robert Barry. On this record it’s all him playing basically everything but live he and his co-horts are the backing band for The Pipettes (and apparently he is the brainchild behind that all-female band as well). This is a lot more low-key, charming and easily likeable (and I love The Pipettes, just in case you were wondering). Armed with some cheap synths, a beat-up Silvertone guitar, samplers, glockenspiel, uke, accordian an plenty more stuff laying around, Barry find inspiration in love, both lost and found, and tunes like the infectious “The Closest Experience to that of being with you is the Experience of Taking Drugs” (song title of the year ?) , the burbly synth-pop tune “The Postcard” and the bouncy, acoustic “3 Days 14 Hours.” For a record that I thought was going to be mostly gimmicky there’s a lot of heart found on GAPS. www.hypnote.com

03.03.08
Vampire Weekend
S/T- (XL)- Ok, when I first heard the line from a pal , “4 Columbia students have made this incredibly hyped record that’s influenced by African music” I’m thinking suck city. Anything with that much hype has gotta suck, right ? Wrong. I wanted to hate it but…………. …simply…..couldn’t. They call it “Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa” ( the name of one of their songs) and I have also heard the styles of soweto and soukous bandied about in reviews (ok, I need to check out Wikipedia and see what those are all about). The record is an interesting mash-up of early Talking Heads, The Police, Paul Simon and a slight dash of The Strokes and Violent Femmes. From the dubby, sizzling opener “Mansard Roof” to the groove-oriented “Oxford Comma” with the classic opening line, “Who gives a fuck about an Oxford Comma?” (that had my 50-plus year old pal burst out laughing while I played it in the car earlier today) to the wiry, Wire-esque “A Punk” to the almost baroque “M79” and on and on and on . The record is really tough not to like. This may be African music played by preppy white kids with trust funds but they’ve done it right. If you’re anything like me you won’t be able to stop listening. www.xlrecordings.com

03.03.08
V/A
SONGS FROM THE BIGTOP- (SELF RELEASED)-Not a whole lot of information on this compilation but I’m assuming it’s a film soundtrack? On the front of the cd all it says is “Songs from The Bigtop” ( then below that “a film by Devon Reed”). What drew me to the cd though it the impressive list of bands included on here (and I believe all of the songs here were written by Devon Reed). Lisa Germano starts things off with the other-worldly “Magic” then The Clientele do their usual dream-pop goodness on “Your Song” and the previously unknown Michael Leviton does the twee pop thing complete with a xylophone. Elsewhere, Tullycraft does the more pensive “The Girl Who’s Above Us”, The Owls offer up the folky “I Just Can’t Keep Up” and The Sprites “Patience” burbles with a slower electronic energy. Other bands/musicians on here include Matthew Sweet, Marbles, Eleventh Dream Day, Damien Jurado and a few others. Definitely one of the better soundtracks I’ve heard in quite some time and it’s always a plus when some of the lesser-known, lower-key bands on the indie pop circuit appear. www.devonreed.com

02.25.08
Big Dipper
SUPERCLUSTER: THE BIG DIPPER ANTHOLOGY- (MERGE)- It’s always good to see some of my old favorite bands from the 1980’s, some of whom I thought were forgotten forever, being reissued. Merge has done one helluva job here on reissuing the Big Dipper records into a nifty 3-cd set that includes their one EP, 2 LP’s (that were all on the Homestead label) along with bonus track and a extra 15 songs, VERY LOUD ARRAY, that were recorded later with a slightly different lineup. Speaking of the lineup, it might seem a bit goofy to say it now, but the word “supergroup” was uttered more than a few times when they got together (kinda like when Asia started or the Travelling Wilburys). Vocalist/guitarist Bill Goffrier was in The Embarrassment ( the pride and joy of Wichita, KS) , guitarist Gary Waleik and bassist Steve Michener did time in the Volcano Sun (Michener was also in Dumptruck) and drummer Jeff Oliphant came from a band called XS. Together the four of them created some of the best off-kilter pop music that the city of Boston, a mecca of great bands back then, had heard in quite some time. The rhythm section could be subtle or riveting (depending on their mood) but that guitar interplay between Goffrier and Waleik had plenty of amazing moments, as if they had been playing together 30 plus years. If you were around then put on some favorites like “Faith Healer”, “She’s Fetching”, “Man o’ War”, “Stardom Because” and plenty of others. Even with only half of the original lineup on the final 15 songs (VERY LOUD ARRAY) the songs still sound strong. Hopefully this is just the beginning of the 80’s Boston reissues (Salem 66, Volcano Suns, Kilslug, etc.) www.mergerecords.com

02.25.08
The Crash That Took Me
ORCHESTRATED KALEIDOSCOPES- (IDOL)- And another winner for Idol Records here ! This Dallas band, which features members of some of Idol bands including DARYL and Black Tie Dynasty, amp up on the psychedelia and while thee cover art might suggest some bad hippy music this couldn’t be further from that. Taking cues from Creation Records (late 80’s/early 90’s) and bands like Ride and My Bloody Valentine, the band easily crank up swirls of heaving guitar waves with a rock solid rhythm section and added synths, organs, and even the occasional strings too into one heaping tablespoon (no teaspoons here) for Grade A prime shoe-gazey psych rock. The vocal interplay between leader Dylan Silvers and bassist Fatima Thomas sounds like every great dream you’ve ever had and cuts like the opening “Faster than the Light”, the phased-out “Maple Lilys” or the almost radio-ready “Julianne’ all rove they have got their chops down, the songs are there, they should have mountains of good press but I don’t see that much. Come on, what is with you critics (and fans) , you have an honest-to-goodness talented guitar band here! Perk them ears up! www.idolrecords.com

02.25.08
Grand Archives
THE GRAND ARCHIVES-(SUB POP)- After Mat Brooke left Band of Horses he wasn’t sure what he should do. He had a lot of ideas: Try out for left field for the Mariners? Attempt to scale the Space Needle? Join the reformed version of The Accused? Open a restaurant/bar? He did that but was still itching to play music. While staring at a bunch of his spread-out albums on the floor of his house, bands that only began with the letter B (Bread, Byrds, Beach Boys, Badfinger, etc.) he began writing a batch of songs that, while still keeping the melody of B.O.H. tunes, adds more “pop!” to the proceedings. “Torn Blue Foam Couch” slowly unfolds into the most comfortable piece of furniture you own and “Miniature Birds’ add some of the best whistling I’ve heard since the last Lucksmiths song and :”Index Moon” opens with the most beautiful guitar chords I’ve heard since B.O.H.’s “The First Song” and “Index Moon” comes pretty damn close too. The rest of the record continues on with Brooke’s high-standard of songwriting. I’m not sure why Brooke left Band of Horses but at this point I don’t even care as I feel like I’ve gotten 2 for the price of one (like when Uncle Tupelo broke up and Son Volt and Wilco came out of it). I’m getting a deal here. www.subpop.com

02.25.08
Sparky's Magic Piano
FEEL THE BEAT AND DO IT ANYWAY- (MELODY FACTORY)-Who is Sparky’s Magic Piano, you ask/ Why it’s the duo of Pob and Marion, a guy n’ gal from London who sound like they were having a blast when they recorded their debut record here. The record starts off as bouncy and occasionally silly synth pop that sounds genuine and does not sound like they’re being cutesy for cutesy sake. Tunes like “Like Falling in Lo*e” and “Coffee Song” could eek a smile put of the world’s biggest grump as Marion’s high-pitched vocals and that rollicking synth do wonders for your psyche. The record changes gears about midway through as Pob breaks out his acoustic guitar and goes for a more melancholy sound on some of the songs. On “Sparky” he breaks your heart over Sparky while Marion picks up the mic on “You Like Her”,“You Are the Star” and “Home Improvement.” They don’t completely forget about the bounce as 2 songs tucked at the end, “Saccharine Pop” and “Forget it All” both exude the shake n’ shimmer of the first four tunes with a bit of melancholia tossed in for good measure. From both the front door and the side door Sparky’s Magic Piano have brightened my day today and I can’t say that about a lot of records I’ve listened to today (a lot). www.melodyfactory.com

02.18.08
British Sea Power
DO YOU LIKE ROCK MUSIC?- (ROUGH TRADE)- Wow, I’d heard that BSP had locked themselves away in a studio far, far away to record their 3rd record (ok, it was actually Montreal) and that it was gonna be an epic but I had no idea an EPIC! The new record, DO YOU LIKE ROCK MUSIC? is the band’s boldest, strongest statement yet. When they arrived on the scene in 2003 with their debut I was curious; the band name, the band members fake names, the trees they brought on stage on the first U.S. tour. I mean, I was thinking, who are these guys? The murky opener, “All In It” sucks you into the B.S.P. vortex then bam, it hits. The guitars on “Lights Out for the Darker Skies” swoon n’ sway but drill the point home as only the best rock music can do. On “No Lucifer” the band starts chanting “Easy! Easy! Easy!” while the guitars swirl into an epic that would make the Arcade Fire proud (some folks think B.S.P. “stole” Arcade Fire’s sound but truth be told the Arcades opened up some of their early gigs for the headlining B.S.P.). “Waving Flags” is the gleaming, shining moment in a record full of them and on “Canvey Island” you’ll even learn a little history of the 1953 North Sea flood. There’s plenty more high points on here and while it’s only February this is already on my short list for one of the best records of 2008. www.worlds-fair.net

02.18.08
Angie Heaton & The Gentle Tamers
THE RUMOR MILL- (SPUR/PARASOL)- You may not know her by name but Angie Heaton has spent time in outfits such as Corndolly and Liquorette but on THE RUMOR MILL she decided to break out of her indie rock background and write a batch of songs with a bit more twang to them. Joined by a country band called The Gentle Tamers (which includes longtime Nashville session player, Bob Watson) this includes 9 originals and an interesting cover of one of my favorite Trembling Blue Stars songs, “Sometimes I Still Feel the Bruise” (I like Angie’s cover version more than The Mountain Goats one). The title track starts things off with its shuffling beat and nimble guitar playing while “Hide and Seek” adds more beauty (especially in Heaton’s vocals) and melody to the proceedings. Angie gets another chance to show off her pipes on “Lucky in Love” which would appeal to fans of Neko Case (as would a few others), on “Train” you really get to hear Watson’s guitar playing skills at work as he adds some quick, Tex-Mex leads and “Heaven’s State Line’ is the perfect cry-in-your-beer tune where after you’re finished crying you grab the drunkest lass at the bar and do a hillbilly two-step across the dance floor. THE RUMOR MILL is a terrific record and Heaton and her band seem to make this all look so easy. www.parasol.com

02.18.08
Jeremy
YESTERDAY, TODAY AND FOREVER-(JAM)- At this point I’m not sure how many records this makes for Jeremy Morris. Out of his home in Portage, MI and on his own imprint, Jam Recordings, he has consistently released terrific music from bands like The Lolas, Glowfriends, Raquel’s Boys, Florapop and many more including, obviously, his own music. YESTERDAY, TODAY AND FOREVER is his homage to his all-time favorite band, The Beatles. And while he does have some help on here from some friends (including his own daughter , April) he plays most of the instruments which shows just how supremely talented of an individual he is. On the 17 cuts here (one being an original) he tackles Fab Four favorites like “Nowhere Man”, “It Don’t Come easy”, “Norwegian Wood”, “Strawberry Fields Forever’ as well as lesser known Beatles tracks (to me, anyway) like “Blackbird”, “I Will” and “It’s All Too Much.” I’m trying to figure out, just by listening, as to who his favorite Beatle is: Lennon or Harrison. I think it might be neck and neck and just for the sake of curiousity I’m going to email Jeremy to find out. Whenever time are tough and things have gotten you down you could do a lot worse than out on some of Jeremy’s music to be uplifted. Even though it’s a cover record this is as pleasing as any Jeremy record out there and as a bonus check out the cool cover artwork by Dennis Preston. www.jamrecordings.com

02.18.08
John Wicks And The Records
ROTATE: AN ANTHOLOGY- (KOOL KAT MUSIK)-Forever etched into the minds of power pop fan worldwide is the classic tune, “Starry Eyes” by The Records. Here we have records leader John Wicks with a nice little collection of tunes written 1990-2004
(and includes a terrific, spare cover of The Beatles’ “We Can Work it Out”). Four of these tunes appeared on their 1998 album, ROCK’OLA while the other eight are new (or at least newly recorded). Wicks has perfected the art of the 3-4 minutes, jangly, mid-tempo pop tune and the opening “Oh Yeah!” is certainly one of his most memorable tunes with hooks galore while “Different Shades of green” add a bit more bite to Wick’s normally reserved bark. Both “That Girl is Emily” and the title track are in that Wicks pop mold that many of his fans (imitators) have tried but failed at replicating. Other righteous tunes including the driving “Edges of a Dream”, the autobiographical “The Lost Years’ and the country-inflected “Come on Round.” Glad to see that in 2007 with Wicks probably approaching 50 years old he can release a record and have it not be a lame rehash or days gone by but be filled with more of the classic, hook-driven pop music he has been doing for 30 years. Yeah! www.koolkatmusik.com

02.11.08
Colin Clary
APOCALYPSE YOW!- (ASAURUS)- Asaurus Records is a nifty little label that used to be based in the northeast but now is based in Athens, GA. While you may not have heard of them they have released some fine records over the last several years, including records by, to name just a few: Pants Yell!, Winter Vacation, Capstan Shafts, Red Pony Clock and , of course, Colin Clary. Both solo and with his band, The Smittens, Vermont native Colin Clary has been making some of the best pop music the past few years. Armed in a cool, green, origami-ish handmade sleeve, Colin busts out his acoustic guitar on most of these 17 songs and despite the title, this isn’t a doom n’ gloom end-of-the-world record. Nope, Clary sings the language of love. On “Unattainable” I’m guessing he’s singing of a girl he wants but can’t have while “Backseat Man” might be the same sentiment (“She’s my A plus number one ticket taker”). “You Don’t Have to Prove” is a slightly dramatic acoustic tune while “Gold Medal” he uses that same acoustic guitar but the song rings a bit happier (even if the lyrics say otherwise). APOCALYPSE YOW! is one of Colin’s finest batches of songs yet and if you’re looking for a record to curl up with on that lonely Saturday night then this might be it. Just don’t forget the hot chocolate. www.asaurus.org

02.11.08
The Everybodyfields
NOTHING IS OKAY- (RAMSEUR)- Out of nowhere (well, in my household anyway) come this Tennessee duo of Jill Andrews and Sam Quinn (each on vocals, bass and guitar though they do get help on lap steel, fiddle, keyboards, drums ,etc.) and this is an awesome, cry-in-your-beer batch of songs that covers itself in loneliness and despair as good as any record I’ve heard in recent memory. Apparently they used to be a couple but broke up right after their debut record. I never heard that debut but if it’s half as good as this sophomore effort then I need to get it immediately. The opening “Aeroplane” perfectly set the tone of the record with lyrics like “Falling like an aeroplane, life has the sweetest refrain” against a backdrop of sawing fiddles and whiskey-soaked reverb. The haunting “Lonely Anywhere” and “Leaving Today” are both apologetic laments with love-torn lyrics and Jill’s gorgeous voice (a bit like Iris Dement, but not that high or childlike). “Savior” is a piano balled in the Whiskeytown mold while the title track extracts more crying fiddle and gives Jill’s voice a chance to soar (with Sam’s coming in as well) with its quiet/loud dynamic. If you never thought that heartbreak could feel any good well,, The Everybodyfields are here to prove you (and everyone else) wrong. www.ramseurrecords.net

02.11.08
The Hepburns
SOMETHING WORTH STEALING-(RADIO KHARTOUM)- Speaking of fine record labels (see Colin Clary review above) Radio Khartoum, run by all around good guy Alexander Bailey, has always released some of the best , obscure sophisticated pop out there and with The Hepburns they have yet another. A Welsh band originally on the Cherry Red label (their first record was 1987). I still have R.K.’s 3” cd, CHAMPAGNE RECEPTION, that was released in 2000 and really enjoyed that so I guess the band never really broke up but just took a long break in the 90’s. Leader Matt Jones was obviously influenced by Mssrs. Morrissey and Marr but there’s a lot more going on to these songs than just a Smiths influence. I hear some suave Burt Bacharach-ness as well as some Mike Alway/el’ Records whimsy. Nice variation here too as “Fire Red Car” is a lovely, classic pop tune (same with “Devil up a Drainpipe”) while “During British Winters” is a quirky spoken word piece with simple keyboards and “New Skin” is a spare, emotive acoustic song (sung from the point of view of a movie goer who imagines himself as soldier). Fans of Siesta Records, Belle and Sebastian or Aztec Camera take note, The Hepburns deserve plenty of accolades and SOMETHING WORTH STEALING might just get them some (awesome digipak sleeve with thick booklet too!) . www.radiokhartoum.com

02.11.08
The Pains Of Being Pure At Heart
S/T EP- (PAINBOW)-Ok, so the name is a mouthful, but this NYC trio (at least they were a trio when this was recorded) of Kip, Alex and Peggy have their heads and (pure) hearts in the right place and are bringing back a genre of music that I want to hear more of. Slipping nicely right in between where the Sarah Records stable of bands (ie: Field Mice, Brighter, etc.) nailed that guitar fuzz that the C-86 bands (or My Bloody Valentine) did so well into one memorable sonic stew. Armed with a trusty drum machine, that first song, the awesomely titled “This Love is Fucking Right !” could be an homage to their beloved Field Mice with searing, melodic guitar wrestling with said drum machine. Song number two, “Orchard of my Eye” could be described the same way. The next cut, “Doing all of the Thing that Wouldn’t Make Your Parent Proud” (ha ha ha!) they slow things down , if just a bit, and crank up the distortion to the point where it sounds like an jet taking off (my favorite kind) and “Hey Paul” is , dare I say it, danceworthy! The final song, a namesake called “The Pains of Being Pure at Heart”, goes straight for the jugular and is a sonic assault on the senses. A terrific record and at only five song, what can I say, I’m dying to hear more. www.thepainsofbeingpureatheart.com

02.04.08
Barton Carroll
THE LOST ONE- (SKYBUCKET)- I really enjoyed Carroll’s 2006 effort, LOVE AND WAR, that Skybucket released in 2006. Not much following the career of Eric Bachman (or Crooked Fingers) I had never heard of him before (apparently Carroll has played with Bachman both solo and band on his gigs and records). This record is definitely more stark and downbeat than LOVE AND WAR as the first track sets the tone for the whole record “Pretty Girls Going to Ruin My Life (Again)” while “Superman” starts off with the line, “Don’t tell me that, you’ve had enough, it make me so sad” while employing a folk rock background. On “Those Days are Gone and My Heart is Breaking” Carroll tells the story of a drifter or a loner or a traveler or a loser or someone who is all of the above and trying to find himself. “Brace Yourself” is one of the more upbeat tunes on the record and has a pleasant shuffle to it as is the classic, “Brooklyn Girl, You’re Going to be my Bride.” The rest of the record (12 songs in all), is more of Carroll’s folky, occasionally near-bluegrass sound , his breaking heart and a truly talented bunch of players around him. For music fans looking for a quick happy fix then this is not for you but for those who want to dig bit deeper and find a record that will speak to their soul then THE LOST ONE is a must have. www.skybucket.com

02.04.08
The Innocence Mission
WE WALKED IN SONG- (BADMAN)- This one came out quite a while ago but somehow got lost in the shuffle which is a bummer as this is a terrific record. Hard to believe that this Pennsylvania bunch have been at it for over two decades but it is true. It seems like I have seen them go from sorta basic college rock (like Dumptruck used to be known as college rock) to the elder statesmen of a quiet, folk scene that doesn’t even have a name yet. This could be considered like a BEFRIENDED part deux but I think this is even more spare than that gorgeous record. What we hear are more of those simple, lovely folk tunes that go straight for the heart. Karen Peris’ voice is something that I could listen to at any time of the day and her husband Don’s simple guitar chords ring in my mind for days and days. The opener “Brotherhood of Man” sets the tone perfectly with its melancholy style as does song number two, “Happy Birthday.” Later on, “Lake Shore Drive” starts out with some whispering arpeggios the melts into melody and “Song for Tom” sounds like a lament for an ailing friend. I’m really glad to see Badman Records giving this band a second lease on life two decades later as this group is way too good to not be releasing records (though if it wasn’t Badman I’m sure it would be another label, I’m just glad it’s Badman, a perfect home for them). www.badmanrecordingco.com

02.04.08
The Moonbabies
AT THE BALLROOM-(HIDDEN AGENDA/PARASOL)- Another oldie but goodie that almost got lost in the shuffle (see Innocence Mission review above). Everyone’s favorite Swedish duo are back with a new record and plenty of fantastic songs. I’ve enjoyed this band since their debut several years ago, AT THE BALLROOM is their fourth full-length (and first since the WAR ON SOUND mini album where they covered both Pink Floyd and Midnight Oil). The band is comprised of multi-instrumentalists Ola Frick and Carina Johansson and they have a knack for some of the creamiest melodies I’ve ever heard (sorry, I always promised myself that I would never use the word “creamiest” in a record review but hey, it fits here). “War on Sound” swirls and zooms to that perfect place you never want to leave, “Take Me to the Ballroom” has some of Carina’s sweetest vocals and “Weekend A- Go-Go” is a driving tune and the closest thing to “rock music” on here. The thing about these two is that they can from twee pop to folk to electronic to shoegaze and back again, and sometimes all in the same song but no matter what genre they are hopping from or to they never forget the important of song and melody. Lend them an ear, they’ve earned it. www.parasol.com

02.04.08
St. Christopher
LOST AT SEA: THE SARAH RECORDINGS- (PLASTILINA)-Finally, York, England’s St. Christopher have found a label to release their old(er) classic, Sarah records material. I think Brian Kirk at Bus Stop records had been planning on doing this for quite some time but I’m not sure what happened. A Peruvian label, Plastilina Records, stepped up to the plate and delivered the good in supreme fashion. St. Christopher is basically the work of Glenn Melia and whatever friends he happens to be working with at the time (The Saturday People’s Terry Banks was member for a short while in the 90’s) and if you like jangly, melodic, lush, and yes, occasionally twee (Glenn is going to kill me for saying that) then LOST AT SEA is essential listening. It chronologically lists their records for the now defunct Sarah label including their first 7” (“You Deserve More Than a Maybe”) onto their beloved (the fan favorite) and classic 2nd single, “All of a Tremble.” Two more singles followed (“Antoinette’ and “Say Yes to Everything”) and finally, their last record for Sarah before hopping over to the Vinyl Japan label (which more than a few Sarah acts did) was the BACHARACH 10”. Melia is a hopeless romantic forever on the path to find that perfect lyric, that perfect melody, that perfect combination of them both. I truly hope this record gets into the hands of plenty of people who love pop music as this band has been horribly underrated for years and deserve to be heard. In my opinion Glenn Melia is far too talented a songwriter to be stuck as a footnote in a twee scene. www.plastilinarecords.com

01.28.08
Fancey
SCHMANCEY- (WHAT ARE RECORDS?)- I read a review of Fancey’s first record and it said something to the effect of it being a part homage/part send up to 70’s am radio pop and I sure hope it’s not a send up…I mean, for every record by Naked Raygun, Govt. Issue and Black Flag in my collection there’s an equal number of ones by the Bee Gees, Bread and The Free Design (ok, maybe not equal but you get my drift). Regardless of whether Fancey’s tongue is firmly planted in cheek or not he does this style of music so damn well. With is army of players (including his New Porno’s bandmate, Kurt Dahle) that includes strings, horns and synths he and his pop-lovin pals have made a wonderful record complete with intoxicating melodies, heavenly backing vocals (including one reviewer whop opined that he swore he heard the Gibb Bros. backing vocals on s a few tunes) and best of all, superb songwriting. The opener “Witches Night” needs to be played in your car with the top down (and if you don’t have convertible then go out and buy one) while “Gulf Breeze’ is as comforting as its name and “Bitter Life” needs the NY Philharmonic Orchestra for a proper treatment. New Pornos fans take note here and all others too, get in on this best kept secret in indie pop music. www.whatarerecords.com

01.28.08
Fred Astereo
DON'T BREAK MY HEART- (LOST AND LONESOME RECORDING CO.)- Wonderful, wobbly, off-kilter pop from this Aussie duo (mostly the work of Stanley Paultzen…a rock name if ever there was one ). The record is a nice mix of Jens Lekman-ish smooth croon and the coffee shop charm of a band like Ed’s Redeeming Qualities (remember them ?). From the opening title track and on to the doo wop suaveness of “The Loneliest Guy” to the mandolin-drenched (or is that a uke ?) of “Chuck it Out” to the indie pop jangle of “Turn Me On” and and and and …I could keep going but I will stop there for now. That was just the first 4 tunes and there’s 10 here altogether. I can’t see anyone not liking this and if anyone out there does not like it, well, they can go back and continue listening to their UK Subs records (hey, the Subs aren’t bad ,but they’ve been doing their punk rock thang since like 1947). Fred Astereo ain’t that old (thank god). www.lostandlonesome.com.au

01.28.08
Tullycraft
EVERY SCENE NEEDS A CENTER-(MAGIC MARKER)- Tullycraft are a band that I never much liked early on but with each record I like them more and more. On EVERY SCENE NEEDS A CENTER they seem to pick the small pieces that I enjoyed on previous records and mix them up into one fantastic indie pop stew. The record opens with the classic “The Punks are Writing Love Songs” which one of the catchiest (and best) songs that the band has ever written. Same thing for song #2, “Fangs on Bats” is one of the bounciest songs I heard all of last year and put a smile on my face every time I heard it. On “Bored to Hear Your Heart Still Breaks” he sounds like John Darnielle of the Mountain Goats if John had been influenced more by the Television Personalities than Bob Dylan (and takes a few swipes at some indie pop sacred cows like Red Sleeping Beauty and Blueboy). Elsewhere there is the unusual (for them ) 7 plus minute “Dracula Screams of Tiger Style” which mixes every Tullycraft style into one tune including what sounds to me like “indie ska.” Then they go ahead and tuck one of the record’s best songs near the very end, “The Secret History of Devil’s Paw” which slows the pace down a bit but has some charming backing vocals of the bah-bah-bah-uh-ah (like a lot of the songs on the record have). I do believe that this has toppled BEAT SURF FUN as my favorite Tullycraft record. Go green and buy Tullycraft! www.magicmarkerrecords.com

01.28.08
Various Artists
ABOUT A GIRL- (FDR)-A great idea and executed closely to perfection, FDR head honcho Mick Chorba (who also leads band The Successful Failures and The Dipsomaniacs) got 21 of his favorite bands 2 record cover songs about girls and the results are terrific. It starts off with Maybe Pete doing a great, rockin’ version of Dylan’s “Queen Jane Approximately” while late Night Television tackles The Looking Glass classic “Brandy (you’re fine girl)” then The Commons do a righteous version of the Elvis Costello staple “Alison.” That is just the first three songs, my friends and it continues to get better and better. Later on The Swivel Chairs put their magical touch on the Simon & Garfunkel tune, “April She Will Come” while The Dipsomaniacs do a rousing rendition of Material Issue’s “Something Happened to Catherine” , The Rigbees offer up Springsteen’s “Rosalita” and Somerdale do the often covered Left Banke classic, “Walk Away Renee” that adds a bit of bite to the original. There are other versions of tunes by Speedway (“Wendy”), Blank Pages (“Elenore”), The Successful Failures (“O Dana”) and plenty more. Also, part of the sales proceeds go to PA Breast cancer Coalition. A great comp for a great cause so go ahead and buy 3, one for you, mom and that younger breathe or sister you’ve been trying to get into some good music. www.fdrlabel.com

01.21.08
The 1900s
COLD & KIND- (PARASOL)- The Parasol label has always been fine purveyors of some of the best pop this country has to offer. That they have done is so low-key-ly does not reflect on the talent of their stable of bands. This 7-piece, which includes 3 vocalist, goes back and forth between 60’s sunshine pop (think The Cowsills of Free Design with a bit more edge) to something a bit moodier and darker. “NO Delay” opens things up in 70’s singer/songwriter territory with lush piano and emotive vocals while “When I say Go” is more of the same but with more of a Brill Building slant and female vocals. The title track is sunshiney in all the right places while “City Water” adds a bit of Poco shuffling acoustic countryness to the record and they put my favorite song near the end, the melody-soaked, groovy “Two Ways.” I think it’s safe to say that this bunch are talented enough that they excel at any style of music they try. I wasn’t sure what to expect from COLD & KIND but keeping my mind open, I got way more than I ever expected. Absolutely fantastic. www.parasol.com

01.21.08
High Water Marks
POLAR- (HHBTM)- For those who don’t know this is Hilarie Sidney’s project (ex- Apples in Stereo) with her husband Per Ole Bratset. This is their 2nd record and I really enjoyed their debut (SONGS ABOUT THE OCEAN) and POLAR is more of the same fuzzed out pop songs that the debut offered us. Upon first listen it will remind you of early Apples in Stereo material ( and Sacramento’s California Oranges too) as the songs are buzzy, catchy with chewy hooks you can sink your teeth into as Per and Hilarie split the vocal duties (Per’s vocals are fine but I have always really liked Hilarie’s vocals ). I like the soft-pop loungey “Simple’ , the charging “The Leaves” , the jangly “Finding Clovers” and plenty more. While all the songs aren’t instant classics, I don’t think there’s a bad song on here. We call this consistency and High Water marks are nothing if not consistent. www.hhbtm.com

01.21.08
Eric Matthews
THE IMAGINATION STAGE-(EMPYREAN)- Eric Matthews is too good an artist to not have a home. I think I mentioned this in my review of his last record but all hail Empyrean Records for Giving Matthews a home on his 2005 “comeback” ep, SIX KINDS OF PASSION LOOKING FOR AN EXIT. It had been nearly a decade since a Matthews solo record (1997’s THE LATENESS OF THE HOUR on Sub Pop). In that time he was certainly creating music, but mostly for either other people’s records or for his own enjoyment. While 2006’s FOUNDATION SOUNDS showed Eric treading some new ground, THE IMAGINATION STAGE is even more ambitious. Firstly, Eric played and sang everything on the record and the songs are dreamier than ever before. The opener “Well Known Liar” has a guitar hook to die (with some of Matthews’ majestic trumpet) , “The Kiss of Life” has some creamy keyboard work and drum loops (something Matthews once said he would never put on a record) and “Little 18” is a gorgeous piano ballad. Elsewhere he conjures up Beach Boys dreams on “Don’t Take Light” and a haunted house soundtrack on “Her Life” (which was downright spooky). THE IMAGINATION STAGE is an exquisite listen and it’s my favorite Eric Matthews. I know, I say that about every one of his records but this time, in the words of Mr. Johnny Rotten, I mean it man! www.empyreanrecords.com

01.21.08
The Puddle
NO LOVE-NO HATE- (FISHRIDER)-I have to admit, while I love a lot of stuff that filtered outta New Zealand in the 80’s (mostly on the Flying Nun label) I had heard about but knew very little about The Puddle but after listening n’ reading I found out they had/have quite a storied history on that little island (2 islands, actually). Unlike faves of mine like The Chills and The Bats, The Puddle, led by George D. Henderson (who basically IS The Puddle) , took a wobblier and more offbeat path to pop perfection and while their first record for the F.N. label was in 1986 George and Co. have continued recording throughout the 90’s and even into the 00’s. The material on NO LOVE-NO HATE was recorded at Georges’ brother’s studio in Dunedin last year (and brother Ian, who plays in The Dark Beaks, played drums on these tracks). The songs slowly unfold as opener “No Sequels” proves with a slow, mouth-opening guitar lead and off-kilter hook. “I’ve Lost my Way” ambles along at an even slower pace but arrives at the destination (mostly) unscathed and “Back Before you Came’ could be its twin brother and George sounds downright suave on “Home is Where” (“baby when you stand next to me I get a fever of 103”). In much the same way that Mssrs. Kilgour, Forster and even Nick Cave tweaked the perspectives of those listening to their music, Henderson has done the same thing and if you’d listen to this you’d find out. So go listen. www.myspace.com/thepuddlenz

01.14.08
Fireflies
SNOWSTORM EP- (TWENTYSEVEN)- Reviewed their wonderful full-length (GOODNIGHT STARS, GOODNIGHT MOON which was a co-release on Lavender Records & Music is my Girlfriend) a few weeks back and here are 5 more songs in the same Galaxie 500-ish vein (a bit of Clientele too) and the songwriting is once again top notch. It’s the work of one guy, Chicagoan Lisle Mitnik and on tunes like “Snowstorm” (not a cover of the Galaxie 500 song) , the piano-led “Frosti” and the somnambulant “Reaching for Blizzards” he sounds like a confident old pro who has been at it for years. Don’t get me wrong, the songs are vulnerable a all hell but that is what give it the strength and confidence. www.twentysevenrecords.com

01.14.08
The Mercies
S/T- (RECORDBABIES)- Chirpy power-pop in the Apples in Stereo vein with some serious hooks and a knack for quality songwriting (an obvious love of The Beatles on here too) . The first two songs,. “Colors of the World” and “You Can’t Stop me Now” are so ebullient you might want to do cartwheels in whatever room it is you are in while the acoustic “Out of Nowhere” was beautiful and a nice break from the fuzzy pop stuff. A nice mix of pop styles will keep this in play pile for quite some time and it’s nice to find a keeper in a band you’ver never heard of thinking it’s only going to get one play (if that). www.myspace.com/themercies

01.14.08
The Payola Reserve
200 YEARS-(SELF-RELEASED)- Baltimore, MD bunch whose 2nd record is brimming with such confidence that they tell the record industry what they wanna do (not the other way around). The songs range from folky rock to some sorta Appalachian music to something with a bit more swagger to it (like the guitar-heavy “Portrait Society”). The back photos looks like the Stones recording at Muscle Shoals or something so give ‘em credit for looking cool but ya’ gotta give them more than that because they can write infectious songs too. W.W.K.R.T. ? (What would Keith Richards think?). www.thepayolareserve.com

01.14.08
Skipping Girl Vinegar
ONE CHANCE EP- (POP BOOMERANG)-Love those cds that are made to look like a 7” record (like this one) and hey, it’s even got a little library card on the back side. Only 2 songs here (plus a animation film clip) but this Aussie foursome are onto something here. They dig their acoustic guitars and want the crowd to clap their hands whether they are playing a club or one of their backyards (which would be a perfect setting for them). Think Uncle Tupelo on the title track as song #2, “Cold Come the Nights” is slower and more sorrowful but no less engaging. Their full-length should be a killer. www.skippinggirlvinegar.com

01.07.08
The Carbonas
S/T- (GONER)- Missed that last Carbonas record and now I’m kicking myself ‘cos I think it may be out of print. The front cover shows 5 guys in a police lineup who look like they could have extensive criminal histories so their local police dept bought them some instruments and told ‘em to form a band so it would “keep you off the streets.” Well, they did. In much the same way that The Marked Men took over my mind a few years ago with some serious 6-string riffage (like if The Ramones were from Texas and hepped up on more than just pills….actually I’m not even sure if The Carbonas are from Texas???) . All I know is there’s 9 songs on here and they all rip…and one is called “Ass Vogel”….how cool is that? Get down to your local record shop and ask the clerk for the coolest record he’s recently got in and I’m sure this is what he will hand you. www.myspace.com/thecarbonas

01.07.08
The Scotland Yard Gospel Choir
S/T- (KINDERCORE)- Enjoyed this Windy City band’s debut from a few years ago (I BET YOU SAY THAT TO ALL THE GUYS) and I have to admit that while I wasn’t surprised they got signed, I was surprised they got signed to alt country label Bloodshot but hey, Bloodshot has always released good music and SYGC would definitely count as good music. Led by the charismatic lead singer/guitarist, Elia Einhorn (who , though you wouldn’t know it from his gruff voice, was apparently born in the UK) the band rips like a slightly less boozed up Pogues on cuts like the racing opener “Aspidistra” and the swaying “This World has No Place for Me” while those Belle and Sebastian/Camera Obscura comparisons are more realized on unabashed pop tunes like “I Never Thought I Could Feel This Way for a Boy” , “Pins & Needles” and the bouncy “Then Not a Moment Before.” No matter what style of music they are playing they the SYGC play with guts, passion and a true sense of fun (catch ‘em live and you’ll see what I mean) which is one of the many reasons I found this record to be one of 2007’s best . www.bloodshotrecords.com

01.07.08
Watershed
THREE CHORDS AND A CLOUD OF DUST-(IDOL)- This Columbus, OH bunch have been around for over a decade but have been sporadic in releasing their records (they were signed to Epic in the mid 90’s). This is a live record (recorded on 11/17/06 at Newport Music Hall in their hometown) and apparently these guys gig are legendary and from the sounds of things on THREE CHORDS…. well, lots of beer was drank, lots of sweat was perspired and lots of hooks and great tunes were absorbed by the legion of fans that this band attracts. In much the same way that bands both defunct (Soul Asylum, Replacements, etc.) and current (The Drams, Old 97’s, etc.) whipped their pickled fans into a frenzy is the same way that Watershed do it with a mix of muscular guitar chunks, occasionally funny/occasionally poignant lyrics and hooks all over the place. Tunes like “Obvious”, “Suckerpunch”, “The HHabit”, and “Slowly Then Suddenly” shows these guys in 5th gear overdrive and that is when they are at their best. Tossing out more whoah-oh’s than Naked Raygun and that, my friends, is a good thing. www.idolrecords.com

01.07.08
V/A-Love Goes On
A TRIBUTE TO GRANT MCLENNAN- (RARE VINYL)-It’s still hard to believe that it’s been nearly 2 years since Go-Betweens co-founder Grant McLennan died from heart failure. The Go-Betweens were, and still are, one of my all time favorites so it was nice to see that a small label out of Long Beach, CA put together this tribute to Grant. The quality of bands on here shows how far and wide the Go-Betweens influence stretched (and McLennan specifically …though had it been Grant’s bandmate/best friend Robert Forster that passed away I’m sure the same lineup would have been happy to contribute). Some of what you get in a lovely version of “Orpheus Beach” by The Clientele, a quiet version of “Love Goes On” by Private Eleanor, a drum-machined version of “Streets of Your Town” by Ivy, a near-perfect “Bye Bye Pride” by Mac McCaughn’s Portastatic, a wonderful “Cattle and Cane” by Stars, a gorgeous “Coming Up for Air” by Trembling Blue Stars and plenty more. I know we’ve all been inundated with tribute albums these last several years but this one is definitely a cut above (and then some!). www.myspace.com/rarevictory

01.01.08
The Brother Kite
MOONLIT RACE EP- (CLAIRE)- This Florida band’s last record WAITING FOR THE TIME TO BE RIGHT, knocked my socks off. It was a near-perfect mix of the swirl of shoegaze and Beach Boys hooks n’ harmonies. Well, here is one of the best songs from that record (“Get On, Me”) and 5 others plus 3 videos. The 2nd tune is the gently tugging (alt. version) of “Hopeless and Unsung” , the interlude “Unearthed/Digging in the Dirt”, the insanely catchy “Half Century”, then a few live songs from a local radio station (was that sleighbells I heard???!!). To be truthful, this is worth the price of admission alone for “Get On, Me” but you already have that cos’ I know you DAGGER readers are smart enough to own their full-length , ok …so this is worth the price of admission for the amazing “Half Century.” You go buy this and I’m going to sit back and watch those videos. www.clairecords.com

01.01.08
King Of Prussia
SAVE THE SCENE EP- (KINDERCORE)- This release marks the triumphant return of Athens, GA based Kindercore Records. The label wrote the book on quirky pop in the 90’s then …not sure what happened but the label died and, I believe, went into some dormant phase that was surrounded by litigation. Anywho, this is the first release as the label enters its 2nd phase and it’s a charming pop band based in Athens and to me they sound like a mix ‘tween Belle and Sebastian, Apples in Stereo and Neutral Milk Hotel. The song are built around basics acoustic guitar tunes with other instruments an voices added and the tunes end up being majestic peaks with no valleys…all peaks. “Shades of Hippiedom” is epic and the guitar on “Terrarium” was gorgeous, like something off an old Chills record. King of Prussia deserve to wears those crowns. www.kindercore.com

01.01.08
Still Flyin
ZA CLOUD EJ EP-(ANTENNA FARM)- I guess the idea of folks from indie pop bands doin’ reggae n’ rock steady sounds completely ridiculous and to me it did as well…..until I listened to it. Only 5 songs here (they have a previous ep, TIME WRINKLE that had 6 songs) but the band, lead by Sean “Don’t Call Me Lou” Rawls (and assorted members of Aislers Set, Ladybug Transistor, etc.) add their considerable playing skills and have fun with it and the songs are loose , catchy and , well, fun. “Fuck the Stress” is a comfortable groove with the line “When I say thunderstruck I really mean fuck the stress” while “The Bird is Aware’ jumps to a rock steady bounce. At 5 songs it’s a perfect taste and one that goes down quite smoothly. www.antennafarmrecords.com

01.01.08
The Tamborines
SALLY O' GANNON EP- (PLANTING SEEDS)-Fantastic 4 song ep by this Brazilian band who are now based in London. The core of the band, Lulu and Henrique moved to London a few years and got Ride guy Mark Gardner to sing backup on this 4 song ep. The title track and “Come Together’ sound like prime Brian Jonestown Massacre while “Be Around” reminded me of something the Sarah label would have released back in their prime. The final tune is a demo version of the title track that sounds interesting as it’s a bit different than the finished version. I really look forward to their full-length. www.plantingseedsrecords.com