DAGGER SHORT REVIEWS!



	JUNE 2008 THE ACB’S- S/T- SELF-RELEASED- Not sure where these guys popped up from but I saw this on the Not Lame site and they were nice enough to send me one (the band not Not Lame). This is one cool, self-assured debut and it reminded me at different times of Rooney, Cheap Trick and an occasional bit of Death Cab for Cutie. Main dude Konnor Ervin has plenty of talent and the melodies on here ring bright on nearly every song. www.theacbs.com THE ACCIDENT THAT LED ME TO THE WORLD- THE ISLAND GOSPEL- NOBODY’S FAVORITE- The band name is a mouthful (and a bit awkward too) but this trio, led by Mark Mandeville, are able to back up any doubts you might have with a snarky Americana feel. The sound is led by Mandeville’s banjo but the other two folks (Raianne Richards plays some nylon string guitar and clarinet and Zack Ciras thumps the upright bass) add more than their 2 cents worth and the whole thing comes off as nothing less than sincere. If these guys aren’t signed up to play the Portland Pickathon they should be. www.nobodysfavoriterecords.com CHRIS ARDUSER- HAPLESS- CROOKED MILE- Apparently this Cincinnati based songwriter has been around the block a few times with bands like The Bears, Psychodots and The Raisons so I’m a bit embarrassed to say I have never heard of him. One list and I knew I’d dig it as the friendly melodies and cooing harmonies immediately caught my ear. The epic “The Monster I Created” has what sounds like sweeping strings and is truly grand but he can do the ballad thing too. This gets a definite thumbs up from me. arduser@fuse.net ASH AVENUE- AND THEN WE IGNITE- ASH AVENUE RECORDS- Truth be told had I received this a decade ago I would have most likely dissed it for being too slick. It does have a bit of a 90’s feel, not unlike the Gin Blossoms at times (another band I dissed back then and now dig their NEW MISERABLE EXPERIENCE record). The truth is this Chicago 5-some are tight and songwriter Rob Merz could be on to much bigger thing by the time their next record comes out and he deserves it. www.ashave.com BRYAN SCARY & THE SHREDDING TEARS- FLIGHT OF THED KNIFE- BLACK AND GREENE- Not sure what rock these guys crawled out from under and even though they are armed with one of the worst bands names ever the band is more than worthy. These guys, yup, led by a guy named Bryan Scary, take every overblown British band of the last 30 years including Genesis, 10CC, ELO, Queen and a few others and wrap them up in their own musical burrito. There is so much going on in these tunes almost have to literally take a breath after each one (listen to the amazing “Imitation of the Sky”). I hear live they are amazing so I’m still kicking myself for missing them here in Portland. www.blackandgreenerecords.com CHICANE THEORY- LOSE TRACK OF TIME- SELF-RELEASED- Twin Cities guy Nicholas Roesler found a rhythm section and recorded these 6 songs with Mpls mainstay Ed Ackerson. The guy can write a decent melody but seems too mired in the ghost of Cobain to really have any originality. Not awful but not for me. www.chicanetheory.com NIGEL CLOTHIER- BOOK OF DAYS- SELF-RELEASED- Folky Brit who sounds more American than a lot of Americans do (then again, how many American songwriters try and sound British?). The guy has a likeable voice but the whole record sort meanders about and doesn’t seem to really go anywhere. I really like the title track with the ivories being tickled. www.myspace.com/nigelclothier DR. DOG- WE ALL BELONG- PARK THE VAN- Strike one I the horrible band name and strike two is their descriptions as “The Beatles meet a jam band.” I hated it the first time I listened to it but I did put it on again and while I don’t think it’s the greatest thing since sliced bread (as apparently a lot of folks do) some of those gooey melodies did begin to stick in my noggin. There are some quirky early 70’s Beach Boys-isms that I liked as on the fine “My Old Ways.” www.parkthevan.com IN FLIGHT RADIO- THE SOUND INSIDE- LAST BROADCAST- NYC band who revel in their Britishness. The female vocalist does have a nice voice but a lot of these Anglophilic tunes bored me. They did occasionally remind me of Belly and I did dig the rockin’ “Somewhere In Between.” www.inflightradio.net JEREMY- MYSTERY AND ILLUSION- MALS LTD- Jeremy Morris releases more music than anyone I know, the man is a machine! On this record these 10 songs Jeremy ditches his pop side and goes for a more Pink Floyd/Hawkwind side of prog psychedelia. Out of these 10 songs 6 of them top the 7 minute mark. Not my favorite Jeremy stuff but one thing is for sure, the man is supremely talented. www.mals.ru JIMMY EAT WORLD- CHASE THIS LIGHT- INTERSCOPE- Radio-ready power pop that should have been a huge hit and I don’t think it was (though I never listen to the radio so I wouldn’t know). I’ve learned to appreciate this stuff for what it is and just enjoy the songs (a million hooks to be chewed on here….listen to the anthemic “Feeling Lucky”). I like this record…there I, said it. I like this record. www.interscope.com THE KING KHAN AND BBQ SHOW- S/T- IN THE RED- Life-affirming reissue of this duo’s debut record (originally released on the Goner label). In addition to grinding out gritty r & b numbers and punk/garage rock scorchers these guys also toss in a bit of doo wop that sounds just as sweet. Drop what you’re doing and get this now. www.intheredrecords.com KINGSIZEMAYBE- S./T- BREWERY- Now here’s some good ol’ honkytonk I can sink my teeth into. The band is led by Continental Drifters guy Gary Eaton, has legal Weapon drummer Adam Maples on skins and was co-produced by power-pop man about town Robbie “Don’t Call me Cousin Oliver” Rist (he also plays guitar on the record and sings back up). They open the record w/ a George Jones cover (“The Treasure of Love”) and breeze through 9 more tunes. My faves are the jangly “Dallas” and the quick, swooping “Keep Your Eyes on the Road” but I can honestly say there is not a dog in the bunch. www.breweryrecords.com TIM LEE 3- IN THE MEANTIME- PAISLEY POP- This is Windbreakers guy Tim who along with his wife Susan on bass and Rodney Cash on drums make up the TL3. This record is comprised of 3 studio songs and 7 live songs. I dig the studio tracks (especially the rollicking B.T.O.-ish “Last Page of the Book”) and the live tracks sound good too in Tim’s own Crazy Horse-ish way. I say start with either CONCRETE DOG or the brand new GOOD2B3. www.paisleypop.com LO FINE- NOT FOR US TWO- PIGEON- Funny that these guys (well, the band is basically main songwriter Kevin O’Rourke and pals who play with him) hail from Northampton, MA as they really remind me of another Northampton band, the long-defunct Scud Mountain Boys (no surprise that ex-SMB-er Bruce Tull player on the debut Lo Fine record.). NOT FOR US TWO is a batch if 10 slow-moving songs with crying pedal steel, slowly shuffling rhythms and lovelorn lyrics. Occasionally gorgeous, NOT FOR US TWO is a perfect friend on a lonely Saturday night. www.lofine.com MISSION GIANT- GOLDEN TRIANGLE- FELLOWSHIPWRECK- That sticky spot right where glam meets new wave meets art work is where these Denton, TX freaks fly. Not always sure what they’re on about but that’s part of the fun. Synths occasionally gobble each other up and Ms Pacman is in the house while other times it sounds like Bowie on vocals. I must say, they’ve piqued my curiousity. www.missiongiant.com PETER MOREN- THE LAST TYCOON- QUARTERSTICK- As most of you know, this is Peter from the Swedish trio Peter, Bjorn and John and on here he has busted out his beret, clove cigarettes and gone all coffee house folks on us. I have to say, he doesn’t have a great voice and I didn’t hear a whole lotta hooks on here. I did like the bouncy “Tell Me in Time” and the swooning strings on “Le Petit Couer” but to do this spare stuff the songwriting has to be really strong and on most of THE LAST TYCOON it isn’t. www.quarterstickrecords.com NEW GRENADA- MODEL CITIZEN ep- ASAURUS- 4 songs in 9 minutes from this Detroit, MI bunch. The bring back a sound of hooky, mid-tempo indie rock of the 90’s as I hear elements of pavement, Archers of Loaf, Husker Du and Superchunk. Granted New Grenada is not as good as any of those bands but they’re pouring their hearts out and for that I give them credit. My pick to click here is “January 1st.” www.asaurus.org THE OCCASIONAL FLICKERS- SCATTERED SONGS BY…- PLASTILINA- Let’s hear it for the Greeks! Back in the 90’s they had a burgeoning indie pop scene and I don’t know I that scene died or if I just stopped listening (probably the latter). Anywho, thus band, basically the work of one guy Giorgas Bouras, clocks in with 10 winsome indie pop songs with rolling melodies and gentle vocals. Kepp an eye out for both this band and the label. www.plastilinarecords.com THE PACIFIC COAST BAND- HOLLYWOOD- SELF-RELEASED- Though they don’t have as many players as say The Polyphonic Spree they have a similar up- with- the- people, uplifting sound. It’s basically pop music with folk overtones that’s reminiscent of the early –mid 70’s period Beach Boys (or even some of the stuff on Dennis Wilson’s PACIFIC OEAN BLUE). These folks seem so darn happy and good for them, the songs are pleasant and fun. www.pacificcoastband.com PARK AVENUE MUSIC- BY HEARTS + HORSES- CLAIRE-What’s in the water out there in Sacramento? Duo of Wes and Jeannette make electronic soundscape with pianos, keys and synths (some cello in there too) and while some of the interludes are lovely a lot of this is out of my realm (in the same way that Bjork is to me). Could be music for the next Harmony Korine film. www.clairecords.com THE PENDRAKES- SUNDAY PUNCH- SELF-RELEASED- Not sure why anyone would move from Minneapolis to Omaha, NE but Pendrakes leader Paul Novak did. Maybe he just needed a change? A lot of SUNDAY PUNCH falls in much the same way that the most recent Old 97’s material does: hooky, punchy pop with some twang. Add a dash of Replacements and have one mighty fine record called SUNDAY PUNCH. www.pendrakes.com PHONOGRAPH- S/T- ARCLIGHT- Austin, TX bunch and while it’s been said in plenty of other reviews I have to say it here, this sounds a lot like Tom Petty stuff. Musically it’s in the same ballpark and vocalist/guitarist/leader Matt Welsh’s drawl is a dead ringer for ol’ Tom. I really like most of this except their occasionally forays into electronic weirdness (ie” In Your Mind”), then they lose me. www.arclightrecords.com POLAND- TUESDAYS & WEDNESDAYS- SELF-RELEASED- Basically the work on one mark Bombara, a Seattle-ite who has found a cure of the rainy Seattle blues. Stay inside and record music! Bombara takes a cinemtatic approach to the whole thing with occasional forays into twee pop, instrumental lushness and even what could b described as film noir. It’s mostly instrumental work though there are vocals on here and the mix of sounds/instruments is intoxicating (Poland has a new record out now called SCOOLBOY CRUSH ON CHE GUEVARA). www.myspace.com/polandmusic RACECAR- DANCE LIKE A GHOST- SELF-RELEASED- David Alyassin is back, the New Mexico musician has released his second record. And much like the first this one is an exercise in variety with a mix of musical styles. He goes from modern rock to new wave to acoustic numbers and everything in between. He has a knack for a nice hook and I only wish his voice wasn’t muted with the electronic sound effects that a few of the songs have. Is that the guy from Ministry on the cover? www.dancelikeaghost.com MORTEN RICHTER- MESSAGE FROM THE SLUM- PUSH- Glad to see that they like good power-pop in Norway too. This Norwegian cat has studied his record collection that must include discs by ELO, Bowie, Redd Kross and even some Brit pop too. I figured it must have the folks over at Not Lame going nuts and sure enough NL Prez Bruce Brodeen’s pick to click a while back. It’s occasionally ostentatious but not overbearing. I want more Morten! www.myspace.com/mortenrichter ROLLO TIME- S/T- PRINTS POSITIV MUSIC- Hailing from Downers Grove, IL (I know at least one other indie band was from there but I for the life of me cannot remember their name) these guys must be proud to hail from the same state as Cheap Trick. The trio, led by Jon Raleigh, keep it simple with 3-minute crunchy pop tunes that don’t all sound the same. “Don’t” is my favorite of the bunch. www.myspace.com/rollotime SEAHORSE- I’ll BE NEW- BRIC A BRAC- Wow, first the Whiskey Priest record (from Easterly’s Noah Hall) and now this. Seahorse is the solo debut from Easterly’s Rich Swanger. It’s not unlike W.P. in that most of these songs are acoustic but Swanger adds some lush keyboard work to add to the gorgeousness. He even tries some proto country on “The Devil & I” which isn’t bad but I dig the folkier stuff more. Bric A Brac is 2 for 2. www.bric-a-bracrecords.com THE STRUGGLERS- THE LATEST RIGJHTS- ACUARELA DISCOS- B.R. Bickford is yet another songwriter (from the fine state of North Carolina) with pain in his heart and a talent for writing about it. With a whole bevy of contributors (including a string section) he lays it all out on the bed and dares you to lay down. I’m giving you the go ahead. www.thestrugglers.org TEAM GENIUS- HOORAY ep- SELF RELEASED- Rag tag BKNY pop outfit led by the elusive Hermiller Brothers, Drew and Chad (Drew wrote all the tunes). These guys remind me of one of the wackier Kindercore bands from days past and while the melodies are terrific it’s the vocals that I find occasionally irritating. Best song title: “I’m Just An Idiot.” www.teamgeniusmusic.com THE TEENAGE PRAYERS- EVERYONE THINKS YOU’RE THE BEST- MEGAFORCE- Aside from the bluesy rock opener of “I Like It’ (and a trip through funk territory) this is a good ballsy rock record with a swagger akin to that of the Jaggers and Johansens of the world. “I’ll Never Let You Go” is a good time by anyone’s standard and I’ll bet live they bring the house down. www.teenageprayers.com TEACHERS PET- S/T- SMOG VEIL- Some seriously obscure late 70’s Cleveland punk here and leave it to Smog Veil to unleash it. Apparently this quartet (all with fake names) only existed about 2 years but that was long enough for them to record 12 studio tunes (there 15 songs here, 3 are live cuts including a cover of “Summertime Blues”). I hear visions here of The Ramones, Generation X, The Dickies and fellow Ohioans (before they went all New Yawk on us), The Dead Boys. It’s all good. www.smogveil.com JEFF TRACY- MOMENTS IN TIME- AARDVARK- This is the first solo record from Blue Cartoon member Jeff Tracy. While his band spits out nice n’ chunky power pop on his solo debut he goes a more soft pop route and there are definitely more hits than misses here. He has an obvious Beatles fixation but I hear elements of Big Star and even soft pop kings America on here too on tunes like “When You Said Goodbye” and “New Blue You.” In the words of my old baseball coach, “Well done!” www.aardvarkrecoords.com UNSEEN FORCE- IN SEARCH OF THER TRUTH- GRAVE MISTAKE/ VICIOUS CIRCLE – Richmond, VA hardcore band who I had not heard (or even thought about ) in ages. What you have here is 33 songs including the 11 song full-length, 10 live tracks from 1986 and 12 more songs from their 1984 demo (titled 2000 MANIACS). Who they most remind me of is early (1st album) Agnostic Front , blistering hardcore with a slight metal edge. www.gravemistakerecords.com ANDY WERTH- SEEING STARS ep- SELF RELEASED- Wow, another terrific ep from Seattle-ite Andy Werth. I really enjoyed his debut ep from a few years and when I heard this was out I requested one and Andy was nice enough to send me one. The music is upbeat piano-led pop (Andy plays piano, Rhodes and a Hammond organ) with some tasteful horns and a general sense of fun all the way around. The songwriting is terrific as well and if you’re a fan of Belle & Sebastian or The New Pornographers then you’ll be ok with this. www.andywerth.com 2 DVD REVIEWS: KISS LOVES YOU- MVD VISUAL- I gotta say I never caught the whole Kiss bug. I had some friends who were really into it but like Elvis, Star Wars fans and trekkies , there will always be a subculture of folks who dress the part, go to conventions and basically, will never let their loved ones die (Elvis is still alive and working at a 7-11 in Tampa, Florida). This is a docu about Kiss fans and Kiss cover/tribute bands and along the way you get to hear from Handsome Dick Manitoba, Dee Snider, Todd Youth (Murphy’s Law) and a few others. I don’t get it but if you’re part of the Kiss army then by all means you need this. www.mvdb2b.com TWENTY TO LIFE: THE LIFE & TIMES OF JOHN SINCLAIR- MVD VISUAL- You have most likely heard of John Sinclair, if not he gained fame as being the manager of the MC5, Chairman of Detroit’s White Panther party, and founder of the Detroit Artists Workshop, among other things (also, John Lennon spoke out for him when he got arrested). Basically through a series of interviews w/ Sinclair, his friends (including members of the MC5), family and associates they tell the story of a man who could have just ended up as a worked at a Detroit auto factory but instead, dove into music and led quite an interesting life. www.mvdb2b.com MAY 2008 MECHANICAL BULL- A MILLION YESTERDAYS- WOODSTOCK MUSIC WORKS - Led by the stellar songwriting of Chase Pierson (and his co-hort, the awesomely named Avalon Peacock who does a lot of the singing) they and 7 other musicians run thru 12 tunes w/ pedal steel , mandolin and other instruments that would make you call it “country music.” You got a problem with it? I don’t, I love country music if it’s done well and Pierson and his pals do it very well. www.woodstockmusicworks.com JON MCKIEL- THE NATURE OF THINGS- WEDNESDAY- Very reminiscent of a lot of the 90’s alternative bands who sometimes wrote decent songs (Gin Blossoms, The Lemonheads, etc.) but a lot of the time came off as cloying and uninspired. A few of the songs stand out (I really like “123 My Friends”) but a lot of this was limp. www.wednesdayrecords.com MONSTER IN THE MACHINE- BUTTERFLY PINNED- EMOTIONAL SYPHON- Considering this is on Korn guitarist James Shaffer’s label I wasn’t expecting music. But this band, led by ex-Cellophane guy Shannon Crawford, is talented and I hear influences ranging from The Beach Boys to Queen to E.L.O. to David Bowie and beyond. Both “Helicopter’ and “Perfect’ are worthy of your time (among others). Needless to say, a pleasant surprise. www.monsterinthemachine.com BRET MOSLEY- LIGHT & BLOOD- WOODSTOCK MUSIC WORKS- Brooklyn, NY dude doing a real soulful batch of mostly acoustic bluesy tunes (with lots of harmonica). Apparently this record was 5 years in the making and even though I wasn’t into it he sounds like the real deal. www.bretmosley.com OH ASTRO- CHAMPIONS OF WONDER- ILLEGAL ART- Married couple Jane Dowe and Hank Hofler have both been doing experimental pop music for years and then met and it was love at first sample (ok, that was bad). Like a lot of records like this about half I find really cool and engaging and the rest sounds like noise. No song titles here but I did like songs #2, 4 and 6. www.illegalart.net PANDA RIOT- SHE DARES ALL THINGS- SELF-RELEASED- Cool stuff…this Chicago consists of 2 people: Brian Cook (who plays guitar, bass and keys) and Rebecca Scott (who sings and also plays keys) and this , like it says inside the cd cover, “is a collection of singles recorded in our bedroom.” The songs are fuzzy, gauzy and occasionally heavenly (as in Rebecca’s voice). Suffice it to say if you dig My Bloody Valentine, Rocketship, The Swirlies (or most of the Slumberland roster, for that matter) then you will certainly dig this. www.pandariot.com THE PLAYING FAVORITES- I REMEMBER WHEN I WAS PRETTY- SUBURBAN HOME- A buncha guys from some more famous pop punk bands (Lagwagon, Bad Astronaut, Popsicko, etc.) team up for 14 songs of, what else, pop punk. The record starts out promising enough with the first few songs being really goods but then it goes downhill from there Worth hearing, especially if you like the aforementioned bands. www.suburbanhomerecords.com PORTICO- PROGENY BLUES- COPPERSPINE- As an avowed blue hater I’m wary of anything with blues in name but thankfully this Vancouver, BC foursome steer clear of any blues-isms on here. The band creates enjoyable, crisp, mid-tempo-pop led by the strong vocals of Lyn Heinemann (who also plays guitar). They remind me a bit of that Teen Beat band True Love Always (if they had a female vocalist). Nothing earth shattering here, just solid, well-played music. www.porticonation.com PRIZZY PRIZZY PLEASE- S/T- LET’S PRETEND- God…with a name like that you’re just asking me to slag your cd, aren’t you? Nutso mashup of too many styles here all going 100 mph. Then just when you think you have it all figured out, a blaring sax comings crashing into to ruin the whole party. Actually this is kinda fun and I’ll bet live they tear the roof off. www.myspace.com/prizzyprizzyplease RADEMACHER- STUNTS- SELF-RELEASED- Fresno, CA bunch whose own loping brand of off-kilter, cascading pop is making waves in their hometown as well it should be. These guys aren’t afraid to take chances on this, their debut full-length (after a few eps) but slip in enough tasty melodies to please a popster like me. When, on “Today is Different?” they shout out “It’s got a mind of its own” Rademacher are talking about themselves. What a great thing, a band who want to try something new. www.radradrad.com RAQUEL’S BOYS- MONDO FUN- THRIMPTON- While this and the band’s previous record (THE SPY BUSINESS) have been fine examples of catchy 60’s influenced rock they still have yet to hit the mark of their fantastic debut, MUSIC FOR THE GIRL YOU LOVE (or if it wasn’t their debut it was the first one I’d heard). Still, MONDO FUN has its moments like the relentless “The Kelly Affair”, the bouncy “California Loves You” and the jagged “Punk 45.” www.myspace.com/raquelsboyssunshinepop RENNICK- 611-07-0681- RENNICK MUSIC GROUP- Gothic electro pop from San Francisco. No thank you. www.myspace.com/rennickmusic THE RINGLES- RICKENBACKER BALLET- JAM- Illinois also has a city called Princeton and The Ringles are from it. Celebrating their 20th year making music, leaders Tom Rose and Todd Borsch stomp on both the wah-wah AND fuzz pedals for some rollicking 60’s psych pop. At 17 songs a bit much but still, plenty to like here. www.jamrecordings.com STEVE ROBINSON- UNDERCURRENT- SUNSHINE DRENCHY- UK born and bred, this current Floridian, who used to be in a folk band called The Headlights has spent some time playing with Roger McGuinn, has released a terrific 2nd solo record. The record bounces joyously from pure Beatles pop to gentle folk to bluesier stuff (w/ dashing harmonica) and a few Celtic stompers that would make Shane McGowan proud. All over the map but the guy never forgets about good songwriting. Imagine that. www.steverobinsonmusic.com SCIENCE FOR GIRLS- S/T- SELF RELEASED- I’m guessing New Yawker Darren Solomon, the brainchild behind this indie electronic outfit, has all his gadgets in his apartment and invited a ton of friends over to help out. I sort mixed on this stuff, the folky opener “14 Days” (w/ vocals from the lovely Bronwen Exter) was awesome while the quickly shuffling “You’ll Never Know” (like the poor man’s Postal Service) was a bit of a bore for me. Still, Solomon has oodles of talent and creativity, it’s just not always my thing. www.scienceforgirls.net THE SHACKELTONS- S/T- LOVELESS- I was trying to think of who this Pennsylvania band reminded me of with their angular, post-punk riffing and vocalist Mark Redding’s howl. Fugazi? Maybe. Mission of Burma? A bit. But I’m thinking more of Nation of Ulysses with their restrained yet reckless abandon. Redding and his cronies give it all they’ve got on these 11 tunes and “Trembler” and “Yellow Cadillac” were especially tasty. They’re gonna be huge. www.lovelessrecords.com SLOW BURNING CAR- BLOWBACK- SELF RELEASED- This 12 song record came from the (warped) mind of multi-instrumentalist Troy Spiropolous and he whips it all out on here. Everything from scream metal to twinkly pop (like on “Farkytootle”) to low-key pop on “Low” …and that’s just the first 3 songs. A bit too schitzo for me (on his my space site he claims ambition from everyone from Belle & Sebastian to Kiss to the Grateful Dead to Roxy Music, etc .etc.) but I applaud his ambition. www.slowburningcar.com SUBURBAN KORNER KICK- OPTION B: TO LINGER, REMAIN OR PERSIST- SUPPLY AND DEMAND MUSIC- Housed in a thick batch of cardboard slides with art on each slide and then attached with a bolt, no one can say that the two guys who make up this Seattle band (Chris Cox plays guitar, bass, keys and sings) while Chris Croft slaps the drums) are lazy. 18 songs nudge up against one another on here and while I like a lot of the garage pop leanings it’s Cox’s voice that occasionally gets to me. Still, if nothing else, for ambition alone, these guys deserve a raise. www.supplyanddemandmusic.com ANTON SWORD- A SENTIMENTAL EDUCATION- KISS CHASE- Swanky NYC dude who has a good taste in furniture (love that cover shot on the cd) who wavers between light, jangly pop (ala Elliott Smith) moodier, spacier stuff that veers between Radiohead’s eclecticism and some more trip hoppier. I like his pure poop side rhe best on tracks like “Infrared”, “Liquefy” and “The Instrument, Your Friend” (which had some gorgeous piano in it). www.antonsword.com K.T. TUNSTALL- DRASTIC FANTASTIC- VIRGIN- Spunky 32 year old Scottish gal who on this, her sophomore release, kicks things up a notch and with the better production (and unlimited supply of hooks) gets it done. You have the hand-clapper “Hold On”, the sweet and lilting “Hopeless” and the bouncy “I Don’t Want You Now.” And to think I almost blew this cd off as it’s been hyped to death but that woulda have been a big mistake. Remember kids hyped does not always mean bad. WISELY- S/T- OGLIO- I booked this guy once in Santa Rosa, CA in the early 90’s. Real nice guy and a good pop tunesmith but I always think I’m going to love his music more than I do. I read the reviews and hear Beatles, Beach Boys. Carpenters, and the like and I don’t know…..i always expect a bit more. Maybe it’s a bit too cerebral for me (I ain’t the sharpest tool in the shed). I do like it ….I just don’t love it like I want to. www.oglio.com ZILLIONAIRE- THE STREET LIGHTS HAVE BEEN TURNED DOWN- NEW GRANADA- Tampa, Fl bunch who most of whom used to be in the Lookout Records band The Washdown (who were much more garage than Zillionaire). While I might have hailed this as one of the year’s best in 1994 (had it been released then) now sounds plodding and well, boring. There’s some high point like the gentle beauty of “Tonight Will be Alright” or the Versus-esque grit of “Put it On.” Pared down to say 4 or 5 songs it would have made a nice ep. www.newgranada.com APRIL 2008 13 GHOSTS- THE STRANGEST COLORED LIGHTS- SKYBUCKET- I know this short review is not going to do this record (or the band ) justice but that is what happens when you do a zine and get overloaded w/ cds to review. Birmingham, AL bunch who meander between folk, rock and country usually all within the same song w/ occasional bits of distortion. It’s rough, tumble and ragged time spent where you’ll learn all the secrets of the world and be exhausted by the record’s end. www.skybucket.com KEITH JOHN ADAMS- UNCLEVER- HHBTM- Brit dude who spent a lot of time in Athens, GA making this record and it rocks harden than his previous ones. He still has that quirky pop edge, sorta like Sportique (but not as good). Not 0065acvtly my cuppa tea but I appreciate his creativity. www.hhbtm.com LILY ALLEN- ALRIGHT, STILL- CAPITOL- My pal Laura loves this gal and I can see why. She is 20 years old, from the UK and sassy as all get out. Her tunes have a nice ska bounce to them plus Pitchfork gave this cd a 8.3 and you know those guys are always on top of it. AMPLINE- ROSARY- SHAKE IT- Instrumental trio who go for the jugular most of the time on tunes like “Two Hands” and “Red and Yellow” and “Back in the Fold.” Not something I’d put on very often but they have their chops down (as we like to say). www.shakeitrecords.com THE AUTUMNS- FAKE NOISE FROM A BOX OF TOYS- WORLD’S FAIR/BELLA UNION- LA bunch who does an unusual mix of big sounding emo rawk and some sharper, some spacier stuff and math rock (sorry…I hate the term and I hate the genre) so all in all I can’t say this did a lot for me. MOJO magazine loved this but I didn’t. www.worlds-fair.net BABYSHAMBLES- SHOTTERS NATION- ASTRALWERKS- Ok, I’m still crying over the breakup of The Libertines but I guess I should just get over it, huh? They made 2 great records and are now gone. One half of the Libs songwriting duo, Pete Doherty, is back w/ his 2nd record as Babyhambles. It ain’t the Libs but Pete n’ his cohorts do a good job of both Kinks-y pop roc (“You Talk”, etc) and weepier, more downbeat gunk (“Lost Art of Murder”). Now, if he can stay out of the big house for a decent stretch he might record another classic (like the Libs 2nd and final record). www.astralwerks.com THE BIG SLEEP- SLEEP FOREVER- FRENCH KISS- BKNY bunch who aren’t sure if they want to be Sonic Yoof (circa 1985) or Black Sabbath on this disc of mostly instrumentals. While I did like “Bad Blood”, especially the riff and the vocals, I wish they’d get full-time day jobs and sell their intruments. www.frenchkissrecords.com BLANK PAGES- ON MY STREET- FDR- More fine, smart pop rock from the FDR label. Nothing earth shattering here, just well-played catchy pop with hooks and heart. For fans of Cheap Trick and Badfinger. Nice to see Swivel Chairs member Jason Brown slinging his axe in this band. www.fdrlabel.com CHINENYE- CHANGE- BLACK AVIATOR- NYC (via Washington DC) hip hop cat who has received props for not rapping about guns n’ ho’s. The lyrics are intelligent and delivered smoothly while the beats are ok but nothing amazing. It was cool to see a hip hop artist doing something different. www.chinenyez.com THE CONS- S/T- SELF RELEASED- Four well-dressed men from San Francisco doing the emotional pop thing ala Nada Surf and doing it very well. Both “Drugs” and “Faultlines” should be getting radio airplay somewhere. www.myspace.com/theconsmusic CRUSHED STARS- GOSSAMER DAYS- SIMULACRA- Lovely twinkling pop that is basically the work of one, guy, Todd Gautreau. This is record #3 from him and what you have is arpeggioed guitar, soothing keyboards and brushed drums (w/ the occasional horn). This is bedroom pop that was truly meant for the bedroom. For fans of The Clientele and Kings of Convenience. www.simulacrarecords.com NICKY CLICK- I’M ON MY CELL PHONE- CRUNKS NOT DEAD- Indie dance pop w/ beats and distorted keys and on top of it is Nicky’s annoying vocals. Songs like “”Crazy Shit”, “Who’s Laughing Now?”, Utter Despair and Chocolate Eclairs” and the title track weren’t engaging (or even funny) to me in the least. www.crunksnotdead.com THE DAILY VOID- S/T- DEADBEAT- Ex-Functional Blackouts guys go for the jugular on this one with that great strangled guitar sound. Some of the ones that will make you feel all warm and fuzzy are “Tapewurm”, “Die Stiletto”, and, of course “You’ve Been Erased.” www.dead-beat-records.com DEAD HOOKER- THE BURIAL/THE REBUIRTH- DEADBEAT- If I was from Wausau, WI like Dead Hooker I’d go out buy guitars and start a band too (instead of hurting people). This is their debut and they’re onto something here with a frantic pace and guitars that make the Germs sound like KC and the Sunshine Band. Something tells me “Technical Mortal” won’t be played at any Bar Mitzvahs anytime soon. www.dead-beat-records.com THE DIG- GOOD LUCK AND GAMES ep- SELF-RELEASED- Not sure how old these guys are now but they have been playing together since they were 12. Having a big name producer (Bryce Goggin) was a good idea for their brand of slightly Weezer-ish pop. I liked the sway of “New Love” and the baroque prettiness of “Marianne” (like The Left Banke updated to the 21st century). Well done. www.thedigmusic.com EAT SUGAR- S/T- SELF-RELEASED- Former members of Cincinnati’s Chalk break out their Devo, Braniac and Six Finger Satellite records and do the spazz (I’m good at that dance). Lots of energy here and the songwriting is better than average there too. On stage they could either be amazing or godawful…I hope it’s the former. www.eatsugarmusic.com ENTER SHIKARI- TAKE TO THE SKIES- INTERSCOPE- One description says “where screamo and trance butt heads on the dance floor” so this definitely got sent to the wrong po box. THE EVAPORATORS- GASSY JACK AND OTHER TALES- MINT- This Canadian bunch, led by the erstwhile Nardwuar (who will be mayor of Vancouver, BC one day, mark my words) excel at catchy garage punk and while the cd is a strong outing you have to see their live show. Love the homage to The Subhuman INCORRECT THOUGHTS on the cover. www.mintrecs.com THE EXIT STRATEGY- CITY OF MICROPHONES- ONE PERCENT PRESS- My initial thought when I heard this was “They sound a lot like Fugazi.” The band has the chops down and the musicianship is there it’s just that….well, I don’t really like this type of music. Live would probably be a whole different story which is probably where they shine. www.onepercentpress.com THE FAILURES’ UNION- SINKER- ONE PERCENT PRESS- Stuck in Buffalo, NY with some bad memories T.F.U. leader Tony Flaminio did what any other red-blooded American would do, write some songs about it. SINKER open with “Give Way” which sounds like catchy pop punk but by “Useless Facts’ he has already brought a pedal steel into the fold and the record only gets better from there. He and his cohorts know the importance of “the hook” as there is no lack of melody here. This is terrific. www.onepercentpress.com FORBIDDEN TIGERS- MAGNETIC PROBLEMS- DEAD BEAT- Grand Island, NE is no place you’d ever wanna be stuck for a night or 10 (ok, so I’ve never even been there) but this fearsome foursome make it seem like the grandest place on earth (heh heh). “Can of Beans” is my favorite song ever at this particular moment. If you dig the Hex Dispensers, Carbonas or any band that Mick Collins or Jay Reatard have ever been in then you’ll be ok with this. www.dead-beat-records.com HAMMER NO MORE THE FINGERS- S/T- POWER TEAM- 3 piece from Durham, NC with the totally annoying name doing quirky pop in the mid-period Pavement vein (or Butterglory) but not as good as either. I didn’t even care enough about this one to hate it. www.powerteamrecords.com GUS HARLESS- THROUGH WINDOWS- SHAKER SOUND- Long-haired, tattooed badass who splits his time between the three A’s (Arizona, Alaska and Arkansas) this is downbeat blues and while is does sound like Gus is coming straight from the heart, was not my bag at all. www.shakersound.com HIJK- THE PEN AND THE LETTER- SELF RELEASED- If you can believe it these guys had an even worse name before this (Hijack the Disco) but what this Oakland, CA trio lacks in “band naming” they make up for in musicianship. The guitars go from pretty to angular to pretty angular in a split second while the obedient rhythm section keeps up. Vocals are the weak link but these guys have talent and know it. www.hijkmusic.com THE HIVES- THE BLACK AND WHITE ALBUM-A & M- Record #4 from the Swedish garage rock monsters. To be honest, I never heard their first 3 records and I feel like I missed the boat on them (which I did). It’s not bad, it’s catchy and well-produced but I say give me one of those Deadbeat Records bands (reviewed above) any day. HOLY ROLEMODEL- THE SUM OF OUR PARTS- SELF-RELEASED- Down and dirty punk rock from the town of Ukiah, CA (a town I have been to many times). Their influences range from Bad Religion to Tupac to Muddy Waters and everything in between but this is well-done catchy punk rock. www.myspace.com/holyrolemodel HUMAN HOST- THE HALLOWEEN TREE- TERRA FIRMA- Fourth disc by this Baltimore, MD band who used to be the Charm City Suicides. They came up with a much worse name. Musically it sounds like something you’d hear at a theatre production of Dracula and that, my friends, is not a compliment. www.terrafirmarecords.com THE ILLUSTRATED- ALPHABAGGGE- LIVID- A depressing fusing of punk, funk, jazz and improv and I have to say, it’s the worst record of this entire batch. Why would a label release this? www.lividrecords.com TRACEY JOHNSON- DREAMS IN COLD WEATHER- SNOWFIRE- In the press release they mention things like MTV, Jewel (remember her?), commercial radio, Fall Out Boy, etc. and the music is a mash of generic pop/rock. Definitely not horrible, I’ve heard a lot worse, but not what I want to listen to. www.traceyjohnsonmusic.com KARMIC WHIPLASH- THE NERVOUS SYSTEM- CITY DUCK- Housed in one of the ugliest cd covers I have ever seen (are they tree branches?) is a pretty good little pop disc. Brendan plays acoustic guitar and sings while Travis plays drums, mandolin and harmonica and they are pretty charming in a Violent Femmes sorta way. Way better than The Illustrated. www.karmicwhiplash.com MIKE LADD- NOSTALGIALATOR- DEFINITIVE JUX- I have heard of Ladd but knew nothing about him. Apparently he is a very well-respected musician who has played with everyone. He mixes rock with afro with hip-hop with some soul and a bit of psychedelia and even I, the almighty whitey, saw the brilliance of this man on this disc. Pastiche never sounded so good. www.worlds-fair.net LAFCADIO- KIBOSH- JOYFUL NOISE- They call this stuff “experi-metal” (ok, I laughed) and this is the type of stuff that musicians like. Judging by the front cover I’m sure their tongues are planted firmly in cheek …but I still hated it. www.joyfulnoiserecordings.com LAST AMERICAN BUFFALO- MARQUIS FOR THE DEBUTANTE- SELF-RELEASED- Impressive bunch who decide to go for The Band look in their press shot (wearing the old timey clothes) and while there is some Americana on here there is also some killer pop/rock numbers (“Monster”, “Breaking Up Mine”, “Watch it Fall”, etc.) and other more jaggedy tunes that reminded me a bit of Spoon. I love Kevin Compton’s voice and this whole thing is solid to great throughout. www.lastamericanbuffalo.com LEFT ARM- DISSATISOUL- TIRC- The first song, “No Time for Rock n Roll” might be the worst song i heard all year. Thankfully song #2 (“Lure of the Light”) was much better. They do a frantic, speeding kind of garage punk and while the guitars usually sound good the vocals drive me nuts. www.troubleinrivercity.com THE LK-VS. THE SNOW- THE KORA RECORDS- Even more pop confections from Malmo, Sweden. Is it me or does that country seem to churn out pop music that is just better than anywhere else? This duo of Frederik and Lindefelt specialize in electro pop ala The Postal Service but this is all good times and sunny (at least musically….haven’t read the lyrics yet). 11 songs here and not a dog in the bunch. www.thekorarecords.com LOLAS- LIKE THE SUN- JAM RECORDS- Aw man! Was taking the cd off the spindle to play it and it broke (the cd, not the spindle)!!! I usually love the songwriting of Alabaman Tim Boykin…20 new songs here. Will have to buy it and get back to you on this one. www.jamrecordings.com LOOM- ANGLER- EXIGENT- Only 5 tunes here from this SLC, UT band but this band seems to have its chop down. Cathy, hard-driving stuff w/ sharp transitions and some of the chant-ier vocals reminded me of Naked Raygun. Also, there’s violin all over the place on here which makes the band stand out. Well done chaps. www.exigentrecords.com MARCH 2008 LOVE IN OCTOBER- PONTUS, THE DEVIL AND ME- MG- Radio-ready rock and I wouldn’t surprised if these guys were all over MTV right this second. It’s catchy and all but seems kinda soulless but I found it impossible not to tap my foot to opening track “Circa 1989.” MURDER MYSTERY- ARE YOU READY FOR THE HEARTACHE CAUSE HERE IT COMES- SELF-RELEASED- NYC bunch who toss in equal parts Elvis Costello, Beat Happening, The Strokes (it was produced by Strokes guy JP Bowersock) and Mr. Buddy Holly. It occasionally verges on being too cute but then falls apart and picks itself back up to its winning self again. www.murdermysterymusic.com SCOUT NIBLETT- THIS FOOL CAN DIE NOW- TOO PURE- Like early Cat Power, Scout Niblett seems like a woman possessed. She moans, howls and occasionally sings too. I’ve never gotten her “genius” and while this record won’t change my mind it’s the one I like the most material on (especially the 4 tunes where Will Oldham sings with her. www.scoutniblett.com THE PROTOCOL- RECESS- PARLOR - Catchy, alt-rock that has some decent hooks but ultimately sounds pretty generic. The high point here is the buzzy “The Words You Didn’t Say” while a low point is the totally cheesy “Entry Fee.” www.protocolmusic.com SAN KAZAKGASCAR- GREETINGS FROM BEAUTIFUL…- LATHER- This Sacramento, CA band is lather Records entry into the Eastern psychedelia sweepstakes. Their songs will take you different flea markets where snake charmers will try and steal your wallet and the incense is burning like a California wildfire. Mike Woo’s clarinet steals the show…just don’t eat the curry! www.latherrecords.com SHAM 69- HOLLYWOOD HERO- SOS- Ancient UK punk stills trying to keep it alive. I say forget this and pick up TELL US THE TRUTH or HERSHAM BOYS. If you’re gonna buy a Sham record you have to at least have Jimmy Pursey as the singer (this one has Tim Scazz). www.sosrecords.us SILENCE IS SAFETY- S/T- TEENO- Female fronted pop punk band who “kick ass” (according to their press release). If I had nothing else to do on a Friday night and I was still 18 years old I might go see them. www.teenorecords.com RINGO STARR- LIVE AT SOUNDSTAGE- KOCH- In the Summer of 2005 Ringo and his band hit the Genessee Theatre in Illinois and well…he did his Ringo thing. Playing some Beatles stuff (‘natch) . The cheese factor is pretty high but the Beatles maniacs out there eat this stuff up. www.kochent.com ANDY SWAN- OTTAWA- KELP- Leader of Toronto posters, The Michael parks, Swan had a batch of country songs that didn’t fit into his other band so he recorded these tunes w/ some accomplished p[layers. In the tradition of George Jones n’ merle, OTTAWEA is filled to the brim with infectious songs. www.kelprecords.com THIRDIMENSION- BEFORE THE END BEGINS- HIDDEN AGENDA/PARASOL- Absolutely gorgeous acoustic record by this Swedish bunch. Recorded in a majestic old church for that reverby effect. Songs are from their two previous records plus a few covers. Quite grand. www.parasol.com THE TOY DOLLS- TREASURED TRACKS- SOS- Brit funny punk band who have been around for ages (actually since 1979) and led by Cockney nutjob vocalist Michael “Olga” Algar. It’s got all the classics such as “Tommy Kowey’s Car”, “I’ve had Enough o’ Magaluif” , “Rita’s Innocent”, “I’m a Telly Adict” and plenty more. If you like The Dickies or The Rezillos then this be up your alley. www.sosrecords.us TWO HOURS TRAFFIC- LITTLE JABS- BUMNSTEAD- One of the great things about doing a zine is getting terrific records sent to you that you might not hear otherwise. Thus Canadian bunch really shine on their sophomore effort with sunny harmonies and breezy melodies. A bit like Fountains of Wayne wit their effortless pop sound. “Heroes of the Sidewalk” is an instant classic as are a few others. Dig in. www.bumstead.com JOE WHEELER- THREE- ELECTRIC BLUE- Bluesy rawk in the Cream tradition (or Hendrix) from this Florida guy and his pals. Includes a cover of “Sunshine of Your Love.” www.electricbluerecords.com FEBRUARY 2008 GG ALLIN AND THE CRIMINAL QUARTET- CARNIVAL OF EXCESS- PONK- Only deadguy w/ more posthumous releases is Tupac. CARNIVAL OF EXCESS is a GG…..umm…..country record ??!! Yup, with a piano and accordian player and GG crooning over tear-in-your-beer ballads this is the last thing I would have expected but it works! www.ponkmedia.com KASEY ANDERSON- THE RECKONING- TERRA SOUL- 3rd record from roots rocker Anderson. He goes back and forth from a cool, Tom Waits-ish croak to something a lot more hooky and hummable. Well done. www.kaseyanderson.com BELA KAROLI- FURNISHED ROOMS- HELMET ROOM- Denver, CO trio who don’t sound like they’re form Denver (whatever that means). Instead they take elements of Tom Waits, cabaret, smoke-filled room jazz, Thom Yorke, Portishead and a few others. This bunch are definitely following their own muse. www.myspace.com/belakaroli BOY/GIRL- SECRET SECRET SECRET SINGLES- 307 KNOX- I expected twee poop but this is not that. NYC duo of Eric and Lisa who truly want to fuck with your punk rock head. It sain;t pretty but it works. www.307knoxrecords.com BREECH- TARNISH AND UNDRESS- RU- Proud baking LA bunch (they had a bake sale to earn money to release their cd). I like the songs they have the right amount of tension and melody and sound to me a bit like a less rootsy Geraldine Fibbers. www.breech.net BROTHER JT- THIRD EAR CANDY- BIRDMAN- Original Sins guy John Terlesky , the guy will forever be in my hall of fame for writing the incredible rager “Just 14” way back when. This is a different animal altogether. Here he does his best Roky (as in Erikson) steals a broken moog and gets all twisted on us. Umm…sorta normal for him. www.birdmanrecords.com CELEBRATION- THE MODERN TRIBE- 4AD- You thinks they’re form London but they are actually out of…Baltimore. Sophomore effort from these gothy shoegazers recalls Siouxie and the Banshees (mostly from Katrina Ford’s vocals). Not my bag but very popular. www.4ad.com THE CHRYSLER- FAILURES AND SPARKS- GALAXY GRAMOPHONE- Swedish bunch who are considered a country act in their home country, here they recall Dean Wareham barely staying aware to his favorite Velvets record. Everything from barely audible tunes to full-band pop stuff. It’s slowly growing on me. www.parasol.com CLOUD CULT- THE MEANING OF 8- EARTHOLOGY- Mpls band led by Craig Minowa who does mostly everything here. The songs waver between exceptional indie rock with flourishes of orchestrated pop and psychedelia (think Flaming Lips) . Minowa’s warbly voice recalls Neil Young and Daniel Johnston. Glad I finally listened to this. www.cloudcult.com CREEPY- THE TRIPLE EP- TEENOP- Melodic, clean sounding pop punk that’s about as generic as it gets. www.teenorecords.com DASHBOARD CONFESSIONAL- THE SHADE OF POISON TREES- VAGRANT- Tattoo guy Chris Carrabba is back with his acoustic guitar and this return to form (as they’re calling it…whoever they are). It’s super polished but a few of the tunes do stroke accordingly. Namely the opener “Where There’s Gold”, the bouncy :These Bones” and the drum-machined “Fever Dreams.” This one’s for the kids but I can take a few for my old self, right? www.vagrant.com BEN FORREST DAVIS- ROUGHS- BIRD SONG/PARASOL- Former Sugarcult drummer Davis had a rough patch there in life and looked inward to record these 11 acoustic tunes. Exploring his inner David Gates, Davis comes out with 11 winners. www.parasol.com BRIAN DEWAN- WORDS OF WISDOM- ESCHATONE- Quirky singer-songwriter Dewan apparently found this batch of 16 songs in attics, cellars, yard sales and other places (I guess a few are 200 years old). He adds his personal stamp on these with his use of zither, autoharp and accordion. A bit too novelty for me but others will love this. www.eschatone.com DIGBY- WHAT’S NPT PLASTIC?- LABEL X- Radio-ready stuff that gets compared to Weezer but I don’t hear it. I hear really average tunes w/ way too much gloss. www.labelx.us DIRT JAKE REPLICAS- S/T- SELF-RELEASED- Heavy, deep, emotional art rock from this Portland 5-some who take their two biggest influences (Pink Floyd and Tool) and create something epic. Only 6 songs here (a few over the 10 minute mark) but lots of meat and potatoes. www.dirtjakereplicas.com D.O.A.- THE BLACK SPOT- SUDDEN DEATH- 1995 release from DOA that get the reissue treatment. This is the record that John Wright ( NoMeansNo) played on (DOA’s drummer, Ken Jensen, had just died in a fire). It ain’t HARDCORE ’81 but still a decent to strong batch of tunes. www.suddendeath.com GOLDEN DEATH MUSIC- EPHEMERA BLUES- HELMET ROOM- The work of one person, Michael Ramey. The brittle guitar chords slice off and flutter around the room. While Ramey’s voice is in another galaxy altogether. Radiohead-ish in parts, this guy has loads of talent. www.blrrecords.com GOODNIGHT LOVING- CROOKED LAKE- DUSTY MEDICAL- Real nice mix of stomping country and jagged garage rock. “Train Hopping man” sounded like prime Gories while “My Important Heart” is pure drunken hoedown. Not sure where these guys get their guitars but they sound different than your guitars. Really. www.dustymedical.com RYAN GROFF- PEOPLE IN THE MIDWEST- PARASOL- Elsinore frontman Ryan offers up 8 songs. The straight up folks stuff (very reminiscent of Elliott Smith in vocals and guitar playing) is my favorite. Some of the more off-kilter stuff (ok, only “Haiti” really) wasn’t my bag. So 7/8 of this is good! www.parasol.com THE HIGH VIOLETS- SATELLITE REMIXES- REVERB- I was going to say how much I hate remixes and how the last one I liked was Pete Shelley’s “Homosaphien” (elongated dance party dub mix) but then I heard Ulrich Schnauss’ mix of “Chinese Letter” which sounds incredible (like the best/dreamiest Cocteau Twins records times 10) . The rest of the record (10 songs in all) is decent and occasionally really good but man, “Chinese Letter”….whew. www.reverbrecords.net CROSBY LOGGINS AND THE LIGHT- WE ALL GO HOME- J & R ADVENTURES- Airy n’ breezy stuff from the son of Kenny Loggins. I just can’t help but think of the “I’m Alright” tune from CADDYSHACK. A mix of rock, folk and some country too. Too light for my liking. www.crosbyloggins.com V/A- TWENTY ONE AND HUNGOVER: THE OLD 3C CD SAMPLER- OLD 3C- Old 3C is one of the most unsung labels in the U.S. of A. Granted, their output is sporadic but what they do release is usually really good. You have the fantastic jangle pop of Log, the quirky Great Plains, the countrified Peck of Snide, the Yo La Tengo-esue solo stuff of Paul Nini and the raunch of Thomas Jefferson Slave Apts. I’m sure this is either free or really cheap. Get it. www.old3c.com 2 DVD REVIEWS: THE BEATLES- DESTNATION HAMBURG- MVD- Containing no Beatles music at all, this is one of those boring British docs that traces the Fab Four’s roots from The Quarreymen (late 50’s to their early days in Hamburg, Germany. Unless you’re a Beatles completist (and I know there are a lot of you out there) you can pass on this one. www.mvdvisual.com COMPOSING THE BEATLES SONGBOOK- LENNON AND MCCARTNEY 1957-1965- PRIDE/MVD- Gathering up a panel that reads like a who’s who in rock criticism (Robert Christgau, Barry Miles, Nigel Williamson, Anrthony DeCurtis, Johnny Rogan, etc.) this reviews the songwriting partnership between the 2 main songwriters in the Beatles. Plenty of rare footage here and insightful chat, this is head and shoulders above the above review.