DAGGER SHORT REVIEWS!



	MARCH 2010 A PLACE TO BURY STRANGER- EXPLODING HEAD- MUTE- Brooklyn, trio on record #2 and these ex-Skywave folks certainly know how to bring the noise. Never heard their debut but heard it was even noisier but a bit of sheen on these kind of songs isn’t a bad thing. Think MBV meets New Order as the band steamrolls down the block crushing everything in its path. Just get the hell out of the way, please. www.mute.com ANJULIE- S/T- HEAR MUSIC- A Guyanese singer from Toronto and I have no reference points for this kind of music ‘cept maybe Nelly Furtado as her dancey soul pop reminds me a bit of Nelly. Allmusic also mentions Santigold, Laura Nyro, Beyonce and Regina Spektor but I’ve only listened to two of those women (guess which ones). www.anmjuliemusic.com ANVIL- THIS IS THIRTEEN- VH1 CLASSIC- Yup, sounds like metal (a genre I have never been a fan of) . Had not even heard OF this band before the band-made documentary that came out last year. Referred to as the “real Spinal Tap” these Canadians have been slogging it out with very little mainstream success for nearly 3 decades. Said to be an influence on Metallica and Anthrax Lips (guitar/vocals) and drummer Robb Reiner (ha ha ha ) who, with Glenn Five on bass crank out 14 tunes and ya’ know, this is good stuff. Normally I hated the wanky metal leads but Lips does it with style on here (and doesn’t go so overboard) while Reiner is an animal on drums. Lyrics are occasionally goofy but that’s ok. At this point don’t think these guys will ever become stars but with records like this, they will still have respect. www.vh1classic.com SETH AUGUSTUS- TO THE POURING RAIN- PORTO FRANCO- Coarse, grizzled, tweaked blues in the Tom Waits vein but they mix in some Beefheart-ian weirdness too just to keep you on your toes (as if sounding like Mr. Waits wasn’t weird enough) . Not my thing but he does it very well. www.sethaugustus.com THE BIG PINK- A BRIEF HISTORY OF LOVE- 4AD- Trippy UK spaceheads who recall the golden age of shoegaze from the late 80’s when bands like Chapterhouse and Catherine Wheel were turning heads left and right. Who knows, maybe they’ll restart the genre as this isn’t a band start. www.4ad.com BLACK TAPE FOR A BLUE GIRL- 10 NEUROTICS- PROJEKT- This project, started by the label founder Sam Rosenthal, has been going on for nearly three decades and umpteen million records (or so irt seems). This collection seems a bit waltzy from, the Waits-esque opener “Sailor Boy’ to the female sung “Inch Worm” which could be a showtune for something. There is a good mix of styles and Rosenthal never lets his art rock ambitions get too far away (and the Richard Kern-esque photos inside the cd booklet ware tantalizing as well). www.projekt.com BROADWAY CALLS- GOOD VIEWS, BAD NEWS- SIDE ONE DUMMY- Rainier, Oregon (of all places) bunch who hired Mr. All/Descendent Bill Stevenson to produce here and it’s well-produced but not overly slick and the songwriting is good. The vocals are way out front in the mix and the guitars sound loud and clear. Well done. www.sideonedummy.com BROWN BIRD- THE DEVIL DANCING- PEAPOD- This Portland, ME via Seattle cat, David Lamb, has been as it for a few years now and this is record #4 (2nd for the Peapod label) and his brand of spooky, folky blues has turned more than a few heads. Vocally he sounds a bit like the gravel of Tom Waits while the music sounds broken and busted in the best way possible (he has a fine cast of players on here). Give both “Down to the River” and “Much and Mire” listens and go from there. www.peapodrecordings.com THE CINEMATICS- LOVE AND TERROR- THE ORCHARD- Glaswegians who apparently get compared to The Editors quite a bit (and are sick of it). I hear a bit of that as well as some Echo & the Bunnymen and some Cure too. Most of the songs are sweeping and grand and they don’t forget the hooks either, which is always nice. Give the superb “New Mexico” a listen. www.myspace.com/thecinematics THE CREEPY CREEPS- FINK ABOUT IT!- DIONYSUS- San Diego surf/garage punk who probably wear out organs quicker than I go through underwear (tmi?). This wasn’t bad but I’ll bet live is where this band needs to be experienced. Best song title; “Shanghai Supplies.” www.dionysusrecords.com DARK MEAT- TRUCE OPIUM- EMERGENCY UMBRELLA- Athens, GA group of hundreds led by erstwhile nutjob Jim McHugh. Actually I think there are like 10 people in the band but this sophomore effort is just as scattered and gonzo as their 2006 debut. 2 of the 8 songs here top the 10 minute mark and it’s all a cacophonous blast of horns, percussion and yelps (oh, guitars too). A few of these tunes might drive you to drink but I’ll bet live they’re a fuggin’ hoot. www.myspace.com/darkmeat STEVEN DEAL- RADIO TWELVE- SEDITIONARY KITTEN- For those of you who remember 90;’s power poster Chopper (Big Deal Records) well, this this guy Mr. Deal is one half of that duo. Seems he had been in hiding for a number of years (after the demise of his post Chopper band, The Absolute Zeroes) but here he returns with 12 new tracks of hard(er) hitting pop than the acoustic jangle that was most of Chopper. Well, to be honest there is a nice mix of styles on this from Chopper jangle to pop that has more of the power in it. Strong songwriting and a welcome return to say the least. www.seditionarykitten.com DELETED WAVEFORM GATHERINGS- GHOST, SHE SAID- RAINBOW QUARTZ- Norwegian 5-some who , like a lot of the bands on the R.Q. label worship at the church of the B;’s (Beatles, Big Star, Byrds, etc.) but on this, their 3rd record they seem to be going for the gold a bit more. In other words, rocking out but GHOST, HE SAID still has some sublime pop moments on it like the jangly “Miss Missing You” and the punchy “Why I’m Falling”, it just has fewer than the previous records. Still, not a bad effort here. www.rainbowquartz.com THE DEPRECIATION GUILD- IN HER GENTLE JAWS- KANINE- This is Kurt Feldman’s, drummer for Pains of Being Pure at Heart, side project. As busy as that band has been it’s surprising to see he has a side project but here it is and it’s really good, too. This was originally self-released in 2007 but the Kanine label picked it up and have remastered and reissued it. These 10 songs take a heavy UK dreampop influence of bands like MBV, The Field Mice and some Jesus and Mary Chain too and make good use of the effects. Nop top tier ryet but close. www.inhergentlejaws.com DESERTERS PALE MORNING- POP BOOMERANG- Melbourne songwriter Luke Thomas , who plays in a few others bands (The Pictures, The Ronson Hangup, etc.) and is a busy enough guy but here felt he needed to squeeze in another project. On PALE MORNING he grabbed some members of The Wellingtons and on these 9 songs cranks out nice, acoustic-flavored pop in the vein of DAGGER favoriteMojave 3. The guy has a real velvety smooth voice and knows his way around a song, dropping in plenty of hooks and occasional left turns. Check out the anthemic “Take It as it Comes” or the swoony title track for further proof. I hope this side project becomes a full-time concern. www.popboomerang.com DIVISION DAY –VISITATION- DANGERBIRD- Sounds to me like generic post punk with beats , washes of keyboards, pretentious vocals and very mediocre songwriting. With this Santa Cruz, CA band trust me, you’re not missing much. www.dangerbirdrecords.com ELLSWORTH- BRIGHT RED ROAD- SELF RELEASED- This BKLNY folkster has apparently been writing and recording music since the 70’s and on this, his 2nd solo record, he has a large cast of characters helping out (including a sousaphone player). Some of it is hooky and driving (“Saxophone”, “One More Time” ) while other was goofy and a bit annoying (title track, “These Park New Orleans”), etc.) but heck, art least the guy has a sense of humor and doesn’t take himself too seriously. Not a bad listen, www.ellsworthsongs.com EL PERRO DEL MAR- LOVE IS NOT POP- THE CONTROL GROUP- Swede Sarah Assbring returns with her 3rd full-length. This time it’s she and producer rRasmus Hagg (from Swedish band Studio) and this record still features her lovelorn vocals but this time a bit of pop sheen glides across the record. Don’t get me wrong, she still soaks these 10 songs (which includes 3 bonus tracks) in her unique heartbreaking melancholy but something about these tunes sounds more, I don’t know, maybe up to date. She uses reverb and echo to her advantage and she has, once again, created another highly listenable record. www.elperrodelmar.com FOR AGAINST- NEVER BEEN- WORDS ON MUSIC- This trio, who have been at it for over 2 decades, hail from, of all places, Nebraska. The band has a dark, post-punk sound (a bit of Joy Division in there as well as a big 4AD influence) ) but mix it with dream pop melodies and vocalist Jeffrey Running’s moody vocals. This isn’t their strongest record as I found a few of the songs dull but overall it’s solid from a band that had defined consistency. www.words-on-music.com LEIGH GREGORY- 1973- VOLLWERT- Thought this was a release form 1973 (retro photo on the cover) but this is the guy who was in Mellow Drunk (who I never did hear, never heard Gallon Drunk either) doing 80’s style pop rock , a bit in the vein of Robyn Hitchcock. Real nice. www.leighgregory.com HUAK- SECRET TREES ep- PEAPOD- 6 tunes by this Portland, Maine bunch who go for the jugular with an angular, hard- hitting post-punk sound Think equal parts Mission of Burma mixed with Q and Not U and a dash of Minutemen funkyness too. I like the low-end rumble and cacophony of “Stats and Demographics” the best of the bunch. 5 songs. www.peapodrecordings.com RAY WYLIE HUBBARD- A. ENLIGHTENMENT, B. ENDARKENMENT, (HINT: THERE IS NO C)- BORDELLO- Curiously titled disc from this old Texan and he’s not trying to sound old, this cat was born in 1946 and hung with the likes of Jerry Jeff Walker and Ramblin’ Jack Elliott (and probably David Allen Coe too). Right in between Mississippi Delta Blues and honky tonk, this cat is the real thing. Drive by Truckers fans take note. www.thirtytigers.com KANDI CODED- FELL FOR THE GIFT- VOLCOM- Riff rawk from Seattle and produced by, who else, Jack Endino (who I believe it also in the band). The songs are heavy and fairly simple and honestly, nothing on here yanked my chain at all (those guitar leads were driving me nuts) . www.volcoment.com THE KING OF ROCKSPRINGS- THE MILKMAN VS. THE POSTMAN PROBLEM: A COMEDY IN 5 PARTS- SELF RELEASED- 5 tunes in just under 17 minutes from NYC via Georgia guy Scott Sosebee (Japancakes, Little Red Rocket, etc.). Opener “The Perfect Guy” is pure circus jam with fast lyrics and a hyperactive bounce to it while “Kicking Dogs/ Throwing Phones” is sad and maudlin piano tune. The other 3 tunes are a mix of the two styles (wht nmy fave being the acoustic “Springtime for newe Yorkers”). Sosebee is searchin’….., let’s hope he finds whatever it is he is looking for. www.thekingofrocksprings.com KITES WITH LIGHTS- THE WEIGHT OF YOUR HEART- 24 HOUR SERVICE STATION- This one guy (Jonah Cordy) offering up 5 songs of moody, 80’s synth pop ala OMD. The songs are good and it’s all easily likeable stuff. www.24hourservicestation.com KNOCK ‘EM ALIVE- CONEY ISLAND RIDE- SELF RELEASED- Interesting mix of pop styles on here form a NYC guy named Johnny Gruber. Was expecting more straight up power pop but there are some interesting keyboard flourishes on here and some beats too but still, most of this is for fans of Cheap Trick and the like. My pick to click here is “Some Summer.” www.knockemaliveband.com ELAINE LACHICA- I THINK I CAN SEE THE OCEAN- STUNNING MODELS ON DISPLAY- Oddball NYC singer songwriter who has gotten some comparisons to both Regina Spektor and St Vincent. She mixes her ethereal (classically trained) vocals with intricate arangements (check out “Tumbleweed”) but doesn’t forget the songs. A few dull moments here and there (“April Train”, etc.) but overall pretty strong. www.stunningmodelsondisplay.com BRIAN LARSEN- BREAKING- PROTOCOL- 23 year old Baltimo resident who has apparently been recording since he was 11. This breezy acoustic based rock and I liked about half the tunes on here. A few of the tunes were a bit too earnest for my liking but opening cut “Stay or Break” was excellent as was the jangly “Running out of Breath.” www.breakingbrianlarsen.com AUSTIN LUCAS- SOMEBODY LOVES YOU- SUBURBAN HOME- Between this and the Chad Price record it seems that the normally punk minded Suburban Home Records is getting folkier. This Texas kid is the son of Bob Lucas and it’s folky country stuff with some elements of bluegrass. Admittedly, I’m not too keen on Austin’s voice but the guy can write a tune and writes with passion. Well worth checking out. www.suburbanhomerecords.com THE MAN FROM ANOTHER PLACE- THE LONELIEST COWBOY ep- SELF RELEASED- Only 5 (instrumental) tunes here and I believe it is the work of one guy (known only as Dan) but it’s a promising beginning (if it is indeed a beginning). Very reminiscent of the High Llamas so no surprise that Sean O’Hagen had kinds words for the record on the sticker on the front of the cd (as did Edwyn Collins). Nice stuff. www.themanfromanotherplace.com MEAN JEANS- ARE YOU SERIOUS?- DIRTNAP- Portland trio who add a nice little kick to the shorts of a genre (pop punk) that usually sounds generic but not when put in the hands of a band like this who know their history. I hear elements of both the Ramones as well as label mates The Marked Men. You’ve heard this before but this is definitely a cut above. www.dirtnaprecs.com MORGAN HERITAGE- THE JOURNEY THUS FAR- VP- This 2 disc set (one cd/ one dvd) contains 20 songs on the disc and this acts as sort of a greatest hits package since the band, around since the early 90’s, has quite an extensive catalog. The band itself is made up of 5 or 6 of Denroy Morgan’s 29 kids (that was no typo, ….29 offspring). This is feel-good reggae with some r & b tossed in. Not my bag but reggae lovers will rejoice here. MORNING BELL- SINCERELY, SEVERELY, ORANGE- Florida brothers Travis and Eric Atria (along with Eric’s wife and a drummer named Chris Hillman…no, not THAT one) come together on record #4 and bring some seriously good tunes. Hell, these guy might even be part jam band, I dunno but the songs are too good to ignore and that drummer Hillman pulls it all in. An occasional Mayfield-esquee falsetto will bring some fist –pumps too. www.orangerecordsgainesville.com OM- GOD IS GOOD- DRAG CITY- The rhythm section of Sleep continue on but this time offer only 4 tunes (opener ”Thebes” is nearly 10 minutes long tho and tune #2, “Meditations is the Practice of Death is nearly 7 minutes) . No more metal for these dude, this is more like short-circuited drone with occasional chants. Not my bag but someone’s. www.dragcity.com JACK PENATE- EVERYTHING IS NEW- XL- Posh Londoner doing excellent dance pop here. Actually just calling these 9 songs dance pop is sort of a lazy description as he adds some ska, northern soul, and indie pop here and does it all well. One listen to the opener “Pull My Heart Away” will give you an indication if you like this or not. I do. www.xl-recordings.com PENGUIN PARTY- SEE THRU SONGS- SITTING TARGET- Take my advice and skip the first song. It’s not good and not indicative of how the record the record sounds. The band is led by UK songsmith, David Milligan (from the band Arco) and you’ll hear some beats, oddball keyboards but Milligan is at his best doing 80’s style pop as the guy knows his way around a tune (lie the excellent “Here be the Chorus”). www.sittingtarget.net POCKETBOOKS- FLIGHT PATHS- HOW DOES IT FEEL TO BE LOVED- Had not previously heard of this UK based indie pop band but being on the HDIFTBL label (also home to Butcher Boy) i had a feeling ti was going to be good and it is. I was initially reminded of Heavenly with their sprightly pop tunes plus Emma’s vocals remind me a bit of Amelia Fletcher too. “Footsteps” is a sweet opener to get things going while “Fleeting Moments” is a bit zippier with some nice piano and “Camera Angles” , sung by a male, is more Belle & Sebastian influenced but just as solid (as is “Cross the Line” which brings in horns). “Sweetness and Light” is another winner and fro those who long for the late 90’s golden days of indie pop ,well, Pocketbooks is bring back the magic. www.howdoesitfeel.co.uk CHAD PRICE- SWEET SMILE FACE- SUBURBAN HOME- In which the former All vocalist records, on his solo debut, an album of 10 acoustic songs. It’s actually better than it sounds. The guy has a good voice and while it is too earnest at times it’s not cheesy. PROUD SIMON- ANCHORD AWEIGH- SELF RELEASED- This Brooklyn, NY band, led by songwriter Brian Keenan, impressed on their 2008 sophomore release (NIGHT OF CRIMINALS) and this 5-song stop gap ep isn’t bad but at times a bit too breezy and well, regular sounding, with little to differentiate it from packs of other bands doing the same thing. The songwriting is still pretty good and the title track and jangly “Morning Paper” were both standout. Will still keep my ear on what they’ re doing and remain cautiously optimistic. www.myspace.com/proudsimon HOPE SANDOVAL & THE WARM INVENTIONS- THROUGH THE DEVIL SOFTLY- NETTWERK- Ex-Mazzy Star vocalist Hope is still among us, it just took her nearly a decade for a follow up to 2001’s BAVARIAN FRUIT BREAD. This time she is still joined by MBV’s Colm O’Ciosoig and musically, well, not much has changed as they are still doing the slo-mo folly dream pop kinda stuff with Hope’s waifish vocals. Opener “Blanchard’ sets the tone for the entire record and the songwriting here is just as good as the debut, maybe even a bit better and perfect for those 2 AM drives to no where. www.nettwerk.com SHELLSHAG- RUMORS IN DISGUISE- DON GIOVANNI- BKNY duo of Johnny Shell and Jen Shag have apparently been all over the scene, in numerous bands while in San Fran, running an art space in the 90’s and generally wreaking havoc wherever they went. Here they are with record #2 and these 15 tunes are short n’ sweet with hooky guitar riffs and songs that sound like instant classics the first time you hear them (or that feeling that you have heard them before). When thy harmonize it’s nearly perfect (check out “Mean That Much to Me”). www.dongiovannirecords.com THE SIMPLE PAGES- TO AFFINITY & BEYOND- SELF RELEASED- Riffy, mid-tempo pop rock that was ok, but nothing special really. A few decent hooks here and there. SINGING BRIDGES- THREE TRAINS- SKIPPING STONES- 5 more tunes of noisy yet melodic indie poop from Will and Christine of the Skipping Stones label. They had a previous ep that I really enjoyed and these songs are even more fully realized. My pick to click on here is “Crazy Street.” www.skippingstonesrecords.com SNOWBYRD- DIOSDADO- SAUSTEX- Another band from Spurs country (see Sons of Hercules below) with, I believe, their sophomore effort here. The record, however, is cloaked in sadness as drummer Manny Castillo died while the band was recording the record so half the tracks are from those session while the other are older tracks (also with him on drums). The band’s sound and style are hard to pin down as they mix several style into their own but I heard Byrds-y jangle as well as elements of prog, garage rock and even some country too. It’s a bit uneven but the good tracks here are really good (check out the gorgeous “Ozona”). Should they decide to continue, there’s a ton of promise here. www.saustexmedia.com THE SONS OF HERCULES- A DIFFERENT KIND OF UGLY- SAUSTEX- While I have heard their name over the years I have never before checked out this San Antonio, TX institution who have been plugging away for 2 decades without a hint of mainstream success (that’s not what they’re lookin’ for anyway). The 12 songs that make up A DIFFERENT KIDN OF UIGLY don’t vary too much in style but this band is nothing if not consistent. They take elements of The Stooges and the Stones and grind out mid-tempo nuggets with snotty appeal and with vocalist Frank Puglise, a front man who would probably spit in your face, pour your beer on your head and then buy you another one. In addition to the 9 originals here they also had the good sense on to cover The Saint’s (“Misunderstood”), Lazy Cowgirls “Rock of Gibraltar”) and the Mystery Dates (“Easy Action”). Go! www.saustexmedia.com SOUTH CHINA- WASHINGTONS- PEAPOD- Essentially the work on a married couple, Jeremy and Jerusha Robinson (though there are a lot of other musicians on here, including their friend David Lamb of Brown Bird). South China create music that is sparse, at times experimental and occasionally eerie. When Jerusha sings it’s a bit more haunting and the clashing of cello, glock, keys and other instruments create a musical backdrop that is complex yet simple, warm yet lonely. www.peapodrecordings.com STEREOPHONIC SPACE SOUND UINLIMITED- THE SPOOKY SESSIONS- DIONYSUS-Swiss instrumental retro duo (Ernest Maeschi and Karen Simpson) with lp #6 (I believe) who do everything from space age bachelor pad type chill music to groovy 60’s mashups to surf to out and out garage rock. They pull out all of the stop including the kitchen sink on this one: sitars, moogs, bongos, homemade electronic gunk and everything in between and the whole thing is instantly likeable with groovy jams and with song titles like “Sitar Jerk”, “Do the Lurk Around” and :”Chicken Skin” can these guys name songs or what? www.dionysusrecords.com THE STRANGE BOYS- AND GIRLS CLUB- IN THE RED- Austin via Dallas cats who do an r & b influenced sort of garage rock that sounds like a Dylan clone on vocals. I don’t want to say leader Ryan Sambol is aping Mr. Dylan I just think that when he opens his mouth that is what comes out. The guitars sound pretty great, like mid-60’s Brit. Invasion bands just waiting for their shot. At times like The Kinks and others times like 80’s band the Gibson Bros. Great song titles too (“Woe is You and Me”, “No Way for a Slave to Behave”, “Should have Shot Paul”, etc.). www.intheredrecords.com TIN HUEY- BEFORE OBSCURITY: THE BUSHFLOW TAPES- SMOG VEIL- Oddball 70’s stuff outta , where else, Cleveland, Ohio where bands like Devo and Pere Ubu ruled the earth. This stuff is all over the map but mostly sorta geeky new wave with Ralph Carney’s honking sax. www.smogveil.com TORO Y MOI- CAUSERS OF THIS- CARPARK- This band is actually is the work of one, Chaz Bundick. A South Carolina native who records alone and has whippeed up something fairly unique. Here it’s got synthesizers/keys, guitars and all sounds a bit hazy and occasionally sounds as if it was recorded underwater but there’s some undeniable hooks to be found and even if you don’t like bands like Animal Collective or Grizzly Bear (who this reminded me a bit of) some of the hooks are too gooey for words. Not my favorite genre (whatever that might be) but I’ll keep listening. www.carparkrecords.com GEORGE USHER- YOURS AND NOT YOURS- PARASOL- Hard to believe that this guy was in both The Bongos and Beat Rodeo but it’s true as he has been making music in the Big Apple for over three decades. ON this, his 5th solo record he refines his chamber pop tunes with gorgeous string arrangements and impressive songs. He earned his keep a long time ago. www.parasol.com VAMPIRE WEEKEND- CONTRA- XL- Not a bad follow up to their terrific debut record form a few years back but this doesn’t have the super memorable songs that record had. They’re still doin’ the Paul Simon thing, in fact, even more so now. VIVIAN GIRLS- EVERYTHIGN GOES WRONG- IN THE RED- This time the BKNY trio offers up 13 songs and the song lengths even go towards the 5-minute mark this time. It’s basically the same as the first record only the songs aren’t quite as good. If you don’t know the influences it’s C86, girl groups and punk rot (Ramones , etc.). It’s still good but lacks the charm (and hooks) of the debut. www.intheredrecords.com STELLAN WAHLSTROM DRIFT BAND- ACROSS THE ROOM- BELPID- Gentle folky tunes with piano, violin and plenty of acoustic guitars. This is from the same guy who used to be in Crypt Records garage band The Wylde Mammoths! I have to admit I’m a sucker for heartfelt tunes like these as long as the songwriting is good and it is played with passion, like these songs are. www.belpid.com WE ARE WOLVES- INVISIBLE VIOLENCE- DARE TO CARE- This Canadian trio has been making quite a name for itself with their hi-energy, electro shouty, dance punk (think Suicide meets Joy Division but with more commercial appeal). I could normally take or leave the dance punk movement but these guys can actually write pretty good songs and have an edge to them as well. The driving “Reaching for the Sky” and the whirring “Dreams” are my two picks to click here but there’s more to it than just those tunes. www.daretocarerecords.com ALLISON WEISS- WAS RIGHT ALL ALONG- SELF RELEASED- Earnest, passionate, occasionally goofy University of GA student who is a “musician by night” who can really write songs too. Not sure how many record she has out but at least two and not sure why I was expecting this to be bad but I’m glad it’s not. Go to her myspace site and listen to “Fingers Crossed’ and “From You to Me” and you’ll (possibly) be hooked. www.allisonw.com THE XX- XX- YOUNG TURKS- This made most major magazines top 10 of 2009 lists but when I listened I heard some tired old beats and detached singing. Sure, there is an occasional nice hook but I’m still waiting for the sky to open up and it hasn’t happened yet. YELLOW FEVER- S/T- WORLD WIDE- Trio from Austin with 2 gals and one guy and one gal, Jennifer Moore, is also in Voxtrot and Vivian Girls Cassie Ramone did (a rat and a cat) the artwork. Unlike this Vivs, this is more spare and takes more of a Rough Trade (think Young Marble Giants) take on things. Plunky and loping, just the way I like it. www.myspace.com/yellerfever YOUNG FRESH FELLOWS- I THINK IT IS- YEP ROC- As if Scott McCaughey isn’t busy enough with the Minus 5 (and his work with R.E.M.) he unleashes his nearly 3-decade old band with a new record here. It’s their first since 2001 and produced by Robyn Hitchcock, this record does what all good rock records do (specifically any band with McCaughey in it) is shows a true spirit of rock and roll with 13 fun , nothing-fancy-here tunes with lots of guitar grit and good times. Grab the cooler. www.yeproc.com V/A- CHRISTMAS SPECIAL- SERIES TWO- The tireless Chros from, Series Two continues on with his cdr and this is, as the title implies, Christmas tunes from many of the bands in his stable. You have stellar cuts from bands like Seaside Stars (“Santa Soon”), Later (“An Old Excuse”), Betsy & a Ukulele (“I thought I’d write you a Christmas Song”), The Legendary Ten Seconds (“Sitting in this Trench:”) and plenty more. www.indiepages.com/seriestwo V/A- STRICTLY THE BEST/ VOL. 41- VIP- Pretty lame reggae comp,. and the only person I had heard of on here was Beenie Man but some other names include Mr. Vegas, Laden, Munga, Mavado, Busy Signal, etc. Not a fan of the genre anyway but this really blew. KIDD OBLIVION tells you the truth…(written on prozac & bourbon) COBRA VERDE – HAVEN’T SLEPT ALL YEAR – SCAT – New slab from all but forgotten, ex GBV flunkies that sounds like KISS playing indie-rock. Except when it sounds like low budget Supersuckers… JOHN DOE & THE SADIES – COUNTRY CLUB – YEP ROC – A drunken promise from Doe to the Sadies in a Toronto bar turns into the best thing he’s released since he was in X. About a 70-30 mix of cry-in-yr-beer laments to shuffling rave-ups, with plenty o’ pedal steel to go ‘round. Sho-nuff. WAYNE HANCOCK – VIPER OF MELODY – BLOODSHOT – Will his streak ever be broken? Wayne “the Train” continues his string of catchy, authentic, well written country honks and proves to be Bloodshot’s main man and workhorse. Great album title too! Stand-up as usual. HEARTLESS BASTARDS – THE MOUNTAIN – FAT POSSUM – I wasn’t crazy about the first 2 Bastards records, but this one definitely grabbed me. Erika Wennerstrom’s songs are a bit alt country and a bit garage-rock and she has a voice well suited to both. I actually like the slower jams on this better than the rockers for a change… HORNET LEG – RIBBON OF FEAR – K – Hornet Leg present a great ramshackle, basement indie-rock record that is right at home on K. The songs stagger fromSiltbreeze / In The Red romps to clumbsy nerd-rock a la Joaquina, Dieselhed or the Dead Milkmen. The deadpan Who cover is hilarious as well. THE INEVITABLE BACKLASH – MY TWO BROOKES – HEGEMONY – Name’s too long – strike 1. They’re from LA – strike 2. Wah-wah pedal – strike 3. Adios Backwash. I mean, Backlash... JACK O & THE TEARJERKS – THE DISCO OUTLAW – GONER – Normally that name and the awful cover shot would’ve caused me to throw this directly in the trash, BUT it’s on Goner so I listened first. Glad I did, ‘cause this is a nice, sleazy slice of memphis country rock. Great guitar tones and vocals throughout and the production is just dirty enough. Cool man. KID CONGO & THE MONKEYBIRDS – DRACULA BOOTS – IN THE RED – An awesome dose of slinky garage soul laid down by longtime NYC stalwart Kid Congo. Equal parts Screamin’ Jay Hawkins, Andre Williams and Iggy Pop served over scratchy / sultry R&B. King Khan owes Kid Congo a huge debt of gratitude. KNIFE THE SYMPHONY – CRAWLER – PHRATRY – This is a nice blast of 3 pc. indie-rock from Cinnci that reminded me a lot of early 90’s Dischord and Amphetemine Reptile bands, as well as folks like Babes in Toyland and 6 Finger Satellite. Lots of youthful energy and yelling to be had herein. LIFE AND TIMES – TRAGIC BOOGIE – ARENA ROCK – Nice cover art on this terribly named album by L&T who manage to combine old-school shoegazing and buried, dreamy vocals with amped up drumbeats and howling guitars. Basically, the fast ones are good (and rival bands like Averkiou), while the slow ones are kinda duds. Almost there. MAGIK MARKERS – BALF QUARRY – DRAG CITY – This record is Soooo Siltbreeze circa ’93! Then again, it totally fits on DC too. This stuff is damaged, deconstructed sludge mixed with moments of crisp clarity that is cool, interesting and kind of really awesome. MEAT PUPPETS – SEWN TOGETHER – MEGAFORCE – Man, I was so ready to slag this because I never liked the ‘Puppets, but they come out on this thing sounding like a Supersuckers/Sebadoh combo one minute and an REM /Husker Du combo the next. Totally shot down my plan. I had some good zingers for them too. Guess i’ll have to save them for the next review… MOTORIK – KLANG! – SELF – This is a pretty standard yet enjoyable Cure / Joy Division rip-off with chick vocals. My two favorite tracks were actually the Wire-y “utopia parkway,” and the decidely Pylon-ish “patent kiss.” Not bad at all really… BOB MOULD – LIFE AND TIMES – GRANARY – Ah, speak of the Devil… You never know what you’re gonna get with old Moldy Bob, but luckily this record is a lot more like Sugar than “Workbook,” whew! Interestingly, each of the 3 songs on this album with the word “Life” in the title are total pieces of shit. The rest are pretty great though. PS: He’s old. RED RED MEAT – BUNNY GETS PAID (DELUXE) – SUB POP – I saw these guys a bunch of times in the early – mid 90’s and never gave a fuck about them. Turns out, they were way ahead of me and I should’ve been paying closer attention. This record was totally ahead of it’s time compared to most 1995 indie-rock, and was criminally under-appreciated. It sounds huge, the harmonies soar and the songs are solid as rocks. Sorry about my lacklustre attitude dudes, my bad. SUPERDRAG – INDUSTRY GIANTS – 30 TIGERS – Over-produced indie-rock made for radio or TV commercials. THUNDER POWER – LOVE YOURSELF – SLUMBER PARTY – Imagine a happier Cat Power singing over music that’s akin to the Bats, the Zebras and the Lucksmiths with just a pinch of Beat Happening thrown in there for cuteness. THUNDERS – THE SYMPATHETIC OSCILLATIONS – A SQUARED – Having been to Indianapolis, it’s very hard for me to believe that there could be a decent band from there, but Thunders are making a good case. Straight-up Velvets vibe with touches of the Black Angels, the Kills and the Raveonettes. Quite nice. UNKNOWN INSTRUCTORS – S/T – SMOG VEIL – Ok, alternative super group starring Mike Watt, George Hurley, Joe Baiza, Dave Thomas and Raymond Pettibon. On paper it sounds great, but it was just a bunch of spoken word / poetry recited over noodling. Sorry dudes. VARIOUS ARTISTS – A TRIBUTE TO CHRIS GAFFNEY – YEP ROC – With the exception of the Big Sandy/Los Straightjackets track (that’s 1 out of 18!), this record is a predictable, crushing bore. V/A – A TRIBUTE TO DOUG SAHM – VANGAURD – This comp features many of the same artists as the Chris Gaffney tribute, but is about 85-90% good-to-great. This leads me to believe that Doug Sahm is the better songwriter. Simple math really… YOUNG FRESH FELLOWS – I THINK THIS IS – YEP ROC – I must be honest with you: I think of all the bands out there that have worn out their fucking welcome, the ‘Fellows are top of the heap. I mean, gray, pear-shaped cornballs that should be playing at the Jersey shore – every one of them. Not to mention that having to call a bunch of 60 year olds ‘young’ and ‘fresh’ totally pisses me off. Here’s where it get interesting though: the fucking record’s actually pretty good – punchy, fun punk-pop. Goddammit. Time to go slug a bottle of Nyquil. OBLIVION – OVER AND OUT! FEBRUARY 2010 A CUCKOO- DESTINATION UNKNOWN- LE GRAND MAGISTERY- Leeds, England is the home of A Cuckoo and this is basically a one-man project. Musically this is tough to describe, similar to a male version of el Perro del Mar but even that really isn’t all that accurate. There’s lot of drawn out synth work and affected vocals and again, like the Idle Tigers review (see below), perhaps a bit of el Records influence. He doesn’t cover Missing Persons but he does cover Bob Dylan. Curious. www.magistery.com BAD VEINS- S/T- DANGERBIRD- A duo from Cincinnati (Benjamin & Sebastian) and all I kept hearing about was their single. “Gold and Warm.” I listened to it and it’s good tune, not the greatest thing since sliced bread but still good. The rest of this record of half grandiose/half dancey pop in the Franz Ferdinand vein. They won’t overtake the Afghan Whigs are Cincy’s best band but ya’ know. www.myspace.com/badveins THE BEAT RATS- A CELLAR FULL OF RATS!- KOOL KAT- This NYC combo sound like they came straight out Hamburg in 1963 ala the Fab Four, they have the sound that down pat. You’ll also hear elements of mod, garage and surf rock too but the original Liverpudlians are the ones they love. Nothing earth-shattering here but fun. www.koolkatmusik.com LAURIE BIAGINI- RIDIN’ THE WAVE- SELF RELEASED- Laurie may hail from Canada (Vancouver, BC) but you wouldn’t know it from her sunny tunes. You might think she hailed from Hawthorne, Calif. These 16 songs have a real relaxed Beach Boys/surf pop/sunshine pop feel to them (think Mamas and Papas too) with sticky melodies and Laurie has a nice voice too. A few picks to click were “Two Feet off the Ground” and the title track but really there was plenty to like here. www.myspace.com/lauriebiaginimusic ALYSE BLACK- HOLD ONTO THIS- SELF RELEASED- Torchy, sultry gal from Austin, TX who unfolds 12 songs into our laps in the Tori Amos vein. It’s not all slo mo stuff though as she does have a rock/pop side. Not my cup tea but definitely someone’s. www.alyseblack.com CLINT MICHIGAN- HAWTHORNE TO HENNEPIN- KIAM- NYC duo of Clint and Amy and both sing, play guitar and play banjo and together they can write some terrific songs (love when they harmonize together, which is nearly every song). Think of something in between Sufjan Stevens and (occasionally) Elliott Smith. “Blue and Gold” is nearly perfect as is “Alameda.” Discover now! www.myspace.com/kiamrecords FIVE FINGER SDEATH PUNCH- WAR IS THE ANSWER- PROSPECT PARK- These Mad Max-lookin’ goons are apparently in the same camp (music-wise) as System of a Down and while I do hear some interesting rhythmic variation and a few decent riffs it’s the King Kong vocals that I find laughable. JOHN FRAZIER & THE 8 YEAR OLDS- BOOGIEMAN- SELF RELEASED- Off-kilter quartet doing oddball gunk that is part no-wave, part surf rock and part Zappa weirdness. First time through I hated it but it slowly grew on me (still there’s a handful of tunes I really didn’t like) . Not something I’d listen to very often but I give them major props for trying something different. www.john-frazier.com GLOBES ON REMOTE- THE WOO HOO WOO- SELF RELEASED- Debut from L.A. band and they mention the words “dance p[arty’ , “Hall and Oates” and “Huey Lewis” on the sticker on the cover. Basically it’s synth-based dance music with falsettos, hand claps and the like. Not as bad as that sticker says. www.globesonremote.com HAIL THE SIZE- I CAN’T DIE IN L.A.- GOOD DRUMMER- This band is essentially the duo of Charles Ezell (Nashville cat) and Matt North (drummer/produce r) and these 11 cuts offer perfect reflections of the cry-in-your-beer ethos that we’ve all heard before but on I CAN’T DIE IN L.A. the performances are convincing and they have added some talented players (including Lone Justice’s Maria McKee and cellist Matt Fish) and the songwriting is ace. Don’t let this obscure near-classic pass you by. www.goodrummer.com HALF-HANDED CLOUD- CUT ME DOWN & COUNT MY RINGS- ASTHMATIC KITTY- After 4 full-lengths John Ringhofer decided it was time to do some compiling so these 46 songs are culled from previous eps, tape, singles, comps, etc. They span all of the 2000’s and range from clumsily put together lop-fi cuts to something much more sophisticated. While I don’t always like Ringhofer’s tunes (though I usually dig about half) you have to give the guy credit for going at it and slowing down or even not taking a breath. My fave song of the bunch: “He’s Not the Swindler We Are.” www.asthmatickitty.cm HARLEY’S WAR- HARDCORE ALL-STARS- MVD CD/DVD- This is ex-Stimulators/Cro Mags guy Harley doing solo stuff and the cd portion of it includes the Harleys war cd (generic metal/thrash) along with a 1982 solo demo (4 songs that I like a lot more) and a live gig from CBGB’s (15 tunes). The dvd contains a NYC show, a show from Germany and one form Japan. I can respect the guys longevity and dedication to the scene but have never really been a fan. www.mvdb2b.com GARY HIGGINS- SECONDS- DRAG CITY- Drag City reissued his1973 record RED HASH a few years ago and here are some new Higgins tunes that are, well sorta similar to his record from over 3 decades ago and very different. The production here is, naturally, a lot crisper but his songwriting still seems strong. Opening cut “Demons” is pretty little acoustic song while “Little Squirrel” ads some dramatic strings but then gets a bit too dramatic considering the subject matter. “Ten-Speed’ adds some baroqueness to it and “When I was Young’ is just a nice acoustic pop tune. Overall? I’m impressed, this coulda been bad but it’s not. www.dragcity.com HOLLANDS- MOTHER ep- SELF RELEASED- Hard to categorize this NYC bunch, (led by the elusive John-Paul Norporth) but repeated listens will yield fresh fruits. At times it’s folky while others times cracked spasms of noise will come bounding out of your stereo and elsewhere a cello n’ viola will duel and at times all 3 in the same some (“Just Like Them”). Take a chance. www.hollandsss.com IDLE TIGERS- THE SPIRIT SALON- LE GRAND MIGUSTERY- Oddball release from this one man band outta Toronto (Ross Hawkins is his name don’t wear it out). Oddball synth pop in the ‘el Records vein with cracked spoken words pieces atop a synth gone loco. I can’t figure it out. www.magistery.com I LOVE YOU- BELL ORD FORREST- JOYFUL NOISE- It gave me a headache (and made my pee smell weird). www.joyfulnoiserecordings.com KATASTROPHE- THE WORST AMAZING- 307 KNOX- Well, sounds like rap music. Better than Vanilla Ice but not as good as Ice Cube, how about that? www.307knoxrecords.com KRUM BUMS- SAME OLD STORY ep- TKO- The normally reliable TKO has released a stinker here. Metallic punk with truly awful vocals (with some occasional backing whoah-ohs). These guys should listen to some old Die Kruezen records to see how it’s done right. www.tkorecords.com KARNIVOOL- SET FIRE TO THE HIVE- SONY- Aussie “hard rock, experimental, metal, prog and compared to Tool and Incubus” have earned the distinction of the worst record listened to this month. Good job! LOUISIANA TERRITORY- TRACES OF GOLD- SELF RELEASED- Real nice melodic gunk by this Richmond, VA trio and produced by John Morand (who did a bunch of the Honor Roll stuff back in the day). Vocalist Mark Brown has a real nice set of pipes and musically it’s a cross somewhere between Nada Surf and The Church. 10 cuts, no filler. www.laterritory.com THE LOVELY EGGS- IF YOU WERE FRUIT- HHBTM- Holly & David are the duo here and they hail from Lancaster, which is somewhere in England. These 19 songs seem to waver between inspired amateurism (ala early Beat Happening) and just plain annoying noise of two folks fucking around and recording it. At times childlike and other times childish. A bit too much for me. www.hhbtm.com THE LOWER 48- EVERYWHERE TO GO ep- GRAPE JUICE- Quartet of Twin Cities youngsters who sound incredibly mature for their young ages. Ben (guitarist) and Sarah (guitars and piano) both sing and sound lovely but it’s Colin Martinez’s viola that adds more depth and beauty to the songs. “Transmission Pt. 1” and “Bedroom’ are two beauts but all 5 of these tunes are strong. www.myspace.com/heylookitsthelower48 LULLWATER- FOLREST FOR THE TREES- SELF RELEASED- I’ll give any band that has water in their name chance. Was expecting something a lot more low-key but these 5 tunes are more bombastic than I like. Sorta like the Drive by Truckers minus the good songs, but it’s not all bad as I did like “Whatever Happened.” www.lullwatermusic.com MADNESS- THE LIBERTY OF NORTON FOLGATE- YEP ROC- These UK ska mainstays might be remembered for their early 80’s hit “Our House” (for me it was more “One Step Beyond”) but they are huge in their home land. This I their first record in a decade and its chock full of soul to pop to pub and beyond. And always nice to see that sense of humor (humour) is still there. www.yeproc.com NO EVIL STAR- FAIRY TALES & FALLING THEMES- SELF RELEASED- “Analog fuzz in a digital world.” I can’t describe it any better than that. www.myspace.com/noevilstarproject NOW WE’VE GOT MEMBERS- THEN IS JUST ANOTHER KIND OF NOW- METRONOMICON AUDIO- They hail from Oslo, Norway, one review said they sound lie Belle & Sebastian (which got me excited….they don’t) and now all I hear is what sounds like Greek/Balkan music. Apparently live it’s quite a party but all I’ve got is this cd and I wanna hear something else. www.www.metronomiconaudio.net ROBIN O’BRIEN- THE APPLE IN MAN- LUXOTONE- Every once in a while I pop a cd into the player for review and it doesn’t play. This , unfortunately, was one of those circumstances. I can tell you it’s her third record sand a song cycle as well (also that she was a classmate of Aimee Mann and Juliana Hatfield at Berklee School of Music). www.luxotone.com PARALLAX PROJECT- I HATE GIRLS- KOOL KAT- Hailing from , of all places, Mechanicsburg, PA this limber quartet, led by power pop afficionado Mike Giblin (ex-Cherry Twister), sound like are firing on all cylinders. The production, by longtime guy on the scene Don Dixon, gives the tunes some guitar grit and Giblin never passes up an opportunity to stick a well-placed hook right where it’s needed. A few of the pop nuggets on here include the title track and “Waiting to Pull the Trigger” and they even send the set with a cover of the Velvelettes “Needle in a Haystack.” Nice. www.koolkatmusik.com AMANDA PEARCY- WAITIN’ ON SUNDAY- BUDDY JAKE- Sometimes this sort of homespun honkeytonk Americana resonates with me and sometimes it doesn’t. This time it didn’t. She has a nice voice, can write a tune and has a host of talented musicians on the record but probably not something I’d listen to again ( I did really enjoy “Paint by Numbers”) . www.amandapearcy.com RESIN HITS- HOW TO CUT A ROCK- EXOTIC FEVER- Sore throat rock that reminded me at times of Rancid, Dropkick Murphys and a few other screamers (press kit says Buzzcocks but I don’t hear that at all). Leader Daniel Hukill keeps things simple and while it wasn’t bad for a listen not sure I’ll be spinning it again. www.myspace.com/resithitsmusic SARAKULA- CITY HEART- SELF RELEASED- Pro, piano pop by an Aussie who , if they stars aligned properly, could be real famous. While he has a nice voice and can find his way around a hook, most of this is a bit too slick for me (and I’m no lo-fi snob) . He does get help on the record from DAGGER fave Bryan Estepa. www.sarakula.com SECRET POWERS- SECRET POWERS AND THE ELECTRIC FAMILY CHOIR- SELF RELEASED- Not sure if this Montana bunch are cult-esque (ala The Polyphonic Spree) but there’s a ton of people on the cover an it seems to have that same sort of up with the people vibe to it . At 20 songs it’s a lot to swallow but for the Beach Boys/E.L.O. fan in you (and the P. Spree too) then by all means give it a whirl as there’s lot of tasty hooks on here. www.myspace.com/secretpowersmt THE SEEDY SEEDS- COUNT THE DAYS- EURODORABLE- Cincy duo of Mike and Margaret who love the Reds, hate the Bengals and have made one of the more fun records I’ve heard this year. Folky pop with occasional bits of electronic and when they both sing it’s the tops. Sweet (and extra points for the cover reminding me of an Ed’s Redeeming Qualities record) www.eurodorable.com SELF-EVIDENT- ENDINGS- DOUBLEPLUSGOOD- Tight math rock and though I’m no fan of the genre this would work out if it were instrumental. It’s the vocals I don’t like (occasional bouts of scream) but these guys have their chops down. www.doubleplusgoodrecords.com SLEEP WHALE- HOUSEBOAT- WESTERN VINYL- This Denton, TX duo of Bruce & Joel (formerly known as Mom) have garnered a boatload (sorry) full of positive press on the strength of their breezy audio collages. I can usually take or leave this stuff but these two do incorporate some sweet, sweet sounds into their post-rock tripness. Say no more, I’m a believer (for the good songs, anyway. www.westernvinyl.com SNOWSTORM- S/T- MONOTONE RECORDS- This is Kevin of the Monotone Recs empire doing his own lo-fi bedroom pop and it’s great to hear. Back in the 90;sd bands like this were dime a dozen but now everyone has gone all pro and tossed their 4-tracks away , ‘cept for Kevin (and Lou Barlow). 10 songs in 20 minutes and it’s ALL good. www.monotonetapes.com SPECIAL PATROL- THE STRANGER’S DOZEN- SELF RELEASED- Adelaide, Australia 5-some who bring the pop noise on their third record. Sometimes it’s ebullient and sometimes real laid back and low key but regardless they can write a great tunes. And I’m not sure why “Right On” has 4823 plays on their myspace page while the amazing pop tunes “Ordinary Life” only has 934. Come on people, get a playin’ and get this record pronto. www.specialpatrol.com.au THE STEVENSON RANCH DAVIDIANS- LIFE & DEATH- SELF RELEASED- This So. Cal. bunch, led by Dwayne Seagraves, write gorgeous hymns to the silence with lots of gentle melodies and Dwayne’s smooth voice. I was reminded of the acoustic Brian Jonestown Massacre tunes as well as Spiritualized. There’s 10 songs on here and not a dog in the bunch and I still can’t believe how unknown this band still is. Tune in and turn on. www.thestevensonranchdavidians.com STILL LIFE STILL- GIRLS COME TOO- ARTS & CRAFTS- Apparently this Toronto bunch have been at it for over a decade but this is their debut record. Perfectionists? Maybe, but Broken Social Scene guy Kevin Drew did a masterful job on the production and hey, let’s give the band some credit here too. GIRLS COME TOO is full of crystalline guitars and occasionally complex rhythms to show they’ve got chops but most of the 11 tunes are embedded with a hook to die for. “Flowers and a Wreath” is a perfect example of this and just for some advice, don’t wait as long as I did to finally check this record out. www.arts-crafts.ca VEGAS KINGS- YOU’LL NEVER WORK IN THIS TOWN AGAIN- MERENOISE- Like Special Patrol (see above) these cats hail from Oz but these guys are from Brisbane and go for a more grinding, blues/garage howl. Not in Cosmic Psychos or feedtime territory yet but maybe after a few more records. www.merenoise.net THE VERY FOUNDATION- THIS RESTLESS ENTERPRISE- SELF RELEASED- What I think was one dude in his bedroom has ballooned to more than a few members but this Portland bunch with helop for some Decemberists and many others) are all over the place in the best way possible. “My Sweetest Defeat” has tootin’ horns all over the place (as does the great “Runaway to Tokyo”) while “Better Get Off” has a murky bottom end and Michael Lewis’ deep croon (think Nick Cave in a good mood). T.V.F .are onto something here and you do not wanna be the last one on this bandwagon. www.myspace.com/theveryfoundation WAUMISS- S/T- ODESSA- A husband/wife duo of Clarque and Caroline Blomquist might be like any other schmucks out there recording on their 4-track in their laundry room (cos’ the bedroom got too passé) but these cracked sounds actually sound unique and while at times it’s bit fractured they make the whole thing work and it’s (usually ) hummable too. My faves were “Tummy Aches’ and “RAH-MO-NYA.” Oh and if you tell Clarque he spelled his first name wrong he WILL hurt you. So don’t do it. Just don’t. www.odessarecords.com WIRETAPS- STATIC RESURRECTION- SELF RELEASED- A posthumous release for this Seattle band that featured Lisa from The Inhalant, Dave from the Fall-Outs and Steve form The Calabros. I think this is only their 2nd (full-length) record in 14 years but hey, better late than never, right? Ultimately they’re pop songs as influenced by The Modern Lovers as they are The Sonics. These 14 tunes are the best of the most recent recordings. These songs should make you wanna write letters begging them to reform (please use your best penmanship). stevemalmin@verizon.net WORLD’S GREATEST GHOSTS- NO MAGIC- LUCKY MADISON- Yet another Portland bunch I knew nothing about. These bearded weirdos (ok, so only 1 person in the band has a beard) crank up the synths and don’t forget he fun. Most songs swirl n’ sway and occasionally bust wide open (“Magick Words”) in the best way possible. It’s 90’s indie rock meets’ the 2000’s .,…whatever. I’m honestly surprised these guys haven’t gotten more acclaim as they definitely deserve it. www.luckymadison.com V/A- FLIP SKATEBOARDS PRESENTS: EXTREMELY SORRY SOUNDTRACK- VOLCOM- Why is Lemmy flipping me off on the back cover? www.volcom.com AND HERE’S SOME SHORT REVIEWS BY REBECCA LIANNE! APOSTLE OF HUSTLE – EATS DARKNESS – ARTS&CRAFTS RECORDS- At first I thought these guys sounded like YLT, which they do a little, but the more I listen, the more I hear Modest Mouse. Wait, they just brought in a female vocalist, so I’m back to YLT. Take it for what it’s worth – the rhythms are catchy, the lyrics are sometimes humorous and fairly clever - not half bad. Best tracks = “Soul Unwind,” “Xerses” and “Blackberry.” THE AX – OUR QUEEN OF DIRT – WHOA! BOAT RECORDS- This is what the Velvet Underground would sound like if they sucked. BLACK MOTH SUPER RAINBOW – EATING US – GRAVEFACE RECORDS- The first track is very Yankee Hotel Foxtrot – oooh..gimmie more. Mazzy Star meets My Bloody Valentine with a little help from Little Joy. The sound is a bit freaky. It’s like indie-drone-techno. Take a ride. RACHEL TAYLOR BROWN – SUSAN STORM’S UGLY SISTER AND OTHER SAINTS AND SUPERHEROES – CUTTHROAT POP RECORDS-I think her voice is an acquired taste, but I also think her music has merit. It’s super quirky but more experimental than someone like Regina Spektor. Echoes of The Beatles mirror completely whacky sound effects and musical arrangements. Brown meshes old school with new age pretty flawlessly, but that mix might sound sour for some. ARRINGTON DE DIONYSO – I SEE BEYOND THE BLACK SUN – KLP 200 RECORDS - This is the most frightening thing I’ve ever heard. It’s like all the scary monsters that have ever lurked under your bed are coming out to sing to you. Hell to the no. DES ROAR – MAD THINGS – INDEPENDENT RELEASE- It seems The Pink Spiders have a redheaded stepbrother: Des Roar. In short: NYC rockers that do too many drugs, drink too much booze and write songs about it in predictable time and on-again/off-again vocals. With a more polished attitude, they might get somewhere other than out of your bed at 6 a.m. Tracks that might stay stuck in your head include “When In Rome” and “Baby You’re Too Young.” ROBERT GOMEZ – PINE STICKS AND PHOSPHORUS – NOVA POSTA RECORDS - I feel like I’ve heard this opening track, “On This Day,” somewhere before, and it’s a happy familiarity. It’s eerie yet mellow and is like a psychedelic dream in my ear. The other songs follow suit, but stand outs include “Middle Of Nowhere” and “Lock The Door’ because it sounds like Nico’s “Winter Song.” GLASVEGAS – SELF-TITLED – COLUMBIA RECORDS- Right in line with this band’s lamer than lame name is their lamer than lame attempt at making pop-punk-emo something experimental and epic. The vocals are overdrawn and gasping for air. These songs all sound the same - like rock’n’roll versions of boy-band love ballads. I hate this. Shame on you, Columbia. HANDSOME FURS – FACE CONTROL – SUB POP RECORDS- If gothic, 80’s electronica is what you’re into, then I apologize, but at least you’ll have a new favorite band: Handsome Furs. If Depeche Mode had exaggerated vocals and dabbled in the Marilyn Manson guitar arts, you’d have this band like 15 years ago. Oh, and nice try of ripping of Gang Of Four’s “Entertainment!” by creating a totally red album cover with bold, uppercase letters and a distorted image left of center. Umm... yeah, this is bad. HEAD RESONANCE COMPANY AND PETER PIXEL PROJECT – 19 TRACKS FOR UNKNOWN PEOPLE – BETA-IACTAM RING RECORDS- What we have here is electronic music mixed with standard noise and it’s kind of like being in slow motion - a slow rave… The sound qualities vary from ambient to poppy and the “vocals” are just vocoder tracks at different speeds made to sound robotic. Maybe I’m over the whole robot craze, but I was pretty bored with this by track four. HI RED CENTER – ASSEMBLE – JOYFUL NOISE RECORDINGS- Before the music even begins, Hi Red Center recorded this album in Brooklyn and are on Joyful Noise Recordings…how bad could this be? The musical arrangements are really interesting and a bit reminiscent of Ladybug Transistor or even old-school Weezer. But the vocals, my God, the vocals - nasally, shaky and trying way too hard to be cute. My ears, they gag. HOT GOSSIP – YOU LOOK FASTER WHEN YOU ARE YOUNG – GHOST RECORDINGS - Hot Gossip are just a bunch of hot guys. Correction: a bunch of hot, Italian guys. It’s pop-rock at its finest, right along with Arctic Monkeys, Gringo Star and Good Shoes. Your head will bop, your toes will tap and the eye candy is pretty sweet, too. Sure, every song kind of sounds the same, but that comes with the genre. My faves include “Everybody Else,” “Fast In The Rain,” “You Name It” and “And Again.” LADYFINGER (NE) – DUSK – SADDLE CREEK RECORDS - This a little too generic-sludge-emo for me. The bands on Saddle Creek just keep getting worse and worse, right? It sounds exactly like Alkaline Trio, which was hugely popular like a decade ago. Boo. Hiss. LKN – PHRATRY EP – PHRATRY RECORDS- This was completely unexpected. After a really stupid 40-second, spoken intro bit, the guitar riffs wail into some rollercoaster of sound and LKN (Lauren K. Newman) tuning into her inner Patti Smith. I think Kim Gordon would like this. Now THAT’S a good review! MAD SIN – 20 YEARS IN SIN SIN – HEP CAT RECORDS- I can tell by the cover art, band name and album title that I’m going to hate this. OMG, and it’s two CDs; how will I survive!? I press play, aaaaand….it’s fast, hard and morbid. Although, it’s actually not the worst neo-punk I’ve ever heard. There are even some throwback riffs to surf-punk. So, I’ve learned that this band is great to skank to and you can’t judge a bunch of punks by their album cover. THE OLD CEREMONY – WALK ON THIN AIR – ALYOSHA RECORDS-This band has an air about them that smells as sweet Wilco, especially in “Plate Tectonics.” With a voice like Brandon Flowers, this band could really have mass appeal. Every track is very dreamlike in a Spain sort of way with a hint of inspiration from Radiohead. I dig. PUSH-PULL – BETWEEN NOISE AND THE INDIANS – JOYFUL NOISE RECORDSINGS - I’ve never heard a band trying so hard to BE the Pixies. Guys, it’s not going to happen, especially with whatever the hell THIS is. The album art is this band’s shining moment. Inserting CD into CD player just a waste of time. ANNI ROSSI – AFTON – 4AD RECORDS - This chick was referred to me by a friend as a cure for the Regina Spektor overdose. Upon finally listening, I can see what he means, but I don’t think Rossi can lyrically compare to Ms. Spektor. If you’ve ever heard of Hop Along Queen Alseis, and you liked her, you’ll like this, too. Best tracks include: “Ecology” and “Wheelpusher.” STENCIL – THE DEAD LIE GOLDEN – NO RECORD LABEL- It’s easy to sell me with handclaps, and “Marble” is littered with them. Stencil has a Belle & Sebastian feel without that charming European accent… Interesting musical arrangements and instruments make for an indie-rock-pop menagerie a la The Sneetches, The Decemberists and Matthew Sweet. Other noteworthy tracks include “The Prize” and “Glossolalia.” SYLVIE – TREES AND SHADE ARE OUR ONLY FENCES – WEDNESDAY RECORDS - Aww…Matt Pond PA had a baby. Sylvie would like you to think of them as MPPa, and this album is dreamy and drum-driven enough to kind of pull it off. I hear a little more of a pop-punk influence in Sylvie’s sound, but it doesn’t overshadow the obvious indie-emo-pop goal. “Breakout For Summer,” “Listen Up” and “When We Were Young” are keepers, for sure. BOBBY VACANT AND THE WEARY – TEAR BACK THE NIGHT – LUXOTONE RECORDS 704 - Robyn Hitchcock meets Ryan Adams. It’s eerie but pretty, disturbing but reflective and is full of some damn good finger picking. “Dylan’s Dead” could have easily been a Neil Young song. This is a solid record with kitsch appeal, but a clearly identifiable and definite musical foundation, as well. Bobby Vacant and The Weary pass with flying colors. VALINA – A TEMPO! A TEMPO! – JOYFUL NOISE RECORDS- This, is horrible. WESTERN CIV – SHOWER THE PEOPLE YOU LOVE WITH GOLD – CLERMONT RECORDS - I was on the fence of this indie-rock band until I heard “The Disturbing Presence of Chachi.” It takes me back to “Stop Breathing,” and who doesn’t smile when they hear Pavement? Western Civ makes pretty good music, and is certainly influenced by some of the best (Sonic Youth lovers, rejoice!). THE WOLVERTON BROTHERS – OLD, UGLY AND LOUD – IONIK RECORDINGS - The vocalist on track one sounds like we’re about to do the mash, the monster mash. The Wolverton Brothers are like drone metal lite, with some experimental noise thrown in. Parts of every song are okay, but just okay. As much as I admire the album title and the fact that they have a song named “Cheese,” I’m pretty sure that that’s the most they have going for them. JANUARY 2010 AH HOLLY FAM’LY- RESERVOIR- LUCKY MADISON- My initial thought , before listening, was “another way overhyped Portland band (way too many of them) but upon listening this is actually low key folky gunk with an Appalachian feel, at times and a soundtrack-y feel at others. The voice comes from husband and wife of Jeremy and Becky and lots of strings on here too (plus bells, flutes and a clarinet…what, no oboe?). Jeremy’s vocals take some getting used to but this is a unique record that deserves repeated listens. www.luckymadison.com APPLE ORCHARD- LEAFY LANES- HAYMARKET- More gentle pop goodness form Ryan and Dale Marquez straight outta the SF Bay Area. Last year’s HALF-STEPS TOWARD BIRGHT SKIES was a nice full length and here are 5 more tunes in the same vein. The opener “Hit or Miss” is pure Field Mice pop while “That Sleepy Side of Town” was pure jangle If you’re missing labels like Sarah or Sunday then this will give you’re the proper fix. www.appleorchardpop.com ADAM BALBO- BIG KID NOW- SELF RELEASED- Looking at this guy’s site it appears that he has a ton of records out (including a full-length newer than this called FIX). These 6 tunes are sorta a Bob Dylan meets Adam Green, that’s to say folky tunes with a bit of jokey innocence. The best tune here is the title track but it is solid all around. www.myspace.com/adambalbo ALAN BERNHOFT- FRANKENSTEIN ROCK- SELF RELEASED- This is the same guy who released the BEATLESQUE ONE cd a year or so back that I reviewed. Looking at his site he has a ton of releases out, this one is a tribute of sorts to Frankenstein , sort of retelling the story with light pop accompanying. I think I’ll stick to the BEATLEESQUE cd. www.alanbernhoft.com ALAN BERNHOFT- COSMIC CROONER- SELF RELEASED- One of Bernhoft’s many cds, this is spacey rock with deep, dark vocals ala Jim Morrison, Leonard Cohen or David Bowie, take your pick. I really could have done without hearing this. www.alanbernhoft.com WILLIE BREEDING- CHEAP VODKA RAIN- SELF RELEASED- Brooklyn via Kentucky songwriter who, with help from Marah’s Dave Bielanko, has crafted a terrific record here with a fine batch of musicians and some true songwriting talent. Drinking form that Gram Parsons well too Breeding has made heartbreak sound quite pleasant. www.myspace.com/williebreedingmusic CARTOGRAPHER- S/T- SELF RELEASED- This San Francisco band is led by Mr. Scott Gagner (who is also in Town & Country, see review below) but this band is his baby it’s not far off from T & C’s smooth pop. Only 7 tunes here but they do a nice mix of styles and opening cut ”The Trouble With You” opens to near pop perfection while “I’m Not Following You” is pure hand-clappin’ power pop. With Christmas nearing treat yourself (yes, you!) to this AND the Town & Country cd for what will be a joyous holiday season. www.cartographermusic.com CAUSE CO-MOTION!- BECAUSE BECAUSE BECAUSE ep- SLUMBERLAND- These jitter punks are still at it, offering us 6 more reverb-heavy tunes that don’t really expand upon the full-length but are easily just as good. If the C-86 scene was important to you (as it was me) then this will be a welcome addition to your collection. www.slumberlandrecords.com CHARIOTS OF TUNA- FONDNESS MAKES THE HEART GROW DISTANT- SELF RELEASED- Been a while since we heard from NYC-er Ben Morss but he still has his bands going. This is only 3 songs but three fine summery pop songs with plenty of bah-bah-bahs. Just the kind of stuff to play on this sunny (but very cold ) December morning. www.myspace.com/chariotsoftuna CHOO CHOO LA ROUGE- BLACK CLOUDS- KIAM- O, so this Boston trio gets a D minus in the band naming dept but they excel in other areas (penmanship, etc.). Led by vocalist/guitarist Vince Scorziello , they have a real cool Velvets/Modern Lovers vibe on this sophomore effort. The rhythm section more than capably keeps the beat while Scorziello wiggles his axe into an Ira Kaplan-esque submission on most tunes (especially on opener “The Relentless Money Love Blues”) while a few other tunes have more of a Americana vibe. Take notice, DAGGER readers. www.myspace.com/kiamrecords COFFINBERRY- S/T- COLLECTIBLE ESCALATORS- I liked the cereal (or was that Frankenberry?) and might have liked this but being a cds would not play in my player. Check out the Collectible Escalator label though, they have lots of good stuff on it. www.collectibleescalators.com AMELIA CURRAN- WAR BRIDES- SIX SHOOTER- Canadian chanteuse Amelia recorded this in her bedroom with her pal Phil Sedore . She sings and plays acoustic guitar while Phil plays a ton of other instruments. Musically it’s low key and countrified (lots of mandolin from Phil) but it’s her raspy vocals and stories of love both found and lost that resonate with listeners. Straight up, this is a terrific collection of tunes here. www.sixshooterrecords.com THE DEAR HUNTER- ACT III: LIVE AND DEATH- TRIPLE CROWN- Record #3 (duh) from Casey Crescenzo’s studio project (he used to be in Boston emo band Receiving End of Sirens) and it’s the 3rd part in a rock opera trilogy (concept album). The record veers from ambitious pop arrangements ala Queen to something rougher, more jagged and emo sounding (my least favorite parts of the record), often in the same song. Both “In Cauda Venenum” and “What It Means to be Alone” were impressive. Still trying to make my mind up about this record but at the very least you gotta commend Crescenzo on his ambition (even the packaging as each song has its own postcard with lyrics and info on it). . www.triplecrownrecords.com DEJHA COLANTUONO- TEA &VODKA- MAD MEOW- I’ve never heard of this gal before but apparently she has been on the Seattle scene for years and with the amount of musicians on this record it appears she is well connected. The sound is all over the place, I didn’t like the meandering opener (“Beginning to End”) too much but “Color Blue” was more direct and rockin’ with some great lead guitar work and “Fences’ was a nice mid-tempo number and “Anxiety” shows off Colantuono’s cool raspy vocals. www.madmeowmusic.com THE DOWNER PARTY- EGO-DRIVEN LUST CREATURES- POP SMEAR- San Fran trio doing snappy pop punk with occasionally annoying female vocals which are equal parts Poly Styrene, Courtney Love and Siouxsie but not nearly as good as any. I did like the beach pop of “Superbowl” but the other 4 tunes didn’t cut it. www.popsmearrecords.com EMMITT NERSHI BAND- NEW COUNTRY BLUES- SCI FIDELITY- This is Drew Emmitt (from Leftover Salmon) and Bill Nershi (from String Cheese Incident who, along with some other pals on other instruments do a lot of picking and fun strumming’. You’ll hear plenty of banks, mandolins, dobro, fiddle, and, of course, guitars. If I admitted I liked this hippie stuff my friends would disown me (but ya’ know what? It’s pretty good….shhhhh). www.emmittnershiband.com FIGHTING THE VILLAIN- FIRST IMPRESSION- POP SMEAR- “Progressive pop band” from the East Bay who , to my ears, don’t seem to add anything new to a genre that’s tired to begin with. The female vocals are feckless and rthe whole thing is generic with a capitol G. www.popsmearrecords.com GORDON GANO & THE RYANS- UNDER THE SUN- YEP ROC- In which our old hero form the Violent Femmes hooks up with the Ryan Brothers (Billy and Brendan of group The Bogmen) and here he offers up an eclectic mix of rock/pop from the soaring opener (“Man in the Sand”) to the funkier chop of “Wave and Water” and the country slant of “Hired Gun.” Wasn’t quite sure what to expect from Gano at this stage in the game and while this is at times uneven, it’s a lot stronger than I thought it would be. www.yeproc.com HANNY- SCENEITY: AN ACCOUNT OF THE INFLUENCE OF SCENES ON OCCIDENTAL SOCIETIES- METRONOMICON AUDIO- Norwegian bunch and I’m not sure if there’s 3 or 300 people in this band. They add lots of string instruments (lots of violins) and the vocals are female and high-pitched (think Bjork). The stuff has been described as epic and I’ll go with that. Still trying to make up my mind but I did like the one minute piano ballad “Ardennen.” www.metronomiconaudio.net HER VANISHED GRACE- BLUE- ATHAME MUSIC- Judging by the artwork I thought I was going to really hate this (I was thinking bad prog) but this is really nice dream pop form a NYC couple (Nance and Charlie Nieland) that have been making music for nearly 2 decades. “Slip Away” is the pick to click here but several other tunes are head turners (“Rush” for instance). www.hvgrace.com HERE WE GO MAGIC- S/T WESTERN VINYL- In which quirky singer/songwriter Luke Temple appears under a new name (with a full band) doing everything from folk pop to more baroque stuff and even delving into country music. “Fangela” is sorta African tribal pop with a dreamy melody while “Tunnelvision” adds more 60’s pop elements to it. Either way it’s all intriguing. www.westernvinyl.com PATTERSON HOOD- MURDERING OSCAR- RUTH ST- This I the Drive by Truckers main guy on his first solo record (he write half of these songs in 1994, when he first arrived n Athens, GA) and while I love the Truckers I had a hard time with this. It’s got the bloozy, redneck vibe of DBT records but minus the hooks. I tried. www.pattersonhood.com HORDE OF TWO- GUITAR & BASS ACTIONS- SMARTEN UP/GET TO THE POINT- This is another duo for Mecca Normal’s David Lester but instead of Jean Smith on vocals he has a bassist named Wendy Atkinson to bounce off of. The songs are instrumentals and much more experimental than M.N. They try out some different configurations (including some piano) and the results are usually spare and meandering. www.myspace.com/wendyampdavid JAMES HUSBAND- A PARALLAX I- POLYVINYL- James Husband is actually James Huggins, a member of Of Montreal (he plays in some other Athens, GA bands too). This is his solo debut and it’s all over the map both in terms of styles as well as song quality. It was recorded over a 5 year period in several different studios and you have everything from Beatles-pop of “Grayscale” to spacier stuff like “Elephant Alibi.” Still trying to make my mind up about this one. www.polyvinylrecords.com HYPERSTORY- S/T- PURELAND- Ambient space rock from a bunch of L.A. professional musicians. Not as bad as it sounds but not good either. www.hyperstory.com IMPEDIMENTS- S/T- HAPPY PARTS- These young cats (recent graduates of a high school in Berkeley, CA) know their history. On this debut full-length (11 tunes) these crank out high-energy garage boogie rock ala the NY Dolls/MC5/Stooges/Dead Boys, etc. Give a listen to “Stoned to Bed” and tell me it doesn’t conjure up the ghost of Stiv. Lovingly produced by Greg Ashley (well done, sir). www.happypartsrecordings.com I WAS A KING- S/T- THE CONTROL GROUP- This Norwegian’s bunch tunes seem to fall right in between the melodic heaviness of Dino Jr and the wigged-out spaceyness of a band like The Lilys. At 15 songs it’s too long but cut it in half and c herry pick the best songs and they have a really strong ep here. As it is now it’s still not bad. www.controlgroupco.com JEREMY- JOURNEY TO THE CENTER OF THE HEART- JAM- - From the artwork and the title I had this pegged as one of Jeremy’s prog rock records but no, this is a baker’s dozen of his patented psychedelic-y power pop and this is as good a batch of songs as he’s written yet. Lots of 12-string guitars, tambourines and the like. Tune in and turn on. JOHN’S REVOLUTION- TODAY YOUR LOVE, TOMORROW THE WORLD- SELF RELEASED- They have Swedish (or maybe German?) names claim to be form Italy and sound bombastic and British so who the hell knows. The list influences are Sex Pistols, Oasis, Beatles, Stones and The Verve so they have set their sights high. They seem to have the swagger down and (most of ) the tunes too (at times it gets too overblown for me). My pick to click here is “Pocket Symphony.” www.johnsrevolution.com SIMON JOYNER- OUT INTO THE SNOW- TEAM LOVE- Record #12 from Mr Joyner and I think I have missed the last several after following him in the 90’s. These 8 tunes fall right in between the gorgeous lonesomeness of Bob Dylan and Townes Van Zandt. With not much more than a voice and his acoustic guitar, Joyner is able to move most folks to tears. For a good cry go here: www.team-love.com THE LAYAWAYS- THE SPACE BETWEEN- MYSTERY FARM- This Chicago trio have certainly turned my head with this record (their 3rd, I believe) . All 3 of them write songs but most are done by guitarist David Harrell and bassist Mike Porter. At times the sounds gets a bit jagged like Spoon while others it more melodic and I was reminded of Galaxie 500 a bit. Either way they have not forgotten the importance of songwriting (imagine that) and thus, THE SPACE BETWEEN is well worth checking out. www.thelayaways.com GARY LEWIS & THE PLAYBOYS- THE COMPLETE LIBERTY SINGLES- COLLECTORS CHOICE- Just like the Jan & Dean collection of last year this is their complete singles collection on Liberty Records. 45 songs spread out over 2 discs. Can’t say I knew a lot about this bunch but there’s copious liner notes and of course you get to hear top 10 singles like “This Diamond Ring”, “Count Me In”, ?”Save Your Heart for Me” and plenty of others. Personally I’ll take bands like The Yellow Balloon over this but that’s just me (still, plenty of good stuff on here). www.ccmusic.com LOS CAMPESINOS!- WE ARE BEAUTIFUL, WE ARE DOOMED- ARTS & CRAFTS- More jagged shoutalongs form these Welsh geniuses. They went to Seattle to record with John Goodmanson who smoothed off a few of the edges (not many though) and these 10 songs bounce from grinning guitars to keys to violins and let’s not forget the genius vocals. Join this party…now! www.arts-crafts.ca TOM MCBRIDE & THE WHIG PARTY- LIKE A LION- SELF RELEASED- Washington, DC cat who spent some time in Nashville and it shows in some of the tunes as some of this does have a honky tonk swagger to it (“Cheap Thrill”). Most of it is downbeat and minor chords and not really my bag but I did dig the catchy “Cutting Up L.A.” www.myspace.com/tommcbride THE METROSCHIFTER- CARBONISTAS- NOISE POLLUTION- Dark and dissonant, this ex-Louisville band (main guy has left for Sweden) is for fans of Fugazi. Their resemblance to the famed Wash, DC band (musically speaking) is uncanny. www.noisepollutionrecords.com VINCENT MINOR- BORN IN THE WRONG ERA- SOCIAL SCIENCE- Terrific piano pop in the Rufus Wainwright vein (and a slight hint of Ben Folds but Vincent is better than that IMHO. Along with his pal Tom Biller (and several other extra musicians) they have made an enchanting record with moody piano, gorgeous strings, and bubbly keyboards and Minor’s conversational voice. My favorite is the shuffling “Late Night Show” but all 5 of these tunes are worthy. www.socialsciencerecs.com NEW ROMAN TIMES- ON THE SLEEVE- NEW GRANADA- Add these guys name to the list of 00’s bands who dig deep into the 1980’s for inspiration (Interpol, Franz Ferdinand, Bloc Party, Arcade Fire, etc.). Like many of the above bands these guys do it very well (but with 1/10th the audience of those bands). These Austin, TX cats have their chops down and can write good songs. My pick to click here is “21st Century Limited’ but there’s several to choose from. www.newgranada.com NURSES- APPLES’S ACRE- DEAD OCEANS- This Portland band made a huge splash this earlier this year with this sophomore effort and I hear a few interesting sound but not a lot in the way of songs. It’s as if the Flaming Lips were attempting to cove the Beach Boy’s SMILE. The gurgly “What Then” was nice and “Winter” was nearly as good but these guys need some focus. www.deadoceans.com PARLOUR STEPS- THE HIDDEN NAMES- NINE MILE- I guess this Vancovuer, BC band , led by songwriter Caleb Stull, had a previous critically acclaimed record last year but I completely missed it. Still THE HIDDEN NAMES is good enough to make me want to search it out. There’s a bevy of musicians on here and while the more upbeat numbers bring to mind another Vancouver band (The New Pornographers) the moodier stuff brings a hint of The Decemberists. Both “Little Pieces’ and “Miraculous” should make believers out of you. www.parloursteps.com ELVIS PERKINS- DOOMSDAY ep- XL- The son of late actor Anthony Perkins came into the spotlight with last year’s ELVIS PERKINS IN DEARLAND full length and here’s 6 more terrific songs from this (I think) soon to be great songwriter. At times coming off like a Dylan or Cohen, he also imbues his tunes with Dixieland type horns and a real sense of musical freedom as he seems to be racing to the finish line. The guy is a real talent and this is as good as any place to start in his catalog. www.xl-recordings.com VANESSA PETERS & ICE CREAM ON MONDAY- SWEETHEART, KEEP YOUR CHIN UP- LITTLE SANDWICH- In which the Texas chanteuse, performing with an Italian trio (Ice Cream on Monday) offers up 14 heartbreaking tunes. Alternately sweeping/grand and simple. She should be huge and I’m not sure why she isn’t. www.vanessapeters.com THE POSTMARKS- MEMOIRS AT THE END OF THE WORLD- UNFILTERED- This Miami, FL trio turned heads on their terrific debut from early 2007. After an all covers record last year this is their 2nd proper releases and it’s a doozie. This time out they go for a more John Barry swingin’ soundtrack type sound (think James Bond film music) and it totally works. Vocalist Tim Yehezekely ‘s( a female) sultry vocals are icing on the cake while the other 2/3 of the trio, Christopher Moll and Jonathan Wilkins (and a host of friends) lay down the vibe. At times it’s a bit much (a few of the tunes top the 5 minute mark) but most of MEMOIRS AT THE END OF THE WORLD is smashing. www.unfilteredrecords.com PSYCHED TO DIE- YEAR ONE- DIRTNAP- This NJ band features at least one guy from the Ergs and on these 15 songs they creep out with a nihilist view and some dark tunes. This includes at least one previously released ep and some demos too and while it was ok not my favorite Dirtnap release. www.dirtnaprecs.com THE RED CHANNELS- GHETTO COOKING- TEN DOLLAR- Creepy, at times eerie, mostly instrumental work form this duo on their 3rd or r4th fill length. Occasionally it slips into reggae tinged gunk. The 8 songs here are unique and while it’s good to see a band forge their own path this is not something I’m gonna play very often. www.myspace.com/redchannels REVERENED HORTON HEAT- LAUGHIN’ AND CRYIN’ WITH THE REVEREND HORTON HEAT- YEP ROC- Was never a big fan of this popular rockabilly cat but the guy sure does have a big fan base. This is record #...I dunno 10? 15? Some of his early work was pedal-to-the-metal but this more like rockabilly lite. Not bad as background music but for fans lookin’ for something to play in their G.T.O. while hauling down the street this just wouldn’t cut it. www.yeproc.com THE RURAL ALBERTA ADVANTAGE- HOMETOWNS- SADDLE CREEK- This low-key n’ nimble indie pop band form the outskirts of Toronto is easily likeable with their campfire songs about towns near you and me. Leader Nils Edenloff gets some help from a few lady friends and along the way there’s shuffling drums (and drum machine), a furiously strummed acoustic guitar, a violin, and Nil’s earnest vocals. Tunes like “The Deadroads” or “Don’t Haunt this Place’ are nearly impossible not to like. That same earnestness occasionally gets in the way but you won’t mind too often. www.saddle-creek.com SAN KAZAKGASCAR- IDLE SHIPS- LATHER- 2nd record form this Sacramento, CA band doing sun-baked Middle Eastern music complete with inventive percussion and , of course a clarinet. Vocalist Jed Brewer has just the pipes for this kina material and if snakes out there need to be charmed then this is the band you’d want to do it. For fans of Sun City Girls and the Rain Parade’s “No Easy Way Down.” www.latherrecords.com SCENE OF ACTION- 20 MINUTE HOURGLASS- POP SMEAR- More of that edgy, dancy poppy gunk that the kids love (ie: Bloc Party, etc.). While this isn’t my favorite genre these guys do it fairly well. I did dig “Jaded.” 6 songs. www.popsmearrecords.com ALAN SEMERDJIAN- THE BIG BEAUTY=- ALAN ARTS- NYC cat who used to front the 90’s band Surreal but Alan has decided to strike out on his own,. This is his 2nd release and the songwriting is solid to excellent all the way around. Basically it’s a nice mix of rock/pop with a dash of Americana tossed in. “Bad Dreams” and the more acoustic-based “Bad Dreams” are two of my faves here. www.alansemerdjian.com J. SEGER- WITH HIS HAT ON- SELF RELEASED- This NYC dude’s music is described as folk/blues/country on his my spaced site and I really wanted to hear this but it wouldn’t play in my cd player. Hey. It happens. www.myspace.com/jseger THE SEXY ACCIDENT- MANTOLOKING- SELF RELEASED- This Kansas City, MO band named their (3rd) record after a town in my native New Jersey and got Seattle guy Steve Fisk to produce. This is decent rock/pop that occasionally melts into obnoxiouness (that guitar on “Buy Me Out”). Didn’t do a lot for me but you know how picky I am. www.sexyaccident.com SHONEN KNIFE- SUPER GROUP- GOOD CHARAMEL- Hard to believe this Japanese trio has been around since the early 80’s when they won a cult following here in the USA but have appeared here only sporadically over the past several years. The only original member is singer/guitarist/songwriter Naoko Yamano. The simple pop tunes on here work these best and are close to the bandss best work but the other half of the record, where the band briefly forget they’re not The Donnas with meathead metal riffs, , simply don’t work. Still, the title track, the cloppity “Deer Biscuits” and the chipper “BBQ Party” are among the band’s best songs. www.goodcharamel.com SISSY WISH- BEAUTIES NEVER DIE- AFTERNOON- Norwegian chanteuse Siri Alberg (aka Sissy Wish) came out of nowhere in 2003 with an ep and after 2 more guitar-oriented record decided to experiment on this 3rd record (which was released 2 year ago in her home country), toying more with synths, and the results are ……interesting. The songs are undeniably catchy and while this isn’t something I usually go for I am finding myself getting sucked in to these magical tunes. www.afternoonrecords.com SOY UN CABALLO- LES HUERES DE RAISON- MINY FRESH- Gentle pop from this Belgian duo who barely seem to go above a whisper with their elegant, dreamy pop. Can’t understand a word they are saying but that’s ok as the musical backdrop is so comforting. “Volet” is my pick to click here. www.mintyfresh.com THE SPINDLES- PICTURE IN PICTURE- SELF RELEASED- Always nice to see a talented new band come shakin’ outta my first adopted hometown of Santa Rosa, Calif (Portland being my 2nd adopted hometown). The vocals are by some guy named Coalmine (who I never heard of) but the band includes ex-Cropduster drummer Jamie Voss (he plays bass and harmonica here) and Sari Flowers on vocals (Sari was in a band called Pretty Face back in the early 90’s with Softie Jen Sbragia). The record opens with the sweet pop of “Sticky Sweet Jesus”, a terrific song with a catchy melody and the hushed vocals of Coalmine while “Something Serious’ is just as good with a killer, Byrdsy guitar work and “Asteroid” sounds like pure Beatles. A few of the tunes meander a bit too much but most of this is strong and I like the production job by man about town Jesse Wickman, eeking out (and leaving in) all of the band’s nuances. I unfortunately, missed their first Portland gig earlier this year but plan to be front and center for their next NW jaunt. www.myspace.com/thespindles SUNLEY- APOLOGIES- DUNEDIN MUSIC- Sunley is actually Evan Sunley James, a New Zealand resident who has created a fine little record here with some cracked Americana. What you hear is a busted banjo, shuffling drums ,dusty acoustic guitars and on top is Sunley’s yearning vocals, not completely unlike a NZ-bred Will Oldham (minus the voice cracking). No crazed warbling here just good songs. www.sunleyband.com SUSURRUS STATION- ADD A DAY GOING WEST- This duo’s music has been described as “avant folk’ which could drive it in many different directions. There are guitars, half mumbled vocals and what i think is a theremin. Music that confounds me this much is doing a good thing. www.aiorecords.com TALBOT TAGORA- LESSONS IN THE WOODS OR THE CITY- HARDLY ART- This Seattle trio is young and inventive enough to try all kinda of tricks out in their 14 songs debut, I guess you could call this no wave as all three instruments (add a shriek of voice) crash the gates happily just to see what will happen. They are trying anything because no one told ‘em not to. Bet live they slaughter everything in their path. www.hardlyart.com TEREU TEREU – ALL THAT KEEPS US TOGETHER- SELF RELEASED- Virginia kids doing rock that goes from cool n’ low key (opening tune “Perpetual Motion”) to anthemic and charging (“Beyond the Coast”). They even have a song called “Neal Cassady” and I really liked Ryan Little earnest vocals. www.tereutereu.com THING-ONE- YOU’LL BE FINE- RHYTHM METHOD- One of the reviews on their myspace site described their music as “serious dancified landscaping.” I can’t do any better than that. www.myspace.com/thingone TIMBER TIMBRE- S/T- ARTS & CRAFTS- This moody, minimal work is one guy, Taylor Kirk and he describes it as (gothic rockabilly blue” and that sounds about right. Think a less grizzled Tom Waits in experimental mode and you’ll be close. Could be a soundtrack for some twisted film, probably one I don’t want to see. www.arts-crafts.ca TOWN & COUNTRY- MY BLUE HEAVEN- SELF RELEASED- Not to be confused with the Chicago band (who had records out on Thrill Jockey) this is a San Francisco bunch who do a pleasant mix of well-crafted pop (ala Elvis Costello) with a dash of alt country tossed in for good measure. “Variation On a Theme By Mo” has some creamy harmonies while “Daytime Emmy” added touches of early Wilco. These 7 tunes are well worth your hard-earned money. www.myspace.com/townandcountrysongs JUSTIN TRAWICK- STARTING OVER- SELF RELEASED- It sounds like he’s from the deep South but this guy hails from the nation’s capitol but he’s obviously influenced by country tunes. These 5 tunes weren’t awful but to me it does sound generic plus his voice takes some getting used to and I never got used to it. www.justintrawick.com DEREK WEBB- STOCKHOLM SYNDROME- INO- This is solo record #5 by Mr. Webb and while the mix of acoustic guitars and electronics had me thinking of a band like Trembling Blue Stars or Northern Picture Library this isn’t nearly that good. Don’t get me wrong, Webb has talent and plenty of followers and I can get into parts of S.S. but most leaves me bored. www.inorecords.com YOUR GRACIOUS HOST- EASY RED- SELF RELEASED- This guy’s debut from last year was a double cd set and here he is with 11 more tunes. The band is basically one guy, Tom Curless (with very little help) and the songs are mid-tempo power pop. Nothing mind-blowing here but most of this is solid songwriting. My favorite here is “Blue Sky.” www.myspace.com/yourgracioushost V/A- AT THE DIVE 1999-’02- DIRTY RIVER- The Dive was better known as Billy Ray’s and on this 24 song comp 12 bands offer up 2 songs each and you have the hardcore rage of 86ers to the more garage spew of Flip-Tops and Hunches. Other bands include Belligerents, Spicoli’s, The Neins, Straightjacket and plenty more. DECEMBER 2009 PETER ADAMS- I WOKE WITH PLANETSW IN MY FACE- SELF RELEASED- His debut from 2006 was a terrific slice of unique folk pop and he’s expanded his palate on this sophomore release. You want to just nail him as a folkie and get away but what he’s doing on here is so much more, the songs unfold into far rout territories explored on records by bands like Neutral Milk Hotel or Sufjan Stevens. Drop in and see what Mr. Adams is all about. www.peteradamsmusic.com THE BOTTLE ROCKETS- LEAN FORWARD- BLOODSHOT- The pride of Festus, MO, led by Mr. Brian Henneman, return with another winner. This is the follow up to 2006’sw ZOYSIA and it’s just as strong with punchy guitars and laid back rhythms. This is a band that can be described as both passionate and easy going and the songs on LEAN FORWARD are yet another feather in this band’s (quite feathery) cap. www.bloodshotrecords.com BROWN RECLUSE- THE SOFT SKIN- SLUMBERLAND- Available as a 12” (mine was a cdr) and these 4 songs mine psychedelic 60’s pop. Reminded me a lot of the Ladybug Transistor. My fave here is “Night Train” and I really wanna hear the full length. www.slumberlandrecords.com BUTTERFLY BONES- S/T- SELF RELEASED- Bouncy synth pop from this Bay Area quartet. Judging by all of the reviews they seem to have made a bit of a splash and song titles like “Xoxo”, “Ur Hot” and “R U My Mother??” shows they have a sense of humor too. www.myspace.com/thebutterflybones CAFETERIA DANCE FEVER- THERE’S A HOT DOG COIN UNDER THE TABLE- HOVERCRAFT- Portland trio who crank out distorted new wave tunes (w/ male/female vox) that sound like Jay Retard with even less of a grip on life. The title track wasn’t bad but my personal fave is the screechy “The Rats of Lovely Street.” Burp. www.hovercraftpdx.com J.P. CREGAN- MAN OVERBOARD- SELF RELEASED- Superb power pop from this previously unknown guy (to me, anyway) and he does a nice mix of Elvis Costello meets Nick Lowe (with some McCartney/Lennon tossed in, of course).. Cuts like the bouncy “Count to Three” or “Barbara is Strange” will prove this guy’s worth and apparently he’s in a band called Parklane Twin that I now need to check out. www.myspace.com/jpcregan THE DAVINCI’S- SEE YOU TONIGHT- OLYMPIC- These h.s. students should tour with Total Babe and make sure they have chaperones. This trio form Jackson, MS have some serious pop chops it’s just those very serious sounding vocals that need some lightening up. Still, the tunes are good. DEAD HEART BLOOM- IN CHAINS- KEI- DHB , the duo of Boris Skalsky and Paul Wood, in their 3rd ep, explore the slower, moodier country of bands like Iron & Wine. The songs are low key and they go for the less is more credo and the results are solid. My pick here is “Falling Towards Goodbye.” www.deadheartbloom.com DRIVIN N CRYIN- (WHATEVER HAPPENED TO) THE GREAT AMERICAN BUBBLE MACHINE- VINTAGE EARTH MUSIC- First record in a decade form these Southern Rockers and good to see Kevin Kinney and his unkempt pals still got it. Opener “Detroit City” sounded a bit too redneck for these ears but the title track kicks into high gear (with horns!) . They slow it down on a few tunes (“Midwestern Blues’ being the best of them) and even cover The Dictators. www.drivinncryin.com GENERATIONALS- CON LAW- SELF RELEASED- Two guys from Eames Era team up and doing so thrilling, buzzing pop. You’ll hear bits of psych and new wave and they manage to put a few new spins on genres thought to be long dried up. Nice. www.generationals.com GREG HOY- FEE LTHE CRUNCH- SELF RELEASED- Enjoyed his last one, TASTEMAKERS & HEARTBREAKERS, and this 11 songs record pick up where that one left off with more crunchy pop in the early Who vein (with some GBV tossed in). Plenty of hook and while the record does poop out near the end still most of this is strong. www.hoyrocks.com THE INNER BANKS- SONGS FROM DISKO BAY- DAG!- Basically a du of Caroline (vocals) and David (a million instruments) along with some friends adding bits here and there. The songs are folky but there are also some weirder atmospheric bits and some woozy dreamy bits too. I love her vocals and I’ll call this music to bake cookies to. www.dagrecords.com JEFF LARSON- LEFT OF A DREAM- SELF RELEASED- Laid back pop lite from this So. Cal guy who gets both members of America to play on this as well as Brian Wilson alumni, Jeffrey Foskett. It’s not original or edgy but if you like this smooth pop with nice harmonies that ape The Eagles (I don’t mind it) then this will be up your alley. www.jeff-larsonmusic.com THE LITTLE HEROES- THANK YOU- WEDNESDAY- These guys have talent and can write an ok tune (the best being the first cut, “Say I’ll Be Gone”) but it all sounds a bit too pro for me. Like something you’d hear on THE HILLS or something. I dunno, I need to listen to it again. www.wednesdayrecords.com ROGER JOSEPH MANNING JR- CATNIP DYNAMITE- OGLIO- 2nd solo record from this former Jellyfish guy that was originally released in Japan only in 2008 but now has an American release. I, for one, was not a Jellyfish fan at all (I know I’m in the minority of power pop fans) but this is terrific. Svelte pop with classic harmonies and hooks to die for (check out “Loves Never Half as Good”). Wish this review cold be long but i have a ton of cds to review and not much time to do it. Get this. www.oglio.com THE MARKED MEN- FIX MY BRAIN- DIRTNAP- This is the same terrific Marked Men record I reviewed a few years ago but now it has been reissued on the Dirtnap label (originally on San Diego’s Swami Records). Catchy punk rock with a million hooks and not one songs over the 2:48 minute mark. These guys are among the best in the biz at what they do. www.dirtnaprecs.com THE OFFBEAT- TO THE RESCUE ep- SELF RELEASED- Enjoyed their full length from last year and here’s 5 more songs from this Brit bunch who know their way around a melody. Opening cut “She Can Make the Sun Shine” is as bright as its title implies and the other 4 do some neat things with guitar too. Dive in . www.theoffbeat.co.uk GRANT-LEE PHILLIPS- LITTLE MOON- YEP ROC- Glad to see L.A. guy GLP still out there fighting the good fight. LITTLE MOON is another record chock full of his understated little pop gems that deserve more attention. Opener “Good Morning Happiness” is infectious as are plenty more of these 12 cuts. www.yeproc.com THE STATES- WE ARE THE ERASERS- GCR- 5 strong cuts from this inventive NYC trio. Opening cut “Our Time is Up” cranks up a Franz Ferdinand like fury while they shoot right into the acoustic charmer, “The Fight.” The other 3 cuts are worth your time as well. www.thestatesonline.com SUPERCLUSTER- WAVES- SMP- Half of Pylon (Vanessa on vocals and the late Randall Bewley on guitar) along with some folks from Deerhunter, Casper & the Cookies, etc) whip out some uncategorizeable pop that makes u-turns whenever possible. I found about half of this really engaging. www.superclusterband.com TOTAL BASE- HEATWAVE ep- SO- Mpls trio of young kids (2 gals and one guy) and they seem to have a nice pop sensibility as tunes like the giddy “Bearbones” and the folkier “Short Stories” prove. They even have a song called “Gary Coleman.” I think even that bitter little man would like this band. www.myspace.com/totalbabeband ULTRACHORUS- ULTRA-DEF- SO- This duo of Jeff and Chris (he used to be in Sukpatch) do a decent job of mixing indie pop, synth pop and electronic gunk with beats and some slow grooves. The first time through this annoying the crap out of me but I did manage a few more listens and it began to grow on me. At this point, don’t tell anyone but I kinda like it as tunes like “Task Force” and “Scarlet Eyes’ are too gooey to not like. www.ultrachorus.com ROBERT VANDEVEN- LOST DAYS- MOSQUITO MEDIA- Solo debut form Mr Vandeven who was one half of 80’s dream popsters, The Lucy Show (whose records have been reissued by the Words in Music label). Musically this is a bit all over the map from straight pop of opener ”Cloud Number Nine” to dance cut “Baby You’re a Star” to the darker, minimalist remix of “Ships.” Not bad but I prefer his old band. www.robertvandeven.com THE YES PLEASES- FROM WHENCE IT CAME- ELITIST LOW BROW- Opening dance cut (w. awful Prince-esque vocals) was annoying as all hell but it does get better from there. The title track is nice 90’s style indie rock while “Weekend of Winning” had some nice hooks. Not bad but they have a ways to go. www.myspace.com/theyespleases YOU AND YOURN- IT WOULD MAKE THINGS WORSE- PARASOL- I normally like anything described as “chamber folk” but something about this Illinois duo bugged me, I think part of it is Nic Dillon’s voice which for me was a bit too moany. Sounds like it’s my issue but I couldn’t get into it. www.parasol.com NOVEMBER 2009 ALLIGATORS- PIGGY & CUPS- APPLE HOUSE- Unique pop band outta Bremerton, WA who take the usual 60’s influences (Beach Boys, Zombies, etc.) but twist ‘em around into a unique pop stew. The vocals are excellent and the melodies, some obvious and some not so, are constantly tugging in your ears. Definitely worthy of your hard-earned dough and then some. www.thisisalligators.com BLUE ROSES- S/T- XL- Sweeping piano pop from UK resident Laura Groves. Her vocals, while occasionally gorgeous, really got on my nerves after a while (my wife’s too so it wasn’t just me). Think Kate Bush . www.beggars.com THE BRILLIANT INVENTIONS- HAVE YOU CHANGED- SELF RELEASED- Two guys from Hotlanta, Eliot and Josh , have released a strong folk-pop record here. For present days artists think the recent acoustic Jayhawks tunes while for old times sake think Simon & Garfunkel. First cut “Isn’t It Worth It” will tell you all you need to know. www.thebrilliantinventions.com BROADWAY CALLS- GOOD VIEWS, BAD NEWS- SIDEONEDUMMY- Strong n’ hooky pop punk by this band from, of all places, Rainier, Oregon. If they come off at times like The Descendents-jr well, Bill Stevenson co-produced this. Ty Vaughn’s vocals are too high in the mix during most songs but that’s really a minor quibble as the songwriting is solid and there’s plenty o’ hooks. Green Day fans take note. www.sideonedummy.com BYE BYE BLACKBIRDS- HONEYMOON- SELF RELEASED- I loved their full length and though this was released before it I am reviewing it afterwards. Not much to say here, 8 songs and more excellent songwriting from this bay Area combo who would do McGuinn and Hillman proud on their folkier numbers while cuts like “After Work” have more of an Elvis C. feel to it. Top notch. www.byebyeblackbirds.com CASIOTONE FOR THE PAINFUILLY ALONE- ADVANCE BASE BATTERY LIFE- TOMLAB- 15 song comp of singles and comp tracks which includes covers by Springsteen (two of ‘em), one Paul Simon tune (“Graceland”) and even a Missy Elliot cover too “Hot Boys” (with Dear Nora) plus several Owen Ashworth originals like the cool, melodic “Leslie Gore on the T.A.M.I. Show” and the earnest “White Corolla.” Well worth the price of admission. www.tomlab.com ALAN COHEN EXPERIENCE- EAT THE PEACE- FAMJAM- Goofball who goes for a Adam Green sorta lounge lizard pop guy persona only he’s not nearly as talented and ….the.….songs….suck. www.alancohenexperience.com THE EDDIES- COLOUR MY WORLD- TWIST- This band consists of twin brother Dean and Dale Hoth (plus drummer Earle Mankey) on here they offer up 11 obscure power pop covers. The only ones I recognize are thre ones by The Times (“Red with Purple Flashes”) and The Jetset (“Colour My World”). Judging by the cover artwork I thought I was going to be cheesy but this is quite good (unique covers and not cheesy). www.theeddies.net JERRY FELS AN THE JERRY FELS- SO TWICETHAT THEY NAMED IT NICE- NOBODY’S FAVORITE- Boston’s resident oddball Jerry Fels is still at it. It’s the basic rock trio going but there is a quirky casio in there and it reminds me of thee old Louisville band King Kong. The songs are oddly likeable so how about that. www.nobodysfavoriterecords.com DODD FERRELLE- LONELY PARADES- TWO SHEDS- Athens, GA folky but this isn’t your dour acoustic folk./ This guy infuses each song with a high-arching tenor that adds some cool dynamics and dramatics to each song. The tunes are pretty hooky and deserve repeated listens. The title track is my fave but there’s no stinkers here in the batch of 11. www.2sheds.com FORMER…AND NOTHING BUT THE TRUTH- SELF RELEASED- Chugging, driving power pop from Nashville. The songs are obvious but hooky but honestly, the photos of the bands members they look like complete tools. Still, “Lies” is cool tune. www.myspace.com/formerband TIM GARRIGAN- EAST OF THE EAST RIVER- GRAND CROSS- NYC dude who sounds like a certain guy from Hibbing, MN but who went onto to make his fame and fortune in NYC (think his last name is, or was, Zimmerman). Nothing great here, it’s all pretty middle of the road. www.timgarrigan.com ED HALE- BALLAD ON THIRD AVE- DYING VAN GOGH- Terrific NYC singer songwriter who has a nice, understated voice and is subtle musically too (one of his strengths). At times he reminds me a bit of mark Eitzel (on his solo records, not A.M.C.) while others a bit like Harry Nilsson. Opener “Scene in San Francisco” is a perfect opener while the hushed “Hello My Dove” brings more of an M. Ward/Mark Kozelek vibe into it all. Hopefully this guy will get more notice and recognition than a few lines on the DAGGER site ‘cos he deserves it. www.dyingvangogh.com CHASE HAMBLIN- A FINE TIME- SELF RELEASED- Trippy looking cover so it’s no surprise that the 5 songs contained within dig into the trippy pop music of the 70’s to fine effect. The opening title track is the best one here but the closing tune, “Bye Bye”, is swooping and orchestral and ends in a “Hey Jude” –ish sorta way like it’s the greatest night one earth. www.chasehamblin.com COLIN HEALY & THE JETSKIS- …OR JUST DON’T GO- SELF RELEASED- Hooky, over-produced emo in the Dashboard Confessional vein. Leader Colin has a nice voice (and is a talented piano player) but you’ve heard all this before. If I was 17 I might love it….maybe. 5 songs. www.myspace.com/colinhealyandthejetskis THE HI-NOBLES- SHAKE!- ZAENTZ- Had no idea that Avengers guitarist Greg Ingraham was moonlighting but he is axe slinger in this 60’s garage-soul bunch outta S.F. Apparently the vocalist, Scott Holderby was in a band called Mordred but I’ve never heard of them . On here Holderby howls at the moon while the rest of the band gets down and dirty like Otis Day & the Nights. Book ‘em to pay your next frat party . www.zaentzrecords.com THE HUMBUGS- ON THE UP SIDE- ODDVIOUS- Quite pleasant Mpls, MN band with male/female vocals and some real nice, hummable tunes all the way around. Nothing real fancy here folks, just well-played pop/rock with hooks. At times reminiscent of The New Pornographers. www.thehumbugs.com JONESIN’- HI, WE’RE JONESIN- SELF RELEASED- Casio geek pop from Matt and Jenny that ranged from totally annoying (“Rollerskates”) to tolerable (“Bummer Summer”) back to annoying (“Too Stoned to Screw”) to good (“Ice Cream” well, musically, the affected vocals are awful). You get the picture. BRYAN JOSEPH- SONGS FROM THE SUMMER OF GOD- SELF RELEASED- No info just 8 songs that sorts lie there and play dead. Not awful or anything but I listened and waited for …I dunno, something. A few tunes reminded me of the early (acoustic) Sebadoh stuff. I did like “Give Her Freedom.” KEYGRIP- VIA-A-VIS- RRMC- Modern rock radio kinda stuff ala Coldplay. At times it just too generic sounding but other times they can break out (like with the killer guitar hook on “If I Could (you know I would)” They want to be huge and who knows, one day they just might be. www.keygriponline.com ROGER KLUG- MORE HELP FOR YOUR NERVES- MENTAL GIANT- Hailing from Cincy (home of the late great Afghan Whigs) Mr.. Klug offers up his first disc in 10 years or so and he tosses 17 tunes out in opening day. He gives us curves, fastballs and even a few change ups. It’s all basically in the power pop vein with plenty of hooks but I feel if he trimmed the fat (form 17 songs own to the best 10) it would have been a stronger disc but as it is it’s still sturdy. Check out “About Time” and “A Girl Like That.” www.mentalgiant.com GREG KOONS AND THE MISBEGOTTEN- WELCOME TO THE NOWHERE MOTEL- KEALON- Excellent roots rock from this Pennsylvanian. Sounds akin to a Mellencamp or Petty with some excellent songwriting (like the opener “Nowhere to Them, Somewhere to Me”). Produced by Matt Keating. www.myspace.com/gregkoons ED LAURIE- MEANWHILE IN THE PARK- DANGERBIRD- Only 7 songs here from this thespian turned songwriter but this Brit, armed with a set of pipes not unlike Nick Drakes, adds some nice flamenco touches to his gentle acoustic songs. At times barely audible but worth turning the volume up up up. www.dangerbirdrecords.com JOHN LEFLER- BETTER BY DESIGN- GOODHANG- Sweet n;’ melodic power pop form , believe it or not, the guitarist form Dashboard Confessional. Not sure why Lefler wastes his time in that band when he has a bushel of great power pop tunes here but hey, it’s his life, right? At least partially produced by dude of the moment Salim Nourallah. www.myspace.com/johnlefler LITTLE TYBEE- I WONDER WHICH HOUSE THE FISH WILL LIVE IN- SELF RELEASED- 7 tunes from this Atlanta, GA quirky pop band who love showing off their violin player’s talents. Not sure why I wanted to hate it but I did want to but I didn’t (hate it, that is). www.comebacksalmon.com LOVE BOAT- IMAGINARY BEATINGS OF LOVE- ALIEN SNATCH- Italian trio (from the island of Sardinia, actually) happy bashing away on their instruments (2 guitars and drums, no bass) and making one hell of a fun racket (garage rock/pop). I think even Captain Stubing and Isaac the bartender would have dug these guys more than Jack Jones (hardy har har). www.aliensnatch.com MARSHMALLOW COAST- PHREAK PHANTASY- HHBTM- Former Of Montreal guy Andy Gonzalez returns with yet another M.C. record, this one with funked out guitars, light keyboards, 80s’ synth work and the like. I had a hard time getting worked up over anything on here and a few songs I really didn’t like (“Please Don’t). I own (and like) a pre previous M.C. record but not this one. www.hhbtm.com KEVIN MCADAMS- IT’S MY TIME TO LOSE MY MIND- SELF RELEASED- Way talented NYC dude who’s all over the pop map here but the opening tune, “Start Over Again” is flat out great and worth the price of admission alone (very ELO –ish). The other 10 songs don’t reach such heights but it’s still a fine record and worth hearing. www.myspace.com/kevinmcadams JEFF MERCHANT- CITY MAKES NO SOUND- SELF RELEASED- This L.A. cat got a laundry list of musicians to play in this record including Probyn Gregory (Wondermints), Nelson Bragg (Brian Wilson’s band), Heather Lockie (The Listing Ship), Adam Marsland, Evie Sands, etc). It all sounds nice but I don’t hear a lot of great songs (my favorite is “A Friend of Mine”) . www.jeffmerchantmusic.com MIKE & THE RAVENS- NO PLACE FOR PRETTY – ZOHO MUSIC- A band which had slept for nearly 45 years came back last year with the full-length NOISY BOYS. Here they are with their 2nd record in as many years. No sir, Mike Brassard and the Blodgett Brothers (on guitars) may have gray hair and collect social security but these guys can rock, seriously. My pick to click here is “Sister Raeven.” www.zohomusic.com MUSIC GO MUSIC- EXPRESSIONS- SECRETLY CANADIAN- Close your eyes and you can almost see Benny, Bjorn, Agnetha and …ok, I forgot the other woman’s name but yes, as has been said in every other review this appears to be some sort of homage to Abba. Apparently these 9 songs previously appeared on three separate 12”s and are culled here for the folks too lazy to find the originals (like me). A few of the tunes are strong (notably “I Walk Alone” and “Thousand Crazy Nights”) but the records loses steam towards the end. Well worth hearing though (especially if you love Abba as much as I do). www.secretlycanadian.com JEREMY NAIL & THE INCIDENTS- EP- SELF RELEASED- Only 3 tunes here by this long , tall Texan but they are tasty in a Whiskeytown/Tom Petty kinda way. Nail has a good soulful voice and there’s plenty ‘o hooks to be chewed on (like the Drive by Truckers). www.myspace.com/jeremynailmusic OBEY YOUR BRAIN- S/T- SELF RELEASED- Is this some type of joke? CHARLES RAMSEY- GOOD MORNING & GOOD NIGHT- SELF RELEASED- Excellent Brill Building-esque pop from this Philly guy. It’s all here: strings horns, Ramsey’s smooth voice and some truly marvelous songwriting. From the killer, opening title track all the way through “Oh Annemarie” not a stinker in the bunch. Can’t believe this guy is so unknown. Let’s hope that changes soon. www.charleyramseymusic.com R.I.P.S.- NEW CENTURY LIVING- BEAT NEATO O- R.I.P.S. is actually Eric Litts from Rainbow Quartz band The Get Quick (hailing from the City of Brotherly Love). The record is all over the place with gritty grooves like “Cut and Run” , some GBV-ish moments and samples by the likes of Ringo, Clyde Stubblefield, Ike Turner and more. He doesn’t forget the hooks either. www.myspace.com/therips SECRET POP BAND- PARDON THE SOLAR INTERRUPTION- DON’T TALK- Wash., DC bunch led by the elusive J. Forte (from the band Ape House). They’ll probably never play the White House but that’s ok as these 10 breezy pop nuggets whiz by in just over a half hour with enough guitar jingle jangle top keep me happy for days (or at least hours). “Your New England Winter” is my pick to click here. www.secretpopmusic.com SHPLANG- MY BIG THREE WHEELER- JAM- L.A. psych-pop trio with their 4th full-length. When they stick to the pop as on “Spanish Galleon” or “Tokyo Go-Go” I dig it but when they go for more psych gunk (as on “Poiund Cake” ) I found it a big too goofy for my liking. www.jamrecordings.com SILK FLOWERS- S/T- PPM- Brooklyn, NY trio doing the dark electronic pop thing and hwy, it was produced by Mr. Fred Thomas (Saturday Looks Good to Me). The songs are hooky and weird but the vocals, well, let’s say they sound like Peter Murphy on a constant yawn (or maybe Ian Curtis while someone is grabbing his balls). Ouch. THE SIMPLE CARNIVAL- GIRLS ALIENS FOOD- SUNDRIFT- These 12 bouncy light-hearted pop songs are the work of one man, Jeff Boller. He is an obvious Beach Boys (or Brian Wilson anyway) disciple and many of the songs on here are quite good. A few of my faves are “Caitlin’s on the Beach” and the jazzy “Flirt” while a few are even too light (or goofy, see “Cocktails”) for my pop-lovin’ ears. Still, the good ones on here are superb. www.simplecarnival.com THE STRAND- ANOTHER SEASON PASSES- KOOL KAT- This is the follow up to their 1984 record SECONDS WAITING it’s only….25 years later. Apparently these songs were written between then and now and the songwriting remains superb. Opening cut “Rising Tide” is among their best as is “Why’d You Call.” Fans of the paul Collins Beat will find a lot to like here. Dig in. www.koolkatmusik.com SUIT OF LIGHTS- BACTERIA- VISITING HOURS- Ex-Fiendz guy Joe Darone (they were a Misfits type band from, some gal on campus at my college, I think Darone’s sister, used to wear her Fiendz t-shirt everywhere) now doing dark, epic rock with understated horns. A lot of talent here just not my bag. www.suitoflights.com SUPER XX MAN- VOLUME XII: THERE’LL BE DIAMONDS- TENDER LOVING EMPIRE- Housed in yet another homemade sleeve are 13 more songs from Scott Garred and company. Essentially it is moody folk with some electronics and dashes of feedback. At times too dissonant for my liking hey. they do strike a chord with me on cuts like “Crazy People” and , especially, “Little Leaf.” www.tenderlovingempire.com THEE OH SEES- HELP- IN THE RED- Former Coachwhips guy John Dwyer picked up some gal named Brigid along the way and they make a helluva racket and distortion is on overload from start to finish, like a 60’s garage record gone wrong (or right, depending on your perspective). I’ve been reading rave reviews left and right but this didn’t do a whole lot for me. Every song sounds the same so screw the hipster,this bites. www.intheredrecords.com ROCKY TIPPIT- YOUNG & PRETTY- RED BOOT MUSIC- Bearded Texan who probably doesn’t own any ironic t-shirt, instead he likes his facial hair, cold beer and his dog. These 12 songs fall into the country-ish/bluesy vein, not exactly my cuppa tea but the guy seems from the heart. www.redbootmusic.com VEGAS WITH RANDOLPH- S/T- CAGED GIANT- The first think you’ll notice from this Washington , DC are band is the “produced by Don Zientara” on the back but this is no Dischord hardcore band. The band is led by the songwriting talents of two high school buddies, John Ratts & Eric Kern, and they specialize in chugging, upbeat power pop and they do it well. First cut “Be the One” truly gets the party started while the loud/soft dynamic of “Happy” is in perfect effect and the playful pop of “Buses , Trains & Planes” is terrific. At times I hear some wanky guitar that is a turnoff (as on “Lifting Your Burden”) but otherwise most of this is really good and they end the cd with a suite called “Longplay” that has 6 parts (each one separately named) that is well-worth hearing too (don’t worry, it’s not in the Yes vein). www.cagedgiantrecords.com SCOTT WARREN- QUICK FIX BANDAGE- SELF RELEASED- Scott’s full-time band is Signal Hill Transmission but here he must have plenty of songs written as here he offers his first solo record and it’s 11 songs of laid-back pop (including a cover of “Sister Golden Hair”) with some lovely melodies. Nicely done. www.scott-warren.com THE WEBSTIRS- SO LONG- GINGER- Bookmarked by two Beach Boys-esque instrumentals the rest of the disc is more straight up power pop by this Chicago band (one that’d I’d never heard of before….apparently this is their first record in 8 years) . A few songs are quite excellent (like the horn-soaked “Wesley Station” and “Malaise”). Well done gents. www.thewebstirs.com LARRY JON WILSON- S/T- DRAG CITY- 1970’s country western guy who rose from the dead (not literally) a few years back to record this quiet, record about drinking. His voice is a deep croak and the songs are spare to the point of……dullness? Maybe I’m missing something here and I love records by Kris Kristofferson and Johnny Cash (and L.J.W. is in that vein) but I’m not hearing genius here. Sorry. www.dragcity.com V/A- DO YOU WANNA BE IN THE SHOW? A TRIBUTE TO THE JETSET- TWIST- As the title says, yet another tribute cd, this one to 80’s UK jangly pop band The Jetset. Included are some awesome covers by bands like The Shambles (“Hard to Say Goodbye”), The Eddies (“Colour My World”), Jeremy (“Every Little Moment”), The Ringles (“What Can I Say?”), The Spring Collection (“The Other Side of Joe”) and plenty more. This is one tribute you do not wanna miss. www.jamrecordings.com And just when you thought it was safe to go back to the DAGGER site, the return of……Kidd Oblivion He tells you the truth… DAVE ALVIN & THE GUILTY WOMEN – S/T – YEP ROC – Ex Blasters front guy presents limp, alt-country renditions of songs both old and new to little or no applause. The production is downright cheesy and the performances are tired at best. Think: re-hash. AUTOPILOT IS FOR LOVERS – TO THE WOLVES – BLADEN COUNTY – Tori Amos with and accordion and banjo. THE BELIEVERS – LUCKY YOU – CHINESE BABY – If you were to take all of the slick cheesiness of rock radio, pair it with all the slick cheesiness of dreadful alt. country and add to that a chick with a sweet rack, you would wind up with the Believers. Snooooorrrrrre. JOHNNY BENNETT – THE VIOLET HUSH – SELF – Painfully obvious 1991 college-rock that would make the most virile of men lose his boner. BLOODKIN – BABY THEY TOLD US… - SCI FIDELITY – Oh. My. God. Hootie & the Blowfish and the Drive By Truckers are rolling in their graves! This stuff is unbearable. You should see their band photo! Bucket hats, big sunglasses and white NB tennis shoes! What a bunch of hammer-heads. BUNGEE DETH FEST – PLAYING WITH OURSELVES – SMALL MOTIF – Really? You thought that Bungee Deth Fest was a good band name? Seriously? I don’t know why I was surprised after reading the album title… This is nothing more than a pitiful display of flanged, 4-track “rock” that would make even 13 year old kids from a NJ cover band feel ashamed. BTW: the song “dope on a rope” was really clever. CHILDREN – HARD TIMES… - KEMADO – Heavy metal circa 1988 played by some sleazy Lower East Side cretins. Why did you send this to a wussy, indie-rock magazine whose editor is an old tart that likes any band with a girl singer or the word ‘sparkle’ in it? LEONARD COHEN – LIVE IN LONDON – COLUMBIA – As far as old, sad bastard music goes Leonard Cohen is (literally) the Granddaddy. This concert from last summer kicked off his first tour in ages and sports all of his “hits.” I killed myself shortly after listening to it and am now writing this column from the grave. THE DAMNED – SO, WHO’S PARANOID? – THE ENGLISH CHANNEL – This album should be renamed: “The Damned, what happened?” Holy shit this is awful! I mean, I’d rather listen to fucking Phantasmagoria in a basement with a bunch of stoned high school drop-outs than suffer through this turd. Sorry Captain, your record blows! FARAQUET – ANTHOLOGY – DISCHORD – Thankfully Dischord came through and delivered the first decent record in the stack today: Faraquet. Killer, late 90’s, D.C. math-rock that is almost as awesome as Philadelphia’s Lefty’s Deceiver. FLORIAN – MORE FIEND – SELF – Here are some quotes from Florian’s press kit: “traveling the musical cosmos since 1997,” “affinity for sinuous sonic escapism,” “a ritualistic, post apoplectic excursion to another side,” and my personal favorite: “exploring the realms of psychedelia, space-rock and experimental music with a unique style.” You’ve got to be fucking kidding me. FROM MONUMENTS TO MASSES – ON LITTLE KNOWN FREQUENCIES – DIM MAK – Attempting to become the indie-rock version of Phish, FMTM retread tame, generic college-rock (complete with all the cliché drumbeats from the 90’s) and pepper in some guitar noodling to “shake things up.” No thanks. THE GREEN PAJAMAS – POISON IN THE RUSSIAN ROOM – PARASOL – This just in: the Green Pajamas still suck the big one. Horrible name, horrible artwork (everytime!), and music that will suck the life out of any room you play it in. Give up already you old bastards. WAYNE HANCOCK – VIPER OF MELODY – BLOODSHOT – To my knowledge, ‘Wayne the Train’ has never made a bad record, and he isn’t starting with this here slab neither. This is another great installment of pure, old-school country a la Hank(s) Snow, Wiliiams, Thompson etc. He’s proving to be Bloodshot’s main man. JOAN OF ARC – FLOWERS – POLYVINYL – This is a band that Polyvinyl can afford to release (read as: take pity on) because of all of their Of Montreal and Mates of State money. Otherwise, they wouldn’t return Kinsella’s emails. STEVE KILBEY – PAINKILLER – SECOND MOTION – This sounds exactly like the church circa 1988. I’m not saying that’s a bad thing, but there you have it. KLEVELAND – HARDER – IN MUSIC WE TRUST – The boring, obvious innuendo and sexual references in the lyrics to these Joan Jett / Chrissy Hynde mash-ups would make even the proudest, punk-est, most hard-up lesbians yawn and roll over. MIRROR – S/T – SELF – Holy “fake strings” Batman! Wow, this is some of the worst 80’s-inspired, limp-wristed balladry I’ve heard in quite some time! Great job! MOONDOGGIES – DON’T BE A STRANGER – HARDLY ART – Worst band name ever? Possibly. They’re certainly giving Bungee Deth Fest a run for their money. Musically though, they’re not unforgivable: There are some serious Band, JJ Cale, southern-style things going on in here that could’ve been a whole lot worse. PANSY DIVISION – THAT’S SO GAY – ALT TENTACLES – This is a good idea on paper: an all-gay hardcore/punk band. I mean how can you not like a record that starts out with the line “He’s in his PJ’s giving BJ’s to all the DJ’s?” Or, others such as, “I’ve had 20 years of cock and I’m never gonna stop…” Well, it’s actually easy not to like it because it’s shit. I’d even venture to say that it’s insulting to every gay friend I have – NOT because it’s offensive, but because it’s so fucking stupid and childish (and is probably just a marketing gimmick anyway). The worst part of the whole equation is the music – sooooo bad. It really gives the trampled, diluted, exploited term “punk” a bad name. Oh, and by the way, you’re not shocking anyone anymore. I mean, who fucking cares? This is a complete waste of time. My apologies for being so verbose… PILLARS AND TONGUES – PROTECTION – CONTRAPHONIC – Ok, maybe these guys win for worst name, I just don’t know anymore… Totally awesome, matchbook-style packaging on this thing that is quite beautiful! I’ll stop there. SEIZURE CRYPT – UNDER THE GUN – SELF – Retarded, metal-core from 5 stu-nods from Coney Island. Some of the gems on this steaming pile of crap include “Drug pig,” “Crazy cat lady,” (a true story don’tcha know!) and the hit “When you die they throw your stuff out.” Oh, and the bass player’s name is “Bro-Town.” Tim loves to send me shit like this because he hates me. SMITHEREENS – TOMMY – E1 – Will someone please call the Smithereens and tell them to stop this shit already!? First, they cover a Beatles record (which no one should do, including former Beatles) and now they re-hash one of the most overrated classic rock records in history? WTF? Why? They didn’t even have the balls to include Townshend’s creepy ode to child molestation “Fiddle about!” What a bunch of old, bald wusses. You guys did write 3 or 4 good songs 25 years ago, but enough already. ANNA TROY – WAIT ANOTHER DAY – BLINDSPOT – I don’t know if you, dear reader, posses the same keen, surgically focused radar for bullshit-terrible records that I do – I can tell you it runs deep in the Oblivion family history – but said radar went off bigtime when this cd was plunked on my desk. To call it bland, regurgitated pop is a compliment, but I HAD to listen to it so that you, dear reader, would never have to. You’re welcome. THE TWANG – LOVE IT WHEN I FEEL LIKE THIS – ARENA ROCK – This sounds EXACTLY like Chumbawumba singing U2 songs at a karaoke bar, but singing their own words instead. MARTY WILSON-PIPER – NIGHTJAR – SECOND MOTION – This sounds like the other guy from the Church circa 1991 - only slower, more drawn out and maudlin. I’m not saying that’s a good thing, but there you have it. WINFRED E EYE – TIL I PRUNE – ANTENNA FARM – A poor man’s M Ward combined with a poor man’s Vic Chesnutt. This ‘rock-journalism thing’ is a snap! HERMAS ZOPOULA – ESPOIR – ASTHMATIC KITTY – This guy is crazy! He lives in W. Africa where he owns an internet café, works at the airport as a translator and rides mopeds all over the place. He’s also the youngest of 36. That’s not a misprint, 36 brothers and sisters! This is his first record, on which he sings in 4 languages. It all sounds like Paul Simon’s Graceland to me, but how can you diss this guy? Right on! OCTOBER 2009 THE ASTEROIDS GALAXY TOUR- AROUND THE BEND ep- SMALL GIANTS- Only 4 tunes from this bouncy Danish duo who specialize in bouncy 60’s soul. Kinda like St. Etienne if they were…well, different. I’m surprised they’re not huge by now (and for all I know they could be). The title track is my pick to click but all 4 of the tunes are good. www.theasteroidsgalaxytour.com TREVA BLOMQUIST- AS IT SHOULD BE- SELF RELEASED- 6 songs of radio ready pop that veer between gentle folky stuff (ala Joni Mitchell) and more rockin’ stuff (think Juliana Hatfield with more money,a better producer and not-as-good songs). A bit lite for me. www.trevamusic.com JIM BOGGIA- MISADVENTURES IN STEREO- BLUHAMMOCK- Picked this one out of a friend’s box of promo freebees and it’s terrific. The horns on opening cut “Johnny’s Going Down” had me hooked and the following 9 cuts are all worthy. Put this ion your power pop want list. www.jimboggia.com THE BOSS MARTIANS- PRESSURE IN THE SODO- MUSICK- The new B.M.’s record that is now getting kinda old. This Seattle bunch, led by Evan Foster, still kick out the jams on this , disc # whatever, with their high-octane, hook-heavy songs. If you have not discovered this bunch yet please do so now. www.musickrecords.com THE CUNTIFIERS- NEVER COMING OUT- ANGEL’S BLOOD- This came with issue #19 of GENETIC DISORDER zine. I like the zine but this….oh boy. What do you expect from a band called The Cuntifiers? www.agenlsbloodrecords.com THE GILLIGANS- MY NAME IS WILLY- EAR THEORY- Illinois bunch which includes The Ringles’ Todd Borsch in their ranks. The band does a pretty good mix of straight up power pop mixed with some bubblegum and Brit Invasion gunk with some nice guitar work. Think Rubinoos. www.myspace.com/thegilliganspop THE HIGH DIALS- MOON COUNTRY- FACTOR- This bands last record, 2005’s THE WAR OF WAKENING PHANTOMS was one of that year’s best and while this follow up isn’t quite as strong it; still has a batch of fine cuts scattered amongst its 2 discs (14 songs in all). They seem to be going more for a spacey Radiohead vibe on here but give “My Heart is Pinned To Your Sleeve” a listen for proof that they still got it. www.thehighdials.com HOT PANDA- VOLCANO…BLOODY VOLCANO- MINT- Edmonton group who seem to nick bits and bites from every genre of pop music and make it for an interesting stew with some genuinely good tunes. They occasionally nearly ruin a few good tunes with bursts of noise (like Sebadoh used to do) but when they’re on VOLCANO can bwe as rousing as anyone. www.mintrecs.com THE MOORE BROTHERS- APTOS- AMERICAN DUST- Two Bay Area bros doing light n’ wispy folk music akin to Paul and John leaving George and Ringo home for the night (as well as their amps) and goin’ acoustic. Kelly Stoltz recorded it and Joanna Newsom plays harp on a tune and the songs are there. www.themoorebros.com QUIETING SYRUP- SONGS ABOUT A SICK BOY- LOVITT- Apparently leader Stephen Howard wrote one song a year for 12 years until he was finished telling his said tale about his effed up life. Well, it’s all here with oozing tempos and nearly non-existent vocals that doesn’t vary much. I feel for ya’ dude I just don’t want to listen to your record. www.lovitt.com RING OF TRUTH- EVERYTHING’S THE SAME BUT IN A DIFFERENT PLACE- SOUND ARCHIVE- This UK bunch seems to crackle with the same kind of spark that the first Libertines record did. Not quite in that league but still solid throughout. Give “Well, I Walked’ and “Why Should This Be’ some ;listens for further proof. Well done lads. www.myspace.com/ringoftruth SHAMEY JAYS- YOUR PRETTY PACKAGES- SELF RELEASED- Was hoping for some good, chunky power pop but instead got some wanky bluesy rock that was a real turn off for me. www.shameyjays.com THE SKULLCRANES- COLUMBIA HEIGHTS NIGHTS- CRUSTACEAN- Goofball punks form Mpls jump out of the starting gate with “You, Me and The 763” asking “Do you got an extra square?” (SEINFELD anyone?). Other songs titles include “Jessica Lange”, “Douche”, “Beer & Toothpaste”, etc. Not top o’ the line or anything but well played and pretty funny at times. www.crustaceanrecords.com SEPTEMBER 2009 ANNABEL- EACH AND EVERYONE- COUNT YOUR LUCKY STARS- Talented Kent, Ohio trio who were smart enough to get former Witch Hazel Sound guy Kevin Coral to record this. The tunes are there and Coral’s production make the tunes shine and bounce. Hummable tunes with too many pop smarts to count. www.cylsrecords.com CHRISTOPHER BELL- I’ll BE HOME- SILENT HOME- Solo multi-instrumentalist from upstate NY who shines on his debut cd. With a mix of guitar, banjo and a viola (and other instruments) he avoid the folk tag by mixing it up enough, While there are some bumps in the 12 song road much of I’ll BE HOME is worth hearing. www.myspace.com/thechrisbell BLANK DOGS- UNDER AND UNDER- IN THE RED- One man laugh riot from Brooklyn doing Gary Numan one better by doing complete spazz out on these 15 songs. Apparently the guy has like 100 other releases out and you; probably have at least one but if not then this is a fine place to start. www.intheredrecords.com MARY BRAGG- DUGAR- SELF RELEASED- Lovely alt country chanteuse who hails from rural Georgia but now call BKNY home. On her sophomore effort she whips up 10 tasty songs with elements of folk, country and a bit o’ soul. “Sweet Skin” has a slow swagger to it that makes it alluring as do a handful of other tracks. Nice. www.marybragg.com BRAINERD- S/T (THE GOAT ALBUM- ZODIAC KILLER – Pissed, heavy, relentless n’ a bit paranoid, these Madison, WI punks are gonna turn it up to 11 and don’t care what you think. Not for the faint of heart but for fans of Black Sabbath and Fu Manchu (not me). www.zodiackillerrecords.com CHEVAL SOMBRE- S/T- DOUBLE FEATURE- Essentially a one man band who hails from, the UK , Cheval gets help from label honchos Dean and Britta (as well as Sonic Boom, some of this reminds me of Spacemen 3’s PLAYING WITH FIRE). I have to admit I liked about a third of this and was bored by the other two thirds. Glacially-paced and druggy. Pass the Nyquil. www.doublefeaturerecords.com CHILDREN- HARD TIMES HANGING AT THE END OF THE WORLD- KEMADO-Not sure if they want to be Prong or Hawkwind. www.kemoado.com CHURCH- SONG FORCE CRYSTAL- TENDER LOVING EMPIRE- Hated this the first few times on and still don’t like parts of it but I like how they go form unlistenable to quite hummable , sometimes in the same song. “Opposite People” reminded me of the best of early Low and “Hidden Tone” had some gorgeous/creepy parts. Now I want to see them live. www.tenderlovingempire.com CLOCK HANDS STRANGLE- DISTACCATI- CHOCOLATE LAB- Florida boys who do some genre hopping from folk to indie rock to country and back. The instrumental track, simply titled “Instrumental”, shows off the bands chops and while I wish it was hookier, the band has talent thye may just need a producer to bring out their best. Mixed by Geza X. www.chocolatelabrecords.com COCONOT- COSA ASTRAL- BCORE- Sample heavy cats who aren’t from America . This is experimental Tropicalia and for swingers who like their salsa extra sassy. www.bcoredisc.com THE COLOR TURNING- GOOD HANDS BAD BLOOD- SOFTDRIVE/NEW WEST- L.A. bunch dying for the big time (on Scott Weiland’s new label no less) and you’ll hear bits of U2, Coldplay, Radiohead, etc. At times a bit soundtracky and “weird” and while there is plenty of talent, didn’t do a lot for me. www.newwestrecords.com THE COLOR WHEELS- S/T- VIPER BITE- T.C.W. leader Jon Sebastian had s batch songs written but needed a drummer. Neal Peart was out and so was Ginger Bake so he asked his wife Psalm and she agreed. These 11 tunes are essentially pop tunes with some nice guitar chomp and they occasionally reminded me of The Apples in Stereo. Well worth your time. www.thecolorwheels.com DEAF JUDGES- ALL RISE- EC RUINS- Not a Naked Raygun tribute band this bunch are influenced by Wu Tang Clan but offer their hip hop with intelligence and an overflow of cool samples. Not my bag but I got jiggy with it for a good while. www.ecruins.com DOCTORS & DEALERS- LOST FRIENDS AND NEW FOUND HABITS- BLUESONG- The band name bugs me for some reason but that’s my problem. This Swedish one woman band returns with her sophomore effort and the songs are low-key, off-kilter pop with hooks and enough unpredictable u-turns to make it interesting. The occasional orchestration keeps it interesting. www.myspace.com/bluesongrecords EX NORWEGIAN- STANDBY- DYING VAN GOGH- Florida trio who add some sugar to their corn flakes with some tough guitar grit (ala The Kinks) and some nice harmonies. My pick to click here is “Don’t Bother.” www.exnorwegian.com GLADSHOT- BURN UP AND SHINE- FRANKLY MILLS MUSIC- Mike and Debbie are Gladshot (essentially) and on this, their third record they are able to occasionally hit that sweet spot right where indie pop, alt country, am radio pop all converge. Occasionally it gets a bit too pro for me but most of the time they make the sweet spot, well, sweet. www.gladshot.com HITCH- CLAIR.OBSCUR- LATEST FLAME- Had I heard this in 1988 I might have been doing backflips (maybe) but hearing this Jesus Lizard-ish Belgian band now….well, I couldn’t take it out of the player fast enough. Not necessarily bad jut not what I want to hear now. www.latestflame.com HURT – GOODBYE TO THE MACHINE- AMUSEMENT- This was awful (but hey, they’re opening for Korn and coming to a town near you). www.hurtband.com TOMMY KEENE- IN THE LATE BRIGHT- SECOND MOTION- Yet another solid (and then some) record from this longtime popmeister Keene. A guy who has long deserved much more attention than he has ever gotten. Record number 8 has more of that crunchy pop (some call it power pop) that he helped write the book on. www.secondmotionrecords.com MIKE KOTULKA- HI-LOWS- NIFTY FIFTY- Likeable singer-songwriter with record number three and these 9 songs breeze by in less than a half hour. In the Dylan or acoustic Springsteen vein. Good stuff. www.mikekotulka.com MARK KOZELEK- LOST VERSES LIVE- CALO VERDE- 14 cuts taken from gigs across the US of A in 2008 in cities as NYC, Philly, San Francisco and yes, Portland (Aladdin Theatre) as well as two overseas cities in 2007 (Goteborg and Lisbon). It’s Mark’s powerful voice and his acoustic guitar (plus some help form Phil Carney on guitar) that make it all work. It takes a special kind of songwriter to make it work and Kozelek is just that. www.caloverderecords.com LA SNACKS- NEWFANGLED- FOOLISH BOY- Back in the day lot of bands were trying to sound like Pavement and Butterglory but these days not so much. La Snacks have the sound, sorta. I like most of this plus it’s only 6 songs. I love eps. www.lasnacks.com THE LOVE LANGUAGE- S/T- BLADEN COUNTY- One guy from North Carolina named Stuart Mclamb who creates ramshackle pop tunes ball by his lonesome. One minute you think he’s crooning to the AM radio while other times he’s trying to ape Robert Pollard. I liked exactly 76.3% of this record. www.thelovelanguage.com M83- DIGITAL SHADES VOL 1- MUTE- Frenchman Anthony Gonzalez offers this 35 minute stopgap effort in between records that offers 10 songs with waves n’ washes of synths and an ambient feel all the way around. On paper I would say I don’t want to listen but while it’s on it feels quite nice. www.mute.com EUGENE MCGINNINSS- S/T- DOMINO- Never did near his (supposedly) infectious single “Monsters Under the Bed” but the 2nd disc here by this Liverpudlian (I always wanted to use that word in a review) is a ramshackle (and fantastic) collection of songs both shambling and mature. This isn’t some UK band of the moment alert here, McGuinness is uber-talented and many of his songs sound like instant classic the minute you hear them. www.dominorecordco.com MAD FRANCIS- RESTLESS MIND SYNDROME- ARDENT IYE- Colorado Springs guy (Eric Long) who has worked with both Lee Renaldo and Daniel Johnson. Here he offers us 17 tunes in various states of pop. The guy is a supremely talented musician an willing to go for the non-obvious. www.madfrancis.net MALCOLM TENT BAND- FOREVER ENDEAVOR- GOD STAIN- The punk rock accordianist, Malcolm Tent, returns with hi first disc in quite some time. Tent has been banging around the Atlantic City, NJ area for decades and played CBGB’s a few times back in the day. On this record, with a full band, Tent’s songs open up with some spit and snarl (and pop hooks) that were missing from his days of just he and his accordion. Glad to see he’s still fighting the good fight. www.myspace.com/malcolmtent CHUCK MEAD- JOURNEYMAN’S WAGER- SELF RELEASED- BR549 member Mead strikes out on his own on his solo debut and the results are solid. You got pop hooks married to his honkey tonk tunes and it all goes down rather easily. www.chuckmead.com MELLOWDRONE- ANGRY BEAR- SELF RELEASED – L.A. tri who give their major label the old heave ho and recorded these 12 songs in some dark, dank basement free from any suit looking over their shoulder. At least it sounds that way. Too much creeping and to enough songingfor me though. www.mellowdrone.com MORAKESTRA- WITNESS TO CONNECTION- STRATKING- El Paso, TX twin brothers Dave and Will More, who with help from At the Drive In’s Jim Ward, offer some striking pop tunes on their sophomore effort. The guitar work on “Tonight” has a certain uniqueness to it while “Goodbye” riffs a bit heavier but no less effectively. Interesting. www.myspace.com/themorasband THE MUSIC LOVERS- MASCULINE FEMININE- LE GRAND MAGSITERY- Another fine (but overlooked) effort by San Franciscan Matthew Edwards doping groovy 60’s pop right between swinging’ London and the gay Paris. Morrissey fans take note. www.magistery.com PAPERCUTS- YOU CAN HAVE WHAT YOU WANT- GNOMONSONG- Jason Quever released a killer full-length from a few years back called CAN’T GO BACK. Here he returns with a new platter but one a bit different from C.G.B. . This one is more drone and reminded me a bit of early Stereolab. A bit samey at times but the more you listen the more it will grow on you. “Dead Love” is tops. www.gnomonsong.com NICK PEETS- THE RIDE- SELF RELEASED- Rootsy Portland guy Peets shines on his sophomore effort with some nice major chord hooks amid the heartfelt tunes. No nonsense songs and straight from the heart. www.nickpeets.com PICTURES OF THEN – AND THE WICKED SEA- SELF RELEASED- Chalk this one up at another winner from the Twin Cities. The sophomore effort by these cats has some good, punchy 60’s influenced rock. “When It Stings” could win these guys plenty more fans as would “Nowhere is Somewhere.” . www.myspace.com/picturesofthen PORTLAND CELLO PROJECT- THE THAO & JUSTIN POWER SESSIONS- KILL ROCK STARS- 10 or so of Portland’s classically trained cellists get together and record 12 songs. Some originals and some covers (they cover, among others, Pantera and Norfolk & Western). It’s a mixed bag for me, half is really boring (did not like the opener, “The Lamb”) while part of it is terrific (“Por Una Cabeza”, “Beat” (sung by Thao). It’s a unique idea and I’m sure they have a bevy of h/c fans but I’m not one. www.killrockstars.com ROYAL CITY- 1999-2004- ASTHMATIC KITTY- Had never heard this band before and now that they’re broken up, well I won’t get the chance again,. This odds n’ sods collections spanned their 5 year career and includes, among other things, Iggy Pop and Strokes covers. Otherwise, I was reminded of some of the early, loopy Drag City records (Pavement, Palace, Royal Trux, etc.) and that, my friends, is a GOOD thing (all bound in a cd book). www.asthmatickitty.com THE WILKINS- NO EXPIRY DATE- SELF RELEASED- Father, mother and son make up this family trio. Little bit country and a little bit rock and while the Mrs. Sure does have a nice voice I found this a bit tepid for my liking. www.thewilkins.ca AUGUST 2009 THE DODOS- VISITER- FRENCH KISS- Two dudes, one strums the guitar and sings while the other clacks the drums and it totally works. They hail from San Fran but this was recorded in Portland and Miss Laura Gibson helped out a lot. The songs are infectious and demand your ears. Give it to them. www.frenchkissrecords.com THE MOOG- SOLD FOR TOMORROW- MUSICK- These 5 well-dressed lads hail form, of all places, Budapest, Hungary and have been making some inroads in the indie scene. This is their debut (with a 2nd record out any minute) and the record is solid with 10 Strokes-esque cuts (the good Strokes, from their debut) with plenty of hooks and popping melodies. Hungary never sounded so good. www.myspace.com/musickrecords ODDS – CHEERLEADER- SECOND MOTION- Vancouver BC lads who have been around for ages (1987, actually) though this is their first record in nearly a decade. It’s chunky power pop and not bad but not great either. I guess this is just a so so review. www.secondmotionrecords.com PARENTHETICAL GIRLS- ENTANGLEMENTS- TOM LAB- I never heard their previous record but every review I have read of this one speaks of a transformation. Erm…was their last record hardcore or something? This is lush, classic, baroque pop with flutes and such and frontman Zac Pennington (former editor of the Portland Mercury weekly) is no Freddie Mercury (or Van Dyke Parks….as this is a song cycle) but he tries and this has enough oddball u-turns to make for an interesting listen. www.tomlab.com THE POLES- TWELVE WINDS- DOUBLE PLUS GOOD- Hirsute North Carolina guys (including bassist Matt Gentling who apparently played with both Archers of Loaf AND band of Horses) who go for usually heavy, rhythmic riff rock. Not my bag but they do it well. www.doubleplusgoodrecords.com POMEGRANATES- EVERYBODY, COME OUTSIDE!- LUJO- Conceptual record here involving the story of a man who leaves home only to be abducted by a time traveler. I certainly appreciate the band’s ambition and quirkiness (some Talking Heads here, some Pavement there and some amazing work by the lead guitarist) here but I can’t see myself listening to this too often (or ever). www.lujorecords.com PROJEKT A –KO- YOYODYNE- MILK PIE- Had this all ready for the trash but then I listened to it for a few seconds (then minutes) and heard some mighty fine tunes. This is scattershot n’ shambling , I’d maybe call it a poor man’s Wedding Present. Apparently one or more of these folks were in Urusei Yatsura. Nice. www.myspace.com/projektako SANCTIONS- HOME SWEET HOME- SELF RELEASED- Screamo death metal hardcore from these crusties form Tennessee. I knew I was gonna hate this. www.icfycrecords.com SECOND DAY RED- GALLERY OF STRANGERS- SELF RELEASED- Melodic roots rock in the Gin Blossoms vein. Opening cut “Something to Breathe; is terrific. Not bad. www.seconddayred.com THE SERVICE INDUSTRY- KEEP THE BABIES WARM- SAUSPOP- Instantly likeable Austin, TX bunch who released LIMITED COVERAGE last year which I liked a lot and here is record #3 and it delivers plenty of intelligent tunes with cool hooks and harmonies. The cover is a pardoy of an old Pink Floyd record. www.sauspop.com THE SESS- AGENDUMB- SINGLE SCREEN- San Diego youngsters who do the rockin’ garage r & b soul rave up kinda stuff. Not really my cuppa tea but I’ll bet they’re good live. www.myspace.com/singlescreenrecords THE SHATTERED HOPES- NOISE ANNOYS- WHO ARE THESE GUYS?- Virginia oddballs who took their names form a Buzzcocks song but go for more of sa Violent Femmes type of quirky pop with twangy licks and occasionally hilarious lyrics. Not essential but worth hearing. www.theshatteredhopes.com SLARAFFENDLAND- SUNSHINE- HOMETAPES- In the words of my pal Tony, I didn’t even like this a little bit. www.home-tapes.com THE SUMMER WARDROBE- CAJUN PRAIRIE FIRE- SAUSPOP- Austin bunch who apparently have backed Roky Erickson a number of times (as have Austin’s other psych masters, The Black Angels). These guys had a solid debut on the Rainbow Quartz label then decided to stay local on the sophomore effort on San Antonio label, Saustex/Sauspop label. C.P.F. is filled to the brim with 8 snot-thick, heavy jams but these are the kind of jams I dig (no unnecessary noodling here). Pedal steel guitarist Jon Leon adds plenty of personality to the tunes as does terrific drummer George Duron (Sally Crewe, Dumptruck, Tommy Keene, etc.). Plenty of twang, plenty of trip and well worth your precious time. www.sauspop.com GLENN TILBROOK AND THE FLUFFERS- PANDEMONIUM ENSUES- QUIXOTIC- This is the first record from the Squeeze frontman in 5 years. For me the record is broken up into thirds: one thirds of the songs I love, another third are not bad and the final third are not so hot. The songs that are good however are as rousing as anything he’s ever done like the Pogues-ish opener “Best of Times”, the punky “Slaughtered Artist”, the Beach Boys homage “Relentless Pursuit” , the spunk “Beachland Ballroom” and a few others. Well worth it for the good tunes. www.kochrecords.com TITUS ANDRONICUS- THE AIRING OF GRIEVANCES- XL- The pride of Glenn Rock, NJ offer up pure excitement on their debut record. Bits of The Pixies, Libertines, GBV and others are tossed into the blender and put on puree. The vocals are tossed off but totally great and cuts like “My Time Outside the Womb” and the short but sweet “Joset of Nazareth Blues” are too cool for words. Live they probably kill it. www.beggars.com VENICE IS SINKING- AZAR- ONE PERCENT PRESS- I feel like I should like this Athens, GA band more than I do. The main songwriter is Daniel Lawson and he and a bevy of folks plays all sorts of stringed and horned instruments and there are some gorgeous sounds on the record but I don’t hear a lot in the way of songs. R.I.Y.L: Low and Beach House. www.onepercentpress.com THE VOX JAGUARS- S/T ep- ANODYNE- 4 promising tunes from this upstart Santa Cruz, CA band with nice amount of snotty vocals , buzzsaw guitar and raucous rhythms. Well worth giving a listen to. www.anodynerecords.com THE WELLINGTONS- HEADING NORTH FOR THE WINTER- ZIP- Record #3 from these cheery Aussies (this is the 2nd one I have) and it’s just as good as #2 with ebullient melodies and hooks bustin’ out all over the place. They waste no time on the first cut, “Song for Kim” and the other 9 follow suit. As they have said, “Live is too short for bad powerpop.” www.ziprecords.com JULY 2009 BACHELORETTE- MY ELECTRIC FAMILY- DRAG CITY- New Zealander Annabel Alpers likes the 3 m’s; man, machines and …..yup, you guessed it, mushrooms (and not the kind you put on burgers). On this, her 2nd full-length she can’t seem to want to go up or down so she does both , usually in the same song. Soaring, occasional heavenly vocals mixed with some robotic blips n’ bleeps that would make Kraftwerk seem like friendly chaps by comparison. Not that Alpers is a bitch ‘cos she’s not. …ah, I don’t know what I’m talking about, just buy the damn thing and figure it out for yourself . www.dragcity.com THE BALKY MULE- THE LENGTH OF THE RAIL- FATCAT- I can’t remember what this sounded like but I just remember not liking it (though main guy Sam Jones has been a members of bands I like such as Flying Saucer Attack, Movietone, and Crescent). BIBIO- VIGNETTING THE COMPOST- MUSH- Music from the enchanted forest courtesy of Stephen “Bibio” Wilkenson. The guy can play the heck out of an acoustic guitar but this is strictly for sipping tea in the English countryside and since I live in Oregon it’ll be a while before that happens (not that I would mind doing it, just switch the tea to hot chocolate and we’ll be all set ). www.mushrecords.com THE BIG PICTURE- S/T- SERIES TWO- Mikael Salomonsson is a Swede who is studying abroad in China but in between studies he found the time record this 10 song record of gentle pop. I really liked about half of this with my faves being the more upbeat jangly songs like “A Good Start” and “Flavia.” www.indiepages.com/seriestwo THE BOBBLEHEADS- TWO GUITARS, OPEN FIRE- POP POP- I didn’t realize that this was a split ep as this cd came split, literally in two pieces. I’ve been a fan of this San Fran band but you’ll have to wait for a full review of this. www.thebobbleheads.com PETULA CLARK- OPEN YOUR HEART- COLLECTOR’S CHOICE- Collection of 21 love songs from Petula. Many of these tunes, form 1972 to now, were unreleased. A handful were written by Petula and some were written by her longtime producer, Tony Hatch. Not a bad comp but there’s plenty of better ones out there. PHILIP CLEMO- THE ROOMS- SELF-RELEASED- Dense, atmospheric, at times wanky stuff who in addition to his guitar playing Clemo adds folks playing Asiant flute, pedal steel, flugelhorn, flute, and a Prague String Quartet. On paper it sounds intriguing but I was really bored. www.philipclemo.com DIPSOMANIACS- SOCIAL CRUTCH- FDR- Record number 6 by these South Jersey stalwarts is just like the other 5, which is to say solid all the way around. Nothing flashy here just good , punchy pop. The guitars have meat on their bones and main songwriter Mick Chorba doesn’t forget the hooks. Amen brothers. www.fdrlabel.com THE DRY SPELLS- TOO SOON FOR FLOWERS- ANTENNNA FARM- Bay Area quartet who originally cobbled it together in a Bard College dorm room before high-tailing it out west. The music is heavy on tribal drums and violin as well as the blending of vocals of the two main ladies: Tahlia Harbor and April Hayley. The songs are built upon the strength of the (sparse) rhythms and while hard to describe it’s fairly simple yet effective (check out the gorgeous “Black is the Color” or “The Golden Vanity”, the latter with some superb guitar playing by Adria Otte). Antenna Farm has quite a find in this band. Masterfully recorded by Tim Green. www.antennafarmrecords.com FASTBALL- LITTLE WHITE LIES- SELF RELEASED- Austin, TX trio with their 5th record in 15 years (ok, so they’re a little lazy) and while there’s no “The Way” on here (their lone hit nearly a decade ago) the record has plenty of pop gold on it. Namely the opener “All I Was Looking for Was You”, the driving “Mono to Stereo” (written by co-leader Miles Zuniga) and the heartfelt acoustic charmer “How Did I get Here?” Underrated but always solid. www.fastballtheband.com FLANNEL- DEAR SOMETHING , DEAR SOMEONE- SERIES TWO- Flannel is the work of a single guy from Japan named Tomohiro Wakai and on this 12 song cd he recalls the likes of Galaxie 500, Fireflies and Japans own Sugar Plant. While mostly laid back pop he does hit the fuzz pedal and rock out at times (check out “You Should Take Your Time”). www.indiepages.com/seriestwo FOMA- INVERNESS- SELF RELEASED- This instrumental-heavy (though there are vocals) San Francisco (via New Mexico) band are a unique bunch offering up atmospheric rock to jangle pop to something that reminded me of something off the first Agent Orange record (“Gray’s Elegy”). I applaud their individuality and determination and really do wanna hear more. www.itsallfoma.com FOREVER- S/T- HHBTM- This foursome hits that sweet spot right in the middle of the road where X and Bikini Kill collide, get out of their cars and then become friends (not that they wouldn’t be). 6 songs blur by in 13 minutes and “Something’s Missing” is my pick to click. www.hhbtm.com JON HOPKINS- INSIDES- DOMINO- Low-key Brit with ties to Brian Eno and Coldplay does atmospheric electronic music , crating sparse soundscapes that were occasionally interesting but not something that I’ll probably ever play again. DAVE HUMPHRIES- AND SO IT GOES….- BLINDSPOT- UK expatriate who ended up in San Diego in the late 90’s and seems to have found a home on the Blindspot label. The band I’m reminded of most on these tender, mid-tempo piano pop tunes is Badfinger and the photo on the cover shows Humphries even looks a bit like Pete ham (if had had a ‘stache). Nothing groundbreaking here just pleasant pop tunes. www.davehumphriesmusic.com J.A.C.K.- DELETIST- YAB YUM- Some kinda hooched up bluesy metal with a vocalist who thinks he’s Bon Scott. He’s not. www.myspace.com/jacknyc PAUL JONES- STARTING ALL OVER AGAIN- COLLECTOR’S CHOICE- Ex-Manfred Mann guy decides to give it another go 40 years later and while this sorta loungey blues is certainly done well and doesn’t sound schmaltzy it wasn’t really my cuppa tea. For folks who care Eric Clapton plays guitar on two songs. www.collectorschoicemusic.com LOXSLY- TOMORROW’S FOSSILS- SELF RELEASED- While there was nothing particularly bad about this Austin, TX indie rock band I also found nothing unusually good about them either. From the R.I.Y.L. list on the cover I thought they’d be up my alley (Beulah, Lilys, The Glands) but the record left me feeling….nothing. www.loxsly.com MIKA MIKO- WE BE XUXA- POST PRESENT MEDIUM- Apparently this LA all-girl band are current but if you closed you r eyes and didn’t read anything about them you could forgive yourself for thinking they were some freaky art school band from 1981, playing gigs with the youngsters in Redd Kross or The Urinals (who they cover on here). The songs are jittery blasts of angular guitar , shouted vocals and clattering rhythms and the best part here is that the band remembers to bring the songs. All 12 of ‘em are worthy or your ears so take out your wallet there, punko. www.myspace.com/mikamiko MONEY/PAPER/HEARTS- S/T- SELF RELEASED- BKNY bunch who bring to mind Fugazi with their driving, angular post-punk sound. Of course they’re not THAT good but the songwriting is not bad with many well-placed hooks on these 7 songs. www.myspace.com/moneypaperhearts NEW RUINS- WE MAKE OUR OWN BAD LUCK- HIDDEN AGENDA- What began as the duo of Caleb Means and Elzie Sexton has now expanded to a a 5-some (and now includes Velvet Crush’s Paul Chastain) . The songs definitely have an Americana feel to them (not completely unlike the Handsome Family) but the band adds more fuzz n’ electronics to the proceedings for a unique sound. It’s dark music for sure but they don’t forget the sticky melodies. www.parasol.com THE ODD FIDDLER- VOLUME 1- SERIES TWO- This Londoner via Sweden is named Pell and he has a unique look about him but musically I was initially reminded of Syd Barrett and then the Television Personalities (no surprise as TVP’s Dan Treacy is a huge Syd Barret fan). Some real nice melodic moments on this one. www.indiepages.com/seriestwo OH! CUSTER- STATES- SERIES TWO-This might be my favorite act on the Series Two label. Josef and Esbjorn , who hail from the same town that Radio Dept does (Lund, if you care) have a dreamy, slightly shoegazer-ish sound with gorgeous guitars and dreamy vocals. The opening song, “States” is a real stunner. Do not miss this. www.indiepages.com/seriestwo PEACE IN OUR TIME- A GLIMPSE OF HAPPINESS- SERIES TWO- P.I.O.T. is the nom de plume of Swede Johan Regner and on the press sheet he rattles off a laundry list of influences with everyone form Nick Cave to Mountain Goats to Destroyer to Weezer to the Postal Service and tons more. Most of these 15 songs are pretty gentle pop with strummed guitars and a drum machine and most are quite good (my fave: “Desperate for Something to Say”). www.indiepages.com/seriestwo PHOSPHORESCENT- TO WILLIE- DEAD OCEANS- Georgian Matthew Houck recorded this 11 song record of Willie Nelson cover in Brooklyn with a terrific cast of musicians. The record opens, oddly enough, with a merle Haggard cover of “Reasons to Quit” (one that was a Willie standard) and from there goes on a gorgeous, soul-bending trip from the heart-breaking “Walkin’” to the more spare “It’s Not Supposed to be That Way” and on and on. A superb record by a songwriter (meaning Houck) I definitely need to check out more of . www.deadoceans.com DESMOND REED- 10 ACOUSTIC DEMOS- SERIES TWO- Bosox fan (what’s up with Big Poppy this year?) who went not hitting Fenway found time to record a handful of eps on several different labels and 10 of those songs are collected here. With basically his guitar and voice (and an occasional keyboard and some mighty clever lyric) the guy is quite engaging and all 10 of these tunrs are worth your precious time. www.indiepages.com/seriestwo ANTHONY ROCHESTER- MUSIC FOR IN THE SPACESHIP- SERIES TWO- I had almost forgotten about this bespectacled Aussie. I have one of his cds on the defunct Dogprint label that I mostly enjoyed and here’s 12 more songs that unfold with his laid back pop approach. Think of a less showy Jens Lekman and you’ll be in the ballpark. “Did You Lose Weight?” is my pick to click here. www.indiepages.com/seriestwo SLEEPER- BEHIND EVERY MASK- MUCH- Lo-fi electronics and stanky beats form Carlos Ransom, aka Sleeper. While I’m not a big fan of the genre this guys seems like he’s doing some interesting stuff with keyboards and a turntable. He considers himself an MC and a craftsmen. Good enough for me. www.mushrecords.com SHAWN SMITH- THE DIAMOND HAND- GATOR- Don’t know what bands Smith has been in but I do know he collaborated with Steve Fisk on a record back in the 90’s (I think on Sub Pop) and he has also done some work with the Afghan Whigs. No surprise that Harold Chichester is one of Smiths main musicians on here. THE DIAMOND HAND is a moody record with forays into rock, boogie, soul, blues, etc.all while sticking to the rock format. Smith has an interesting voice. A modern day David Thomas? www.shawnsmith.co.uk SONS OF THE ADDICTED- FRACTAL WORLD- PHANTASMA MUSIC- Why does the worst music always seem to come from Colorado. OK, I know that’s a generalization but it sure seems that way. This bunch, compared to Zappa, Incubus, Primus, Satriani and Tool in the press kit, were the least interesting band I’ve heard in a long time. www.myspace.com/sonsoftheaddicted YSANNE SPEVACK and PHILIP CLEMO- SOUNDZERO- SELF RELEASED- Multi-instrumentalist Clemo teams up with violinist Spevack for some minimal, atmospheric , ambient music and the results are interesting to say the least. Not usually my cuppa tea, it’s Spevack’s violin playing which really caught my ear, making that instrument sound like any number of things. An interesting journey. www.ilovestrings.com SPRINGFACTORY- S/T- SERIES TWO- This is one of the few Series two bands I had heard of. This Swedish bunch play fun indie pop that occasionally has some burbling synths (ala Stereolab). These 10 songs are a comp of the band’s two eps from a few years back and the band can really write some terrific tunes (my fave being “Stingy Friday Afternoon”). www.indiepages.com/seriestwo CHRISS SUTHERLAND- WORRIED LOVE- PEAPOD- This bearded folksy dude is from the other Portland (Maine) and is a member of Cerebus Shoal (who I have heard of ) and Fiore on Fire (who I haven’t ) and the guy sings in both English and Spanish. Half of this is smart guy folk while it occasionally goes off the rails (in a good way) into mystic territory. Nice. www.peapodrecordings.com RICHARD SWIFT- THE ATLANTIC OCEAN- SECRETLY CANADIAN- R. Swift is an odd dude, for one he looks a bit like Randy California and secondly he used to be in Starflyer 59 Nothing wrong with that). I really enjoyed his first 2 eps WALKING WITHOUT EFFORT/THE NOVELIST but have not liked much he;’ done since (I swear when he walked past me at SXSW this year he glared at me as though he knew I was the dude who’s been giving his stuff bad reviews). On this, his 2nd proper full-length he spruces things up a bit and it’s not bad. He goes for more of a Randy Newman/Harry Nillsson sorta vibe, lots of piano, tin pan alley kinda stuff and about half or more hit’s the mark. I’m still trying to figure this cat out. www.secretlycanadian.com TAFRA- WHY EVEN BOTHER- SERIES TWO- Swede who hightailed it out to London and creates pretty annoying synth pop with blips, bleeps and bloops and while I enjoyed some of this musically thee nasally , drab vocals I could not deal with . No thank you. www.indiepages.com/seriestwo THEHELPMEPLEASE- YOU STILL HAVE SUMMERS- SERIES TWO- Ok, it’s safe to assume the Series Two labels loves the country of Sweden and all she stands for. Yet another Swedish artiste, this is the work of Jonas Johnsson who seems like he could charm the pants off the angriest of punks with a few strums of his guitar. Nice mid-tempo pop stuff here. 9 songs. www.indiepages.com/seriestwo PAUL “SNOWFLAKE” TURNER- SHARE IT!- SELF RELEASED- “Some call him the love child of John Lennon and Prince”, umm….that’s all I needed to hear. No thank you. JUNE 2009 ARGENTINUM ASTRUM- S/T- ANTI CORPORATE- I knew I was going to regret putting this in the cd player. www.audio-rat-poison.com BISHOP ALLEN- GRRR….- DEAD OCEANS- As charming as I thought the B.A. debut was this one is nearly the opposite. The band excels at charming pop but on GRRR…. The songs lag and sag. I mean, the record isn’t awful or anything but I was hoping for a batch of memorable songs and I didn’t find it here. www.deadoceans.com THE FLYING CHANGE—PAIN IS A RELIABLE SIGNAL- SCARLET SHAME- NY based singer songwriter knows a thing or two about pain as his wife has been suffering for the last half a decade that has had doctors tossing their hands up in the air. They call this stuff “landscape Pop” and the songs veer back and forth between downtrodden folk and chaotic pop that occasionally reminded me of Neutral Milk Hotel. It’s an amazing journey with highs, lows and yes, heavenly blows. Snap this up pronto. www.theflyingchange.com FRANTIC CLAM- ANATOMICA- EXEMPLARY- Two Americans deployed to Iraq become friends and start writing songs. When they return home to Texas they begin recording and the result is this 5 song ep. This is in-your-face, glammy, art rock pop that wasn’t up my alley (especially the vocals) but might be up yours. www.franticclam.com LITTLE JOY- S/T- ROUGH TRADE- Not sure what I was expecting from this Fab Moretti (Stokes drummer) side project. A lot of the reviews said “breezy pop” and it is occasionally breezy but the songwriting is pretty lacking. I say for your money get the Ruby Suns cd on Sub Pop. www.roughtraderecords.com MANDIBLE CHATTER- GRACE- MAGNANIMOUS- Reissue of a 1995 record by a duo who create ambient soundscapes and barely there audio samples. No thanks. www.magnanimous.org PADRE PIO- THE MADELINE ep- SELF RELEASED- This NYC band got none other than Joe McGinty (Psych Furs) to produce this and he did a bang up job. Joe is also the only other guy I know form my hometown of Linwood, NJ who is involved in the indie scene. Not surprising these 6 tunes have a Psych Furs flavor (along with a touch of Mr Bowie too) but this is not overly-dramatic rip off, the songs are well written and this is well worth hearing. www.myspace.com/padrepionyc CHASE PAGAN- BELLS & WHISTLES- ESPERANZA PLANTATION- Small-town Arkansas cat who wants to go big time and while some of these songs are super ambitious with horns and strings it’s the guy (at time very affected) vocal delivery that I can take or leave. The songs occasionally sound Broadway-esque and that’s not a bad thing but again, the vocals. www.esperanzaplantation.com PAPER ARROWS- THING WE WOULD RATHER LOSE- QUELL- This Chicago bunch drop their 2nd record on us and the 9 songs here show a band growing in confidence and song writing skills. This band could come out of nowhere and drop an amazing platter on us on record #3 or 4 (ala Nada Surf with their 3rd record, LET GO). This isn’t it but it shows a ton of promise and I think the band is going places. Don’t miss the title track, “Almost Gone” or “Explosions Below.” www.quellrecords.com PAPER BRAIN- AINT NOBODY CARES- SELF RELEASED- Yet another Portland band I knew nothing about (happening more and more these days) and while the opener had me thinking these guys prayed at the Gram Parsons altar the rest of the record goes for more of a early 70’s Beatles vibe (when John was good and toasted). I also hear some nods to Pavement (“Emily”, etc.) and I have to say I’m really surprised that no label picked this up as the songs are strong. Well done. Ww.paperbrain.net PSAPP- THE CAMEL’S BACK- DOMINO- Record #3 from the British duo of Carim and Galia. The jazzy opener “ I Want That” annoyed the crap out of me to the point where I nearly took it off right then and there but continued on and it gets better. They mostly sound like a poor man’s Stereolab with some bossa nova stylings peeking their heard through. I enjoyed “Part Like Waves”, “Parker” “Marshrat” and a few others. Glad I kept it on. www.dominorecordco.com THE SQUIRES OF THE SUBTERRAIN- ADVENTURES IN….- ROCKET RACKET- Thus is Mr. Chris Earl (aka Squires of the Subterrain) offering up 24 short little jingles and you have the pure pop of “Pure Pop” to the hot rod swing of “C’mon C’mon (That’s what I said)” to the hillbilly jingle (his words) of “Sound of Tomorrow.” You need all Squire releases and this one is no different, it’s a blast. www.squiresofthersubterrain.com THE TRADITIONIST- SEASON T O SEASON- BETTER LOOKING- This is Joey Barro from The Antiques doing his man-alone-in-his-bedroom distorted folky pop. Song of the tunes plod along but a handful are fantastic. Namely the bouncy “A Sleep be Told” and the country-ish “Only A Nightmare”. Apparently this is one of many full-lengths he will release in 2009. www.betterlookingrecords.com THE WHORE MOANS- HELL FROM RADIO WASTELAND- MT. FUJI- The band name sounds like they’ve been around forever but this Seattle band has only been at it since 2005. Still, the 13 songs on here have a balls-out swagger and will scorch whatever sorta stereo/boom box you’re playing the cd on. The singer is relentless. Gloriously recorded by Mr. Johnny Sangster. www.mtfujirecords.com V/A- TEENBEAT NO 1 RECORD LABEL- TEENBEAT- Terrific TB sampler that has nearly 50 songs and you get cuts from old TB faves like True Love Always, The Fontaine Toups, Flin Flon Butch Willis Holland, +/- and plenty ofg other but I liked stuff by bands I’d never heard before (Latin Hustle, Maybe It’s Reno, Cotton Candy, etc.). Get your grubby paws on a copy of this. www.teenbeat.net V/A- MUSIC TO MAKE YOUR EARS HURT TREY- BLACK & BLUE- More of that supposedly shocking punk rot from the Black & Blue label. You get raunchy cuts by geniuses like WMFO, Bloody & the Transfusions, Blue Noveaux, , Cedar St Sluts, Lena Luna, Cherry Bombs (who actually aren’t bad) , etc. www.blackandbluerecords.com V/A- STARING AT THE SUN: A COMPILATION FEATURING SAN DIEGO MUSIC, VOLUME 7- BLINDSPOT- This 22 song collection was put together by Mr. Bart Mendoza from The Shambles and The Spring Collection and it includes one song each by 22 bands and some are terrific (The Spring Collection, Shambles, The Anna Troy Band, Wendy Bailey) while others didn’t make the cut (well, MY cuit, anyway) including CircaNow, The Modlins and a few others. While I never seem to know what is going on in S.D. this comp lets me know that the music scene there is alive and well. www.myspace.com/blindspotrecordssd MAY 2009 ABE VIGODA- REVIVER- POST PRESENT MEDIUM- Only 5 tunes here by this LA bunch (and one is a Stevie Nicks cover of “Wild Heart”) but I like their spunk with some jittery guitar and pumping rhythms. The opener, ”Don’t Lie” begins on the kiddie bumper cars but ends up on the front car of the rollercoaster and “House” is nearly as good. Skip “Endless Sleeper” and go right to the Stevie cover and then onto the final “The Reaper” which hops, skips and jumps all in the same song! www.postpresentmedium.com THE AIMLESS NEVER MISS- S/T- DEVIL IN THE WOODS- San Francisco via Cotati, CA bunch led by Jonny Latimer who go from aimless, formless noise (with guitar histrionics) to actual cool songs (“The Bright Side”, “Bound”, etc.) with gobs of melody and the non-obvious hooks. Nice return to form (welcome back) for the venerable Devil in the Woods label. www.devilinthewoodsrecords.com THE BITTER TEARS- JAM TARTS IN THE JAKEHOUSE- CARROT TOP- A pleasant surprise to say the least as this Chicago bunch, led by Alan Scalpone, toss it all into the blender and out comes …well, I guess you could call it pop music but pop with more of a Camper Van Beethoven bent than anything else. They’re occasionally folky, a horn peeks in from time to time and a few reviews mention the word cabaret (huh??!!…horrors!) . I’ll bet they’re a hoot live but until you catch them, pick this up. www.carrottoprecords.com BLACK EYED DOG- RHAIANULEDADA (SONGS TO SISSY)- GHOST- Gentle, moving folk music (named after Nick Drake song) which is the work on a guy from Italy named Fabio Parrinello. Musically I dig most of this but I could take or leave his vocals, which are a bit too deep for me (a bit like Nick Cave, at times). Well worth a listen tough. www.ghostrecords.it THE BYE BYE BLACKBIRDS- HOUSES AND HOMES- AMERICAN DUST- Terrific guitar pop in the Yo la Tengo/Teenage Fan Club vein form Oakland, CA. The band have enough good taste to mention bands like Sneaky Feelings, Buffalo Springfield and The Reigning Sound as influences in their press kit. I’m really bummed it took me so long to finally put this in the cd player. Very well-crafted pop. www.americandust.net CLUE TO KALO- LILY PERDIDA- MUSH- CTK is the nom de plume of one Mark Mitchell who hails from the middle of nowhere: Adelaide, Australia (ok, so there are more desolate places in the world). The guy is able to throw sounds together ala Sebadoh, and while occasionally it’s a sprawling mess a lot of the time it totally works. Tunes like “User to Carrier” and “It’s Here the Story’s Straight” (both a litt\le Belle & Sebastian-ish) keep me with an ear open on this band. www.mushrecords.com DAVE CLUPPER- LETTING GO- SELF RELEASED- Folky singer-songwriter stuff from Tulsa, OK guy Dave. As the press sheet says, “Song touch on family, Americana and campfire stories.” www.daveclupper.com DARREN DEICIDE- THE JERSEY DEVIL IS HERE- EVER REVILED- Bluesy, punk crap with godawful vocals and honestly, one of the worst records I’ve ever heard. A disgrace to my native state. www.everreviledrecords.com CHRIS ENGLISH- DREAMTOWN- SIDE B- Not sure who this guy is or where he came from but he has worked with many bigger names (Bowie, Psych Furs, Smithereens, etc. After umpteen million years in the music biz this is his debut record and it’s nice, well-produced pop music in the Steely Dan vein. I wanted to listen to more but being cdr it kept skipping and stopping so I finally had to take it off. www.sidebmusic.com ISRAEL NASH GRIPKA- NEW YORK TOWN- SELF RELEASED- Uber talented NYC singer-songwriter in the Ryan Adams vein (but with a voice closer to John Fogarty) who gives us 12 well-written tunes hooks with heart, heartbreak and plenty of soul. I wanna hear more. www.myspace.com/israelgripka I’M FROM BARCELONA- WHO KILLED HARRY HOUDINI- MUTE- Not as good as their terrific debut from a few years ago (LET ME INTRODUCE MY FRIENDS) as this one is a bit darker but with fewer sticky melodies. Still leader Emmanuel Lundgren has a few tricks up his sleeve and cuts like “Paper Planes”, “Headphones” and “Mingus” all deserve repeated listens. www.mute.com IN ENDEAVORS- YOU’VE GOT YOUR FRIENDS I’VE GOT MINE- EUGENE- 5 piece from Lexington , KY who are dying to be the Strokes. No, really. I must say I kinda like the hooky title track. THE KICKBACKS- EVEN THE BLUES- PEELED LABEL- Fantastic rockin’ rootsy pop from this Boston bunch led by Tad Overbaugh (best name in rock). “Going to Get Home” is like the best Replacements song you have yet to hear and “Isolation Blues” has a guitar hook to die for and “Motel Stars” has a killer horn section. Nothing fancy here just 10 well-written songs from a band that deserves way more attention. www.thekickbacks.com MAN AT ARMS- A WASTE OF TIME AND SPACE- JOYFUL NOISE- 2 guys , one plays drums and one guitar and I think both of them sing and they make…..one helluva noisy racket. I have never liked this spazzy, jazzy, start/stop, “look how good of a musician I am” kinda crap and these guy did nothing to change my opinion. www.joyfulnoiserecordings.com MATT & KIM- GRAND- FADER- This NYC duo has been getting lots of ink lately and why not, they’ll apparently play anywhere: huts, frats, squats and maybe even clubs too (all ages only). There was nothing on here that I loved but I liked most of it (ok, I did love “Lessons Learned”). I still wanna know the trick behind that promo photo of them falling off the bridge. www.mattandkimmusic.com CAMERON MATTHEWS- GREEN BLUE WHITE- SELF-RELEASED- Young cat (only 20 years old) on his 2nd record and when he does the whispery singer thing (ala Elliott Smith) I like but when he opens up , ummm…not so much. And the “Jeff Buckley meetsd Cold War Kids” wasn;t a real good selling point. www.cameronmatthews.com MUMIY TROLL- COMRADE AMBASSADOR- SELF RELEASED- Russian band who have apparently been around forever with a ton of records out and have been described as the Ruskie version of the Afghan Whigs. Some of this wasn’t bad in a noir-ish creepy kinda way (ala Whigs or Nick Cave). The band looks ridiculous in the booklet photos. www.muimytroll.com SCOTT PINKMOUNTAIN & THE GOLDEN BOLTS OF TONE- THE FULL SUN- HOWELL’S TRANSMITTER- From what I’ve read Scott Pinkmountain (nee’ Rosenberg) was a full-on avant garde jazzbo for quite some time before deciding he wanted to try his hand at pop music. Not that THE FULL SUN is anywhere near traditional pop but apparently it’s the closest he has come and ever will. Opener “Song of Solomon” was a swaying folky pop tune while “I Shall Not be Released” was film noir-ish and “Solar Flare’ was……welp, avant garde jazz (and not my bag). Still there’s enough u-turns on this record to keep it interesting and keep me intrigued. www.howellstransmitter.com PORTICO- FIRST NEIGHBOURS- COPPERSPINE- Canadioan trio of 2 gals/1 guy and I was trying to figure out what I don’t like and it’s gotta be Lyn Heinemann’s voice. The tunes have a bit of an Aden-ish vibe to them it’s just that voice. Not awful or anything, I just wasn’t into it. www.porticonation.com PRONTO- ALL IS GOLDEN- CONTRAPHONIC- Solo project of Wilco keyboardist Mikael Jorgensen (any relation to Al?). This sort of swanky pop didn’t do a lot for me and most of the time Mikael is singing totally off key. Not the worst thing In the world but , both this and the Portico record (see above) had annoying vocalists. Maybe it’s just me? www.contraphonic.com THE REAL TUESDAY WELD- THE LONDON BOOK OF THE DEAD- SIX DEGREES- After several records London guy Stephen Coates continues to confound us with 16 more songs at T.R.T.W. This is his project where he melds ragtime, indie pop, lounge and some electronic into a sweet stew. The thing is, it usually works and in a parallel universe he’d be as big as Stephin Merritt. For now, however, he’ll have to settle for under the radar cult following. www.sixdegreesrecords.com RED SAMMY- DOG HANG LOW- THE BEECHFIELDS- More rock from Baltimo, this time it’s a guy named Adam Trice who has soaked up his Tom Waits and Neil Young records and spat ‘em out into something traditional and gravelly. Not the kind of stuff I’d listen to a lot but when I’m on the mood, this guy does it well. www.thebeechfields.com RIVERBOAT GAMBLERS- UNDERNEATH THE OWL- VOLCOM- Record #5 from these Texas miscreants show them with a much more polished sheen on tunes that used to be jagged and full of glass shards. Seems like they need ex-producer Tim Kerr (Big Boys, etc.) back and dump this guy Mudrock. The songs aren’t necessarily bad but the reckless abandon of earlier records is missing and this seems far too controlled. www.volcom.com THE SAFES- FAMILY JEWELS- O’BROTHER- Debut cd (from 2003) by the 4 O’Malley brothers outta Chicago. Like The Buzzcocks these guys have a huge duffel bag full of hooks that seems limitless and the songs just kick and kick. Dig them now. www.thesafes.com SCREAMING FEMALES- POWER MOVE- DON GIOVANNI- New Brunswick, NJ trio who deliver their third record to lotsa critical acclaim except…well, in my house. At times the guitars sound nice and raw but the other part of the time they annoy the hell out of me but not as much as Marissa Paternoster’s vocals, which make Corin Tucker sound like Celine Dion (not a compliment). First tune “Bell” was ok but I couldn’t deal with the rest of this. www.dongiovannirecords.com THE SHOT HEARD ROUND THE WORLD- FELLUPONSTONE- MOUNTAIN LANDIS- Really enjoyed their last record (debut?) but this one took a little longer to sink in. The melodies are there but not as obvious (not that their tunes on their previous record could be called obvious) and there’s plenty of fine snakey guitar courtesy of Alex Farrill. Reminded me a bit of some of the Byrd spacier material and all 5 of these songs are worthy of your time. Recorded by Rob Christensen (Eggs, Grenadine, etc.) . www.prayfortheprairie.com THE SKABS- REVENGE OF THE SKABS- BLACK & BLUE- They must have gotten rid of vocalist Bloody mess (formerly Bloody Mess & the Skabs) Supposedly shocking punk rock that’s honestly about as shocking as the Jonas Bros. Songs like “Hate (part two)”, “Junkie” and “Bed Wrecker” were unintentionally hilarious and pretty awful. www.blackandbluerecords.com SOFA CITY SWEETHEART- S/T ep- SELF-RELEASED- Never heard of this band before because it’s not actually a band, it’s the work of one J. Lopez, an Angelino who has a way with sweet melodies. Only 5 songs here but it’s enough of a taste to want a second helping. You have to hear the gorgeous “Maria.” For fans of Elliott Smith. www.sofacitysweetheart.com SPECK MOUNTAIN- SOME SWEET RELIEFT- CARROT TOP- This foursome, led by bassist/guitarist Karl Briedrick and vocalist/guitarist/bassist Marie-Claire Balabanian create narcoleptic tunes that waft over the room like a soulful haze. Marie-Claire sounds a bit like Mazzy Star’s Hope Sandoval but about half of these tunes drag on like a drug-induced stupor. When they add some tickly melodies to the songs, like on the superb “I Feel Eternal” and “Sister Water” they show their true strength. I do wanna hear more but I’ll step in with caution. www.carrottoprecords.com TRACTOR KINGS- HOMESICK- SPUR- Record number three from Illinois educated hick Jacob Fleischli and whomever he can grab to record with him. They call this psychedelic alt country. The whole thing has an air of haze surrounding it (fuzzy recording) which I like. I was reminded mf A.M.C. on “Ferris Wheels” and Dylan at his poppiest on “Crooked Miles.” Nice. www.parasol.com APRIL 2009 ANTONY & THE JOHNSONS- ANOTHER WORLD ep- SECRETLY CANADIAN- Not as good as the amazing I AM A BIRD NOW full-length from a few years back but not bad. If you are just starting out then get that full-length. That voice! www.secretlycanadian.com BABY SHAKES- THE FIRST ONE- DOUCHEMASTER- NYC via Hotlanta band of gals who love them their Runaways and Nikki & the Corvettes records. The record mixes bubblegum with glam and garage rock into one loveable stew. Like a female version of the Exploding Hearts (rip) plus it’s on Douchemaster so you know it’s good. www.douchemasterrecords.com BEAUSOLEIL- ALLIGATOR PURSE- YEP ROC- I’m quick to say “I don’t like Cajun music” but if I opened my mind up just a little I could actually enjoy this stuff, especially in the live setting. The band has been around for 3 decades so they’re doing something right, right? 13 tunes to play while eating your bowl of gumbo. www.yeproc.com EL PERRO DEL MAR- THE VALLEY TO THE STARS- TCG- Was really hoping for lightning to strike twice In the same place. Sarah Assbring’s debut was a stunning soliloquy of sad Spector-esque songs but this was a let down. Her voice sounds the same and the basic formula is there but the songs aren’t. I’ll bet on record #3 she is back on track ion a big way. www.elperrodelmar.com EMITH- 13 SEASONS- FOGBOUND CHILD MUSIC- He wears a black suit with a top hat while she wears flowing robes and they waver between hippy folk , country and some blues too (ugh). I’m reminded mostly of The Carpenters , who I like, but was not into this. www.emith.com FROM BUBBLEGUM TO SKY- A SOFT KILL- EENIE MEENIE- Another oldie but goodie that got left behind. Mario Hernandez is influenced by all of the good stuff (ya know, Beatles ,Beach Boys, Bowie, etc.) and whips ‘em all up into his own tasty stew and A SOT KILL is no different. www.eeniemeenie.com HEALTH- S/T- LOVEPUMP UNITED- This band takes sheets of guitar distortion and tosses it all over the stage while the vocalist sounds like he’s got his nut caught in a vice (not fun, I’ve done it before). Probably won’t ever listen to this again but I’ll bet live they slay dragons. www.lpurecords.com HEY NOW, MORRIS FADER- RIDE THE FADER- SELF RELEASED- Oddly enough the band has nothing to do with Chavez, the 90’s indie band on matador who named their 2nd record RIDE THE FADER. This is a 2 piece from Beantown doing melodic piano pop. Opening cut “Vanishing” is swooping and dramatic as is “Airport Song” and…oh heck, the whole record could be described that way. If you like Ben Folds but wish he had more cajones then this is the disc for you. www.myspace.com/heynowmorrisfader CLIFF HILLIS- THE LONG NOW- TALLBOY- This is the same guy from 90’s power-popsters Starbelly and this is his 3rd solo disc. This is pleasant power pop that occasionally reminds me of Beatles, Beach Boys, etc and current stuff like Fountains of Wayne and Teenage Fan Club. The guy has a real knack for melody and the songs are real easy to like. www.cliffhillis.com THE INTERNATIONAL NOISE CONSPIRACY- THE CROSS OF MY CALLING- VAGRANT-Swedish punky politicos who add some meat and muscle to the tunes with some hairy MC5-ish guitars and a vocalist who sounds like he wants to take over the world. “Dustbins of History” creates an awesome roar while the pop pop punkyness of “Hiroshima Mon Amour” will have your foot tapping. They can write good songs, it’s just sometimes I can do without all of the extras. www.vagrant.com JIVE WHITE BOY- KNIVES THAT STAB YOUR FACE- SELF RELEASED- Awful band name but most of this is not bad. It’s the work of skinny red-haired dude named Brian Senesac and he describes his sounds as a mix of Elliott Smith and Bright Eyes. It’s mostly gentle folk pop and the vocals are pleasant and i was pleasantly surprised. www.myspace.com/jivewhiteboy ANDY JUHL- TALES FORM THE BUFFALO BLUES STEM- SELF RELEASED- This guy Andy is also in the prog trio Pharaoahs of Rhythm but this gentle country folk seems to suit his style more. He has a terrific voice and is an accomplished banjo player. Really nice buncha tunes here and hey, his music was even featured on THE HILSL so you know he has to be good. www.andyjuhl.com KLAS- TO SLEEP AND LOVE- SERIES TWO- This was a pleasant surprise to say the least, a 5-piece indiepop band from , where else, Malmo, Sweden. I hear bits of Felt and some of the early Go-Betweens too. You could do a lot worse than order this from the address to the right (actually below). www.indiepages.com/seriestwo MODERN SKIRTS- ALL OF US IN OUR NIGHT- SELF RELEASED- Athens, GA bunch and while I really liked their previous (debut?) disc this one left me a bit flat. The record, produced mostly by David Lowery (one song produced by REM;s Mike Mills) has some nice pop tunes but I never remember any of them 5 minutes after the record is over. If you’re a Shin fans give this a listen,not bad but something’s missing. www.modernskirts.com MY FIRST DAYS ON JUNK- NO ORDER- STATE CAPITAL- Wow, I have the first MFDOJ cd but I don’t remember it being this good. This records veers back and forth between melodic, noise gems ala Jesus & Mary Chain and Slowdive and more folky ballads. Vermont poster Colin Clary is in this band and they cover a Lucksmiths songs on here (“Little Distraction”). Excellent! www.statecapitalrecords.com GOH NAKAMURA- ULYSSES- SELF –RELEASED- This guy gets props for , if nothing else, pumping a lot of money into this fold-out digipak sleeve with thick color booklet. The music is nice too, form reading the liners in the booklet Goh was a hard rock fan but then a friend turned him onto indie rock and the rest is history,. Most reviews do mention Elliott Smith and I must say, he does bring to mind the quiet tunes of Elliott and this 15 song cd is well worth hearing as Goh has plenty of talent. www.gohnakamura.com THE NEW MONARCHS- BLUEPRINTS- SOUP BOWL- Mpls electronic duo who claim to be influenced by both Kraftwerk AND Nine Inch nail (no one’s perfect). I do like some of the soothing blips they create on this disc but some fo the vocals annoy me. My fave tune is “No Commotion.” Not bad. www.soupbowlrecords.com CONOR OBERST- S/T- MERGE- Thus is Bright Eyes guy Conor’s record from last summer that was recorded in Mexico with his pals, the Mystic Valley Band. I never much cared for this guy’s stuff but this is really nice folky material with excellent songwriting and some well-placed tang in all the right places. www.mergerecords.com THE OCTAGON- NOTHING BUT CHANGE- SERIOUS BUSINESS- Three guys sporting smirks and a record collection that includes Archers of Loaf and Pavement records in it. Nothing amazing here but they’re having fun and the songs aren’t bad. www.seriousbusinessrecords.com ORWELL- LE GENIE HUMAIN- TWIN FIZZ- Record number three from Frenchman Jerome Didelot and he excels at creating bright, cheery indie pop (mostly sung in French) with soothing keyboards sand gooey melodies all over the place. “Tout Entier” is a bonafide classic! For fans of Fugu and High Llamas. www.orwellmusic.com PAS/CAL- I WAS RAISED ON MATTHEW, MARK, LUKE & LAURA- LE GRAND MAGISTERY- Somehow I forgot to review this debut full-length (after 3 terrific eps) by Pas/Cal. Umm…it’s Pas/Cal, it’s great, get it. www.magistery.com PLASTIC CRIMEWAVE SOUND- S/T- PROPHASE- This is a Chicago band and is led by Steve Krackow, who is the man responsible for the Galactic Zoo Dossier mag. The music is a mix of heavy, wigged out jams and feedback that is thicker than Dom Deluise’s butt cheeks. The band are very classy dressers as well. Dive in. www.nihilisticrecords.net PLUSHGUN- PINS AND PANZERS- TOMMY BOY ENTERTAINMENT- Basically the work of Brooklynite Daniel Ingalsa who now has found some brothers in arms to pay music with. Ok, they seem to be a totally pre-packaged new wave band (in that Postal Service kinda way) and they even have a song called “How We Roll” which has to end up on THE HILLS any day now. I all sounds to choreographed but I will say this, the songs are really catchy. www.plushgun.com PRIVATE JETS- JET SOUNDS- SPARKPLUG- Had never heard of these Swedish meatballs before til I read about them on the always reliable Absolute Powerpop blog and the band was nice enough to send me a cd. The opener, “ I Wanna Be a Private Jet’ starts things off in a bright an cheerful way while “Speak Up, Speak Out” has some great Beach Boys harmonies as does the classic “Starshaped World.” There’s plenty to like here pop fans. www.privatejets.se RA RA RIOT- THE RHUMB LINE- BARSUK- I kept reading all of these Belle & Sebastian comparisons in reviews but that’s not even close. This NYC bunch, with a lot of lovely violin, are more like DCFC meets Arcade Fire. I don’t love the band yet but I sure could if they get better and better (though I guess I could say that about any band, really). www.barsuk.com READYMADE BREAKUP- ALIVE ON THE VINE- SELF RELEASED- They hail from my native New Jersey and they seem to have their pop craft down to a science. Opener “One by One” is classic rock/pop tune as is the driving “Surrender” (not a Cheap Trick cover) while the more soulful “Honey , You Might be Right” was more annoying. The songs seem to waver a bit but I really like about half of this. www.readymadebreakup.com RICHARD CRANIUM- S/T- SELF RELEASED- The first thing that had me on the press sheet is “for fans of Don Caballero and Hella.” I hate both bands so when I put this one I wasn’t expecting much and it delivered as only a pretentious rock trio from Indianapolis can. SECOND DAY RED- GALLERY OF STRANGERS- SELF RELEASED- Overproduced bar rock from Austin, TX ala the Gin Blossoms. Opener “Something to Breathe” is a great tune and I do like some of the violin playing on here and hey, they get a few more points as one of the band member is wearing a Daniel Johnston t-shirt on the back cover. www.seconddayred.com TITUS GEIN VERSUS HEY ENEMY- S/T- PEDESTRIAN- Titus Gein offer up 2 songs of bad metal while Hey Enemy don’t do much better but a bit as they try to do their best Pixies-ish material. Pretty bad overall. VENUS TRAP- THE KEY- NOISE POLLUTION- They go the Bikini Kill route of 3 gals and a boy drummer and they even sound a bit like B.K.. with a bit of Helium artiness tossed in. I did like the guitar lines on “While it Still Stands’ but I was lost on most of this. www.louisvillenoise.com ANDY YORKE- SIMPLE- CHOCOLATE LAB- This is the guy with the really famous brother (who doesn’t know how to spell his first name….everyone knows you don’t spell Tom like this: Thom). It doesn’t sound all that different from you know who but the tunes are more acoustic based and , truth be told, I like Andy’s songs a whole lot more. Well worth your timer. www.chocolatelabrecords.com MARCH 2009 AUTODRONE- STRIKE A MATCH- CLAIRE- This 4-some knows how to create a menacing guitar sound (courtesy of axe player Jeremy Alisauskas) but in an instant is can go from fierce to sublime and back again. You can call it shoegaze (not shitgaze) but it seems so much more. Apparently the band already has a healthy following with more converts daily , including me. This will broaden your definition of “music.” www.clairecords.com BEARSUIT- OH:IO- HHBTM- Chaotic, shambling UK bunch who embody those words In the best way possible. Tunes like “Keep It Together, Somehow”, “Steven F*ing Spielberg” and “More Soul Than a Wigan Casino” are over the top peans to the hedonistic world of pop. I say put them on tour with Los Campesinos and watch them take over the world. www.hhbtm.com ALAN BERNHOFT- BEATLESQUE ONE- SELF RELEASED- Apparently this guy has been around for ages an record many different styles of music ( I guess he was in a punk band for while). On here, as the title suggests the guys has written 16 tunes veeeeerrryyyy much in the vein of John/Paul/George/Ringo. The opener “Keep Your Hands off my Baby” is a quick, shuffling one (kinda like “I Saw Her Standing There”) while “Magic Everywhere” is more mid-tempo and dreamier (sounds like one of Jeremy Morris’ tunes). The song writing is top notch so I say BUY IT. www.alanbernhoft.com THE BRITISH COLUMBIANS- S/T- SELF- RELEASED- Honky tonk trio led by the rowdy Girard Knox and it says riyl Ryan Adams and Band of Horses but I would say toss those names aside and throw in I Can Lick Any Sonofabitch in the House and you’re more In the ballpark (tho SOB has better songs). I don’t really like this kinda stuff (unless SOB does it), the band has their chops down but ilm more of a steak kinda guy. www.thebritishcolumbians.com CENTREVOL- BEGGARS & THIEVES- SELF RELEASED- Long Beach, CA (via Boston) guys who want to be huge. Nothing wrong with that at all it’s just that I don’t like their brand of wanna be arena rock. They wanna be U2 so let them dream, please. www.crntrevol.com CROWN ARUBA- S/T- UNSMASHABLE- Wobbly indie rock of the type that you’d heard in the early 90’s. More Sebadoh than Beat Happening and while this was ok I’d tell these guys to go back to the rehearsal space and write some bettr songs. DEAD OR AMERICAN- THAUMATURGY- PREDESTINATION- I thought Scotland only had twee pop bands/ Nope,….these guys were considered RIYL Fugazi and Drive Like Jehu but god that opening tune (“Rodomontade”) was god awful. It does get better though. “A Border Crossing” is a great pop song (ala Interpol) and the jagged “Ne Plus Ultra” had some great riffage, just shoot the singer (please). EERIE VON- BAD DREAM NO. 13- GHASTLY- Ex-Danzig partner in Samhain (and before that Von was in Rosemary’s Babies) offers up a mostly experimental record and it is not an easy listen. Musically it’s all over the map with not a lot of hooks to be found and Von’s vocals are deep like Danzig only not nearly as good. For completists only. www.ghastlyrecords.com EERIE VON’S- SPIDERCIDER: THAT’S ALL THERE IS- GHASTLY- This is a lot more straightforward than the above cd and thus a lot better. This has a garage rock feel to it and while the riffs are pretty simple it’s catchy and Eerie’s vocals don’t sound like he’s trying to ape Danzig. www.ghastlyrecords.com THE ESCAPE PLAN- S/T- END SOUNDS- They look like emo kids but this is moodier and a lot more melodic than I ever thought. They reminded me a bit of a peppier Death Cab and I even hear some echoes of The Shins. A bit too flowery for even me at times (and that’s really saying something) but they seem to be on their way. www.endsounds.com FUTURE CLOUDS AND RADAR- PEORIA- STAR APPLE KINGDOM- Basically the work of one Robert Harrison (ex-Cotton Mather guy). His debut as F.C.A.R. was a 2 cd set that swam in a sea of classic psychedelic pop and while PEORIA isn’t quite that masterwork, it’s still a solid record. The very GBV-ish opening “The Epcot View”, the swaying drama of “Feet on Grass” and the straight-ahead rock of “Eighteen Months” were my picks to click here. www.starapplekingdom.com GENTLEMAN JESSE- S/T- DOUCHE MASTER- Great Elvis Costello send up on the cover (from THIS YEAR’A MODEL) and this trio (with no one named Jesse in the band) would easily fit into that late 70’s Stiff Records crew with jaggedy blasts of chewy pop complete with thundering drums. This Douche Master label is onto something. www.douchemasterrecords.com GENTLEMAN REG- JET BLACK- ARTS & CRAFTS- Hirsute Canadian who looks like he could be some relation to Will Oldham (Reg has more hair than Will though). The songs are wiry and strummy, occasionally reminding me of The Feelies (a compliment, my friends). I like Reg’s voice, seems like he doesn’t have a worry in the world. www.arts-crafts.ca ADAM GILBERT- FISHING FOR WATER- SELF RELEASED- This NYC guy sits right in between The Sharp Things and Billy Joel. He has a ton of talent but sometimes this is all a bit too far reaching. Screw the indie scene, I think he should be doing show tunes! www.gilbertmusic.net THE GOURDS- HAYMAKER!- YEP ROC- Record #9 for this Austin based bunch (their 2nd for Yep Roc) and they continue in their “educated redneck” style of mixing n’ matching both kinds of music: country AND western. The leader is named Shinyribs. Damn, I want that nickname (better than T-Bone)> www.yeproc.com THE GRUMPY- S/T- WESTWORKS- Sacto, CA bunch led by multi-instrumentalist Cameron West who is plenty talented. On here you hear echoes of metal (Metallica is a big one) to prog to soul to folk ,etc. Not always my cup of tea but the guy has got talent and will probably be huge. www.thegrumpy.com GUITAR- HONEYSKY and SALTYKISSES- CLAIRE- I had never heard of this duo before but he (Michael) is from Germany and he plays guitar and works the laptop while she (Ayako) hails form , you got it, Japan and sings in that honeysweet voice. Some tunes, like the title track to HONEYSKY (or “Love is Slow”) sound like pure MBV gorgeous noise while other twinkle n’ trip along and go for a more drunken approach. The oddball stuff has taken a bit of getting used to but I am slowly being hypnotized by this band’s spell and Claire is doing us a big favor as apparently these were impossible to find. www.clairecords.com JULIANA HATFIELD- HOW TO WALK AWAY- YE OLDE RECORDS- They say to sing about what you know and Juliana knows about relationships. On this, her 9th solo record she adds some supreme gorgeousness or maybe her songwriting has always been that way since I haven’t listened to her in years (HEY BABE , anyone?). She gets help form Nada Surf’s Matt Caws and the Psych Furs Richard Butler and I’m happy to say Ms. Hatfield has given us a winner here. www.yeolderecords.com NICK LOWE- JESUS OF COOL: 30TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION- YEP ROC- Had heard about this record for years (released here as PURE POP FOR NOW PEOPLE) but has never heard it ‘til now. Other than the choppy opener “Music for Money” (which did nothing for me) the rest of the record kills. The thing is , for all of the power pop folks who rave about it there is very little straight power pop on here. It goes from pub rock to new wave to folksy gunk and yes, some power pop. Include 10 bonus tracks too. www.yeproc.com THE M’S – REAL CLOSE ONES- POLYVINYL- Sturdy follow-up to their previous record FUTURE WOMEN and again they flex their muscles while applying lot o’ different styles: 60’s garage, psychedelic pop, folk, straight up indie rock, and handle it all pretty convincingly. They remind me a bit of The Apples or The Minders (rip) at times and I still think they have a truly great record in them. www.polyvinylrecords.com MERCURY REV- SNOWFLAKE AT MIDNIGHT- YEP ROC- I had high hopes for this record being that it’s on (fine label) Yep Roc and I loved at least one of this bands previous records (DESERTER SONGS) but this was a swirling mess and out of these 9 tunes I had a hard time cobbling together even a few I wanted to hear more than once. Time to call it a day? www.yeproc.com THE NEW YEAR- S/T- TOUCH & GO- Somewhere between the brilliance of their debut and the bleakness of that 2nd record (which I could hardly find a decent song on) but much closer to the former (thankfully). These ex-Bedheaders haven’t changed their formula too much but seemed to have added some tension to the proceedings and cuts like “The Company I Can Get” and “X Off Days” prove they still got it. www.touchandgorecords.com OBI BEST- CAPADES- SOCIAL SCIENCE- Back-up vocalist for the Bird & the Bee , Alex Lilly has her own thing going with Obi Best. And while I’m sure she has mounds of positive press I found this to be mostly annoying. It’s tweaked pop with piano and some electronica but I think it’s mostly Lilly’s voice that drove me to drink. www.socialsciencerecs.com MIKE PURSLEY- EIGHT BOXES- THE BEECHFIELDS- Maryland guy who got signed to the quality (local) label The Beechfields. On these 8 songs Mike makes the most of an acoustic guitar and some fx and creates a haunting stew. Reminded me a bit of Sufjan Stevens and my pick to click here is “Something for Waiting.” www.thebeechfields.com THE RIFFBROKERS- WEIGHT OF LINE AND INTERSECTION- UNSMASHABLE- Kickin’ power-poppy roots rock with pure guts and determination (an a sense of humor too). No filler here, all 10 of these songs are worthy if your time but my pick to click is the 6-string bendin’ opener, “Told You to Go” and the closer, “End of all Things.” www.unsmashablerecords.com ROSEMARY’S BABIES- TALKING TO THE DEAD- GHASTLY- Eerie Von’s pre-Samhain outfit doing 100 mph hardcore (Eerie plays drums). The guitar sounds ok but JR’s vocals are a joke and the bassist’s name is Post Mortem so you can have this. www.ghastlyrecords.com STIFF DONUT- S/T and LIKE CAKE ON A PLATE- SELF RELEASED- Apparently the umm…brains behind this, Mike Hymson, has invented a new genre of music” indie-comedy thrash.” Yes, the music on these 2 cds is as bad as you’d think it is. Honest, I DO have a sense of humor but songs like “Circumcision Sandwich”, “A Wooly Mammoth’s Asshole” and “It’s Great to be a Gynecologist” just simply weren’t funny. mrhymson@aol.com SUPERMAN CURL- EP- SELF RELEASED- The guys in this Mpls band look old enough to have caught Husker Du on their first tour and while they ain’t the Huskers they do crank up the fun on this ep with 5 garage pop nuggets. “Back Where You Belong: makes great use of an acoustic guitar and has some killer backing vocals. I think I’m gonna keep this. www.myspace.com/supermancurl TRUE WIDOW- S/T- END SOUNDS- Ex-Slowride guy Dan Phillipps whips up bottom heavy, dirgey tunes that are about the last thing I want to listen to right now. No thanks. www.endsounds.com V/A- 2021: AN AVIATION RECORDS COMPILATION, SEATTLE, WASHINGTON- AVIATION RECORDS- The folks who run this ,label must be well connected as they got Grand Archives, Fleet Foxes, Cave Singers and Tiny Vipers (3 of 4 are on Sub Pop) to contribute tunes but there are also worthy tunes by the dreamy Night Canopy (“Pine Box”), the hushed Neal Burton (“Bandages”), the gnashed folk of Pipsqueak (“2021”), and many more. 16 tunes in all. www.myspace.com/aviationrecords DVD REVEWS CHIC- LIVE AT BUDOKAN- CHARLY/ MVD VISUAL- You have heard of Cheap Trick at Budokan and Bob Dylan too but did you know that NYC’s classic purveyors of funky soul/disco (led by Nile Rodger and the late Bernard Edwardds0 played their final gig there? Yup, in April of 1996 the band played the famous Japanese stadium and the band got help from Sister Sledge (they all do “We are Family” on here) and on “Le Freak” Slash appears on a guitar solo on “Le Freak.” Chic are a band I now appreciate and even enjoy listening to. www.mvdvisual.com PUNK ROCK KARAOKE- MVD VISUAL- This is an interesting idea, take Greg Hetson from Bad Religion. Circle Jerks, Steve Soto (Adolescents), Derek O’Brien (Social Distortion and The Adolescents) and Eric from NOFX. They crank out classic cuts by the likes of The Buzzcocks, Minor Threat, The Descendents, The Dickies, Dead Kennedys, etc. The lyrics bounce along and you can sing along kids. Includes a dvd AND a cd. I’m surprised this wasn’t done a lot sooner. www.mvddvisual.com FEBRUARY 2009 ALL DAY SUCKER- THE BIG PRETEND- SELF RELEASED- Wasn't quite sure what the bands names was (All Day Sucker or The Big Pretend) but that's ok, these guys call LA home and have crafted a full-length about their home with chunky pop nuggets like "Santa Ana", "Land of Canyons", "City of Angles", and even the opening, Scott Walker-ish title track. This one is well worth hunting down. www.alldaysucker.net THE BRIGADIER- THE RISE AND FALL OF RESPONSIBILITY- SELF RELEASED- The Brigadier is actually the nom de plume of Brit Matt Williams. A sharp dressed man who goes for a Bowie/ Bolan style of spacey pop a(with some forays into oddball Syd Barrett territory). Sorta like the Rinaldi Sings record but not that upbeat. Still, this has its moments of glory (check out the amazing "Language of Love"). Someone buy Matt another drink. www.myspace.com/brigadiermusic THE BRILLIANT MISTAKES- DISTANT DRUMMING- AUNT MIMI'S- This bunch from the Big Apple weren't previously known in the DAGGER household but after listening to this they sure are. DISTANT DRUMMNG is filled with the kind of confident, hooky, rootsy, self-assured pop that I'd love to hear more of. The songwriting is split between Alan Walker and Erik Philbrook and both put their own stamp on each of these 10 cuts. www.thebrilliantmistakes.com JEFF BRUCKNER- TAKE ME TO THE WEST COAST- SELF RELEASED- From my old stomping ground close to Philly , this guy had the smarts to get Smash Palace's Stephen Butler to produce and provide us with an ample amount of hooks to sink our teeth into. Some of it re indeed me of Matthew Sweet but this is a better record than any Matthew has made in years. My fave is the near-perfect jangle of "Point of View." www.jeffbruckner.com ALLEN DEVINE- POPORTUNITY- DEVDISC- Boston cat who ironically looks a bit like another Boston guy, Mission of Burma's Clint Conley (well, like Clint looked 20 years ago). This is solid, likeable pop music in the Marshall Crenshaw vein. Nothing on here bowled me over but "Tonight" came close. www.allendevine.com HEAP- ODDBALL- RAVED ON- I reviewed their live cd a few months back here on short reviews and this is their 2nd full length and it does not disappoint. Leader Tim Heap adds a big dose of Westerberg to his songs with some slight twang and a whole lotta heart ala the 'Mats. When you need some extra oomph for the day put this on. www.rave-on-records.com HOTEL HOTEL- THE SAD SEA- SILBER- Texas bunch who, if I'm to believe the press sheet we at Laguardia Airport in April 11, 2007 and their drummer…..vanished (and has not been seen since). And ood and heartbreaking story to be sure but the band picked up the pieces and record a concept record about travelling from Galveston to Haiti. Like Godspeed You Black Emperor before them, the band the band whooshes and creaks its way thru these 8 songs with guitar/bass/drums and 2 violins. The results are achingly beautiful and more than a bit sad. Gorgeous packaging too. www.silbermedia.com JARED MEES & THE GROWN CHILDREN- CAFFEINE, ALCOHOL, SUNSHINE , MONEY-TENDER LOVING EMPIRE- I thought , judging by the name and cd cover, that this was going to be some sort of so-cute-it-makes-me-wanna-puke records (ala Dennis Driscoll) but most of this is really good. I hear vague elements of Neutral Milk Hotel, Arcade Fire, BJM, plus some serious folk underpinnings with a ton of instruments at work. Lend an ear to the superb "In the Fall", "Oh No Oh My God", or "Excellent Time." I'm glad I decided to actually listen to it. www.tenderlovingempire.com NORTHERN VALENTINE- THE DISTANCE BRINGS US CLOSER- SILBER- Didn't know they could say "post rock" in Philly but this husband/wife duo bring the noise on this 5 song record. "Dies Solis" would scare me if I was listening to it in a dark room with the lights off. Cover photos are from their tour of Iceland in 2008. Always interested to hear more from the always underrated Silber Records label. www.silbermedia.com ORIGAMI GHOSTS- SHORT MOMENTUM- Led by the songwriting of John Paul Scesniak (what is up with all the 3 named singers) the band was once described as "Modest Mouse with a violin:" and that's in the ballpark, I also hear buts of The Shins too. When Scesniak stays away from the ballads and goes more for the mid-tempo stuff , which is most of the record ("Endless Corridors", "Story?", "East Station", etc.) he is definitely capable of impressing. This is worth of your time. www.origamighosts.com PATRICK PARK- EVERYONE'S IN EVERYONE- CURB APPEAL- This LA via Denver guy's gentle folky music is perfect for being played in those final scenes on shows like ONE TREE HILL when the girl just gives the bad breakup news to the boy. I'm not saying it's cheesy but it has that sorta appeal. I like his debut LONELINESS KNOWS MY NAME a bit more but he still stays true to his heart on this sophomore effort. PEE-PEE- CASTILE JACKINE IS VOODED AT BROONUS MOUSIN: VOLUME 1- HELMET ROOM- I was gonna say absurdity at its best but this is at its worst. 8 tunes and most are over 6 minutes long. There; bits of childish amateurism and other bit that nearly equal decent tunes (like the beginning of song #3, "Love Needs a Quivering ,Restless, Aching Fire to Lay it's Head on"). The city of Denver must be out of Doo Crowder's head. www.helmetroom.com THE PRIMARY 5- HIGH FIVE- NEON TETRA- Not the pop monster that 2007's GO! was but this is still a worthy collection of mid-tempo ala Teenage Fan Club (TFC's Norman Blake plays on this and I think P-5 leader, Paul Quinn, was an early member of TFC). Give a first shot to " I Wonder Why", the lovely "Same Old Story" and the rockin' "Lost and Confused." 10 sopjgs in all. www.neontetrarecords.co.uk PROFESSOR PEZ- HORDALAND- GALANT- 3rd terrific record in a row from this Norwegian pop band who seem to get better with each release. This record is about a county in their homeland and it has everything from light n' peppery pop to the wacky kazoo like pop of their debut. Well done gents. www.galant.com QUINTRON- TOO THIRSTY 4 LOVE- GONER- Whacked-out Nawlins' organ grinder Quintron shows up on the cover of this cd with a giant boa (umm…I think a REAL one) around his neck with plastic fangs and a busty woman by his side. The music is pop in the most bent way possible but I have heard it's his live show that must be seen to be believed. I swear I won't miss him again. www.goner-records.com RAMBLING SHADOWS- THE TOOLS AND THE STUFF- NIGHT WORLD- At least two of these guys used to be in the totally underrated Crippled Pilgrims (vocalist/guitarists Scott Wingo and Jay Moglia) and with a new rhythm section they go a bit less of the psych oriented stuff like the CP's did so well and grind it out in a more garage rock fashion. Both these guys are maestros on their instruments and I hear sounds on their records that I don't hear on other peoples. This is a GOOD thing. www.nightworldrecords.com RINALDI SINGS- BINGO- TANGERINE- Now this is what I call Shagadelic! No, this is not an opera record even though the title might imply. Rinaldi is actually Londoner Steve Rinaldi who has made one swinging, ebullient pop record with horns all over the place and hooks a plenty. Not sure who he has playing on this (the writing is too small) but this is terrific. It will definitely make my "Under the radar top 10" for 2008. www.tangerinerecords.com THE SOUR NOTES- THE MEAT OF THE FRUIT- SELF-RELEASED- Not sure if leader Jared Boulanger has had his heart stomped on a few times or not but the melodic melancholy of cuts like "The Truth in Our Lies", "A Woman or a Grave", or "Weak at Heart" make a good case for it. Still, at times the Austin, TX band sounds like angels coming down from above to lift Jared up an whisk him away. www.thesournotes.com RICHARD SWIFT- AS ONASIS 1 and 2- SECRETLY CANADIAN- 2nd two-fer in a row of dual eps from this LA cat but while his previous one(s) cast a melodic, folky spell on the proceedings this one he bust out his inner Link Wray and the results are……not so good. Stick to the pop tunes Richard, puh-leeze. www.secretlycanadian.com SYSTEM AND STATION- A NATION OF ACTORS- LATEST FLAME- If you wanna hear a band that is more Built to Spill than BTS is these days then this Portland via Boise bunch will do it, RFK Heise's tunes are unusually deceptive, sneaking in some of the tastiest licks this side of Doug Martsch but you'll be humming some of these tunes all day (start with "Sell Out") then your co workers will get bummed and tell you to shut up and you'll have to sink further into your cubicle hell. Sorry, don't wanna bum you all out. www.latestflame.com UNBUNNY- SENSORY UNDERLOAD: UNCERTAIN TRKS 1996-2008- I have heard many fine records by Jared del Deo (aka Unbunny) but this is not one of them. As the title implies it's a mixed bag as it is 17 songs that's culled from eps, singles, rarities and unreleased recordings. He still sounds like a poor man's Elliott Smith and "Mandi" and "She'll Bring You Down" are two of the diamonds in the rough here. Enter with caution. www.parasol.com JANUARY 2009 BRENT AMAKER & THE RODEO- HOWDY DO- GRAVEWAX- It's almost impossible to mention thus guys music without mentioning the early work of Johnny Cash. Amaker's voiced sounds similar to the man in black and the tunes have that same sorta drunken cowboy shuffle too. Easy to like and even easier to dance to. www.gravewaxrecords.com AMERICAN SPEEDWAY- SHIP OF FOOLS- SELF RELEASED- Sore throat punk rawk that was unintentionally hilarious. www.myspace.com/americanspeedway DREW ANDREWS- ONLY MIRRORS- MINTY FRESH- These ones that comes in the cardboard sleeves usually get lost in the shuffle and this one almost did and that woulda been a shame. This guy Andrews creates organic singer-songwriter stuff that is ultimately heartfelt and haunting. No lyric sheet but I'm guessing it's the usual stuff (women, life, death, etc.). Well worth seeking out. www.mintyfresh.com KYLE ANDREWS- REAL BLASTY- ELEPHANT LADY- Former Badman Records (and Fictitious record before that) guy leaves Chicago and moves to Nashville, starts his own label and is still crafting quirky pop. I recall liking his previous full length, AMOS IN OHIO, more than this. REAL BLASTY has tunes both superb "Polar Bear", "Call and Fade", etc.) and dire ("Naked in New York"). On the latter he apes The Cars in the worst way possible. Not sure what to think of him know. www.myspace.com/kyleandrews ARLISS PARKER- HANDSOME LIKE A LION- DAG!- More of that wacky folktronica that the kids love so much from this NYC (via Colorado) dude named Chris. He messes with his kids toy keyboards and while this isn't my favorite kinda stuff Mr. parker does a nice job of embedding melodies into my thick skull. My pick to click is "Besos." www.dagrecords.com A ARMADA- ANAM CARA- HELLO SIR- When I hear the words "post rock? I usually reach for my gun (ok, so I don't have a gun…I reach for my Louisville Slugger) but this 5 songs record with real long , pretentious song titles from this Athens, GA band (w/ members of Maserati) do a halfway decent job of not mucking it all up. The first tune, "The Dam was Split but the City Was Saved" was great. I also enjoyed "Fall Triumph" too while the other 3 lost me. Still 2 outta 5 ain't bad (as Meat Loaf used to say). www.hellosirrecords.com 0 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 take note. www.rainbowquartz.com THE BUTTLESS CHAPS- CARTOGRAPHY- MINT- With the name you'd expect some kinda zany punk rock but this Canadian band,. Going on for a decade now, are moodier and craft something more akin to The National, Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds and even Lambchop. Not totally my cuppa tea but I did like "Water by the Wayside" and "Coal Grey Sky." www.mintrecs.com CAKE ON CAKE- HYMNS I REMEMBER- SLEEPY- I enjoyed the last C.O.C. record, , 2007's I GUESS I WAS DAYDREAMING (Desolation Records) but this one is even better. The band is a one woman project of Swede Helene Sundin and the person she reminds me of the most is El Perro del Mar. That is she takes a basic 60's pop blueprint and fluffs it all up in a 00's indie sheen (without all the production fixin's) . Not totally unlike the Cocteau Twins either , Sundin has crafted HYMNS I REMEMBER into something completely memorable. www.sleepyrecords.com CARS CAN BE BLUE- DOUBLY UNBEATABLE- HHBTM-CCBB is the duo of Becky (guitars/vocals) and Nate (drums/vocals) and they usually record together (when they're on speaking terms) and alone (when they're not). They have a reckless pop sense (and occasionally remind me of the All Girl Summer Fun Band) with the clattering drums, fuzzy guitars and the let's-yell-over-the-party-noise vocals and it sounds pretty great. I like it a whole lot more than their debut from a few years ago. Unless you're a born-again Christian or certifiably bran dead then you will like this record. www.hhbtm.com DAN CRAIG- SKIN GROWS THIN- SELF RELEASED- Denver singer-songwriter guy who occasionally brings to mind Josh Ritter with occasional bits of Neil Halstead, Damien Rice and even Ryan Adams (in his mellower moments). The songs are more folky and less Americana but the guy has a terrific, vulnerable voice and a true pop sensibility. The songs occasionally veer into Adam Duritz territory (my least fave parts) but for the most part, SKIN GROWS THIN is a winner! www.dcraigmusic.com THE DAYLIGHT TITANS- BOOM & CHIME- SELF RELEASED- Terrific rockin' trio from Austin, TX who have an overflow of pop smarts and hooks to match. They don't forego the songwriting one whit on this sophomore effort. Reading their influences listed in their my space site is everyone from Pavement to The Byrds to Stuff Little Fingers to The Plimsouls to The Flamin' Groovies. 8 tunes here and there is a relentless punch and drive to these tunes that keeps me coming back to them. www.myspace.com/thedaylighttitans DEAD HEART BLOOM- OH MERCY erp- KEI – 2nd of 3 eps released by this NYC duo and while the previous FALLIN ep was more synthy this record goes for more dirges and if you like The Melvins (which I don't) then you might also like the sound of a jackhammer next to your window in the morning and if that's the case, then there's something wrong with you. www.deadheartbloom.com DREAMEND- THE LONG FORGOTTEN FRIEND- GRAVEFACE- This is Ryan Graveface, head honcho at the Graveface label (who released the awesome Loose Salute record) doing his version of fuzzy, gauzy pop with dreamy/eerie vocals and a musical backdrop that can only be described as….surreal. If there is a heaven I'll bet this is music they're playing up there. www.graveface.com EVERYTHING, NOW!- SPATIALLY SEVERED- MFT- Indiana bunch (who apparently met at Ball State in Muncie in the early 00's) who sound like they should be from Athens, GA. 16 tunes is too much and they don't always hit the mark but when they are on, they rocket into outer space with a big sound like only pretentious Bowie fans could do. "The Shelter" is one of those tunes, "Venus Tossed with Dice" is another. I like approximately 76.9% of this record. www.mftrecords.com GIGANTIC- GIGANTAPHONIC SOUNDS- ZIP- Aussie due of Mark & Paul DiRenzo who I'm assuming are brothers (and if they're not please tell me) but they have a baker's dozen of friends who help them out on everything from strings to horns to backing vocals. The songwriting is strong and I'd recommend for fans of Teenage Fanclub. www.ziprecords.com GIRL LOVES DISTORTION- EARTH BEINGS ON EXHIBIT- ETXE- Wash, DC bunch who seem to have a serious love of The Pixies (and maybe GBV and Sonic Yoof too). This sort of dissonant, minor-key dragging is not the first thing I'd put on the morning (or the last thing at night) but it has its place and I'll bet they have some dedicated fans. I'm just not one of them. www.etxerecords.com GREEN PEPPERS- ADVENTURES IN THE SLIPSTREAM- NEON TETRA- Totally enjoyable collection of low-key folk/pop tunes written by former Soup Dragons dude Jim McCulloch ("Head Gone Astray" is still one of my favorite songs of all time!). Here he gets 4 different women to sing most of these songs (including The Delgados Emma Pollock) and these are tunes that sneak up on you when you least expect it. Dig in. www.neontetrarecords.co.uk TODD HERFINDAL- COLLECTIVE- SINGLE RECORDINGS- This is the solo debut form The Meadows co-frontman Herfindal and while I like the one meadows disc I heard I think this tops it. The 11songs on here veer between ebullient power pop ("Air I'm Breathing", "Waiting on the Sun", etc ) to rootsier stuff ala Tom Petty and his Heartbreakers on cuts like "Finally Movin' On" and the pensive, "Won't Look Back." The guy can write a fine pop tune and his small army of contributors add to the proceedings. I dig this. www.toddherfindalmusic.com HER SPACE HOLIDAY- XOXO PANDA, AND THE NEW KID REVIVAL- MUSH- I used to keep abreast of the comings and goings on Marc Bianchi (aka Mr Her Space Holiday) but then I lost him along the way so either this is his first record in ages or I have not been paying much attention. He seems to have dropped the beats and gone more for a straight indie rock sound and the results are….eh, ok. I listened but not much on here really got me revved up. "The Year in review" wasn't bad and "Sleepy Tigers" has a cool, pop bounce to it but otherwise most of this left me flat. www.mushrecords.com HIGGINS- ZS- SERIOUS BUSINESS- Apparently this bunch, led by main songwriter Kevin Fish, have been around in one form or another since 2002 and while he has plenty of help it's Fish's baby. And boy is it an ambitious effort and a good one. I'm enjoying this new renaissance where bands like Higgins, The Rollo Treadway and Blue Skies for Black Hearts are aiming for lush, melodic efforts like their forefathers (The Beatles, The Zombies, etc.). There's plenty to lie on Zs and to find you need to listen to it. www.seriousbusinessrecords.com HILLS OF ELYSIUM- CIDADENT- SELF RELEASED- Calling this "angst ridden rock intertwined with metal riffs" the worst record I've heard in ages is being way too kind. HOORAY FOR EARTH- S/T- DOPAMINE- Whenever it say on a cd "R.I.Y.L.- Les Savy Fav" I'm in no hurry to listen to it. These Beantown freaks got that tag and I was ready to toss this but I gave it a listen and voila! Out comes some super catchy new wavey rawk with smashing keyboards and just the right amount of guitar mash. I like the cover art/packaging too so that always helps. www.hoorayforearth.com HOSPITAL SHIPS- OH, RAMONA, GRAVEFACE- The work of one, Jordan Geiger, who does time in Shearwater and Minus Story. This is his bedroom pocket symphony wherein he breaks out every instrument he can play ( a lot of them) and proceeds to create on ambitious effort. At times the undertaking overtakes his ambition but I give him an A+ for effort (and I have to say, about half of this is really good). His voice takes some getting used to but I did really like the charm of squeaky tunes like "The Shots I Drank", "Baby for J." and "Oh Ramona." www.graveface.com HOUSEGUEST- WELCOME, ALL THAT'S DIFFICULT- AUDIO EAGLE- Record #4 from these Akron, OH nutjobs. The first four bands listed as influences on their my space page is Alan Parson Project, Alize (??), Bad Religion and Beat Happening so , like their influences ,they are all over the map (in a good way). "Proud Utility Infielder" is a great song title and a great song. Give Houseguest your undivided attention one of these days. www.audioeaglerecords.com HOUSE OF FIRE- S//T- UNIVERSAL WARNING- A few of these guys used to be in the Claire Records band Highspire (who released the fine EVERYTHING NOW in 2003) but on this record main songwriter Isaac Betesh ,who I believe was merely a contributor to Highspire, aims for a more psychedelic 60's s pop ala Brian Jonestown massacre and the results are strong. Start with "Walking Along the Sun" and "Twelve Stars' and go from there. www.mvdb2b.com THE HUSHPUPPIES- SILENCE IS GOLDEN- MINTY FRESH- Let's think about the good bands that have come out of France; Les Thugs, Air…ok, that' it. They call this stuff "modern rock" and well…what do you want me to say? I did like "Down Down Down" but not much else. www.mintyfresh.com THE JELLYBRICKS- This is this Harrisburg, PA's 3rd record in 10 years (and 4th overall) so while they're in no rush to impress us with their songwriting skills they DO impress us on GOODNIGHT TO EVERYONE. I really dug 2004's POWER THIS and the songs on this are even leaner and stronger with better melodies and more punch. If you like some extra meat on your power pop then give these guys a serious listen. www.thejellybricks.com JUNIPER TAR- TO THE TREES- BUS STOP- Another left field turn into Americana territory for the normally pop inclined Bus Stop Records. They hail from Milwaukee but could just as easily be from Portland and these 8 song sway in the winter wind and at times the harmonies are absolutely stunning. IK say put him on tour with Dolorean and watch them take over the world. www.busstoplabel.com KELLARISSA- FLAMINGO- MINT- Kellarissa is Larissa Loyva. You may not know her name but she has contributed vocals to Mint bands like P:ano and The Choir Practice. Apparently Kellarissa means "in the basement" and this odd collection of 10 tunes could have been recorded there. The tunes are spare mostly with just her (looped) vocals and some oddball synths. The record is not for everyone but repeated listens will bring forth some low-key gems from an artist who is dancing (or singing) to the beat of her own drum. www.mintrecs.com KISS ME AT THE GATE- TAPE & SCISSORS- SUPERPHONIC- Interesting indie rock in the vein of Massachusetts gals (or gal led bands) like Belly, Juliana Hatfield and Throwing Muses. Vocalist Claire Cormany sure does sound like Juliana (but with less men problems) while the band lays down a righteous groove. "Late" was my pick to click here. www.superphonicrecords.com KOUFAX- STRUGGLERS- DOGHOUSE- This band, led by the elusive Robert Suchan, have been around for quite some time and were on Doghouse previously and are back on the label (after a pit stop at Vagrant). Apparently Suchan write and recorded this record while living in Prague but it sounds very American. The band it reminds me of the most is Spoon with its prickly melodies and spiky vocal arrangements. This 10 song record locks in at just over a half hour and just might be this band's best. www.doghouserecords.com PATRICK LEONARD- BEGIN THE BEGINNING- SELF RELEASED- Bay Area guy with oodles of talent (he used to be in the 90's band Your Precious You) has cobbled together a band of his friends and made a terrific record here. He record wavers between mid tempo chugging pop and slower, more intimate acoustic material and he excels at both. Try BEGIN THE BEGINNING on for size at your next record stored stop,. www.patrickleonard.com LEOPOLD AND HIS FRICTION- AIN'T NO SURPRISE- SELF-RELEASED- SF trio who grind out muddy bluesy riffs that occasionally remind me of the Black Angels (on the better songs) and the White Stripes on the crummier ones. No thank you. www.leopoldandhisfiction.com LEY LINES- THE SOMNIFIC ERA- SELF- RELEASED- They hail from my fair (adopted) city of Portland but I've never heard of them (which says more about me being out of touch with the local scene than anything else). They seem to hit that sweet spot right where Death Cab for Cutie and The Shins (plus the vocals remind me a bit of Band of Horses). Both "The Crystal Light' and "Casual is a Mouthful" were my two picks to click here. www.leylinesforever.com THE LIKING STRIKES- S/T ep- SELF RELEASED- Dallas, TX duo of Lacey and Carter churn out 4 songs on this debut cd-ep. She sings and he plays the instruments and the sound is kinda generic pop. It wasn't bad but nothing on here turned my crank either. www.myspace.com/thelikingstrikes ANDREW LIPKE- MOTHERPEARL AND DYNAMITE- MAD DRAGON- Philly-based singer-songwriter (originally from South Africa) on a Drexel University-run label takes the listener on a unique journey through these 9 tracks (including a Neil Young cover….a very interesting take on "After the Goldrush") . He has a terrific band behind him and it runs the gamut from folky ("On My Way", to something more rockin' ("The Barker Song" and everything in between. The guy is talented and I could see him getting huge. www.maddragonrecords.com THE LOLLIGAGS- OUT OF PERVERSITY JOIN HANDS- HHBTM- Superb electro pop from this Athens, GA duo of Dallion Lollihag and RG Lollifag. They had released a fine ep last year and here are 7 more songs (including 2 remixes, one by Dan Geller of I Am the World Trade Center, Ruby Isle and Kindercore Records fame). The best songs here are the ultra-catchy "Merry Go Round", "A Spanner in the Works" and "Best Behavior." I also heard that live they are a blast and do hope they make it to the left coast sometime in 2009. www.hhbtm.com LOOKER- BORN IN THE DESERT- SERIOUS BUSINESS- Vocalists/guitarist Nicole Greco and Boshra AlSaadi met in painting class in high school then both ended up in NYC looking for a rhythm section. The found one and then all bonded over a love for Blondie, Dolly Mixture and Tiger Trap records. BORN IN THE DESERT has a girl group sweetness to mix melded with some buzzing punk energy. Another winner from Serious Business Records! www.seriousbusinessrecords.com LOS DIFUNTOS- S/T- NICKEL AND DIME- L.A. (that is EAST L.A.) punk band who mix it up a bit with some Rancid-esque tunes ("You Don't Know Me") and even do some punk doo-wop ("Story of Leon's Downfall" ) and an acoustic country tune (ala Mike Ness' solo stuff) on "Now I'm Gone." Always nice to hear a punk band rip the straight-jacket off a bit and offer some variation. www.nickelanddimerecords.com LUCKY PINEAPPLE- THE BUBBLE HAS BURST TIN SKY CITY- NOISE POLLUTION- Louisville, KY art collective who generate some all-out weirdness on this disc but I'll bet live they are really brain scrambling. Apparently live they have played at a zombie prom (??), student lounge at Transylvania University and a parking lot. Still trying to get a grip on what they're trying to do musically (can't really call it indie rock) but they add some trumpet, trombone and mellotron in some special places so I'll keep listening. www.louisvillenoise.com MIKE MAIMONE- OPEN MIC NIGHTS, EMPTY BOTTLE MORNINGS- EIGHT EAT EIGHT- Chicago 20-something who apparently spent a year or two ad an accountant only to give it up for the rock lifestyle (ala Gibby Haynes of the Butthole Surfers). On this, Maimone's debut, he channels the ghosts of both Tom Waits and Randy Newman (both very much alive) with mixed results but most of this is quite good. He sings about Cleveland, drinkin' coffee and loose women and does it all pretty convincingly. www.mikemaimone.com MASON PROPER- OLLY OXEN FREE- DOVECOTE- These Michigan bumpkins have just the kind of sound that will get you rich and laid (I guess ). They have one of those Radiohead meets Death Cab for Cutie sounds that I do not understand the appeal of but apparently everyone else does. So what is the deal with Thom Yorke? Can someone please tell him how to spell his first name correctly? www.masonproper.com CHRIS MCKAY & THE CRITICAL DARLINGS- C'MON, ACCEPT YOUR JOY- SIDE B- This Atlanta, GA trio have the look of a 70's skinny-tie power pop band but they are current. I know nothing of the namesake, Mr. Chris McKay but the guy can write some terrific nuts and bolts power pop. Nothing earth-shattering here just plain ol good tunes you can tap your foot too. www.sidebmusic.com MEMPHIS MIKE AND THE LEGENDARY TREMBLERS- LIVE IN AUSTRALIA- CRACKED PISTOL- Not sure if the guy is originally from Memphis but he has called Pittsburgh home since 1990. He and his crack rhythm section took a trip down under and wowed the crowd with their own raw version of rockabilly cum blues. Not exactly my cuppa tea but the Aussies sound like they were having a blast. www.crackedpistolrecordings.com MINNOW- THIRTEEN WRONGS- NOISE POLLUTION- Some old-timers from the Louisville punk scene (including members of Your Food, The Dickbrains, and Endpoint) and they do a real nice amalgam of dissonant punk (but not forgetting the melody) and the vocalist Rob Pennington sounds a lot like Rotes of Spring's Guy Picciotto. The band can write some seriously good songs and it's no wonder they were picked by Slint to open some of their reunion gigs. Crank up cuts like "Apron Strings". "Stars & Picture Shiows" and "B.F. Skinner." www.louisvillenoise.com 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. www.ghostrecords.it WHITEY MORGAN AND THE 78'S- HONKY TONKS AN CHEAP MOTELS- SMALL STONE- Wow, I'm used to getting plenty of what they call "alt-country (that way overused term….and I'm as guilty as anyone of using it) but these alcohol consumers hail from…erm….Flint, Michigan. True, it's not Nashville but this gang, led by Eric "Whitey" Allen aren't conjuring up Mr Gram Parsons, nope these guys are going more for a Merle Haggard or Waylon Jennings vibe and they succeed mightily. Looooove that pedal steel and tunes like "Hold her When She Cries", "If it Ain't Broke", and their superb cover of The Boss's "I'm on Fire" prove these guys aren't just some flash in the pan trying to cash in on country's popularity. I call it the real thing. www.smallstone.com OH CAPTAIN MY CAPTAIN- RECKLESSLY SHE SPLIT THE SEA- BLADEN COUNTY- Theatrical pop from Portland that has gotten compared to Queen before. True, vocalist/songwriter Jesse Bettis allows his voice to take the lead here and swoop all over the place but musically I think the rest of the band struggles to keep up with his ambitions. I liked the Decemberists-ish "Stones of Lead' but otherwise, I was lost on most of this. www.bladencountyrecords.com THE ORGAN- THIEVES ep- MINT- 4 ladies from Vancouver, BC who couldn't keep it together. This 6 song ep is the final hurrah and while I know I've heard some of their previous work I can't recall any specific songs. I know they're always described as depressing. While the first 2 songs were pretty drab, I dug the final 4 tunes, especially "Lets the Bells Ring" and the robotic "Fire in the Ocean." Bon Voyage ladies. www.mintrecs.com POPLORD- FULL/FILLED- SELF RELEASED- This California band is made up of two main songwriters; Tom Magill and Stan Schaffer (Craig Daniel rounds out the trio). On this, their sophomore disc they seem to do a damn good job of channeling both Elvis Costello on the snappier numbers and the beach Boys on the prettier, more melodic ones. The tunes are definitely a cut above and really need to be heard by the Not Lame crowd. www.myspace.com/poplord THE QUIT- MINUS TIDE- TINDRUM- Debut full-length form these Seattle intelligent popsters who had the good sense to get Scott Colburn to produce this. I read one review that likened them to my beloved Feelies and that's a good starting point as the band uses subtlety as a strength but they never forget the important of writing a good song and MINUS TIDE is filled with them. www.thequit.net. THE ROCKWELLS- PLACE & TIME- MIGRANT- 2 sets of brothers (The Kellys and he Batemans) crawled out of their hole in Cincy and wrote up a baker's dozen of bouncy pop that's not afraid to take a u-turn on occasion and wind up in Dayton. Lend an ear to "She's Already Gone", "Tens Years Old Horns", "To Tell the Truth" and at least a few others. I don't know if your parents are proud of you guys but if not, they should be. www.migrantrecords.com TEAM GENIUS- S/T- SELF RELEASED- I sorta liked their ep from earlier this year when I likened them to a wackier Kindercore band (ie: Masters of the hemisphere, Kincaid, etc.). The melodies are there it's just when the singer tries to be Prince do I find it nauseating (not that often, thankfully). www.teamgeniusmusic.com THE THEATRE FIRE- MATTER AND LIGHT- SELF-RELEASED- 7 cats from Tex-ass offer up 14 songs of laidback, front porch, homespun goodness. They kinda remind me a bit of Lambchop with the occasional Tom Waits-y vocals tossed in ("Beatrice (Ode)"). They even backed up Neil Hagerty in 2005 on a Howling Hex record. No idea why they're not moiré well known. www.theatrefire.com SHUGO TOKUMARU- EXIT- STAR TIME- A dizzying array of pop tuners n' textures from this Japanese guy once described as "Japanese Sufjan Steven." And let's not forget the early work of one Stephin Merritt , that is, if the early work of Stephin was……happy. These 10 tunes might seem simple on the surface but dig a bit deeper and you'll find a sophisticated musician pushing the boundaries of pop music. I can only take this stuff in small doses as, like the city of Tokyo itself, is a sensory overload and will put me into spin zone if I'm not looking. www.startimeintl.com FRANK TURNER- LOVE IRE & SONG- ARBOR- UK singer-songwriter who used to be in the punk band Million Dead (don't worry, I've never heard of them either). The guy has a serious way with words (best line: she's not as pretty as she thinks she is, just picture her after she's had kids, I'll bet she sits at home and listens to the Smiths"). More than a few folks have compared him to Billy Bragg but I don't think that old sod has written songs as good as Turners. LOVE IRE & SONG is terrific. www.arborrecords.com UGLY STICK- STILL GLISTENING- HOVERCRAFT- They like to do two things in Columbus, OH (home to U.S.) and that is drink beer and play their guitars and we already know that U.S. like to do the latter from listening to STILL GLISTENING and I'm guessing the former too. Their only other full-length was 1993's ABSINTHE (Blue House Records) and their mix of punk, college rock and alt country was years ahead of its time and this record shows the strength of their songwriting. A pleasant surprise to say the least. www.hovercraftpdx.com CHAD VANGAALEN- SOFT AIRPLANE- SUB POP- Chance-taking Canadian who, on his 3rd record for Sub Pop, decides to take a more direct approach. That's not to say that SOFT AIRPLANE is a radio-ready pop album 'cos that would be a lie but this record isn't as sprawling and all-over-the-map as his 2 previous ones. Not everything here hit the mark for me but the 1-2-3 punch of "Cries of the Dead", "Inside the Molecules" and "Bare Feet on Wet Griptape" was pretty awesome. I say chop this in half and It would make a great 6-7 song ep. www.subpop.com WATER SCHOOL- ANIMALS & THEIR HIDING PLACES- NEON TETRA- Bal-tee-mo band who I'd never heard of before but this is their 2nd record (and apparently record #3 is in the can). They produce some quirky, folky little tunes with guitars and keyboards and I found most of this really endearing. Unless you're too cool for school (or your name is Brutus) then you just may dig this. www.neontetrarecords.co.uk WE LANDED ON THE MOON- THESE LITTLE WARS- SELF RELEASED- Louisiana bunch who have an instantly likeable sound that power pop meets early 90's indie rock meets a bit o' new wave and I know a lot of people like this band because of the vocals of Melissa Eccles but she is the reason I don't like the band. The songs are chunky n' fuzzy and hook-heavy but when she starts to wail she is to Lene Lovich for me. Sorry. www.welandedonthemoon.com MICHAEL ZAPRUDER- DRAGON CHINESE COCKTAIL HOROSCOPE- SIDE CHO- This is the same Bay Area guy who released an expansive pop record with his band (under the name Michael Zapruder's Rain of Frogs) . On DRAGON CHINESE… the record is no less ambitious tho' the songs are more drawn out, folkier and not as catchy. Some of it gets a bit too experimental for me and while I respect the guy for his brains and vision, this isn't something I'll play very often. www.sidecho.com ZOOKEEPER- BECOMING ALL THINGS- BELLE CITY POP- Kind of a mixed bag from the ex-Mineral (and The Gloria Record) guy Chris Simpson. The good songs are REALLY good (check out that swinging opener, "Snow in Berlin" with those tootin' horns that make it seem like a Dixieland jazz band) . "Everyones a DJ" is pretty great too. www.bellecitypop.com DECEMBER 2008 AMADAN- PACIFICA- AFAN MUSIC- In much the same way that contemporary bands like the Dropkick Murphys or Flogging Molly take a flight to Dublin without ever leaving your room, this bunch offer up 12 tunes with a kindler, gentler approach than the 2 previously mentioned bands. "Used to Know" should be a major hit. THE CELEBRATED WORKINGMAN- HERALD THE DICKENS- BUS STOP- This bunch hails from none other than Milwaukee, WI and when they aren't watching Brewers games they are creating some of the most interesting pop I've heard all year. Vocalist Mark Waldoch has a unique set of pipes sounding like a blueblood who just became a pauper while the rest of the band adds kitchen sink like pop to the proceedings. It chimes, sways and always makes it to the finish line. www.busstoplabel.com GENE CLARK- SILVERAD0 '75: LIVE AND UNRELEASED- COLLECTOR'S CHOICE- Terrific set of songs from Gene at , what I'm guessing is ,a small bar in Denver, CO (called, oddly enough, Ebbets Field). The sound is really good and Gene seems to be in a fun, playful mood chatting with the crowd. Doing the trio thing with Roger White on guitar and Duke Bardwell on bass, You get to hear "Train Leaves Here This Morning" (from the Dillard and Clark record), a few Byrds tunes ("Here Without You", "Set You Free This Time") and a few tunes from the NO OTHER record. That beautiful, heartbreaking voice is on full display here and hear why he was The Byrds secret weapon. www.collectorschoicemusic.com CONDO- BEST OF LUCK- ROCKPARK- NYC bunch (which apparently include a husband/wife and a brother/sister) and at time they remind me of a more aggressive Interpol (especially on a tune like "The Second") while other times the sound gets soupier (split pea) and reminds me of the boring parts of Flaming Lips songs. BEST OF LUCK didn't do a whole lot for me but it has to be someone's favorite band out there. www.rockparkrecords.com RICK DANKO BAND- LIVE ON BREEZE HILL- WOODSTOCK- This live show was from May of 1998 and originally released in 1999. Reissued here, it has 12 songs and while his band was a trio (including The Band's Garth Hudson) it has a laundry list of folks contributing. It opens with a lovely version of "Sip the Wine" while other cuts like "Caledonia Mission", "Stage Fright", "Crazy Mama" and "It Makes No Difference" sound just as enticing. www.woodstockrecords.com THE DOLL TEST- MOSQUE ALARM CLOCK- UNSMASHEABLE- Wow, more terrific power pop from Seattle. Is there something in the water up there? Had never heard of these guys before but a few of them were in the Model Rockets and one guy was in the Riffbrokers so they are seasoned vets. 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 super melodic "Fall Away" and the organ-fueled "The Bell The Map The Stars." Forego the big block of Tillamook cheese for 2 weeks and pick this up instead. www.unsmashablerecords.com FACING NEW YORK- GET HOT- FIVE ONE INC- NYC trio doing a funky kinda indie rock that I hated. All the reviews I read compared them to the Dismemberment Plan, another band I couldn't take. Maybe if I were actually a musician I might dig this stuff. www.fiveoneinc.com FREEZEPOP- FUTURE FUTURE FUTURE PERFECT- RYKO- Icy electro synth pop from this Boston trip. I dug the tunes on their previous record, 2004's FANCY ULTRA-FRESH and these 11 tunes are just as fresh. Portland has (had0 The Epoxies so this is Boston's entry into the synthpop sweepstakes. They're not as pretentious as Ladytron and I like Liz Enthusiasm's deadpan vocals better than any o these other bands. If you long for DARE to be updated well here you go. www.rykodisc.com THE HELIGOATS- THE END OF ALL PURPOSE ep- GREYDAY- This is Chris Otepka who lead Chicago band Troubled Hubble through some troubled times (heh heh). Never did bother to check that band out and this 6 song ep didn't start out too promisingly with the boring art rock opener, "Morning Gloree." Though on tune three he makes up for it by writing the best song that Jeff Magnum never wrote in "Been a Drill." I also dug the orchestral acoustic charm of "Kind/Brutal" and "Movieguns" but I fell asleep on "You Win" then woke back up on the interesting "Reasonable Doubt." Aside from that opening tune I'd say the ratio of good to bad here is good. www.greydayrecords.com HOLDING MERCURY- DOWNFALL OF AN EMPIRE- BAD NERO- Not sure why any band would of out of their way to be so….bland but this bunch fit that bill. Someone in the press kit ha the balls to compare them to The Who and The Cars. Phhfffft! www.holdingmercury.com HOLLY GOLIGHTLY- DIRT DON'T HURT- TRANSDREAMER- If I'm to believe the press kit this is the 19th record by Miss Golightly which is a few in itself. Here, armed with her Johnny Depp-lookalike pal Lawyer Dave, they ooze out 14 tunes of Mississippi blues and this is a pure homage , no lame-on blues that I hate (which has made me hate blues music in the first place). Que it up to tunes like "My 45", "Burn Your Fun", or "Accuse Me" and get your butt out on your front porch pronto. www.transdreamer.com HOTPANTS ROMANCE- IT'S A HEATWAVE- HHBTM- I really dig most of the stuff on the HHBTM label but this was a bit much, 3 gals from the UK doing bash away punk pop like Bikini Kill meets Huggy Bear meets The Donnas (early stuff). It sounded like a lot of aimless shouting to me. www.hhbtm.com MICHAEL KNIGHT- I'M NOT ENTIRELY CLEAR HOW I ENDED UP LIKE THIS- YES BOY ICE CREAM- Irish bunch led by erstwhile singer/songwriter Richard Murphy and while I loved their last (debut) cd, YOUTH IS WASTED ON THE YOUNG, this one wasn't as immediately gratifying. The songs sway and bounce and occasionally slide into the baroque period but the hooks take a little more time to find this time around. Still, if you find a little Jens Lekman here and some Camera Obscura there as a healthy part of your diet then this might be some added protein. Comes with an added disc of instrumentals. www.yesboyicecream.com MIOU MIOU- LA LA GRAND FINALE- MINTY FRESH- Czech band that I really wanted to hear (as I like a lot of the stuff on the Minty Fresh label) but it's a cdr and would nit player in my player, Damn. www.mintyfresh.com OH SANDERS- THE DEATH OF NATURE- SELF-RELEASED- Yet another Florida band (what is it with that state these days?) but this is one I'm glad the band took the time out to send me. Was listening to it in the czar the other day and I dug their driving, melodic pop sound. I'm trying to get it to play on my boom box next to me and for some odd reason it won't play (damn!) but trust me when I say you whoever YOU is) will like it. www.myspace.com/ohsanders THE ORANGE VELVETS- S/T ep- CHERRY LEMONADE- Some of this is really stripped down pop in a Beat Happening (or Ed's Redeeming Qualities) kinda way but then they'll toss in an awful riff like the one on "Every Time I fall in Love with You" and it's a turnoff. The record isn't bad but it's not something I'd get super excited about either. www.theorangevelvets.com OUTTASITE- CAREFUL WHAT YOU WISDH FORM- RHYME CARTEL- Seattle dude Kenny "Outtasite" Singleton who apparently was taken under the wing of one Sir Mix-a-Lot, grabbed some metal guitar player and what do you know, they have merged rap and rock and started a whole new genre of music, called rap-rock. www.myspace.com/outtasitemusic LIZ PHAIR- EXILE IN GUYVILLE (REISSUE)- ATO- Was surprised to see this end up on Dave Matthews label. Matthews himself is even interviewed here as if he's some sort of expert in Liz Phair (something tells me he was not listening to the Girly Sound tapes back in the early 90's). Anyway, the record itself is overrated but still has handful of killer songs but get this for the added dvd disc that has interviews with some folks responsible for the record like Matador's Gerard Cosloy and Chris Lombardi, Feel Good All Over's John Henderson (who seemed to have vanished some years ago), Steve Albini, producer Brad Wood and Nate (Nash) from Urge Overkill, Liz herself and some others. Well worth watching. THE PICA BEATS- BEATING BACK THE CLAWS OF COLD- HARDLY ART- This is basically the work of Vermont-ian Ryan Barrett who after devouring cartons of Ben & Jerrys would record by himself in his bedroom,. Eventually he hooked up with a drummer (Colin English) and the debut was recorded in 2007 (ALL MYSERIES SOLVE THEMSELVES). This sophomore effort is is full of the kind of charming pop that Ed's Redeeming Qualities used to make, and early Beat Happening. "Shrinking Violets" is slap dash and happy while the title track is more pensive but no less engaging. Is Hardly Art the new Rough Trade (and I mean the R.T. from the early 80's)? www.hardlyart.com ANDY REED- FAST FORWARD- KOOL KAT- Nice to see the Kook Kat Musik logo on the back as this is high quality pop of the highest order in the vein of Mr. Elliot Smith (though a bit more upbeat than that) and Jon Brion (though not nearly as famous as either). Cuts like "The Ballad of …" , "The Criminal" and "Novacaine" should be on everyone's mix tapes (do people still make those??) this year. www.koolkatmusik.com KAI REINER- S/T- SELF RELEASED- Terrific mid-tempo jangly pop in the Teenage Fanclub vein from this German guy who I'd never heard of before. Not much else to say really, great songwriting and there is not a bum track in these 11 songs. www.kaireinter.com THE RHINOS- IN RHI-FI- RAINBOW QUARTZ- There's no way around it, it way that way on their debut from a few years ago and on this new sophomore effort: this Swedish bunch sound a lot like The Byrds. No, I mean like A LOT. Oh, sure you hear touches of other 60's bands like The Association, Hollies and The Beach Boys but McGuinn and is their first love. I love the 12-string Rickenbacker sound so it's up my alley but others beware. www.rainbowquartz.com QUINN SCHARBER AND THE …- BEING NICE WON'T SAVE MILWAUKEE- BUS STOP- A nice turn into twang territory for the usually pop-oriented Bus Stop label. I must admit, that this does have plenty of hooks and could be described as a nice mix between (early) Wilco and Teenage Fanclub (with some early Who and Replacements tossed in). The opening cut, "Latest Flame" is a killer and while that is the strongest of these 8 tunes there are plenty of other gems to be found ("Keep it Legal" and "She Will"). Dig in folks. www.busstoplabel.com SIC FCKS- LIVE 10/13/06 : THE BOWERY COLLECTION- MVD AUDIO- Never liked this NYC bunch, supposedly "shocking" band name and the best thing they were known for was their version of "Hava Nagila" and other songs in their schtick like "Fags on Acid", "Chop Up Your Mother", "Take Drugs", etc. It doesn't get much worse than this. www.mvdaudio.com SILVER DARLING- YOUR GHOST FITS MY SKIN- CROSSBILL- Sacramento, CA trio who would fit good on a mix tape with Son Volt, Bonny Prince Billy, Horse Feathers and Damien Jurado. I really dig the soulful vocals of Kevin Lee who sounds like he's dragging up sounds from the depths of his soul. It's perfectly evident on the stirring "Holy oak, Muddy banks." This bunch are certainly worthy of your time. www.crossbillrecords.com STEVE SINGH- HEAVY METAL SUNSET- SELF-RELEASED- Steve, I'm not sure what you're trying to do here but you're messing with my punk rock head. Yet another Toronto musician who has expanded the boundaries of pop music with a dishwasher full of every utensil at his disposal and the guy is not afraid to use them. You have the 3-ring circus of "The Weasel of Coventry" to the tweaked bounce of "You're Sitting on my Halo" to the hiccup of "Wash my Hair" and 7 others. If you're smart enough to know you haven't heard it all then please give this guy a chance. www.myspace.com/stevesingh. SOCIAL CODE- HE SAID SHE SAID- FIFTH SEASON- If bands were judged on the way they looked these Canadian dolts would be into the negative (based soley on the guy on the back cover with the Flock of Seagulls haircut, black bandana around his neck and $5000 leather jacket…oh, and his scowl). The music? More of that generic pop punk that the kids love so much. www.socialcodemusic.com SODA FOUNTAIN RAG- IT'S RAG TIME- YES BOY ICE CREAM- I like the label as they released a fine June Brides tribute cd a few years ago (and the most recent Michael Knight cd). This band with the awful name is one woman from Norway named Ragnhild Hogstad Jordahl. Yes, the name is a mouthful but she sure has unique idea about pop music. The record is all over the map and occasionally I hear some vague B & S bits (when Sarah sings) while others are more scattered and rock-ish like Tilly and the Wall. It's all hart dot take in one sitting but break the record in half (not literally) and listen to it as 7 songs at a time and it's just much easier to digest. Like a Krispy Kreme donut. www.yesboyicecream.com SOFT TARGETS- HEAVY RAINBOWS- CLOUD 13- Singer/guitarist Jesse Corry obviously has a serious love for guys like David Bowie and Bryan Ferry as his smooth croon and while this Tallahassee, FL trio write some pretty and sophisticated songs (they're pretty sophisticated too) it's the vocals that occasionally get on my nerves as Corry seems to be over-reaching a bit. Still, I don't mind the vocals too often and it's a helluva lot better than being influenced by Slayer and Metallica. www.cloud13records.com THE SORRIES- SUICIDAL MANIAC- YET YOU- Hailing from the thriving metropolis of Cape Girardeau, MO come The Sorries, a power trio led by Gary Robert. The tunes have a nice amount of distortion and while I like the raw guitar sound the vocals here are the weak link. They reminded me a bit of St. Johnny (remember them?). www.thesorries.com STAR OFF MACHINE- BURN THIS- SELF RELEASED- Radio ready hard rock from this Orange County band who claim influences from Sevendust and Taproot. They're probably going to be huge (if they aren't already) but I'll take a pass on this one. www.stofma.com THE STATUS- SO THIS IS PROGRESS- DOGHOUSE- Same as the above review but unlike Star Off Machine's hard rock these guys dabble in pop-punk and apparently have some famous friends (Adam of Taking Back Sunday and a dude from Bayside). I call this stuff overproduced and generic. THE STILLS- OCEANS WILL RISE- ARTS & CRAFTS- Ok, so I'd never heard their first two records but geez, every review I've read (and yes, I do read a lot of them) seem to rag on this band for either A) being a Joy Division wannabe or B) being a band with no identity. Damn music fans, give the Stills a break. The "Being Here", which sounds a bit too much like U-2, is flat out, a great song as is the edgier "Snow in California" and "Panic" is not a Smiths cover but a nimble, ambling , moody piece of pop with some unwelcome noise popped in the middle of it. Identity or not I say good songs are good songs and at three quarters of OCEAN WILL RISE is well worthy of your time. www.arts-crafts.ca STRATOCRUISER- EGG SHELLS- NEW ATLAS DIGITAL- I have a previous full-length by this North Cackalackey bunch (led by Jam Records ad designer, Mike Nicholson on guitars and mellotron) but I have not put it on in ages. This record, lp #3, is chock full of the sorta tasty hooks that made records by Cheap Trick and The Knack so loveable. Not everything here hits the mark but both "Cracked Up", the jangly "I Think So" and the terrific title track all deserve repeated listens. www.stratocruisermusic.com SUGAR HIGH- LET THE SUNSHINE OUT- THOUSANDAIRE- Tempe, AZ bunch who occasionally remind me of another (more famous) Tempe band in the Gin Blossoms. While the Blossoms sank more of their toes into the Americana pool these guys go for a more straight-up power pop sound with hooks galore and a bevy of terrific tunes. You have the from-the-heart "It's All Right the Way That You Live" to the punchy "Automatic to the soaring "My Star" (with some lovely piano) to plenty more. I can't believe these guys, led by main songwriter Adrian Evans, aren't more popular than they are 'cos they sure deserve it. Don't miss this! www.sugarhighonline.com THE TELEPATHIC BUTTERFLIES- BREAKFAST IN SUBURBIA- RAINBOW QUARTZ- 3rd terrific in a row from this Winnipeg, Canada trio led by Rejean Ricard (not a pro hockey player even though his name sounds like it) . They keep the trippiness to a minimum and instead focus on strong tunes like the jangly "The Gossip Trail", the Beatles-y "If It's All Too Much", and the GBV-ish "The Wishing Invisible." You'd be smart to make these guy's music a part of your daily diet. www.rainbowquartz.com PAUL TURNER- CLEAR BLUE- SELF RELEASED- Aussie singer/songwriter who brings to mind the work of Nick Drake with hushed vocals and most songs being built around an acoustic guitar. Some of the tunes are soaked in strings and Turner's arranger, Adrian Hannan , who did the string arrangements, is the Robert Kirby to Turner's Drake. The gorgeous "Angels Cry" and the delicate "Love Meteorite" are but two of my faves here. www.paulturnermusic.com THE UNSACRED HEARTS- IN DEFENSE OF FORT USELESS- SERIOUS BUSINESS- NYC bunch doing aggressive spazz rock that has some wiry leads ala the Minutemen. I can take this stuff in very small doses and at 15 songs it's way too big a helping for me. A 5 song EP would've been perfect. DAN WALLACE- REATTACHMENT- TORITO BRAVO- This eclectic Chicago has a ton of talent and anyone who says they are influenced by Randy Rhoads, Zappa, Charlie Parker and Caetano Veloso is wont to be all over the map. I love the assorted buts of flowery melody on here but when he slips into wank off territory that's when he loses me. Still, about 75% of this is really worth hearing. www.toritobravorecords.com XX TEENS- WELCOME TO GOOD ISLAND- MUTE- Art school goofballs who try the kitchen sink approach and it works part of the time. The single, "Darlin'" had some cool high-kick horns in there but vocalist Andy Silvester sounds like he's either perpetually pickled or has a mouth full of gauze, either way I can't understand a word he's saying (who does h think he is, Shane MacGowan?). You've heard this kinda hyper, herky jerky stuff before (like The Fall but poppier). My favorite was the soaring "Only You." www.mute.com NOVEMBER 2008* THE ACTION DESIGN- NEVER SAY- POP SMEAR- This is Emly Whitehurst and Matt McKenzie who were both in Tsunami Bomb. T.B. played a unique version of pop punk but T.A.D. ,while keeping the catchy elements, they go for a new wavier monster that's friendlier, more melodic and could be aimed at a different audience(some of the jerky rhythms were sorts Franz Ferdinand-ish). . On "Ten Feet of Snow" Emily's soaring vocals push the tune over the top and while this isn't my favorite kind of stuff T.A.D. do it well and jump to near the top of the class. www.popsmearrecords.com ACTION STRASSE- AMERICAN GAS JIVE- SELF RELEASED- Scary photo of some psycho, half nekkid gal on the cover was scary enough and the music…..eh, nothing really special. Basic indie rock with some hooks. It says features members of Zero Boys and The Lemonheads but it ain't Paul Mahern or Evan Dando in this band. www.mftrecords.com BEATEN BY THEM- SIGNS OF LIFE- LOGIC POLE- Spare, arty, mostly instrumental band doing experimental stuff akin to the Dirty Three. I like the Dirty Three but I don't like this. Sounds like ti could be a score to the last David Lynch film. www.someroads.com/logicpole BLAG'ARD- BOBCAT- SELF RELEASED- Joe and Adam make up Blag'ard…I must say, It's a horrible band name but the band is good. This is their debut full-length and while Adam is going all slap happy on the skins, Joe is making his guitar speak new languages while applying liberal amounts of hook to each songs. I hear a bit of Mission of Burma here and there. You go guys! www.blagard.com BLUE MOON RISING- ONE LONELY SHADOW- LONESOME DAY- Foot stomping bluegrass from this Tennessee trio who put their best foot forward with well-written songs and special attention paid to the harmonies. A fine batch of covers on here too with tunes by Springsteen, Townes Van Zandt, Robbie Fulks and others. www.bluemoonrisingband.com BOY EATS DRUM MACHINE- BOOOMBOXXX- TENDER LOVING EMPIRE- A one man mashup of sampled drums, beats, breaks, brashness and maybe bongs too. Jon Ragel is the man and he plays everything on here from tenor sax to turntable and everything in between. This kind of stuff normally drives me nuts but Ragel adds enough tweaked melodies to the mix that I find most of this very listenable. My two faves here are "Planets + Stars" and "Demonic with Horns." www.tenderlovingempire.com BRIGHTON MA- AMATEUR LOVERS- LOOSETOOTH- The band hails from Chicago but main guy Matthew Kerstein is from said Massachusetts town. Plus, a few of these guys (including Kerstein) were in Scotland Yard Gospel Choir but what they have going here is a good thing. Remember those Mendoza Line songs that you loved so much where Tim Bracy sounded like Dylan but they rocked and had pop hooks too? Well, this is a record full of tunes like that. Do not miss AMATEUR LOVERS. www.loosetoothrecords.com CAW! CAW!- WAIT OUTSIDE Ep- SLANTY SHANTY- 3 young cats from the Windy City playing spazzy art pop that wasn't my bag. They do have talent (and I'm not just saying that) but other than the hooky "Organisms" I had a tough time swallowing this. www.slantyshantyrecords.com DON CHAMBERS AND GOAR- ZEBULON- WARM- Athens, GA chap who got pal Patterson Hood (Drive by Truckers) to co-produce this and while some of it isn't unlike the DBT's (especially melodic gems like "Falling off the Edge of the World") other times he creaks a croak that sounds like the Maynard G. Krebs of our times, Tom Waits. Most of the time I can't tell if Chambers is age 30 or 80 and that what I say, keep us guessing Don. CHOP CHOP – SCREENS- ARCH ENEMY- This is basically the work of one woman, Christina Cavanagh , who lays down some off-kilter synth-pop with a bevy of childlike instruments (and some real ones too, like French horn, cello, etc) and had I not heard lots of this stuff (start with Solex) then I'd consider it a masterpiece and as it is it's still good but I have a hard time getting excited about it these days. www.archenemy.com THE CLASS WAR- A CRACK IN THE MASK- SELF-RELEASED- Punchy, modern rock that didn't do a whole lot for me. 5 songs on this ep. www.myspace.com/theclasswarmusic CONSTANT VELOCITY- MUTTONHEAD- MISC MUSIC- Three dudes form Bloomington, Illinois ( the home of State Farm Insurance) create something all over the map from art punk to something that sounds like country music to me (hey, i hear pedal steel) but when the vocalist starts doing this shriek it's pretty awful. Even musically this wasn't my thing but dude please, stop that shriek. www.constantvelocity.net BENJO COSSA'S VAULT- VOL .2 JEWELS AND GEMS- SERIOUS BUSINESS- Terrific low-key pop form a guy who at one point was on magic Marker Records. I think M.M. released volume 1 and here are 19 more pop tunes form Benji who claims inspiration from ELO and George Harrison and who am I to argue. It focuses on the years 2000-2003 and it's a fine addition to any pop collector's collection. www.seriousbusinessrecords.com THE CURSE OF COMPANY- LEO MAGNETSD JOINS A BAND- DANGERBIRD- This is one of the cats from Dappled Cities with some friends doing some wobbly, cascading rock that occasionally reminded me of the Velvets but by songs #3 ("Any Day"), when Sarah Kelly joins in on vocals, it was pure Mazzy Star (some Slowdive in there too). "Homecoming" has some of the chewiest melodies I've heard in ages and when I actually sit still for 45 minutes and sit through this record I really like it. www.dangerbirdrecords.com DANCER VS. POLITICIAN- A CITY HALF-LOST- SELF-RELEASED- German gal named Sanni Baumgaertner who has been based in Athens, GA the past few years (and played with Nikki Sudden whole living in Berlin). She plays accordion, musical saw and guitar and on this 10 song cycle she evokes the spirit of Nico singing for Broadcast (or just Broadcast with their regular singer singing). It's pretty eerie stuff that fits in as we're closing in on Halloween and not the kind of stuff I put on all the time but I do like this for an occasional listen. THE DANDY WARHOLS- …EARTH TO THE DANDY WARHOLS- BEAT THE WORLD- Even on their best day I've only kinda liked the D.W.'s. Yeah, "Not if you were the Last Junkie on Earth" is a great song and I know that Courtney Taylor (sorry, I'm not going to add the other Taylor) can occasionally find the catchiest hook out there but very few are to be found here. Just like their last record, ODDITORIUM OR WARLODS OF MARS they bury most of their songs in self-indulgent crap. Opener "The World Come On" wasn't bad but most of this doesnlt need to be heard. www.dansywarhols.com DARK DARK DARK- THE SNOW MAGIC- BLOOD ONIONS- More of that middle eastern block rock that seems to be all the rage these days. Though, to be fair, this slips into straight folk on several occasions. Still lot of accordion, banjo, cello and upright bass and while it's not something I'd play very often for one listens it was interesting. www.bloodonion.com THE DARK ROMANTICS- HEARTBREAKER- LUJO- I don't think they stole the record title from Ryan Adams solo debut but who knows. This is a few folks form Denison Marrs doing sprawling, cascading rock sometimes in the vein of Mr. Cave and his Bad Seeds. The music is seriously dark and with song titles like "Love & Pain",, "The Death of You", "Never Been Loved", "Hush Your Mouth" and a few others, there's not a lot of happy endings here. www.lujorecords.com DEAD HEART BLOOM- FALL IN KEI- 5 tunes here by this NYC duo (including a guy named Boris Skalsky). Some of it is tense and driving ala British Sea Power ("Come Back") while others are piano based and sound like the fogginess of Suede minus the pomp of Brett. This was quite good. www.deadheartbloom.com EGO SUMMIT- THE ROOM ISN'T BIG ENOUGH- OLD 3C- Columbus, Ohio supergroup of sorts with swarthy folks such as Don Howland (Gibson Bros, Bassholes), Ron House (Great Plains, TJSA, etc.) plus the late Jim Shepard, Tommy Jay and of course Mike "Rep" Hummel. On THE ROOM ISN'T… they bang out some organic rock and roll with an emphasis on guitars. When I was a kid there was a bridge that went from Somers Pt, NJ to Longport, NJ , across the bay, called (by locals) the rickey rackey bridge that always seemed on the verge of falling in. This record reminds me of that bridge and man I really miss that bridge. (4268 Colerain Ave, Columbus, OH 43214) E. JOSEPH AND THE PHANTOM HEART- ALL THE MEDICINE IN THE WORLD- BEECHFIELDS- Supremely melodic tunes in the vein of The Church and occasionally Echo and the Bunnymen from Mr. Edward Joseph Neenan who used to be in power pop faves Splitsville and Myracle Brah. Both "Drifting" and "Pulling Me Under" were soaring tunes well worth repeated listens (as are a few others). Don't miss this! www.thebeechfields.com MARK GEARY- OPIUM- SONA BLAST!- Irish gent who left his homeland in the mid 90's and ended up in NYC armed with some well-placed friends (Geary's brother Karl started Café Sin-e) and a handful of good songs. OPIUM, his third record, is full of confessional, pretty, mostly acoustic tunes that are usually catchy and led by Geary's pleasant voice. "Not on Your Life" is my pick to click here but the whistled intro of "Facin' the Fall" (who does he think he is Axl Rose?) was a nice touch as well. www.sonablast.com GENTLEMAN CALLER- GENTLEMAN CALLER VS THE ELEPHANT- MFT- The cd's cover artwork had me thinking something along the lines of Of Montreal but this Indianapolis band, led by the elusive Kenny Childers (who was in both Mysteries of Life and Velo-Deluxe) with a cast of thousands (or so it seems) are no E-6 bunch. The tunes on here veer from rockin' 60's pop (ala The Kinks) to something a bit more traditional (ie: country-ish). Cuts like "They Found Rita", "The Locusts" and "Honorable Mention" all deserve kudos and encouragement for these guys to record again. www.mftrecords.com GREG GINN AND THE TAYLOR TEXAS CORRUGATORS- GOOF OFF EXPERTS- SST- Well with this and a few other releases, SST Records leader (and leader of Black Flag, Gone, etc.) Ginn has moved to Texas and resurrected the SST label. This release has 10 songs (most clocking in at over the 8 minute mark) but if you are expecting Black Flag like rage then forget it as GOOF OFF EXPERTS is more of a odd funk/psych hybrid that wasn't my bag at all. Still, gotta give it to Ginn for always going against the grain. www.sstsuperstore.com GOOD OLD WAR- ONLY WAY TO BE ALONE- SARGENT HOUSE- Energetic folky stuff from three guys who I assume are punks growing up. Lots of strummy acoustic guitar with soaring vocals and the songwriting is good (not cheesy). 2 of these songs were even recorded in my old stomping ground of Ventnor, NJ so how about that. If you're smart (like I know you are) I'd pick this up. www.sargenthouse.com THE HARD LESSONS- B & G SIDES- QUACK MEDIA- 4 separate volumes here (3 songs each so 12 songs total) by this Ann Arbor, MI band and while everyone else is at the football games on Saturdays this bunch lock themselves In the studio and write well-crafted pop tunes with balls. You can't not like "See and Be Scene" ( I polled 1000 people and everyone loved it) and a few others on here at just as gooey. Get the spork and dig in. www.myspace.com/thehardlessons HEAP- LIVE AT ARLENE'S GROCERY- RAVE ON- This NYC band sent me this record and their ODDBALL full-length and both rip. This is (obviously) the line record and main songwriter Tim Heap probably gets his boys riled up before the gigs by handing them each a bottle of Jack and orders them to "chug!" The music could be called power pop but a tune like "My Band" brings in some country influences. Check these guys out pronto. www.rave-on-records.com TAYLOR HOLLINGSWORTH- BAD LITTLE KITTY- SELF-RELEASED- Alabama hothead who puts the kettle on boil and doesn't let up 'til the whole damn thing evaporates. Was ready to toss this when I'd read White Stripes comparisons (don't like them) but this is so much more. "10 Good Reasons" is my new anthem this week. www.taylorhollingsworth.com I LOVE YOU- DRONE DRUGS AND HARMONY- SELF-RELEASED- I like me some good drone for time to time but this gave me a headache before the first song was over (granted, I already have a headache as I'm home sick from work, but still…). CHRIS KNIGHT- HEART OF STONE- DRIFTER'S CHURCH- Hard livin' (I'm assuming) honky tonk guy who offers up wither serious country tunes that rock or acoustic ballads. I hear a bit of Steve Earle, Creedence , Jon Mellencamp, and others. Not completely my bag but the guy sounds straight from the heart. CHRIS LETCHER- HARMONIUM ep- 2 FEET- South African gentleman who folks raved about after last year's FRIEZE debut (I never heard it) this new ep has 7 songs but only 3 of the mare new as the other 4 are different (inferior?) versions of tunes from FRIEZE. The record has a gentle pop sound that sometimes drifts off into folktronica as well as some odd instrumentation (coke bottles, saw, etc.). Some of it re minded me a bit of The Ruby Suns. Nice. www.2feetmusic.com LOS BLANCOS- JUST THIS ONCE- CASABLANCOS- Funky roots rock that reminded me of Little Feat and was occasionally pleasant and at times occasionally annoying. This kinda stuff isn't generally my bag but a few tunes here had me tapping my foot ("I'll Be Waiting"). www.casablancos.com MARMALADE ARMY- JOHNNY CAKE AND MOONPIES- MODERN ARTISTS- Boston bunch with fake names (Lumpy Peppermint is the guitarist/vocalist/keyboardist) doing the sugary sweet pop thing with a few tunes that are total Beach Boys-soundalikes ("2BW" is one) as well as a couple of XTC-esque tunes and I hear some Herb Albert lite rock here too. Tunes for the next AUSTIN POWERS film? www.myspace.com/marmaladearmy BARTON MCGUIRE- THE STAR MARKET- SELF RELEASED- No time for a long review here as I've gotta hit he can (sorry Barton) but this seems to be pleasant enough folk rock in the Elliott Smith vein. Gentle and melodic and I say seek it out. www.bartonmcguire.com KELLEY MCRAE- HIGHRISES IN BROOKLYN- SONA BLAST- Coffeehouse folk form this NYC via Michigan gal. For the Tori Amos crowd which is to say, not me. www.sonablast.com THE MINOR WHITE- OLD THEATRICS- PRAIRIE QUEEN- Coming fast and furious out of Scranton, PA comes this chamber folk 5-some, The Minor White. 3/5 of the band are multi-instrumentalists plus they add a few members for violin, viola, banjo and the like so the sound is expansive and I hear echoes of my old faves American Music Club on OLD THEATRICS (though not quite as moody). The songs occasionally drift off but it rarely gets boring, on the contrary, the band is talented enough to whip up some tremendous songs here. www.prairiequeenrecords.com THE MOOD- SYNAESTHESIA- OUTRIGHT ROCK RECORDS- NYC 5-piece doing breezy ( but not cheesy) pop with plenty of good melodies to sink your choppers into. A few of my favorite cuts include the terrific "Masquerade' and "Eskimo Scientist." Another tune, "Quarter Century Kid", begins all dark and brooding but before you know it they are smiling and downing the pixie sticks like The Apples in Stereo or something. If you need more sucrose or fructose then this will be perfect for your diet. www.themoodrocks.com MUSEE MECANIQUE- HOLD THIS GHOST- FROG STAND- Portland duo of Sean Ogilvie and Micah Rabwinwho, with a few Portland pals (Laura Gibson, Rachel Blumberg, Jill Coykendall, etc) create the perfect musical version of a sleep perfect mattress with gently picked acoustic guitars, washes of keys and gentle vocals. Ok, so my description might make it sound like folk rock lite but trust me, it is not. If you're tired of the new AC/DC record and need to give your ears a break HOLD THIS GHOST is your next logical step. www.museemecanique.us MY MILKY WAY ARMS- S/T EP- MILKY SYNDICATE- A couple of cats (MilkMan and Tim2K) who've taken one toke over the line spout 5 tunes here that sound like heavenly soundscapes if, that is, heaven were on Mars. Definitely in the Flaming Lips/Mercury rev vein. I can take this stuff in small doses and 5 songs is small enough for me. www.milkysynduication.com THE NEW UP- BROKEN MACHINE ep- SELF RELEASED- Nice 5 song ep here for moody pop form this San Fran bunch led by (the dreadlocked) Emily Pitcher. They reminded me a bit of old Toronto band Chicklet (remember them?) with a bit of Chrissie Hynde's toughness. They're not doing anything super original but when it comes out inc recorded form it sounds wholly original. "Libation" is my pick to click here (but all 5 songs are worth your time). www.thenewup.com THE NIGHT MARCHERS- SEE YOU IN MAGIC- VAGRANT/SWAMI- Not sure if John "Speedo" Reis has been elected the mayor of San Diego yet but I hope they have at least given him a key to the city. Through umpteen million bands (most notably Rocket from the Crypt) he's back with the hard-hitting Night Marchers and this collection of 13 tracks is pretty damn consistent. Among the best are the driving, melodic "I Wanna Deadbeat You", the jangly "Jump in the Fire" and the opener, "Closed for Inventory" and I, for one, is glad to see Reis and company making music once again. www.vagrant.com PERFORMING FERRETS- NO ONE TOLD US- HYPED 2 DEATH- Kent, England was home, for these obscures who did their own jittery version of what was happening in their home country by the likes of Dan Treacy and Mark E. Smith tho' the Ferrets added their own spin on it by adding a dash of The Shaggs. Yes, PHILOSOPHY OF THE WORLD was a big deal to someone in this band and on these 28 tunes they nearly crumble and fall every time but never actually hit the pavement. On the first play I hated this and by the 3rd I was ready to kiss Chuck at H2D for sending it my way. Comes with a nice 12 page booklet with plenty of photos/liners. www.hyped2death.com PLAN 9- MANMADE MONSTER- NICKEL AND DIME- For all intents and purposes, a Misfits tribute band here though 13 of these 16 songs are originals and thus, only 3 Misfits covers (including a fine version of "Teenagers from Mars"). The originals are catchy and are not unlike what you'd heard on WALK AMONG US (good but not that good). If you need your Misfits fix and Danzig ain't doin' it for you then you know where to go. www.nickelanddimerecords.com PLUSHGUN- S/T ep- TOMMY BOY- 4 super catchy synth-pop tunes from a Brooklyn-ite named Dan Ingala. Apparently he has had some acclaim already on THE COLBERT REPORT and there is no denying the catchiness of these 4 tunes. The first one "Just Impolite" should make this guy pretty wealthy (if it hasn't already). POPIDIOT- 1111- SEKSOUND- This bunch hail from, where else Estonia (home of all good pop music) and I was hoping to lie this a lot more since I'd heard really good things about the label. At times they remind me of Men Without Hats (who I used to really like) and they also do a total electronic cover of Yes' "Owner of a Lonely Heart." My jury is still out on this cd. www.seksound.com PRETTY GOOD DANCE MOVES- EP- SELF RELEASED- Jimmy and Genevieve both sing (Jimmy also plays guitar) while Aaron handles the synths and other instruments and while they're no St. Etienne these three can still off up some entrancing melodies and get, iof not my butt, at least my foot shakin'. "PGDM" and "States of Mind" are my two faves here. www.myspace.com/prettygooddancemoves PROUD SIMON- NIGHT OF CRIMINALS- SELF RELEASED- Terrific pop band outta Brooklyn, NY that add some of country's finest elements (that ever-present pedal steel, an instrument I love) and led by the stellar songwriting of Brian Keenan. The band has been around 5 years but have kept a low profile and I think this is lp #3 (along with 2 eps) and the terrific songs just keep coming one after another. Put this band on your to do list (as in one thing to do it buy the cd!). www.proudsimon.com ROGUE MOTEL- DAYLIGHT BREAKING- SELF RELEASED- Had never heard of this bunch before but they hail from, here in Portland (I really need to get out more). The main songwriter, matt Kendall has a unique voice a bit road weary sounding while other times sounding peppy and radio ready. The music is moody rock with some country leanings (they do a Townes van Zandt cover) and much of this is good. My personal faves were the epic "Garden" and the REM-ish "Long Enough." www.roguemotel.com SCREWIE LOUIE AND THE PETTY MERCHANTS- DIARY OF A VIOLENT CLOWN- MUSICA LOCA- I didn't even like this a little bit. www.violentclown.com RICHARD SNOW- S/T- SIDE B- The Side B label has released some fine pop music that I have recently discovered this year and here is another one. Nottingham, England is the home of Robin Hood and Richard Snow, a Beach Boys fanatic who has made a rather impressive record here. On "Coming Soon (Going So Fast)" he sounds like The High Llamas doing the Beach Boys while "Spiral" has that near-perfect McGuinn jangle and "Girls on the Tube" is even peppier. If you've read this far then you know what your next move should be. www.sidebmusic.com THAT HANDSOME DEVIL- A CITY DRESSED IN DYNAMITE- LGM- This is one of those very eclectic records that if I was more open-minded I might dig. It hops from hip hop to loungey kinda stuff to more noir-ish gunk to rock and back again. The vocalist at times sounds like a goofier Tom Waits mixed with Danny Elfman and the music is unique and is well done, it's just not my bag. Though I did love the cool surf lick on "Cry." www.myspace.com/thathandsomedevil THAT'S MY DAUGHTER- IT TAKES TUNA TANGO- SELF RELEASED- St Louis bunch who are friends with Bunnygrunt and got Sex Robots Mario Viele to produce here. They cram 9 songs in 21 minutes on this disc and that's a ok with me. I love records like this! They sound a bit like Bunnygrunt or like early Donna too which is to say cool harmonies and lotsa guitar fuzz. "I Fell" is my fave here but all 9 songs are worthy. www.myspace.com/thatsmydaughter FELIX VAN DIJK- TUMBLING YEARS- VANMANMUSIC- I assume he was European and while he may he lives in NYC and creates some of the most finger-snapping, gentle pop I've heard in ages. And if I'm to believe what I've read he got Paul McCartney to contribute some chords to one of the tunes (??!!). The guy obviously has friends in high places but one listen to lovely pop tunes like "Forever in my Heart", "Barefoot in the Sand" or "This Lullaby" you'll know that famous friends or not, the guy has talent. www.felixvandijk.com BRICE WOODALL + THE POSITRONS- SINE WAVE SEA- AEMMP- More of that woozy, textured Radiohead rock that so many bands have been doing the last few years. It sounds ok but god, would it kill them to put a hook here and there. I was fast asleep by the end. www.bricewoodall.com YELL COUNTY- A REAL FINE HOLE- SELF RELEASED- Washington, DC trio who go for a crunchy pop sound that's economical yet punchy in the all the right places. Leader Joel Maupin (who grew up in Yell County, Arkansas) cites bands like The Jam and Buzzcocks as influences and it shows as I find plenty of hooks on here. Dig into "Here's Your Chance" and "Buried Standing Up" first. www.yell-county.com OCTOBER 2008 EEF BARZELAY- LOSE BIG- 429- As leader of Clem Snide, Barzelay turned in a few records full of witty, erudite pop and 2006'ws BITTE HONEY was a more than capable solo debut. On LOSE BIG he opens with a Neil Young-ish guitar workout which doesn't suit him. When he sticks to the more gentle stuff, like "Song for Batya" or "The Girls Don't Care" he's on more familiar ground. www.429records.com THE CAPSTAN SHAFTS- FIXATION PROTOCOLS- RAINBOW QUARTZ- Ok, the guy might get the nod for the worst interview in DAGGER history (worst email one anyway) but he can write some cool n' catchy little 2 minute (or less) pop nuggets. Much in the same way that Bob Pollard too the classic rock song and whittled it down to a minute and 30 seconds of nothing but the chewiest parts, well Dean Wells has done the same. He has a lot of records out ,you really should hear some of them. www.rainbowquartz.com THE CRASH- PONY RIDE- RYKODISC- Leaders in sheer wackiness, these cats hail from Finland and I'm, guessing they don't know any better. Aping the Average White Band (or Climax Blues Band) might be cool in their home country but no one gave them the news. It's catchy and I finally myself strangely attracted to it (even when he's singing "Chicka boom, chicka boom, chicka boom boom boom"). www.rykodisc.com ROB DICKINSON- FRESH WINE FOR THE HORSES- SANCTUARY/FONTANA- I like the review in ROCTOBER where Jake referred to him as Rob's dick-is-gone. This is a re-release of the Catherine Wheel's dude's solo debut (issued just a few years ago). It's mostly full of melodic, swaying piano ballads while a bonus 2nd cd offers up 6 Catherine Wheel tunes done acoustically. www.robdickinson.com DISARRAY- EDGE OF MY DEMISE- INNER VOID- Isn't it funny that just by the lettering you can tell it's a speed metal record. These guys hail from Dickson, TN, a place I'm guessing there's not a lot to do, except form a speed metal band. Dedicated to the memory of Dimebag Darrell. www.disarrayonline.com EDDY CURRENT SUPPRESION RING- PRIMARY COLORS- GONER- The name is a real mouthful (try saying it with a mouthful of marbles) but these Aussie chaps are no halfwits. Instead they take the best parts of their record collection (Stooges, Modern Lovers, Swell Maps, etc.) and decide to let it stay out in the hot sun and melt it all together. Then pick it up and burn their hand. That is what this sounds like and if I need to spell it out for you, GET IT. www.goner-records.com BRYAN ESTEPA- SUNDAY BEST- POP BOOMERANG- More of that fantastic breezy pop from thus Aussie guy. I really dig his previous record, ALL THE BELLS AND WHISTLES and this is at least its equal. He names on song "Carl Wilson" so you know at least one of his influences but he adds a slight but of twang to the tunes too so he might even name a song "Roger McGuinn" one day. www.popboomerang.com FEISTY PIRANHAS- THE END- SELF-RELEASED- L.A. bunch who contain a father (on drums) and his very large , mohawked son (on guitar/vocals) who go for a streamlined pop/punk sound that is perfect for the Warped Tour (where they have played). This also includes a live dvd as well so you get a lot of bang for your buck here. www.thefeistypiranhas.com JON FOREMAN- SUMMER EP- CREDENTIAL RECORDINGS- Apparently this guy was the singer for Switchfoot ,a band I have heard of but never heard. I guess that band played Christian rock and while I have not listened closely to the lyrics here I do see some songs titles that would fit in that as well ("Resurrect Me", "The House of God Forever"). On here is 6 decent little pop tunes, some folkier than other but all with a good pop sensibility. At ties his voice gets a bit too overly earnest on us (like on "Deep in Your Eyes") but otherwise this wasn't bad. www.credentialrecordings.com GET HELP- THE END OF THE NEW COUNTRY- MIDRIFF- Tony from The Beatings and his pal Mike decide to turn things down, if just a bit, and create some unique sounding pop. They split the vocals on the songs and I think dig Tony's deep croon more than Mike softer bellow but they each have their own sound. I hear some of the poppier Built to Spill especially on cuts like "All Else Fails" and "Red Jacket Orchards." Well done gentlemen. www.midriffrecords.com ICY DEMONS- MIAMI ICE- OBEY YOUR BRAIN- This is a genre-defying duo from Chicago, namely Chris Powell from Man Man and Griffin Rodriguez from Bablicon doing wacked-out dance party music. The whole thing is so tweaked that you'll be scratching your head the whole time but there some truly amazing bits of music hear and I think it's needs to be heard as whole so skip THE HILLS this week and place MIAMI ICE during the coveted 8:00-8:30 slot. www.obeyyourbrain.com IF I HAD A HI FI- FAME BY PROXY- LATEST FLAME- Muffled, murky, angular post rock with jerky rhythms and a general sense of reckless abandon. I hear lots of energy but not much in the way of tunes. Back to the drawing board guys. www.latestflame.com JONNY RUMBLE- ALMOST DEAD- SELF RELEASED- This is a cdr so only part of it played in my cd player. These Chicago cats seems to take bits of each decade of rock and whip them up into their own stew. At times sounding a bit like Social Distortion and other times like some greased-out rockabilly band. It's not great or anything but not bad. www.myspace.com/jonnyrumble SOPHIA KOH- ALL SHOOK UP- INFIDELITY- Aussie (Melbourne to be exact) singer-songwriter with a truly lovely voice and a real knack for the pop hook. Most of this is on the folky side but occasionally it peps up and goes more pop (like on "He Found Out"). She has also done work with the Finn Bros (Crowded House) and Go-Betweens too. www.sophiekoh.com LAIKA & THE COSMONAUTS- COSMOPOLIS- YE PROC- The greatest Finnish surf band that ever existed is calling it a day. Sad news for fans of the band (like me). These guys have been around for 20 years and decided to go out in a high note, with this 27 track collection of both released and unreleased tracks. Calling them simply a "surf band" is actually not doing them justice ad their genre-defying tunes are usually pretty astounding. Still, COSMOPOLIS, is a perfect addition to your collection whether you're a longtime fan or a newcomers. Thanks for the 20 years. www.yeproc.com LOVE YOU MOON- WAXWANE- SARGENT HOUSE- Solo record from Rx Bandits guy Matt Embree. Can't tell you jack about the RX Bandits but I have heard of them. On here the folk-punk tunes rock n' bend with Embree's voice , which has a lot of anger mixed in. I have no ideas what he's singing about but who cares, it's passionate and occasionally catchy and that's good enough for me. LOXLY- FLASHLIGHTS EP- SELF-RELEASED- Not bad, these Austin, TX go for a sort of hazy pop sound, kinda akin to what Mercury Rev is doing but not that grand. Vocalist voice even sounds a little like Jonathan Donohue. My fave here is "Chopper" but all 4 tunes are at least decent. www.loxsly.com THE MANIKINS- CROCODILES- FULL BREACH KICKS- Super catchy , gooey garage punk from Sweden (of all places). These guys take their cues from The Saints, Clash, The Jam as well as modern day punk like The Exploding Hearts (rip) and The Marked Men. It might be a familiar sound but the songs are too good to ignore and I wished I'd discovered them earlier (this is their 4th record). www.fullbreach77.com MARION SQUARE- DRAW THE LINE- SELF-RELEASED- Singer-songwriter stuff from Louisville, KY that goes from lite rock to piano ballads . The vocalist, McCall Cruse has quite a range and at times her voice sound gorgeous while the rest of the band are excellent players. Not always my cuppa tea but I have a feeling they'll be huge one day. www.marionsquaremusic.com THE MAY FIRE- THE LIST- SELF-RELEASED- Dissonant yet catchy post-rock (if that makes any sense) from San Fran. They have a slight Sonic Yoof vibe on a few tunes but it's way more polished than that. .like they're dying to get signed, which they probably are. Nothing wrong with that but not my bag at all. www.themayfire.com MOCK ORANGE- CAPTAIN LOVE- WEDNESDAY- Midwestern blokes who have been around for a decade and while what I'd heard previously did not impress me on CAPTAIN LOVE they got for a more ambitious pop sound and prove why they do indeed have a load of talent. Cuts like "Smile On" and "World of Machines" offer up tasty pop hooks with off-kilter vocals (and time changes) and I hear bits of SGT PEPPERS as well as the quirkier bits of The Shins. This is terrific. www.wednesdayrecoords.com RUMI- YOUR TIME WILL COME- HANGING MOON- This band calls Roslyn, NY home and on this, their latest ep (6 songs) they offer up some solid roc/pop. Nothing earth-shattering here jut well-written tunes w/ hooks. If I had to compare them I'd say they sound a bit like Nada Surf (who they cite as an influence). "Broke Record" is my pick to click here. www.yourtimewillcome.com SHELLEY SHORT- WATER FOR THE DAY- HUSH- One of the problems with getting cds that don't come in jewel cases is that they get lost or misplaced. That is what happened to this and it's a shame as this is damn good. Shelley is a Portland musician who, like Norfolk and Western, have a quiet reverence for the time when country music was good. She has a gorgeous voice (that occasionally reminds me of Neko Case, especially on the opener) and a terrific musical cast and one listen and I'm sure you'll agree, WATER FOR THE DAY is a winner. www.hushrecords.com THE SHYS- YOU'LL NEVER UNDERSTAND THIS BAND THE WAY I DO- AERONAUT- This record runs the gamut from half-baked boogie rock (ala Black Crowes) on "The Hangman" to some decent Oasis-ish pop on a tune like "She's Already Gone." The good times/tunes are few and far between and to me The Shys are usually left treading water. www.aeronautrecords.com ALINA SIMONE- EVERYONE IS CRYING OUT TO ME, BEWARE- 54 50 OR FIGHT- This smokey ,folky record is Alina doing noir-ish covers of Yanka Dyagileva, "Siberian punk-folk singer" (who apparently drowned in the early 90's. It sounds like a Nico record if Nico sung in Russian. I'm sure it's revelatory to some, this wasn't my bag at all. www.fiftyfourfortyorfight.com STONEY CLOVE LANE- STAY WITH ME- WOODSTOCK MUSIC WORKS- Swampy hippy folk from two guys who hail from Woodstock. This is their third record and while I did like the melodic title track most of this left me feeling pretty limp. www.woodstockmusicworks.com STS9 (SOUND TRIBE SECTOR 9)- PEACEBLASTER- Ugh…make it stop. TRIPSITTER- CALIFORNIA SON- SIDE B- I was expecting something along the lines of poppy, punky Beach Boys-esque stuff akin to Honeyrider or Travoltas but this was a lot less hooky than that. Some of this is more like the cheesy Beach Boys of the "Getcha Back" era. Side B has released some terrific stuff but this isn't one of them. www.sidebmusic.com WINDMILL- PUDDLE CITY RACING LIGHTS- FRIENDLY FIRE- Windmill is the band name of Londoner Matthew Thomas Dillon and on this, his proper debut (but apparently he has record tons of stuff o n his 4-track) is full of the swooping orchestral grand pop that bands like Mercury Rev and Flaming Lips have perfected but I think I might like Windmill more than either of them. Give the epic "Plastic Pre-Flight Seats" a listen, or "Boarding Lounges." You can't help but applaud his far-reaching ambition and ,more often than not, he usually grabs that gold ring he is aiming for. Superb. www.friendlyfirerecordings.com YUPPIE PRICKS- BALLS- CHICKEN RANCH- Austin, TX miscreants who are keeping the punk flag flying with over-the-top tunes like "Fuck You, I'm Rich" (a Chumps cover), "Donkey Show", "Loser", and the like. They have the good sense to cover The Buzzcocks and Big Boys and mock a Black Crowes cd cover. Definite DK's influence here (especially in the vocals). www.chickenranchrecords.com SEPTEMBER 2008 BRILLIANT FANZINE- THEN COMES MONDAY- POP BOOMERANG- couple of ex-pats from the UK named Matt and Chris split England for the land of Oz and put together Brilliant Fanzine. The band, a 7-piecem carefully construct epic, melodic workouts with gorgeous, haunting vocals and twinkling melodies all over the place. I'm actually surprised they aren't huge by now (and maybe in Australia they are???). Another winner from the always reliable Pop Boomerang. www.popboomerang.com DREAM BITCHES- COKE-AND-SPIRITERS- RIYL- NYC bunch who evoke the spirit of those cool girl-led mid 90's pop bands like Go Sailer and Tiger Trap (and some Kimya Dawson on the folkier tracks). Back in the 90's bands like these we all over the place but that scene pretty much dried up (or went even more underground). I dig these gals songs and I dig definitely their spirit. Cuts like "Maniacal Mechanic" and "Bad Luck Bill" will stick in your noggin but good. (PO Box 2318 Times Sq. Station NY, NY 10108) FRISBEE- REDISCOVERY- FRISBEE MUSIC- Aaron Frisbee hails from Louisville, KY had definitely listened to plenty of A.O.R. 70's stuff. The guy can write a good melody and is a very talented musician (he plays a lot of piano on this, among other things) but I found a lot of REDISCOVERY a bit too over-produced for my liking. Still, if melodic piano pop ala John Lennon (or Elliott Smith) is your bag then you'll love this. www.frisbeemusic.com 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. 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. "Your Only Son" is flat out gorgeous and the banjo on "If Only I Knew" was a nice touch. From start to finish the songwriting is strong and remember, Jeff did not get a female vocalist to join him here. www.killrockstars.com THE IMPRINTS- MARVELOUS ESCAPE –SELF-RELEASED- Wow, impressive, clean. crisp, well-recorded pop from a local band I've never heard of. The opening tune, "Swim or Drown" was sure impressive (always a good idea to put your best song first, I think) but the rest of the disc holds up and well with easy-on-the-ears melody and the smooth vocals of main guy Rob Stroup. Of course if they put the pedal to the metal they can do that too ("Ill Fated Plan"). Sure hope they're still around. www.theimprints.com MUDDY RIVER NIGHTMARE BAND- POLISH THIS- LAST CHANCE- This Portland band of old fogeys (like me) describe themselves as old , fat angry and drunk and I can dig that. One of their influences on their myspace site is Turbonegro and that is the band that these guys remind me most of. The opener "Go" is balls to the wall, like the kinda stuff I was weaned on and "Best Days" sounds like nardcore from days of yore. Next time this band plays I do plan on being there. www.lastchancerecords.com ONLY MAKEBELIEVE- MESSSAGE FROM A MOCKINGBIRD- GREEN TREE- Wow, this duo from Ohio of Sam ( the bald one) and Wyatt (the one with the crazy sideburns) are definitely patient. This record 4 years in the making, is as ambitious as a pop records gets on an indie budget (but hey, the sound quality is good). They recall bands like XTC, The Beatles (of course) and other trippier stuff (Jellyfish) . The soaring "Rayna's Smile", the majestic "Sunflower", the rockin' Lost Time" and the epic "Backstab." The record will definitely take plenty of spins to really sink in as there is lots going on here but give it the time it deserves and yes, you will be rewarded (especially if you're as big a fan of melodic pop as I am). www.myspace.com/only1makebelieve THE PHARAOHS OF RHYTHM- SIGNS OF LIFE- SELF-RELEASED - Mpls trio going for the progressive sound and while some of it reminded me of early Rush (2112 baby!) I have to say I still wasn't impressed. www.pharaohsofrhythm.com PROFESSOR LOUIE & THE CROWMATIX – THE SPIRIT OF WOODSTOCK- WOODSTOCK-Live record from the NY State Museum where this bunch tackles 16 covers including plenty by The Band and Bob Dylan. They also do Springsteen's "Atlantic City" and other artists I had not heard of. I dug their version of "The Night they Drove Old Dixie Down" (killer horn section) . never heard of this cat professor Louie but sounds like he puts on a good show. www.woodstockrecords.com QUITZOW- ART COLLEGE- YOUNG LOVE- Classically trained musician Erica Quitzow could have done a lot of things but on this, her 2nd record she decided to mess w/ your punk rock head. She goes more the electronic route and I do hear some Solex in here (as the press release says) but I'd dig it more if she did at least a few straight-ahead numbers instead of always going for the "I'm weird and wacky" aesthetic. In a certain mood I could dig most of this but hey, I'm tired and hungry right now. www.youngloverecords.com THE RAMBLIN' AMBASSADORS- VISTA CRUISER COUNTRY SQUIRE- MINT- Hailing from Calgary , Canada I'm guessing these cats never stepped foot on a surfboard in the lives but that doesn't stop them from creating some bad ass surf music. Take equal parts The Ventures, Calexico, Link Wray and Southern Culture on the Skids and presto, you have The Ramblin' Ambassadors. Classic tunes like "Cecilia Ann", "Kamikaze" and "Camino Real" will make you a believer. Believe it. www.mintrecs.com RICKY LEE ROBSINSON- SECRET LOVE TRACKS- SELF-RELEASED- Oakland via New jersey dude who wears a pressed white suit and plays the guitar while stomping the drums too (like my pal The Slow Poisoner) and he plays a swampy, gritty ,bluesy rock with some touches of country and folks too. I really dig about half of this. A few of my faves were the CCR meets AC/DC groove of the title track, the acoustic lament "Darling if He Drops You" and the pretty piano pop of "Day Dreamer." I honestly like to see how he pulls if all off live. www.rickyleerobinson.com SAFETYSUIT- LIFE LEFT TO GO- UNIVERSAL MOTOWN- I guess these are the new breed of boy bands. Instead of following in the footsteps of Justin Timberlake and Joey Fatone these guys are aping U2 with anthemic tunes and a radio-ready approach. Not my bag but they could have done a lot worse. www.universalrecords.com THE SAINT ALVA CARTEL- S/T- STOMP- Like a more radio-friendly Rancid (who themselves are a watered down Clash). At times they go for a Dropkick Murphy's sorta stomp. I dig the occasional horns but at times I wanna shoot the singer. But then I'd have to go to jail and I don't want to do that. www.stomprecords.com SETTING SUN- CHILDREN OF THE WORLD- YOUNG LOVE- This is one of those records that is all over the map and some of the songs I love and some I wouldn't mind never hearing again. The record opens with "What We Wanted' ,a downbeat Appalachian folk tune while other tunes like "How Long" and "Overjoyed' are as bouncy as all get out. "Carry Me Away' is on the sad side too but with some crying violin (or that might be a keyboard?). I'm torn over this record 'cos as I said the songs I love I really love. I was gonna out it in the sell pile but no, I'm keeping this one. www.youngloverecords.com SHAKERMAKER- S/T- SELF-RELEASED- 11 songs from this Chapel Hill, NC quartet who reminded me a bit of the Pernice Brothers with their pop sensibility and the vocalist's (not sure who the singer is) breathy pipes but they also toss in some St. Pepper's –isms on the terrific "Sunday Ladies" and add some fantastic pedal steel on "Somewhere Warm." Well done guys. www.shakermaker.org SHAKE SOME ACTION- SUNNY DAYS AHEAD- SATELLITE 451- Wasn't prepared for the more rock sound on this as I fell in love with this Seattle's band's debut last year. The opening two tunes have more of a crunchy Kinks vibe to them (and I love the Kinks) which wasn't bad (an took me a while to take to the record but I now dig it) but I like this band when they offer up the more jingle jangle tunes like "Hurry Up" and "I Don't Want to Talk About It." Still leader James Hall and his cohorts have taken another step in the right direction. www.satellite451.com THE SLANTS- SLANTED EYES, SLANTED HEARTS- SELF-RELEASED- Asian new wave dance band from Portland that I'd never heard of before. The stuff is catchy a all get out and has a unique sound to it with all kinds of crazy synthesizers (or maybe it's just one). I'll bet they're a blast live. www.inmusicwetrust.com THE SOLIPSISTICS- SELECTED AND UNCOLLECTED RECORIDNGS- FRIGIDISK- I had never heard this band before but they are led by a pop lovin' chap named Jeffrey Owen McGregor and Jon Brion even co-wrote a few tracks here. The sound is fairly ambitious pop. I'm trying to think of someone I could compare it to and I'm drawing a blank right now but most of the song are good and it's produced by Earle Mankey so there. www.frigidick.com BEN SOLLEE- LEARNING TO BEND- THIRTY TIGERS- Young folky blues cat cello player who, if I hadn't seen photo of him wouldn't be sure if he was 20 or 60 years old. He sure sounds authentic and he has been getting lots of positive press lately and with good reason. The guy is a natural talent and deserves it. "Bury Me with my Car" is awesome THE UP SET- MAKING A CONNECTION WITH THE GROUND- WORKAHOLICS ON HOLIDAY!- 6 songs from Baltimorean K.B. Blankston and his crew that fit firmly in the indie rock/pop tradition of bands like Butterglory or The Sprites. The hooks are there and while it took me a little while to appreciate KB's voice (kinda nasally) it certainly wasn't bad. Kinda reminded me of the old days (a good thing). www.bsbta.com/workaholics WALTER MEEGO- VOYAGER- ALMOST GOLD- From the same label that brought us Peter, Bjorn and John comes a Chicago duo doing dancy, spazzy synth pop that occasionally hits but more often than not annoyed me (that beginning of "Girls" was awful). Occasionally they hit a Pet Shop Boys/Air groove that I could get behind ("More Than I Can Say") but usually this type of music isn't my bag. www.almostgoldrecordings.com THE WEEKS- COMEBACK CADILLAC- ESPERANZA PLANTATION- Jackson, Miss is the home of these southern rock freaks who can bring forth some good loud energy and do a good job of mixing things up a bit as they go from straight garage to acoustic to umm…southern rock (no Skynyrd covers though). Vocalist Cyle Barnes seems like he has some charisma on a good night. YOUNG SPORTSMEN- IF YOU WANT IT- UNSMASHABLE- I guess this band has been garnering some rave reviews in their hometown of Seattle and with good reason, they can write some classic power pop with hooks, melody , tension…..basically the whole shebang. Plus, I really like vocalist Wesley Nelson's voice. "Sunday in Dresden" is a total classic as are a few others. I hear they have a previous record out, I'd better get on the stick and look for it. www.youngsportsmen.com V/A- KOHALIK JA KOHATU VOL. 2: A COMPILATION OF ESTONIA INDEPENDENT MUSIC- SEKSOUND- Wow, I had no idea there were so many indie bands in Estonia! My faves were the more rockin' pop of Ans Andur and the wacked , indescribebable pop of Orelipoiss. www.seksound.com V/A- DAN IN REAL LIFE SOUNDTRACK- VIRGIN- Never saws the movie but on the cover of this has Steve Carrell lying cheek down on a stack of pancakes and I like most of movies too. Plus suave Swede Sondre Lerche does the soundtrack and he's like a rich man's Jens Lekman or Jens Lekman is more like a poor man Sondre Lerche. Either way you'll want to hear it. V/A- THIS CITY OF NEIGHBORHOODS: A BEECHFIELDS RECORD LABEL COMPILATION- THE BEECHFIELDS- Terrific 15 song sampler from the very worthy Beechfields label that features all exclusive tracks except one. You have winners on here like the low-key pop of Infinite Honey, the even low-keyer Private Eleanor and the even more mellow Among Wolves (first time I had heard them). The Red Vines pep things up a bit with some cool organ and shuffling drums. Other tunes by The Seldom Plan, The Honest Mistakes and Pupa's Window. Unlike a lot of label samplers, this is definitely not some throwaway as the guys at the label worked hard on creating a keeper. www.thebeechfields.com AUGUST 2008 BEANGROWERS- NOT IN A MILLION LOVERS- MINTY FRESH- I gotta hand it to the Minty Fresh label, they have been branching out and signing quite a few bands lately. This trio of 2 guys and 1 goil actually hail from the Isle of Malta and they have a dark sound that is occasionally dancey. Like if Ian Curtis was singing for St Etienne or something. This one didn't do a lot for me. www.mintyfresh.com BILL BONDSMEN- SWALLOWED BY THE WORLD- DEAD BEAT- Pisssed n' paranoid Cleveland bunch who play punk rock that verges on metal (especially in the vocal dept, if that makes any sense). Dead Beat Records is known for their talent but these guys need to be sent back down to the minors. www.dead-beat-records.com BLACKLIST UNION- BREAKIN' BREAD WITH THE DEIL- BLUE- A bunch of ridiculous looking Motley Crue types make a record full of…..hard rock songs. And not very good ones at that. Yeah, there's hooks but the tunes are about as predictable as they come. www.blacklistunion.com THE BRIXTON RIOT- SUDDEN FICTION- TABBYCAT- Wow…only 5 songs by this NJ quartet but they are 5 damn good songs! They sound like a perfect mixture of the guts n' determination of The Jam (or The Clash) mixed with the vulnerability of say, The Replacements. "Battle of the Band" is one of my songs of the year so far but all 5 tunes here are well done. Can't wait for the full-length! www.myspace.com/thebrixtonriot BRAD BROOKS- SPILL COLLATERAL LOVE- MOUTH MAGIC- Bay Area guy who, with the help of a Mother Hips, goes for the grandest of the grand and makes a musical statement here. While tickling the ivories Brooks and his crack musical cast bring to mind the tunes of Queen, The Left Banke, XTC and another Bay Area band of posters, Jellyfish. Drape tunes like "Ex-Stripper Librarian:", "The Loon of Altitude" and the tender piano ballad, "Francis of Alaska." It's grand, ambitious and pretentious and not to be missed. www.brad-brooks.com THE CARTRIDGE FAMILY- SHINE LIKE A BOTTLE- DOUBLE NAUGHT- Nawth Cackalackwey 4-piece and all 4 of them write so you get a nice little mix of tunes n' styles here. They seem like they enjoy having a good time as the opener "Party at my House" might suggest while "So Much" is probably a real crowd pleaser in the live setting. Like the Drive by Truckers they proudly fly their southern roots and also like DBT's they have the tunes to back it up. Their mouths write songs that their bodies can cash. So there. www.double-naught.com CINDERPOP- A LESSON IN SCIENCE- SELF-RELEASED- Really enjoyed this band's last record, 2005's THEIER SKIES ARE BEAUTIFUL that was released on the Bongo Beat label and this is just as a good, if not better. They aren't afraid to mix different pop styles which wipes out any boredom that might come from a record where all the songs sound similar. Leader Kevan Ellis is definitely one of those guys in the "doesn't-get-enough-respect-as-a-songwriter category. Do not miss this one folks. www.cinderpop.com THE COAST- EXPATRIATE- APORIA- These Canadians seem to be aiming for the big time on this, their latest cd. The songs ride that tightrope between tension and melody but when they break out and go big they come off as a mini U2. The tunes are radio friendly but not cheesy and a handful of these are terrific. www.aporia-records.com FACTS ABOUT FUNERALS- LOVE SONGS AND FUNERAL HOMES- EVANGELINE- This San Francisco band, led by Rob Sharp, may have a band name that depicts sadness (and Sharp lost both of his folks and sisters all in a 2 month period) but the record isn't all doom and gloom. Sure most of the rhythms are slow and steady and his voice has dashes of The Marks (Eitzel and Kozelek) but the melodies are surprisingly sprightly on this. "Cartwheels' and "Lousy Kisser" are both gorgeous. Sharp dug down deep and LOVE SONGS AND FUNERAL HOMES is the stronger for it. www.factsaboutfunerals.com FIREFOX AK- IF I WERE A MELODY- MINTY FRESH- I reviewed her debut last year (MADAME MADAME ) and really dig it so here is the 2nd record from Firefox AK (aka Andrea Kellerman) a Swede living in Germany and this is more dancey and less synth-poppy. Not a bad thing in and of itself but not altogether my bag. www.mintyfresh.com GRENADIER- S/T- SELF-RELEASED- 8 tunes here by this Illinois bunch and while on the opener, "Tolerance" , they sound a bit like Elvis Costello (especially in the vocals…"Poor Little baby' does a bit too) the rest of the record sounds like a more aggressive Guided By Voices (and I'd even have to say that "Ghost Child' approaches metal). Grenadier definitely has good taste. www.myspace.com/grenadier HERE COMES EVERYBODY- THE VERONICA PROJECT- REFRIGERATOR- Michael and Rene Jarmer have apparently been at it in this band for over 2 decades so you have to give them credit for that. Most of this is bouncy piano pop in the Ben Folds tradition which isn't my favorite but I can listen to occasionally. I did love the harmonies on "Sherpa" and the lyrics to "Vodka" (lotsa unique uses of the f-word). DOUG HOEKSTRA- BLOOMING ROSES- WINGDING- The stark photographs on the cover and inside seem to tell tales of loneliness and Hoekstra fits that bill. He has been around for quite some time with plenty of records to his name though this is the first I have heard him. He seems to blend a myriad of styles and do them all well, whether he is offering up spare folk on "Acquired Taste' or breezy pop of the title track or driving pop of "Your Sweet Love" the guy has a lot hiding in his bag of tricks and he seems to excel at them all. His voice doesn't always hit the low notes but that's a minor quibble. www.wingdingrecords.com MIKEY JUKEBOX- INSATIABLE ep- YOUNG LION OF THE WEST- I'll tell you what, if you're going to call yourself Mikey Jukebox you'd damn well better be able to deliver the tunes and this guy does. He sorts comes off as an Elvis Costello with less anger which I guess could be like a Matthew Sweet with more bite. "Baby Baby Baby" is definitely jukebox worthy. www.mikeyjukebox.com THE LOVELY SPARROWS- BURY THE CYNICS- ABANDONED LOVE- Well, it sounded like it was gonna be up my alley when the press sheet compared them top Belle & Sebastian, Nick Drake and Neutral Milk Hotel (among others) but the record falls far short of that . Leader Shawn Jones sounds like he has some talent and I really wanted to like this but I was simply bored. I did enjoy the piano-based "Department of Forseeable Outcomes." www.abandonedloverecords.com NATHAN MOOMAW- 26- GAZEBO MUSIC- At the ripe old age of 26 this guy decided to write a song a month for a year. The first song is called "April", the second is "May" and so on (he didn't start in January like you might think). The guy writes haunting folks songs (ala Damien Jurado) with some spooky instrumentation. I think there is a theremin in there thought it could be kettle boiling (in "June")? Not sure if this is Moomaw's 1st for 10th record but he's onto something here. www.moomaw.info THE TAKEOVER UK- IT'S ALL HAPPENING- RYKO- First off they hail from Pittsburgh, PA not the UK so already they're messing with your heads. Only 5 tunes here but truth be told they do sound more British than American as I hear echoes of Franz Ferdinand tho' bit op' Cheap Trick do pop ion from time to time as well. My pick to click here is "Ah La La" tho' all 5 tunes are worth hearing. www.rykodisc.com TEA FOR JULIE- THE SENSE IN TYING KNOTS- SELF-RELEASED- Had no idea these guys were from Portland as I've heard very little about them but in much the same way that The Dimes have captured the hearts of the city's pop aficionados so have TFJ. Though this is only record #2 they seem to have an overflow of confidence (and smarts) and cuts like the fuzzy "Pollyanna" and the heartfelt, jangly "I Was if You" show them to be hard workers as well. Hard work always pays off. www.teaforjulie.net TEAM ROCKIT- ROCKIT SCIENCE- FIRETONE- They have been around for a while and have a slew of releases out but this is the first I've heard of them,. To me this just sounded like generic rock complete with meathead riffs and wanky guitar solos. Not my bag. www.teamrockit.com THE THIRD MEN- BOOST- SELF-RELEASED- Omaha, Nebraska is a place I have never been to but for a place that I would imagine to be a wasteland (which I'm sure it's not)a lot of good music comes out of there. This 5-piece take different cues than the rest of the city and seem like they were weaned on gunk like Todd Rundgren , Cheap Trick and maybe even some Badfinger too. "Happy As Larry' is 70's pop of the highest order while they delves even further back, the 60's , on the classic "What a Day (to call it a day)" (love that organ!!). If you're having a bad day give yourself a boost (har har) and give this a listen. www.thethirdmen.com FRED THOMAS- FLOOD- MAGIC MARKER- I had heard this described as a "weird' release from the leader of pop outfit Saturday Looks Good to Me and while they aren't pop songs in the traditional sense it's not a batch of swirling, unlistenable noise either. For all of the gentle tracks like the title track or "Little Songs" there are also more frenzied tunes like "There Was a Flood" or "Re Dream." www.magicmarkerrecords.com TOTIMOSHI- MILAGROSA- VOLCOM- This Bay Area bunch who are an amalgam of metal, metal and prog , are certainly technically proficient (and got Helmet's Page Hamilton to produce here) but I was bored by all this. No riff rawk for me. www.volcoment.com THE TRANSPORT ASSENMBLY- IMPROBABLE SONGS- SELF RELEASED- Young cats from Seattle with lots of Pixies and Sonic Yoof records in their collection. This didn't float my boat too much but they have talent and have obviously taken the time at working on their craft. www.thetransportassembly.com TWIN TIGERS- CURIOUS FACES/VIOLET FUTURE- SELF-RELEASED- Debut ep (6 songs) from Athens, GA bunch who reminded me a bit of another Georgia band, Deerhunter. I dig this when the band gets focused like on the almost straight-ahead "Watershed" or the fuzzbox fest "Golden Daze." Half of this is really strong and that's a good enough start for me. www.thetwintigers.com UNDERDRIVEN- S/T- SELF-RELEASED- Pretty basic pop/rock from Austin, TX. The songs are decent but not a lot of this stood out for me. I did like both "Last Call" and "Hello baby" quite a bit. www.underdriven.com UNICYCLE LOVES YOU- S/T- HIGHWHEEL- Listened to this on the way up to the Seattle 20 fest and I didn't find anything to not like about it. Leader Jim Carroll (not that guy) hails from the Windy City and along with help from Brian Deck they have crafted an engaging pop record with chewy hooks and twists n' turns at every corner. Jim's got enough of a 'tude in his vocals that when bassist Nicole's voice comes in they play off one another perfectly. I even hear a bit of Bryan Ferry/Roxy Music in here so the guy has good taste. Well worth checking out. www.highwheelrecordslic.com GEORGIO "THE DOVE" VALENTINO YOU BROUGHT A KNIFE TO A GUNFIGHT- TOM PERKINS ENTERTAINMENT- With a name like that you'd expect the guy to be some 1950's lothario who hung out with Sal Mineo and James Dean but no, he's a fairly young rock dude from Detroit who has a penchant for sounding like David Bowie. Oddly enough, the opening guitar lick off "Here I Come (and there you go)" sounds like something off a Sarah Records comp but all 7 of these songs are good. www.georgiothedovevalentino.com JULY 2008 ANTENNE #3- HELMET ROOM- Every review I have read of this says how sad the record is. Nothing wrong with sad (hey, I love American Music Club) but this melding of electronic and acoustic was not my cuppa tea. The band does conjure up an intriguing, mysterious sound and I'm sure they have their dedicated fans, and with good reason. www.helmetroom.com ASTROPHAGUS- FOR BOATING- HELMET ROOM- Not completely unlike label mates Antenne (see above). This is downcast electronic pop with sultry keyboards and some film noir horns. I know I'm selling this short in this review but hey, this is the short reviews section BE YOUR OWN PET- GET AWKWARD- ECSTATIC PEACE- I had heard some great things about this Nashville bunch led a woman named Jemima but I was a bit let down by this. I hear a Hole meets X-Ray Spex and most tunes and the guitars usually sound decent enough but the tunes sound….kinda…..generic to me. I hear this U.S. version leaves off 3 great tunes on the import….aw well. www.ecstaticpeace.com BIOGRAPHY OF FERNS- PASTEL GOTHIC- TELLOUS- Hard-driving Seattle trio who seem to be influenced by all the good stuff (they say: The Wipers, TV Personalities, Gray Matter, Versus, Kinks, etc.). The guitars usually seem to ride that fine line between a jangle and jagged. Well worth your time. www.tellous.net THE BLOODSUGARS- BQEP- ENGINE ROOM- Still trying to figure out what everyone sees in this band. Seems like basic dancey rock with a few decent hooks. Mixed by Dan Hetzel who has done work with J-LO, Blondie and Ginuwine). Ho hum. www.engineroomrecordings.com THE BOY BATHING- A FIRE TO MAKE PREPARATIONS- SELF-RELEASED- David Hurwitz leads this NYC quartet and they seem to be going for a Decemberists approach. That is to say, gentle, literate tunes w/ nice, rolling melodies . Occasionally his vocals grate on my nerves (he sounds like a 10 year old at times) but the songs are good enough to transcend that. www.theboybathing.com BUCKRA- CAMOUFLAGE PLAYBOYS INTERNATIONAL- SELF-RELEASED- Tweaked quartet from Cincy who ain't gonna make you forget the Afghan Whigs but the tunes are usually hummable enough. They seem like they're trying to go for that wacky approach and when they try and sound like the Stray Cats they just lose me. www.buckra.com CAVEDOLL- NO VERTIGO- PSEUDO RECORDINGS- at least one review in the presss kit says "The Cure meets Smashing Pumpkins" so this is one I'm staying far away from. www.myspace.com/cavedollband CHILDHOOD FRIENDS- KEY PARTY- SELF-RELEASED- Ilima and Jake make up Childhood Friends and their fuzzed out synth with a real bottom heavy bass works on a musical level for me but I have a real problem with Ilima's high-pitched vocals. I think this record would have worked much better as an instrumental one. childhoodfriends@gmail.com CHILD BITE- EXQUISITE LUXURY- SUBURBAN SPRAWL- Awful cartoonish synth pop. THE CRAYONS- WHAT'S WRONG WITH YOU- NEAR- The Crayons picked stakes and moved from NJ to Albany, NY and it seems to have done them well. On this, their sophomore effort, the band, led by main songwriter K.C,, dig seep into their bang of hooks and pull out a plenty. The music is pretty basic guitar/bass/drums pop but with a talent for the craft of songwriting and several aces tunes (namely "God Hates Me", "Not Beautiful", "Unlucky Charms" and a few others) . Dive in. www.thecrayonmusic.com THE DAYSLEEPERS- DROWNED IN A SEA OF SOUND- CLAIRE- While new (and good!) shoegaze bands are popping up all over the place it must be noted that Florida based Claire Records never gave up on the genre. They have been cranking out good shoegaze for at least the past decade. The Daysleepers are another example of the good stuff. Jeff and Elizabeth both sing (Jeff also plays guitar) while the rhythm section keeps things sturdy n' solid. I love those crystalline guitars and otherworldly keys and here's to another 10 years for Claire records and hey, even members of Slowdive and The Cocteau Twins were impressed with The Daysleepers. www.clairecords.com DOLEFUL LIONS 7- PARASOL- Absolutely loved this band's last record, the ambitious SONG CYCLOPS VOLUME TWO so I'm even more bummed at how much of a disappointment this is. The band is still lone bedroom auteur Jonathan Scott (with help from his brother Robert) and while he still proudly dances to his own beat (and we thank him for that) there's too many half baked song fragments on here (or what seem like song fragments). Having said that, "Winfield Walker" was a gorgeous song as was the dreamy "Hazelhurst" , but those moments are few and far between. www.parasol.com CHRISTINE FELLOWS- NEVERTHELESS- SIX SHOOTER- She hails from Winnipeg (that's in Canada folks) and plays a boatload of instruments and has a bit of a mousy voice. Most of the songs are led the ever-present piano and the melodies, while not always in your face, are there nonetheless. She reminded me a bit of a Canadian Paula Kelley. www.sixshooterrecords.com FLOGGING MOLLY- FLOAT- SIDE ONE DUMMY- Record #5 from these Pogues-loving Angelinos. To prove their love (of beer) they even flew to the promised land, Ireland, to record this and it sounds all good to me. The opener, "Requim for a Dying Song" is one of their best yet. I like this kinda stuff and these guys are among the best. www.sideonedummy.com FOREVER THE SICKEST KIDS- UNDERDOG ALMA MATTER- UNIVERSAL- A band name right up there with the worst; Panic at the Disco, Hoobastank, Blink 182, and too many others. Just on principle I can't review a record by a band with this name. THE JONESES- CRIMINALS/ TITS AND CHAMPAGNE- FULL BREACH KICKS- 2 early eps on one cd by this defunct L.A. punk glam-twangsters. These guys never really fit in with the punk crew and the metalheads certainly rejected them too but maybe a tour with The Blasters (which they may have done for all I know) would have helped the cause. I hear classic songwriting and I really don't understand why these guys weren't much bigger. www.fullbreach77.com MICROTIA- DISTANCE IS OVAL- EXIGENT- This Portland bunch mixes jarring powerful guitars with complex rhythms and unpredictable arrangements for a nifty little 6 songs ep. Not sure which one of these 5 guys is the vocalist but the guy has a howl that would make Chris Cornell proud. A surprise here as I thought this was going to be something I'd toss. www.exigentrecords.com POMEGRANATES- EVERYTHING IS ALIVE- LUJO- I hear these guys get a lot of Modest Mouse comparisons and I hear a bit of that too but I hear a lot more too (Beach Boys, Arcade Fire, etc.) . "Appreciations" is anthemic charger while those snakey/snarky guitar leads on "Thunder Island" just tickle that part of my brain that enjoys such things. Parts of EVERYTHING IS ALIVE drag a bit but I swear these guys have a masterpiece in 'em, this isn't it but it's coming. www.lujorecords.com PONYTAIL- ICE CREAM SPIRITUAL- WE ARE FREE- Baltimore seems to be the home of a grip of worthy stuff (not just John Waters anymore) and Ponytail will happily oblige a good time for you. At times chaotic and unhinged and others barely alive (like on Vicodin…which I'm on right now). It's a wild ride (think of Japanese nutjobs The Boredoms) so unlatch that seatbelt and hang on. www.nowwearefree.com THE QUEERS- LIVE FEBRUARY 3, 2003 AT CBGB/THE BOWERY COLLECTION- MVD- As a band who has bowed down to The Ramones for their whole career, here you have New Hampshire's longest running punk band invade CBGB's and grind out 31 songs in less than an hour/ of course they start the set off with "Rockaway Beach' and along with way play some of their smash hits like ":No Tit", "Kicked out of the Webelos", and my personal favorite "Tamara us a Punk." Sound quality is good and while Ramones may be gone (R.I.P.) but The Queers continue on. www.mvdb2b.com ROCKETSHIP PARK- OFF & AWAY- SERIOUS BUSINESS- Always nice to hear some good music from a band you'd never heard of before. When you get as many cds in the mail as I do you almost expect most things to suck but this BKNY based bunch, led by erstwhile songwriter Josh Kaufman, create a comfortable batch of dreamy Americana not unlike defunct geniuses Scud Mountain Boys. Kauffman has a whole army of folks playing with him and they seem to have the utmost respect for his vision. Next payday forget those couple packs of smokes and drop your dough on OFF & AWAY. www.seriousbusinessrecords.com ((sounder))- GOOD THINGS COME AND GO LIKE BAD THINGS- VOLCOM- Not sure what is up with the parentheses but whatever. The duo of Mike Aho and Steve Stratton toss a mish-mash of sounds and songs into the blender and put it on puree'. At times some of the crumbly guitars reminded me of the pavement of the SLAY TRACKS era while other times I hear the ghost of the (very much alive) Will Oldham and still other times I just wanted to turn it off. A mixed bag for sure but at least half of it is worth listening to ("Oh River" for one). www.volcom.com THE SMITHEREENS- LIVE ON CONCERT/ GREATEST HITS AND MORE- KOCH- This show took place at the Court Tavern a dump I spent many nights in seeing bands like Mudhoney, Laughing Hyenas, Urge Overkill , Butthole Surfers and too many others. Welp, from 1/30/08-2/2/08 the band had a homestand there and took the place by storm. They cranked out 18 tunes, the sound is ace and like any great live record it makes you wish you were there. www.kochent.com 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