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 F*CKS- 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'
