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