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October 2007 Fingerish Reviews by
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* babysue® Store * Donate * General Info * Links * LMNOP®
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October 2007 Fingerish Reviews by
RATING SYSTEM:
= UNBELIEVABLY INCREDIBLE
= EXCELLENT
= VERY GOOD
= GOOD
= FAIR
= SHITTY
Abandoned
Toys - The Witches
Garden (Independently released CD, Instrumental)
This is an intriguing album that sounds something like Robin Guthrie's
more recent instrumental releases...if a simple melodic piano was present
in the mix. Abandoned Toys is the solo project featuring the music
of Brett Branning (the only other person on the album is violinist
Justin Jones who plays on the track "Flickering Embrace").
The Witches Garden is a strange and surprisingly delightful spin.
Instead of creating purely electronic music or simple piano instrumentals...Branning
combines the two worlds into an oddly intoxicating mixture that is simultaneously
soothing and cerebral. We're not sure which side of Brett's music we like
best...the tinkly childlike piano playing...or the weird haunting atmospherics?
In actuality, the two seem to feed off one another surprisingly well. Abandoned
Toys is a project delving into some new and interesting territory. Nifty
mind-expanding tracks include "The Witch's Garden (Prelude),"
"Where Red Shadows Slumber," and "Flowering Ashes."
Neat stuff. (Rating: 5)
Terence
Blanchard - A Tale of God's Will (A Requiem
for Katrina) (CD, Blue Note,
Jazz)
The third full-length Blue Note release from Terence Blanchard. While
the tunes on A Tale of God's Will (A Requiem for Katrina) are obviously
centered around the horror and aftermath of Hurricane Katrina's effect on
New Orleans...this CD can actually be appreciated on many different levels.
The first track ("Ghost of Congo Square") left us a bit baffled...was
this going to be a collection of modern urban jazz with hip hop influences?
If so, we were going to yank this one out QUICK. But fortunately instead
of things going the wrong way, on the second track on through to the end...A
Tale of God's Will just got better and better and better. The
album features a wild variety of jazz-influenced tunes that range from stark
and subtle to heady classical-influenced pieces. Blanchard's music is personal,
genuine, and real. Joining Terence in this endeavor were Brice Winston,
Aaron Parks, Derrick Hodge, Kendrick Scott, Zach
Harmon, and The Northwest Sinfonia. A Tale of God's Will
spins very much like a soundtrack...which is probably appropriate, seeing
as how this seems to be the soundtrack to a real-life event. Killer
classy cuts include "Levees," "In Time of Need," "The
Water," "Ghost of 1927," and "Dear Mom." Of all
the Katrina-related music we have heard up to this point, this is easily
THE BEST. (Rating: 5+)
Brazzaville - East LA Breeze (CD, Vendlus,
Progressive soft pop)
The fifth full-length release from Los Angeles, California's Brazzaville.
Up to this point in time we had not heard the music of David Brown
and his associates. After spinning East LA Breeze a few times...we
now consider ourselves instant fans. Brown writes soft, soothing, pleasing
pop tunes with a slightly exotic sound. This is an amazingly consistent
CD. After spinning it several times we honestly cannot pick out favorites
because all of the tracks are superb. These songs are simultaneously
light, breezy, contemplative, and rather personal. David writes lyrics that
seem to come straight from his heart. But it is the songs themselves and
the delivery that make this album such a worthwhile project. The
arrangements are appropriately simple and sparse...yet always professional
and polished. The vocals are light years beyond what one normally hears
on a pop album. As we mentioned earlier we cannot pick favorites here...but
tracks that you may find appealing include "Peach Tree," "East
L.A. Breeze," "1983," "Ugly Babylon," and "Morning
Light." Highly recommended. (Rating: 5+++)
The
Capstan Shafts - Environ Maiden (CD,
Rainbow Quartz, Pop)
This release surprised us...mainly because the pop experts at Rainbow Quartz
usually only release albums by polished and slick pop bands...and this certainly
does not fit into that category. We received an earlier CD from this
band awhile back and were sufficiently impressed...but at that time we had
no idea how prolific Dean Wells (the man who is The Capstan Shafts)
actually is. Wells writes and records tons and tons of tunes. His music
and approach to recording are very similar to Robert Pollard (Guided
By Voices). Just as is the case with some of Pollard's more experimental
releases, in order to appreciate Dean's music you have to accept the bad
with the good. Environ Maiden features a whopping 29 tracks of low
fidelity home-recorded pop with a decidedly British flavor. These compositions
feature simple, loose, raw arrangements and Dean's subtle yet personal voice.
There's a lot to take in here of course. And while some of the tracks don't
quite hit the target there are others that hit the bull's eye dead on. An
interesting spin to say the least. Our favorites include "Right on
the Malthus," "The Origin of Rain," "Vegans and Meteors,"
"Low Ceilings for Bedhoppers," and "Better Get a Dream Out
of This." (Rating: 4+++++)
No one
Is a good judge of
Character.(Rating: 1)
Club 8
- The Boy Who Couldn't Stop Dreaming (CD, Labrador,
Soft pop)
Cool, calm, soft modern pop that falls somewhere in between the modern folk
stylings of Linda Draper and the purely smooth addictive pop of Kirsty
MacColl. The Boy Who Couldn't Stop Dreaming is the sixth full-length
release from Club 8...and it is bound to please their fans and drawn
in plenty of new listeners. The band has been around since 1995. We sure
hope that this will be the album that will push these folks' career up a
few notches. Not because fame and money are the most important factors in
music...but because we think a bigger response will encourage them to keep
recording. And we sure hope they do. These tunes won't clobber you
over the head on the first spin. These subtle, dreamy tracks get better
the more familiar they become. Club 8 is vocalist Karolina Komstedt
and songwriter Johan Angergard. The Boy Who Couldn't Stop Dreaming
features twelve substantial tracks including "Jesus, Walk With
Me," "Football Kids" (god, this one sounds just like Kirsty
MacColl!), "When I Come Around," and "Where Birds Don't
Fly." Exceptional stuff, recommended... (Rating: 5+++)
Death
To Our Enemies - Death To Our Enemies
(CD, Learning Curve,
Rock)
When we first stuck this CD in for a spin we thought...uh oh, more generic
twenty-first century thrashing. But before tossing the disc aside we
pushed skip a few times...and our initial impression quickly changed about
this band. In short, there is more here than first meets the ears. Death
To Our Enemies is the trio consisting of Matt Coffee (vocals,
guitar), Ken Tyborski (bass), and Chuck Terhark (drums). Although
your first impression might be (like ours) to lump these guys in with thousands
of other modern hard rock bands...if you will give their music a bit of
time and attention you are likely to warm up to their sound. Even though
the tracks on this album are hard rockers, the band infuses their music
with enough poppy hooks to keep you coming back for more. The songs are
basic and simple...delivered without unnecessary instruments and overdubs.
As such, the songs tend to pack a real genuine punch. But the songs are
the real meat here...and there are plenty of cool rockers to be found. Ten
kickass tracks including "Secret Handshake," "Karate Bike,"
"Choke On It," and "Robot Robot." All are simultaneously
intense and memorable. Neat stuff, well executed. (Rating: 5)
Division
Day - Beartrap Island (CD, Eenie Meenie, Progressive pop)
Smooth melodic pop with appropriate tidbits of technology laced in for extra
spice. The folks in Division Day present modern pop music that is,
first and foremost, pleasingly melodic. Unlike lots of other modern day
bands, these guys avoid (a) blindly thrashing away into noiseville and (b)
being so cute and clever that their music becomes unlistenable. Beartrap
Island is a nice smooth ride and yet...the songs never come across sounding
overly sweet and contrived. When you consider the fact that these guys are
a basic guitar band, it seems odd that we are goddamned if we can come up
with appropriate comparisons for this music (?!?). Perhaps the biggest compliment
we can give this CD...it to say that we played it many, many times before
deciding what to say about it. Think of how many CDs you only want to hear
once. This disc is different...and yet strangely familiar. Love the
vocals. Top picks: "Beartrap Island," "To The Woods,"
and "Tap Tap Click Click." (Rating: 5)
Orion Rigel Dommisse - What I Want From You Is Sweet (CD, Language of Stone,
Soft progressive pop)
Boy, talk about an acquired taste. We had to spin this disc over and over
and over and over before finally coming to some conclusions about
the music. Right off the bat, Orion Rigel Dommisse's music reminded
us of a soft, ethereal, chirpy version of Rasputina. But beyond
that...we were kinda confused. So we listened and listened and listened...until
finally several days later we determined that we really dig this stuff.
A word of warning. If you want easy, simple, familiar songs...you probably
need to be listening to something else. This is not the most obtuse, weird,
artsy music out there...but it is by no means standard fare. Dommisse's
songs sound (like Rasputina) as if they might have been penned in another
century and yet...there is something very current and modern about the music.
Orion plays a variety of instruments including cello, piano, omnichord,
mini-korg, and metallaphon. But her voice is what will probably make the
biggest impression on listeners. We used the word already...but chirpy most
certainly comes to mind here. Ultimately, these songs sound like what
you might hear if you laid down in the middle of the forest while a string
quartet was playing somewhere in the distance. Sound odd? Yeah, it's odd
all right. What I Want From You Is Sweet may take several spins to
hit the target...but when it hits, you may very well find yourself totally
absorbed in this unique little musical universe... (Rating: 5+)
Thomas
Dybdahl - Science (CD, Rykodisc,
Progressive pop)
Norway's Thomas Dybdahl is going places fast...despite the fact that
he's not playing the game by anyone's rules but his own. Lots of folks are
apparently comparing this man's music to Tim Buckley and Nick
Drake...but in our minds, Dybdahl's music is much more modern than these
comparisons would suggest. The main similarity seems to be the fact that
all three musicians use (or used) folk music as a diving board to other
genres. The folks at Rykodisc spared no expense on this one. Superb photographs
grace the front and back cover as well as the 18-page lyric booklet/insert
(the photos of grass on the inside merge beautifully with Ryko's trademark
green jewel case). But music is the main course here...and, not surprisingly,
Dybdahl once again hits the target dead on. This fellow writes tunes that
range from soft and soothing to strangely personal and occasionally slightly
spooky ("Still My Body Aches" resonates with incredible lyrics
and sounds...you have to hear this one to believe it). Science is
not an easy album that can be completely digested on the first spin. These
tracks have unusual depth. Although on the surface there is plenty to enjoy
here...when you begin digging a bit deeper into this man's music, you really
begin to appreciate it. Plenty of top notch songs here including "Something
Real," "No One Would Ever Know" (a particularly appealing
tune), "This Year," and "B A Part." This is an easy
TOP PICK for October 2007. Highly recommended. (Rating: 6)
Empire
State Observatories - Empire State Observatories
(CD-R, Impko, Noise)
Empire State Observatories is the one man project consisting of Sean
Curley who some folks may remember as a member of the crazy underground
1990s pop group The Wallmen. But whereas The Wallmen played out-of-bounds
oddball pop...this project features pure noise indulgence. This five track
album contains droning sounds and accidental noise that most people would
consider to be non-music. But as any thinking individual knows...in reality
anything can be music as long as it is presented as such. This type
of release is very difficult to describe and even more difficult to rate
because of the nature of the recordings. We'd bet that Sean would find himself
very comfortable with the roster of artists on Georgia's Blossoming Noise
label. Odd, moody, and slightly surreal stuff... (Not Rated)
The best thing
About the internet
Is that it makes it possible
To communicate with everyone
Under the sun without ever
Having to look at their
Ugly sickening
Faces.(Rating: 1)
Assholes fart about
Freedom because
They don't know
What else to
Fart about.(Rating: 1)
Felix Da Housecat - Virgo Blaktro & The Movie Disco (CD, Nettwerk, Dance/techno/disco)
A retrospective album that seems to possibly forge the way for some interesting
future adventures. Chicago's Felix Da Housecat has really outdone
himself with this one...citing major influences to be Parliament,
Sly and The Family Stone, Prince, George Michael, and
Pet Shop Boys (we would add Kraftwerk to the list as well).
On Virgo Blaktro & The Movie Disco, Housecat has managed to effectively
capture the pure and simple vibrations of techno dance music from the 1970s
and 1980s. This groovy, feelgood album features sixteen light, catchy, danceable
underground hits...all of which were recorded with precise attention to
detail. Many of these tracks had us scratching our heads...haven't we heard
this one before...? Or isn't that one a cover of an old song...?
To be certain, Da Housecat has so effectively captured this period in musical
history that you may very well be thinking that this is a collection of
cover tunes. But the best part is...it ain't. Smooth, cool cuts include
"Movie Disco," "Blaktro Man," "It's Your Move,"
"Pretty Girls Don't Dance," and "Tweak." (Rating: 5+)
Smell your fingers.
Think of all the things that
Your fingers have touched.
Look at your fingers.
Think of all the things that
Your fingers have done.Think of all the evil things
You have done with your fingers.
Think of all the horrible crimes
That you have committed
With your fingers.Now close your eyes and dream.
Your fingers are
Extensions of the
Devil that lives
Inside your
Soul.(Rating: 1)
Forty Marshas - Forty Marshas (CD, Beatville,
......???)
Forty Marshas is an odd project. So much so that we're not even going
to try to rate or categorize it. The band was created by Mike Malinin
who is the drummer for the Goo Goo Dolls. Goo Goo fans should be
forewarned. If you think you're going to get modern buzzsaw pop here, think
again. Malinin and his associates (all of whom are appropriately given the
first name "Marsha" for this album) have recorded a batch of tunes
that is schizophrenic to say the least. The songs range from ambient to
experimental noise to pop to screamer rock to death metal. From the sounds
we're hearing on this l'il sucker, it sounds like the folks involved had
a great time recording this. They seem to have been creating for the pure
fun of it. We can usually rate things no matter what the style of music.
But because of the wide range of material here...we just cannot decide on
a number here (?). We will end by saying that tracks like "God Is An
Anchorman," "Screaming At Shadows," "Bucket of Fire,"
and "A Wasted Life Is Not Worth Remembering (Advice From the 40)"
are definitely intriguing...and almost always unpredictable... (Not Rated)
Jesus dyed his hair
For your sins.
Jesus knitted a lovely little white frock
For your sins.
Jesus coughed up a big greasy furball that had been irritating him for weeks
For your sins.
Jesus crushed up a bump and snorted it
For your sins.(Rating: 1)
Gentle Giant - Live in Santa Monica 1975 (CD, Glasshouse / Voiceprint, Progressive pop/rock/jazz)
The bad news...is that the sound quality on this CD is just not that
great. But the good news...is that this CD effectively captures the
essential magic of one of our favorite British progressive bands from the
1970s...Gentle Giant. While other bands experienced a far greater
degree of commercial and critical success (Genesis, Yes, Emerson,
Lake & Palmer), the guys in Gentle Giant were actually much more
interesting and entertaining than most of their contemporaries. This disc
captures the band at the peak of their game playing live in 1975 in Santa
Monica, California (plus two additional tracks from a Dallas, Texas concert
in 1977). Because of the questionable sound quality, we cannot recommend
Live in Santa Monica 1975 to folks who are unfamiliar with Gentle
Giant. Much better starting points would be Acquiring the Taste,
Three Friends, Octopus, or The Power and the Glory.
But for folks (like us) who have long been fans of this criminally overlooked
band, this album offers an intriguing glimpse of what they sounded like
in concert. Hard to rate this one...but we can end this by saying that we
will always be big fans of incredibly complex songs like "Cogs in Cogs,"
"Proclamation," "So Sincere," and "Advent of Panurge."
When will a comprehensive Gentle Giant box set see the light of day?
When? WHEN?????!!! (Not Rated)
Have a nice little hour
And a nice little day
And a nice little week
Because next month you will be
Diagnosed with a fatal
Disease that has no
Cure.
(Rating: 1)
Erdem
Helvacioglu - Altered Realities (CD,
New Albion, Electronic/instrumental/progressive)
Electronic artists are a dime a dozen these days...and most of them are
either continually regurgitating Brian Eno's Music for Airports
for the millionth time...or their music is so silly and blippity-bloopity
that you can only listen to it once or twice. Accordingly and as a matter
of fact, the second album from Turkey's Erdem Helvacioglu is a refreshing
blast of unique electronic air. Altered Realities is an appropriate
title for this album as it features seven lengthy tunes recorded in real
time (!) that center around the sounds created by an Ovation acoustic guitar.
But those who might be expecting new age guitar instrumentals will be very
surprised by the sounds presented here. Instead of going for a totally
ambient sound...or a purely musical approach...Helvacioglu effectively combines
both worlds into one slightly symphonic electronic otherworldly drone that
is bewildering and, at times, rather magnificent. A great deal of time was
obviously spent tweaking these tunes to perfection. This is easily one of
the best electronic albums we have heard thus far this year. Strange tracks
like "Bridge to Horizon," "Dreaming On a Blind Saddle,"
and "Ebony Remains" are absolutely essential listening. Recommended.
(Rating: 5++)
His
Name Is Alive - Xmmer (CD, Silver
Mountain Media, Progressive pop)
We've been following this band's obtuse career path for many years now.
We have learned that even though you never know exactly what to expect
from one His Name Is Alive album to the next...you can always be
assured of a cool and unusual ride. That said, this is definitely not
the most ground breaking album this group has released. Xmmer is
much more of a straightforward pop album...not a bad thing, but just not
what we were expecting. In terms of pop music, some of this stuff is rather
interesting and different. Other tracks...sound very much like a lot of
other pop bands that we heard over the past few years. Although by
no means a bad album, Xmmer is...up to this point in time...our least
favorite His Name Is Alive disc. Not a big deal...because we feel certain
that when the next CD comes out we will once again be transfixed and mesmerized...
(Rating: 4+++)
Abigail
Hopkins - Blue Satin Alley (CD, Possessed Records Ltd.,
Folk/soft pop)
The second full-length release from Welsh singer-songwriter Abigail Hopkins.
Blue Satin Alley is a smooth, intricate collection of acoustic folk/pop
compositions that focus on Abigail's soft and soothing vocals. She presents
her songs simply and without unnecessary fanfare. The arrangements are purposely
sparse...allowing listeners to focus on the melodies and lyrics. Guitarist
Keith Osborne provides some really cool, warm sounds on these tracks.
We can hear traces of a variety of other artists in this music...including
but not limited to Patti Smith and Suzanne Vega...and even
babysue favorite Lisa Germano at times. What impresses us
most about this album is the substance that is lurking beneath the surface.
Tracks that at first seem to be simple, soft, folky pop...are in actuality
rather depthy and involved. Twelve neat tracks here including "Butterfly,"
"In From the Sea," "Crow Wire," "Reminds Me of
You," and "Metamoph." Beautiful stuff... (Rating: 5+)
Hundred Air - Make Out City (CD, Fractured
Discs, Pop)
Is an eight song CD an EP...or is it a full-length release...?
Does anybody really know which one it is...? While we ponder this
most important point, onto the issue at hand... Hundred Air is the
new project driven by the songwriting skills of Adam Price who was
formerly in the bands Mayflies USA and The Comas and who also
currently plays bass with Work Clothes. Make Out City is an
instantly pleasing collection of mid-tempo pop with the main focus being
lyrics and vocal melodies. In trying to describe the sound of these tunes,
we can't resist extracting a line from Fractured Discs' own press release:
"Hundred Air doesn't necessarily sound like a lot of other bands,
but they draw inspiration from many." That seems to sum up this
band's sound rather well. We can hear traces of lots of other bands in these
tunes and yet...Hundred Air manages to avoid sounding too much like any
one artist or band in particular. The arrangements are appropriately sparse...which
allow the vocals to shine through loud and clear. And that is fortunate...because
Price has a cool, understated, somewhat deep voice that really makes these
tune shine. Cool hummable cuts include "Feet Don't Fail Me Now,"
"All the Lights Are On," "Soaking In It," and "Hold
On a Minute." (Rating: 5+)
Shuyler
Jansen - Today's Remains (CD, Black Hen Music, Pop)
Really cool and effective soft pop laced with hints of Americana, bluegrass,
and country and western. Shuyler Jansen has already experienced a
good deal of success with his roots rock band Old Reliable...but
he is also now releasing solo albums as well. Today's Remains is
the second full-length release from this remarkably talented fellow. The
album resonates with pure sincerity and timeless melodies. Although his
music bears little resemblance to either, Jansen's overall approach reminds
us of artists like Neil Young and Richard Thompson...talented
songwriters who forged their own career paths and succeeded. Remains
was recorded using traditional instruments. The arrangements are sparse
and open...allowing listeners to focus on Shuyler's calm and cool vocals.
The title track bears a strange resemblance to Don McLean's "Vincent"...but
that is where the similarities end. On the first listen we found this CD
to be pleasant enough...but ten or twenty spins later we found ourselves
completely immersed in Shuyler's highly stylized soft pop. Wonderfully moody
cuts include "Pegasus," "Windswept," "Jealous Girl,"
and "Chief." An obvious TOP PICK. Recommended. (Rating: 5++)
Japancakes - Giving Machines (CD, Darla,
Instrumental)
We've said this before but we'll say it again. We really have to admire
instrumental bands. Writing and recording instrumentals requires a great
deal of time and energy...and in almost all cases, the potential for fame
and/or monetary rewards is minimal at best. As a result, most instrumental
bands are driven purely by the desire to create. Such must surely be the
case with Athens, Georgia's Japancakes. We haven't heard anything
from this band since we covered their If I Could See Dallas album
way back in November 1999. Obviously a lot has changed since that
time. The band's recording process is interesting. Instead of playing together
during recording sessions, each player records his or her part individually.
The pieces are then mixed after each person has completed his or her contribution
to the composition. The first thing that stuck us about Giving Machines...is
that it has a really big, rich sound. Spacious and exotic, these compositions
are slow and methodical...rather moody and ultimately soothing. The tunes
feature intricately interwoven guitar, bass, keyboards, and pedal steel
guitar. In addition to original compositions, this album also includes an
interesting cover of The Cocteau Twins' "Heaven or Las Vegas."
Neat stuff, executed to perfection. (Rating: 5+)
Goddamn your parents.
Goddamn your school.
Goddamn your job.
Goddamn your hobbies.
Goddamn your belongings.
Goddamn your clothes.
Goddamn your stupid goddamn
Jump rope.(Rating: 1)
Kingsbury - The Great Compromise (CD, Post Records, Progressive
pop)
Soft, moody, progressive, and smart. The folks in Orlando, Florida's Kingsbury
previously released two EPs (This Place Is Coming Down and The
Open Sea)...but this is their first full-length album. Instead of taking
the obvious road to success (i.e., writing and recording catchy pop/rock)...these
folks are taking the back roads in their musical quest. Not only with their
music...but also in terms of geographics. The Great Compromise is
an appropriate title for this album, as it contains songs that are somewhat
accessible and catchy and yet...the songs are mainly subtle, odd creations
born out of artistic integrity. Casual listeners may find this band's music
too odd for their tastes...but our guess is that the folks in this band
want to create quality music rather than just churn out the kind of shallow
crap most people want to hear. We can't help but be impressed by the band's
choices of venues and cities when they tour. Instead of picking only the
obvious, ultra cool clubs and cities to play...they seem to be willing to
play just about any time and at any place that they can. Their grass roots
approach will probably pay off. Our guess is that, once underground musicians
and fans hear this stuff, the members of Kingsbury will be well on their
way to becoming an underground favorite. Ten beautifully concocted tracks
here including "Corpse," "Leave Me Be," "Peninsula,"
and "The City and the Sea." Recommended for fans of Starflyer
59. (Rating: 5+)
The
Last Goodnight - Poison Kiss (CD, Virgin, Pop)
The guys in Enfield, Connecticut's The Last Goodnight certainly seem
poised for success. Their debut album has been released by Virgin, they've
got a slick and commercial sound, and they're touring supporting Amercan
Idol loser Elliot Yamin. Okay, we won't hold that against
them but as you might guess...we cannot stand Yamin. He looks and
sounds just horrible (even with the new teeth) and needs to be locked
up in a closet permanently. If the tour was being handled correctly...Elliot
would be opening up for The Last Goodnight instead of the other way around.
Poison Kiss is, as one might expect, an extremely glossy collection
of melodic pop featuring tons and tons of overdubs. The band's slightly
soulful catchy pop should immediately catch on with music fans...particularly
the ladies. Some of the tunes on this album sound slightly like Ben Folds...but
the sound is much bigger and more epic in nature. There are some good songs
here to be certain..."Back Where We Belong," "This Is the
Sound," "Return To Me," and "Push Me Away" all
sound like hits to us. The only problem we see for these guys at this point
is that their recorded sound is so polished and slick...that their own personality
sometimes seems to get lost in all the money and technology. We sure hope
the band can tone down the production on the next album...which would allow
listeners to focus more on the songs themselves. They've got the goods...now
they just need a bit of tweaking with the delivery... (Rating: 4+)
Nathan
Lawr and the Minotaurs - A Sea of Tiny Lights
(Independently released CD, Pop)
Nice melodic organic pop that sometimes recalls The Kinks during
their Muswell Hillbillies / Everybody's In Showbiz period.
Nathan Lawr started out playing drums for other bands before embarking
on his solo career. A Sea of Tiny Lights is his third full-length
release. The album features musical support from The Minotaurs which consists
of Paul Aucoin, Evan Clarke, Kristian Galberg, Shaw-Han Liem, Daive MacKinnon,
Kate Maki, and Simon Osborne. Nathan's tunes are impressively
personal and unpretentious. His songs may not clobber you over the skull
on the first listen...but with time these songs are likely to make their
way into your subconsciousness. We particularly like his laidback vocal
style. So many twenty-first century artists are trying way, way, way
too hard to make their point. As a result, folks like Lawr who just
sing and don't push themselves...come off sounding much more genuine and
real in the big scheme of things. Cool hummable tracks include "Righteous
Heart," "If You Don't Believe Me," "That Moment,"
and "Woodpile." Very nice from start to finish... (Rating: 5)
Eric
Layer - Fall (Independently released
CD, Progressive pop)
The first solo album from Eric Layer who also plays in the bands
Hecuba and Mountain Party and who previously played in Setting
Sun and worked with the performance group Piece of Meat Theatre.
Fall presents ten tracks, most of which are moody, atmospheric slow
pop with excellent harmony vocals. The album was recorded almost entirely
by Layer...but if you're thinking you're going to hear that "one-man-band"
sound here you would be completely wrong. Layer's music is hazy and swirls
beneath the surface. Instead of presenting obvious and easy pop, he records
songs that are subtle and just slightly odd. Only on one song ("Yellow
Moon") does the volume cause things to rumble a bit. This is a curious
album that is bound to be interpreted hundreds of different ways...and that
is, perhaps, the real beauty of the music. Puzzling mental cuts include
"The Fall," "Lovely Day" (our favorite), "Stoke
the Fire," and "Stupid Dreams." Intriguing. (Rating: 4+++++)
Alvin
Lee - Saguitar (CD, Rainman,
Blues/rock/pop)
While many may continue to think of Alvin Lee as the leader of Ten
Years After...in actuality, such a limited view of this British man's
career is misleading because he has done so much more during the
course of his forty-plus-year career. Suffice to say...if you ever loved
Alvin's loose, groovy, jaw-dropping guitar playing...you are likely to get
a charge out of hearing his latest release, Saguitar. The album features
fourteen new tunes all of which were penned by Lee. Folks that might be
worried about an older fellows' ability to rock out need not be concerned.
Saguitar finds Mr. Lee still sounding vital and energized. His guitar
playing is as stylized as ever and even his vocals still sound great. Folks
with limited viewpoints who still think Lee was nothing more than the leader
of Ten Years After...would be well-advised to take a glance at his continually
expanding discography. This CD provides obvious reasons why Alvin Lee's
music remains vital and credible in the twenty-first century. Top notch
bluesy rockers include "Anytime U Want Me," "It's Time to
Play," "Memphis," "Education," and "Rocking
Rendezvous." (Rating: 5+)
Friends are always great
Until you get to know them well
At which point they become
Nothing more than
Selfish, needy
Leeches.(Rating: 1)
Stop the love you save
May be your own filthy
Crusted vomit stuck
On the bottom of the
Floor next to the
Toilet.(Rating: 1)
Lucinda Black Bear - 'Capo My Heart' and Other Bear Songs (CD, Eastern
Spurs, Progressive pop)
So many bands lately with the word "bear" in their name...and
the odd part is that none of them are groups of fat hairy guys (?!?).
Hey, what gives? Bear bands, bear bands, everywhere...and not a stitch
of homosexual fur. Lucinda Black Bear is a new band led by Christian
Gibbs. There's no denying that the songs on 'Capo My Heart' and
Other Bear Songs bear a strong resemblance to early Neil Young...the
vocals are particularly similar. But instead of merely rehashing an old
sound and style...Gibbs and his associates breathe new life into plaintive,
yearning, soft pop. In addition to Christian, this band consists of Mike
Cohen (bass), Kristin Hammer (drums), Chad Hammer (cello),
and Clare Burson (violin). The soft, dreamy tracks on this album
sound mighty fine indeed (excellent sound quality throughout)...particularly
after you've heard them a half dozen times or more. Instead of going for
easy, predictable pop...the folks in Lucinda Black Bear present mature modern
music for smart listeners. Cool groovy cuts here include "Kites,"
"Capo My Heart," "You Got It Blue," and "Here I
Am." We really like the way this album ends with the tripped out strings
on "Hibernation Song (Blue It Got You)"...really neat.
(Rating: 5++)
Lust, Caution - Original Motion Picture Soundtrack (CD, Decca,
Soundtrack)
Of all the fine soundtrack releases we have received from the fine folks
at New York's CineMedia Promotions, this is easily our favorite so far.
The last time we remember being so affected by a soundtrack was when we
saw (and heard) The Piano many years ago. Like the soundtrack to
that film, Lust, Caution features some wonderfully serious and moving
music that affects the mind and soul. Folks who aren't familiar with this
film may be interested to know that this is the follow-up to Brokeback
Mountain (director Ang Lee's controversial gay cowboy movie).
The music for Lust, Caution was created by French composer Alexandre
Desplat. This CD features a total of 24 tracks, most of which alternate
between straightforward piano pieces and slow, moving, subdued orchestral
arrangements. Extraordinarily effective and moving, these compositions truly
evoke ideas and intense personal feelings in the mind of the listener. Serious
stuff here...so if you're not in the mood for it, you may want to be forewarned.
Beautiful, intoxicating cuts include "Lust, Caution," "Streets
of Shanghai," "The End of Innocence," "Check Point,"
and "An Empty Bed." Immaculately recorded with acute attention
to detail. Recommended. (Rating: 5++)
Lycia - Cold (CD, Silber,
Progressive pop)
Cold is the latest in a series of Lycia reissues offered by
Raleigh, North Carolina's Silber label. According to the press release that
accompanied this CD, Cold has apparently been the most well-received
album from this band...having already been embraced by Goth folks and space
music freaks. This album is dark and spacey...and the instruments are drenched
in reverb and other effects. The voices seem to have been added at the end
of the recording process...often sounding more like background effects that
traditional lead vocals. Folks who found The Cocteau Twins too accessible
and poppy will probably find Lycia much more to their liking. Odd, moody,
and slightly surreal...Cold is a dark and peculiar album full of
ambient washes and cool tripped out guitars. Nine cuts here including "Frozen,"
"Colder," "Drifting," and "Polaris." (Rating:
5)
Maxtone
Four - Hey Hey Do It Anyway (CD, Maximum
Tone Fidelity Records, Pop)
A short album...but what it lacks in length it more than makes up for in
substance. Hey Hey Do It Anyway is a super cool, pure feelgood album
full of insanely catchy tunes. After making their initial splash, this St.
Louis band apparently took a bit of a break before getting down to recording
this album (the Spanish phrase on the front cover translates to "Sick?
No, Tired."). Taking a break must've been the right choice at the
right time...as the tracks on this album sound anything but tired.
The band crams eleven songs onto this short album that clocks in at just
over 30 minutes. They deliver their songs with direct intent...never allowing
fluff and unnecessary elements to clutter the mix. Smart guitars combine
with excellent vocals and a propulsive rhythm section...creating a nice
whirlwind of pure pop energy. Cool tracks include "Just Say I Know,"
"Melody Girl," "Bob," and "OK You Go First."
This album is bound to be a favorite among pop fans all over the world.
(Rating: 5+)
Mist
and Mast - Mist and Mast (Independently
released CD, Progressive pop)
Mist and Mast is the new project created by Jason Lakis who
had previously released three albums under the name The Red Thread
(on the Badman Recording Co. label). This is a mostly one man project recorded
by Jason with the exception of a couple of keyboard and guitar parts provided
by others. Our first reaction to Mist and Mast...is that this music seems
a good deal more focused than the last couple of Red Thread albums that
we heard. And that is a good thing...because it means Jason is allowing
his music to take him into new and different territories. This self-titled
album features nine tracks of thoughtful, slightly odd progressive pop.
The soft, subdued vocals work remarkably well within the framework of these
intricately arranged tunes. This doesn't sound like an album created to
sell units...but rather an artistic creation in which Lakis is simply transferring
his thoughts and feelings into music. Pensive, thoughtful cuts include "Turn
Into the Turn," "Campfire Went Out," "Glass Tiles,"
and "Price of Fevers." Plenty of neat stuff here, it'll be interesting
to see where Jason heads with the next Mist and Mast release... (Rating:
5)
Mohawk
Lodge - Wildfires (CD, White Whale,
Pop)
Good mid-tempo guitar rock. Mohawk Lodge vocalist/guitarist Ryder
Havdale has a voice that is similar in many ways to J. Mascis
(Dinosaur Jr)...mainly because his singing is rather loose and he
wavers on and off key a lot. Add in hummable songs that are reminiscent
of 1970s and 1980s Neil Young...and you have an album that is entertaining
and extremely unpretentious. We have always been nuts about neat guitars...and
there are tons of neat guitar riffs threaded throughout Wildfires.
Because this band's sound and image are so seemingly void of hooks and gimmicks...it'll
be interesting to see how folks react. The guys in Mohawk Lodge could either
be dismissed as just one of ten thousand guitar bands currently roaming
the planet...or instantly catapulted into fame if super hipsters latch onto
them. We hope these guys get the recognition they deserve...because their
music is genuinely real and has substance. Nifty cuts include "Hard
Times," "Everybody's On Fire," "Calm Down," and
"Rising Sun." (Rating: 4+++++)
Monster
Magnet - 4-Way Diablo (CD, SPV USA, Rock)
The first new studio album in three years from the band that spawned thousands
of eBay sales of the once popular Wham-O red magnet from the 1960s. After
his well-publicized drug problems that culminated in an overdose during
a 2006 tour of Europe, Monster Magnet leader Dave Wyndorf
seems bound and determined to get back on track. 4-Way Diablo is
a bit of a departure for the band, as these tunes were mainly recorded live
with only minimal overdubs added to clean things up. As such, this album
probably captures the live sound of the band better than any of their previous
studio albums. These tunes find the band rocking hard and heavy...but this
time around the tunes seem a bit more loose and bluesy than on previous
releases. Wyndorf's bandmates provide a super solid foundation here (Ed
Mundell on guitar, Bob Pantella on drums, and Jim Baglino
on bass). It will be interesting to see whether or not the band's fans will
follow along at this point. Will these guys see an instant resurgence of
their immense popularity from the 1990s? Or will they be neglected as their
original fans have gotten older and younger listeners aren't that familiar
with the band? Whatever the case...Monster Magnet continues to provide good,
solid, hard tunes with staying power. Cool rockers include "Wall of
Fire," "Blow Your Mind," an interesting cover of The Rolling
Stones' "2000 Lightyears From Home," and "A Thousand
Stars." (Rating: 5)
Mott The Hoople - Fairfield Halls, Live 1970 (CD, Angel
Air, Rock)
When we first saw this CD we were thinking...Mott The Hoople
live...GREAT...but the sound quality is gonna really SUCK. Ladies and
gentlemen, we ain't afraid to admit it when we are wrong. And BOY were we
wrong about this one. Fairfield Halls, Live 1970 captures the cool
guys in Mott before they became popsters. As a result, these early live
recordings present the band in all their early rocking glory. At this stage
of the game the band consisted of Ian Hunter, Mick Ralphs,
Overend Watts, Verden Allen, and Dave Griffin. The
disc is divided into two sections. The first seven tracks (which include
rousing versions of "Ohio" and "You Really Got Me")
was recorded September 13, 1970 at Fairfield Halls in Croyden, England.
The remaining five bonus tracks were taken from a concert on February 16,
1971 at The Konserthuset in Stockholm, Sweden. Listeners who only know the
band's later pop tracks like "All The Young Dudes" and "All
The Way From Memphis" may very well be surprised at the punch and muscle
of early Mott. This CD is a great reminder of how hard these guys could
actually rock. Essential for fans of the band. (Rating: 5++)
mwvm - Rotations (CD, Silber,
Electronic)
Rotations features the kind of classy, odd ambient stuff that has
made the Silber label a household name among a small yet devoted group of
people around the globe. mwvm (none of the letters are capitalized)
is the solo project created by Michael Walton who resides in County
Durham in the United Kingdom. Walton's music consists of all-instrumental
electronics...slow, methodical, and dreamy in nature. The guitar playing
on this album is rather unusual in that it is very hard to actually recognize
the guitars. Much of this music is so soft and subtle...that it is rather
difficult to describe. This is the sort of music that is best used to create
odd, surreal moods in your living environment. Tired of bopping around to
the latest catchy pop band? Or have you found yourself grinding your teeth
away once too often after too many loud blasts of harsh metal? If so take
a chill pill...put on Rotations...and allow yourself to float away
on a serene cloud of mental fluidity. Wonderful sounding rich stuff...far
too peculiar for the casual listener. Recommended. (Rating: 5+++)
Myracle Brah - Can You Hear the Myracle Brah? (CD, Rainbow
Quartz, Pop)
Another remarkably satisfying album from Baltimore, Maryland's Myracle
Brah. This guitar pop band is driven by the songwriting talents of Andy
Bopp...a fellow with an uncanny knack for writing catchy and absorbing
melodies. On this album, Bopp is aided by drummer Greg Schroeder
and back up vocalist Chad Hopkins. Can You Hear the Myracle Brah?
features fifteen smart tracks of intriguing, well-crafted pop. The guitars
are loud and up front in the mix...and the vocals are urgent and direct.
Unlike many pure pop bands, Andy and his pals manage to retain a certain
raw, roughness that makes the music really rock. The album features a nice
mix of rockers and mid-tempo pop...all of which feature Andy's excellent,
focused vocals. Catchy keepers include "No More Words," "Tran
Sister," "Big Kids Wanna Rock," "A Traveling Song,"
and "You're My Heaven." Great stuff. (Rating: 5)
New
Amsterdams - At the Foot of My Rival
(CD, Curb Appeal,
Pop)
The New Amsterdams' Matt Pryor is a man whose music appeals
to almost everyone. His tunes are honest and creative enough to please
fans of the underground, commercial enough for folks who like radio-friendly
music, and smart enough for folks who need a little artsy flavor in their
pop. At the Foot of My Rival continues in the same general vein as
Matt's previous releases. These pensive, melodic compositions have plenty
of sticking power...and yet they are delivered with such casual restraint
that you almost forget how effective the songs really are (!). Most artists
with such a surging word-of-mouth buzz aren't worthy of all the jibber jabbering...but
Pryor is a different sort of animal. While he certainly manages to please
writers and reviewers and the ultra-hipsters of the world...his music is
personal and real enough to affect just about anyone who truly loves great
pop. This fourteen song album reverberates with pure feelgood energy.
Killer cuts include "Revenge," "Without A Sound (Eleanor)"
(a real standout track), "Story Like A Scar," and "The Blood
on the Floor." Highly recommended. (Rating: 5+++)
New
Found Glory - From the Screen to Your Stereo
Part II (CD, Drive-Thru,
Pop/rock)
Despite the fact that the guys in New Found Glory have been at it
for a decade now...the tunes on From the Screen to Your Stereo Part II
spark from the speakers with the youthful excitement of a band that has
just learned how to play. The album features eleven cover tunes...but if
you're expecting generic and conventional rehashing, think again. These
guys recharge the tunes they cover...reinventing them with their own unique
power pop possibilities. This album has a nice, big, thick polished sound...and
yet the band's raw power still manages to come across loud and clear. Catchy,
frantic buzzsaw tunes include "Kiss Me," "It Ain't Me Babe"
(this one is particularly nice), "The King of Wishful Thinking,"
"Iris," and "Head Over Heels." Top notch vocals from
start to finish. These guys sure are sounding super tight these days...
(Rating: 5)
When we are young
We have dreams.
When we are old
We have dreams.
But in between
We have nothing but
Nightmares.(Rating: 1)
The
Pearlfishers - Up With the Larks (CD,
Marina, Pop)
Glasgow, Scotland's The Pearlfishers return with another remarkable
collection of intelligent modern pop. Over the past few years band mainman
David Scott has become a favorite among pop fans all over the world.
His songs are so upbeat and optimistic that they may very well drive some
people up the wall. But here in babysueland, we tend to admire people
who can create truly positive music...particularly in light of the depressing
state of humanity in the twenty-first century. Up With the Larks
is a wonderfully uplifting collection of bright, breezy, classic pop songs.
Although his voice is very different from either, Scott's tunes sound something
like a cross between Elvis Costello and Ben Folds. His music
is extremely accessible and radio-friendly and yet...it somehow never comes
across sounding contrived and artificial. It is probably this man's inner
spirit that makes his music so real and genuine. If you visit his web site
(link above) you will almost certainly get the immediate impression that
David is a sincere, genuine fellow who truly enjoys making music. Larks
is yet another direct hit featuring twelve classy keepers including "Send
Me a Letter," "London's In Love" (a particularly wonderful
tune), "Fighting Fire With Flowers," and "I Just See the
Rainbow." Recommended. (Rating: 5++)
The Pink Floyd and Syd Barrett
Story (Double DVD, Zeit Media / MVD Visual, Documenatary)
Documentaries about rock stars and bands can quickly become very tedious,
pretentious, and unbearable. When we saw the cheesy cover of The Pink
Floyd and Syd Barrett Story we were prepared for the worst. Oddly
enough...this DVD turned out to be a thoroughly entertaining and enlightening
experience. Although lots of folks in the twenty-first century are very
familiar with Pink Floyd...most of them have probably heard very little
(if any at all) of the band's original recordings with Syd Barrett. And
that is very sad because, as this documentary clearly illustrates, Barrett
truly was the man with the talent and vision. Through the use of various
snippets of archival footage and interviews with those who knew him, the
narrator paints a vivid and real picture of the man whose voice and personality
have unfortunately become muddled and lost over the years. Now that he has
passed away, having a documentary that tells his story is nothing short
of fantastic. This DVD sheds light on one obvious fact. Pink Floyd with
Syd Barrett was a wonderfully inventive and incredible band. Pink Floyd
without Syd Barrett...is just another band churning out songs for
money. While the members of the band continue to publicly moan on and on
about how tragic their loss was...one can't help but wonder. After all,
some of the band's most successful ventures (Wish You Were Here,
The Wall) seem to have capitalized on Barrett. The one person who
comes off seeming genuine and sincere here is Robyn Hitchcock...the
one individual who dares to dispute the idea that Barrett's high point was
with the band. Like Robyn, we feel that Syd's solo recordings were every
bit as good...if not far better. And certainly light years more credible
than later Pink Floyd recordings. We came away from this...wanting to hear
more Syd Barrett...and wanting to hear absolutely nothing that the
band recorded after his departure. Perhaps the surviving band members are
sincere in their fond memories of their deceased friend...we certainly don't
know for sure. But with so much money to be made from the situation, one
just has to wonder. Whether you like Pink Floyd or not, if you are
into the history of rock music you really need to see this... (Rating: 5)
Abuse a plant.
Cut it.
Burn it.
Threaten it and
Rape it.(Rating: 1)
Dick Prall - Weightless (CD, Authentic,
Pop)
The really cool cover art first caught our attention with this one...a neat
blurry photograph with Dick Prall's face neatly divided in half but
not quite properly aligned. But it was ultimately the songs that caused
us to devote our attention to Weightless. This is the fourth full-length
release from Prall. After hearing this, it's no wonder that so many folks
are beginning to notice this young man's music. This guy doesn't toss off
underground noise as art nor does he play the kind of mindless twenty-first
century synth pop dribble that has become so popular with the mindless masses.
Instead, Dick writes and records smart, pensive, articulate pop that recalls
some of the truly great artists from decades past (we can hear definite
traces of Cat Stevens and even Thin Lizard Dawn at times).
His guitar pop tunes are arranged to perfection and incorporate some precise
and totally appropriate strings at times. Weightless is one of those
rare releases that manages to be simultaneously accessible while still retaining
artistic integrity. Oh...and we almost forgot to mention the voice.
Dick has a really great voice that soars and/or whispers...depending on
the mood and need of each song. Cool pop cuts include "Halfway to Hollywood,"
"Long Play," "Boulevard," and "Devils." Well
done. (Rating: 5+)
Qui
- Love's Miracle (CD, Ipecac,
Rock)
The cover of this CD is brilliant. On first glance, it appears to be a hit-ridden
schmaltzy commercial album about love. But look again...and you realize
that the three band members are standing over what appears to be a dead
woman's body in the grass. Qui is the trio of David Yow, Paul
Christensen, and Matt Cronk. As anyone familiar with Yow would
expect, this is one crazy album. The band whips out nine harsh, nasty
tracks for underground rock fans that feature hard rhythms, loopy wild guitar,
and Yow's unpredictable vocals. The odd, obtuse tunes on this album are
deceptively complex. Instead of hashing out noise as music as many twenty-first
century bands are prone to do, these guys present their remarkably intelligent
oddball rock tunes with precision and style. Who does this sound like...?
Hard to say, really... But we are finding that the more we play this one...the
better it sounds. Bizarre rock cuts include "Apartment," "Today,
Gestation," "New Orleans," a strange cover of "Willie
the Pimp," and "Echoes." There used to be a lot more
experimental hard rock guitar bands around like this back in the mid-1990s...
(Rating: 5)
The Resonars - Nonetheless Blue (CD, Get
Hip, Pop)
Before we even gazed at the press release that accompanied this CD, we were
thinking...hmmm...The Resonars kinda remind us of The Grip
Weeds. Almost immediately after this thought entered our minds...we
gazed down and saw that the folks at Get Hip had already compared the two
bands to one another. This Arizona-based band plays music that seems to
draw heavily from 1960s psychedelic pop from the United States and Great
Britain. Not only are the songs reminiscent of this style of music...but
even the sound quality of Nonetheless Blue fits. This is a very short
album...these twelve tracks flash by in just under thirty minutes. But quality
is what counts...and quality is what makes the songs on this album so rewarding
and fulfilling. Rather than merely rehash the sounds of an era gone by...these
guys use that source as a diving board to express their own present day
viewpoints. Nifty pop cuts include "Nonetheless Blue," "Places
You Have Been," "No Problem At All," and "As A Matter
of Fact." Neat chord progressions here. Pleasing and uplifting. Recommended
for fans of Outrageous Cherry. (Rating: 5+)
Chris
Robley - The Drunken Dance of Modern Man
in Love (CD, Cutthroat Pop, Progressive pop)
This is a rather complex and depthy album...so be forewarned. The band is
the project spearheaded by Chris Robley...a young man with a rather
unorthodox approach to modern progressive pop. There's a wild variety of
instruments swimming around in these tracks...everything from vibraphone
to theramin to organ to gong to mandolin to timpani...and that's just the
beginning (all kinds of snappety snap and clickety click noises are
listed as instruments as well). Robley's stream-of-consciousness pop is
slightly ethereal and possesses strange dreamlike qualities. Considering
the wild array of sounds and approaches here...it is surprising indeed how
ultimately smooth and accessible these tunes sound. This album must have
taken an incredible amount of time and energy to record and yet...it all
comes across sounding rather direct and instantly inspired. Chris Robley
has a sound and style that are all his own. Will this be a plus for
him in the years ahead...or detrimental because his music doesn't sound
like other artists...? Only time will tell. For the time being, we are
becoming more and more addicted to tracks like "Culture Jammer,"
"Little Love Affairs," "Faulkner's South," and "Aubade."
Neat stuff. (Rating: 5+)
Sea
Wolf - Leaves In The River (CD, Dangerbird, Pop)
Sea Wolf is driven by the songwriting skills of Alex Brown Church...a
young fellow whose music sounds surprisingly mature and classic in nature.
Although Church played most of the instruments on this album, he enlisted
help in this project from no less than thirteen other musicians. Leaves
In The River is a truly smooth and beautiful collection of tunes. The
songs sound familiar in a strange way...so much so that you may very well
get the feeling you have heard them before (although that is obviously not
the case as all ten tracks are originals). We were a bit surprised to see
that this was released on the Dangerbird label...because we usually associate
the company with odd and noisy modern bands (?). But it is, indeed, to Dangerbird's
advantage to offer a wide array of artists with varying styles...as this
opens up their world to many more multiple layers of potential listeners.
Alex Church's tunes will definitely appeal to youngsters...but more mature
music fans will be just as likely to latch onto his smart, soft, and personal
songs. Leaves In The River is a soft and absorbing spin full of introspective
lyrics and memorable melodies. The arrangements are appropriately slick
and subtle...allowing the listener to focus on the substance that is inherent
in these tunes. We can't think of many folks in recent years who have released
such a strong debut. Sturdy tracks include "Leaves In The River,"
"The Rose Captain," "You're A Wolf," and "Song
for the Dead." Recommended. (Rating: 5++)
Your shitty little
Sexual desires are
Pathetic and meaningless
In the big scheme of
Things.(Rating: 1)
Sightings - Through the Panama (CD, Load,
Progressive/experimental/rock)
This is the oddest CD we have heard this month. Through the Panama
is the sixth album from Sightings. Wow...this is a difficult one
to describe, digest, and understand. Sightings play modern rock music that
is extremely heady, inventive, unorthodox, and confusing. There really isn't
a normal song on this album. Some are more accessible and listenable than
others...but none are what we would describe as normal. The band's more
melodic music is strangely unfamiliar...infused with lots of accidental
guitars and sounds. The band's less melodic music is...well...very less
melodic. We get so tired of loud rock bands who constantly play in fifth
gear...tearing away at their instruments full-force 100% of the time. In
the end, most of these bands all sound the same. That is, perhaps, why Sightings
music is so oddly pleasing and unusual. Through the Panama is most
certainly a harsh, loud album. But don't expect to hear lightning fast drums
and buzzsaw guitars. The loudness in the music here is presented in pure
strength and attitude. This is twenty-first experimental rock the way it
ought to be played. Bizarre hypnotic tracks include "A Rest,"
"Debt Hoofs," "In The Most Real of Hells," and "Through
the Panama" (the title track is a really weird experience that sounds
like the devil is drifting through your head). Weird stuff...but not just
weird...very, very intriguing. Recommended. (Rating: 5++)
Soft - Gone Faded (CD, Academy
Fight Song / Silver Sleeve Records, Pop)
If this band isn't an automatic hit among hipsters and serious fans of the
underground...well, we'll just take a suicide pill and die. The guys
in Soft have come up with a mighty strong debut. Gone Faded
features wonderfully uplifting pop tunes drenched in cool guitars and subtle,
infectious rhythms. If you love really good guitar bands, there's a good
chance you will find yourself immediately entranced by this album. The band's
sound teeters somewhere in between artists like The Lassie Foundation,
The Shoes, and The Stone Roses...without ever sounding too
much like any of them. The dual guitars sound just fantastic...as
do Johnny Reineck's dreamy, subtle vocals (the guy has a voice so
smooth that it could skip over water). Not a lot more to say here...except
that we highly recommend this one without reservation. Exceptional
tracks include "Gone Faded," "Dropping," "Ten Times
Strong," and "Hot Club." An instant hit. (Rating: 5+++)
So They Say - Life In Surveillance (CD, Fearless,
Rock)
Smart, ballsy, loud rock with real punch. The guys in St. Louis, Missouri's
So They Say write and play rather thick and complex modern hard rock
that really jumps out at you. The tunes on Life In Surveillance are
an almost perfect blend of power pop, heavy metal, and hard rock. We are
particularly intrigued by the guitars on this album. Instead of merely blaring
away into infinity, guitarists David Schroeder and Nicholas Walters
play some really cool heady riffs that bounce on and off one another like
nervous insects. And while Joseph Hamilton and Schroeder can certainly
amp up their vocals when necessary, they don't seem averse to moments of
slightly soft reflection (the vocal harmonies sound fantastic). The rhythms
provided by Justin Hanson (drums) and Joe Hoermann (bass)
are the sturdy anchor that seems to keep everyone focused. Very few bands
seem to be able to tread that fine like where power pop meets heavy metal...but
these guys do so with agility and style. Kickass explosive rockers include
"Just Forget My Name," "Wake Me Up," "Whisper of
Sin," and "Nuclear Sunrise." (Rating: 5)
Starving Daughters - Such Buds (CD EP, Tender
Loving Empire, Progressive pop)
First off, we must thank the nifty folks at Tender Loving Empire for being
kind enough to send us a copy of this limited edition EP (only 500 numbered
copies of the first edition of this hand silk-screened EP were made). But
this wouldn't really be such a big deal...if it were not for the truly
cool music on this CD. The story of how this band's name came to be
is worth mentioning. During one practice, all of the band members realized
that they had something in common...none of them had sisters. Deciding that
their parents may have done away with any female babies, the members named
their band Starving Daughters. The six tunes on this EP sound something
like a cross between The Flaming Lips and The Television Personalities
(both of which are babysue favorites). The songs are mostly laidback
and slightly psychedelic...but ultimately hummable and completely groovy.
The guitars are wonderfully intricate and spacey...and the vocals fit the
music to a T. Super satisfying cuts include "No Thanks," "Sorry
I Asked," and "Won't Suck." Killer stuff. (Rating: 5+)
Shannon
Taylor - If It Is To Be As It Is (Independently
released CD, Pop)
Our first reaction to Shannon Taylor's music was that it seemed to
sound like The Beatles at times...but after a few more spins, we
finally realized that If It Is To Be As It Is has much more in common
with Neil Innes. Being huge Innes fans, we found ourselves almost
immediately affected by the wonderfully catchy tunes on this album. These
smooth modern pop rockers feature some absolutely lovely guitar work and
the subtle use of mellotron works surprisingly well. In the end, however,
it is Shannon's vocals that really make his music stand out from the crowd.
This man has a great, understated voice and his harmony overdubs are precise
and exacting. Not a lot more to say here...except that If It Is To Be
As It Is has the potential to put listeners in a really good frame of
mind. We were in a dull kinda mood the day we popped this in but a few hours
later...we were feeling mighty fine. Nifty, classy tracks include
"Surviving Sunday," "You Should Be Here Today," "It
Falls To Me," and "A Thousand Reasons Why." Recommended.
(Rating: 5++)
TheGoStation - Passion Before Function (CD, EdgeDelay, Pop)
We honestly can't decide what to make of this band. When the guys in TheGoStation
are at their best they sound like the poppier straightforward tunes
by the Psychedelic Furs and Guided By Voices. Neat, rather
neat. But...when they're at their worst...they sound very,
very, very much like R.E.M. Bad, very bad...and regular babysue
readers probably already know our opinion of R.E.M. (it spells V-O-M-I-T).
So here we have an album featuring ten hummable singalong tunes. Do the
tunes feature mostly the BEST elements of this band...or the WORST? We can't
decide so...perhaps when you come to a conclusion you'll let us know...
(Not Rated)
When someone close to you dies
Have them buried in
Their most beautiful clothes.
As they deteriorate and rot
They will slowly liquify and be absorbed by
Their most beautiful clothes.(Rating: 1)
The clock is ticking.
Tick, tick, tick.
The dog is licking.
Lick, lick, lick.(Rating: 1)
Tiesto - In Search of Sunrise 6 (Double CD, Nettwerk,
DJ/dance/various artists compilation)
Is there less disco and dance music being recorded and released these days...are
have we just been cut out of the loop by some of the less open-minded dance
labels and publicists across the globe...? No matter and who cares...because
occasionally some great dance music still slides into our nifty little mail
box. And this one certainly came at an opportune time. This double CD set
features tracks from various artists compiled by DJ Tiesto. These
discs offer a nice clear snapshot of where dance music is at in 2007 in
Ibiza. Tiesto presents a total of 28 tracks here by artists that include
Es Vedra, Solaris Heights, The Veil Kings, Taxigirl,
Imogen Heap, Nic Chagall, JES, Maor Levi, Jedidja
and many more. The beats are steady and the sounds are heady in this non-stop
dance mix. This music pays homage to the dance craze of the 1970s...while
forging a new way forward with the unlimited potential provided by continually
updated software and hardware. No wonder Tiesto has received so much recognition
of late. What can we say? Hey, the man has taste. (Rating: 5)
Trolleyvox - Your Secret Safe / Luzerne (Double CD, Transit of Venus, Pop)
We really admire the folks in Trolleyvox...not only for their music
but also because of the way they are marketing themselves. While the band's
tunes are certainly available for download, as an incentive for folks to
buy the real thing...they created a beautifully packaged double CD package
(complete with colorful lyric booklet) that sells for the price of a single
disc. The packaging is lovely indeed...but the songs are the real draw here.
Your Secret Safe features the full-band line-up and is our favorite
of the two CDs. Trolleyvox songs are smart and memorable...often recalling
some of the better bands we have heard on the Merge label. Lead vocalist
Beth Filla seems to have several different voices. One minute she sounds
something like Linda Hopper (Oh OK, Magnapop)...and
a few songs later she sounds more like Kate Bush. Luzerne,
the second CD, features the softer side of the band played with mostly acoustic
instruments. A word of warning...the tunes on these CDs may take a few spins
to sink in...so if you're looking for a quick, immediate fix...you may need
something with a little less substance. Luzerne is a neat, moody
collection of tracks...but the more upbeat, super hummable tunes on Your
Secret Safe blow us away the most. Superb pop cuts include "I Call
On You," "Reading," "Jean Jacket" (we really dig
this one), and "Cricket in Euphoria." (Rating: 5+)
Mike Uva and Hook Boy - Static Songs (CD, Collectible
Escalators, Pop)
This is such a smooth accessible album. Surprisingly melodic and accessible,
Static Songs may be an underground release...but the songs are so
smooth and familiar that just about anyone could enjoy them (if they had
the chance to hear them, of course). We can hear lots of possible influences
here. At times, Mike Uva's tunes remind us of The Feelies,
Richard Thompson, and Ray Davies...and that's just the beginning.
So many modern artists rely on technology to get their point across. Uva
seems to have the exact opposite idea. Instead of burying his songs in technology
and too many overdubs, he presents them simply using only the bare essentials.
This approach works extremely well on Static Songs. The tracks sound
very warm and genuine...and completely free of gimmicks. The more we spin
this one...the better the songs sound. Love them gee-tars. Subtle smart
pop tracks include "Hook Boy," "Magic Marker," "Like
Water You Press," and "Reunion." Very satisfying... (Rating:
5+)
Jessica
Vale - Brand New Disease (CD, Explicit Records, Pop/rock)
Nifty atmospheric rock with a spacey feel. This is Jessica Vale's
long awaited follow-up to The Sex Album which she released in 2006.
Brand New Disease features eleven goth rockers that are sometimes
reminiscent of artists like Siouxsie Sioux and Lene Lovich.
The songs feature guitars drenched in effects and danceable rhythms...both
of which support Jessica's soft and sultry dreamlike vocals. Her music doesn't
have a direct, immediate impact like some artists whose music is more instantly
accessible. We had to spin Disease several times before the tracks
began to sink in. If the songs on this album don't make an instant dent
in people's minds...the cover art most certainly will. The CD features
a bizarre photograph of Jessica laying on the floor wearing a clown-like
dress made entirely of what appears to be newspaper (?!?). Pretty neat.
Commercial music fans will probably find this too artsy and odd for their
tastes. But our guess is that fans of the underground will find a lot of
substance here. Top picks: "Black and Blue," "No Soul,"
"Night in Sarajevo," "You Don't Wanna Know," and "Together
Alone." (Rating: 4+++++)
Rick Wakeman - G'ole! (CD, Voiceprint,
Instrumental)
The folks at Britain's Voiceprint label are slowly but surely making obscure
out-of-print releases from Rick Wakeman once again available to the general
public. This, the soundtrack to the film G'ole! was issued on vinyl
many years back...but this marks the first time the album has been made
available on CD. Recorded and released way, way, way back in 1982,
the album features twelve smart, articulate keyboard instrumentals. Yes
fans will probably be particularly interested in this release, as some of
the sounds and styles here seem to reflect Wakeman's glory days with one
of the ultimate English progressive dinosaur bands. Compared to the sound
of today's instrumental albums, the quality of these recordings may initially
seem a bit blurry and lacking polish. But if you turn the volume up just
a bit...you will find there's a lot more going on here than first meets
the ears. Cool classically-influenced compositions include "The Dove
(Opening Ceremony)," "Wayward Spirit," "No Possible,"
"Frustration," and "Spanish Montage." (Rating: 4+++++)
West Side Story - West Side Story (CD, Decca,
Musical/soundtrack)
We must admit right off the bat that we have never ever cared for musicals.
And it's not only because of the kind of songs usually heard in them...but
also because most people that we meet who are really into musicals seem
rather...well...superficial (this might be an unfair categorization
but we have found this to be the case more often than not). Our exposure
to Leonard Bernstein's West Side Story is minimal at best.
The only bits and pieces we ever heard from the musical were utilized by
Alice Cooper on his School's Out album. So at this point some
of you may very well be asking...if you stupid people at babysue
don't like musicals and aren't familiar with West Side Story...why
on earth are you reviewing it? Good question, and one that we don't
really have an answer for. Except that we try to make people aware of quality
releases that we feel might be of interest to them...even if, in some cases,
those releases aren't quite our own cup of tea. This is the first new professional
recording of this musical to be made since 1984 when Bernstein himself conducted
and Kiri Te Kanawa played the part of Maria. This new recording features
Hayley Westenra as Maria and Vittorio Grigolo as Tony. While
this won't turn us into big fans of broadway musicals...we can certainly
recognize a professional project done right when we hear it. Our guess is
that the newest West Side Story will be a major hit with fans...
(Not Rated)
We
The Living - Heights of the Heavens
(Independently released CD, Pop)
This album arrived with no accompanying press release or additional information...so
we'll just say it as we play it. This self-released CD includes ten super
slick recordings that feature a big thick sound and tons of effects and
overdubs. We The Living consists of Matt Holmen (guitars),
Benjamin Schaefer (drums), John Paul Roney (vocals, acoustic
guitar, piano), and Stefan Benkowski (bass, vocals). Someone did
a great job mastering this CD...the overall volume on this disc seems to
be about twice what we normally hear on independent releases. The sound
quality and arrangements are impressive...but the main thing that we like
about this band are the songs. Roney wrote all of the tunes but one
(the band includes a cover of Bill Withers' "Ain't No Sunshine").
Heights of the Heavens will likely appeal to a wide variety of folks.
Our only concern about this album is that the sound is so extremely
slick and glossy that it can sometimes interfere with one's ability to absorb
the actual substance in the songs. That is a minor point, however, as these
guys have obviously created an album with a lot of staying power. Cool cuts
include "Typical," "London Rain," "75 and 17,"
and "History." (Rating: 4++++)
Zolar
X - X Marks the Spot (CD, Alternative Tentacles, Pop)
One of the more unlikely reformations of the twenty-first century, the rebirth
of Zolar X is indeed a rather odd phenomenon. When the band made
their original splash decades ago, they were met with lots of curiosity...but
very little commercial success. They were probably seen as a mere novelty
act and little more. But over time some novelty acts become credible entities...and
such has been the case with the fellows in Zolar X. The band has a very
strong image...they all look like martians and sing songs that recall the
glory days of 1970s glam rock. But let's flash to the present and consider
the band's new album X Marks the Spot. What surprises us most is
how current and credible these guys' music now sounds. Instead of coming
across burned out and dated...the new Zolar X tunes sound very much like
other modern bands who are possibly half their age. The best way of describing
this band might be to say that they look and sound something like Spinal
Tap from outer space playing modern buzzsaw bubblegum pop. If the band
was nothing more than a gimmick we wouldn't be impressed. But, as this album
proves, these guys have come up with some substantial songs that
lend true credibility to their reformation. Cool catchy cuts include "Oveon
Triopp," "Saucers On Sunset," "Astro Tots," and
"X Marks the Spot." Like totally GROOVY man... (Rating: 5)
Action Design - Into a sound
Carrie Akre - Last the evening
A Julius Orange - Of leverage or magnetism
Alphabetical Order - Alphabetical Order
Autumn Machine - Silent fate
Annie Barker - Mountains and tumult
Bell Hollow - Foxgloves
Black Tie - Goodbye, farewell
Built By Snow - Noise
Vashti Bunyan - Some things just stick in your mind
(this one's really good...wish we had received a real copy to review!)
Deana Carter - The chain
Chubbies - The official greatest hits
CosmoSonics - Punk rock...for lovers!
Cynics - Here we are
Dali's Llama - Sweet sludge
Deep Dark Woods - Hang me oh hang me
Destination Oblivion - December sun
Michael J. Downey and the World - America
Dutch Kills - Blissville
Eastern Blok - Folk tales
Eternal Faithi - Losing faith
Eulogies - Eulogies
First to Leave - Forging a future
Patrick Flynn - Good news
For Against - In the marshes
Gina Gershon - In search of cleo
Alexis Gideon - Flight of the liophant
Grand Ole Party - Humanimals
Grayceon - Grayceon
Guards of Metropolis - Alligator
Hasbeen - Big salty hands
Holler, Wild Rose! - Our little hymnal
Nathan Holscher - Even the hills
Hot Hot Heat - Happiness ltd.
Michael Hurley - Ancestral swamp
Japanther - Skuffed up my huffy
Just Jack - Overtones
Kamera - Resurrection
Karl Denson Trio - Lunar orbit
Katy Mae - The sweetheart deal
Harvey Keene - Best that money can buy
Brad Laner - Neighbor singing
Laverne Christie Trio - East of the sun, west of the moon
Leiana - No going back
Letterperfect - In transit
Magnet - The simple life
Man The Destroyer - Day of grey
Steven Messenger - Edge of the wall
Mia & Jonah - Rooms for adelaide
Mountain Home - Mountain Home
Mouthus - Saw a halo
New York City Smoke - Musique noir
No-Fi Soul Rebellion - Terrible muscles
Octoberman - Run from safety
Of Love Possessed - The weight of a gun
Oslo - The rise and fall of love and hate
Outformation - Traveler's rest
P.A.F. - Fingerprints, medicine
Phonograph - Hiawatha talking machine EP
Matt Pond PA - Last light
Prids - Something difficult
Racing Cars - Second wind
Collin Raye - Selected hits
Finn Riggins - A soldier, a saint, an ocean explorer
Rockfour - Memories of the never happened
Scene of Action - Scene of Action
Sergeant - Sergeant
Mishka Shubaly - How to make a bad situation worse
Skipping Girl Vinegar - One chance b/w Cold come the nights
Slow Burning Car - Blowback
Small White - Product placement
Melvin Smith - Portrait
Sojourners - Hold on
Sole and the Skyrider Band - Sole and the Skyrider Band
Soulshake Express - Soulshake Express EP
William Steffey - Romance of the spaceways
Joe Strell - Enormous morning
Sunday Drivers - Archetypes EP
Tomi - Tomi
Various Artists - Little Darla has a treat for you, v. 25
Olivea Watson - Way down deep
Tom Wehrle - When you can't wait for tomorrow
Weightlifters - Last of the sunday drivers
Within Chaos - Virulent
Arthur Yoria - Handshake smiles
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