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April 2008 Reviews by
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April 2008 Reviews by
RATING SYSTEM:
= UNBELIEVABLY
INCREDIBLE
= EXCELLENT
= VERY
GOOD
= GOOD
= FAIR
= SHITTY
A
Whisper In The Noise - Dry Land (CD,
Exile On Mainstream,
Progressive pop)
The third full-length release from Hanska, Minnesota's A Whisper In The
Noise. After spinning this album several times, our opinion of different
songs changed and evolved. We eventually came to the conclusion that this
album has some excellent compositions...but, because it is a mixed bag,
we found that we had to skip over certain tracks in order to enjoy it. The
folks in this band have an intriguing sound that involves a variety of instruments
including cello, violin, French horn, keyboards, bass, and various percussion
instruments. We found the softer more subdued tracks to be the strongest.
One song in particular ("Sons") would have been better left off
this disc because it really destroys the flow of the album. So, in summation...when
these folks are "on," their music is very cool and inviting. Top
picks: "As We Were," "Awaken To Winter," "You,
The Orphan." (Rating: 4+++)
Balustrade Ensemble - Capsules (CD, Dynamophone,
Progressive)
Capsules is a truly intriguing and unusual album. Balustrade Ensemble
is the trio consisting of Grant Miller, Scott Solter, and
Wendy Allen...along with additional guest artists Liam Singer,
Rich Vaughan, Ryan Rosenberg, and Matt Henry Cunitz
who lend their ideas and support. Miller composed these tunes that teeter
in and out of a variety of genres. Musical styles range from classical,
ambient, soundtrack, progressive, electronic, and beyond...but be advised
that trying to lump this music into any one category would be confusing
and misleading. The subtle nuances in these tracks make them inviting and
ultimately hypnotic. If you've ever been in a large vacant building alone
at night, you might begin to have some idea of what this music sounds like.
In such an environment the world seems to slow down...and everything around
you appears to be particularly significant. Capsules is intoxicating,
impressive, and...most of all...very beautiful. Lots of folks attempt
to make music like this, but very few are successful. The folks in Balustrade
Ensemble have created a real masterpiece. As such, this album is an easy
Top Pick this month. Highly recommended. (Rating: 5++++)
Bass Communion - Pacific Codex (CD, Equation,
Experimental/sound/instrumental)
This is an excellent example of why we continue to write about music. The
person (or persons) who make up Bass Communion are creating from
the school of thought that says sound is music. Note that this is
very different from the idea that noise is music. Pacific Codex
consists of two long tracks: "Pacific Codex 1" and "Pacific
Codex 2." Both pieces last about twenty minutes. These compositions
are very subtle and strange. They sound something like music from Brian
Eno's early ambient albums...except they are much more spooky and sinister
and they focus on textures created by lower frequencies. We cannot recommend
this for everyone. Most listeners will probably not have the patience nor
the tolerance necessary to enjoy this kind of stuff. Here in the continually
expanding babysue office suites, we absolutely LOVE IT.
This is easily one of the most odd and hypnotic instrumental recordings
we have heard this century. Not only is the music strangely hallucinogenic,
but the packaging is the best. This release consists of a regular
audio CD, a surround sound DVD-A, and a 36 page booklet all housed in a
cardboard sleeve (designed by Carl Glover/Aleph). Even though
this music is very subtle and restrained...if you turn it up really, REALLY
LOUD...it can have wildly intense effects. Such an EASY top pick
for this month... Highly, HIGHLY recommended without reservation... (Rating:
6)
Beat
Circus - Dreamland (CD, Cuneiform, Progressive)
This is the second album from Beat Circus which is the band created
by singer/songwriter Brian Carpenter. There's a lot going on here
that makes describing this man's music a difficult task. When things get
too difficult we tend to turn to promotional materials for assistance. Accordingly,
the postcard that accompanied this CD sums up the sound quite well: "Beat
Circus delivers weird American Gothic stories of children, dreams, fatherhood,
revenge, redemption, and murder." Styles of music that seem to
fade in and out of the equation on this album include gypsy folk, jazz,
progressive pop, and soundtrack audio. Carpenter isn't making music to appeal
to a specific audience or that will fit into a specific genre. Instead,
this fellow is letting music take him wherever it may...and, in the process,
creating some rather titillating music with a difference. Sixteen tracks
here including "Gyp the Blood," "Dark Eyes," "The
Rough Riders," and "March of the Freaks." (Rating: 5)
Boy
Omega - Hope on the Horizon (CD, Acuarela, Pop)
After releasing two albums in 2006 (The Black Tango and The Grey
Rainbow), Martin Henrick Gustafsson (the man who calls himself
Boy Omega) took his time creating his next album. Hope on the
Horizon was recorded over the span of a two year period with aid and
assistance from a variety of guest artists. Gustafsson's songs don't sound
like other Swedish pop artists that we have heard over the past few years.
Instead of super hummable upbeat simple pop, his songs have much more depth
and are much more reflective and personal. Some of the tunes on Horizon
recall the introspective longing of Big Star's Third / Sister
Lovers album (particularly the cuts that feature string arrangements).
Gustafsson's tunes are smooth and appealing...made even more so because
of his uniquely fragile voice that comes across sounding extraordinarily
sincere and real. In a world full of throwaway pop, Hope on the Horizon
is a refreshing reminder that there are still credible pop artists in the
world whose music exists on several different levels. Highly recommended.
(Rating: 5+++)
Greg
Chako - Everybody's Got a Name (Independently
released CD, Jazz)
Nice, smooth, fluid jazz played with integrity and style. Guitarist Greg
Chako has been through more than his fair share of occupations in his
lifetime. He's been everything from an egg packer to a construction site
worker to a real estate broker to a chef to an English teacher to a... Well,
you get the picture...this guy has done a lot of stuff. Everybody's Got
a Name is Chako's ninth full-length release and it's a keeper. This
album features eleven classy and reserved compositions that really showcase
this guy's skills on the guitar. His intricate playing recalls some of the
jazz greats from the 1950s and 1960s and his backing musicians (Mark
DeRose, Yasuhiro Hasegawa, Hiroshi Tanaka) provide the
perfect rhythmic backdrop. There are so many self-released CDs that just
don't cut it. Everybody's Got a Name is clearly an exception to the
rule. Top picks: "Boppin' at Berlitz," "The Lamp is Low,"
"Mimosa," and "From This Moment On." Well done. (Rating:
5)
When she was whole
She was such an old nag.
Now she's just chunks
In a bag.
(Rating: 1)
Clock
Hands Strangle - Redshift/Blueshift
(CD, Team Grizzly, Progressive
pop)
The folks in Orlando, Florida's Clock Hands Strangle make music that
sounds very different than the average Florida band. The band consists of
Brian Bo (bass), Nick Hill (guitar), Todd Portnowitz
(vocals, guitar), Adam Burguet (drums, percussion, guitar, violin),
and Cristian Duran (trombone, organ, piano, glockenspiel, percussion).
The songs on Redshift/Blueshift incorporate elements from folk and
pop music, combining them with more fluid instrumental passages that do
not usually fit within such strict confines. In a world where everyone wants
things that easily fit into simple categories, the folks in Clock Hands
Strangle may have a bit of an uphill climb finding an audience. Our guess
is that this band's music will be instantly embraced by a relatively small
but truly passionate group of fans. The more we spin this CD the better
it sounds. Top picks: "Redshift," "My Brain," "White
Blazes," and "Prison." (Rating: 5+)
Democracies will always fail
Because the majority of people
Will always vote for the wrong
Person.(Rating: 1)
The
Doc Marshalls - Honest
For Once (Independently released CD, Country/pop)
The guys in New York City's The Doc Marshalls are different from
the average young twenty-first century country pop band. You would think,
considering how young these guys are, that they would be playing phony alternative
country crap. But instead, these fellows play traditional country music
that has extra pop and zip. This is the follow-up to the band's debut 2005
CD No Kind of Life. This band is driven by the skills of singer/songwriter
Nicolas Beaudoing who wrote all eleven songs on this album. Beaudoing's
songs come across sounding ultimately sincere and should please anyone who
loves dancing to country music. He has a great masculine voice that really
makes these tunes cook. The rest of the band is killer as well and includes
Mat Kane (fiddle), Matt Walsh (lead guitar), Terence Murren
(bass), and Doug Clark (drums). If you think all great country music
is created by middle-aged folks in Nashville, think again. These guys prove
that it isn't where you create the music that matters...but how
you create it. Cool catchy cuts include "Ticket Out of Texas,"
"Lonely at the Top," "Honest for Once," "Dakota,"
and "Never Found My Emmylou." (Rating: 5+)
Extra Life - Secular Works (CD, Planaria,
Progressive)
Extra Life is the latest band/project created by Charlie Looker
who was previously in the bands ZS, Ocrilim, and Dirty
Projectors. Secular Works is a very peculiar spin. We're not
going to be the first to make such a comparison...but the tracks on this
album sound something like a cross between Gregorian monk chants and progressive
bands from the 1970s. Although that doesn't really sum up the band's sound
adequately, this will at least give you some indication of what this album
sounds like. Looker and his associates obviously aren't interesting in trying
to come up with the latest catchy hit here. Nor are they likely to nab an
appearance on Oprah or Ellen anytime soon. Instead, the guys
in this band are creating odd, obtuse, unpredictable music that will only
appeal to a very small segment of listeners. Namely, those folks who want
something different and difficult. We listened to this album several
times...and we still aren't quite sure what to make of it. Rarely
do albums leave us puzzled...but this one most certainly does. So,
at least for the time being, we're going to leave this one unrated. Hmmmmm......?
(Not Rated)
Fern
Knight - Fern Knight (CD, VHF, Progressive)
The folks in Fern Knight return with another unique album that is
wonderfully out of place in today's musical climate. This band is the project
headed by Philadelphia-based guitarist/cellist/vocalist Margaret Wienk.
Wienk and her associates create otherworldly progressive pop that seems
to be influenced by some of the best British progressive art bands from
the 1970s. Some of the compositions on this album could be compared to Curved
Air and even Henry Cow at times...but that only gives a slight
idea of what this music sounds like. The songs on this self-titled album
are soft and thoughtful and feature some truly absorbing and unusual (and
extremely subtle) arrangements. At the heart of the music are Margaret's
beautiful, heartfelt vocals. This album is the perfect fusion of folk, pop,
and classical music. Folks who may be becoming increasingly tired of the
same old generic throwaway pop of the twenty-first century will find a
lot to take in here. Cool, classy cuts include "Bemused,"
"Sundew," "Loch Na Fooey," and "Magpie Suite: Part
II, Part III." Highly recommended... (Rating: 5+++)
For Against - Shade Side Sunny Side (CD, Words
On Music, Progressive pop)
Have the folks in For Against...really been making music for
25 years now...? Hard to believe, but true. We were turned onto the band's
music very late in their career and must admit that we are by no means experts
on their entire career. But we can say that, based on the past few
releases, Shade Side Sunny Side is our favorite album so far. The
album features hummable moody progressive pop tunes that are presented simply
and without unnecessary fanfare. The tracks on this album seamlessly combine
elements of smart mature pop with odd atmospherics. The resulting sound
is something like hearing mid-tempo pop music with dark shadows fading in
and out of the equation. The band's vocals are particularly impressive this
time around...all kinds of smart vocal layering and harmonies really add
depth to these tracks. Nine cool satisfying cuts here including "Glamour,"
"Underestimate," "Game Over," and "Irresistible."
This album is a bit of an acquired taste but well worth the time and energy
spent getting into the music... (Rating: 5++)
The
Foxglove Hunt - Stop Heartbeat (CD,
Common Wall Media LLC, Pop)
Highly melodic synth pop heavily influenced by late 1980s British artists.
The songs on Stop Heartbeat remind us very much of Fine China
and Joy Electric. But wait...there's a reason for that. The
Foxglove Hunt actually is the duo of Rob Withem (of the
band Fine China) and Ronnie Martin (of the band Joy Electric). Withem
writes most of the music here and Martin handles the programming. The end
result...is an extraordinarily nice, smooth, upbeat collection of tunes.
These two guys obviously share similar tastes in music and this collaboration
is like a match made in heaven. In addition to original tunes, there is
also a decent cover of The Psychedelic Furs' "Love My Way."
Cool danceable upbeat cuts include "A Concealed Weapon," "Business
Casual," and "The Pure In Heart." We'd be willing to bet
that these guys will be working together again in the very near future...
(Rating: 5)
The
John Francis Imposters - Sunkfrancisco Frankenstance
(CD, Rerum Novarum,
Progressive pop)
Interesting, irregular modern progressive pop. Led by John Francis,
The John Francis Imposters includes former members of the bands We
Be The Echo, Last of the Blacksmiths, Planets, and Impaled.
We have made this comparison before but it still holds true. Francis writes
songs that are slightly reminiscent of underground icon John Vanderslice...which
should not be too surprising considering the fact that this album was recorded
at Valderslice's Tiny Telephone studio. John's style of music is becoming
increasingly focused. This ten track album features some really nice, well-developed
moody songs that are intriguing and memorable. This is the kind of artsy
thoughtful pop that gets better and better the more familiar it becomes.
Francis is quickly becoming an underground favorite...and Sunkfrancisco
Frankenstance is yet another remarkable addition to his impressive catalog.
Cool keepers include "Riding on the Plain, Gliding in a Dream,"
"A Night at the Movies," and "Riding on a Rainbow."
Recommended. (Rating: 5++)
Dave
Gahan - Hourglass Remixes (Advance CD,
Mute / Virgin,
Dance/electronic)
We're going to have to admit right off the bat that, prior to hearing this
album, we were not familiar with the music of Dave Gahan. As a result,
offering insight and opinions on a remix CD seems a bit like diving into
the deep end with no life preserver. But being uninformed never stopped
us before so here goes anyway... Hourglass Remixes features techno
dance pop that would not have sounded out of place in underground American
clubs in the 1990s. The tunes are driven by persistent electronic rhythms
and plenty of smart modern keyboard sounds. Gahan has a nice, deep, resonant
voice that is slightly distant. A variety of artists provided remixes here
including (but not limited to) Juan MacLean, Booka Shade,
Maps, T. Raumschmiere, and Onur Ozer. In some ways,
this album reminds us of a dance mix of Nine Inch Nails (?!?). Interesting...this
disc makes us want to check out some of Gahan's original mixes... (Rating:
4++++)
Ghost Bees - Tasseomancy (CD, Youth
Club, Progressive pop)
Is this the folks from Mazzy Star...on helium...??? Nope,
Ghost Bees isn't connected with the band in any way...but their music
sounds something like an odd updated take on the same general idea. This
band is the duo of sisters Romy Lightman and Sari Lightman.
Though Tasseomancy only features six tracks, it is not an EP. This
is an album that will probably be slightly confusing for most folks. Romy
and Sari write and record odd folky pop that features their strangely ghost-like
vocals. In many ways these tracks seem to draw inspiration from musical
styles from long ago. The mood is soft and subtle and the instrumentation
basic and sparse. Some of the lyrics may remind some listeners of the intellectual
wordplay of Rasputina. Though it takes a few spins to sink in, Tasseomancy
is an acquired taste that is well worth acquiring. Neat dreamy cuts include
"Vampires of the West Coast," "Erl King," and "Goldfish
and Metermaids." Neat stuff...! (Rating: 5+)
Ghost
of the Russian Empire - The Mammoth
(Independently released CD, Progressive pop/rock)
The guys in Ghosts of the Russian Empire got together in 2004 to
make music, eventually releasing their With Fiercest Demolition EP
in 2006. The Mammoth is the band's first full-length album. These
fellows play slightly drony progressive atmospheric pop/rock that is drenched
in reverb. Unlike many shoegazer type bands, however, some of their tunes
pack quite a punch in terms of volume and energy. In some ways, the sound
quality of this album gives you the impression that you are listening to
a band playing in another room. The swirling instruments and effects are
dizzying at times. Twelve tracks here including "A Decade Without a
Death," "Mandroid," "Bleeding Machines," and "The
Butcher." (Rating: 4+++)
God bless
This food that we are about to eat.
God bless
Our blenders and our washing machines.
God bless
The feces that rests quietly at the bottom of our septic tanks.(Rating: 1)
Goldbergs - Under the Radar (CD, Kool
Kat Musik, Pop)
Extremely smooth, slick, hummable pop. The guys in Goldbergs create
pure pop that would not sound out of place on the Rainbow Quartz label.
The songs on Under the Radar are super hummable, feelgood tracks...almost
all of which sound like hit tunes. There's something about the band's chiming
guitar tunes that recall some of the better guitar bands from the 1990s.
Lots of cool harmonies weave in and out of the mix, and the rhythm section
provides the perfect backdrop by sticking to the basics. Some of the tracks
on this album remind us of Crowded House at times. Lots of Beatles
influences are woven into this album as well. Neat driving music to play
with the windows DOWN. Happy little cuts include "Please Won't You
Please," "Feel the Sun," "Better Times," and "A
Hand To Hold." (Rating: 5)
Where oh where is Grammar?
She's out in the fields
All covered with blood
Where the trees and the clovers
Grow.(Rating: 1)
Black and white
And everything in between.
God hates them all so much
That his fingers turn green.(Rating: 1)
Hairy Mad, the little blotch,
With sneeze and glossy browers
And fairly where the congos bent
Her freezie fists benched blouse.
(Rating: 1)
Hilotrons - Happymatic (CD, Kelp,
Pop)
Peppy upbeat smart pop that combines elements from bands like The Cars,
Elvis Costello, early XTC, Thomas Dolby, and even Prince
at times. This is the third full-length release from Ottawa, Canada's Hilotrons
but it serves as our initial introduction to the band's music. Unlike a
lot of modern pop bands who make very complex sounding music, these guys
write clean and simple tunes that immediately stick in the mind. The songs
on Happymatic feature guitar and keyboard sounds that recall the
late 1980s and early 1990s. We're not the first to compare the band's vocals
to Ric Ocasek...other writers have already drawn this comparison.
This slick, well-produced album spins like a "best of" collection
of hits from the late 1980s that you never heard before. Refreshing in many
ways and slightly goofy at times, Happymatic is a short but satisfying
collection of riveting tunes. Top picks: "Lost in Yichang," "Streets
of Science," "Lovesuit," "Girls," and "I'm
A Parade." (Rating: 5)
Andy Hunter - Colour (CD, Nettwerk,
Dance/pop)
It has been about three years since DJ Andy Hunter released his last
album. He now returns to the world of recording with the new full-length
release Colour. Hunter writes and records the kind of happy, upbeat
dance pop that was popular in the United States in the mid to late 1980s.
His songs are built around beats similar to disco and the vocal melodies
are simple, direct, and catchy. A whole host of guest artists appear on
this album including Mark Underdown, Shaz Sparks, Midge
Ure, D'Morgan, and Cathy Burton. Colour is an appropriate
title for this album as the music is multi-layered and slightly exotic.
The bright, abstract artwork is excellent. Hunter is an interesting artist
because his music could just as easily be appreciated by the average listener
as well as the discerning connoisseur. Nifty catchy keepers include "Sound
Pollution," "Stars," "Technicolour," and "Out
of Control." (Rating: 5)
Serena
Jost - Closer Than Far (Independently
released CD, Pop)
A few years back Serena Jost was a member of the modern progressive
cello trio Rasputina. We hesitated to even mention this fact, however,
because Jost's own music comes from an almost completely different universe.
Whereas Rasputina incorporated elements of industrial rock and chamber/classical
music, Closer Than Far presents subtle and intriguing modern progressive
pop. But instead of writing and recording modern pop that sounds like every
other twenty-first pop artist on the plant, Serena instead presents tunes
that have much more in common with some of the more artsy British bands
from the late 1970s. Pop fans seeking something immediately familiar and
catchy may be somewhat confused by this album. Instead of writing easy pop,
Serena composes rather complex and mature melodies that involve different
elements from folk music and beyond. Subtlety is the key word here. These
songs may not clobber you over the head at first. But multiple spins will
reveal cool nuances that are not immediately obvious. Beautiful compositions
include "Our Town," "Halfway There," "I Wait,"
"Awake In My Dream," and "Stowaway." Recommended. (Rating:
5++)
Julie Ocean - Long Gone and Nearly There (CD, Transit
of Venus, Pop)
Nice, bright, hummable pop that sounds instantly familiar. We loved the
opening line of the press release that accompanied this disc: "Just
because a CD will hold 80 minutes of music doesn't mean it should."
We sure as Hell agree with that statement (!). This is a very short
album that lasts just over 25 minutes...but in terms of quality, it beats
the heck out of many albums that are twice or three times as long. Julie
Ocean is the quartet consisting of Jim Spellman (guitar, vocals),
Terry Banks (guitar, vocals), Hunter Bennett (bass), and Alex
Daniels (drums). Folks may remember Spellman as a prior member of the
1990s band Velocity Girl. Long Gone and Nearly There features
ten direct, upbeat, catchy guitar tunes that sound something like a cross
between The Undertones and The Beach Boys. While this band's
music may be too happy and accessible for underground noise snobs, pop fans
are likely to get a mighty big charge out of this album. Groovy tracks include
"The Lonely Words," "My Revenge," "Complications,"
and "Looking At Me/Looking At You." (Rating: 5)
Justice League: The New Frontier - Soundtrack From the DC Universe Animated Original Movie:
Music by Kevin Manthei
(CD, La-La Land, Soundtrack)
The soundtrack to the film Justice League: The New Frontier was created
and composed by Kevin Manthei who is by no means a newcomer to the
world soundtrack recordings. Manthei has been composing music for film,
television, and games for over fifteen years now. Justice League is
based on the graphic novel created by Darwyn Cook and was produced
by Michael Goguen. The film is based around a league formed by comic
book superheros like Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman,
Green Lantern, Martian Manunter, and The Flash. Some
of these tracks are slightly reminiscent of the Star Wars soundtracks...while
others are less obvious and more experimental. In his own words, Manthei
explains how he approached this project: "The biggest challenge
of the score was keeping a cohesive feel while still addressing all the
different characters and thematic elements. I chose to write major themes
for the Centre, Flash, Hal, Green Lantern and J'onn J'onzz while letting
the other super hero characters be supported by scene specific underscore."
There's a lot to take in here...twenty tracks and almost an hour's worth
of music. After hearing this...we would be willing to bet that the film
must be great... (Rating: 5+)
Kensington
Prairie - Captured in Still Life (CD,
Anniedale, Pop)
Kensington Prairie is the Vancouver, Canada-based pop band driven
by the songwriting skills of Rebecca Rowan who some folks know as
the singer/songwriter in the band Maplewood Lane. Rowan and producer
Jonathan Anderson created this album together along with a bit of
assistance from guest artists Michelle Masters, Joel Willoughby,
and Brian Chan. Captured in Still Life is a wonderfully free-flowing
collection of super melodic soft pop tracks. The focal point is Rebecca's
super smooth, super inviting warm vocals. Not only does this lady have a
killer voice, but her harmony overdubs are impeccable. All ten tracks were
written by Ms. Rowan. Smooth, focused, and genuine, these super smart pop
tracks not only sound great now...but they are bound to sound just as fantastic
in the decades ahead. Wonderfully satisfying cuts include "Time On
Our Side," "Snowflakes and Great Lakes," "Golden Days,"
and "Disappear From View." An easy top pick. Recommended. (Rating:
5++)
King of Spain - Entropy (CD, New
Granada, Pop)
In the 1990s Matt Slate made a name for himself as a member of the
bands Pohgoh and The Maccabees. But by the time the twenty-first
century arrived, he decided to take a breather and stopped recording for
about five years. In 2006 he started recording again, initially making home
recordings and handing them out to fans and friends. These recordings were
well received and eventually paved the way for Slate's new project, King
of Spain. Matt himself says his new compositions were influenced by
everyone from Brian Wilson to Brian Eno. Probably rather accurate,
as the songs on Entropy sound something like a combination of these
two artists (with a multitude of other influences tossed in the mix). Slate
has dropped the volume and energy...but upped the creativity in his tunes.
These soft pop tracks are nice and hummable...and feature subtle, warm electronics
fading in and out of the picture. Cool satisfying cuts include "Mold
Eats Paper," "The Walk and What Follows," "Useless,
Mostly," and "The Great Continental Divide." Nice, relaxing,
smart stuff... (Rating: 5)
Phillip Lambro - The Film Music of Phillip Lambro (CD, Perseverance,
Instrumental/soundtrack)
This is not a soundtrack from a single film but, rather, a collection of
soundtrack music Phillip Lambro created for four different films
(Mineral King, Father Pat, Celebration, and Git!).
These are not the first soundtracks Lambro recorded. He has previously released
soundtrack albums for the films Murph The Surf and Crypt of the
Living Dead. In addition, he has also written and released a book entitled
Close Encounters of the Worst Kind (great title, that...). The
Film Music of Phillip Lambro offers an interesting overview of this
man's musical ideas. Most of these pieces range from slightly offbeat classical
to modern classical to experimental...but there are other oddities tossed
in the mix that don't fit into these specific genres. There's a lot
to take in here...a total of 25 intriguing pieces. This disc makes one thing
perfectly clear. Phillip Lambro is a serious force to be reckoned with in
the years ahead. We expect this man's skilled music to be incorporated into
major motion pictures in the very near future. Excellent from start to finish.
(Rating: 5+)
Lost
Tricks - Keep It Together (Independently
released CD EP, Pop)
We can never tell a great deal about an artist based solely on an EP mainly
because they usually don't offer enough to get an overall picture of where
someone is coming from. But after hearing Keep It Together we have
a rather firm image in our minds of what Lost Tricks is about. The
band's singer/songwriter is a young fellow named Trev Oswalt who
has a clever way of crafting tunes. The guy has a great voice. His keyboard-oriented
pop tunes are smart, upbeat, and effective. Our guess is that reviewers
worldwide will react favorably to this fellow's music... (Rating: 4++++)
Old Man Luedecke - Proof of Love (CD, Black
Hen Music, Folk/pop)
The third full-length album from Old Man Luedecke. It is particularly
interesting that this album was recorded live in the Factory Studio
in Vancouver. As such, this album captures the true spirit of Luedecke and
his band playing without lots of unnecessary studio tweaking and overdubs.
Chris plays banjo on most of these tracks which adds threads of bluegrass
into the music. There were lots of players involved here...more than a dozen
friends and associates played on the album including producer/guitarist/songwriter
extraordinaire Steve Dawson. In a world full of processed generic
artists whose lack of talent is hidden by the use of too much technology...a
genuine, true, credible artist like Chris Luedecke easily stands out from
the crowd. Thirteen warm classy tracks here including "Proof of Love,"
"The Drawing Near" (a particularly appealing track), "In
the Beginning," and "Thrown by the Bull." (Rating: 5)
Make A Rising - Infinite Ellipse and Head With Open Fontanel (CD, High Two, Progressive)
Another complex and often riveting listening experience from the folks in
Make A Rising. The folks in this band impressed quite a few folks
with their last offering in 2005 (Rip Through the Hawk Black Night).
As was the case with the last album, describing the songs and sounds on
Infinite Ellipse and Head With Open Fontanel is a difficult task.
These folks create music that is influenced by a wild variety of artists
from different decades. And because the songs shift in and out of different
random genres, the average listener is bound to become confused and inundated.
To try and describe the overall sound... Some of the softer vocal passages
are sometimes reminiscent of Robert Wyatt...while the instrumental
sections combine elements from soundtrack music with progressive dinosaur
bands from the 1970s. Interestingly, while the music is indeed complex and
unusual, this CD is by no means a difficult listening experience. Rather
and instead, the album as a whole flows by effortlessly and is (at least
most of the time) very easy on the mind and ears. At this point in time
when there are far too many interchangeable generic carbon copy bands...the
folks in Make A Rising are refreshingly different. Highly recommended.
(Rating: 5+++)
Mary had a little lamb,
She cut off all its nipples
And everywhere that Mary went
She got knocked up by cripples.(Rating: 1)
Mixel
Pixel - Let's Be Friends (CD, Mental Monkey, Pop)
Our first impression of this band was that they were far too giddy and happy.
But that was before we began reading the lyrics on the front insert.
While on the surface the folks in Mixel Pixel might give the impression
that they are a super happy commodity, bubbling beneath the surface are
some unusual ideas. The lyrics to the lead track ("What Ever Happened
To One") might at first seem light and easy...until you hear the band
sing the line "And I like to think think of all the drugs we can
do." So...while the songs may seem initially light and fluffy...some
of the band's messages most definitely are not. Musically, some of
the band's tunes sound like a casio-ized version of Shonen Knife...while
others recall some of the strange sounds of Britain's cult favorite Television
Personalities. This band presents an interesting universe where childlike
ideas meet mature sociological observations. Nifty stuff that gets better
the more familiar it becomes... (Rating: 5)
Public transportation
Is a bad idea because
It moves people around
Who really need to stay in one
Place.(Rating: 1)
Push
Puppets - A Living Experiment (CD, Waterweight
Music Ltd., Pop)
Push Puppets is the Chicago-based duo consisting of Erich Specht
(lots of instruments and vocals) and Chris Morrow (drums). Specht
was previously in the bands The Likens and Devastation Wagon.
A Living Experiment is a pop album with tunes that sound something
like a cross between Bracket and Peter Gabriel. The band's
web site (link above) allows listeners to doodle with interactive art while
they listen to this album. The lead (title) track is our favorite, with
its ultra-hummable melody and cool guitar and banjo interplay... (Rating:
4+++)
Ready
Fire Aim - This Changes Nothing (CD,
Expansion Team,
Pop)
The debut full-length album from Ready Fire Aim. This band is the
new project created by Sage Rader and Shaun "Stakka"
Morris. The tunes on This Changes Nothing have a sound that is
reminiscent of late 1980s British techno pop bands...but updated to fit
within the scope of twenty-first century dance music. Rader and Morris aren't
trying to be super artsy or demanding of their audience, as virtually all
of these twelve tracks sound like hits. The beats are persistent and infectious,
the synthesizers fat and groovy, and the vocals right on target. By keeping
their songs simple and to-the-point, these guys have created a modern feelgood
album full of danceable pop tracks that are instantly memorable. Nifty cuts
include "End of Over," "Wannabe Your," "I Would
For You," and "Better You Than Me." Housed in a beautiful
tri-folk digipak sleeve. (Rating: 4+++++)
Scrambled egg.
My ex-wife hopped off on her one leg.
She took me to court and made me beg.
Oh I believe in scrambled egg.Suddenly I'm one-tenth the man I used to be.
I can't get it up or even pee.
Oh scrambled egg...did this to me.Why she had to go I suppose
She hated me.
I said something smart now I fart
And she smells partially
Digested egg.(Rating: 1)
Shift
F7 - Crimson Diablo (CD, SML,
Pop)
The first thing that caught our attention about this album is the fact that
the guys in Shift F7 make music that doesn't sound like other bands
currently treading around the planet. The band is the Canadian duo consisting
of Mihn Dihn Chin Chilleo and Van Roland. Chilleo and Roland
write and record peculiar technology-driven pop that recalls the music of
past progressive pioneers like Peter Murphy and John Foxx.
Crimson Diablo is a strangely inviting album with cold, distant lyrics
and unusual vocals. The words are intriguing...but even more intriguing
is the way the words are delivered. The phrasing is odd and difficult
to sing along with...and yet the tracks on this album are impressively catchy
and memorable. These tunes are much smarter than the average dribble churned
out by the average twenty-first century band. Cool calculating tracks include
"First in Line," "Cure for the Pure," "God Speed,"
and "Forevermore." Neat sounding stuff... (Rating: 5+)
Shin
Jin Rui - Zutiqua (CD, Ex
Libris, Pop/rock)
Shin Jin Rui is a British trio whose guitar-based pop/rock is highly
reminiscent of some of the better alternative underground American guitar
bands from the 1990s. On Zutiqua these guys keep their music simple
and straightforward...concentrating first and foremost on getting their
point across rather than burying their tunes in layers of overdubs. The
sing/speak vocals are a perfect match for these driving rock tunes. The
cool fluid guitars sound absolutely great...and the rhythm section provides
a super solid foundation. After spinning this album several times we still
can't come up with any obvious bands whose music may have influenced these
guys. Sixteen effective rockers here including "Dress Up," "Temporary,"
"The Queens Complaint (Her Highness Gets Low)," and "Kill
Your Heart." Good powerful stuff...! (Rating: 4++++)
Shy
Child - Noise Won't Stop (CD, Kill Rock Stars, Pop)
This band has an interesting sound that merges sounds from late 1970s punk
with mid-1980s new wave. Something like a cross between early Ultravox
and Duran Duran. The songs on Noise Won't Stop are rhythm-driven
sharp abrasive synth pop tracks with persistent non-stop qualities. Listening
to these songs, our guess is that these folks can probably drive a crowd
into a swarming mass of sweat. This, the band's second album, seems decidedly
out-of-place in today's musical climate. Even though the folks in this band
are recreating many sounds from the past, their overall vibe is decidedly
modern and current. Shy Child is the duo of Pete Caparella
and Nate Smith...but several guest artists also make appearances
on this CD. These guys have already made some major waves overseas. Our
guess is that, as usual, folks in the United States will catch on sometime
in the months ahead... (Rating: 5)
Humpty Dumpty sat on a wall.
Humpty Dumpty sat on a wall.
All the king's horses and all the king's men
Sat on the wall too.
Everybody sat on the stupid goddamn
Wall.(Rating: 1)
Babies that are stabbed
During the first three months of life
Are ten times more likely
To succeed.(Rating: 1)
Anna
Stafford - Staring at the Sky (CD, San
Gabriel Music, Instrumental)
We were impressed by Anna Stafford's last album (String Music)...but
slightly turned off by the choice of songs. While her playing was exquisite,
the choice of material seemed rather obvious and unimaginative. Since the
release of that album, Anna has been incredibly busy...playing with and
supporting a variety of hugely popular performers. Staring at the Sky
is very different from String Music mainly because Stafford herself
wrote almost all of the tunes. This is a huge plus because, as this
album proves, this young lady doesn't need to be covering anyone else's
material. Her own songs are intensely solid and satisfying. Anna plays violin
and keyboards and is accompanied by her husband John Krovoza on cello
and electric cello. Even though conventional rock instruments are absent
on this album...Staring at the Sky still manages to successfully
combine the worlds of rock and classical music. The playing is truly gripping
and inspired. Cool tracks include "Youth and Meaningless," "On
An Airplane," "Oklahoma California," and "Crazy in October."
(Rating: 5+)
Static
Revenger - Love Song Surprise (CD, D-Dub, Progressive pop)
Very nice, smooth, smart, and absorbing modern pop with a slightly soulful
backbone. Static Revenger is the one man project consisting of producer/DJ/multi-instrumentalist
Dennis White. Love Song Surprise is a cool and rewarding spin.
The songs sound much more warm and organic that what we normally
hear from twenty-first century electronic artists. This is probably because
Mr. White has obviously mastered the art of solo recording. Instead of merely
throwing random instruments over canned beats, Dennis creates some really
cool grooves that pull the listener into his musical universe. His arrangements
are intriguing and appropriate...and his vocals are superb. Ten nifty
songs here that sound better the more you spin 'em. Our favorites include
"I Feel Love" (not the Donna Summer tune), "Don't
Give Up" (reminds us of David Bowie), "Life Carries On,"
and "Happy People." Very nice stuff, polished to perfection...
(Rating: 5)
Colin
Stetson - New History Warfare Volume 1
(CD, Aagoo, Instrumental/experimental)
If Charlie Parker came back from the dead and immersed himself in
the world of modern progressive music, the result might be Colin Stetson.
This young man plays saxophones in a fast and unorthodox manner...drawing
comparisons to many early jazz and be-bop artists. On the first cut, Colin
makes it perfectly clear that he isn't playing the game by the normal set
of rules. On the lengthy eight-minute-plus "And It Fought to Escape"
he uses wind instruments to create an odd piece of modern classical music
that sounds not unlike a cross between Phillip Glass and John
Cage. What many may find interesting is the fact that all of the tracks
on this album were recorded live. There are no overdubs and no loops were
used. While this album definitely isn't for everyone, fans of offbeat modern
jazz and/or modern classical will certainly be intrigued... (Rating: 5)
Jim
Stubblefield - Guitarra Exotica (CD,
Natural Elements,
Instrumental)
Some folks may remember Jim Stubblefield as a member of the band
Incendio. Ten or fifteen years ago the music on Guitarra Exotica
would have probably been described as world music. Nowadays the genre has
either disappeared...or at least the term is used much less frequently.
As such, the best way of summing up these instrumental tracks would be to
say that Jim writes and records exotic modern instrumental music that incorporates
sounds and ideas from a wide variety of sources from all over the world.
Stubblefield surrounds himself with some really classy players. His band
features Anna Stafford (violin), Bryan Brock (percussion),
and Ruben Ramos (bass, guitar). These tracks are polished to perfection
and were recorded with minute attention to detail. Ten cool cuts including
"One Quiet Night," "Eye of the Sun - Part 1," and "A
Gypsy's Kiss." (Rating: 5+)
Let's take turns so that
Every turn we make
Will be a wrong turn.(Rating: 1)
Twin
Tigers - Curious Faces/Violet Future
(Independently released CD EP, Pop)
The folks in Twin Tigers record an interesting kind of alternative
guitar pop that is reminiscent of some of the better underground British
bands from the early 1980s. The band's hard drony pop is slightly peculiar
and features some really cool abstract electric guitar work. The vocals
remind us in many ways of The Frogs. Only six tracks here...but serve
as a great introduction to a cool little obscure band that may very well
deliver some totally killer albums in the years ahead. Top picks: "Red
Fox Run," "Golden Daze," and "Invisible Zombies."
(Rating: 4+++++)
Unicycle
Loves You - Unicycle Loves You (CD,
Highwheel, Pop)
This band was originally a one man project named Unicycle that was
created by Chicago's Jim Carroll. After adding additional players
into the band, Carroll changed the name to Unicycle Loves You. The
band now includes Jon Pollock, Nicole Vitale, Adam Labrada,
and J.T. Baker. This self-titled album features ten cool upbeat pop
tracks. The band's sound is something like an odd cross between Cinerama,
mid-period Kinks, and Howard DeVoto. The band's overall sound
really isn't that similar to any of these three bands, but this will give
you some of idea of the general ballpark in which this music exists. These
guitar-based pop tracks are catchy, upbeat, and ultimately hummable...a
pure feelgood listening experience that features complex arrangements and
top notch vocals. Our guess is that reviewers and underground pop fans around
the world will instantly give this one an easy thumbs up. Nifty tracks
include "Great Bargains for Seniors," "Highway Robbery,"
"Woman Bait for Manfish," and "Dangerous Decade." (Rating:
5)
Sarah
Vonderhaar - Are You Listening Now (Independently
released CD, Pop)
This album features an absolutely wonderful cover photo that immediately
sticks in your head like glue. The photograph features young Sarah Vonderhaar
standing on some mountainous terrain with puffy white clouds behind her
while she proudly and defiantly stands in place with her microphone (and
stand) in hand. The cover actually may be a bit misleading. One would expect
the music on the CD itself to be intense and majestic. But in reality, Vonderhaar
is a pure mid-tempo popster all the way. Sarah has already accomplished
a lot...particularly when you consider the fact that--as of the release
of this CD--she is only 21 years old. Thus far, she has been a contestant
on America's Next Top Model, photographed a spread for Forbes
magazine, and delved into acting. Now she has her sights on becoming a successful
recording artist. Are You Listening Now features nine nice, smooth,
upbeat pop tracks that showcase Sarah's slick vocal style. This may not
be the most unique album ever recorded...but our guess is that it will most
certainly please Vonderhaar's target market. Catchy pop tracks include "All
Mine," "I Got Sunshine," and "Everything I'll Be."
(Rating: 4+++)
Women want to be
Men.(Rating: 1)
16 Second Stare - 16 Second Stare
Chris Alleyne - Saturday's hero
American Plague - Heart attack
Cristian Amigo - Kingdom of jones
Analog America - A four course meal of found sound
Michael James Anderson - Wake up for the shake down
Awesome Color - Electric aborigines
Bangkok Five - Bangkok Five
Bearsuit - Oh:io
Sarah Bettens - Shine
Chris Beirne - Freezerburn
Black Watch - Icing the snow queen
Blue Skies for Black Hearts - Serenades and hand grenades
Boo and Boo Too - Boo and Boo Too
The Boroughs - The Boroughs
Natasha Borzilova - Cheap escape
Braille - The IV edition
Jason Bravo - Between head and heart
Broadway Calls - Broadway Calls
Stacy Bugg - Defined
Carbe Durand - Sketches
Paul Carr - Musically yours
Cherry Poppin' Daddies - Susquehanna
Colorstore - Bonefish: The legend of mahogany cass
Crash Romeo - Gave me the clap
Daguerreotypes - Tropical trust
Dominici - 03 a trilogy - part 3
Steve Dooks - Cocktails, heartaches and cigars
Doomsday - Original motion picture soundtrack
Drunk Stuntmen - State fair
Michael Dyer - Compli-intricated life
Robert Een - Hiroshima maiden
Everest - Ghost notes
Robert Rolfe Fedderson - Leaving Indiana
Fiance - Please, ambitious, please
Trey Forbes - Coffee shop girl
Trey Forbes - Show me your smile
Ghosts in the City - History
Golan - Silhouette
Fanny Grace - Rise and shine
Golden Chariots of Mars - Tales of talos...
Guns of Detroit - Monsterattake's
Haale - No ceiling
Halcyon High - To be infinite
His Name Is Alive - Firefly dragonfly
IAMX - Kiss + swallow
IAMX - The alternative
Iglomat - Iglomat
In Flight Radio - The sound inside
Island Gospel - The accident that led me to the world
Randy Kaplan - Ancient ruins
King Dust - Full denim jacket
Kyle Sowashes - Yeah buddy!
Leopold and His Fiction - Leopold and His Fiction
Gunnar Madsen - I'm growing
Manakin - Manakin
Nathan Moomaw - 26
Moreland & Arbuckle - 1861
Moving Mountains - Pneuma
My Blueberry Nights - Music from the motion picture
Narayan - A king declares strength
No Doctors - Origin and tectonics
Onya - Secrets and lies
Pagans - The blue album
Plutois - The problem is not a problem anymore
Polar Bear Club - Sometimes things just disappear
Red Plastic Buddha - Sunflower sessions
Red Romance - Red Romance
Jason Ricci - Rocket number 9
Bess Rogers - Decisions based on information
Al Rose - My first postnumous release
Sable - If i fell EP
Sarandon - Kill twee pop!
Scotland Barr & The Slow Drags - All the great aviators agree
Set & Drift - Brass
Shutter - Original motion picture soundtrack
Slipshod Swingers - Transistor radio
Steve Smith - This town
Sort - Resentment, despair, & other amusements
Freddie Stevenson - All my strange companions
Sybris - Into the trees
Take No Damage - Mushroom clouds and silver linings
Teachers Pet - Teachers Pet
Team Genius - Hooray EP
T4 Project - Story-based concept album
Glenn Taylor Orchestra - Glenn Taylor Orchestra
Ashley Lennon Thomas - Sparkle plenty
Tickley Feather - Tickley Feather
Tripping Horse - Tripping Horse
Under the Flood - The witness
W-S Burn - Pleiades
Various Artists - Dorm sessions 5: Heavy rotation reccords
Various Artists - Red leader records sampler 2008
Vetiver - Thing of the past
Wallpaper - T rex
Westran - 3 in the morning
Gregg Yeti & The Best Lights - Heart palpitations of the rich &
famous
Jason Yudoff - Tragic hero
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