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Comics, Poems, and Reviews from
January 2010
Peter
Bradley Adams - Traces (CD, Sarathan / Fontana, Soft pop)
The third full-length release from Peter Bradley Adams who is probably
best known as one half of the act eastmountainsouth. Traces
is already a hit of sorts. The album immediately smacked in at #1 on iTunes
in the singer-songwriter category...so its well on its way to becoming a
modern classic. Adams makes music that recalls FM radio folky pop artists
from the 1970s (Jackson Browne, James Taylor, and others come
to mind). But instead of coming across like a retroactive act, Peter's music
is decidedly slick and current. And man...what a voice this guy has.
His vocals really are as smooth as silk. Although this album will probably
be too mainstream for ultra-artsy listeners...in our minds Traces
is one of the best things we've heard of late. Twelve cool reflective cuts
including "Family Name," "I Won't," "I Tell Myself,"
and "Awaken." Beautiful soft pop. TOP PICK.
Amores Vigilantes - West Coast Kingdom (CD-R, Three
Ring, Progressive pop)
Wow...really nice sounding stuff here. Amores Vigilantes is
comprised of Delfin Vigil, K.C. Staubach, Jacob Schroth,
and Jason McCrarey. Vigil and Staubach have been writing songs together
since they were in tenth grade. The press release that accompanied this
disc probably sums up the sound best by saying this album "...has
hints of the Beach Boys hanging out with The Stone Roses with
a little bit of Lou Reed loitering around..." The thickly-arranged
tunes on West Coast Kingdom have a nice classic sound that is counterbalanced
by some cool technical creativity. And the vocal layering sounds just wonderful.
This one's bound to be an underground hit. Lots of cool dreamy cuts here
including "Five Blocks With Ferlinghetti," "Millions of Brazilians,"
"I Love You More Than You Love Me," and "Perfect World."
Totally groovy stuff...
Seth
Augustus - To The Pouring Rain (CD,
Porto Franco, Pop)
Although most folks are probably not familiar with him or his music, San
Francisco's Seth Augustus has been making music for quite some time
now. The two most obvious comparisons here would be Tom Waits and
Captain Beefheart. Seth's voice sounds something like a cross between
the two but his songs have much more in common with the former. It isn't
that surprising that this fellow is probably more appreciated by folks in
Europe than by listeners in his own country. These dark, snaky, moody pieces
may be based in the blues...but they are injected with a decidedly twenty-first
century mindset. Nine tracks here including "To the Pouring Rain,"
"Cherry Rose," "Air to the Thrown," "Tiny Little
Head."
Balmorhea - Constellations (CD, Western
Vinyl, Progressive)
It doesn't happen very often...but every once in a while all those
ultra-hip-and-cool publications and writers out there get it right.
And this is one of those cases. Balmorhea is a fantastic band whose
music is hypnotic and mesmerizing. We didn't hear the band's last album,
but according to the press release it dealt with "the freedom and isolation
of settlers learning to live on an untamed frontier." Constellations
takes a completely different approach, focusing on sounds and ideas connected
with the cosmos and beyond. These peculiar, sparse compositions could easily
be categorized as modern classical. The recordings are full of big open
spaces...and the instruments recorded with acute attention to precise detail.
A suggestion when playing this disc. In order to hear all the subtle nuances
in the music, we suggest you turn it up fairly loud...because only then
will you appreciate the amazing sound quality. For once in our shitty little
lives we actually agree with all the big cheesy hipster hootie-snooties
out there...this one's amazing. An easy and instant TOP PICK.
Kevin
Barber - Greetings From Memphis (CD,
Diamond Horseshoe, Pop)
We rarely review EPs...and only when they're really, really good.
So...you can draw your own conclusions based on the fact that this EP is
included in this month's reviews. Greetings From Memphis features
rockabilly/roots music...which can be a tedious genre in many cases. But
not so in the hands of Kevin Barber and friends. The songs on this
EP contain all the elements that were originally intended when this style
of music came into being many decades ago. The rhythms are simple and instantly
addictive...the chord progressions smooth and direct...and the vocals genuine
and heartfelt. So even though you only get 18 minutes and 58 seconds worth
of music here...this is one of those rare cases where it's all good.
Tasty treats include "Here We Go," "Morning Biscuits"
(this one features really great lyrics and a killer melody), and
"Roadrunner." Excellent stuff played from the heart.
Fat and ugly is
Beautiful.
PJ
Bond - You Didn't Know I Was Alphabetical
(CD, Black Numbers,
Pop)
PJ Bond has been making music in one way or another for quite some
time now. He cut his teeth playing in the bands Outsmarting Simon,
Marigold, Communipaw, and The Color Fred before embarking
on his solo career. Recorded in 2009, You Didn't Know I Was Alphabetical
presents a man in reflective mode. Bond has obviously found himself in the
world of music. These tunes are exceedingly well-written and confident...and
a far cry from the artsy dribble that most folks toss out for the public
to gnaw on. His songs are direct and seem to come straight from the heart.
And the vocals are refreshingly real. Instead of pushing himself or trying
too hard, Bond seems content to just let the words flow directly from his
brain to his lips. Plenty of super cool guitar-driven cuts here. This one
will hold up to many repeated spins...
You don't know how many times I've wished that I could rape you.
You don't know how many times I've wished that I could kill you.
You don't know how many times I've wished that I could cut you up.
You don't know how many times I've wished that I could eat you.
You don't know how many times I've wished that I could shit on you.
You don't know how many times I've wished that I could bury you.
You don't know how many times I've wished that I could burn you.
You don't know how many times I've wished that I could dismember you.
You don't know how many times I've wished that I could freeze you.
Cigarette no causing
Cancer.
Cigarette is okay for
Healthy.
CNC - No Mood (CD EP, Draw,
Progressive pop)
We have recently been receiving more and more submissions from Poland...which
is a great thing, because just about everything we've heard from the country
thus far is interesting to say the least. The folks in CNC are playing
the game using a different set of rules. The tracks on No Mood feature
experimental electronics and some really cool free-flowing progressive pop.
Seven tracks here...and they all hit the target in one way or another. Our
favorites include "No Mood," "Plot Device 1," "Magenta
Ants," and "Xenility." This doesn't really sound much like
anything else we've heard over the past few years...so it's quite
a feat that these folks have managed to find their own unique sound so early
in their career. A neat underground gem. TOP PICK.
David Courtney - First Day: The Complete Story (CD, Angel
Air, Pop)
Some folks in the United States may remember this album...the debut full-length
from a 1970s up-and-coming rising star named David Courtney. The
album was received warmly in certain circles...before eventually falling
into obscurity. The folks at Angel Air have remastered and released the
album for the first time on CD...which may open up Courtney's music to an
entirely new audience. Hearing this, it seems incredible that David wasn't
more successful at the time. After all, his music is light years better
than mega-shitheads like Barry Manilow. This album gets the deluxe
treatment here...all twelve tracks are featured plus seven bonus cuts. This
one's a real treat...and the songs have held up amazingly well. Cool tunes
include "Don't Look Now," "My Mind," "Take This
Mask Away," and "Dreaming."
The
F-Holes - The F-Holes (Independently
released CD, Jazz/pop)
For those who regularly tread through these pages we should mention right
off the bat that we did not make up this band. The F-Holes
is a real band. And readers should take note that they are not
a joke band (!). In fact, just the opposite is true. These guys play real,
credible, cool music with a difference. Folks who enjoyed The Squirrel
Nut Zippers will find a lot to love here. This Canadian quintet writes
and records music that blends elements from jazz, dixieland, blues, and
more...and they deliver their tunes with true zest and style. With
the recent surging success of Patrick & Eugene...we can't help
but think that The F-Holes might just be the next in-line to get their lucky
break. Beautiful packaging on this one...but the music inside is the real
treat. Eleven cool toe-tappers including "Don't Feel So Bad,"
"Dixie Tune," "Coco," and "Goodbye."
Adam Faith - I Survive (CD, Angel
Air, Pop)
Although he never achieved much fame in the United States, in the 1970s
Adam Faith scored no less than seven hit singles in the United Kingdom.
Originally released in 1974, I Survive was his comeback album. Readers
should take note that this is the first time this long lost album has been
reissued on CD. Interesting guest artists here...Richie Blackmore,
Russ Ballard, and Paul and Linda McCartney all lend
support to Faith on this album. The sound quality is a bit dated...but the
melodies in these songs still shine through quite clearly. Includes two
bonus tracks: "I Believe In Love (rough mix)," and "I Survived
(single version)."
Farmers - Fulmination (CD, Furrow of Love, Rock)
The Farmers is the current name used by the band originally known
as The Beat Farmers who had quite a bit of success a couple of decades
ago. The band dropped the "Beat" from their name after their original
drummer Country Dick Montana died of a heart attack. Shortly afterward
in 1995 the band took a break before eventually deciding to reunite. But
that wasn't the end of their troubles. In 2006 Buddy Blue also died.
But instead of being put off, the deaths reignited these guys' desire to
continue playing. Fulmination is a nice healthy chunk of raw Americana
pop/rock. The playing is tight and solid and the songs are soulful and accessible.
The album was nominated for Best Americana Album in 2009 at the San Diego
Music Awards. And it's no wonder. Meaty tracks like "East County Woman,"
"Come Over Here," and "About You" make this one a must
have for fans of the genre.
La
Fleur Fatale - Silent Revolution
(CD, Killer Cobra, Pop)
Sweden has produced a wealth of great pop bands over the past few years...and
La Fleur Fatale is yet another outstanding band to add to the list.
These folks write smart, complex, stylized pop that is in the same general
vein as Copeland. The melodies soar and swirl...and the arrangements
are smart and intricate. A great deal of time and energy was obviously spent
recording these songs. Twelve sparkling blasts of pure pop bliss with just
a hint of psychedelia. Killer cuts include "Mellow My Mind," "Dare
To Lick (Hunter's Red Sleeve)," "Astral Girl," and "Sting
Me."
Sarah
Elizabeth Foster - Gardening From the Ground
Up (CD EP, Studio Sarah, Pop)
The debut full-length release from Sarah Elizabeth Foster. Gardening
From the Ground Up features smooth, absorbing, highly melodic soft pop
featuring stylized arrangements and Foster's wonderfully inviting vocals.
This cool little EP includes five cuts. Our favorites are "Wake Up,"
"Missing You Now," and "Let's Go Away."
The
Henrys - Is This Tomorrow (Independently
released CD + DVD, Progressive)
After spinning this CD a dozen times or so...we're still not quite
sure how to adequately describe it. Canada's The Henrys is a group
of musicians who describe themselves as "nearly-instrumental"...but
that doesn't even begin to sum up the wide range of sounds on this album.
This is definitely one of those cases where the musicians are driven first
and foremost by a desire to create (rather than the desire for money and/or
fame). The fifteen tracks on this CD go all over the place...but instead
of being difficult noisy artsy dribble, these tracks are clean and soothing...and
have a very classic sort of sound. A few of the cuts feature vocals while
others are instrumentals. The only constant here...is that everything this
band delivers is of the highest quality. Super smart compositions abound
on this unusual album. We didn't take the time (yet) to spin the DVD...but
if its anything like the audio disc there's probably a lot to digest there
as well. Killer cuts include "Give Him An Innocent," "Swan
Song," "Nite Skule," and "Wishful Protection."
At a time when everything gets easily slopped into pigeonholes, this one
stands out like a sore thumb. TOP PICK.
Honest
Mistakes - Break Up (CD, Beechfields, Pop)
Honest Mistakes comes to us by way of two previous bands. Some of
these musicians were previously in the bands CheapPaperbackRomance
and The Chris and Joylene Show. Break Up is a pure pop
album full of modern guitar-driven pop tunes with the main focus being the
super clean and clear vocals of Joylene Dalia. Nice hummable tunes
with excellent harmony vocals. And the best part is...these songs have just
the right amount of backing tracks (i.e., the tunes are not overproduced).
Cool clean pop tracks include "Break Up," "Long Way Around,"
"Stay," and "Welcome Home."
Your dreams are irrelevant.
Your parents' dreams are irrelevant.
Your grandparents' dreams are irrelevant.
Your great grandparents' dreams are irrelevant.
Jack and Jill
Went up the hill
Became disillusioned and
Never came down.
Jack and Jill
Took little pills
That filled them both with
Laughter.
Jack came down
Which made him frown
And Jill came down
Right after.
Cosmo
Jarvis - Humansyouhitch Sonofabitch
(Double CD, 25th Frame Productions / Wall of Sound, Pop)
There's a lot to take in here...this whopping double CD set offers eighteen
songs by up-and-coming pop sensation Cosmo Jarvis. Lots of folks
out there are already singing this guy's praises...and after spinning Humansyouhitch
Sonofabitch a couple of times it's easy to see why. Hard to believe
that Jarvis is a teenager...because he's making music that rivals folks
twice his age. Cosmo was born in New Jersey but moved to England as a small
child. Incredibly, this young fellow already has more than 250 songs under
his belt...as well as the support of Wall Of Sound MD Mark Jones.
More than anyone else, the tracks on this album remind us very much of the
1980s British band Madness. The songs are instantly catchy and upbeat
and some have just the slightest hint of ska. One thing is certain. We will
all be hearing a lot more about (and from) this guy in the years
ahead...
Kasumio Trio - Oh! Gimme Yo (CD, Beta-lactam
Ring, Progressive/experimental)
Kasumi Trio is a new band created by members of the bands LSD
March and tenniscoats. So...as any good esoteric music listener
might already guess...there's not a lot on Oh! Gimme Yo that the
casual music fan will be able to comprehend. The press release describes
the music on this disc as "avant-garde-psyche-country-folk"...which
is a rather accurate way of describing some of this material. The compositions
on this album are abstract stream-of-consciousness creations. There is no
attempt to come up with something that will stick with the listener. Instead,
these artists apparently recorded this music to evoke moods and auras in
the minds of their listeners. Some instrumentals, some tracks with vocals.
Much of this material sounds very spontaneous...perhaps completely unrehearsed.
It's kinda like hearing a weird band coming up with new material in the
next room. Strange and unorthodox in so many ways...rather perplexing.
Kentucky Headhunters - Live / Agora Ballrooom - Cleveland, Ohio 5/13/1990 (CD,
Mercury, Rock)
This album presents a previously unreleased recording of the Kentucky
Headhunters kicking out the jams for a packed house in Cleveland way
back on May 13, 1990. The guys were touring to support their album Pickin'
On Nashville which, by the way, is being celebrated by the release of
this CD (the original album was released 20 years ago). As such, the majority
of the set features songs from that album. These guys were at the top of
their game at this point in time as these sixteen tracks clearly prove.
The sound is big, thick, and full...and the band's southern fried boogie
had the crowd going wild. Nothin' but feelgood pop/rock tracks here including
"Honky Tonk Blues," "Some Folks Like To Steal," "Smooth,"
and "Spirit In The Sky."
Kite
Operations - Festival (CD, Actually, Records, Progressive/experimental)
The third full-length release from Chicago's Kite Operations. We
weren't expecting to have a clue as to what this album would sound like
because these folks' last release was so unpredictable. But whatever we
were or weren't expecting...we weren't quite ready for the explosive assault
of Festival. This is one of those albums that fits in the difficult
listening category so if that's not your bag consider yourself forewarned.
There are no simple catchy choruses here...no easy fragments to latch onto...
The guys in this band are pushing the envelope really, really hard with
this one...and apparently, in the process, challenging themselves and their
listeners. Thick walls of sound...atonal noise...uncomfortable sounding
vocals...Festival pushes hard and never lets up. It would be impossible
to guess how folks will react to this. Definitely an intense batch of hyper-creativity
here...(!)...
Bruce
Kulick - BK3 (CD, Twenty4, Pop/rock)
Loud ballsy rock with big thick guitars. Bruce Kulick rocks out on
BK3 with members of Kiss, The Knack, Motley Crue
and more offering a helping hand. These big loud arena rockers are slick
and nasty and shine a light on Kulick's impressive skills on the guitar.
This is starting to sound pretty damn good but...oops...it's an advance
CD-R...which means we have to cut this short...
Kyoto
Drive - This Is All We Ever Wanted (CD,
Pacific Ridge / Engineer,
Pop/rock)
Hard driving complex power pop/rock. This is the debut full-length release
from Britain's Kyoto Drive (they had previously released the EP Spotlights
and Stars). It's chock full of the kind of loud hyperactive buzzsaw
pop/rock that teenagers love. The guitars are loud and up front in
the mix...but what may surprise many folks are the vocals. Even though they
play really loud with everything turned up to the max, these guys aren't
afraid to sing on key...and much of the material contains wonderful multi-layered
harmonies. Ten rip-roaring cuts here including "Transitions,"
"Notes From Look Out Point," and "Waiting."
Elaine Lachica - I Think I Can See The Ocean (CD, Stunning
Models On Display, Pop)
This is a different sort of album from a different sort of artist. Elaine
Lachica's music is soft, subdued, and restrained. And considering the
fact that it is basically pop music, it has more than its share of jazz
threads. Elaine has a nice, loose vocal style that recalls some of the great
female jazz vocalists from the 1940s...but the music is much more modern
than such a comparison might imply. This album was produced by Kieran
Kelly (who produced The Receiver) and recorded at the Buddy Project
(where Sufjan Stevens recorded Illinois). A different flavor...and
yet impossibly inviting. Fourteen tracks here including "Behind My
Mind," "April Train," and "The Lake."
Len
Price 3 - Pictures (Advance CD-R, Wicked Cool, Pop)
Sheesh...we sure hate the fact that this is a CD-R...because it would've
been an instant and EASY top pick for this month (!). The guys in Len
Price 3 play wonderfully melodic guitar pop heavily influenced by British
bands from the 1960s and 1970s. Songs are everything in the world of music...and
Pictures is chock full of memorable tunes. Plus the execution is
terrific. These guys play with true spirit and style and their vocals are
way, way, way above average. Thirteen kickass tracks here.
Mar - The Silence (CD, Ring Road, Progressive)
Really nice, smooth, absorbing, dreamy progressive pop with a difference.
The Silence was originally released overseas in 2005 but the album
was never made available to listeners in the United States until now. Mar
includes members of the band Mum as well as Jimmy LaValle
(The Album Leaf). The lyrics (written by Kyle J. Reidy) are
excellent throughout. This band records atmospheric pop that is understated
and subtle. The compositions are, for the most part, subdued and sparse...and
the vocal segments are absolutely out of this world. The keyboard sounds
are strange, distant, and warm. Hard to really compare this to anyone. Not
a lot more to say here except...The Silence is an obvious TOP PICK
this month. LOVE IT.
The
Mary Dream - This Kind of Life (CD,
SuperUniverse, Pop)
Beautiful dreamy pop. The Mary Dream is the duo comprised of Elise
Bellew and Blake Ryan Dayton. Bellew and Dayton had a good bit
of success with their last album (Beautiful World)...managing to
have their music included in the TV shows All My Children, MTV's
Real World, and two independent films. Like the last album, This
Kind of Life was recorded in the duo's home studio...but this time around
they added piano and synthesizers into the tunes which give the music a
nice, thick, dreamy sound. Bellew's cool, subdued, breathy vocals drive
the tunes which are full of smart melodies and cool, reflective lyrics.
A truly nifty spin from start to finish. Standout cuts include "Deeper,"
"Below Zero," "Best Thing," and "Save You."
Recommended for Ivy fans...
Memphis
59 - Ragged But Right (Independently
released CD, Pop)
Nice, direct, melodic Americana pop/rock from Arlington, Virginia's Memphis
59. Most up-and-coming underground bands play artsy noisy difficult
stuff...but not these guys. The folks in this band write and play country-tinged
pop tunes that could easily be appreciated by millions of listeners. Ragged
But Right features decidedly commercial-oriented pop songs...with excellent
lyrics and melodies throughout. Our favorite cuts include "Me Myself
and Eyes," "Way With Words" (our favorite), "Hotel
Room," and "Heartbreak Luck."
Mark
Adam Miller - Ain't Life Good (Independently
released CD, Country/pop)
When we first heard this album we were certain that this was a Nashville,
TN-based artist. But no, we were wrong... Up-and-coming country/pop artist
Mark Adam Miller is from the unlikely city of Covington, Louisiana.
But you'd never know it from the slick, polished, melodic tracks on Ain't
Life Good. This guy has accomplished what most cannot. He has managed
to independently record and release music that is as good or better than
stuff released by big professional companies. Mark's tunes are simple and
direct and deal with topics that the average listener should be able to
relate to on the first spin. Nice punchy country/pop stuff featuring excellent
vocals and arrangements that are a perfect fit. Cool cuts include "You
Don't Know Jack," "Your Best Man," "Fragile," and
"Bring It On Down."
Nervous Curtains - Out of Sync With Time (Advance CD-R, Latest
Flame, Rock)
The debut full-length release from Nervous Curtains. The appropriately-titled
Out of Sync With Time features piano-driven pop that doesn't sound
anything like other piano-driven pop artists in the twenty-first century.
The band is driven by the songwriting skills of Sean Kirkpatrick
who is also in the band The Paper Chase. Folks wanting easy, predictable
singalong pop should be forewarned. The songs on this album are at times
somewhat unusual and sometimes rather strange. But the overall sound is
inviting and ever-so-slightly familiar. Sean's vocals are interesting and
a far cry from the usual (the guy is not afraid to try new things with his
voice which works in the band's favor). Unusual arrangements abound on this
album. Intriguing tracks include "Accomplice," "Losing Touch
With One of My Senses," and "It's Cramped In the Casket."
Oblivion - Lotus / My Jar (Independently released CD single,
Pop/rock)
Interesting progressive pop/rock tune that reminds us in some ways of Sebadoh.
These folks really expand and let things happen during the course of these
two tracks which last over seven minutes. Nice spontaneous feel and the
sound is appropriately direct and raw. Now that we come to think of it...this
could also be compared to early Nirvana. We hardly ever cover singles
so...that in itself should tell you something about this release. Rather
interesting.
Other Voices - Other Voices (CD, Stickfigure,
Rock)
Phoenix, Arizona has changed so much over the past two decades. The city
was once a ghost town as far as unusual and adventurous bands were concerned.
Now it seems as if everyone and their sister is involved in some way with
an artsy underground band. Other Voices is a band formed from the
ashes of Death of Marat and The Minibosses. This band has
apparently not been active for some time...which makes it even more unusual
that their debut CD is only now being released. This is just the kinda underground
rock stuff we dig. The guitars are loud and up front in the mix...the rhythm
section powerful and driving...and the vocals appropriately drenched in
reverb and/or echo. Only about half an hour's worth of music here...but
every track is a keeper. Top picks: "Is There A Sharp Object Nearby?",
"No Cause Effect," "Smoke and Mirrors."
Paperbacks - Lit From Within (CD, Parliament
of Trees, Pop)
The third full-length release from Canada's Paperbacks. This band
has had its share of ups and downs since being created in 2001. It was originally
formed from members of The Bonaduces and Painted Thin. At
one point the band was put on hold...before reforming with a new line-up.
Members came and went as the band meanwhile continued to record and release
material. The Paperbacks really offer a lot with this release. This double
CD features 32 new tracks. It's a rather amazing feat when you come to think
of it. Most new bands are opting to only release their material as downloads
(or a mere EP)...while these folks take the opposite approach releasing
a wealth of material on a real format. The less-is-more approach of these
guitar-based tracks reminds us slightly of early releases by the Young
Fresh Fellows...or Guided By Voices albums from the 1990s. This
album is all about songs. And, surprisingly, there's really not a lemon
in this bunch. Cool reflective pop cuts include "Good Lives (For Bad
Reasons)," "Slow Learners," "Caroline," "A
Dizzy Chain of Bees," "No Fatalities," and "Thieves
Guild."
Parkas - You Should Have Killed Us When You Had The Chance (CD,
Saved By Radio, Pop)
After playing together for about eight years the guys in Parkas have
decided to call it quits. But instead of moping away with their tails between
their legs, the guys in this band opted instead to record a spirited farewell
album. You can be certain that You Should Have Killed Us When You Had
The Chance sounds nothing like a band that is throwing in the towel...in
fact, just the opposite. These guys are going out on a real "up"
with this one. Plenty of nice loose rockers here including "Don't Say
No," "Waxwing," "Blood Brothers," and "Night
and Morning." It'd be interesting if support for this one was so strong
(something which is very likely) that the guys decided to stay together.
Hey, stranger things have happened...
Philippe
Petit - Henry: The Iron Man (CD, Beta-lactam Ring, Progressive/experimental)
Yet another peculiar mind-expanding release from the strangest music label
on the planet. We're tempted to reprint word-for-word Philippe Petit's
own explanation as to why he created this album. But that would, of course,
be plagiarism. So, in a nutshell...Petit had a dream/vision of a reworked
remake of the film Eraserhead...so he created his own soundtrack
for the imaginary film. Eraserhead being perhaps our favorite film
of all time, we were immediately intrigued. The music is...sometimes reminiscent
of the music used in the original film...but modified, revamped, restructured,
and deconstructed. What does it sound like...? A combination of glitch,
electronic drone, noise, and experimental sounds. There's nothing accessible
about this release. The only folks who it will appeal to are those who don't
connect music with money. A complete and total form of artistic expression.
Strange, creepy, unsettling...dark and hypnotic. TOP PICK.
Picastro - Become Secret (CD, Monotreme,
Progressive)
The fourth full-length release from Toronto, Canada's Picastro. We've
always found it interesting how like-minded people have a way of connecting
with one another This has always been true...but the internet has made it
more commonplace than ever before. The folks in Picastro play peculiar music
that is decidedly out-of-synch with what's happening in the world of music.
On this album, guest artists include Tony Dekker (Great Lake Swimmers),
Brendan Massei (Viking Moses), Colleen Kinsella (Fire
On Fire, Cerberus Shoal), John McIntyre, Stephanie
Vittas, Dwayne, Sodahberk, and Nick Storring. The tracks
on Become Secret might best be described as difficult underground
progressive pop. The songs merge in and out of various terrains...all the
while retaining a strange moodiness that is difficult to describe. After
a few spins this stuff gets in your head and just won't get out. Nine cool
cuts here including "Twilight Parting," "Split Head,"
"Neva," and "The Stiff." TOP PICK.
Polaroid
Fame - We Live Your Life (CD, Chord
Accord, Pop)
The folks in Australia's Polaroid Fame compose synth pop tunes that
are heavily reminiscent of bands from the 1980s (some of the songs on this
album bear a strong resemblance to Duran Duran). We Live Your
Life features tunes that are unashamedly accessible and commercial.
These folks record tracks that are instantly familiar, upbeat, and danceable.
The vocals are way up front in the mix, and each song has at least one super
catchy segment. With the right push, the members of Polaroid Fame could
easily become very, very big.
She drove a Pontiac.
She was bound and gagged in a Pontiac.
She was fatally stabbed in a Pontiac.
She was buried in a Pontiac.
Gabriel
Riesco Project - Sculptures In Time
(CD, WUC, Jazz)
Nice smooth modern jazz from the Gabriel Riesco Project. The album
is a tribute to sculptor Eduardo Chillida. It was recorded in one
day in order to capture the spontaneity of the musicians. Riesco was formerly
in the bands Global Grooves and HighGroovin...but is now releasing
music under his own name. Sculptures In Time also features the talents
of Nir Naaman, Roy Assaf, Chris Smith, and Colin
Stranahan. Considering the fact that this was pretty much recorded on
the spot, these tracks sound amazingly smooth and rehearsed. Eight cuts
here including "Chillida," "Ainara," "Africa,"
and "Todo Claro."
Jackie Ryan - Doozy (Double CD, Open
Art Productions, Jazz/female vocalist)
Super smooth double CD set featuring the soothing vocals of Jackie Ryan.
Ms. Ryan has a voice that recalls some of the great female vocalists from
the 1940s and 1950s...when singers were more direct and real (and didn't
feel the need to inject twenty-seven notes into every single syllable).
Doozy is Ryan's fourth full-length release...and it's a keeper. Backing
musicians on the album include Cyrus Chestnut, Eric Alexander,
Romero Lubambo, and Jeremy Pelt. Although not a well-known
celebrity...yet...Jackie has been steadily raking in positive reviews
and fans over the past few years. Doozy will no doubt please her
existing fans and bring in legions more. Twenty scintillating tracks here
including "You'll See," "Dat Dere," "Summer Serenade,"
and "Some Other Time." Cool, smooth, and breezy.
Search and search
And search and search
And search and search
Then die.
Now I lay me
Down to sleep
Just like other
Goddamn sheep.
Slow Six
- Tomorrow Becomes You (Advance CD-R, Western
Vinyl, Progressive)
Progressive modern mood music for the twenty-first century. Beautiful free-flowing
creations that combine classical, trance, and progressive rock together
into a seamlessly relaxing concoction. This is yet more proof that the folks
at Western Vinyl are expanding their boundaries and, in doing so, are offering
a wealth of new artists whose music doesn't fit into any one specific genre.
Too bad this is an advance CD-R, as it would've been an obvious TOP PICK
this month...
System and Station - I'm Here To Kill (CD-R EP, Latest
Flame, Rock)
More cool progressive underground rock/pop from System and Station
Hard to believe these guys have been at it for about a decade now. And you'd
never know it from the vibrant sounds on I'm Here To Kill. These
clever unpredictable rockers find these guys still in excellent form...and
obviously still loving every minute of what they're doing. Plenty of cool
grooves here...and those guitar riffs sound absolutely spectacular.
Too bad this is an EP...after this one spun itself out we were left wanting
more...
All rhythm is
Terrible rhythm.
Yukon
Blonde - Yukon Blonde (CD, Bumstead / Nevadore,
Pop)
We thinks there must be an awful lot of people out there rediscovering mom
and dad's old 33 RPM vinyl records from the 1970s...because there are a
bewilderingly large number of artists lately playing music reminiscent of
this time period. Of course as is always the case, some folks fail miserably...while
other folks do it really, really well. The folks in Yukon Blonde
fall into the latter category. While the songs on this album definitely
harken back to the 1970s, this does not come across like a retreading
of old sounds and ideas. Instead, it sounds as if these folks used ideas
from the past to spark their modern day pop tunes. There's a lot of ultra-cool
people working with, supporting, and/or marketing this band...so chances
are they are going to become big fast. This ten song album is full
of cool substantial melodies and well-arranged tunes. Our favorites include
"Rather Be With You," "Trivial Fires" (our favorite),
"1000 Years," and "Loyal Man." TOP PICK.
A
Ada Jane - Again...again
A M Conspiracy - A M Conspiracy
Apollo - Past present future
Apples and Apples - Blip
B
Bad Bad Bad - Uppity
Bingo Puppies - Game dogs
Bunky Dodo - Crap
C
Canning Is Easy - No food for mama
Jon Coleman - Make it fast
Cuzzle - Drank it up
D
Dairy Cow - Dairy flowers
Shaky DeVille - Shaky DeVille
Dios - We are Dios
Brian Dolzani- Brian Dolzani
Dumb Muzzle - Fill 'er down
E
Easy Don't It - Plaza ski visit
Eat Muffy - Dori
Early Morning Dunk - Trinkets
Ezzer - Tame dreamer
F
Faan - Naafer
Fae - No more no more
Gus Fafalios - Night fishing
G
Ken Greves - The face of my love
Gummer - Now about the gum
H
Ashbrook Haynes - Not so fast
Hearts and Minutes - Hearts and Minutes
Kris Heaton Blues Band - R-ME strong
Heligoats - Goodness gracious
Hotel St. George - City boy lemon
I
Ian - Tax pump
Irky Strip - Taw taw
Izztunk - Brintjl
J
Jammies - East west west
Junk For Junkies - Jam on the toaster
K
K and K - Picky picky
Kenny & Leah - April in Paris
Kung Fung - Lousy mercy
L
Denise La Grassa - April dreams
Lambs Loaf - Loafer's paradise
Lumpy's Dove - Howdy dover
M
Maaa Maaa Maaa - Meee Meee Meee
Manhattan Valley Ramblers - Ballads and barnburners
H. E. Miller - Apocalyptic dreams
N
Naaa Naaa Naaa - Neee neee neee
New 5 - Introducing
David Newbould & Friends - The long way home: Live from austin
Next Stop...Soweto - Township sounds from the golden age of mbaqanga
Nickodemus - Sun people
Nite Nite - How to touch the moon
O
Optimen - Fire fighters
Orange Velvets - Fuzz, beautiful fuzz
Willard Overstreet - Something to hold onto
P
Paa Paa - Tower of Paa Paa
Pistol Whip - Terminal
Q
Quaaker - Quaaker
Quick Before No - Harp #138
R
Raa - Lincoln's dumb
Rael's Floss - Rizznio
Ruder Than You - Creation sounds
S
Seaspin - Reverser EP
Samujel Stewart - The beginner EP
Sunk Sunker - Town brim
T
This Harmony - Notturno
This This - That that
U
Untied States - Instanta everything
U. O. Project - It's time for U
V
The Villains - The Villains
W
When Summers Gone - December
X
XXX - RT3
Y
Yaya and the Yaya - Toyotathon
Z
Zzz-Tamer - Yay for yowzer
