January 2019 Floppy Comics, Poetry, and Reviews by
aka 
Band discography. Listen/stream on Bandcamp, CDBaby, & Spotify
If you try hard enough everything goes away.
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Altered Labyrinth - The Defilers (CD, Cream Cloud, Pop/rock)
Cool swirling underground guitar pop/rock that has a nice inviting sound. Altered Labyrinth is the duo of Matt Dickey (guitar, vocals, bass, synthesizers) and Matt Garfein (drums). If you dig/dug the sound of underground guitar bands in the 1990s there's a very good chance you'll also dig the sounds on The Defilers. This is a true self-recorded, self-released, and self-marketed project. For a two piece band, these guys have a really big thick sound. Songs are the main deal, of course...and songs are the true centerpiece here. Hard to pinpoint specific influences and reference points, but the overall sound is strangely familiar. We love the slightly trippy psychedelic sounds that bleed in and out of the speakers...they give these songs a peculiar mental slant that is different and unique. Garfein is a monster on the drums, and Dickey is a wonderkid in the world of strange sounds. There's so much generic garbage being tossed out in the latter half of the 2010s. As such, an album like The Defilers is immediately gripping and entertaining because the players are not trying to sound like all the rest. These songs are simultaneously odd and inspired. Nine cool cuts including "Rob's Got Every Reason," "Snake Parades," "They'll Need A Bigger Net," and "Shards of Plastic." We love the flyer included in the promo package...one of those awful smarmy business meeting things that was adapted to serve as a press release for the band. Totally cool from start to finish. We love it. Top pick.
The Bangles / The Three O'Clock / The Dream Syndicate / Rain Parade - 3 x 4 (CD, Yep Roc, Pop)
Interesting idea for an album that brings four cool bands smack back into the spotlight: The Bangles, The Three O'Clock, The Dream Syndicate, and Rain Parade. This is an album that finally came to be thanks to the support and enthusiasm of Glenn Dicker (co-owner of Yep Roc Records). So here's how the story goes... In 2013 all four bands got together and did a concert for charity for the Education Through Music Foundation. Everyone enjoyed it so much that a handful of band members discussed the idea of an album on which each of the bands would cover one song by the other three. The idea lingered but never became a reality until Dicker stepped in and made things happen. These different takes on familiar songs will hopefully inspire listeners to go back and check out the recorded output by all four bands. The state of California produced so many credible/incredible artists in the 1980s. So it seems like the timing is right for folks to revisit what has now been coined as the paisley underground. Spinning this, you can tell how each of these bands is respected by the others. Twelve well-produced covers here including "Getting Out Of Hand," "As Real As Real," "Talking In My Sleep," "Real World," "What She's Done To Your Mind," and "The Turns to Flowers."Peter Bank's Harmony In Diversity - The Complete Recordings (Six CD set, The Peter Banks Musical Estate, Progressive)
This one's an immediately must have for fans of Peter Banks, Yes, and other progressive rock icons from the past and present. This whopping six disc set contains everything recorded by Peter Bank's Harmony In Diversity. Contained on these discs is a huge amount of material that most fans have never heard, as this is the first time ever that these recordings have been offered as a mainstream release. Once again, music fans can thank the Peter Banks Musical Estate (represented by Daniel Earnshaw) for making this release possible. The Estate is releasing a whole slew of Banks packages, so there's no telling what else is in store for the near future. Everything we've heard thus far has been absolutely wonderful. This is the first time we've heard any of this material, so for us it's like opening up an entirely new chapter in Peter's career. Musicians sharing the spotlight across these six albums are Nick Cottam, Andrew Booker, and Dave Speight. There's a wealth of truly focused and inspired material here and the guitar playing is, of course, extraordinary in every way. As if the music wasn't enough to please the fans, the packaging is also exceptional. All six discs are housed inside a magnificently designed box (we love the trippy multi-colored artwork) and the thick booklet is just the best. It includes the track listings of course, but also many cool photographs as well as interesting text provided by Booker and Cottam. There's a lot to take in here, but it's all well worth your time and money to be exposed to this phase in Bank's career. Peter passed away in 2013, but his music will continue to live on forever...thanks to quality, absorbing releases like this. Highly recommended. TOP PICK.
Martin Barre - Roads Less Traveled (CD, Purple Pyramid, Pop)
Brand new album from Martin Barre who is best known as the iconic guitarist in Jethro Tull from 1969 to 2012. Considering how long this fellow has been making music, you might expect that Roads Less Traveled would sound lame and tired. We're happy to report that this album is not only entertaining and resilient, but it's also totally relevant to the current world of music. Roads features eleven cool tracks that are smart and melodic, and they're infused with that magnificent guitar sound that so many listeners know and love. Joining Martin on this album are Dan Crisp (vocals), Alan Thomson (bass), Darby Todd (drums), Becca Langsford (vocals), Josiah J (percussion, hammond), Aaron Graham (drums), Alex Hart (vocals), and Buster Cottam (bass). Barre will probably always be quizzed on whether or not he will re-join Tull at some point in time. But if there's one thing that this album makes perfectly clear, it is the fact that this talented man no longer needs to be a part of that band in order to survive and thrive. His solo career remains exactly on track. And we always love it when folks prefer to exist in the present rather than coast along on past endeavors. Produced by Barre himself along with James Bragg (who also mixed and mastered these tracks), Roads has a nice slick overall sound. And thankfully technology is used to enhance, rather than overproduce. Our initial favorites include "Lone Wolf," "Out of Time," "For No Man," and "And The Band Played Only For Me."BERP - Live and Studio Recordings, Nov 2001 (Independently released CD, Yabyum, Experimental/improvisation)
Okay so...we'll start out here by saying that this is not going to appeal to everyone. The folks in BERP record what some people would call noise or non-music. It's all good to our ears, of course, and we're totally open to the idea of noise and sound presented as music. But those who do not will probably want to steer clear of this one. Improvisation seems to be growing in leaps and bounds in the twenty-first century. It could be a reaction to the sterile samey world of processed pop. Or it could just be that with all the cheap and readily available recording technology musicians are finally able to do whatever they want without any regard for commercial appeal or satisfying contractual obligations. BERP is the quartet comprised of Ben Lind (voice), Ernesto Diaz-Infante (stringed instruments, ping-pong, percussion, toys, baseball), Barbara Rose Lange (violin), and Philip Gayle (stringed instruments, ping-pong, percussion, toys, baseball, waterphone). Also featured is guest artist Domokos Benczedi on the track entitled "Bunt." Together, the four create a strange atmospheric accidental universe where anything can happen and just about anything can be incorporated into the overall sound. There's a lot to take in here, over seventy-five minutes of sound. All five pieces are intriguing and unusual. But the closing track ("Quartet Live") really pushes the limits, as the composition lasts over forty-six minutes. Housed in a cool digipak sleeve that features some cool puzzling photographs.Big'n - Knife of Sin (CD-R EP, Cmptr Stdnts, Hard and heavy noise rock)
Whoa...what's going on here...? For a moment we had to look at our calendar to make sure what year it was. We're always whining about this issue lately, but the latter half of the second decade in the twenty-first century has seen a decided creative downturn in the world of music. The once adventurous underground circuits in America have now become littered with far too many safe and samey artists who seemingly only want to please fans. Forget trying to push people's buttons and make people think. Most folks simply want something safe and familiar...and something that supports their limited moral views. It wasn't that long ago in the 1990s when there were thousands of crazed and totally credible bands playing in the United States. Thrash, death metal, experimental, and heavy pop bands seemed to be all over the place and they played really REALLY loud. If you miss those days...or if you just want something that really packs a punch...check out the latest EP from the curiously-titled Big'n. Knife of Sin is one loud roaring disc chock full of pounding rhythms, huge thick overdriven guitars, and a vocalist who can really scream his way into the next world and beyond. This band is not presenting a pretty singalong kinda thing...they're driven by anxiety and unbridled angst. And they sound truly and genuinely...ANGRY. Recorded by Steve Albini and Greg Norman and mastered by Carl Saff, Knife is an album to blow the heads off of humans. Six roaring tracks that ought to challenge even the most hardened noise fanatics. Our favorites include "Snake Eater," "Knife of Sin," and "Sunk." Rough, loud, raw stuff with balls. This is the first release we've heard on the Cmptr Stdnts label. If this is any indication of what the label is about, students should prepare now to sit up straight and pay attention.Michael Bloomfield - Living In The Fast Lane (CD, Angel Air, Pop)
This album was originally released in 1981 just after the passing of legendary guitarist Michael Bloomfield. In addition to his solo recordings, Bloomfield is also known by many as a member of The Paul Butterfield Blues Band...hugely influential to so many other artists and bands in the 1960s. This album presents all ten tracks that appeared on Michael's original album plus one bonus track ("Maudie"). There's a short biography included in the package written by Austin Powell that quickly and effectively tells Bloomfield's story in a nutshell. These tracks were recorded at various times and, as such, probably offer a good overview of the man and his music. With all the renewed interest in blues/rock in the twenty-first century, the timing just may be right for folks to revisit this man's catalog. And Living In The Fast Lane might just be the best starting point. These tracks have stood the test of time. Hearing these tracks, it sure seems sad that this guy passed away at such an early age. Michael was only thirty-seven at the time of his death, and the circumstances surrounding it are still blurry and unclear. But the music lives on, of course, and thanks to the internet more and more folks can discover (and re-discover) artists and bands they would've never had access to last century. Well-crafted compositions include "Sammy Knows How to Party," "Let Them Talk," "When I Get Home," and "Big C Blues."Budget Lamps - Cheap Light (Limited edition 27" Vinyl LP, Bulboa, Round parts)
We received over 2,000 copies of this release in the mail. Quite a publicity stunt, sure...but after loading all the packages up just dealing with them became very tedious and irritating. Particularly since each and every album is 27 inches in diameter. So we get the truckload of releases home and open one to see what the music sounds like...only to find that the damn thing won't fit on any turntable--no matter how large it is. So we thought, if the music is unplayable we'll just stream it. Nope, can't do that. So we sat at our desks for a few hours staring at the damn thing trying to figure out what to do. Everything seemed desperate. Everything is desperate. People want their music to be heard so bad that they're willing to do everything possible so that people can't hear it. You can hear what you want to, but there's nothing to listen to. What do you do when you get into a kitchen and you can't cook? You stop cooking. Several days passed by and we realized that we had gotten nothing accomplished because our office suite was full of 2,000 copies of Cheap Light by Budget Lamps. That's when a light went off in our heads. We needed...a lamp to hear the music. Sure enough, when we plugged the album into a familiar light socket things started happening. Colors got brighter, and then the world started to go down. Down, down, down...all the way down. So we turned the lamp off and very soon the budget began. Soft at first, but then we started saving money. Money and more money and more money. The amount of money saved was staggering. But still the packages remained, getting in our way and making it impossible to move. At the end of the tunnel was a frosted pie. It was a good pie, but still a pie nonetheless. No one will ever be able to hear Cheap Light. You can save all the money you want, but in the end you'll end up losing...everything.Chris Butler - Got It Together! (CD, Fossil Fuel, Pop), Easy Life (CD, Fossil Fuel, Pop)
Reducing musicians down to one limiting-but-familiar frame of reference so that we can remember exactly who is who and what is what. We're all guilty of it. And it's too bad, because in our effort to be able to remember and easily communicate we tend to overlook the entirety of an artist's life and musical output. One of the more extreme cases of how a brief flash with fame can be detrimental is Billy Mumy. Even though Mumy continues writing and recording completely credible music as an adult, for most people he is only remembered as the boy who played the role of Will Robinson on the television show Lost In Space. Seems like such a shame. In the end, that television role doesn't seem to have helped Billy's career much at all. The guy deserves more appreciation for what he's done...as an adult. Chris Butler is more fortunate in that his brush with fame was far more subtle and thus less limiting. Way back in the 1980s he wrote The Waitresses' song "I Know What Boys Like." Listeners with a wider range of knowledge may also remember him as a member of the band Tin Huey. While these are certainly key frames of reference for most of the world, Butler has effectively managed to have a career which encompasses so much more than these two accomplishments. He's a true creative spirit and has worked with an amazing variety of other credible artists and bands over the years and he's recorded a wealth of solo material. To get a grip on what Butler has been up to recently, you need look no further than these two new releases. Got It Togehter! (that's not a typo, the word is purposely misspelled) features sixteen tracks recorded at various times in Butler's career, some dating all the way back to the 1980s. The one thread that seems to run through all of the material is a decidedly unique sense of humor. The range of styles is particularly impressive. In addition to Got It Togehter!, Butler has also released a second album featuring various songs and recorded tidbits entitled Easy Life. If the first album features material that's on the more accessible side, the second seems to delve into more obscure territory (including spoken word pieces). If you're already a fan, these albums will be on your must have list. This is your chance to grab a front row seat right in the comfort of your very own living room. A wealth of cool creative compositions from a man who continues to provide his own uniquely entertaining contributions to the world of underground music.Doug Collins & The Receptionists - Good Sad News (Independently released CD, Pop)
Pure smooth pop delivered with pure sincerity. Rather than go the route of being clever or cute, singer/songwriter Doug Collins chooses to write songs that are immediately direct and appealing. With the right amount of luck and timing, this guy could easily find himself a very sought after musician in the coming years. Two good reference points here would be Roy Orbison and Marshall Crenshaw. So if either of these are on your list of top favorites, there's a very good chance you'll totally enjoy the warm groovy vibes on Good Sad News. Everything about the packaging suggests vinyl albums from the past...the cover, the cardboard foldout sleeve, and even the Columbia Records-style artwork on the disc itself. Produced, engineered, and mixed by Rob Genadaek, News is one smooth spin. The songs have just enough polish to make them sound warm and friendly, but you're never exposed to annoying digital effects and too many overdubs. Backing Collins on these tracks are Charlie Varley (bass, vocals) and Billy Dankert (drums, vocals). These guys provide the perfect solid foundation for these future pure pop classics. The critics seem to be lining up in support of this guy. Ten well-crafted tracks here including "Conversation With My Heart," "I Saw You Dancin'," "Hey Mary," and "Top of the Watertower."Ultan Conlon - Last Days of the Night Owl (CD, Darksideout, Pop)
Smooth slick pop that's easy on both the ears and mind. Some folks create music to impress other people. Others make music to create anxiety and confusion. For others the main motivation is to make money. Irish singer/songwriter Ultan Conlon makes simple pure soft pop music. And our guess is that the main motivation is simply to create nice hummable songs that most people can appreciate. Last Days of the Night Owl is one super smooth spin. Mixed by Collin Dupuis, these tracks have a slick sound without ever seeming overproduced. The main focus of the music here is the voice. Conlon has a cool understated vocal style that is immediately appealing and genuine. The overall vibe of these tracks reminds us of some of the more popular alternative soft pop artists from the 1980s and 1990s. This is Ultan's third full-length release, and it just might be the one that pushes his career to the next level. With just a bit of luck, this guy could easily find himself becoming hugely popular all over the world. Last Days is housed in a beautifully-designed cardboard sleeve and includes a lyric booklet. Twelve precisely-executed tracks including "As the Light Gets Low," "Fond Memories," "Time to Mourn," and "The Fine Art of Happiness" (this last track is our favorite). The more subdued and sparse the music gets...the better Mr. Conlon sounds.The Contrast - Madhouse of Inventions (CD, Secret Shark, Pop)
More solid hummable guitar pop from the United Kingdom-based band The Contrast. Madhouse of Inventions is a totally cool collection of smart modern pop. Hard to believe that this year the band will be celebrating twenty years of making music (!). As of this writing, the group is comprised of David Reid (lead vocals, guitars), Richard Mackman (bass), Thorin Dixon (drums, percussion, backing vocals), and Simon Russell (keyboards). This is the band's first new album in five years, and it will no doubt please listeners. In a world full of processed cheese slop, these smart tracks come across sounding inspired and real. David Reid's songs are focused and direct. He and the band made the wise decision to present these songs using only the basics, so you won't hear five thousand layered tracks and everything tweaked to digital perfection. These songs sound very much like a real band playing real music. There's a lot to take in here. During the course of this fifty-six minute album the band presents sixteen Reid originals. If this is any indication of what's happening in the undercurrents of music in Great Britain in 2019, we'd like to hear more. All of these songs sound like underground hits to us, but particular initial favorites include "Bureaucrats," "Madhouse of Inventions," "What Do You Get," "Passion," and "Intelligent Life." Smart resilient stuff.Le Corbeau - VI: Sun Creeps Up The Wall (CD, Handmade, Rock), V: C's Theme (CD, Handmade, Rock), IV: Spider Bridge (CD, Handmade, Rock)
Here's something you don't see every day. Norway's Le Corbeau have released not one...or two...but three new albums simultaneously. This band writes and records true underground rock music that is satisfying and unusual. There's no generic junk here, these folks deliver authentic music with style and inspiration. The band is based in Oslo, Norway. If this is any indication of what's happening in this city in 2018...we'd love to be over there taking it all in. The press release that accompanied these albums compared the music to other artists like The Velvet Underground and Sonic Youth. To our ears, Le Corbeau also sometimes sound like a more moody and subtle reincarnation of early Smashing Pumpkins at times. Or...possibly the best and most accurate comparison...would be to say these tracks are eerily similar to some tracks by babysue favorite Starflyer 59. If you love tripped out guitars, you will very likely get a big charge out of this music. There were a lot of bands in the United States in the 1990s with a sound slightly similar to Le Corbeau, but not anymore. Great underground guitar bands seem in short supply in 2019, so fans need to really open up and support cool artists like this. There's a huge amount of nifty sounds and ideas presented across these three CDs. What you will not hear on this albums are (a) cute potential hit songs (b) digital perfection and (c) instantly catchy music. The more we spin these, the more immersed we become. Combining all three together, these albums present twenty-seven mind-bending and spell-binding compositions. Extremely captivating and memorable stuff. Recommended. Top pick.
Cross and Booker - Ends Meeting (CD, Noisy, Progressive/instrumental)
Nice smooth progressive instrumental music from the duo of David Cross and Andrew Booker. Ends Meeting was recorded in 2006 but is only now seeing an official release. This is the one and only album these two recorded together. It's interesting that the basic tracks were recorded in a single evening (October 13, 2006). Fans of either of these guys' other bands will appreciate what's going on here. These compositions come from a world similar to the sound of other progressive acts like King Crimson, Sanguine Hum, and Harmony in Diversity. Seven smart reflective tracks including "Loopscape A," "The Shakes Rattled," "Spared Bhangra," "Ends Meeting," and "Loopscape B." Recommended for fans of progressive bands from the past as well as the present.The Cry - Original Television Soundtrack: Music by Lorne Balfe (CD, Lakeshore, Television soundtrack)
Television shows sure have evolved over the years. It wasn't so long ago that most airtime was eaten up by cheaply produced shows like situation comedies and boring reality stuff. But as technology has evolved over the years it has created a huge new avalanche of lavishly produced television series that rival even the most precisely produced major motion pictures. The Cry is a British mystery drama series adapted from the novel of the same name. The series tells the story of a couple whose son goes missing and the effects it has on the family. The music for the show was created by Lorne Balfe, an award winning composer who has also worked on big features like Mission Impossible: Fallout, The Lego Batman Movie, and Churchill. Most likely to capture the elements of human emotion in the series, the music for The Cry is sparse and strangely chilling. Unlike so many modern soundtracks that feature huge orchestras and great big walls of sound, this album is surprisingly subtle. If you take a trip through Balfe's website (link above), you'll find that this fellow has created music for an incredibly diverse range of movies. Recorded at Synchron Stage in Vienna, Austria, this album features precisely arranged tracks that are certain to evoke emotions in the minds of listeners worldwide. Intriguing compositions include "Please, Cry?", "Justice For Noah," "Good Mother," and "Do You Forgive Me."Curved Air - The Curved Air Rarities Series, Volume 3: The Second British Rock Meeting 1972 (CD, Curved Air Records, Progressive pop)
Regular readers are already aware of the fact that Curved Air was and is one of our all-time favorites from the world of 1970s British progressive rock. While the band had a good deal of success in Great Britain and other parts of the world, the group never achieved much recognition in the United States. That's most likely because they never had a goddamn hit single. (We will never ever understand why that seems to be such an important requirement for so many music fans.) The good news is that the birth of the internet has allowed more and more people to become aware of things they never knew existed before. And now several decades later, there are probably more Curved Air fans in the United States than there ever were in the entire twentieth century. Helping to spread the word is the latest in a series of releases on the band's own label. Volume 3 of The Curved Air Rarities Series presents a live recording of the band at the Second British Rock Meeting. This must have been one wild meeting indeed...as other artists on the bill included Atomic Rooster, Strawbs, Linda Lewis, Pink Floyd, The Faces, The Kinks, Family, Status Quo, Brinsley Schwarz, Frumpy, Amon Duul, Uriah Heep, and more. Sure would be nice to take a time travel trip back to this event. At this point in time Curved Air was comprised of Sonja Kristina, Darryl Way, Francis Monkman, Florian Pikington-Miksa, and Mike Wedgwood. The group had just released their exceptionally wonderful Phantasmagoria album and the excitement level was high. The show included an interesting and very subtle rendition of "Melinda (More or Less)." Readers should note that recently a new reissue of Air Cut came out with all the tracks taken from the original master tapes...a vast improvement over the previous CD version of this criminally overlooked album. We've loving the Curved Air rarity series, but must admit that these albums will probably appeal most to folks already familiar with the band's music. Those wanting a good solid introduction to should probably first get hold of the band's first four albums, all of which are highly recommended by us babysue snobs way out yonder here in Tennessee.The Delines - The Imperial (CD, El Cortez, Pop)
The Imperial is an album that will be enthusiastically embraced by fans who were turned onto this band's debut (Colfax) that was released a few years ago. When the folks in The Delines released their debut in 2014, it seemed as if everything was going their way. The album immediately found a receptive audience, and these musicians seemed to be off and running. But everything stopped when lead singer Amy Boone was hit by a car in Austin, Texas. Both of her legs were broken and she then underwent three years of treatment and rehabilitation. Rather than letting this unfortunate event permanently alter their course, the folks in the band eventually picked up the pieces...and thus The Imperial was born. The album features ten melodic reflective tracks that immediately prove that the tragedy hasn't affected Boone's voice in the least. These well-produced songs have a nice thick organic sound that should appeal to a wide cross section of listeners. The band's music perfectly combines elements of pop and country, and the end result is both inspired and inspiring. Any band that can create a follow-up like this after what they've been through deserves your support. There's not a bad track to be found here. Our initial favorites include "Cheer Up Charley," "Let's Be Us Again," "He Don't Burn For Me," and "Waiting On the Blue."Charlie Faye and The Fayettes - The Whole Shebang (CD, Bigger Better More, Pop)
Charlie Faye and The Fayettes caught the attention of many people when they released their self-titled debut album in 2016. The trio's modern adaptation of girl group pop from the 1960s was a refreshing change of pace from the oh-so-serious world of commercial music in the twenty-first century. It took a while for the second album to develop, but now the girls have returned with yet another smart and resilient offering. The Whole Shebang is cut from the same general fabric as the first album, but it has a few sparks and surprises thrown in for good measure. The group is comprised of Charlie Faye, BettySoo, and Akina Adderley. These girls know how to get in a groove and stay there. Shebang presents the kind of escapist pop that the world needs in 2019. This album presents ideas and sounds from the 1960s as well as the 1970s, effectively capturing the feelgood vibes of an era gone by. But what may surprise listeners are some of the ideas presented in the lyrics. A few decades ago you would've never heard a female trio singing a song like "I Don't Need No Baby." Even though the overall sound and vibe are retrospective, many of the things the group says in their music are very much in the present tense. Vocal interplay is a key element in the sound here, with most of the instruments playing a backing role in the overall scheme of things. This short album clocks in at just over thirty-six minutes, and that's all the time it will take for you to be totally won over with the cool vibes and clever wordplay. Our initial favorites include "1-2-3-4," "I Don't Need No Baby," "Night People," "Tonight's the Night," and "You Gotta Give It Up [Party Song]." A totally fun experience from start to finish.Focus - Focus 11 (CD, In and Out of Focus / Cherry Red, Progressive)
Is the band Focus still relevant in 2019? The answer is an immediate and resounding...YES. Whereas other bands and artists from the past have regressed into caricatures of themselves and remained afloat simply to cash in on their prior fame, the Focus guys continue to make credible music that remains exciting and unique. The timing on this one was excellent. We just recently purchased the wonderfully entertaining Hocus Pocus Box which contains a whole slew of the band's original studio albums. On Focus 11 the band is comprised of Thijs van Leer (piano, organ, vocals, flute, synthesizers), Pierre van der Linden (drums), Menno Gootjes (guitars), and Udo Pannekeet (bass). Two younger gentlemen and two older gentlemen who all perform together like a well-oiled machine. We can say without a doubt that any folks out there who appreciated previous Focus albums will love this one. These tracks effectively combine all the best elements from rock and progressive music into one seamless whole. And the playing is impeccable from start to finish. Eleven purely focused tracks that'll have the fans going wild all over again. Killer cuts include "Who's Calling?", "Mazzel," "Clair-Obscur," "Mare Nostrum," and "Final Analysis."
There is something
You can do.You can
Get upset about it.
Gumshoe - The Governor's Brother (CD-R, Happy Happy Birthday To Me, Pop)
This is one of those cool underground releases that might've slipped our consciousness...were it not for the fact that it just happened to be included in a package we received from the Athens, Georgia-based label Happy Happy Birthday To Me. So we figured in all likelihood this one would indeed be worth a spin. Yup. In fact, it is indeed worth more and more and more spins. In a world full of processed cheese perfected to the point of boringness, this band is a refreshing change. Gumshoe is a real band making music using only the essentials (bass, drums, guitar, vocal). Because their songs have substance and genuine appeal, everything just...works. This album reminds us very much of The Kinks' Celluoid Heroes and Muswell Hillbillies albums, but not in a derivative sort of way. The band is driven by the songwriting talents of Andy Dixon, a man with an interesting voice and an even more interesting choice of words. This band released their debut album (The Bad Road Down) in 2014 and then took their time getting around to recording and releasing the follow-up. The Governor's Shoe presents seven sly tracks that combine underground pop with a hazy bluesy sound. The two combine surprisingly well, and make for an overall friendly yet slightly odd experience. Cool tracks include "Barkin' at Shadows," "Call Me Mr. Rubber Belly," "I Am the Sun," and "Never Enough." Truly cool, truly underground, truly nifty. Intriguing.Vasil Hadzimanov Band - Lines In Sand (CD, MoonJune, Progressive)
Complex and unusual progressive music that delves into a variety of different musical genres. Vasil Hadzimanov is one interesting guy. His compositions combine elements from Balkan traditional and folk with jazz, funk, world music and more. The end result...is a provocative and intriguing hodge podge of sounds and styles from all over the world. Lines In Sand is the band's second release on the MoonJune label. In addition to Hadzimanov, featured players on this album are Branko Trijic (guitar), Miroslav Tovirac (bass), Peda Milutinovic (drums, samples), and Bojan Ivkovic (percussion, voice)...along with special guests Dean Bowman (vocal on track 8), Rastko Obradovic (saxophone on tracks 2 & 8), and Marta Hadzimanov (vocal on track 4). Vasil and his band combine all the elements fans love about 1970s progressive rock with jazz and world music. Produced and engineered by Marko Peric and co-produced by Hadzimanov, these compositions have a nice warm sound that rivals any analog recordings we've heard. The rhythms are impeccable and inviting and will be immediately embraced by just about anyone who loves musicians who can get in a solid groove and stay there. Housed inside a cool triple-fold cardboard sleeve, this twelve track album represents everything that's cool about modern progressive music in 2019. Expertly crafted cuts include "Lines In Sand," "San Snova," "Maklik," "For Clara," "Freedom From The Past," and "Rege Hadzi."Paul Jacks - Defractor (CD, Tritone, Underground pop)
The debut solo album from Anchorage, Alaska-based recording artist Paul Jacks who is also in the bands Smile East and Asteroid. Defractor is an obvious and direct...HIT. Anyone who loved the cooler side of 1980s analog pop will get a major charge out of this one. Rather than being a retrospective album, however, this one takes the ideas from that era and pushes them several notches up. And in doing so, Jacks has managed to create an album much better than those that probably inspired it. The tracks on Defractor may remind listeners of other babysue favorites like Starflyer 59 and Joy Electric, mainly because of the multilayered ethereal overall vibe. Paul has come up with a winning sound on this album, and each and every track is completely and thoroughly entertaining. As if the music weren't enough (it is, of course), the packaging on this one is just...THE BEST. This 12" vinyl LP is housed in a beautifully designed cover, and the vinyl itself is super THICK. We particularly love with the killer modern clear vinyl, as well as the inner insert that features some Residents-ish eyeball art. With Defractor, listeners get the total package. Jacks will quickly become a favorite among underground pop fans all over the world. These well-crafted compositions are inventive, heady, catchy, and ultimately very mentally simulating. Killer tracks include "Laid to Rest," "Lightning Lobotomy," "Thief For Your Love," and "Light Year Radio." Recommended. Top pick.
Kleenex Girl Wonder - White Lacuna (Vinyl LP, Reasonable, Underground pop)
Kleenex Girl Wonder is one of our top favorite pop bands out there in the world. Mainman Graham Smith's seemingly endless outpouring of well-crafted intelligent pop songs will blow the minds of even the most jaded music fans. Although Graham and his band are relatively obscure in terms of popularity, the people who support him really REALLY love the music. Obviously that includes us. White Lacuna is the band's latest release, and it's right up there with all the rest. Cool flowing melodies, well-constructed arrangements, cool vocals, and superb lyrics are just a few of the reasons why you owe it to yourself to check out Smith's music. Pressed on cool white vinyl and housed inside a cover featuring some totally killer artwork, Lacuna is chock full of what pop music ought to sound like in 2019. Cool intelligent pop music isn't dead...it's just buried way beneath the surface these days. Readers should note that this is not throwaway pop. Rather than getting boring a few plays later, these tracks will hold up to many repeated spins over the course of the next few decades. We should note here that whoever wrote the press release that accompanied this album should receive some sort of award. Whereas the usual press release is kinda dull and predictable and reads like a sales pitch, this one is complex, mentally challenging, and thought provoking...just like the music itself. We really can't say enough great things about Graham Smith and Kleenex Girl Wonder. If you want to hear the best of the best that's happening in the late 2010s...this is IT. Killer cuts include "The History of Ice," "Hope All is Lost," "Emerita," "Judas Beach," and "The Wet Wizard." Highly recommended. TOP PICK.
Jann Klose - In Tandem (CD, Gallo Record Company, Pop)
If you like super smooth stuff that's easy on the mind and ears, you may very well find yourself quickly drawn into the newest album from Jann Klose. On In Tandem, Jann presents collaborations with various well-known musicians including Annie Haslam, Karen Zoid, RJ Benjamin, Peter Gabriel, James Stewart, Larry Beckett, and more. So if any of those artists are in your list of favorites, there's a good chance you'll totally dig these warm and inviting vibes. This is Jann's sixth full-length release. Recorded in 2017 in South Africa, the first thing that listeners will probably notice about this music is...the voice. Klose has a super smooth voice that provides the perfect focal point for his tunes. And the harmonies are nothing short of...spectacular. In addition to recording music, Jann is also an actor and singer who has appeared in several well-known Broadway musicals. Thirteen tracks of hummable slick pop that should appeal to a wide range of listeners both young and old. Super melodic cuts include "Love High," "Don't Give Up," "Pour the Champagne," "After the Last," and "Wedding Song."Kischum Rayber Loplop - A Loplop For Your Nopnop (Blumped Up Vinyl LP, Nisty, Waltzes shop)
Final and first release from Kischum Rayber Loplop. This is finest. You get fined for going to waltz shop. Widely known simply as Loplop, this is band. Three finger snitch in the podium of passages. Vinyl is clear black, no inclusion of anything outside. The cover don't feature nothing. The inner insert is a package of weed. Five people production, no people reduction. Song after song after song after song after song after song after song after song after song after song after song after song after song after song after song after song after song after song after song after song after song after song after song after song after song after song after song after song after song after song after song after song after song after song after song after song after song after song after song after song after song after song after song. Too many song, too many long song. Members in Kischum Rayber Loplop top many house roofs with lifted approach. How many cooks get spoiled? Is rafter for mentioning linktoid. Ravenous rips include "Mousers," "Hoppy Tops in Moose Clocks," "Remember to Dismember," "Patches and Cuddles," "Remember Something or Other," and "Ditches Full of Wigs."Mark Korven - Our House (CD, Lakeshore, Motion picture score)
We've read some extremely mixed reviews on the motion picture Our House. So our guess is that it's either really really great (the best ones usually get mixed reviews)...or it's not good at all. We'll reserve judgment on the movie, as here we're dealing only with the score. The music for the motion picture was created by Mark Korven who, up to this point in time, is best known as the man who created the music for Cube and The Witch. Our first reaction to this album is that it doesn't immediately sound like the score for a horror movie. Most of these tracks are very sparse and subdued, much more moody and peculiar than frightening and/or violent. All of the music was performed and produced by Korven, so you won't hear any huge orchestras filling the room. It's interesting how much of this album is surprisingly...beautiful, in a very haunting sort of way. The tension that exists is subtle and remains mainly in the background, which most of the time gives the listener the feeling that things are at least somewhat okay (sounds kinda like real life, eh?). Another thing that sets this release apart from so many others is the length of the compositions. In just over fifty minutes, Mark presents no less than twenty-six tracks. Many of them are very short and yet they leave an immediate and lasting impression. We love it when folks don't follow traditional paths in creating music. The Our House album is definitely one of those cases. Strangely captivating tracks include "Heading To Lab," "The Box," "Strong Signal," "Never Left Me," and "Decca Trapped."Brian Larney - White (CD, Nunya, Pop)
Nice smooth hummable pop with intelligent lyrics. This is the fourth full-length solo release from Brian Larney who is also in the bands Brian Larney and the Town Hall and Lines West. This fellow isn't trying to break boundaries or challenge listeners. Instead, Brian seems content to simply present smooth hummable familiar pop music. The songs on White exist in the territory where Americana meets soft pop. The arrangements are simple and utilize traditional instruments. The overall vibe here is upbeat and positive. The central focal point is Larney's voice. He's got a super smooth sounding vocal style that comes across sounding completely genuine and real. So...without tons of digital effects and without an over-the-top image...can an artist thrive and survive in 2019? Hopefully the answer will be yes, as Larney and his associates deliver songs that could easily appeal to millions of listeners. This short album clocks in at just under thirty minutes. But in that amount of time Brian proves that he is indeed a force to be reckoned with. Ten well-crafted tracks including "Bad Things," "A Beautiful Way," "The Devil and I," and "The Crossing."David Lord - Forest Standards Vol. 1 (Limited edition vinyl LP, Big Ego, Progressive/instrumental)
Way out yonder in Wichita, Kansas is a man of many rich talents and skills. Up to this point in time, David Lord has been releasing music under a variety of different names including Francis Moss, The Wonder Revolution, Solagget, and Miki Moondrops. Forest Standards Vol. 1 is the first album to be released under his own name. The album is a bit of a departure from previous efforts, mainly because there are some jazzy elements threaded into the mix this time. Playing with Lord on this album are Devin Hoff (double bass) and Chad Taylor (drums, mbira) along with Sam Hake (vibraphone) and Chris Schlarb (electric guitar on two tracks). Although coming from a slightly different direction, these instrumental tracks retain the same warm elements that have made David's previous releases such vital and rewarding experiences. In a world full of overly slick processed music, this fellow seems intent on recording tracks that incorporate the sound and feel of nature. The twelve tracks on Standards were meticulously crafted and they have a nice warm organic sound. The overall vibe here is very laidback, but never ever boring. This is being offered as an extremely limited release (only 500 were pressed) on the Long Beach, California-based label Big Ego. We love the label's tag line: "Good music is hard to find. We're making it easier." They are definitely achieving their goal with this release. Everything David Lord has recorded deserves to be heard by a much larger audience. Cool reflective cuts include "Hedgehog Mushroom," "Gnome Steps," "Spore Print Orange," and "The Cep." Wonderfully innovative and unusual. Top pick.
Lousy wives deserve
Lousy husbands.
Lousy husbands deserve
Lousy wives.
Marshmallow Coast - Memory Girl (CD, Happy Happy Birthday To Me, Underground pop)
We've always enjoyed the music of Marshmallow Coast. But we can say without a doubt that with this release the band has hit the ball completely out of the ballpark. Memory Girl features exceedingly smart and rewarding visceral modern pop with a difference. By simplifying the overall sound and becoming more direct over time, Andy Gonzales has now developed a sound that ought to become hugely popular with fans of truly uplifting underground pop. This album combines elements from classic artists from the 1960s, 1970s, 1980s, 1990s, and beyond to create totally cool dreamy pop songs that will tickle the brain as well as the ears. Gonzales has a voice that is pure magic. His subtle breathy voice reminds us in some ways of the incredible guys in Harpers Bizarre. The folks at Athens, Georgia's Happy Happy Birthday To Me label have their fingers placed firmly on the pulse of the very best underground pop and rock artists and bands on the planet. These latest Marshmallow Coast songs are so good that they give us chills. Ultra creative cuts include "Warm Bodies," "Take You On," "K. Freeman Enslaved," "Shooting Star," and "Memory Girl." We can't recommend this one highly enough. It truly is red HOT. Highly recommended. Top pick.
Merel & Tony with The Woe Woes - Bones & Feathers (Independently released CD-R EP, Progressive)
A few months ago we received an EP from Merel & Tony. We don't usually cover EPs, so it would have been very easy to overlook that one...were it not for one main fact. The music was very very...different. Bear in mind that we listen to and take in hundreds of artists each month. So if something strikes us as being truly unique and different, that is saying something. Whatever it is saying...is up to you, of course. But onto the case at hand. We just received another EP from this Houston, Texas-based duo. Once again...the songs strike us as being extremely focused and unusual. Bones & Feathers is coming from an entirely different universe than most musical artists. The only possible comparison that comes to mind is the obscure and delightfully odd band Henry Cow. Even though the similarities are only slight, the overall approaches are eerily similar. Merel and Tony don't seem to be striving for any particular sound, opting instead to let their creativity take them wherever it may. The Woe Woes are Chris Bakos on bass, Cathy Power on marimba and percussion, and Joe Wozny on guitar. We're sure hoping these folks release a full-length soon...because we have a feeling it's gonna be a game changer for everyone involved. If you want the same old thing, look somewhere else. But if you want some genuine audio and mental stimulation...you're sure to find it here. Recommended. Top pick.
Dan Miraldi - Alphabet City 2 AM (Independently released CD, Pop)
Dan Miraldi is a superstar. The rest of the world might not be aware of it yet...but this fellow is already a resounding success. There are few folks we've come across in the underground who have as much presence and talent as this guy. His personality just bleeds through the tracks of whatever song he's singing. Alphabet City 2 AM is a total knockout. We were first turned onto Miraldi's music a few years back by way of his wonderfully resilient Sugar & Adrenaline album. We played that one into the ground, and yet it still sounds great even to this day. This album is a delightful return to form and cut from the same general fabric. Whereas Dan's past few releases delved into some different terrain, Alphabet features the man doing what he does best which is...writing and recording smart and insanely hooky straightforward pop. We never realized the similarities before, but this guy's voice sometimes reminds us of Richard Hell. And the overall vibe occasionally recalls The Chainsaw Kittens (both are babysue favorites, of course). These songs have a very personal sound and vibe, and they have the potential to be hugely popular. If you've never heard Miraldi's music, this would be an excellent starting point. Ten totally groovy cuts including "Woke Up Naked," "Every Day of the Week," "Right Where You Belong," "She Knows," and "Tonight Is On Our Side." We've loved everything we've heard from this man. But we can say with certainty that Alphabet City 2 AM might just be his best release yet. Highly recommended. Top pick.
Mod Hippie - Wannabe Nobody (CD, Karma Frog, Pop)
Mod Hippie hits the target with their latest album Wannabe Nobody. We've always liked this band's stuff, but this time around they've really hit the bull's eye. This album presents super direct and super catchy underground pop tracks that oughta please any and all fans of classic pop. The melodies are wonderful, the lyrics smart and curious, and the arrangements are kept to a bare minimum which allows the listener to focus on the true substance of the material. The band is comprised of Doug McGuire, Teresa Cowles, D.J. Bonebrake, Adam Marsland, David Marks, Jason Berk, Kurt Medlin, and Mike Schnee. Produced and engineered by Marsland at Karma Frog Studios and mastered by Earle Mankey (we've been big fans of this guy for years) at Earl's Psychedelic Shack, these songs have a nice solid sound without ever seeming overproduced. This is the third full-length release from Mod Hippie. McGuire has a great knack for writing memorable melodies, and the guy has a voice that really works magic on these tracks. His sense of humor once again plays a prominent role in the proceedings. A prime example of this is the track "Lux," written about Lux Interior of The Cramps...during which Doug does a really funny impression of the iconic front man. This disc is a totally fun and upbeat experience. Nine well-crafted compositions including "Saturday Show," "And Everyone The Fashion (So Sorry)," "You Know," and "Whatever You Want." Top pick.
Tim Morse - III (CD-R, Cymbalick Music, Orchestrated pop)
Smooth and melodic mid-tempo pop featuring impeccable arrangements and exceptional vocals. This is the third full-length release from Sacramento, California-based recording artist Tim Morse. This fellow writes and records exceedingly well-arranged modern pop music with a heavy emphasis on vocal melodies and lyrics. The tracks on III exist in that intriguing universe where slick pop meets progressive rock. Tim's original idea for this album was that he would play and sing everything himself. But as things progressed, he realized he wanted/needed the input of others to achieve his ultimate goal. The sound quality on these tracks is nothing short of amazing. This guy obviously doesn't need any help or assistance from music labels. He's doing things himself his own way, and the results are immediately gripping and real. You'll hear a wide variety of instruments and sounds threaded into these tracks and yet...the end result doesn't come across sounding overproduced. Mr. Morse has a voice that really draws listeners in. Without ever trying too hard, he sounds consistently focused and inspired. III is being simultaneously released on vinyl and CD as well as being offered as a download and/or stream. Seven smart focused tracks including "Wake Up," "The Marquis," "The Path," and "Circle/Talisman." Beautiful stuff, executed to perfection.
Numpty Mumpty
Plit on a lib.
Numpty Mumpty
Fladdergrate snib.
Nezrok - Nezrok (CD, Jahal, Pop)
Things sure have changed over the past few decades in South Florida. Whereas we once associated it mainly with thrash/death metal bands, in the twenty-first century there's an amazingly divergent and brilliant array of musicians and bands. This self-titled album features pure pop that's polished to perfection. When you hear the first track ("Middle Ground") you'll most likely be scratching your head thinking you've heard this one somewhere before. But no, it's an original...one that just has a strangely familiar sound that is instantly appealing. The band Nezrok is driven primarily by the songwriting skills of Chris Korzen, a man who has an uncanny ability to compose infectious pop songs. The man's got a great understated voice that really makes these tunes work. Adding their talents and skills to the album are Fernando Perdomo (whose name seems to pop up just about everywhere lately), Chris Bolger, Dennis Diken, Diane E., Van Duren, Vicki Loveland, Dave Amels, Joe Howell, Shelby Rael, Bob Wlos, Fancisco Dimas, Pat Seymour, Miles Fielder, and Bob Brainen (whew!). We'd be really surprised if a few of these don't take off over time and become super popular. Standout cuts include "Middle Ground," "Beach People," and "Birth of a Smile." At times this album reminds us of FM radio pop from the 1970s and 1980s, but the overall vibe is twenty-first century from start to finish. Impressive material.Terry Ohms - Terryfirma (CD, Cornelius Chapel, Pop)
Terry Ohms is the alter-ego of Wes McDonald. Or it might be the other way around. The story of how McDonald began releasing music under his other name is an interesting one. Rather than go into detail here, visit the cool web site (link above) and read all about it. Wes/Terry has been involved in the music scenes in both Birmingham, Alabama and Athens, Georgia for many years now. For a while he played in the band Vulture Whale. But now that the band is no more, he's apparently focusing most of his efforts on his solo career. Terryfirma is his latest offering, and it's chock full of upbeat feelgood underground pop. Hard to pinpoint specific reference points and/or possible influences because this man's music seems to be influenced by so many other artists. Spinning this album, it's almost like a bizarre swirling hodge podge combination of interesting musicians and bands past and present. One thing's for sure. Wes/Terry is not pandering to the mindless commercial music crowd. These songs have substance and they're delivered from an interesting and unique perspective. But what really makes this music work is the fact that everything is not perfect. As all good listeners know, it's the rough edges that make things interesting. And these days it also seems to set the real artists apart from the money pigs. Nine cool creative cuts here including "Mind Blow," "Peaks and Valleys," "Those Eyes," and "Little Bit." Totally cool and entertaining stuff.Pale Mara - Pale Mara (Independently released CD, Pop)
Nice, smooth, genuine...and real. Pale Mara is the captivating duo of Lee Godleski and Allison Robinson. Along with some talented friends offering their support, these two musicians present some wonderfully smooth and resilient tunes that should please just about anyone who loves the sound of classic soft pop songs that were played on radio stations in the 1970s and 1980s. While spinning this album, we couldn't help but be reminded of Kurt LaVoie (Lobo)...one of our favorite artists from this time period. Godleski's subdued vocal style sounds very similar to LaVoie at times. He also sometimes sounds like early Harry Nilsson. Robinson has a more pitch perfect voice that seems poised to produce some commercial hits. Together, these two create truly sincere and inspired pop that is sure to put you in a comfortable and pleasant state of mind. And in so many cases with music, isn't that what a lot of people are ultimately searching for? Make no mistake about it though, this self-titled album is all about songs and lyrics. These folks sound nothing like the vast majority of commercial pop artists in 2019. The music is far too personal and genuine to be associated with that other world. Our initial favorites include "Not Like I Used To," "I Think I Am A Phoenix," "Sun POV Song," and "My Curse With the Canvas." Exceptionally well crafted pop created by two individuals who obviously love what they're doing. Pale Mara is one cool and uplifting audio experience.Fernando Perdomo - Zebra Crossing (CD, Forward Motion, Classic pop)
Fernando Perdomo is the Rob Crow of the 2010s. Of all the folks active in the American music scene this decade, this man is certainly one of the most driven and prolific. Fernando has already become hugely popular in certain circles because he has touched so many people's lives with his genuine and sincere passion for music. In addition to recording and releasing his own material, Perdomo also backs a whole slew of other artists and bands and also acts as producer. Zebra Crossing will no doubt be regarded as one of the high points in this man's ongoing career. Although he plays and sings most parts himself, the album also includes a whole host of talented friends and artists offering their support. The overall sound and vibe here might best be described as classic pop. The album presents eleven originals (some co-written with others) and closes with a surprisingly credible rendition of George Harrison's "While My Guitar Gently Weeps." Mr. Perdomo is an exceptional composer and he's also got one of those magically resonant voices that really hits the target over and over again. We never ever hear stuff this good being released by major labels in 2019. Just goes to show how lacking in credibility the world of commercial music has become. So many beautiful moments here as each and every track was lovingly crafted with care and inspiration. Amazingly, you probably won't hear this music out there in the world unless you search for it. And that's because most of the junk that is foisted on the general public is substandard, dull, and samey. Fernando Perdomo is one of the truly great voices in the world of modern commercial pop. Over the years his recordings will become even more respected and admired by more and more people. Word-of-mouth will eventually catapult this man into legendary status, you can bet your boots on that one. Killer tracks include "I'm Here," "Sometimes I Feel Like Nothing At All," "Somehow," "Smile," "Home," and "Zebra Crossing." Highly recommended. Top pick.
The Posies - Amazing Disgrace (30th Anniversary Edition) (Double CD, Omnivore Recordings, Pop)
We're totally embarrassed to admit it but...until now we've never heard this highly regarded pop album from the 1990s. But the good news is...we now see what all the fuss was/is about. Amazing Disgrace is a wonderful collection of pure pop with groovy guitars, driving rhythms, and exceptionally focused vocals. These songs remind us of a whole host of our other favorite bands/artists including Teenage Fanclub, Gigolo Aunts, Matthew Sweet, and Game Theory...and that's just the beginning. Ken Stringfellow and Jon Auer have been active in music for such a long time and have made so many valued contributions. The timing sure seems right to once again shine the spotlight on their 1990s albums. That decade was the last to have tons of cool credible artists achieving big time commercial success. Looking back, it now seems amazing that so many folks were actually listening to and supporting such genuinely creative and sincerely talented artists. Those times have come and gone for sure...because in 2019 you can bet your booties that if the music is super popular...it is super horrible. But back to the positive good news. This thirtieth anniversary double disc set presents all of the tracks from the original album, newly remastered...plus a whole slew of bonus tracks (twenty-three extra tracks, many of which are previously unissued). So whether you've had your head in a hole in the ground (like us) or you remember this album from years ago, this reissue is an absolute must. But wait, there's MORE great news. In addition to Disgrace, the fine folks at Omnivore have also released deluxe versions of two more Posies albums (Dear 23 and Frosting On The Beater). And as if that weren't enough to have fans skating around in excited circles, Stringfellow and Auer have also recently been playing live in support of these releases. So many killer tracks here that it'll boggle your mind. Our initial favorites include "Daily Mutilation," "Precious Moments," "Grant Hart," "Song #1," "Throwaway," "Sad To Be Aware," "Terrorized," and "Hate Song." Highly recommended. Long live The Posies. TOP PICK.
The Predator - Original Motion Picture Soundtrack: Music by Henry Jackman (CD, Lakeshore, Motion picture soundtrack)
The Predator is one of those motion pictures that had a huge amount of money behind it but, for whatever reason, it hasn't seemed to resonate with viewers. Kinda incredible really, considering all the special effects and extreme visuals that we've seen in clips. Or it could just be that people are getting burned out on the Predator series (this is the fourth). We've said it before and we'll say it again. You don't have to appreciate or even like a motion picture to get a major charge out of the soundtrack. And this is indeed one of those cases. Working in conjunction with music supervisors Dave Jordan and Trygge Toven, composer Henry Jackman has come up with some truly compelling audio tracks. Having Skip Williamson and Brian Michelis on board as executive producers adds some extra oomph to the overall mood and sound. Just as was the case with the motion picture itself, a huge amount of money was invested in the recording of this album. And it shows. These intricately-arranged tracks feature the great big wall of sound that twenty-first century listeners love. This music is exciting and powerful, and ultimately chock full of suspense. So even if you didn't care for the motion picture itself...or if you're over the Predator series...it's an almost certain bet that you'll get a charge out of this album. Terrific cuts include "Discovery," "Playing With Fire," "Alien Abduction," and "The Predator's Gift."Sugaray Rayford - Somebody Save Me (CD, Forty Below, Soul/funk/blues/pop)
Ahhh...they don't make music like this anymore. But wait...apparently they do...because this album was recorded only recently. If you love the sound of classic soul/funk/blues/pop artists from the past, you're almost certain to be blown away by this album. Sugaray Rayford has a big soulful voice and personal presence that will immediately capture the attention of many. When this guy sings people listen. If things are at all like they ought to be in 2019, Somebody Save Me is going to be a major hit. Virtually every single track sounds like a hit to our ears. Written and produced by Forty Below Records founder Eric Corne, these cuts have a nice thick slick sound without ever sounding too thick or complicated. An 6' 5" ex-marine hitting the scales at 300 pounds, Rayford has a voice that's as big as he is. But even more importantly, he's able to convey the lyrics he's singing. And that is, after all, the true magic of a great vocalist. When they can make you believe the words they're singing...well then, that's all that really matters. If you dig the sound of classic artists from the past like Otis Redding, Muddy Waters, and James Brown...you will fall in love with these tracks. There are plenty of high-energy cuts here, but what's probably most appealing and surprising here...is the title track. On this cut in particular, you get to hear what a tremendous voice this guy has. "Somebody Save Me" is easily one of the most heartfelt beautiful soul/pop songs we've heard in quite some time. Ten well-crafted cuts including "The Revelator," "You and I," "Angels and Devils," and "Dark Night of the Soul." Purely crafted with true inspiration.D.B. Rielly - Live From Chester, Connecticut (Independently released CD-R, Shut Up & Play!, Americana/folk/pop/satire)
D.B. Rielly is one of those unique souls out there in the world of music who has decided to play the game his own way. And unlike so many who try unique approaches and fail, this man succeeds. Mix Arlo Guthrie with Neil Innes...throw in a healthy dose of 1990s satire...and chunk the entire thing into the current Americana-craved world of the twenty-first century...and you might begin to have some idea of what Mr. Rielly is all about. Recorded live in Chester, Connecticut on January 15, 2017, this is yet another captivating, hilarious, and thought provoking collection of tunes. There aren't many musicians who can make us laugh. This guy makes us roar. We couldn't help but chuckle repeatedly upon hearing the lyrics to "Your Stupid Face" (as well as others). Won't do any quotes here, cuz you need to hear this one to fully appreciate the surprise factor. There are plenty of laughs to be had while spinning this album. But the important thing to note here is that this is not simply comedic stuff. Rielly's songs also have a depth and sincerity that is sadly missing in the world of supposedly 'serious' Americana. And you have to love the fact that this man doesn't take himself too seriously. Using only a banjo and/or an acoustic guitar during this performance, Rielly managed to captivate and entertain his audience all by himself. That's probably what we appreciate most about this guy. He doesn't hide behind technology and he doesn't try to impress people. He's just doing what he does, and he (of course) does it best. Live From Chester, Connecticut is yet another direct hit. Ten tracks that are bound to captivate and entertain. Just like his last release, this one's housed inside a cool postcard sleeve (complete with canceled stamp). Tired of posers, pretenders, and technology whores? Give D.B. Rielly a listen...and discover what music should sound like. Get in on the ground floor now before this guy becomes mega-famous. TOP PICK.
The Sisters Brothers - Original Motion Picture Soundtrack: Music by Alexandre Desplat (CD, Lakeshore, Motion picture soundtrack)
This motion picture is on our list of things we want to see because it stars two guys who we've really enjoyed in other projects...John C. Reilly and Jake Gyllenhaal. While we're not normally fans of Westerns (ugh), the idea of these two talented guys in a Western comedy sounds...very appealing. If we hadn't already heard that The Sisters Brothers was a comedy, we'd never know it from the sounds on this album. French composer extraordinaire Alexandre Desplat created some strangely dark and unpredictable tracks that serve as the audio backdrop for this movie. This talented fellow has created music for a staggering number of motion pictures since the late 1990s. And unlike those who seem to only be drawn to big blockbusters, we get the impression that Alexandre is more interested in providing music for projects that are credible and have substance. This soundtrack is chock full of mesmerizing music that can be appreciated with or without the movie itself. The arrangements are precise and articulate. And the melodies are thoughtful and poignant. If The Sisters Brothers was already on our list of things to see...it's now bumped up several notches higher due to the magnificent soundtrack. We've yet to hear anything from Alexandre Desplat that was not extraordinary. This album is no exception. Strangely captivating tracks include "Two Killers," "Two Brothers, Two Friends," "Building the Dam," and "Two Guns, One Hand." Truly entertaining from start to finish. Top pick.
Spaces For Two - On The Dial: 2015-2018 Chronology (Independently released CD-R, Pop)
Wow. These guys are really really good. We receive loads of independently released albums, but rarely do we hear a band with a sound and style so clearly defined. This Boston, Massachusetts-based band is the duo of Bob McElwain and David Fisher. They met in 2015 by way of a posting on Craigslist and have been working together ever since. The band also now includes Bob McElwain on guitar, Dan Sebring on bass and electric fiddle, and Rogerio Santos on percussion. After recording eleven tracks to be released under the title On The Dial, the two made the wise decision to also include all the tracks on their two previously released EPs (Believe and Gone For The Show). What we like best about this band is the fact that they seem to be emphasizing their songs rather than an image and/or publicity photos. Wise decision, because songs are what matter most. And on this release these two fellows prove that they've got what it takes to have long and rewarding careers in the world of music. They've done an excellent job recording their tunes. These tracks were produced just enough to sound warm and professional without ever coming across as sterile or overproduced. For us, these guys' vocals are the main ingredient. Fisher's got a voice that is immediately sincere, warm, and real. There's a lot of material here. Between the new album and the two EPs the band presents twenty-two tracks...and they all have something substantial to offer. Our initial favorites include "On The Dial," "Find The Girl," "Fall Through the Crack," "The Light," "The Game," "I Don't Know," and "Gone For The Show."Spottiswoode & His Enemies - Lost In The City (CD, New Warsaw, Moody progressive pop)
Curious about what music sounds like in the late 2010s in New York City? If so, this band probably provides one of the best and most focused ideas of what's happening lately in the big city. Lost In The City is the seventh full-length release from Spottiswoode & His Enemies. Our guess is that fans of the band will say this one's their best yet. Although this didn't occur to us when we heard the band's last album, this time around we were immediately reminded of Randy Newman on many occasions. The comparison holds true not only in the songs themselves, but also with regard to Spittiswoode's vocals. This man has a bluesy relaxed way of singing that will instantly remind listeners of Randy's unique style. Some of the jazzy arrangements may also remind listeners of Tom Waits at times. Rounding out the band are John Young (double bass, electric bass), Tim Vail (drums), Candace DeBartolo (tenor saxophone, backing vocals, guiro), Kevin Cordt (trumpet, backing vocals), Riley McMahon (guitars, percussion, backing vocals), and Tony Lauria (piano, Hammond C3, Fender Rhodes, Wurlitzer, backing vocals). Together these folks make up one super tight unit. You can tell they've played with each other a great deal, as there's an overall instinctual sound happening here. When these folks get in a groove they stay there for the entire song. There's a lot to take in here...eighteen tracks that clock in at over seventy-two minutes (!). Cool pensive tracks include "Hoboken," "Lost In The City," "Tears of Joy," "East Village Melody," and "I Don't Regret." Totally engaging stuff from a truly gifted group of musicians. Top pick.
Tiny slippers,
Slappy pindy.
Nippy noppy,
Toppy toppy.
Toward Space - Gently With A Chainsaw (CD, Bossy Lil' Thing, Rock)
Richmond, Virginia seems to be a happening place in the twenty-first century. At the heart of the scene is a small independent label called Bossy Lil' Thing. Gently With A Chainsaw is the label's latest release, and it's a keeper. Toward Space is a band spearheaded by Seyla Hossaini and David Patton. The current line-up now includes Ben Rosenstock on drums. This group has a sound that harkens back to the 1990s when loud buzzsaw guitars were all the rage, and digital tweaking hadn't yet turned most music into one big dull homogenous blur. The press release that accompanied this album cited influences like the Sonics, The B-52s, and Ty Segall. We can also hear traces of other bands like The Fastbacks and The Muffs. Recorded and mixed by John Morand and mastered by Bruce Smith, this album is pure living proof that underground rock isn't dead in the United States...it's just treading far beneath the surface in a country that now seems obsessed with supporting generic substandard artists. Twelve cool rockin' tracks here including "Nerve," "Neon Sign," "Chaos Blues," and "Shiver."Vertacyn Arc Materializer - Tasting The Sea (CD & Vinyl LP, 10 GeV, Progressive)
Contrary to what many may think, there's still plenty of creative music being made in the latter half of the twenty-first century. But now more than ever before, you have to search and really dig deep to find it. And that's probably because the public at large now wants everything to be easily categorized and easily digested. Feel as if you've heard this line before? Well you should...because we include our whiny ol' repetitive viewpoint in practically every other review that we write (haw haw haw). On this album, you (thankfully) won't get anything that is easily categorized or easily digested. When we took a look at this CD and vinyl LP, we couldn't help but snicker. The band Vertacyn Marc Materializer is comprised of the following members: Homeland Security (guitar, vocals, keyboard), Starbucks Logo (guitar, bass), Marilyn (guitar, bass, keyboard), and Pres. Andrew Jackson (drums, trumpet). Totally hilarious. And the cover of the vinyl album is also just too funny. The front cover features a Rolling Stones-ish mouth with a zipper on the tongue. And when you unzip the zipper and look inside... Well, won't ruin the surprise for you because...like everything else in this package...it's all just far too cool for words. But of course, packaging and a sense of humor only go so far in terms of entertainment...because music is what it's all about. And that's probably the biggest surprise here. This band's music is really, really, REALLY interesting and different. Difficult to categorize. This release is a good example of creativity in overdrive. It's a pity more bands and artists aren't willing to take risks and do something genuinely unique and different. Seven perplexing tracks including "Stuck Between the Trivial and the Impossible," "I Would Like To Be A Cow. Now.", "Natgeo," and "The Good Book's Got Me Thinking." Recommended. Top pick.
Amelia White - Rhythm of the Rain (Independently released CD, Pop)
If you've ever been to East Nashville you know what an interesting place it is. It's not only chock full of cool interesting people...but there are also some elements to it that are strange and even disturbing at times. It's a world where lots of different worlds collide and the results can be confusing and even bizarre. One of the common threads running through the area is music, of course. But it's not the kind of music you normally associate with Nashville. Most of the folks we've met in this area aren't playing the processed cheese country pop that the city is known for. They're in it for something more genuine and real. If you'd like an instant tasty treat to give you an idea of what's happening in the area, this album would be a good place to start. Rhythm of the Rain is Amelia White's seventh full-length release. And it's a keeper. She writes and records melodic modern pop with a nice soulful sound and a totally cool overall ambience. Presented using traditional instruments, these tracks showcase a young lady who is truly gifted in her chosen profession. Hearing these tracks, it's no wonder that she has the respect and admiration of so many in her community. Even though her name is not a household word...yet...Ms. White is bound to be an in-demand singer/songwriter for many years to come. Her voice is particularly warm and inviting. Yessssssss... Amelia never comes across sounding calculated or digitally-tweaked to perfection. She sounds real...and that's probably what her fans appreciate most. That...and the fact that her songs simply resonate on a multitude of different levels. Twelve superb tracks here including "Little Cloud Over Little Rock," "Sugar Baby," "How It Feels," and "Pink Cloud." Well done, Amelia. Top pick.
Zito - Blue Room (CD, Ruf, Rock/blues)
Reissue of the debut album from blues guitarist Mike Zito. This is the one that started it all. After playing cover songs in various bands, Zito (then 27 years old) decided to record some of his own songs in a studio. Recorded in a single day with a recording budget of a thousand dollars, Blue Room immediately found a fan base and put Mike on the road to musical stardom. Now that Mike is an in-demand blues guitarist all over the world, the timing seems perfect for this reissue. The folks at Ruff present all nine tracks that appeared on the original album that have been newly remastered for this release...plus a bonus track (a cover of Elton John's "Rocket Man"). If there's a single word to describe the sound of this album, that word would probably be...inspired. It seems incredible that this album was recorded in only a day. This is the kinda thing that would take other bands weeks to create. Just goes to show what can be accomplished with a little bit of money and a whole helluva lotta talent and inspiration. You have to hear some of these tracks to really get what all the fuss was/is about. Tracks like "Pull The Trigger," "Gravy Jam," and "Ways About You" feature licks that would be almost impossible for anyone else to duplicate. This one will be immediately embraced by Mike's fans as well as just about anyone who loves solid blues rock guitar. Totally gripping stuff with a sincerely genuine vibe.
Lighter zup.
Dawn beeso
Zonoheavy.* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
A
Academics for Pure Boredom - Slurps
Ryan Adams - Heartbreaker (deluxe edition)
Ryan Adams - Dustjacket (relaxed edition)
Additional Items Composed - Reversal of radishes
Additional Items Reversed - Back to the additional items
Adele - My frisky rat puppy done ate my head off
Alice Copper - Lob it to Seth
Allman Brothers - Crackdown concert 1986
Shirlette Ammons - Language barrier
Am Not - Am too
Anohni - Hopelessness
Anthrax - For all kings
Antlers for Booboo - Oh no not that tired old runt again
Ape - Don't say no words
Apples Got Smushy - Train smush
Application For Crap - Please submit crap
Athens Is Not A City - Trauma for the bush animals
August Wish - Traps for punted
Augusta Is Not A City - Wilma for the plush panelsB
Bad Bump - Banana tread
Badfigure - Crooked down
Bambi Dambi - Lambi
Ballerina Pumps - Blackass
Barge - Limpy
Beadulls - Desmocker
Beatles - Medium
Beatles - Medium rare
Beatles - Rare
Beatles - Not as rare
Beatles - Stuff that was never recorded
Beatles - Stuff that we wish had never been recorded
Bee Numb - Numb bee
Beyonce - Sorry
Beyonce - I can dance even if I can't do anything else very well
Beyonce - If all you want is an ugly body and face, I've got both
Beyonce - Don't you get tired of hearing my stupid name all the time
Beyonce - I'm really a boring old hag who looks terrible without thick layers of make-up
Beyonce - If I can dance good who cares what I can't do
Beyond the Beyonder - Blander and blander
Bjork - Vulnicura live
Black Tabitha - Pastor of senility
Blankets for Blankets - Laps
Blender in a Blinder - Fizzle
Bobo's Pretty Duster - Lamp off, lamp on
Davie Bowie - All the dumb dudes
Breezer the Flew - Like dazzlers in fume
Garth Brooks - I've recorded tons and tons and TONS of music
Garth Brooks - And yet you babysue folks have never reviewed ANYTHING
Garth Brooks - What is wong with you goddamn undergroud music snobs?
Garth Brooks - I'm rich, rich, RICH
Garth Brooks - If you've got lots of money, nobody cares if your voice is shitty
Garth Brooks - I'm old and fat now
Garth Brooks - But people still love me, even though my music is total crap
Bumps Fifty - West
Jenna Bush - Why does my face resemble the rectum of a pig?
Jenna Bush - Trying way too hard to be clever and cute, but I will always be unbearably annoying
Butler Pudding - Lippity gris gris
Buzz's Lamp Cord - Tawny frinkC
Car Mump - Dazed and refused
Casket of Corformity - Laser dog
Cast of Cast - Lastly
Cat Grave - Mickey's laboratory
Cesula - Maid in martians
Chance The Rapper - Coloring book
Chicago - Love songs
Chump - Malaria
Chunks of Paisley Pumps - Lordy the snore is a plaza burn
Eric Clapton - I still do
Phil Collins - No jacket required
Sean Combs - How come I never get reviewed in babysue?
Sean Combs - You don't like me just because I'm arrogant and obnoxious, I get it
Sean Combs - Hey, I make a lot of money you underground jerks
Sean Combs - I'm rich, rich, RICH...ain't that what it's all about?
Sean Combs - Lookin' ugly every day o' my life
Come To Lulu's Nurse - Romp and the bumpy tum tum
Confederate Railroad - Happy to be alive
Conscious Or Not - Grumpy lazy
Crap You Like - Tape measure
Crosby, Stills & Nash - Survival Sunday
Crunchy Links - Switches and prawns
Miley Cyrus - How come I never get mentioned in babysue?
Miley Cyrus - I guess it's because nothing I do has any substance
Miley Cyrus - I like lots of attention
Miley Cyrus - I wish I wasn't dull and boring
Miley Cyrus - I am so ugly and stupid
Miley Cyrus - Anything for attention
Czerchnkii - DimD
Dadfinger - Where's dad's finger when you need it?
Dae Dae - Mae Mae
Daisy Days - Freezing
Damn People - Damn People
Damn Tumblers - Damn Tumblers
Damn Warp - Damn Warp
Damn Zoo - Damn Zoo
Deftones - Gore
Devonte - Feed me
Devonte - Find me
Diets Are For Dimwits - Lassie's lost pudding cup
Dimmer than Dim - Inputs
Dion - New York is my home
Dirty Pennies - Flocks and pimps
Doves That Die Today - Lassie
Drippy Dennis - Directional
Dry Potato - Sync
Ducks for Ducks - Nine hundred ponies
Dumb Sounds - Like Nanny and the poodleE
Each and Each - Teach
Eachy - Preachy
Eat The Bounty Feathers - Naptime
Ectonerf - Bah baddah bah
Elephant Muff - Beneath the blurry knob
Elves and Bumpy Thumpers - Original motion picture soundtrack
Emergency Flakes - Phasers
Empty - Flow
Empty Flower - 1 2 3 4
Enough for Five Thousand - One bottle
Enter the Entrance With Lockets - Glasses on the puddle
Eventually We'll All Die With Nothing - Pom poms
Everyone But - But Everyone
Ewe - Ranch funk
EZ - Not soF
FA - La la
Famous Famous - Converter
Far Out Far In - Farin
Faxes Forever - Limp little pixies
Ferz - Lizzy
Fifty Million - Zero lads
Finks Forever - Live at the dead
Five Times Fifty-Five - Live
Four Times Four Is Four - Five times
Foxes - All I need
Fume - Lumps
Funky Laminate - Parking
Fur For Francis - PouchesG
Gang of Flower - Untertainment
Gas Pumps - Last primper
Gauge Rage - Now cow
Germany's Burp - Lamp drill
Get Your Begging Done - Tower bitch
Vince Gill - Down to my last bad habit
Goddamn Children - Goddamn us all to hell
Goo Goo Dolls - Boxes
Graham Slackers - Naturally grabby
Ariana Grande - Into you
Grandmothers and Grandfathers - Nothing else to live for except the goddamn grandchildren
Grass Patches - Dolby
Josh Groban - Stages live
David Guetta - This one's for you
Guns N Roses - Acoustic session: Radio broadcast 1987H
Hamster on a Bun - Heartache on a bun
Hamster on a Lettuce Leaf - Try to find something to stuff in your cheeks
Jennifer and Sarah Hart - Where did our love go
Jennifer and Sarah Hart - We loved Jesus very much
Jennifer and Sarah Hart - Happy together
Hay - Hay
Hazle - Measurements
Hell for Humans - Happiness is a dumb puppy
Help Me Help Me - Liver
Help the Hopeless - Bloody hearts get you nowhere
Hissy - Laserbon
Hitt - Dawn for the loud birds
Hizzers - Stuck
Ian Hunted - Punts and nuttters
Husperate - ADN
Hut for Henry - Universe of sandy
Huzzle - Earlier albumsI
Ian - Jackknife
Icky - Picky, picky, picky
If It Dies Don't Touch It - I offered more than they wanted and they took it
If You Knew Nothing You Would Be Nothing - Drips
Inky Doll - Dampness and dryness
In The End The Beginning - Ridgefield
It Stays Warm - Square butter
IX Lamb Sweater - To each his each
IZZ - Each his to hisJ
Alan Jackson - Now that I'm a girl
Alan Jackson - Now that I done gone angry
Alan Jackson - My drone
Michael Jackson - Off the wall
Michael Jackson - Towers of nothing
Michael Jackson - Nosey dopes
Jerry's Apple - Towers
Jerry's Crud - Narry a buster
Jersey is Swervy - Translustre
Jethro Toil - Sick as a tick
Jethro Wump - Aquatong
Jethro Zoo - Minstrel in the snake exhibit
Elton John - Wonderful crazy night
Elton John - Where did my voice go?
Jones Is A Donkey - Drammamine
Jones Is An Elephant - Mine ain't mine
Judas Priest - Battle cry
Junk Is Just Junk - Lady trunkK
Kaas - Lacey
Kalesh - Kaos
Kandy and the Ks - Lassie's drool
Kows - Land of the Kows
Kraftlunch - Radio lunch
Kraftdinner - Electric dinner
Kraftsnack - Trans euro snack
Krap - Krap
Krazy Cow - Lots of tips
Krunchy Krunch - Captain's caps and tons
Kudzu's Lamp - Drastic
Kunks - The Late Glossy Kunks Album
KWKWERA - ListsL
Lab Crutch - Tramps that David hates
Ladies For Pretzels - Louder than the other thing that we had discussed earlier
Lady Gaga - How come I never get mentioned in babysue?
Lady Gaga - If I look really strange, nothing else matters
Lady Gaga - Anything for fame
Lady Gaga - Anything for money
Lamb Peppers - Smuppy
Lamps for the Homeless - These goddamn things don't work
Cindi Lauper - Grandmothers with bad hair colors
Laxative Preamble - Naps and snappers
Let There Be Let - Now there be meow
Lisa Said - First time, long time
Lists - Stop the Lists
Loretta Lynn - Sings her favorite Nine Inch Nails songs
Loud and Loud - Dull and dull
Lumineers - Cleopatra
Lumps - Lousy mouses
Lung Disease - TrowelM
Manners and Nanners - Tablets for pokey
Trayvon Martin - Skittuzz fo evuhbuddeh
Trayvon Martin - Juss a boy on his way to duh candy sto
Masta Ace - The falling season
Matchbox - Going down there
Math for Math's Sake - Plazas
Maze Lops - Trazzler
Mazer's Big Torch Bucket - Lipsy
Bruce McArthur - People in pots
Bruce McArthur - Landscape architect blues
Bruce McArthur - Big 'n' playful
Paul McCartney - Nursing home blues
Tim McGraw - Do anything for charity
Tim McGraw - Do anything to make money
Tim McGraw - Do anything
Millie's Pork Bucket - Boxes won't go away
Money for Puny People - Lucky drop
Monkey Chuck - Arlene
Monkey Davis - Nervous
Monkey Pauline - Damnable
Moo Moo the Bow Wow - Trouser's ain't fresh no more
Motorhead - Clean your clock
Motorbutt - Clock your cleaners
Mrowl - Prowling for mrowl
Murphy and Nop - Dammy and slop
Murphy and Nuns - Drippy nun bitches
Murphy's Paw - Plaid and dumb
My Evening Girdle - Snippets and drabble
My Evening Snot - Things my animals forget to learnN
David Nail - Fighter
Nasal and Tonsil - Lasers and urchers
Ned and the Headrumpers - Trowels
Aaron Neville - Apache
Newsboys - God's not dead
New York Dolls - We weren't real dolls
New York Dolls - We were real dolls
New York Dolls - We were really from Portland
No More Blouses - Farmy
No More Bundt Cakes - Prowler
No More Cactus - Deal or no no
Nothing That You Haven't Heard Before - Repeat it
Now Cows - Blouses and thermometers
Numb's Fumbler - Town and mouthO
Octorub - Norbie
Oh No That Old Shithead Is Here Again - Rotten old schmucks with no manners
Oooh - Uuuuuh
Oooh Oooh - Uuuuuh uhhh
Opposite of Opposite - Lopposite
Orange Floyd - Sharp glide of the goon
The Orb - It's 1963 and the stripes are grinding
The Orb - Big fluffy omelets
Osmosis - USB #7
Other Muzzles - Howdy Pops
Oz and the Schnoz - Pow wows and monkeysP
Painted Fuss - Nope
Pants and Pantless - Rainy press
Part Blub - Fran is ugly
Dolly Parton - Lots of money makes me happy
Dolly Parton - Lots of attention makes me happy
Dolly Parton - Lots of everything makes me happy
Paws With Fingers - Ink bus
Pet Shop Boys - Super
Poodle Powder - Dust of the dawgie
Mike Posner - At night, alone
Pranks for Steak Loads - Heaps of slop
The Puddles - Nappy load
Punk Biscuits - Sap
Punk Noodles - Take this noodle and cook it
Puny - Runny infection
Pusfergradison - Nay, the basket sayethQ
Quacks - Trippy truck
Quails and Trucks - Lamb power
Queen For A Tray - Lower the pork
Query - Stop the questions
Quest for Dope - Smoking snuff
Quails Got Drunk - Beer and tissue paper
Quarternelson - A trotter in snuffer's cloning
Quicker Than Daffy - Cords that don't work
Quiet Little Worm Thing - Never thought about it and never want to now
Quiz Germs - Links that don't work
Quurtie - Lousy benchR
Radiohead - Daydreaming
Radiodud - Half of the basic shop
Radishes - Lavish stickers
Debbie Rafter - Lemme after
Raws - Raws and raws
Red Hot Chili Peppers - Dark necessities
Reel to Raoul - Mouthpiece
Reform Club - Never yesterday
Rely On Relish - Candy dash
Mick Rhodes & The Hard Eight - Paradise city
Roasted Trap - Asia's not there anymore
Rolling Bones - Get your mama's kraut
Rolling Chunks - Flower pots
Rolling Dammits - Sure thing not sure
Rolling Elderly People - Stocky plungers
Rolling Joints - Finky stinkers
Rolling Monkeys - Monkeys on Main Street
Rumpy - USBs and RTDs
Runny - Tippy's revenge
Rush - Beneath, between and behind
Ruzzer - Bow to the Ruzzer
Rylo - The dog's head is not steady anymoreS
Larry Samual - Barney doesn't have hugs for me
Santa Died Last Night - Presenting...
Santa Did It - Lamenting
Ed Sheeran - How come I never get mentioned in babysue?
Ed Sheeran - It's because my music is crummy, isn't it?
Ed Sheeran - Why do I look and sound so crummy?
Ed Sheeran - Are there any questions that have answers?
Blake Shelton - Can't help it if I'm a boring dullard
Blake Shelton - If you're into what I do you're obviously on the wrong web site
Blake Shelton - If people think I'm handsome they must really be confused and retarded
Shotgun Louise - Rampy dim
Shotgun Tina - Lousy lamps
Shotgun Zappa - Mouses and mouses
Smashing Drumsticks - Pass the pepper
Smuppy - The tatters that ground pepper
Snoop Dogg - Coolaid
Sparse - Kim's Ono spy mouse
Rick Springfield - Rocket science
Bruce Springsteen - The Crazy Boss
Bruce Springsteen - I'm a generic old woman now
Bruce Springsteen - Shallow songs that everyone can buy
Mavis Staples - Livin' on a high note
Steely Dan - Doing it in a ditch
Barbra Streisand - Barfing up my breakfast
Styx - Suite madame blue: Radio broadcast 1977
Sultans of Swing - Subcontinental drift
Swap and Change - Loudness weird
Swenter - Flowers
Taylor Swift - How come I never get reviewed in babysue?
Taylor Swift - Well, if your publicist would send something...you might.
Taylor Swift - Really?
Taylor Swift - Sure
Swy - RentT
Tai Tai - Lists
Talking Sheds - Lambs forking up tonsils
Tea For Lunch - Massachusetts isn't a country
Teepee Tupperware - Laura's butter pand
Telltale - Taller toll
Thuds - Ready for emperors
Thunder - All you can eat
Justin Timberlake - Can't stop being shallow
Tonk - Thoughtly
Trilly Dills and Damp Dippers - Witch white
Trunk Idiots - Laugh when it's all over
Try To Try - Stop and try
Tummy Bus - Lambs and prawns
Tunker - Lassie's paw
Twisted Sister - Rock 'N' Roll Saviours: The early years
Steven Tyler - We're all somebody from nowhere
TZ397 - Rowl the smunkU
Ugly Banana - How do the hussy wink
Ugly Orange - Do the mouse
Ultraplucks - Eyebrow mania
Umbrella Vision - Church of tassle
Uncle Duck - Mushed
Uncle Pregnant - Does and rodents
Carrie Underwood - I'm proof that people have horrible taste
Carrie Underwood - Making money is more important than making good music
Carrie Underwood - Cliff diving lesbians
Keith Urban - RipchordV
Various Artists - A collection of dull dribble that no one will ever notice
Various Artists - We stopped makin' em because they stopped buyin' em
Various Artists - No one buys these kinds of compilations anymore so that's why we keep producing 'em
Various Artists - Tribute to someone whose name we can't remember
Various Artists - Trying to get something heard never works
Various Artists - The most boring bands you never cared to hear
Various Artists - We're the last ones to know the last ones
Various Artists - Our albums are always the first to get thrown away
Various artists - Who gets to eat the trash
W
Wally Is Near - Stamp that thing goodbye
Wanda and the Wandas - Limp
We Don't Get It - Now is the now
Well I Guess This Is Just Another One - Lumps
Whether Or Not - Lousy weather
Why Can't We Eat It In The Car - Marbly
William XIII - XIII or 238
Lucinda Williams - Ghosts of Highway 20
Wind That Goes - Don't
Oprah Winfrey - I have the shittiest taste in the world but people buy what I tell them to anyway
Oprah Winfrey - What the hell am I doing in this list when I'm not even a goddamn musician?
Oprah Winfrey - I'll never give you any support you rotten babysue people, you're horrible and mean
Oprah Winfrey - one day I'll be president and then we'll know how truly retarded most folks are in the twenty-first centuryX
X - The day we tied our shoes wrong
Xie - La la the distance away
X-ray Pecs - Lookie away
X-ray Stats - Box cutters and tramplers
Xzistance - Lift downY
Yack Yack - Tacky tick
Yanni - The dream concert
Yell All The Time For Whatever You Pay For It - Taxi service
Yellow Floyd - Park wide until noon
Yesterday's Potties - Damp portions
Yes We Will Be Bananas - Trap doors
Yes You - You guessed it
You might - Yes you might
You never - Well I never
Young and Bland - Stick, stuck
Yoyos for Panama - Sharp
Yoyos for Zop - Trollo mia presto
Yuck This Tastes Awful - Don't eat it then
Z
Zappa and the Zappettes - Trown
Frank Zappa - How flowers got in the potty train
Frank Zappa - Lukewarm mouses
Zi - See Zi play
Zunk - How the leaves got patchy
Zupper - Towels for Blanche
Zyle - Twelve and fifty
©2019 LMNOP (aka dONW7)
