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February 2003 Reviews by
About
E-mails | The babysue®
Store | General Info | LMNOP®
| Official T-Shirts | Review Policies
February 2003 Reviews by
RATING SYSTEM:
= GODDAMN!!!
= EXCELLENT
= VERY GOOD
= GOOD
= FAIR
= SHITTY
Acuarela Songs - Volume 2 (Triple CD, Acuarela,
Various artists)
We rarely review various artists compilations...not because they aren't
worthy of attention...but more so because they are difficult to review.
How can one adequately sum up single songs by several artists in a single
review...? Occasionally a compilation comes along that stands out from the
pack...and Acuarela Songs Volume 2 is such a disc. Over the past
couple of years, Spain's Acuarela label has become one of our favorite obscure
delights. Virtually every artist that the label supports is uniquely talented
and incredibly entertaining. Not surprisingly, then, this big whopping triple
CD set serves as an excellent introduction to the label. Artists include
Windsor for the Derby, Migala, Jacques, Manta Ray,
Polar, Anamude, Sr. Chinarro, and many more. The packaging
(as always) is excellent. If you aren't familiar with Acuarela, this is
an excellent diving off point. If you are already familiar with the label,
then you will obviously want this as well as any and/or all of the individual
albums the label releases... (Rating: 5+++)
Agatsuma - Beams (CD, Domo,
Instrumental)
This instrumental artist is different than the rest first and foremost because
of the instrument he plays. Japan's Agatsuma plays the shamisen,
a 3-stringed instrument that was originally used as a background instrument
for folk singers in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. But if you
think you're going to hear old fashioned or traditional compositions, think
again. Instead of using the instrument as it has traditionally been used,
Agatsuma plays it within the context of funky modern dance music. The merging
of sounds and styles is intriguing. The feeling we get listening to this
is that we are in an Asian dance club in 1753. In his own country, Agatsuma
has had incredible success. By combining the past with the present...this
young artist has created an album that can be appreciated by virtually anyone,
provided that they have an open mind and willing spirit. Stellar trippy
tracks include "Beams," "Solitude," "Grooving,"
and "Blown Away." (Rating: 4+++)
Charles Allison - Braced in the Beams (CD, Goodgog,
Pop)
This is an interesting release both in terms of the music and the marketing
approach. Crossville, Tennessee's Charles Allison began recording
under the name Kil Howlie Day but dropped the name for the release
of this album. Mr. Allison is an amazing talent. This obscure recording
artist is making music that easily meets and/or exceeds the standards set
by the major companies. Actually and in fact, the tunes on this album are
better than 99% of what is released by the biggies. Allison's approach is
subtle and the music is extraordinarily unpretentious and understated. Although
these tunes may best be categorized as pop, they are by no means shallow
fodder. Instead, Braced in the Beams is filled with thoughtful and
intelligent pieces that get better with repeated listenings. Although his
music has many strange familiar qualities...we cannot come up with a single
comparison that seems to stick. The lyrics are smart...the vocals sincere
and genuine...and the arrangements are instinctively appropriate. This album
won't blow you over instantly...but instead will grow on your subsconcious
over time. Superb tunes like "You've Already Made Me Proud," "Historically
Speaking," "Next Summer," and "To Taylor With Twill"
are excellent pieces that will stand the test of time. Highly recommended.
(Rating: 5+++)
Alvarius B and Cerberus
Shoal - The Vim and Vigour of Alvarius B
and Cerberus Shoal (CD, North
East Indie, Experimental)
Our first reaction? These band names are quite difficult to type. Trying
to follow the band's history since their formation in 1994 is an even more
difficult task. Not surprisingly, the music contained on this disc is obtuse
and unconventional. What do we have here... Is it...folk? Obtuse pop? Cabaret...?
Actually, the music is a combination of these...and more. What we admire
most about these artists is their pure intent. Instead of writing and recording
for fame and fortune...these folks are obviously doing what they do because
they have a passion for it. Occasionally, the music almost becomes accessible
(the third track is a good example). Excellent packaging completes the picture.
This is not likely to be found in your local record shop...so your best
bet would be to visit the web sites (links above). Strange and subdued.
Intriguing and peculiar. (Not Rated)
Bluebottle
Kiss - Revenge Is Slow (CD, In Music We Trust / Nonzero Pop)
Alex Steinberger's In Music We Trust label has quickly become a favorite
among folks all over the world because of the quality and consistency of
each release. For this offering, Steinberger again delves into the Australian
underground to expose yet another tasty up-and-coming band. Bluebottle
Kiss combine melodic mid-tempo pop/rock with a slight edge. Revenge
Is Slow, the band's fourth full-length album, is extraordinarily entertaining.
Far from being just another alternative guitar band, this quartet's tunes
combine meaty substance with a yearning quality that is most appealing and
genuinely effective. While the band's tunes are generally accessible...some
of the tunes are not so obvious. Beautiful and unforgettable melodies make
this album a truly satisfying little gem. Our favorites are "Father's
Hands," "Hasten the Blows," "Prussian Blue," "Hello
Stranger," and "Invent the Summer." An ultimately tasty treat...
(Rating: 5+++)
The Caribbean - History's First Know-It-All (CD, Endearing,
Abstract pop)
Unconventional pop pioneers The Caribbean release their second full-length...and
it is just as satisfying as their first (Verse By Verse). Whereas
most artists are either pure noise or pure pop...the fellows in this band
combine the two. The end result is a strange concoction of experimental
music that has more in common with pop than with the technology that they
so willingly embrace. In the process of writing and recording, the band
is fond of trading files through the internet. This results in a stunning
array of strange sounds and unconventional ideas filtering through the surprisingly
uplifting pop tunes. Though it may not be obvious at first, the gentlemen
in The Caribbean are actually first rate songwriters. Though their material
may requite a bit more effort from the listener in order to obtain the full
benefits of the music...the time is well spent. Strangely addicting tunes.
Top picks: Cuts #1, #4, #6, #7, #10, and #12. (Rating: 5++)
Willy DeVille Acoustic Trio - Live in Berlin (Double CD, Eagle,
Bluesy pop)
Willy DeVille returns with a tasty double live CD. DeVille originally
entered the public consciousness as the lead singer of the band Mink
DeVille in the 1970s. Since that time, he also struck out on his own
and had considerable success as a solo artist (mainly in the 1980s). The
performances on this double disc set were recorded during the band's 2002
European tour but disc two also includes eight live tracks by Mink DeVille
(the band is still active to this day). When playing with the Acoustic Trio,
Willy shows his more softer, intimate side. He does, in fact, sound something
like a more masculine version of Tom Waits. His in-between-song patter
with the audience is entertaining and at times very funny. This music has
a nice relaxed feeling to it...but the performances are professional and
determined. It's nice to see this fellow back in the limelight...particularly
when he still has this much to offer... (Rating: 5)
Dirty
Power - Dirty Power (CD, Dead Teenager, Hard rock)
Pounding hard rock. Based in San Francisco, Dirty Power has a sound
that has little in common with other bands in the Bay area. Instead of heady
pop or drug-induced drones...these four guys go straight for the hot pocket,
delivering loud and intense hard rock with deliberate style. This, the band's
debut album, was recorded in Seattle and co-produced by Jack Endino...who
has worked with a wealth of stellar artists such as Soundgarden,
Dwarves, Supersuckers, Nebula, and more. Not surprisingly,
the sound quality here is excellent. The band's energy shines through...while
never sounding too slick or overproduced. The band was formed by former
Pansy Division guitarist Patrick Goodwin and drummer Jeff
Potts...but don't worry. Dirty Power sounds nothing like Pansy
Division. Rounding out the band are guitarist Steve Perrone and bassist
Nick Ulman. Standout tracks on the album are "LSD," "Hey
Superman," "Penny Eyes," "Dirty Power," and "Sympton
of the Unitard." Great rock music with smart hooks and driving rhythms.
(Rating: 5)
The
Ditty Twisters - Vicodin Saturday Night
(CD, Herbert House, Pop/rock)"
Not only is this band hilarious in many ways...but hey are also totally
entertaining and credible. Our interest was immediately tweaked by the cover
art of a 1950s housewife happily retrieving a bottle of Vicodin from the
kitchen cabinet (hyuk hyuk...). The band's personally "checked"
press release states that they "prefer to sing about things that bring
us joy, like drinking ourselves unconscious, stalking ex-lovers, and of
course, meaningless sex with men named Toothless Marvin or Slim" (?!?!!).
Yup, they've obviously got their hearts in the right place. But even more
interesting is the music. The Ditty Twisters play pop/rock with a
twang...and chock full of attitude and style. The band's overall approach
is reminiscent of Southern Culture on the Skids (with whom they have
already shared the stage). The Ditty Twisters aren't into heavy topics or
political issues. Instead, they concentrate on things that matter...like
not being able to get their Vicodin prescription filled (!). Not only is
the music a great big ball of fun, but the disc is packaged in a beautifully
designed digipak complete with lyric booklet. These folks truly have their
act together in so many ways... Cool, fun, funny, and danceable to boot!
And now, a little something for the band (at their request) . . . ! ! !
! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !
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! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! (Rating: 5+)
The French Broads - Tubes, Wood & Metal (CD, Disgraceland,
Pop)
Smart melodic pop with a sense of humor. Knoxville's The French Broads
are an upbeat pop band with exceptional tunes and clever lyrics. More than
any other band, these guys' music reminds us of The Young Fresh Fellows
in terms of overall sound (the vocals in particular are similar). What impresses
us most about these guys is their resistance to using the standard verse/chorus/verse/chorus
schtick. Most of the songs on Tubes, Wood & Metal vary from the
standard structure...offering cool surprises both in terms of arrangements
and melodies. This is the band's second full-length and it is impressive...particularly
considering that the band recorded and released it themselves. This band
possesses all the qualities of a cool little band that has just found their
image and sound. These compositions sound fresh and energized. Our favorites
are "Tom Brokaw" and "Crazy." (Rating: 4+++)
Gigolo
Aunts - Pacific Ocean Blues (CD, Q Division, Power pop)
One of our favorites bands from the 1990s returns...with yet another stunning
collection of mind-bending pop. The best word to describe this band's music
is...exhilarating. While other bands merely pump out the rhythms and sing
the words...these guys manage to take their music to a more cerebral level.
Soaring melodies abound throughout Pacific Ocean Blues. Gigolo
Aunts are in truly fine form here...presenting each tune with energy,
style, and conviction. Bounding out of the gate with the exhilarating "Hello"
the band then proceeds to belt out one oughta-be hit after another. Particularly
incredible tracks include "Mr. Tomorrow," "Lay Your Weary
Body Down," "My Favorite Regret," and the unnamed thirteenth
cut. This album is ultimately satisfying from start to finish...with absolutely
no filler. This could very well be this band's most consistent effort yet...
(Rating: 5+++)
Godboxer - Pins (CD, Rubrosa, Pop)
Godboxer is the new band headed by Aaron Lippert who was formerly
the brains behind the band Expanding Man. Pins is an album
full of progressive, accessible, inspired pop music...which is just what
one would expect from this line up. In addition to Lippert, the band features
Jay Barclay (guitar), Joe McMahon (bass), and Mike Levesque
(drums). Levesque has played with David Bowie and the Candy Butchers,
McMahon played with the Clairvoyants, and Barclay was formerly with
Miss Fortune. Not surprisingly, this is a slick project. The songs
are strong and well thought out...and they feature lush arrangements that
add (rather than detract) from the overall sound. Some of the melodic twists
and vocals remind us of Redd Kross. This album was created with the
care and attention of folks who have a sound in their heads and know how
to transfer it into a digital format. Our favorite cuts are "Until
You're Gone" and "Beautiful and Young." (Rating: 5)
Jeff Hanson - Son (CD, Kill
Rock Stars, Soft pop)
This is an intriguing release for many reasons. Jeff Hanson sounds
absolutely unlike any artist we have yet to hear on the Kill Rock Stars
label (slick and polished melodic soft pop? huh?!?). Even more interesting
is Hanson's voice. Upon hearing this album, most folks will undoubtedly
assume that the vocalist is a woman. We certainly would have if we had not
seen the cover and read the press release. We have never ever in our lives
heard a male vocalist who sounds this much like a girl. Jeff's voice
range is in the same general vicinity as Dominique Durand (of Ivy).
The vocals do take a bit of getting used to. After one gets past the initial
stumbling blocks...it becomes obvious that Mr. Hanson is an extraordinarily
gifted singer/songwriter. Except for a bit of piano, Hanson played all the
instruments on Son. The songs have a wonderfully classic sound that
one rarely hears in such a young artist. Heavenly tunes like "Hiding
Behind the Moon," "You and I Alone," "If You Ever Say,"
and "The End of Everything Known" (a real standout cut) make this
album a real standout. (Rating: 5+)
The Haunted - One Kill Wonder (CD, Earache,
Speed metal)
Loud, nervous, maniacal, head banging, intense speed metal. The Haunted
have built up quite a following by providing what the alienated youths of
the world crave. The music is an intense blur of fury and unbridled energy.
The band sometimes plays so fast that it is quite difficult to take it all
in. And the lead singer has a voice that could bring Jesus back to life
(if that were possible). Unlike many loud thrashers, however, these guys
are actually quite adept and tight on their instruments. The drumming in
particular is so fast at times it seems almost impossible that they are
being played by a human being. If you can rock to the roar, there's a lot
to like about these guys. Our favorite cut is the progressive-tinged "Demon
Eyes" which features some rather spectacular playing indeed... (Rating:
4+++)
Machine
Head - Hellalive (CD, Roadrunner,
Hard rock/live)
One of our favorite hard rock bands, Machine Head play extraordinarily
harsh music for the thinking rocker. This mind blowing collection of tunes
was recorded mainly at the Brixton Academy in London on December 8, 2001...with
an additional two tunes recorded at the With Full Force Festival in Leipzig,
Germany on July 2, 2002. The band is in fine form...thrashing out their
intense rock for an obviously appreciative audience. Unlike many death and
speed metal bands who simply turn up and play way too fast and loud...the
guys in Machine Head provide music that not only rocks like a mother...but
it also retains interesting progressive threads that add extra texture.
If you're looking for pure noise, this ain't it. But if you're looking for
headbanging music that gets better with repeated listenings...you won't
do much better than Machine Head. Heavy rockin' stuff... (Rating: 5)
Stanton Meadowdale - Stanton Meadowdale (CD, Simulcast,
Pop)
A truly impressive exercise in low fidelity recording. Stanton Meadowdale's
songs sound more like demos than finished products...but therein lies their
appeal. Studio gimmicks and glossy polish are now standard fare in home
recorded projects. As a result, exceptions tend to stand out dramatically.
Our feeling has always been that songs are the most important variable in
a good album. Stanton Meadowdale writes damn good songs. The melodies are
memorable and the lyrics firmly poignant. The sound quality varies from
tune to tune...but that hardly matters when the material is this good. In
some ways, Meadowdale's songs remind us of John Vanderslice...but
only slightly. Plenty of great tunes here. Our favorites are "Waiting
By the Phone," "June the Actress Girl," "Pardon Me,"
and "Don't Let it Burn You." (Rating: 5)
Morphine - The Best of Morphine (CD, Rykodisc,
Rock/pop)
Morphine favorites and rarities compilation. Sixteen cuts including
"Buena," "Honey White," "Have a Lucky Day,"
"Radar," and "Pretty Face." Also includes a video enhanced
track ("Shame"). Throbbing bass lines and bluesy saxophones drive
the tunes. Morphine never really did that much for us personally (neither
the drug nor the band). But for folks who enjoyed these guys' music
the first time around, this'll be a nice reminder of what the band was like
in their heyday... (Not Rated)
The
Party of Helicopters - Please Believe It
(CD, Velocette, Rock/pop)
Sounding something like an indie pop version of CKY, Ohio's The
Party of Helicopters play an intriguing, hard rocking blend of musical
styles. The band is particularly fond of building their hummable hard pop
tunes with meaty guitar riffs...and then layering them with lush vocal harmonies.
While the band's intricate tunes are probably a bit too complex for the
average listener...the music is exactly what underground fans tend to seek
out. We rarely hear a pop band rock this hard, and that is probably what
makes this album an interesting listen. Smart throbbing heart stoppers like
"The Good Punk," "Cover Me," and "Boston"
are simultaneously catchy, hummable and...quite progressive... (Rating:
4+++)
Pony Express - Becoming What You Hate (CD, Velvet
Blue Music, Pop)
Pony Express is something of a cult superstar band...if you happen
to be a fan of the other bands these folks are or were in. This band consists
of mainmen Jeff Cloud and Jason Martin along with Frank
Lenz, Josh Dooley, and Richard Swift. The band members
also play in (or used to play in) Starflyer 59, Joy Electric,
Lassie Foundation, Charity Empressa, and Map. We are
quite fond of all of the above bands...so our being drawn to the music of
Pony Express makes perfect sense. The groovy soothing tunes on Becoming
What You Hate are reminiscent of all the previously mentioned bands...with
a slightly different twist. Determined guitars and breathy vocals drive
the tunes...and, just as we would expect, the melodies are heavenly. The
subtleties impress us the most. The slightest elements blended into the
mix give these compositions just the right overall flavor. Beautiful and
slightly trippy tunes like "Debbies Operation System," "Queens
of Beruit" (a particularly outstanding cut), "Puppy Hearts &
Phone Calls," and "Behind the Walls" make this album a fantastic
spin. And it all just gets better with repeated listenings. Excellent stuff.
(Rating: 5++)
Elliott
Ranney - An Aging Sailors
Dream (CD, Wildstone Audio,
Soft Brazilian-flavored pop)
Soft, beautiful, soothing Brazilian-flavored pop music. Ranney's own description
of his music is "acoustic music that feels like an island breeze."
This very adequately describes the overall tone of the music. Elliot's songs
in the same general territory as Arto Lindsay...except the compositions
have more open space and are a bit more direct. Some of this music even
bears a slight resemblance to the softer side of Donovan. Beautifully
strummed and/or picked classical guitar drives the music...while sparse
yet adequate arrangements fill out the sound. Ranney's soft and breathy
voice is perfect for the style of music he plays. With some mass marketing
and heavier distribution...this fellow could easily find quite a large audience
for his music. Dreamy numbers like "A Good Life," "I Still
Remember You," and "What Am I To Do?" drift by like clouds
on a calm autumn afternoon. We particularly like the liner notes giving
a brief personal description of how each song came about. One song ("Innervoice")
was written as a response to an individual at Windham Hill who asked Ranney
to write an essay explaining why he wanted to be a recording artist (!).
Clever stuff that comes straight from the heart. (Rating: 4+++)
Reggie and the Full Effect - Under the Tray (CD, Vagrant,
Rock/pop)
Really good chunky pop/rock music with thick guitars and interesting melodies.
One thing is for certain. Reggie and the Full Effect have some of
the most unusual song titles around. "Drunk Girl at the Get Up Kids
Show," "What Won't Kill You Eats Gas," "Image is Nothing,
Lobsters are Everything," "Canadians Switching the Letter P for
the Letter V Eh?"... The music is more direct that the titles might
suggest. This band's full-throttle power pop is reminiscent of many pop/punk
bands of the 1990s. But just to keep things interesting the band throws
all sorts of surprise sounds and snippets into the stew...along with some
surprises ("Mood 4 Luv" is a real surprise). This band has a familiar
sound that is counterbalanced by the fact that they take a lot of chances
other bands in this genre would never take. An cool upbeat grab bag
of fun and surprises. (Rating: 4+++)
Rondellus - Sabbatum: A Medieval Tribute
to Black Sabbath (CD, The
Music Cartel, Tribute album)
A tribute album like no other. While the basic idea here is HILARIOUS....the
music is actually subdued and quite serious. Rondellus has recorded
an an album of Black Sabbath songs with one MAJOR difference: he
plays medieval instruments and has the vocalists sing in latin. The end
result is an album of tunes that are virtually unrecognizable...unless you
listen very, VERY closely (!). As a result, this album can be listened to
in one of two ways. The first way is to listen to the music and try to remember
what the original songs actually sounded like (this is quite difficult at
times). The second way to listen (and perhaps the best way) is to experience
the songs as though you have never heard them before. This isn't difficult
because they bear so little resemblance to the originals. If you think you
know "War Pigs" and "After Forever" by heart...think
again. This album will bend your consciousness in ways it has never been
bent. A wonderful effort in many ways. We only wish more tribute albums
were this imaginative and unique... (Rating: 5)
Mark
Selby - Dirt (CD, Vanguard,
Pop)
His name may not be a household word yet...but his songs are already familiar
to virtually everyone. Singer/songwriter Mark Selby's tunes have
been recorded by such well-known artists as Kenny Wayne Shepherd,
Dixie Chicks, and Tammy Cochran, to name a few. Selby's own
recordings have not generated as much attention or garnered as much success...yet.
Dirt should go a long way towards turning that situation around.
Selby's bluesy pop/rock tunes remind us in many ways of Randy Newman
or even Elvis Costello. His compositions are smart and catchy...yet
they also have an underlying sense of humor. While the man's upbeat tunes
are of the highest calibre, we find the more pensive material to be the
most gripping. The standout track here is "You," a great low key
number which really showcases Selby's vocals and flair for writing a melody.
The guitars are excellent throughout...and the slide guitars are particularly
appealing. Dirt is a solid album from start to finish and may just
be Mark Selby's breakthrough album. (Rating: 5+++)
Since
By Man - We Sing the Body Electric (CD,
Revelation, Hard
rock)
We Sing the Body Electric is the fourth full-length release from
Milwaukee's Since By Man. The quintet plays harsh screamer rock with
a progressive slant. While Sam Macon's intense vocals are the centerpiece...the
drummer is actually what makes this band stand out from the pack. Jon
Kraft is a true powerhouse of a skin crasher. On this album he displays
an impressive array of playing styles. While most of this band's music is
probably too intense for the average listener, many aspects of the music
are actually quite accessible. Combining a sense of alienation with an odd
sense of terror...these five guys create a wall of sound that is somewhat
frightening and as tight as nails. Top picks: "Light Fuse Get Away,"
"In Threes," "Whats Your Damage." (Rating: 4++)
Sir
Hedgehog - Sir Hedgehog (CD, Lunasound Recording, Rock)
Smart progressive hard rock. Heavily influenced by Led Zeppelin and
Black Sabbath, Vancouver's Sir Hedgehog combine their respect
for the past with a passion for the present and future. In terms of playing,
these guys are far more advanced than the average band. All the players
are as tight as trains on their respective instruments...and the vocalist
seems to have an intense affinity for Robert Plant. Even though the
Zeppelin similarities are undeniable, these guys manage to come up with
their own unique sound. Incredibly, this is the band's debut. We can think
of few other bands who have managed to come up with a debut this solid.
Throbbing hard rockers like "Otherside," "Freedom Guilt United,"
and "The Cleavage and the Clamp" make this disc a pure feelgood
experience... (Rating: 5)
Snowdonnas - Over Now (CD, Ballyhoo
Withdrawal, Pop)
Snowdonnas were formed by three fellows originally in the band The
Transmitters. Once a fourth member joined the band they adopted their
current name. Over Now is quite a mature album for a band this young.
The highly melodic compositions feature intelligent arrangements and heady
guitar effects. The vocals are exceptional...particularly the harmonies.
The band occasionally delves into drone but never to the point of boring
the listener. While this band's best work is probably in the years to come...they
are off to a damn good start with this collection of tunes. Smooth gliding
pop tunes like "Edison," "Burn," "Rocket Cherries,"
and "Over Now" prove that Snowdonnas have the brains and talent
to be a major contender... (Rating: 4++)
Snow
White Trash - Snow White Trash (CD,
Shut the Hell Up, Rock/pop)
A word of note to our regular readers...NO, we did NOT make this band up...they
are REAL. Snow White Trash is easily one of the best band names we
have heard in some time...and Shut the Hell Up is a HELLUVA name for a record
label as well. This Tucker, Georgia-based quartet is obviously heading in
the right direction with their image as well as their music. The band provides
simple and direct pop/rock music that is meant to make the listener feel
good. And the tunes on the band's self-titled album does just that. These
tunes are simple, clever, well-written, and memorable. The band consists
of Iggy Tourettes (drums), Princess Pamela Richards (vocals),
R.C. Moonpie (guitar), and Woolly Cooter (bass). Kickass rockers
like "Honey, I'm Home," "Sweet Revenge (Ghost of Christmas
Pissed)," and "My Boyfriend, Earl" (our favorite) make this
a great, upbeat l'il album from start to finish. With a bit more polish
and production...these folks could easily end up being B-I-G. Truly cool
in a genuine kinda way...! (Rating: 5)
Sparks - Lil' Beethoven (Limited edition British CD, Lil' Beethoven
/ Universal, Pop)
It is always cause for celebration when Ron and Russell Mael
release a new album. But this release is even more exciting because it marks
the return of the Mael brothers to experimental territory...and the results
are STAGGERING. Lil' Beethoven is perhaps the most successful album
ever to successfully birth orchestral pop music. This is likely to be Ron
Mael's crowning achievement of all time. His programming and keyboards are
compelling and wildly effective. The sounds on this album are absolutely
incredible from start to finish. Russell has also outdone himself this time,
overdubbing his vocals to the point of excess and...remarkably...it works
splendidly within the framework of these compositions. We have always been
appalled that Sparks never garnered much recognition in the United States...particularly
since their material has been so consistently strong for so many years.
Although Lil' Beethoven is destined to be a top pick among reviewers
and a huge success overseas...the band is almost guaranteed that it will
be another flop in their home country...for the plain and simple fact that
Americans prefer bland and unimaginative music. This album is so over the
top that it instantly ranks with Sparks very best albums. Not only have
they returned to their original concept in creating obtuse and challenging
music...but they have pushed it to an entirely new level by producing music
that is virtually non-accessible...yet pleasing to the ears and a real KICKER
to listen to over...and over..and OVER. An instant classic, this will easily
be one of the best releases of 2003. A MUST HAVE. (Rating: 7)
Tino - Stalone (French import CD, Another
Record, Electro pop)
Laidback lo-fi pop based upon dub-like beats. Tino is Nicolas
Albin, Laurent-Emmanuel Girard, and Vincent Seguret...three
underground recording artists in France. The music this trio creates reminds
us of some of David Bowie's more experimental work. The songs on
Stalone have a somewhat hypnotic and droning effect that is strangely
appealing. These gentlemen have a simple and direct manner of writing and
recording songs. Interestingly, the songs have as much in common with French
pop music as they do with American pop. Nice "who cares" vocals
round out the picture...giving the band an obtuse overall sound that is
difficult to describe. Nice, uncommon material from a nice and particularly
appealing little band... (Rating: 4++++)
Tucson
Simpson - Hot Town (CD, GGP,
Pop/rock)
Nice positive upbeat Southern fried pop with country-fried edges. If you're
looking for the unusual or the bizarre, this band probably won't float your
boat. But if by chance you are looking for some music that is simple and
easy on the mind (and ears)...Tucson Simpson will likely fill the
bill. Hot Town is chock full of Americana-inspired tunes played from
the heart. The band generally plays it mid-tempo...while vocalist Graham
Perry provides solid up front support. Sadly, guitarist Sam Plumlee
died during the recording of this album. Appropriately, this album is dedicated
to him. Pure feelgood tunes like "Coldwater," "Cry (Like
a Baby)," and "Down Into You (The Sammy Song)" make this
album a smooth and pleasant spin... (Rating: 4++)
Daniel
Clark Turner - The Only Rational Act
(Independently released CD, Folk/soft pop)
Madison, Tennessee's Daniel Clark Turner is a class act. Writing,
recording, and releasing his own CD, Turner has managed to match the quality
of most releases from major record companies. The Only Rational Act
is a mature batch of soft pop and folk compositions with superb instrumentation.
Instruments include acoustic guitar, violin, mandolin, cello, and upright
bass. The sound quality is exceptional throughout. Turner's real strengths
are his writing and his voice. The lyrics tell a story and/or evoke emotions
in the listener...while Turner's super smooth voice pushes the music to
the next level. This gentleman could easily become financially successful
with the proper support and backing. In our minds, however, Daniel Clark
Turner is already a real success story. His music is sincere, genuine, thought
provoking, and instantly memorable. Standout cuts include "Run Stagecoach
Run," "Never Give Up," "When We Lose Control,"
and "The Only Rational Act." Extraordinary. (Rating: 5)
The Vexers - The Vexers (CD, Ace
Fu, Rock)
Cool and catchy throbbing rock music. Philadelphia's The Vexers have
a great deal in common with early punk rock bands of the 1970s. The band's
tunes are simple, quick, catchy, and smart. These tunes hit like a ton of
bricks...but in their mission to entertain, the band never forsakes melodies
for the sake of volume. The Vexers are Jennifer Taylor (guitar, vocals),
Tres Warren (guitar), and Michael Hammel (bass). This is a
nice, meaty sounding disc. While the band incorporates relatively few overdubs
into their music, the tunes have a cool thick sound that pounds with unrelenting
certainty. We particularly dig Ms. Taylor's vocals...reminding us of both
The Waitresses and Patti Smith. Tasty guitars throughout...and
the bass lines absolutely KICK ASS. Humorous rockin' tunes like "Something
Dirty," "You Get Nothing," and "Sick Sick Sick"
make this band's debut album a pure feelgood experience. Great fun. A direct
hit. (Rating: 5)
Sonny Vincent - The Good, The Bad, The Ugly (CD, Acetate,
Rock)
Although you may not be familiar with the name, Sonny Vincent has
been around and has paid his dues. Beginning as a member of New York punk
band The Testors, Vincent has released a wealth of material under
several different band names...including Shotgun Rationale, The
Dons, and Rat Race Choir. Although the man has been around the
block and back, you'd never know it from the sound of the tunes on The
Good, The Bad, The Ugly. The album displays the urgency of a newly formed
band that has just discovered their ability to crash and bang about. Interestingly,
Mr. Vincent is supported by Scott Asheton (The Stooges) on
drums and Captain Sensible (The Damned) on bass. As if that
weren't impressive enough, a whole slew of legendary musicians make guest
appearances throughout the album. Vincent's rough vocals are the perfect
focal point for these loud, raucous tunes. (Rating: 4++)
Eamonn Vitt - Deserted Music (CD, The
Self-Starter Foundation, Soft pop)
This is former Karate band member Eamonn Vitt's first full-length
release. He had previously released an EP called Old Wave New Ride
(also on The Self-Starter Foundation label). Eamonn's music is a heady blend
of progressive elements combined with pure pop aesthetics. His vocals are
reminiscent of Peter Gabriel, except decidedly less affected. These
songs are based around aggressive acoustic guitars and most of the tunes
feature thick arrangements. Vitt took a break from the world of music in
1997 to study medicine at Columbia University...but he never stopped writing
and recording. He is joined on this album by Kendall Meade (Mascott),
Jeff Goddard (Karate), Scott Adamson (Abilene),
and Jud Ehbar (Varnaline). Many of these tunes have a busy,
swirling sound that provides a strange energy. Our favorites are "Painted,"
"Fate Maps," and "Coasting." (Rating: 4+++)
Greg
Weeks - Slightly West (CD EP, Acuarela, Folk/soft pop)
Unconventional music. Greg Weeks plays in the bands Superstarshine
and The Espers...but ventures out on his own for the Slightly
West EP. Weeks' subdued and slightly hazy pop/folk tunes are melodic...yet
they possess a distant, drifting quality that is ever so slightly surreal.
This could be due to the fact that Greg incorporates moog, mellotron, harmonium,
and stringed instruments into his compositions. The overall sound is dreamy
and peculiar. Weeks' vocals are breathy and understated...yet quite effective.
Most likely to be a success among reviewers and fans of the obscure, Slightly
West represents Weeks at his best. The tunes are "One Summer Night,"
"Unsettled (By the Sun)," "Slightly West," "Devils,"
and "Settle Down." Superb. (Rating: 5++)
White
Light Motorcade - Thank You, Goodnight!
(CD, Octone / BMG,
Hard pop)
Loud and cocky hard pop. Thank You, Goodnight! is the debut album
from New York's White Light Motorcade. These fellows are real rockers.
The band plays nice and tight...and they have a thick and meaty sound chock
full of fuzzy overdriven guitars and urgent vocals. Much of the band's power
can be attributed to the dynamite rhythm section of Steven Slingeneyer
(drums) and Tommy Salmorin (bass). Together, these two men are a
real pile driving force. Harley Dinardo (lead vocals) and Mark
Lewis (guitar) round out the band. These guys' sound is reminiscent
of power pop bands of the 1980s...this is particularly true with their thick
harmonies. The songs are catchy and smart and possess a certain urgency
that makes them most appealing. Cool rockers include "Open Your Eyes,"
"All Gone Again," "Closest," and "I Could Kick
Myself." (Rating: 5+)
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