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January 2003 Reviews by
About
E-mails | The babysue®
Store | General Info | LMNOP®
| Official T-Shirts | Review Policies
January 2003 Reviews by
RATING SYSTEM:
= GODDAMN!!!
= EXCELLENT
= VERY GOOD
= GOOD
= FAIR
= SHITTY
Damone - From the Attic (CD, RCA,
Power pop)
Wow. What a RUSH. Seemingly exploding out of nowhere, Waltham, Massachusetts'
Damone deliver a power punch of melodic pop brimming over with hooks
and fantastic energy. Though the band is most likely to be identified by
teenage lead vocalist Noelle...songwriter Dave Pino is the
brain behind the band. Damone tunes are thick and the band rocks hard...but
the songs themselves always take center stage. Noelle's smooth vocals glide
over the band's thick fuzzy guitars while the rhythm section provides an
unrelenting foundation. The harmony vocals are fantastic. Damone's mission
is to prove that power pop is not dead. After hearing this album, we doubt
anyone will dispute the point...or be able to sit still. This band is exactly
what we've been looking for to blast in our little red truck for the remainder
of the year. Fantastic from start to finish, From the Attic is a
mind blowing experience of the highest order. Top picks: "Frustrated
Unnoticed," "Your Girlfriends," "On My Mind," "Leave
Me Alone." (Rating: 6)
Hugh
Cornwell - Mayday (CD, Track,
Rock/pop)
Ex-Stranglers frontman Hugh Cornwell remains one of the greatest
and most underrated guitarists of our time. This live recording from the
summer of 1998 shows Cornwell is still in fine form. At the time of this
recording, his band consisted of Michelle Marti (bass), Justin
Chapman (drums), and Mike Polson (electric guitar). Playing for
what sounds like it was a relatively small audience, Hugh and friends play
a thoroughly entertaining set that proves this man still has a lot to offer.
The sound quality is excellent throughout. (Rating: 5)
d. Henry Fenton - Autumn Sweet (CD, Laughing
Outlaw, Soft pop)
Soft moody pop with a slight Americana feel. Australian born singer/songwriter
d. Henry Fenton packed his bags and relocated to North Carolina...promptly
enlisting the help of producer extraordinaire Mitch Easter to produce
Autumn Sweet. This album contains a wealth of smooth pop tunes that
sound not unlike the music of Neil Finn. The melodies are strong...the
material is mid-tempo...and the vocals are always right on target. Even
though the title track has the potential to become a huge international
hit...we still think it sounds killer (!). This album should appeal
to fans of Crowded House or Matthew Sweet. Fenton's motivation
seems to be genuine and sincere...and this comes across crystal clear in
his music. Excellent stuff. (Rating: 5++)
Glasstown - Your Trendy Dump (CD, Bitter
Stag, Pop)
Thickly produced intelligent pop. Glasstown is the duo of Adam
Klein and Michael Mullen. Klein and Mullen write and record pop
music in the vein of mid-period David Bowie or even The Divine
Comedy. At first the busy arrangements on this disc seemed out of place...but
after spinning the album a few times the substance of the material sunk
in. These fellows' material is extraordinarily well planned out and executed.
The lyrics are smart and humorous. The title track was instantly our favorite...but
we now also favor "Good Will and Charity" and "Everything
You Save." This band is creating music that doesn't sound like everyone
else out there. This is most definitely a BIG plus in their favor. Eclectic
epic pop for thinking listeners. (Rating: 5)
Hayden
- Live From Convocation Hall (Double CD, Badman,
Pop)
Canada's Hayden is, without a doubt, one of the most engaging and
unique talents on the planet. With each and every release, this young gentleman
has outdone himself. His early releases received praise in some of the bigger
publications...which would have made it very easy for him to simply modify
his sound to reach a larger audience. But when Hayden made his "comeback"...he
instead opted to re-emerge with an even more personal, introspective, and
less accessible approach. The result, Skyscraper National Park, ended
up being the strongest Hayden album of all...full of reflective, beautiful,
and personal tunes. It is particularly fitting, then, that a double live
disc set would be released of Hayden supporting that album. One of the remarkable
things about this guy (unlike most musicians) is that he really needs nothing
more than a single acoustic guitar in order to completely engage and entertain
an audience. You can tell by the silence during the acoustic numbers that
this man had the audience in the palm of his hand. He has written so many
incredible tunes...and many of them are included in this performance. Exceptional
versions of songs like "Streetcar," "Steps Into Miles,"
"Bass Song," "Two Doors," "Lullaby," and "Carried
Away" make this a performance that will never be forgotten (particularly
now that these discs been released to document it). Even though Hayden's
tunes are pensive and thoughtful...his in between song patter is lighthearted
and slightly goofy. If we were to name our top five artists of the past
decade...this man would surely be one of the five. This is another MUST
HAVE from a man who continues to get better with time. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
(Rating: 6++)
Kobi
- Projecto (CD, Silber,
Electronic/ambient/experimental)
The best release yet on Silber Records (Raleigh, North Carolina's most obtuse
and esoteric music label). Kobi is Kai Mikalsen...who is also
a member of Origami Arktika, Sketch, and KA. Mikalsen
is assisted on this project by various electronic pioneers of the Norwegian
underground. The music is sweeping, ethereal, majestic, and mentally absorbing.
Mikalsen approaches music from a unique angle...and the results of mind
blowing. Despite the fact that the instruments are electronic...the compositions
on this album are amazingly uplifting emotionally and very intense in a
restrained manner. One of the most beautiful electronic masterpieces we
have heard in years. Wendy Carlos would be proud. This is a MUST
HAVE. (Rating: 6)
Patty Larkin - Red = Luck (CD, Vanguard,
Modern R&B/pop)
Red = Luck will undoubtedly be the standard by which all other Patty
Larkin albums are judged by from this point forward. In other words...this,
her tenth album, is a direct HIT. This album incorporates ideas and sounds
from Ms. Larkin's previous albums...and crystallizes them to absolute perfection.
The songs are introspective and thought provoking...and Larkin's lyrics
effectively communicate clear and concrete messages from deep within her
soul. Though this is a very personal album...the tunes never come across
sounding trite or sappy. Ms. Larkin plays electric and acoustic guitars...and
then layers them with mandolin, bouzouki, lapsteel, accordion, piano, and
harmonica. The arrangements are subtle...yet unbelievably effective. This
is one of the best albums we have heard by any artist...in any genre...at
any point in time...EVER. Tunes like "All That Innocence," "24/7/365,"
"Too Bad," and "St. Augustine" are mesmerizing, inventive,
and absorbing. Destined to be one of THE top releases for 2003. This is
an instant CLASSIC. (Rating: 6+++)
Limited Sight Distance - 4-Song EP (CD EP, Hand-to-Mouth Recordings, Progressive
pop)
Offbeat progressive pop that bears similarities to 1970s progressive lords
Curved Air. These thickly produced tunes were written and performed
by Stefanie Fix and Kevin McMahon...but the pair enlisted
the support of eight other well-known players on this EP. Ms. Fix's vocals
are most definitely similar to Sonja Kristina (the lovely voice of
the previously mentioned Curved Air). The music, however, is much more current...combining
standard instruments with state-of-the-art electronics and effects. The
overall sound is something like a well-planned drone. Obviously created
as an art project first and foremost, this EP offers an intriguing glimpse
into an obscure underground creative artists collective... (Rating: 4+++)
Ira
Marlowe - Save the Day (CD, Caliban,
Pop)
Though he's been writing and recording for years...this is most likely the
album that will introduce the public at large to the music of Ira Marlowe.
For anyone who ever enjoyed John Cale at his peak...or even The
Blue Nile's first album...you will most certainly get a major charge
out of the material on Save the Day. Marlowe writes material that
comes straight from his heart. His compositions are smart and instantly
memorable...and the arrangements are always exact and perfectly suited for
the material. Marlowe's vocals sound very much like the previously mentioned
Cale...although his songs have a depth and honest nature sadly missing in
most of John's later efforts. Ira Marlowe is, without a doubt, one of the
most talented (and virtually unknown) songwriters we've heard in years.
His ability to write melodies that stick in the mind is amazing. And his
ability to transfer his ideas and feelings through his music is 100% effective
and real. Top notch tunes such as "Arielle," "Living With
Robots," and "Troublesome Sky" make this album a superb spin
from start to finish. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. (Rating: 5+++)
Minmae - My Quiet Life (CD, Blackbean & Placenta, Esoteric
experimental pop)
We are pleased indeed to be one of the few folks in the country to have
obtained a copy of this disc. Minmae is Sean Brooks...with
assorted friends lending a helping hand. Brooks is a master of composition.
His material is light years beyond what we normally hear. Instead of going
for one sound or style, Brooks' material jumps around all over the place...yet
there is a consistent thread that gives this album a consistent feel. With
most albums you can pretty much guess what the next song is going to sound
like. This is not the case here. This album is chock full of surprises and
unexpected turns. Sean's vocals are extraordinary. His lyrics are smart
and puzzling...and the melodies have a peculiar quality that draws us back
to the disc again and again and again. Our favorite tunes are "Alex
NYC," "The Man Who Fought for Speed," "Bluebird,"
and "Sound of One Hand Clapping." In some ways, this music reminds
us of a more experimental Solipsistics (!?!). The alternative title
of the album is From Juniper to Couch...undoubtedly added to make
things for confusing for the general public. Only 500 copies of this sucker
were produced...so get yours now...or you LOSE. This fellow is an underground
genius. EXCELLENT. (Rating: 5+++)
The
New Folk Implosion - The New Folk Implosion
(CD, Artist Direct / iMusic, Rock/pop)
Lou Barlow is a man who is driven to create. His former bands include
Deep Wound, Dinosaur Jr, Sebadoh, Sentridoh,
and The Folk Implosion. Prior Folk Implosion collaborator John
Davis has left the band...so now Barlow has re-named the band The
New Folk Implosion. At this point in their careers, most folks would
have either burned out or given up the ship. Not the case with Mr. Barlow.
The tunes on this album sound as fresh and vital as anything we have yet
to hear from the man. The tunes are smart and well thought out...the arrangements
direct and to the point...and the melodies are instantly memorable. Great
tunes like "Brand of Skin," "Pearl," and "Leaving
It Up To Me" make this one a superb spinner. Highly recommended...
(Rating: 5++)
Paik
- The Orson Fader (CD, Clairecords,
Instrumental)
Heady and mind-numbing progressive drone music. The three folks in Paik
create instrumental music with a difference. Instead of going off on lengthy
solos or writing cumbersome material...they seem content to write relatively
simple compositions...and then, through the process of repetition, slowly
drive them permanently into the consciousness of their listeners. Something
like a modern day shoegazer version of Hawkwind perhaps...? The tunes
possess an odd epic quality...combining throbbing bass and unrelenting drums
with thick walls of slightly psychedelic guitars. Our favorites are "Detroit,"
"Ghost Ship," and "Red Current." Twelve intriguing journeys
into a strange world where the familiar meets the unfamiliar... (Rating:
5)
PAS/CAL
- The Handbag Memoirs (CD EP, Le
Grand Magistery, Pop)
Perfect music in every way imaginable. PAS/CAL truly is a pop lovers
dream come true. From the moment "The Bronze Beached Boys (Come On
Let's Go)" began we knew we were in for a REAL treat. This Detroit-based
quartet plays pop music filled to the brim with catchy hooks...chock full
of smart and incredibly inventive arrangements...intelligent lyrics...and
the band's vocals are to DIE for. These six songs gave us chills on the
very first listen...and our only reaction since has been to play the disc
over and over and over... The remaining five cuts are "I'd Bet My Life
That You Bet Your Life," "I Wanna Take You Out In Your Holiday
Sweater," "Grown Men Go Go," "Marion/Mariam," and
"This Ain't For Everyone." This band is INSTANTLY one of our ALL
TIME FAVORITES OF ALL TIME. Absolutely...FANTASTIC. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
(Rating: 6+)
Petracovich - Blue Cotton Skin (CD, Red
Buttons, Ambient pop)
Petracovich is Jessica Peters. Ms. Peters has accomplished
what thousands and thousands of other artists only dream of. Based on her
own determination, skill, and talent...she has written and recorded an album...and
released it on her own label...and has come up with a collection of tunes
superior to virtually everything being currently being released by major
labels. Peters' voice is incredibly silky and smooth. Her music reminds
us of Donna Lewis...except the music is not as sparse. Blue Cotton
Skin is an amazingly effective collection of ambient pop music...executed
to perfection. The tunes are smart, heady, relaxing, cerebral, and intensely
beautiful. Highly recommended. (Rating: 6)
Brooke
Ramel - Be (CD, Little Notes Music,
Pop)
Brooke Ramel is an excellent example of a modern artist playing the
game the way it ought to be played. Instead of depending on a music label
to kickstart her career...young Brooke has taken matters into her owns hands...and
she's already achieved a level of success that most only dream of. Ramen's
music is basic upbeat pop music that is easy on the ears and retains a consistently
upbeat quality (i.e., this is happy pop). While most of the world seems
content to drip and drool at the heels of Britney Spears...this young
lady is capturing the mind and hearts of those seeking something with a
bit more substance. Colorful tunes such as "When I Saw You See Me"
(a wonderfully moving composition) and "Walk Through the Flowers"
make this album a delightful spin... (Rating: 5)
The
Red Thread - After the Last (CD, Badman, Soft pop)
Some folks may remember Jason Lakis from the San Francisco band Half
Film. Jason has parted ways with that band and is now on his own. For
this album, Lakis is backed up by another San Francisco band...The Inspectors.
Lakis and friends create soft, pensive pop music that is easy on the ears
and subtle in approach. Jason's voice reminds us of Peter Gabriel
at times (when Mr. Gabriel isn't trying too hard). There's a bit of a weary
sound to these slightly Americana-based tunes. The album includes eight
originals plus a cover of Bad Brains' "Sailin' On" (?!?).
Nice smooth uncompromising stuff... (Rating: 4++)
Kate
Rusby - 10 (CD, Compass,
Folk/pop)
Folk music has gotten a bad reputation over the years because so many folks
use it as a vehicle to spout off about their mindless political views. Fortunately
there are exceptions. Britain's Kate Rusby has renewed our faith
in folk music by avoiding heading down that tedious political highway...and
by creating wonderfully sincere and heady tunes that make us feel incredible.
10 consists of re-arranged versions of Rusby favorites, live recordings,
and brand new tunes. This young lady has a voice that puts her right up
there with the all-time greats. One of the best artists we've heard in years.
This album is chock full of absolutely FANTASTIC cuts. Rusby is destined
to be a critics' favorite for years to come. Highly recommended. (Rating:
6)
Sweep The Leg Johnny / Rumah
Sakit - Live September 9th, 2000 (Double
CD, Sickroom, Rock)
This dynamic double CD features two bands recorded live at San Francisco's
The Bottom of the Hill club. The first CD features Chicago's Sweep The
Leg Johnny playing a somewhat spastic and intense set...adequately preparing
the audience for San Francisco's Rumah Sakit (on the second disc).
Rumah Sakit is a wild and unbelievably tight band. These guys play a style
of music that sounds something like a thrash band playing jazz. The music
is unpredictable, intense, wild, and amazingly complex. Never have we heard
an instrumental band that sounds quite like these guys (!?!). They deliver
a blow that you will NOT ever forget. Chicago's Sickroom Records continues
in their mission to unearth some of the most unusual and unique underground
bands in the United States... (Rating: 5+++)
Scarboro Aquarium Club - Poisoned (CD, Le
Grand Magistery, Electronic pop)
Intriguing electronic pop. Scarboro Aquarium Club is Corey W.
Schmidt. Schmidt writes and records upbeat techno pop that is not unlike
some of Sparks later material. The music is cleverly crafted and
executed to perfection. We particularly like "FuturePop" which
features guest vocalist Melissa Boraski. This is a captivating album
by a young man who obviously enjoys what he is doing...and is driven by
a passion to create. Top picks: "Never Been to the Moon," "Sleeping
Sound," "The Hemlock Girls," "Jumping in Front of Trains."
(Rating: 5+)
Slick
Idiot - Slick Idiot (CD, Cleopatra, Techno pop/dance)
Slick Idiot is the latest project spearheaded by En Esch and
Guenter Schulz. En Esch and Schulz were former members of industrial
dance pioneers KMFDM. After the breakup of KMFDM in 1999 the two
gentlemen picked up the pieces and opted to continue their career. Not surprisingly,
Slick Idiot tunes sound similar to KMFDM tunes...with one major difference.
The tunes on this album have a darker and more sinister overall sound. The
band is rounded out by backing vocalist Mel and drummer Mike.
It's amazing indeed that after so many years these fellows' material still
sounds so vital and refreshing. Slick Idiot will undoubtedly prove that
En Esch and Schulz still have a lot left to give. The sound quality on this
disc is superb throughout. Dance music doesn't get much better than this...
(Rating: 5)
Summer at Shatter Creek - Summer at Shatter Creek (CD, Absolutely
Kosher, Pop)
The curiously titled Summer at Shatter Creek is actually one man...a
gentleman by the name of Craig Gurwich. This project is different
from the average one-man-band project however. First, the recordings don't
sound like solo recordings. Second, the material is more mature than what
you normally hear from a man recording alone in his bedroom or basement.
Beginning with the lovely lilting melodic strains of "Home for the
Holidays," this album is entertaining from start to finish. The main
reason this album is a success is that the tunes themselves are thoughtful,
well written, and possess an odd unique thread that is difficult to define.
Gurwich's clear vocal deliveries make each tune stand out like a rare gem.
Destined to be a favorite among critics, this is an album that gets better
with repeated spins. Highly recommended. (Rating: 5+++)
10
Heads High - From Here to Tupelo (CD,
Pile On, Rock/pop)
Any record labels on the lookout for a band with the potential to hit it
really BIG...might very well check out 10 Heads High. This Astoria,
New York-based band has recorded an album that is bursting at the seams
with potential hit singles. The band has amazing energy...but the songs
are even more outstanding. Songs like "Evolution Queen," "Arms
of December," and "Sideways by the Ocean" are well beyond
what one normally hears from a band that has seemingly come out of nowhere.
These guys are doing all the right things the right way. Great vocals, kickass
rhythms, and mind blowing guitars. Great stuff... (Rating: 5++)
t.A.T.u. - 200 Km/H in the Wrong Lane (CD, Interscope,
Pop)
Two Russian girls who are very fond of hugging and fawning all over each
other in their publicity photographs. Are they lesbians? Or are they NOT
lesbians? Our guess is that they aren't...but they're having fun making
folks think that they are. The music reminds us of Madonna...which
is not a bad thing. Good synthetic pop music here. If they can be a bit
more original with their material this would greatly enhance their appeal.
Expect to see and hear a lot about these two beauties in the "real"
media... (Rating: 4++)
Tiger
Mountain - Analog Heads Gone French
(CD, Lucky Cat, Rock)
Wonderfully upbeat rock band whose energy reminds us of early Rolling
Stones. Great meaty guitar riffs abound throughout this album...and
the band's immediately catchy and upbeat tunes are a pure feelgood experience.
Produced by Go-Kart Records' Dean Risper (who also plays bass for
the band), Analog Heads Gone French has an immediate appeal in that
it was produced to perfection and captures the essence of the band's spontaneity.
The vocalist kicks ass. Great rock music that doesn't require thinking.
(Rating: 5)
The
Vibrators - Energize (CD, Track, Rock/pop)
One of the original "new wave" bands...although they never did
really fit into the mold. This British trio never gave up the ship and,
amazingly, are still providing the same sort of melodic and upbeat tunes
that originally made them so appealing. Most folks who have been at it as
long as these guys have either softened their sound, become smug and obnoxious,
or fallen prey to overproducing themselves into oblivion. The tunes on Energize
are fresh and vibrant...and the band is still writing cuts that are catchy
as hell. Sixteen spicy songs...and they all sound MARVELOUS. Highly recommended.
(Rating: 5+++)
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