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November 2004 Reviews by
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November 2004 Reviews by
RATING SYSTEM:
= GODDAMN!!!
= EXCELLENT
= VERY GOOD
= GOOD
= FAIR
= SHITTY
November 2004
Comment Piece:
A Polly Story:
Stockpile and Drainy Get Tuckered on the Poodle
"Look at my FUR!" Stockpile exclaimed in horror.
"It is all STICKY and DRY!"
"Never mind," Drainy replied as he applied oil to his partner's
stuffy coat. "This will provide some necessary posture."
With that, the two rolled around on the grassy hill...letting the vast sunshine
heat their thick blood and warm the tops of their fuzzy heads. Before they
knew where they were, they weren't anywhere anymore and everything had gone
black.
"Where did everything go now?" asked Stockpile.
"Oh, just out," Drainy answered. "Everything goes out every
once in a while."
As they grabbed onto one another to prepare for the worst, they suddenly
found themselves propped up on top of the most beautifully prepared Club
Sandwich they had ever seen. The bread was more fifteen feet in length,
cradling tender loaves of roast beef, cheddar cheese, juicy turkey, crunchy
lettuce, and hearty tomato. Before they knew what they were doing, they
found themselves munching into the damn thing with determined delight.
"We will never EVER be able to eat this VERY LARGE THING!" exclaimed
Drainy.
"Ah, but that is the very BEAUTY of it," Stockpile quipped. "The
best things in life are those that you cannot completely eat."
But try they did...and before the yearning dove had touched the raunchy
dawn of the evening sky, the two critters had consumed at least one entire
side of the big ol' sandwich.
"Look!" chirped Stockpile. "Yonder comes a brown-eyed POODLE
to take us to HEAVEN!"
As the poodle got nearer and nearer, the two pals became dizzy with standardized
excitement. They swerved and buzzed in circles as their brains dissolved
into a haze of hamster pudding.
"Come and lounge in my buzzcut," said the poodle in a low, grainy
voice. "The angels have made preparations for your entry into circular
minnows."
"What the HELL is he talking about?" asked Drainy with a confused
spurt.
"Don't ask questions!" Stockpile yelped as he climbed aboard the
mystical doggie. "Just hop on top and SHUT UP!"
As the two began riding off into the oblivions of middle earth, they frothed
their magic ping-pong and glowed with shadows of rabbit-sized purple. The
motion of the dog made the couple poot and dribble with habitual delight.
"Your endurance is a test," the poodle whispered as it jogged
over the horizon. "A test for the purest of niblets."
The poodle jogged at a modest pace as it grinned a wide smile right into
the sky.
"Them TUCKERS is all PUCKED!" Drainy screamed as he laughed himself
into a pork stew bonnet.
"And them tuckers is all FLOWERED with STRAW!" Stockpile replied.
As the poodle maneuvered into high gear, the blurry image of the travelers
powdered into nothing...creaming and chewing away like ten thousand tiny
little tin-foiled choppers. The sun revolved fifteen times or more...and
then STOPPED.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Lauren
Agnelli - Love Always Follows Me (CD,
Bongo Beat, Soft pop)
Prior to her solo career, Lauren Agnelli had already left an indelible
impression on the world of music...first as a writer for Creem magazine
in the 1970s (using the pen name Trixie A. Balm)...and later as a
member of the 1980s group The Washington Squares. Considering the
ultra-hip nature of her past endeavors, one would expect Ms. Agnelli's music
to be ultra-hip as well...but this is definitely not the case. Instead
of odd or peculiar underground rockers, Love Always Follows Me features
ultra-conservative, traditional sounding music. Lauren presents material
that would not have sounded out of place in the Female Vocalist sections
of record bins in the 1960s. There is a heavy emphasis on slick arrangements...creatively
utilized to cuddle and embrace Lauren's cool, subdued vocals. She takes
the uncommon approach of writing most of the tunes herself, only offering
three cover tunes ("I'm Confession," "September Song,"
"On the Street Where You Live"). Combining the talents of creative
heavyweights to assist her in the recording of this album, Ms. Agnelli has
recorded what sounds like a modern-day classic from the past. Groovy subtle
cuts include "Mi Querida," "Love Always Follows Me,"
"That Kind of Boy," and "Technicolor Shadows." (Rating:
5)
Hope Alane - Pink Sky Blue (CD, Grasshopper,
Progressive pop)
Hope Alane is very different from the average female singer/songwriter.
Instead of trying to sound like Kate Bush or look and dance like
Britney Spears, Ms. Alane creates music that is anything but obvious...and
she does not follow musical trends. "Old Old Friends" instantly
sets the stage for Pink Sky Blue...an album that truly does not sound
like other artists. Alane's songs are melodic and thoughtful...and feature
strangely abstract arrangements. Her voice is subdued, her lyrics heartfelt...and
the overall tone is both polished and progressive. While the gravity of
these songs might not be obvious at first...upon closer observation, the
weight of material becomes clear. Wonderfully inventive tunes include "Earth's
Full," "Holding Hands," "Chemistry," and "Against
the Sky." The cover graphics (courtesy of Star Nigro) are absolutely
beautiful. Intensely satisfying and genuine, this is a collection of tunes
that is certain to satisfy. Recommended. (Rating: 5++)
The
Autumns - The Autumns (CD, Pseudopod / Indiego,
Pop)
Despite a somewhat rocky beginning (the steam was taken out of the band's
second album because the label went under), The Autumns continue
providing slick and classy underground pop for their energetic fan base.
The band's latest self-titled release finds them in fine form, providing
more wonderfully moody and highly melodic compositions. The tunes are sometimes
slow and heavenly...and at other times driving and intense. Dreamy and cerebral
in the best sort of way, these songs give the listener the feeling of floating.
The intricate musical arrangements provide a solid foundation for the group's
incredible vocal harmonies. Already a favorite among critics, this could
very well be the album that will push The Autumns into the mainstream. Pop
music just doesn't get much better than this. Instantly memorable tracks
include "The End," "Every Sunday Sky," "Wish Stars,"
and "Wonderfully Wonderful." This album will appeal to fans of
The Lassie Foundation and The Hang Ups. Highly recommended.
(Rating: 5+++)
The
Breetles - Don't Smile (CD, Shuss
/ NoFault, Pop)
Underground popster Chris Breetveld returns with yet another stunning
collection of shimmering, smart, inventive tunes. Chris has come up with
great stuff in the past...but with Don't Smile he has really outdone
himself. For this album Chris pairs up with R. Stevie Moore, who
plays and sings on the album and wrote two-and-a-half tunes. These tunes
are reminiscent of The Beatles and Neil Innes. Beautiful gliding
melodies combine with silly/serious lyrics to create modern pop with a difference.
Breetveld's voice sounds better than ever...and his ability to write memorable
tunes is mindblowing. As if it weren't enough to be treated to thirteen
killer cuts, those who purchase the CD can also write and receive a second
bonus disc (with 24 tracks...!) and complete album lyrics...for FREE (!).
Produced by Chris, Tim Korzun, and Greg Shuss, Don't Smile
will most certainly be a selected favorite for years to come. Uplifting
cerebral pop tunes include "A Clever Combo," "The Class"
(a particularly cool tune), "Showing Shadows," "The Grand
Whatever," and "Don't Smile." Recommended. (Rating: 5++)
Rita
Calypso - Sicalyptico (CD, Siesta, Pop)
Rita Calypso records shimmering pop music that harkens back to the
golden days of the 1960s when the male and female vocalist categories ruled
the record bins. Consisting of fourteen cover tunes, Sicalyptico
(Spanish for erotic) is a refreshing trip back to a time when music was
generally more genuine, sincere, and heartfelt. Ana Laan (the real
name of the lady who calls herself Rita) has a superb passionate voice that
recalls singers like Dusty Springfield and Nancy Sinatra.
Music in its purest form provides a means of escape. Sicalyptico
most certainly provides emotional escape for the listener...allowing them
to forget their own personal problems as well as the crazy sad situation
that the world is in. Sweet and sugary in the best way possible...this is
an album of pure feelgood pop created with passion and a real zest for life.
Mind altering tracks include "Wailing of the Willow," "Believe"
(an exceptional cut), "The Drifter," "Barefoot in the Park,"
and "It's Hard To Say Goodbye." Spain continues to produce some
of the best artists on the planet...and Rita Calypso is most certainly one
of the best. Her heart is in the right place and her music reverberates
with emotion. Killer material from start to finish. Highly recommended.
(Rating: 5+++)
The
Channel - The Channel (CD, C-Side, Pop)
Outstanding classic pop. While The Channel are currently an underground
entity...CDs like this will make them a favorite among pop fanatics in no
time flat. The core of the band is Brent and Colby Pennington...two
brothers who originally began recording under the name The Channel in the
late 1990s. The two then went on to pursue other projects, eventually returning
their attentions to their original project in 2001 (at which time Tones
Are Falling, their first album, was released). The band's latest album
presents some absolutely incredible material. The songs feature thick heady
arrangements with plenty of vocal harmonies overdubbed to infinity. But
taking center stage are the songs. These fellows know how to write absolutely
groovy and stunning melodies that recall bands like The Beach Boys,
The Kinks, and even The Hang Ups. This album is a virtual
home run for The Channel. Each and every cut is a delight...and it proves
just how good underground pop gets when everything is done right. Killer
tracks include "Depersonalized," "Inhibition," "The
Salty City," and "Water's Covered Me." Highly recommended.
(Rating: 5+++)
Color
Wall - The View From Above (CD, Lazy
Susan, Pop)
Melodic pop layered with thick walls of guitars. Previously known as Lazy
Susan (now the name of their record label), the guys in Color Wall
have already made some big splashes in the world of music. They were named
Best Unsigned Band in America in 1997 by the Ralph Lauren Polo Jeans Division
and they have received major airplay on Modern Rock radio. The View From
Above, the band's first proper full-length release, is an energetic
trip into modern pop/rock. While not a perfect release, the album has enough
good material to make it more than worth a few spins. The lead track ("The
Weakest") starts things off right with a whopping dose of intense guitars.
The band could've given The Ramones some credit for the melody line
they seemingly lifted from "I Wanna Be Well," which occurs at
the closing of their tune "My Winger Tee." But then again, perhaps
the similarity in the melodies could have been a total coincidence (?!?).
Other cool credible cuts include "Crush Me," "My Eyes,"
and "Restless in 5th Gear." Good stuff. (Rating: 4++)
Ethan
Daniel Davidson - Better Living Through
Creative Selling (CD EP, Times
Beach, Rock/pop)
In an age when so many big music companies are making such a big deal about
declining profits, Michigan's Ethan Daniel Davidson began his career
by touring around the country...as well as other parts of the planet...and
giving away about 50,000 free CDs in the process. Now that's
the spirit (!). Thank God everyone isn't motivated first and foremost by
making a goddamn profit. To satiate his fans until the release of his full-length
comes out, Davidson opted to release the Better Living Through Creative
Selling EP. Consisting of various recordings, the disc is an unpredictable
grab bag of goodies. Some tunes are dub-like, some rock, some pop...but
whatever Davidson does, he does it well. Neat stuff. Other new artists could
learn a thing or two from this man's approach to music... (Rating: 4+++)
Devo - Live in the Land of the Rising Sun (DVD, Sick Video / Music
Video Distributors, Rock)
Revisiting their glory days, Devo return to Japan about thirty years
later...to perform their early hits (!). Those expecting the raw impact
of the band's early performances will be sadly disappointed. Those folks
will also be missing the point. You have to hand it to these guys. Any fellows
in their fifties who have the balls to get up in front of a large audience
and perform stuff this juvenile and zany are to be admired. So...despite
the fact that the band no longer has that wild zip in their step...they
still provide credible renditions of their material for an audience of Japanese
fans so young that they weren't even alive when Devo began. The live footage
is hampered by the inclusion of various snippets in-between songs--but this
was probably done to try to hide the slightly uneven quality of the performances.
Even though some of the tunes are missing their gusto...the band proves
they can occasionally still rise to the occasion (this is evidenced on "Uncontrollable
Urge," "Jocko Homo," and "Gut Feeling / Slap Yer Mammy").
Sometimes the effects of middle age become silly and campy. Unlike the old
days, during "Jocko Homo" it takes them a very long time to shed
their big yellow suits. (A very very long time...the drummer never
does get the bottom part of his suit off until a full three songs later!)
In some ways, these fellows look very silly performing their early hits
at this point in time...but in other more important ways...this concert
sheds light on how influential these fellows' music really was..and still
is today. The video collage that began the concert is mind-boggling.
When they first burst on the scene, who would've guessed that--many decades
later--this band would have influenced millions and millions of other artists...?
They were so far ahead of their time that today even their very early material
comes across sounding fresh and vital. The bonus "live video"
from 1980 is the high point of this disc...showing just how intense and
crazy the band was long ago. So...while this may not be the definitive Devo
DVD...it is a great reminder of what an incredible band Devo was. Recommended
for fans only. (Rating: 4+++)
Dolour - New Old Friends (CD, Made
In Mexico, Pop)
This is an important release for two reasons. First, because it is a great
album by a great band...and second, because it marks the return of the Made
In Mexico label. New Old Friends should appeal to anyone who loved
the first few albums from Game Theory. Led by singer/songwriter/producer
Shane Tutmarc, this band's music features highly stylized melodic
pop. The vocals are amazing....as are the arrangements. At times, some of
the band's tunes are reminiscent of Harper's Bizarre (particularly
in the vocal department). This, Dolour's third full-length, should
expand the band's fan base dramatically. If this band and label are any
indication of what's happening in Seattle these days, we may perhaps be
seeing the beginnings of a pop resurgence like that which happened back
in the mid-1990s. Great cuts include "You Can't Make New Old Friends,"
"Cheer Up Baby," "What If?", and "October 29th."
Best cut: "Before Tonight's Big Party." (Rating: 5+)
Driver
of the Year - Statik (CD, Future Appletree, Pop)
Some of the best underground pop bands can be found on the Future Appletree
label. Driver of the Year is yet another wonderful and virtually
unknown band whose music is inviting and unique. In some ways, the band's
music is highly reminiscent of 1970s "shoulda-been-a-major-success-but-wasn't"
keyboard player/singer/songwriter Andy Pratt. The vocals most certainly
bear an eerie similarity (particularly the falsetto). The band has
been together for about six years, and Statik is their second CD
release. Part of what makes this band's music so inviting is the fact that
they leave their tunes sparse with plenty of open space in between instruments.
This allows the listener to concentrate on the melodies and lyrics...which
are truly cool and unique. Some absolutely mind-gripping lyrics here...consider
this: "Relax unwind, cross legs another time more to lose than just
your mind, real life no plans, this aggression will not stand just ask the
TV man, gun blast relax, no one has to know a love as black as soul"
(from "Black As Soul"). Balancing on that fine line that divides
commercial accessibility from artistic integrity...these guys provide solid
and direct hits for an undefined audience. Cool and calculated...yet spontaneous
and addictive...Statik is a fine collection of tunes that will sound
great decades from now. Brilliant stuff. (Rating: 5++)
The
Original Mark Edwards - Rewind Tomorrow
(CD, Princess, Pop)
Originally a member of The Domo Sound, Mark Edwards pursues
a solo career these days. Rewind Tomorrow is his first official release.
This is a strange album with a peculiar overall sound. While the tunes are
basically pop, Edwards injects his music with strangely haunting threads
that give them an odd twist. Composing his tunes around electronic beats,
Edwards' tunes have a surprisingly organic sound. His extremely laidback
vocals recall early Pink Floyd...yet his tunes sound more like The
Beach Boys played at a slower speed. It is refreshing to hear lyrics
like "There's nothing more to say than hooray...what a glorious
day" (from "Hooray!"). While such philosophies might
not be popular with many underground music fans who prefer their music angry
and alienated, Edwards sets himself apart from the crowd with his positive
attitude and spirit. Rewind Tomorrow is a highly rewarding collection
of tunes that come straight from the heart. Recommended. (Rating: 5+)
Le
Futur Pompiste - Your Stories and Your Thoughts
(CD, Siesta, Pop)
Breezy, airy, and light...Le Futur Pompiste is a pop lover's delight.
Though it may not be springtime, a few spins of Your Stories and Your
Thoughts will have you thinking that everything is just about to start
budding and blooming. This band's music is reminiscent of Komeda...except
that it is much more accessible and direct. These tunes will immediately
appeal to fans of artists like Serge Gainsbourg, The Association,
and Harper's Bizarre. There are no power chords here...no strange,
unexpected noises...and no overdriven guitar solos. These are replaced by
soft, groovy, subdued rhythms and vocal harmonies to die for. This Finnish
quintet combines perfect arrangements with great songs and stellar vocals
to create a wall of cool sound that is virtually impossible to dislike.
Ten killer cuts, including "Sunflower," "A Way To Exist,"
"When Waves Settle Down," and "Seeds." Fantastic. (Rating:
5++)
Larry
Gatlin and the Gatlin Brothers - Sing Their
Family Gospel Favorites (CD, Dualtone,
Gospel)
If you're a fan of The Gatlin Brothers, chances are you will dig
this album. But if you aren't fond of gospel music and you're not already
a fan, we'd suggest passing this one by. These guys have been making credible
music for decades. On this album, they attempt to get "back to their
roots." Our guess is that the Gatlins probably had a great time recording
this...but for potential listeners out there, this sounds like "so-so"
church music that could have been performed by just about anyone.
Gatlin fans will want to pick this up immediately. Everyone else...well,
you probably aren't going to be blown away by this little religious storm.
We weren't. (Rating: 3-)
The
Grip Weeds - Giant on the Beach (CD,
Rainbow Quartz, Semi-psychedelic
pop/rock)
Recorded and produced entirely by the band in their home studio, Giant
on the Beach is an impressive and highly melodic adventure. The folks
in The Grip Weeds are influenced first and foremost by 1960s psychedelic
pop. The band consists of brothers Kurt Reil and Rick Reil,
Kristin Pinell, and Michael Kelly. The band took their name
from a character John Lennon played in the film How I Won the
War (Private Grip Weed)...which is fitting, as many of these tunes are
reminiscent of some of The Beatles' late 1960s albums. Though the
band's sound is decidedly retro, their overall attack and stance are current.
Songs are what make or break bands of course...and that's what makes Giant
such a pleasing spin. The thirteen cuts on this album are pleasing smooth
pop with a really cool organic sound. Instead of relying on too much unnecessary
technology, the band drives their tunes home with tons of neat guitars,
subtle keyboards, smart lyrics, and heavenly vocal harmonies that are out
of this world. The songs ring with a genuinely cool spirit that truly reverberates
in the mind. Lovely tracks include "Astral Man," "Infinite
Soul," "Sight Unseen," and "Telescope." Beautiful
material...executed to perfection. (Rating: 5+++)
Kjehl Johansen - Pie & Isolation (Limited edition double CD box set,
Mustard Only / Avebury, Pop)
This is an extremely limited edition box set containing two CDs by
Kjehl Johansen: Tower of Isolation and Pieman vs. The Light
Bulbmen (EP). Because the box set is so limited (only 100 copies were
issued), it might be best to seek out these two CDs individually. Johansen
is probably best known for his work with the bands The Urinals, 100
Flowers, and Trotsky Icepick. Nowadays he is involved with his
solo projects which feature his remarkable guitar playing. Tower of Isolation
features fourteen tracks of peculiar pop. The material is strangely familiar...yet
no obvious influences come to mind. Kjehl's vocals are subtle and sound
as if they might have been recorded on the first take. There are odd accidental
elements to these tunes that take a few spins to sink in. The Pieman
vs. The Light Bulbmen EP features more of the same...but on this disc
the material is slightly more accessible. Johansen's music sounds something
like a cross between My Dad Is Dead, Eno, and Adrian Belew...but
not really (?!?). Plenty of offbeat, clever tunes make this box set a real
treat. (Rating: 5)
Jeff Kaiser Okodektet - Kaiser/Diaz/Infante Sextet (CD, pfMENTUM,
Modern classical)
This disc includes two sections. The first (The Alchemical Mass)
is presented by The Jeff Kaiser Ockodektet with The Ojai Camerata
and the second (Suite Solutio) is presented by the Kaiser/Diaz/Infante
Sextet. Both pieces were composed by Mr. Kaiser. One might easily come
to the obvious conclusion that this is not a collection of modern power
pop (!). No, instead these pieces are complex modern classical compositions
thick with heady arrangements that include traditional and modern sounds.
Kaiser's provocative, complex music is not meant for the masses...but rather
for that small segment of the population seeking the truly strange and unusual.
The moods range from soft and surreal...to obtuse...to gothic and cerebral.
While this is a difficult album to describe...it is a strangely inviting
and rather eerie spin. Kaiser is one of the true originals in modern classical
music. Eclectic and esoteric. (Rating: 5+)
Landing
Gear - Break-up Songs for Relationships
That Never Happened (CD, Catlick,
Pop)
Fresh upbeat pop with stellar melodies. Break-up Songs for Relationships
That Never Happened is a fantastic debut album. The band recorded the
raw tracks in their home studio and then enlisted some help from Bryan Hanna
for the final production and mixdown. Sporting a glossy sound that competes
with anything on bigger labels, this collection of tunes is like a swirling
tray of creamy cosmetic surgical delights. The band's music could be compared
to artists like Game Theory, Semisonic, or even Pete Shelley...but
that would only be hinting at the overall sound. Some of the tunes are straightforward...while
others pack a slightly peculiar punch. Slick and thoughtful...Break-Up
Songs is a cool jolt of progressive modern pop. Cool cuts include "Supercrash,"
"Columbus, OH," "Take the Ride," and "Calling Out."
(Rating: 5+)
L'altra - Different Days (CD, Hefty,
Soft pop/ambient/electronic)
Chicago's L'altra is formed by the core of Lindsay Anderson
and Joseph Costa. Together, the two create some of the most beautiful
and exotic soft electronic music on the planet. Different Days is
a soothing and absorbing collection of tunes. Produced by Joshua Eustis
(of Telefon Tel Aviv), the album gushes with smooth electronic sounds...while
subtle vocal melodies glide overhead. Anderson and Costa have the good sense
to avoid cluttering their tunes with unnecessary garbage. The arrangements
are simple and spacious...allowing the listener to concentrate on the words
and strange electronics. Beginning with the dreamy sounds of "Sleepless
Night," the album then gives way to two of the best cuts: "It
Follows Me Around" and "Better Than Bleeding." Don't expect
the normal cutesy blips and bleeps that churn through most technology-driven
music. These folks use organic sounds that sound anything but calculated
and phony. Other great tracks include "Mail Bomb" and "A
Day Between." Slightly trippy and psychedelic...Different Days
is a surefire success. Recommended. (Rating: 5++)
Many
Axes - 2 Many Axes (CD, pfMENTUM, Experimental/ambient)
Obtuse and peculiar, 2 Many Axes will appeal to a small eclectic
audience. Many Axes is the trio consisting of Susan Rawcliffe,
Scott Wilkinson, and Brad Dutz. All three musicians play a
mind-boggling array of unconventional instruments. Their compositions sound
something accidental music that you might imagine hearing in the distance
if you were traveling through the jungle. Incorporating everything from
ceramic flutes, didjeridus, shells, tibetan horn, ethic flutes, udo, tablas,
doumbeck, bones, gongs, and more (!) into their music, these folks are obviously
not seeking commercial success. 2 Many Axes is, indeed, a labor of
love by three individuals who are more concerned with letting their creative
juices flow than reaching a large audience. What is surprising about this
album is how soothing it can be. Instead of playing obtuse noise that grates
on the nerves, the trio comes up with compositions that set definite cerebral
moods. Most of the wind instruments used in these recordings were fashioned
from clay by Rawcliffe herself (which may explain some of the strangely
unfamiliar tones). This is an intriguing collection of compositions that
surely defies description. While not for everyone, those seeking truly unusual
modern mood music will want to check this out. Slightly trippy and surreal.
Highly recommended. (Rating: 5+++)
The Marlboro Chorus - Youth Medium (CD, Future
Appletree, Soft pop)
The Marlboro Chorus is an intriguing new band whose music doesn't
fit in with familiar trends. While the band's tunes might best be described
as soft pop, the phrase is actually much too narrow to adequately describe
the music. Youth Medium is a peculiar and uniquely different kind
of pop album. While the melodies may sound slightly familiar...the ways
in which they are presented are not. This music seems highly steeped
in methodology. Instead of playing songs in the usual way, these folks interject
their tunes with unusual arrangements which alter the proceedings. So what
you end up with is something that sounds like a normal pop song...pushed
to peculiar new levels due to the adventurous emphasis on odd arrangements.
Medium is a smart album chock full of catchy tunes that get better
with repeated spins. Cool slightly British-influenced cuts include "Youth
Medium," "Those Shoes," "The Incredible Journey (Revealed),"
"The Black Iron Prisoner," and "Everything Good." A
great album. (Rating: 5++)
Million
Dollar Marxists - Give It A Name (CD,
Gearhead, Rock)
Heavily influenced by The Dead Boys, the guys in Million Dollar
Marxists play with the same furious intensity. This Canadian quintet
is a rock and roll lover's dream. The band's music is stripped clean of
any unnecessary crap (i.e., lead guitars, studio gimmicks, clever and annoying
sounds)...leaving way for the band to play their crazy and intense buzzsaw
guitar rock at maximum volume and speed. What we like best about these guys
is that--despite the fact that their punk-influenced rock is as loud as
nasty as it gets--the band members look like normal guys. In an age where
everyone is trying so goddamn hard to look unique (and all simultaneously
failing at the same time), many of the best musical artists of the
day seem to be concentrating on their sound...rather than their looks. Give
It A Name is a great little rock and roll album, featuring feverish
cuts like "Do the Emotion," "Bricklayer," "Rolling
Over," and "Hold Me." Great, genuinely rockin' stuff. (Rating:
5)
Miss
TK & The Revenge - XOXO (CD, Gern Blandsten, Dance/rock)
Featuring the vocals of Miss TK (former keyboard player for Zero
Zero), Miss TK & The Revenge combine punk elements from the
1970s with disco elements from the 1980s to create a thumpy and slightly
erotic sound. The band's approach is something like a cross between Cyndi
Lauper, Missing Persons, and Siouxsie and the Banshees.
XOXO is a short album...only lasting about a half an hour. But in
that short amount of time, Miss TK and friends pack in a lot. This album
features no less than twelve tunes of feelgood dance pop. Some of the electronic
drums make the music sound quite dated. Otherwise, this is a fun album of
modern upbeat dance pop. Top picks: "Banana," "Hey Baby Yeah,"
"Sunshine, Sunshine, Where Are You?" (Rating: 4+++)
The
Monorail - A Whole New City (CD EP,
Milquetoast, Pop)
Cool underground pop/rock reminiscent of mid to late XTC...but more
powerful. Tallahassee, Florida's The Monorail is a group with a difference.
The fellows in this band combine tight playing with intelligent songwriting
to create rock that is good for the mind and body. These gents are
at their best when they play with a powerful punch and leave the screaming
behind. ("The Shizampah" sounds overbaked in the vocal department.)
The more melodic subdued pieces are the real keepers here: "Busy Mess
Stress Test," "The Club," "Writing Has No Volume,"
"16, 17, 18." This will whet the appetites of many for the band's
forthcoming album in 2005... (Rating: 4++++)
Moth
Wranglers - Never Better (CD, Magnetic, Pop)
Classic pop from the beautifully bearded duo of LD Beghtol and Chris
Xefos...plus various other friends who lend a helping hand. Beghtol
is best known for his work in the critically acclaimed Flare and
Three Terrors while Xefos plays in Drop Quarters and was also
once in the criminally overlooked King Missile. These two gentlemen
are to be commended for many reasons, not the least of which is their resistance
to be easily stereotyped. Crappy overt retards like George Michael,
Michael Jackson, Elton John, and Barry Manilow have
duped the public into believing that the only thing homos can do is dress
up like ugly clean-cut women and fart out substandard disco pop. Fortunately,
there are a few underground heros out there (like these guys) who are helping
to shatter such molds. Never Better is a smooth collection of classic
pop that occasionally veers way off the map of familiarity. The songs are
highly melodic and subdued...and the attention to detail is impressive.
This disc features seven cuts, all of which are originals except "No.
13 Baby" which was written by Frank Black. We could have done
without some of the obviously homosexual lyrics here, but that's a minor
point considering the fact that--overall--this does not sound like homo
music. Top picks: "Never Said 'I'm Sorry'" (a particularly
beautiful track), "Love and Jump Back," "Course," and
"Better Off Alone" (an interesting mockery of the lie homosexual
men tell themselves when they get burnt out on too many shallow relationships).
Moth Wranglers rule in their den. Cool stuff. (Rating: 5)
The
Nein - The Nein (CD EP, Sonic Unyon Recording Company, Rock)
Adult music from Durham, North Carolina's The Nein. These guys bit
off a big chunk with this EP...tackling weighty topics and playing with
subtle aggression. The band's slightly angular music is full of peculiar
guitars and big looming rhythms. The vocals are the sort of sing/speak variety
that was popular in 1970s punk music...slightly reminiscent of Richard
Hell and Joe Jackson. Smart and intense, The Nein EP features
six tracks of intelligent noisy rock with a difference. The band consists
of Finn Cohen, Casey Burns, Robert Biggers, and Dale
Flattum. The guys in The Nein are playing odd rock that is out-of-step
with what's currently going on out there in music...and for that they deserve
a major thumbs UP. Cool cuts include "Handout" and "Clearwater."
Truly cool stuff. (Rating: 5+)
The
Organ - Grab That Gun (CD, Mint, Pop)
With a sound that is eerily similar to early Blondie, the folks in
Canada's The Organ rely heavily on 1970s influences. Lead vocalist
Katie Sketch has a voice that sounds so much like Deborah Harry
that it is almost frightening. But while Blondie's music was infused with
punk elements (at least early on..before band turned lame), the tunes on
Grab That Gun are more moody and progressive. The songs are infused
with lots of dynamic interplay between electric guitar and organ. The Organ
is an all-girl band...but they don't really fit the mold. The songs on this
CD are neither cute nor cutesy. These ladies present oddly compelling tunes
that sound better with repeated spins. Cool calculated cuts include "Brother,"
"Love, Love, Love," and "No One Has Ever Looked So Dead."
Good stuff with the right attitude. (Rating: 4+++)
The
Pearlfishers - A Sunflower at Christmas
(German import CD EP, Marina,
Pop)
A Christmas CD that doesn't suck...?!? Unbelievable...but true.
Combining elements from bands like The Beach Boys with a unique flair
for composing modern pop, singer/songwriter David Scott comes up
with seven surefire winners on this real treat of a holiday EP. What makes
this disc so different than the average Christmas CD is the fact that Scott
chose to write all but one tune himself. Such a refreshing change from hearing
the same old tired refried songs over and over and over again (!).
And not only does he offer original tunes...but they are as good as any
of the old traditionals. His words and melodies are light years beyond what
most artists are capable of producing. As such, these songs are certain
to lift the hearts and spirits of many during a holiday season when the
world is in such crappy turmoil. Incredible cuts include "Snowboardin',"
"Winter Roads," "Blue December (In the City)"
(easily one of the most beautiful tunes ever recorded), and "The
Snow Lamb." If you buy any holiday CD this year, this is the one
to get. A truly wonderful disc. (Rating: 5+++)
William Shatner - Has Been (CD, Shout!
Factory, Pop)
William Shatner and Ben Folds have created something very
special with Has Been. Most everyone will expect it to be campy,
and there are some very funny moments. But Has Been is a pretty serious
effort. Shatner went to Folds with many of his ideas, hopes, fears, and
observations and Ben crafted them into songs. There is a clunker or two
on it, but some are so utterly gorgeous that my eyes got watery while listening
to them. There's a lot of real emotion and solid songwriting and musicianship
involved in it. This album has more honesty, more feeling, and more truth
than the last ten albums I've heard put together. Of course, your mileage
may well vary. The first song, "Common People," isn't a good song,
it's f*cking GREAT. Bill and Joe Jackson do a killer vocal duet.
Another highlight is Shatner and Henry Rollins out-screaming each
other amidst wild drumming and Adrian Belew's demonic guitar in a
song called "I Can't Get Behind That." Lemon Jelly does
the music in one song and country rocker Brad Paisley wrote the last
tune ("Real") and sings along with Bill. Of course, Ben Folds
plays keys, guitars, drums, and sings on almost every song. Many people
have very strong opinions about William Shatner and a lot of them really
hate the guy. I have always thought he was pretty funny in a very self-deprecating
way. Those who listen to Has Been with open minds may well find themselves
very surprised. I've gotta admire Folds a lot for putting his album-in-progress
on hold to do this weird little project. This is certainly one of the most
unusual albums ever released. [Review by Mark Sieber.] (Rating: 6)
Soledad Brothers - Voice of Treason (CD, Sanctuary, Rock)
Groovy bluesy rock with genuine PUNCH. Despite the fact that there are thousands
of new bands popping up everywhere each and every month, relatively few
seem to have the right attitude. The guys in Soledad Brothers have
their act together. Voice of Treason is a pure jolt of genuine rock
and roll injected with the blues. This band's music is highly reminiscent
of rock bands of the 1970s. The tunes are catchy, the playing is tight,
and the recordings are virtually devoid of any unnecessary elements. The
masculine vocals are a perfect match for the band's juicy guitar licks.
While other bands try way too hard to get their point across, the gents
in Soledad Brothers just let it rip naturally. As a result...the band's
music is fresh and positively entertaining. Top picks: "Cage That Tiger,"
"Sons of Dogs," "On Time," "Handle Song."
(Rating: 4++++)
Slomo
Rabbit Kick - Hortatory Examinations
(CD EP, Kittybox, Pop)
Slomo Rabbit Kick returns with another fine collection of tunes.
Hortatory Examinations is short...clocking in at just over fifteen
minutes...but those fifteen minutes contain some great low fidelity pop
music with a difference. Slomo is mainly a one-man band consisting of Jay
Chilcote...plus a few friends lending helping hands. The five tracks
on this EP are simple and direct...offering alternative pop/rock that would
not have sounded out of place in the 1980s. The songs are slightly reminiscent
of bands like Let's Active and The Television Personalities.
Chilcote's subtle voice is a major piece of the puzzle...his hushed vocals
are perfectly suited for the material he writes. Cool cuts include "Two
Timing," "Smell Camino," and "Pseudo-Science."
Cool stuff. (Rating: 5)
Spouse - Are You Gonna Kiss or Wave Goodbye? (CD, Pigeon, Pop/rock)
Groovy rock music with a difference. Are You Gonna Kiss or Wave Goodbye?,
the third full-length release from Spouse, is a cosmic jolt of purely
positive energy. The band's music sounds something like a cross between
The Replacements and Dinosaur Jr...without sounding too much
like either one. Lead singer Jose Ayerve's vocals are the trademark
of the band's sound. His voice sounds something like a very young Rod
Stewart. What is perhaps most interesting about Spouse is that...despite
the fact that this is an underground band...these folks are making music
that could easily appeal to millions of people. In addition to spectacular
vocal melodies, the band's music features thick solid rhythms and wonderful
intertwined guitars that reverberate with good intentions (the guitars are
slightly reminiscent of Television and early Talking Heads).
Combining elements from all over the map to create their own unique sound,
these four folks are doing everything right. Solid rockers like "American
Run-Through," "Wave Goodbye?", "Hurry Up and Wait,"
and "Over the Rabbit Hole" make this album a truly cool spin.
Great stuff from start to finish. (Rating: 5+)
Stroke 9 - All In (CD, Rock
Ridge Music, Rock)
Good hard rock that is commercially accessible...yet it still rocks like
hell most of the time. This self-produced album shows the band in fine form.
Their thick, meaty guitars drive their tunes while Luke Esterkyn
provides masculine vocals that are the obvious centerpiece of the music.
The tunes on All In were produced with plenty of polish and studio
tweaking. While underground music fans will probably hate this band's music,
folks who like their rock tempered with determined flair will appreciate
them. The anthemic qualities inherent in the band's music will appeal to
a wide majority of music fans. Top picks: "How Am I Gonna Know?",
"Stop Saying Goodbye," "My Advice." (Rating: 4++)
TaughtMe - ReadyToGoUnder (CD-R, Crying Girl, Progressive
pop)
Arriving at our offices in a plain brown envelope with virtually no additional
information given about the band, we were instantly intrigued by the music
of TaughtMe. A one-man-band consisting of Blake Henderson
(with violins added courtesy of Emily Boulton), ReadyToGoUnder
is a most curious album. Beginning with what sounds like some blurry outtake
from an old recording session (?), the disc then quickly transforms into
what TaughtMe is all about. Thoughtful and clever pop tunes with personal,
sensitive, and intelligent lyrics. It is virtually impossible to compare
Henderson's music with other artists because he treads so far off the beaten
path. Mixing soft almost folky music with accidental and inappropriate sounds,
this young man creates a strangely intoxicating batch of compositions. Mostly
soothing...yet sometimes unsettling and confusing...ReadyToGoUnder
is a strangely compelling listen. (Rating: 5)
Luke Temple - Luke Temple (CD EP, Mill
Pond, Pop)
Luke Temple is an excellent singer/songwriter whose songs sound like
instant classics. Unlike most new artists whose music sounds strange and
unfamiliar, Temple's tunes are instantly accessible. His music sounds something
like a cross between The Lassie Foundation and early James Taylor...but
not really (?!?). This short four-song EP features two mid-tempo
rock tunes and two folky tunes (minus backup). For our bucks, the best track
is "In The End"...a fantastic pop tune that features a great melody
and wonderfully cascading guitar lines. Great stuff. A full-length is forthcoming
from this fellow in 2005... (Rating: 5)
The Transmissionary Six - Get Down (CD, Film
Guerrero, Soft progressive pop)
The Transmissionary Six is the duo of Paul Austin and Terri
Moeller. Get Down features soft and moody progressive pop tunes
padded with magnificent strings. Assisting the duo are various friends including
Anne Marie Ruljancich, Steve Moore, Scott Colburn,
as well as members of Norfolk and Western, Tracker, and Mount
Analog. Transmissionary Six tunes are dreamy and thoughtful, often taking
unexpected melodic twists and turns. Moeller's vocals are soft and subdued...strangely
hushed and delicate. Already extremely popular among various hipsters, The
Transmissionary Six obviously have their act together. Get Down is
a cool and easy dose of modern progressive pop. Top picks: "Black Tin
Rocket," "Flake," "Novanna," "Packa Kools,"
and "The Dimmest Porch." (Rating: 4++++)
YOURCODENAMEIS:MILO - All Roads to Fault (CD EP, Beggars
Banquet, Rock)
Harsh loud screamer rock. The folks in Britain's YOURCODENAMEIS:MILO
play a brand of unbridled intense rock music that is probably a bit too
much for most listeners to take. The band's songs are loud thrashers that
sound as if they were recorded on the first take...complete with any mistakes
and/or accidents that might have happened during the process. That said,
the music is surprisingly tight and the band members alert. The cuts on
All Roads to Fault have a lot more in common with California rock
bands that British bands. These folks may very well be funneling the harsh
realities of modern-day life through their music. It's hard to tell, as
the lyrics are often difficult to discipher. Good loud rock. With a bit
more polish, this band could be great. (Rating: 4++)
Ahleuchatistas - The same and the other
A Houseguest's Wish - Translations of Wire's 'Outdoor Miner'
Airtight Garage - Felangus box
Andrew - What's it all about?
Antler - Antler
The Atari Star - Prayer & Pretend
Mark B - Things MarkB
Boyracer - Happenstance
Casaverde - Looking god in the eye
Cathedral and Rum - Cathedral and Rum
The Clash - Our music was always shitty just like we was
Complicated Shirt - Strigine
The Day Traders - The Day Traders
Johnny Dowd - Cemetery shoes
Dr. Phil - People pay me lots of money to listen to the vapid noise that
squirts from my smelly goddamn mouth-rectum even though I'm a big fat boring
slob that deserves to be ignored by everyone
Dry Kill Logic - The dead and dreaming
Dutch Elms - Music for happiness
Terry Eason - Bees will bumble
Eddie From Ohio - This is me
Edenpark - Welcome to Edenpark
The Exchange - Dead city radio
Mike Ferraro - Mike Ferraro
The Fight - Nothing new since rock 'n' roll
The Firebird Band - The city at night
Fono - Its the way that you use it
The Get-Outs - Get the message
A. Graham and the Moment Band - This tyrant is free
Gun Kata - Gun Kata
Home Grown - When it all comes down
Hothouse Flowers - Into your heart
I Can Make a Mess Like Nobody's Business - I Can Make a Mess Like Nobody's
Business
In A Cage - In A Cage
Ip - I am the obnoxious Ip!!
The Jigsaw Seen - God rest ye merry, gentlemen
Magic Johnson - I'm just a faggy old pretentious black asshole
Justice on a Budget - Justice on a Budget
Kelly's Heels - Dig in! A Popboomerang compilation
KnowMassive - MoodSwingSet
Marlee - Ready or not
Wes McDonald - The guest
McEnroe and Birdapres - Nothing is cool
Camille and Alexander McGregor - Ponies in the surf: A demonstration
Men In Fur - Men In Fur
Martin Mull - I was a great musician but I'm not such a great actor
Cerys Matthews - Cockahoop
Dolly Parton - Plastic titties and a buffet for two
People Chasing People - The dayglow light of sleep
Graham Perry - Perryphernalia
The Port City Allstars - Hello...in mono!
Danny Pruitt - Codeine dreams
Owen - Psychedelic tour de force
Christopher Reeve - My body died years ago but now my head is dead, too
Replicator - You are under surveillance
The Right Brothers - The Right Brothers
Pat Robertson - Let's get nekkid and smoke pot together
Screwie Louie and the Petty Merchants - What it was, what it is
Sensation Junkies - Once for the money
Setting Sun - Math and magic
Slunt - Slunt
Tizzy - Dead band rocking
T. G. Sheppard - Timeless: Classic love songs
Smoke and Smoke - Love suffers long
So L'il - Revolution Thumpin'
Strung Out - Exile in oblivion
Telephone Jim Jesus - A point too far to astronaut...
Tey Punsalan - Take me high
This Years Blonde - This Years Blonde
Trespassers William - Different stars
Twinkie - Twinkie
Various Artists - My favorite song writers
Vocoder - The collapsed stars EP
Brittany Wells - Loving every minute of it
Wild "T" & The Spirit - True bliss
Yearbook - Yearbook
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