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June 2007 Reviews by
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* babysue® Store * Donate * General Info * Links * LMNOP®
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June 2007 Reviews by
RATING SYSTEM:
= UNBELIEVABLY SUPER DUPER NEATO
= EXCELLENT, WE REALLY LIKE IT INDEEDY
DO
= VERY GOOD, YES IT IS, VERY GOOD,
YES IT IS...
= GOOD, GOOD, GOOD...AIN'T MANY OF
THESE AROUND...
= FAIR AS THE MUD ON THE BOTTOM OF
YOUR SHOESIES
= SHITTY, SHITTY, SHITTY...ISN'T IT
A PITY.
10 Ft. Ganja Plant - Presents (CD, ROIR,
Reggae)
Reissue of the first album from 10 Ft. Ganja Plant with two bonus
tracks added for extra smoking pleasure. It is unfortunate that we rarely
receive reggae music for review nowadays. The genre seems to be experiencing
a general lull in the world of commercial music. 10 Ft. Ganja Plant is one
of our current faves because their music is never overproduced and the playing
always seems inspired and genuine. Many describe the band's sound as old
school reggae, perhaps because it is more basic and void of the overproduction
that has flawed many reggae recordings over the past couple of decades.
Presents features tracks that have that nice solid flavor that was
evident in many of the best reggae bands from the 1970s. The band's wah-wah,
reverb drenched guitars sound fantastic. The folks in 10 Ft. Ganja
Plant could find themselves at the center of a reggae resurgence in the
near future...who knows? Groove infected cuts include "Chalwa,"
"Blues Dance," "Jah Teach I a Lesson," and "Walkey
Walk Tall." Bonus tracks: "Top Down" and "Politricking
Man." Excellent. (Rating: 5+)
A Fine Frenzy - One Cell In The Sea (CD, Virgin,
Pop)
A Fine Frenzy is Alison Sudol...a young lady who seems poised
for commercial success in the world of music. Her songs are melodic and
emotional...and she's got that slick, polished sound that is very popular
with the general public. One Cell In The Sea is what we would call
a mixed bag of treats. When Alison is "on" and not trying too
hard, her music can be very uplifting and effective. When she's trying too
hard well...she tends to come off sounding rather insincere and overly dramatic.
To be more precise, when the music is soft and subtle Ms. Sudol can really
make your skin tingle. But when she puts her foot on the gas well...she
tends to sound like a lot of other popular female artists. She's very young...so
perhaps she just hasn't found her proper footing yet. She's obviously very
talented and driven by a desire to succeed. Keepers include "Come On,
Come Out," "Whisper," and "Last of Days." If she
can change her approach a bit, Alison just may be a major musical force
in the years ahead. It'll be interesting to see where she goes from here...
(Rating: 4)
Airiel - The Battle of Sealand (CD, Highwheel,
Progressive)
The folks in Airiel have a thick, slightly surreal sound that is
something like a modern twenty-first century progressive pop version of
Spiritualized. The songs on The Battle of Sealand feature
thick walls of swirling sound and driving rhythms. But don't be fooled by
the multiple layers of drug-induced sounds...there are real songs
lurking beneath the waves here. The melodies on this album are remarkably
inventive and well thought out. So, rather than being a shoegazer or drone
band...the folks in Airiel ultimately end up being a pop band with some
rather unusual arrangements. These tracks really pack a hard mental punch.
While the band tears away at your subconsciousness with their peculiar sounds...their
melodies will conveniently slide into the back of your brain and remain
there in fluffy little nests. Neat trippy cuts include "Thinktank,"
"Know Better," "The Release," and "Red Friends."
(Rating: 5)
An
Angle - The Truth is That You Are Alive
(CD, Drive-Thru, Pop)
MINIBLURB*:
We were impressed by the last release from An Angle...and this one
sounds just as good if not better. This band is driven by the surprisingly
accessible songwriting skills of Kris Anaya. What many may find surprising
is how much commercial appeal this album has. Rather than mere noisy underground
slop, this album features super melodic mid-tempo pop that is ultimately
catchy and hummable... (Not Rated)
*A miniblurb is a short descriptive summary of a disc that
we found intriguing. We did not have sufficient time to write a proper review
but we did not want the disc to go unnoticed. Note that miniblurbs are not
rated...but we encourage readers to check out releases receiving miniblurbs
because, in some cases, these discs may very well turn out to be the best
releases of the month.
Arizona - Welcome Back Dear Children (Independently released CD,
Progressive)
Arizona is Alex Hornbake, Andrew Dunn, Benjamin
Morris Wigler, James DeDakis, and Nick Campbell. This,
the band's debut full-length, is an interesting departure from the normal
world of modern pop music. Comparing this album to other artists is a difficult
task. While the music isn't that far our or so ultimately weird, it just
doesn't seem to fit into familiar categories and genres. We definitely get
the impression that the guys in this band aren't trying to ape or copy the
styles of others. They seem to be driven mainly by the desire to create.
With the aid and assistance of producer Danny Kadar, these folks
have managed to record a strangely complex batch of tunes that will ultimately
confuse most folks. The songs don't follow traditional formulas...and the
lush vocal overdubs add wonderfully inviting extra textures. While difficult
to put into words, the overall sound of this album is strangely calming
and inviting. We always admire folks with enough guts to take a different
approach. Peculiar tunes include "Te Amo Tanto," "Away,"
"David," "Surviving the Savior," and "On Judgement
Day." Recommended. (Rating: 5++)
Art
Brut - It's a Bit Complicated (CD, Downtown, Pop)
This band's odd, angular talk/rock sound sounds something like an odd cross
between The Pooh Sticks, early Gang of Four, and King Missile.
Bandleader Eddie Argos has a voice that is instantly recognizable.
Many folks will probably find this band's music to be pretentious, light
fluff...but in this little campground, we can't help but be entertained
and impressed. By itself, the music would be refreshingly direct and danceable...but
Eddie's funny, poignant lyrics push things over the edge. And we just love
the cocky attitude. Decidedly British sounding tracks include "Pump
Up the Volume," "People In Love," "Blame It On The Trains,"
and "Jealous Guy." We can't think of anything else to say about
this one except...it is easily one of our favorite releases of the
month. This music makes us feel giddy and revitalized. (Rating: 5++)
Attractive and Popular - Money Equals Magic (CD, Gold
Standard Laboratories, Rock)
Wow...a hard rock band that doesn't sound like every other hard rock
band on the planet...??? Strange but true...the folks in Lafayette, Louisiana's
Attractive and Popular have a wild, hard, crazy sound that is bound
to confuse and cause rebound laughter. Abrasive, wild, noisy, and totally
hilarious...Money Equals Magic will be an instant hit with folks
looking for something different and truly entertaining. These folks' sound
is something like a cross between Gang of Four's Entertainment
album, Wire's Pink Flag album, Devo, and Austin's tragically
overlooked 1990s band Pocket Fishrmen. Lyrics are what make this
band and album something truly special. This CD features some of the most
goofy and thought-provoking social satire we have heard in years. Consider
these excerpts: "Dip the duck in gold, look at the golden mold,
gaze into his eyes, he will steal your soul..." (from "Golden
Duck"), "I can reflect all I get, it dissolves and nothing's
left, acid in the mirror, acid on my breath..." (from "Rang
Rang"), "Watch out for that bum, he has all my stuff, he broke
my window, I want him to die..." (from "Money Equals Magic"),
"The pigs go moo, the cows go quack, everything has lost its mind,
I found the needle in the haystrack..." (from "Crack Farm").
A brilliant new band with real PUNCH. Recommended. (Rating: 5++)
Au - Au (CD, Oedipus, Experimental)
It isn't often we are confused by an album...but this one does confuse
us. Au is the one man band consisting of Luke Wyland whose
last album was released under the name luc. This self-titled album
is an unpredictable spin. The tracks with vocals border on soft pop...while
other tracks could probably best be described as modern classical. Some
of the pieces are hypnotic and mesmerizing...while others seem strangely
pointless. When you're trading in experimental territory, this is probably
natural and normal. The more chances you take...more risks are involved.
There are some wonderful compositions on this album, that's a certainty.
There are some others...that leave us scratching our heads. We'll leave
this one unrated at this point in time... (Not Rated)
Baby Guts - Gasoline (CD, Guilt
Ridden Pop, Rock)
Noisy screamer rock. To be honest, we almost didn't review this disc. Gasoline
is full of the loud, chaotic, roaring noise that so many bands create...and
most of it turns into a generic blur of nothingness. What makes Baby
Guts tunes stand out are the lyrics. While the music and vocals aren't
that impressive, the words to the songs are. Here are just a few
of our favorite lines: "My best friend pisses on my prettiest dresses"..."I
am so covered and smothered and so happy, right?"..."I
shine through dead flies dirt cereal flouride"..."I am
dirt glitter you f*cked with rust scissors"... Funny stuff that
somehow seems to have some real meaning buried underneath. While
the music doesn't reach the peaks of the words, this band obviously has
substance lurking beneath the waves. If they can redirect some of their
energy into the songs themselves (and particularly the melodies)...these
folks just may be a real force to be reckoned with in the years ahead. (Rating:
4+)
Matteah Baim - Death of the Sun (CD, DiCristina, Moody atmospheric
pop)
The second album from ex-Metallic Falcons member Matteah Baim.
In a world full of copycat disposable female recording artists, Baim stands
out as a true original. Her music doesn't follow familiar paths or traditional
avenues...and she obviously has little desire for any commercial success
at this point in her career. Death of the Sun sounds something like
a spooky cross between Nico and Sonja Christina. The sparse,
distant songs on this album are far outside the mainstream. So much so that
we could only recommend Matteah's music for that tiny segment of the population
that is seeking something strangely different. Be forewarned however...this
is extremely soft and subdued material that some might find depressing
and/or confusing. We were curious about the inclusion of a cover of the
tune "Michael Row"...hmmmm...? Odd tracks include "River,"
"Wounded Whale," "Who Loves," and "Up is North."
Oddly restrained modern mood pop... (Rating: 5)
Carrie
Biell - When Your Feet Hit the Stars
(Independently released CD, Soft pop)
Although she has been entertaining audiences in her hometown of Seattle,
Washington for the past several years...this is the first time that we have
been exposed to the music of Carrie Biell. Upon hearing the first
few seconds of "Cross the Line" we knew we were in for a treat.
When Your Feet Hit the Stars is an excellent, soft album featuring
thoughtful, pensive, and ultimately hummable pop tunes. Biell's music sounds
something like a cross between Janis Ian and Suzanne Vega
and yet...she never gives the impression that she is aping or copying the
sound of others. The arrangements on this album fit the songs perfectly.
These tracks have a nice thick sound that is pushed over the edge thanks
to some exceedingly tasty pedal steel guitar playing. Carrie has a beautiful,
sincere voice that is immediately effective and real...and her songs seem
to come straight from her heart. We can't find anything negative
to say about this album. Killer cuts include "Don't You Blame Me"
(our favorite), "Gone Without Me," "Swinging," and "Bound
To Be." An excellent spin that gets even better over time... (Rating:
5+)
Sexton
Blake - Plays the Hits! (CD, Expunged, Pop)
Anyone who can record a cover of Bruce Springsteen's "Hungry
Heart" and make it sound good...simply must be something
of a genius (!). That was our first reaction to Plays the Hits! Sexton
Blake (whose real name is Josh Hodges) impressed us in a big
way with his last album...and this one will also leave a lasting impression
in our increasingly confusing little office suite. This CD features 13 songs
from the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s...all recorded with Hodges' own unique
sound and style. What may surprise many folks is that...in almost every
single case on this album Hodges' versions are much, much better
than the originals. The choice of tunes seems odd at first...covers of tracks
recorded by Rod Stewart...Elton John...Jeff Lynne...
Instead of aping the sound of the original songs, Josh recreates them using
his own subtle approach...and the results should blow most listeners away.
Smooth arrangements...pensive, subtle vocals...a nice thick sound...this
album truly has it all... (Rating: 5++)
Bowerbirds - Hymns for a Dark Horse (CD, Burly
Time, Progressive folk/pop)
Bowerbirds is the trio consisting of Phil Moore, Mark Paulson,
and Beth Tacular. Together, these three individuals create smooth,
sincere, folk/pop tunes that are refreshingly unique. The extraordinarily
unpretentious tunes on Hymns for a Dark Horse could very well be
the result of the trio's choice to distance themselves from society (they
currently live in an Airstream trailer in the woods). Most of the songs
are centered around a gently strummed/picked acoustic guitar but also feature
accordion, violin, piano, upright bass, and banjo. In some ways, these songs
are slightly reminiscent of some of the modern folk revival bands in Great
Britain in the 1970s. But in other ways...the trio's music seems to have
more in common with modern progressive pop bands in Athens, Georgia. One
thing is certain. Hymns is a different sort of album created from
a different perspective. Refreshingly simple and honest, this CD has real
substance. Cool tracks include "Hooves," "Bur Oak,"
"My Oldest Memory," and "Olive Hearts." Recommended.
(Rating: 5++)
When women reproduce
Angels fart.(Rating: 1)
Steve
Cole - True (CD, Narada
Jazz, Jazz)
MINIBLURB*:
Smart, punchy, upbeat jazz/pop. This is the fifth major label release from
Steve Cole...and it's full of smooth, feelgood jazz with slightly
funky beats. Cole is a an extremely focused saxophone player...as is evidenced
by the nine tracks on this super slick platter. (Not Rated)
*A miniblurb is a short descriptive summary of a disc that
we found intriguing. We did not have sufficient time to write a proper review
but we did not want the disc to go unnoticed. Note that miniblurbs are not
rated...but we encourage readers to check out releases receiving miniblurbs
because, in some cases, these discs may very well turn out to be the best
releases of the month.
Mad cow disease is a crisis.
Now it is not a crisis.
Bird flu is a crisis.
Now it is not a crisis.
Global warming is a crisis.
Now it is not a crisis.
Everything is a crisis.
Now everything is not a crisis.(Rating: 1)
Old is crummy.
Young is crummy.
Crummy, crummy, crummy.(Rating: 1)
Darfur is a
Nifty place where
Everything is groovy.
Everyone is happy there
Just like in a
Movie.(Rating: 1)
Clive Davis (Worthless old fart kind of a thing)
What do you do with an old man who outlived his usefulness decades ago...but
who just refuses to shrivel up and die...? Clive Davis represents
everything that is WRONG with the music business. All the old man talks/farts
about is numbers...sales...how much money is made...how many units have
sold... Does it seem, perhaps, that he has become nothing more than a puppet
spokesman for the pathetic whining corporate music meisters who are still
trying to guilt us into believing that the music business...now, more than
EVER...needs our (monetary) support...? Nah...of COURSE not! Heh heh
heh... Such a shitty old fart. Davis hangs around with a bunch of other
shitheads...all of whom are motivated first and foremost by GREED. The problem
with the music business isn't that sales are slumping...the real problem
is that the artists making music that sells SUCK. But don't expect to
hear the truth anytime soon on American Idol. They're too busy greasing
up that great big ol' asshole machine in the sky...which tells us all exactly
what they WANT us to hear. Dry up, fart a little, and then drop dead, Clive
Davis. Your soul died long ago. Isn't about time your body
followed suit? (Rating: 1)
If you don't listen
To my music and
Write something positive about it
I will hate you
Forever.(Rating: 1)
Decomposure - Vertical Lines A (CD + DVD, Blank
Squirrel, Progressive/experimental)
Whew. If you're up for a real challenge...check out Vertical Lines A,
the latest release from Canada's Decomposure. This is an overwhelming
CD/DVD set that will definitely make listeners sit up and pay attention.
Caleb Mueller (the man who is the band) continues to expand his technical
talents here...and obviously enjoys challenging himself in his recording
studio. The first disc in this set is a CD containing close to an hour's
worth of new material...peculiar modern pop channeled through computer programs
and churned out with unpredictable certainty. We're still sticking with
our earlier conclusion that Decomposure sounds something like a cross between
Todd Rundgren and The Lemon of Pink. After hearing the crazy
nervousness in some of these tracks, we can't help but think how interesting
it would be if Mr. Mueller were to hook up with some of the crazier American
electronic artists out there like Twink and Mochipet. The
results could be mindblowing. The accompanying DVD features a video overview,
mini presskit, 79 page sketchbook, interview, and...and...well, let's just
say a whole lot more. Stuff both discs inside a lovely homemade booklet
with a cover made from ripped up cardboard...and you have a package that
is bound to blow you away in one way or another. An incredible amount of
effort went into creating this package and it shows. (We forgot to mention
that each booklet is individually numbered, of course.) Whether you
like this man's work or not, most folks would probably agree that his talent
borders on genius. Can you handle Vertical Lines A...? More work
probably went into creating this set than any other independent release
that we have ever received. Holy Jesus, Mother of God...WHEW!!!
(Rating: 5++)
Driver
of the Year - ...Will Destroy You (CD,
Future Appletree /
Nail In The Coffin,
Pop)
A little rock...a little indie pop...a little funk......and a whole lot
of groovy vibes. The folks in Driver of the Year write and record
surprisingly accessible pop music that harkens back to the days of 1970s
FM radio rock. ...Will Destroy You is a short mini-album that really
kicks ass. In some ways, this band's music reminds us of Johnny Society
and Self. These bright, hummable tracks are backed by some funky
rhythms and feature truly superb vocals. The band's third album, Destroy
would...in a perfect world...be an instant hit. Things being as they are
these days...the music will probably only be embraced by a small yet devoted
group of listeners. But on the other hand...who knows? With songs this bright
and catchy, these guys might just get lucky and hit the jackpot. Killer
tracks include "Teenage Kicks," "Celebrities Are Guns,"
"It Wasn't True," and "Night Receiver." We are somewhat
confused by the inclusion of a Talking Heads cover ("Girlfriend
Is Better")...mainly because this band's own tunes are actually much
better than that (!)... (Rating: 5+)
Duo Dynamic - Unrest For Peace (CD, River
Bend, Instrumental/jazz/mood music)
Duo Dynamic is the duo consisting of Ray Mathews (guitars)
and J. Kipling Forde (electronics). These fellows write and record
tunes that combine elements from a variety of sources into their own brand
of slightly upbeat modern mood music. What we find most appealing about
Unrest for Peace is the fact that it can either be listened to intently...or
played in the background as an accompaniment to life. Both Mathews and Forde
are accomplished in their specific areas...and their combined efforts result
in some mighty fine sounding instrumentals. Groove-oriented cerebral cuts
include "Magnetic," "Time to Man," "Sliptime,"
and "Within." Subtle yet heady. (Rating: 4+++++)
Elkano
Browning Cream - Elkano Browning Cream
(CD, Mamusik / Bongo Beat, X)
MINIBLURB*:
The press release that accompanied this CD pretty much summed things up
nicely: "European chilled groove funk with an African vibe..."
This band's music is driven by the drumming skills of Frank Mantegari
(drummer for Alpha Blondy who has also played with Saint Germain
and Massive Attack). Cool jazzy music built around seriously groovy
beats... (Not Rated)
*A miniblurb is a short descriptive summary of a disc that
we found intriguing. We did not have sufficient time to write a proper review
but we did not want the disc to go unnoticed. Note that miniblurbs are not
rated...but we encourage readers to check out releases receiving miniblurbs
because, in some cases, these discs may very well turn out to be the best
releases of the month.
Paul
Epic - South of Heaven, North of Hell
(CD, Beeshive, Rock/pop)
Power lifting champ, motorcycle racer, kickboxer, and skydiver...transforms
into rock star...? Strange but true, Paul Epic has thrown his gloves
into the rock and roll arena...and the results are surprisingly entertaining.
This Vancouver Renaissance man intends to succeed at whatever he does. Although
this is his debut album, it does indeed pack a mighty punch. This may be
in part due to the involvement of producer Mike K (who has produced
U2 and Elton John among others) and kickass drummer Randy
Cooke. This album could easily end up selling millions. It has that
polished, metallic sound that is reminiscent of many ultra-successful hard
rock artists. Don't be surprised if you see Epic popping up all over the
place in the very near future. Hard rockers like "I Am," "Proud,"
"Remember Me," and "Last Stop on a Long Fall" could
all end up being huge hits... (Rating: 4+++)
If you don't eat
Everything on your plate
Everything on your plate
Will eat
You.(Rating: 1)
The
Evil Queens - Lovesong Werewolves (CD,
Sunken Treasure, Rock)
This Columbus, Ohio based band isn't playing games. On this, their fourth
full-length release, these guys are obviously focused on having a good time
playing their danceable roots based rock. The guitar-based cuts on Lovesong
Werewolves are strong on energy and melodies...and presented using on
the essential ingredients necessary in order to get the point across. The
band's music is aggressive enough to please serious rockers...and yet has
enough melodic sensibility to please discriminating pop fans. Nifty rockers
include "Means to an End," "Year of the Cretin," "Ditchdigger
Blues," and "Dry Well." Good stuff. (Rating: 4+++++)
Fragile Dragon - Light Bend and Rhythm (CD, Atmospherex,
Progressive pop)
Fragile Dragon is a curious band indeed. The tunes on Light Bend
and Rhythm sound something like a cross between early Kraftwerk
and The Flaming Lips' Yoshimi Battles The Pink Robots album.
The band describes its music as electro-psychedelia...which just might be
the best term for it. While the music and arrangements are peculiar and
offbeat, the vocals are what really make this album sound so odd. Instead
of normal vocals, the voices seem to have been churned and processed...and
then cut and pasted into the music. Fragile Dragon is a solo project created
by Philip Alden Benn. While the overall sound might be odd and unfamiliar,
the melodies on this album are surprisingly accessible. Benn's ability to
combine strange sounds with familiar elements may very well please both
fans and critics alike. Haunting pop tracks include "Dreaming,"
"Hold It Up High," "Apology Frontier," and "Flower
Machine." Some very nice stuff tucked within these digital grooves...
(Rating: 4+++++)
Hands
Down Eugene - Madison (CD, XOXO, Pop)
Hands Down Eugene is driven by the songwriting talents of Matt
Moody, a young fellow who obviously enjoys playing and recording with
others. In addition to Moody, over 20 additional musicians and/or singers
were involved in recording this album. But if you're thinking that too many
cooks might have spoiled this audio broth, think again. Instead of overplaying
and overproducing his songs, Moody had the good sense to keep things simple
and direct. Accordingly, the listener is allowed to hear and appreciate
the substance that is inherent in these tunes. Matt's songs have a nice
flowing quality and they are surprisingly unpretentious. He never seems
to push himself or those around him...but rather just lets the music flow
naturally. As a general frame of reference, Madison sounds something
like a laidback version of Ben Folds. This nifty little album contains
thirteen memorable cuts including "Denise," "Calloused Part,"
"Champion," and "Stretch Your Eye." A very nice spin.
And sincere to boot. (Rating: 5+)
Hannah Fury - Through the Gash (CD, MellowTraumatic
Recordings, Pop)
Although she has been recording for many years now, up to this point Hannah
Fury's music has only been appreciated by a relatively small group of
people. Through the Gash just may be the album that will expose her
to a much larger audience. Hannah is a one woman band...writing and recording
everything herself. Don't expect generic upbeat girlie pop, however, because
you won't find it here. Fury's music sounds something like a modern version
of early Kate Bush churned through a variety of digital effects.
She has a lovely voice and often drenches her vocals in mountains of echo
and reverb. So much so that at times the overall effect can be rather psychedelic
("Carnival Justice (The Gloves Are Off) Part II"). A bit spooky
and peculiar at times, Through the Gash is an intriguing collection
of modern moody pop delivered with unique style. Top picks: "No Man
Alive," "You Had Me," "Girls That Glitter Love the Dark,"
"Carousel." Nifty stuff... (Rating: 5)
The
Get Quick - See You In The Crossfire
(CD, Rainbow Quartz,
Pop)
We are big fans of the Rainbow Quartz label mainly because 95% of everything
the label puts out is rather fantastic. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania's The
Get Quick is yet another quality addition to the label's roster. This
quartet's chunky fuzz pop is slightly skewed but ultimately melodic and
catchy...sounding something like a cross between garage bands of the 1980s
and modern twenty-first century pop. Call it power pop with extra punch
and polish if you will. See You In The Crossfire rocks harder than
most pop releases...but is also more poppy than most hard rock. This band's
ability to effectively ride the rails where pop meets rock may be their
greatest strength. The guitars are up front in the mix...layered over a
superbly tight rhythm section. The attitude drenched vocals sound something
like a cross between The Hoodoo Gurus and Urge Overkill. The
band provides a surprisingly effective cover of The Beatles' "She
Said, She Said" that certainly brings the song up to date. Catchy,
slightly psychedelic rockers include "X-Fire," "Blossom Rock,"
"Same Mistake," and "My Enemy." This band should catch
on instantly with power pop fanatics... (Rating: 5++)
Robin Guthrie & Harold
Budd - After the Night Falls (CD, Darla, Instrumental mood music), Before
the Day Breaks (CD, Darla,
Instrumental mood music)
Two companion CDs from two legendary artists. Robin Guthrie and Harold
Budd have teamed up to create two absolutely stunning albums which just
might be the perfect way to start and end the day. These instrumental recordings
are soft and subdued...dark and serious...somewhat puzzling...and ultimately
hypnotic. This is not the first time these fellows have worked together...several
years ago Budd collaborated with The Cocteau Twins on The Moon
and the Melodies album. Guthrie and Budd are now writing and recording
decidedly uncommercial artsy music that will most likely only appeal to
a tiny segment of listeners. Their extraordinarily restrained pianos and
guitars sound foreign and distant thanks to some very creative digital reverberation
and other droning effects. The beauty of this album can be found in the
simple structures of the music. Guthrie and Budd have managed to create
music that is bound to calm down even the most nervous and fidgety listeners.
If you can't find peace and serenity on the earth...then you just may
find it buried somewhere inside the digital grooves of After the
Night Falls and Before the Day Breaks. Wonderfully relaxing and
mentally absorbing, these two albums are a resounding success. Highly recommended.
(Rating: 6)
Grampall Jookabox - Scientific Cricket (CD, Joyful
Noise Recordings, Pop/folk)
The first track on this album ("Candle, Spirit, Leave") turned
us off initially. The distorted sloppy sound gave us the impression that
Scientific Cricket was going to be a CD full of unlistenable garbage.
Speeding ahead to the second tune ("Take Me From Diamond Head")
we quickly realized that there was more to this band than first meets the
ears. The folks in Grampall Jookabox take chances on this album...lots
of chances. Some of these recorded experiments work better than others...but
the band's songs are, at the very least, interesting and different. Describing
this band's sound is difficult. The songs are kinda like a hodge podge of
bluegrass, folk, and underground pop...fueled by some very odd and indulgent
multi-tracking. Getting to the bottom of this band's sound and messages
might take some time because this music is neither traditional nor immediately
familiar. Repeated spins could result in an entirely different reaction
to this album...who knows? Oddly compelling cuts include "Liggle
Timmy Toothpick," "We're the Small Windows," "Brick
People Chant," and "Rusty Wife" (ya gotta love them song
titles...). (Rating: 4+++++)
Grand
Atlantic - This is Grand Atlantic (CD,
Popboomerang, Pop)
We can sum up most albums after one or two spins. In the case of Grand
Atlantic, however, we had to listen over and over and over before coming
to conclusions about the music. A great deal of time and energy was involved
in recording this album and it shows. The band's thick, dreamy, moody pop
recalls similar artists such as The Lassie Foundation, Teenage
Fanclub, Starflyer 59, and even The Psychedelic Furs at
times. This album did not blow us away immediately. Although it took a while
for the subtlety of this band's music to sink in, the time was well spent.
Effectively combining elements from pop, psychedelia, and shoegazer rock,
these guys manage to do just about everything right on This is Grand
Atlantic. Several of the band's tunes ("Prelude," "Wonderful
Tragedy," "Burning Brighter") are easily right up there with
some of the best pop songs we have heard this year. Other cool and classy
compositions include "Slappin' on the Cuffs," "Take You For
Granted," and "Missile Crisis." Great stuff, recommended...
(Rating: 5++)
The
Great Depression - Preaching to the Fire
(CD, Fire, Progressive
pop)
This band has been through its share of twists and turns during the past
decade, but bandleader Todd Casper continues to keep the flame burning.
The Great Depression was originally begun by Casper and Thomas
Cranley in Madison, Wisconsin in the early 1990s. After releasing several
CDs recorded in the U.S., Casper eventually opted to move to Copenhagen
in 2003 and, with the help of some associates, built a state-of-the-art
recording studio there (Cranley still contributes to recordings by either
visiting in person or sending tracks via the internet). Preaching to
the Fire is a cool, soothing, credible collection of modern progressive
pop tunes. The band's multi-layered vocals are truly exceptional and, at
times, somewhat otherworldly. This slick album cements elements from classic
pop with modern computerized production techniques. The familiar collides
with the unfamiliar...making this an album that is simultaneously accessible
and ultimately adventurous. Odd, melodic tracks include "Quiet Out
There," "Make Way for Nostalgia," "Lux," and "Bernadette."
Lots of nifty sounding stuff here... (Rating: 5+)
Kurt
Hagardorn - Ten Singles (CD, Bladen
County, Pop)
Ten pure pop tunes recorded between 2000 and 2006. Over the past few years,
Kurt Hagardorn has played with Brian and the Nightmares, Gumption,
Thad Cockrell, and Caitlan Cary. Along the way, however, he
managed to devote time to record some of his own tunes as a creative outlet.
Ten Singles collects these tracks and makes them available to the
world. Hagardorn's tunes recall classic pop artists from the past, most
notably Harry Nilsson and The Beatles. The smooth, melodic
tunes on this album are intelligent and thoughtful and feature instantly
effective melodies. Our favorite track is the soft and pensive "Lemon"...which
has a great uplifting chorus. Other neat cuts include "International
Travel Advisory," "Please Make It Last," and "It's OK,
It's Allright." (Rating: 4+++++)
Jesse
Harris - Feel (CD, Secret Sun Recordings,
Pop)
Jesse Harris writes and records upbeat feelgood pop music that emphasizes
strong vocal melodies and interesting lyrics. In some ways, Jesse's overall
sound reminds us of Grant McLennan (of The Go-Betweens) and
even Paul Simon at times. Feel is, first and foremost, a pure
pop album. But while the emphasis is on accessibility, Harris manages to
inject plenty of his own personality into his music. His soft, subdued vocals
are genuine and real...and the arrangements are well thought out and appropriate.
This album has a nice classic feel. There are no obvious irritating elements
(like harsh technology and hip-hop crap) to date the music. By sticking
to the basics...Jesse has managed to come up with an album that succeeds
on many different levels. Smooth, intelligent pop cuts include "Feel,"
"You and Me," "Where To Start," and "Fire on the
Ocean." Nice. (Rating: 5)
Karrie Hopper - An Unusual Move (CD, Nobody's
Favorite Records, Soft pop/folk)
Karrie Hopper sounds very much like a very young Suzanne Vega.
She writes and records soft pop/folk tunes built around a gently strummed
nylon string guitar. An Unusual Move is a very sparse album...utilizing
only the essential elements necessary in order to get the point across.
Like Vega, Ms. Hopper's lyrics are a large part of her appeal. Her words
are simple yet honest and often rather thought provoking. This is an intriguing
photograph that captures a young artist who has just found her voice in
the world of music. Subtle yet stylish...An Unusual Move is delivered
with pure sincerity. Rewarding tracks include "Twilight Song,"
"Prayer Before Nightmare," "True Rider," and "You
Were Loved." Very nice. (Rating: 4+++++)
Bardi Johannsson - Haxan (French import CD, Discograph
/ Bongo Beat, Instrumental/soundtrack)
MINIBLURB*:
Many may already know Bardi Johannsson's name because of his involvement
with the Icelandic bands Bang Gang and Lady & Bird (both
of which are truly outstanding, particularly the latter...). This French
import CD features music Bardi recorded with the Bulgarian Symphony Orchestra...the
results of which are a soundtrack for the silent 1920s film Haxan.
Beautiful compositions that will take some time to sink in... (Not Rated)
*A miniblurb is a short descriptive summary of a disc that
we found intriguing. We did not have sufficient time to write a proper review
but we did not want the disc to go unnoticed. Note that miniblurbs are not
rated...but we encourage readers to check out releases receiving miniblurbs
because, in some cases, these discs may very well turn out to be the best
releases of the month.
The John Francis - On The Moments We Share (CD EP, Rerum
Novarum, Pop)
Although he has been recording music for several years now, we were only
recently introduced to the music of California's Jack Francis. The
first release we covered (The Earnest Manboy Suite in E Major) was
a curious collection of experimental loud rock...but lurking underneath
the currents was a voice that was intriguing and unique. This EP is a softer
and more direct collection of tracks that reveals the substance that is
inherent in this man's work. These recordings sound something like a cross
between John Vanderslice and Ian Anderson. Francis presents
eight reflective cuts here, all of which spotlight his inventive way of
weaving tunes. Discovering obscure artists like this is what keeps us focused
on writing about music. Although we're not sure why, for some reason we
get really excited when we discover obscure artists few people seem to be
aware of. Excellent tracks include "Grace For One," "Future
Americana," "Sliding Any Way I Can," and "On the Moments
We Share." This is the first CD to be released on the newly formed
Rerum Novarum label. (Rating: 5+)
Kelt - Tomorrow Is Another Today (CD, Popboomerang,
Pop)
The debut album from Australia's Kelt Twidale. The overall approach
of Tomorrow Is Another Today reminds us of some of Leonard Cohen's
very early work...although the music itself is actually quite different.
This album emphasizes songs first and foremost. Twidale is a singer/songwriter
with a real gift for penning memorable melodies...and his lyrics are unusually
genuine and effective. Instead of over arranging his music to death, Kelt
only uses the bare essentials in order to get his point across. Considering
how many guest artists lent their talents to the disc, this must have required
a great deal of restraint. No less than ten musicians and four producers
were involved in this project and yet...the end result is rather simple
and straightforward. In a world full of albums with very little or no substance,
Tomorrow easily stands out. Smooth, contemplative tracks include
"Wake Myself Up," "Life Is Not a Race," "When We
Lose Our Way," and "Van Diemen's Land." (Rating: 5)
Natural disasters
Are always good
For a few
Laughs.(Rating: 1)
Chris
Letcher - Frieze (CD, Sheer
Group / 2 Feet Music, Pop)
Chris Letcher's first brush with success came through his involvement
with the South African band Urban Creep in the 1990s. Letcher now
resides in London and focuses on his solo career but still tours successfully
throughout South Africa. Frieze is an amazingly mature collection
of modern progressive pop tunes. The overall sound of the album is something
like an orchestrated version of Sufjan Stevens. Letcher has an amazingly
restrained voice and he and his band members seem to pay particularly close
attention to arrangements. These tracks might be far too thick and slickly
produced for underground pop fanatics...but those who don't mind the excesses
will find a lot to love here. These songs seem to ebb and flow in terms
of volume and energy...but the vocal melodies are almost always the central
focus of the music. Peculiar and intelligent, Frieze is bound to
confound and entertain... Nifty cuts include "Deep Frieze," "Bad
Shepherd," "Robotic Soldiers," and "Lopsided."
(Rating: 5)
Leyode - Fascinating Tininess... (Advance CD-R, Eastern
Developments, Progressive pop)
Leyode is the duo consisting of Yuseke Hama and Laurel
Wells. Hama plays the instruments and manipulates the electronics while
Wells provides layers upon layers of vocals. These folks play a heady sort
of technology-based pop that sounds not unlike a cross between Kate Bush,
Cocteau Twins, and The Flaming Lips' Yoshimi Battles the
Pink Robots album. Fascinating Tininess... features strange cut-and-paste
electronics, dreamy instrumentation, and smooth, ghostly vocals. Considering
the fact that Leyode tunes are so strangely obtuse...it seems odd indeed
how easy the duo's music is on the ears and inner consciousness. These moody
electronic-based pop concoctions are intelligent and different...yet never
so far out that they can't be digested and easily appreciated. The more
we spin this one...the better it sounds. Classy, odd compositions
include "Sophie," "Isabelle," "Dominique,"
and "Elizabeth Chateau." Neat stuff. (Rating: 5+)
Ferraby Lionheart - Ferraby Lionheart (CD EP, Nettwerk,
Pop)
This is not a review but rather a reminder. Way back in June 2006 we reviewed
this EP by Ferraby Lionheart. Since that time, Ferraby has landed
on the Nettwerk label (with a full-length album due out soon). So...if you
missed the independent release of this EP, here's your chance. We still
think that Lionheart sounds something like a cross between Ray Davies,
Faris Nourallah, and Eric Carmen. (See review in June 2006
section).
LKN
- Postulate II (CD, Greyday,
Pop/rock)
The more we hear from Lauren K. Newman...the more impressed we are.
Although her sound is completely different, Newman's overall approach reminds
us very much of Elizabeth Sharp of Ill Ease. Both ladies are
proficient multi-instrumentalists who can really smash at their drum kits...and
both are also creating music that doesn't fit into easily defined, predictable
categories. There are few ladies we can think of whose one-woman recordings
rival the power and energy of all-guy bands. Postulate II certainly
proves that women can crank it out with as much macho machismo as men. But
while there is energy and passion in the playing, it is the songs themselves
that make this album such a rewarding spin. At this point in time, Lauren's
music is simply too intelligent and difficult for most listeners. Although
this album kicks some mighty butt, you can be sure there won't be
any hit songs sliding off this little platter. The songs are just too peculiar
and odd. A resounding artistic success, Postulate II proves that
there are still many unchartered territories in the world of music. Thrilling
compositions include "On My Back in the June Night," "Systematic
Minimalism," "Stragegem," and "Sarah." Great stuff,
recommended... (Rating: 5++)
When in doubt
Lob a turd.(Rating: 1)
Lola Dutronic - The Love Parade (CD, Bongo
Beat, Pop)
The second album from Lola Dutronic, the Canadian duo consisting
of multi-instrumentalist Richard Citroen and vocalist Francoise
Hart. The Love Parade picks up where the duo's last album (The
World of Lola Dutronic) left off. Citroen and Hart create soft, groovy,
mood pop with an international feel. This album features tunes sung in English
and French as well as Japanese. In addition to original tunes, Love Parade
also features some rather intriguing covers of songs made famous by Brigitte
Bardot, Sylvie Vartan, Kraftwerk, and Charles Trenet.
The inclusion of tracks from the duo's first album on some well-known television
shows has dramatically increased their global following. This album should
please the band's current fans and draw in legions more to the fold. Beautiful,
laidback, subtle pop tracks include "Lolatron," "Song For
Edie," "Driving In The Rain," and "Here Comes the Winter."
(Rating: 5+)
Mobile - Tomorrow Starts Today (CD, The
Militia Group, Rock/pop)
Instantly catchy upbeat rock/pop that is bound to cause movement. This is
the debut U.S. album for the guys in Montreal's Mobile...and it is
absolutely guaranteed to create waves. The band has already had a good deal
of success in Canada...and they now seem perfectly poised to transfer that
success to the states with the aid and support of the fine folks at The
Militia Group. Mobile's thick, commercial, hard pop sound is exactly what
many young listeners are looking for. This band is at their best when they
play direct rock ("Montreal Calling," "Hands Tied")
while some of their more heavily arranged tunes don't work as well ("Out
of My Head," "See Right Through Me"). We'd love to hear this
band record an album that is more stripped down. They've got the goods...but
they are sometimes buried beneath multiple layers of overdubs... (Rating:
4+++)
My
American Heart - Hiding Inside the Horrible
Weather (Advance CD-R, Warcon,
Pop/rock)
My American Heart is a five piece group based in San Diego, California.
Hiding Inside the Horrible Weather is the band's second full-length
release. The album features plenty of thick, melodic, guitar-based rockin'
tunes that should become quite popular with teenagers and college students.
Since the release of their debut (The Meaning in Makeup), the guys
in this band have done a great deal of touring...most likely in hopes of
developing a following from the ground up. Producer James Paul Wisner
has definitely left his mark here. On some of the tracks the extremely thick
and busy arrangements work in the band's favor while in a couple of cases
the tunes seem to get buried in the mix. Overall, however, this is an uplifting
album that features a wealth of entertaining, danceable tracks. Top picks:
"Boys! Grab Your Guns," "The Innocent Letter," "All
My Friends." Good stuff. (Rating: 4+++)
New
Amsterdams - Killed or Cured (Double
CD, Curb Appeal,
Pop)
We were big fans of The Get Up Kids...but we're even bigger
fans of New Amsterdams. Both projects were/are driven by the songwriting
skills of Matt Pryor, a fellow who is as prolific as he is talented.
This is an interesting double CD. The first disc offers personal acoustic
versions of ten songs Pryor wrote during the breakup of The Get Up Kids.
These same songs were later fleshed out and re-recorded with New Amsterdams...which
result in the very different versions that are found on the second CD of
this set. Accordingly, these discs offer an interesting glimpse inside the
recording process. Like Ben Folds, Matt Pryor has the rare ability
to write songs that are obviously commercial...and yet somehow totally sincere
and credible. After spinning both discs, we can't decide which we
like best...mainly because each has its own unique appeal. These discs offer
more positive proof of the relevance and credibility of New Amsterdams in
the twenty-first century. Cool tracks include "Your Red Hand,"
"Maybe I'm A Fool," "Full Thunder Moon," and "Strangled
By The Thought." Recommended. (Rating: 5++)
Animals is nuffin.
People is nuffin.
Earth is nuffin.
Nuffin is nuffin.(Rating: 1)
Show me a
Nurse with balls
And I'll show you
A cow that makes
House calls.(Rating: 1)
Pandatone - Happy Together (CD, Music
Related, Progressive)
A different kind of listening experience. Pandatone is a mostly one-man-band
recording experiment. The man who is the band writes and records tunes that
don't follow familiar paths and traditional formulas. The tracks on Happy
Together might be best described as modern mood pop. The cuts on this
album have a nice, flowing quality and feature wonderfully serene sounds.
A lot of the totally experimental music recorded in the twenty-first century
tends to be unlistenable garbage. Pandatone tunes are anything but
unlistenable. While coming up with new ideas and sounds, Pandatone manages
to keep the music smooth and listenable...always seeming to keep his listeners'
best interests in mind. Dreamy, hypnotic, delicate, and warm...Happy
Together is a truly entertaining spin and it gets better the more you
hear it. Our favorite songs include "The Last To Remain," "The
Fog of Memory," Accountable," and "Because I Can." Neat.
(Rating: 5+)
Andrew Pask and Jonathan Besser - Griffith Park (CD, pfMENTUM,
Modern jazz/modern classical)
Sparse, peculiar, and odd...but also soft, soothing, and serene. Andrew
Pask and Jonathan Besser teamed up to record twelve compositions
for this album. Pask plays saxophone, bass clarinet, and handles live processing
while Besser plays piano. The resulting overall sound is something like
the soundtrack to a weird art film from the 1980s. There is no percussion
in these tracks...so if you're looking for some happy upbeat jazz music,
you probably won't be too pleased with this. The players keep things simple,
allowing their improvisational technique to take them where it may. What
this music does (and most likely what it was intended to do) is set
a mood. These tracks will give listeners the same feeling one may experience
while watching a pebble fall down a bank...a feather float down a stream...or
a balloon rise into the sky. These strangely flowing pieces are subtle yet
hypnotic...but always precise and exacting. Pask and Besser are, indeed,
an excellent match for one another. Top picks: "Magnificent Photon,"
"Coldwater Light Bulb," "The Fried Judge," "Wellington
Harbour." (Rating: 5++)
Pirates
of the Caribbean at World's End - An Original
Walt Disney Records Soundtrack (CD, Disney, Soundtrack)
We don't mind admitting right off the bat that we do not care for Walt Disney's
Pirates of the Caribbean film series featuring the "never believable
as a pirate" acting skills of Johnny Depp (a man whose talents
we have very much admired in other films). As a result, we were rather surprised
to discover that when you remove the film and hear nothing but music...there
are some real gems to be harvested here. The music on this CD was composed
by Hanz Zimmer who provides thirteen super slick and effective compositions.
Zimmer's music sounds something like a cross between classical and world
music. The sound of the orchestra on this disc is amazing. Super big productions
can often be rather pretentious and unlistenable. But in this case...Mr.
Zimmer has come up with a disc that sounds absolutely incredible and works
from start to finish. And the louder you turn it up, the better it sounds.
Lush tracks include "Singapore," "Up Is Down," "What
Shall We Die For," and "I Don't Think Now Is The Best Time."
(Rating: 5)
Quarter
Acre Lifestyle - Quarter Acre Lifestyle
(Independently released CD, Pop/funk/dance)
What drew us into this band's music were the bass lines. Wow...wow...wowwwwww...throbbing,
infectious bass lines that simply cannot be ignored. Quarter Acre
Lifestyle is New Zealand brothers Aaron Pollock and Cameron
Pollock...who have now been joined by Jack Wilcox, Kristin
Brown, and Sarah Anderson. Although this album was released in
June of 2006, it is only now receiving a larger degree of national recognition.
The tracks on this album sound something like a cross between The Grassy
Knoll, early Peter Gabriel, and Scorn...but not really.
These folks slip and slide into so many musical territories that it can
be rather confusing at times. But no matter what type of music they tackle,
they do it right. We had to listen to this little pancake several
times before we finally decided that we loved it. Groovy tracks include
"Massive Aggressive," "Tiny Patch of Sky," "What
It Is," "I Can Tell," and "I'll Be O.K." (Rating:
5++)
Schooner - Hold On Too Tight (CD, 54
40 or Fight!, Pop)
Subtle and unassuming underground pop from Chapel Hill, North Carolina's
Schooner. This band's music has been compared to a wide variety of
other artists including (but not limited to) Guided By Voices, Wedding
Present, My Bloody Valentine, and Wilco. While all of
these comparisons can be made, the songs on Hold On Too Tight don't
really sound that much like any one particular artist. These pieces are
restrained and subtle...rather soft and dreamy...and only on occasion does
the band get noisy. This music is, for the most part, extremely laidback.
Thus, in order to appreciate this album you need to be in the right frame
of mind. Cool, slightly puzzling tracks include "Carrboro," "There's
Enough To Do," "Married," and "Hospital Floor."
(Rating: 4+++)
The Sea
- The Boats are in the Bay (CD, Music
Related, Progressive)
Sounds similar to ambient music...but this isn't ambient music...sounds
similar to soft pop...but this isn't really soft pop...sounds like improvisational
instrumental music...but there are vocals involved... The folks in The
Sea (Esker, Bernd Hamblin, Berling Yeoman) are
the same folks who are also in the band The Boats. The main difference
between the two bands is that The Boats is an instrumental project while
The Sea includes vocals. The Boats are in the Bay is a collection
of slow, soft, methodical compositions. Traditional instruments merge with
modern electronics to create otherworldly sounds and mood pieces. These
tracks are serene and cerebral...smooth yet bizarre...subtle yet mesmerizing...
This band is definitely treading in some new, interesting arenas. Odd tracks
include "A School of Cherry Blossoms," "Kokoo," and
"No More Wasting Chances." Neat stuff. (Rating: 5+)
$hane
- Music For Bathtubs (CD, Phantom
Powers, Electronic/instrumental)
A different sort of album featuring different types of music. Austin's $hane
$helton has spent a great deal of time in the bathtub...so he finally
decided to create an album inspired by and recorded for the experience.
While it may sound like some kind of a joke, Music For Bathtubs is
a surprisingly real and sincere album. The CD features eleven tracks that
delve into experimental noise, ambience, and electronic pop. The music is
mostly inspired by water or related topics ("Frog Pond," "Snowflake,"
"Tub," "The Big Ship", etc.). These tracks are solo
recordings with some extra sounds and recording expertise provided by Cisco
Ryder. While others are trying way too hard to make music that is way
too complex and overproduced...$hane succeeds because he gets his point
across using only the bare essentials. Nifty sounding stuff that kinda reminds
us of babysue favorite Twink. (Rating: 5)
Signal To Trust - Golden Armour (CD, Modern
Radio, Progressive)
MINIBLURB*:
Complex, progressive rock/pop with a twist. Golden Armour is reminiscent
of many bands including but not limited to Wire and Sonic Youth.
There's a lot going on in these twelve tracks that would take some time
to digest. Odd, angular, and unusual stuff. Really nice packaging on this
one... (Not Rated)
*A miniblurb is a short descriptive summary of a disc that
we found intriguing. We did not have sufficient time to write a proper review
but we did not want the disc to go unnoticed. Note that miniblurbs are not
rated...but we encourage readers to check out releases receiving miniblurbs
because, in some cases, these discs may very well turn out to be the best
releases of the month.
Stand - Travel Light (CD, New World Music, Progressive
pop)
The fourth full-length release from Ireland's Stand. These fellows
have apparently made some major waves in the United States since moving
to New York in 2002 and yet this disc serves as our introduction to their
music. More than any other artist, Travel Light reminds us of the
overall sound and approach of Copeland. The guys in Stand write and
record melodic pop music that is propelled by some unorthodox rhythms and
the songs feature wonderful layered vocals. While technology plays a major
role in the band's overall sound, songs are always the main event. This
album is a perfect marriage of artistic ideas with slick commercial sound
quality. Lots of bands get carried away in the studio and overproduce their
music to death. While the fellows in this band do tweak, twist, and overdub
a great deal...it all serves to support the vocal melodies. Travel Light
is a thick, heady album that just happens to contain great songs. To top
it all off, the CD comes in a beautifully designed die-cut digipak sleeve.
Killer tracks include "Carousel," "White Elephants,"
"Everything You Do Is Right," and "My Theory." Well
done. (Rating: 5+)
Brett
Ryan Stewart - Necessary Lies (Independently
released CD, Pop)
Our first impression of this independently recorded and released CD was
that it was going to get tossed to the side because it would probably sound
like a thousand other generic underground artists. First impressions can
be deceiving...and we don't mind admitting that we were totally wrong
on this one. Although he's a complete unknown at the present time, Carthage,
Tennessee's Brett Ryan Stewart is an incredibly talented man who
writes some truly killer songs. What surprises us most about these recordings
is how incredibly accessible they are. Instead of writing weird and
noisy underground pop, Stewart composes classic pop songs that are timeless
and surprisingly mature. And the man's voice has to be heard to be believed...what
a voice (!). A great deal of time and energy obviously went into recording
these tunes. The sound quality is nice and warm...a far cry from much of
the overproduced music that clutters our mailbox. We wouldn't be surprised
in the least if this guy gets picked up by the Vanguard label. His music
would fit right in. Killer tracks include "Yet Again (Politic),"
"Finding My Way," "Needle & Spoon," and "Disappear."
Quality material from start to finish. (Rating: 5+)
They
Shoot Horses, Don't They? - Pick Up Sticks
(CD, Kill Rock Stars,
Progressive)
MINIBLURB*:
Marching music...? Strange but true, this band's peculiar skewed
rock/pop tracks are recorded to beats reminiscent of a marching band. The
folks at Kill Rock Stars have a way of picking out some of the oddest bands...and
this is no exception to the rule. Sounds a bit like XTC at times.
Digesting this album would take some time...but our initial reaction was
very positive... (Not Rated)
*A miniblurb is a short descriptive summary of a disc that
we found intriguing. We did not have sufficient time to write a proper review
but we did not want the disc to go unnoticed. Note that miniblurbs are not
rated...but we encourage readers to check out releases receiving miniblurbs
because, in some cases, these discs may very well turn out to be the best
releases of the month.
Three 4 Tens - Down The Way (CD, Rainbow
Quartz, Pop)
Soft and subtle pop with traces of mild psychedelia. Unlike some Rainbow
Quartz artists who play purely upbeat catchy pop. the guys in Three 4
Tens write and record soft moody pop tunes that slowly make their way
into your subconscious over time. What we find most puzzling about this
band is that...despite the fact that their overall sound is very familiar...we
have a very hard time coming up with possible influences and similar
sounding artists. One thing is certain...we have heard very few pop bands
in the past few years who can effectively combine drone and soft pop like
these guys do. Down The Way is repetitive and hypnotic and yet...the
vocal melodies are actually strangely catchy and accessible. Listening to
this is kinda like...tripping and listening to college radio music from
the 1980s. A word of warning. In order to get the full effect of this disc
you need to play it several times. Only then will the subtle nuances of
the music begin to sink in. Cool moody creations include "Everyday,"
"I Get High," "All the Pretty Girls," and "Gold
Medal Moment." (Rating: 5+)
Track
a Tiger - We Moved Like Ghosts (CD,
Deep Elm, Progressive pop)
Totally cool and groovy moody soft pop that sounds something like a cross
between Starflyer 59, Pink Floyd, and Yo La Tengo...but
not really. Jim Vallet is one of the best new male vocalists
we have heard this year. He has a soft, deep, breathy voice that is nothing
short of fantastic. Add to this the fact that Track a Tiger tunes
are smooth, melodic, and catchy...and you have a magnetic band whose music
is bound to catch on with the right audience (i.e., thinking listeners who
require intelligent pop with substance). This band's first album (Woke
Up Early the Day I Died) was released on the increasingly influential
Future Appletree label. We Moved Like Ghosts, the band's second full-length,
is an unforgettable listening experience. Thick, dreamy tracks include "Saint
About to Fall," "All These Accidents," "Not Far From
This Anger," and "Without Fail." This album is destined to
be one of the best pop releases in 2007 without a doubt... [Note: This is
part of a new series offered by the folks at Deep Elm whereby only 1,000
actual physical copies of the CD are being pressed (to encourage downloads)
so if you want one...you'd better grab at this one QUICK.] (Rating:
5+++)
The
Truly Me Club - Popstar on the Lam (CD,
Sonic Boom Recordings,
Pop)
MINIBLURB*:
Soft, progressive free-flowing pop music with exceptional melodies. The
band is driven by the songwriting talents of Portland, Oregon's Jason
Parker. Parker writes pensive, thoughtful tunes that are soft and slightly
haunting. This one proves to be an intriguing spin... (Not Rated)
*A miniblurb is a short descriptive summary of a disc that
we found intriguing. We did not have sufficient time to write a proper review
but we did not want the disc to go unnoticed. Note that miniblurbs are not
rated...but we encourage readers to check out releases receiving miniblurbs
because, in some cases, these discs may very well turn out to be the best
releases of the month.
Universe
Narrows - What Makes a Weed? (Independently
released CD, Pop)
Simple, direct, hummable pop tunes from the father/son duo of JJ
and Mark O'Connor. What Makes a Weed? is refreshing in many
ways, not the least of which is these guys' ability to write genuine songs
with lyrics that most people should be able to relate to. Instead of creating
super weird and artsy underground pop, JJ and Mark record pop tunes that
are remarkably normal sounding. The songs are presented simply using traditional
instruments. You can tell by the sounds on this album that these guys had
a good time recording these compositions. Nice, smooth, fluid cuts include
"Stickball," "Spinach Green Eyes," "Lost and Found,"
and "Looking Through a Pane." Sincere, thoughtful, real
music. (Rating: 5)
The Wellingtons - For Friends in Far Away Places (CD, Popboomerang,
Pop)
The music of The Wellingtons practically defines catchy modern buzzsaw
pop. This young band plays with such genuine, vibrant energy that you can't
help but be affected by their enthusiasm. One's first impression might be
to lump them in with a thousand other hard pop bands because they have a
thick loud sound...but closer inspection reveals songs with super cool melodies
that zip and glide all over the place. The Wellingtons' songs sound something
like revved up versions of early recordings by Elvis Costello and
Joe Jackson. But while many of their tunes may be rooted in classic
pop acts from the past, the overall sound is decidedly twenty-first century
all the way. These ten punchy tracks are thick, catchy, clean, and addictive.
Clever keepers include "Top 10 List," "If We Feel OK,"
"Penny," and "She Gave Up." Neat stuff. (Rating: 5+)
Life is neat.
Life is cool.
Life is replaceable.
Life is uncomfortable.(Rating: 1)
When you wish
Upon a star
It goddamn sure as Hell
Makes a great big
Goddamn difference
Who the Hell
You are.
(Rating: 1)
Ants - Ideabreaker
Josh Aran - Water to wash water away
Arks - The international
A Study In Her - Another year in philadelphia
Steve Barton and the Oblivion Circle - Flicker of time
Bitter Bitter Weeks - Peace is burning
Bodies of Water - Ears will pop and eyes will blink
Brighton MA - Brighton MA
Brown Shoe - Vanity
Bumbalo - Bumbalo
Tyler Burnett - Tyler Burnett
Gene Butler - Concrete country
Meryn Cadell - Angel food for thought
Liz Carlisle - Big dreams
Chemic - Fever on the forest floor
Chiba-Ken - Are we innocent?
Circus Diablo - Circus Diablo
Confession - Requiem
Contrast - Underground ghosts
Cut City - Exit Decades
Damien Dempsey - To hell or barbados
Dappled Cities - Granddance
Malan Darras - Who is Malan D?
Mark Davis - Don't you think we should be closer?
Mark Davis - Mistakes meant to make
Day After - A different way to get by
Dear & Departed - Someting quite peculiar
Delettantes - 101 tambourines
Deleted Waveform Gatherings - Complicated view
Diet Kong - Diet Kong
Doom Loop - The original mark edwards
Firescape - Dancehall apocalypse
Hannah Fury - Through the gash
Emerson Hart - Cigarettes and gasoline
Heartbeat Club - Lamecore
Hyperbubble - Airbrushed alibis
Isenheart - Isenheart
Gaslight Anthem - Sink or swim
The Ghost is Dancing - The darkest spark
Great Lake Swimmers - Ongiara
Great Outdoors - Food, booze, and entertainment
Matthew Hope - Black tea nights
Kevin House - World of beauty
Howard Hello / Greenness - Howard Hello / Greenness
ILAD - National flags
Jena Campaign - A panda for amanda
Jupiter Watts - Jupiter Watts
K-Chari - Out of line
Kleveland - Kleveland
Last Star Shining - Shuporhero
Steuart Liebig / Minim - Sulphur
London Sofa - Everybody wants to have a good life
Steven Mark - Racing grey
The Measure [SA] - Historical fiction
Look Mexico - This is animal music
Madhouse - Everything kills
Mandrake - Featherweight
Manteca Beat - Manteca-licious!
The Masons - Let you down easy
Mandy Mercier - Run out of darkness
M'lumbo - Sacrifices ot the neon gods
Monahans - Low pining
Monument - Decades
My Morning Jacket - At dawn/tennessee fire demos package
Mystery of Two - Arros Are All You Know
Nouvelle Vague - Presents new wave
Once - Music from the motion picture
One Hand Loves the Other - One Hand Loves the Other
Patient Patient - Professionals and convicts
People Noise - Ordinary ghosts
Private Eleanor - Sweethearting
Project Jenny, Project Jan - XOXOXOXOXO
Blake Rainey and His Demons - The dangerous summer
Red Cloud - Hawthorne's most wanted
Reed KD - The ashes bloom
Rikters - Don't you get it
Sapiens - Vs. the hornet
Peter Searcy - Spark
Second Dan - Bringing down goliath
Session Americana - Beer town: The table top collective vol. 3
Bernie Shanahan - You
Trick Sensei - Summer sessions: Notes from a free cascadia
Slant - A thin line
Sleeping Revolt - Nightmare
Eric Smith - Rocky road
Soldier - Chamber music
Dave Soldier - Da h iphop raskalz
Soul Junk - 1959
Splurge - The cure for the cure
Start - Ciao, baby
State Champs - State Champs
Strezo - This balance
Swati - Small gods
Tears Run Rings - A question and an answer
Three Leaf Clover - Whiting tennis
Toasters - One more bullet
Turbo Fruits - Turbo Fruits
Two Dollar Pistols - Here tomorrow gone today
Various Artists - Essential dub
Various Artists - Deep Elm: Cover your tracks
Various Art ists - Kohalik JA Kohatu Vol. 2 - Compilation of Estonian Independent
Music
Various Artists - The trials of Darryl Hunt: Official motion picture soundtrack
Veil Veil Vanish - Into a new mausoleum
Viarosa - Where the killers run
Kate Voegele - Don't look away
Wailsounds - Wailsounds
Wildbirds - Suzanna
Gretchen Witt - Six
Zu-Pa! - Fun
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