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June 2008 Reviews by
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June 2008 Reviews by
RATING SYSTEM:
= UNBELIEVABLY INCREDIBLE
= EXCELLENT
= LA LA LA LA...SO VERY GOOD
= GOOD, THIS ONE NOT GET USING MUCH
= FAIR, FAIR, WHERE IS THY HAIR?
= SHITTY BUT THIS IS ONLY HERE TO MAKE
THINGS APPEAR TO BALANCE OUT
Priscilla Ahn - A Good Day (Advance CD, Blue
Note, Soft pop)
At this point in the twenty-first century when there are so many ultra creative
and ultra weird artists on the planet...sometimes all you really want is
just some nice pleasant pop. As such, the new album from Priscilla Ahn
arrived in our office suites at just the right time. A Good Day
is a super smooth, super melodic album full of well-produced, pleasant tracks
that ought to please just about anyone who appreciates simple feelgood pop.
Originally from Philadelphia, Priscilla eventually moved to California and
released an EP. This is the follow up...her first full-length album. Ahn's
songs are amazingly mature, particularly for someone so young. Her words
and melodies are sincerely focused and real. And man...what a voice.
We would have liked to have seen the actual complete release on this one
rather than an advance CD. As such, this one definitely gets a thumbs
up...but only a partial review because we received only part of the actual
final product... (Not Rated)
How could anyone not hate
Babies?
They're ugly.
They smell like shit.
And they grow into
Adults.(Rating: 1)
Baskervilles - Twilight (CD, Secret Crush, Pop)
Really cool and catchy effervescent pop with a difference. The folks in
Baskervilles have created an album that will undoubtedly catch on
in a big way with pop fans around the world. Twilight, the band's
second full-length release, reminds us in many ways of the The Pooh
Sticks (one of the all-time great bands of the 1990s who never received
the recognition they deserved). Although the two bands don't really sound
all that similar...the way these folks deliver their super positive upbeat
tunes gives us the same kind of feelgood mental crush. Some of the band's
tunes also recall The Television Personalities at times...a band
they obviously have an affection for (they played a 2004 benefit for Daniel
Treacy). Produced by artist/producer extraordinaire Mitch Easter,
Twilight features an amazing fourteen tracks all crammed back-to-back
onto a 42 minute CD. Baskervilles tunes feature nifty male and female vocals,
neat guitar riffs, appropriately sprinkled horns, and plenty of infectious
danceable beats. Rather fantastic tracks include "A Little More Time,"
"Caught in a Crosswalk," "Have You Seen Them?," and
"The Apartment." This album is, without a doubt, a totally
groovy experience. (Rating: 5++)
Blood is black.
Blood is blue.
Blood is purple.
Blood is green.(Rating: 1)
The capital of Massachusetts is
Miami.
The capital of Texas is
Maryland.
The capital of Australia is
Romania.
The capital of Japan is
Frosted Nugget.(Rating: 1)
Cartoon Monster - The Dying Sea (CD, Now
Hereness, Progressive pop)
A different sort of underground pop album. Cartoon Monster is the
one man band consisting of Tory Fiterre. Tory grew up in Sacramento,
California but moved to Maui, Hawaii after graduating from high school.
Shortly afterwards he began recording...eventually releasing no less than
eight homemade albums. The Dying Sea, Fiterre's first official release
for a worldwide audience, is a cool collection of smart and slightly offbeat
underground pop tunes. Tory keeps things simple and to the point...which
is part of what makes his music so genuinely appealing. His understated
tunes have that certain undefinable quality that makes you keep coming back
for more. Most recording artists hit the listener with way too many elements
in the mix. This fellow's restraint certainly makes him stand out from the
pack. In many cases, there are only a handful of instruments used. Fiterre's
vocals are subtle and appropriately spontaneous. Smart, inventive tracks
include "Towne Breathe," "What You Say," "The Way
of the Boxfly," and "Spring Chicken." You certainly won't
find this obscure little gem out there on retail shelves, so you would be
best advised to visit the link above for further info. Plenty of really
cool stuff to digest... (Rating: 5+)
Mark
Chesnutt - Rollin' With the Flow (CD,
Lofton Creek, Country/pop)
We were big fans of Mark Chesnutt's early albums. During the past
few years, however, Mark's musical direction seemed to somehow get slightly
off track. On his past couple of albums his approach was becoming more and
more similar to artists like Trace Adkins and Toby Keith.
This new, louder, honky-tonkish sound just didn't seem appropriate for Chesnutt.
Fortunately for him as well as his fans, Rollin' With the Flow is
a fine return to form. This appropriately-titled album features the kind
of pure, soothing, mellow country pop tunes that made Mark such a favorite
many years ago. His voice is sounding absolutely remarkable these days and
the songs are fantastic. We should mention that the cover of this album
is deceptive. The photo and design looks like something that one would see
on one of those second-rate Cracker Barrel releases...not very appealing
visually. But make no mistake...Rollin' With the Flow rates right
up there with Chesnutt's best albums. Soft introspective tracks include
"When You Love Her Like Crazy," "Live To Be 100," "Woman,"
and "She Never Got Me Over You." (Rating: 5+)
Elvis Costello and the Imposters - Momofuku (CD, Lost Highway, Pop)
We have been big fans of Elvis Costello for years. Many, many, many
years. When we slammed Momofuku into our player and the first track
began ("No Hiding Place") we were rather damned excited. Wow...after
all these years, had Elvis finally decided to once again venture into territory
he chartered in his legendary Imperial Bedroom album...? Well, the
lead track comes close...but before things really get rocking they start
getting kinda uneven. "American Gangster Time," the next tune,
doesn't quite work. It sounds like Mr. Costello is having a hard time trying
to do the rock thing. Fortunately, for much of the remainder of the album,
the tunes return to the softer introspective pop that Elvis has been recording
during the past several years. To summarize... As much as we would like
to herald this as a truly great album, Momofuku is simply not one
of Costello's best album. It's not bad by any means. Even at his
worst, this guy creates music that puts lots of other artists to shame.
There are some choice tunes here, but there are a few clunkers as well.
We can only recommend this to folks who are already fans of the man. Even
though this is not his best collection of tunes, in the end we're just happy
that this talented fellow is still making music after all these years...
(Rating: 4+++)
Michael
Dease - Clarity (CD, Blues Back,
Jazz)
We tend to prefer classic jazz from the 1940s to the 1960s...for no other
reason than the artists somehow just seem purer and more real than most
modern jazz players. There are always exceptions to every rule, however...and
Michael Dease is definitely an exception. Instead of the schmaltzy
overproduced dribble that modern artists are guilty of producing, Dease
presents his music simply and without unnecessary ingredients that get in
the way of the flavors. Clarity is this man's third full-length release...and
it's a keeper. Dease and his fellow musicians Brandon Lee (trumpet),
Sharel Cassity (alto sax), Kris Bowers (piano), Matthew
Heredia (bass), Marion Felder (drums) Kenneth Salters (drums),
and Mark Whitfield, Jr. (drums) have recorded an ultimately soothing
and super satisfying collection of groove-oriented tunes that should please
even the most discriminating listeners. The playing is fluid and tight and
the sound quality is exceptional. With the exception of one track ("Speak
Low" by Kurt Weill), Dease composed everything. Classy, classic
tracks include "Relentless," "You Dig?", "Top of
the Morning," and "Clarity." (Rating: 5+)
Dragonlance: Dragons of Autumn
Twilight - Original Motion Picture Soundtrack:
Music by Karl Preusser (CD, Lakeshore, Soundtrack)
Talk about an epic recording. Soundtrack recording artist extraordinaire
Karl Preusser has really made a major statement with this album.
Based on the best selling novel, Dragonlance: Dragons of Autumn Twilight
is an animated film about dragons, swords, and spells. Preusser pulled out
all the stops creating the soundtrack to this film...incorporating one of
the largest casts of players we have seen in quite some time for the recording
of a single album. These tracks feature an entire choir and orchestra...and
the sound is big, big, BIG. There's a lot of music on this disc...a total
of 29 compositions totaling 67 minutes worth of music. So you definitely
get a lot of bang for your buck here. This will no doubt sound great
in theaters and on your surround sound system. Kickass orchestral music
with a real emotional punch. (Rating: 5)
Echo Is Your Love - Lion Tamer vs Tigers (CD EP, If
Society, Progressive pop)
The folks in Finland's Echo Is Your Love have been at it for a decade
now and have made quite a name for themselves in many countries. Whereas
the band's earlier releases were excursions into noisy chaos, these days
the band seems to be redefining themselves and adapting their sound to suit
a wider audience. In many cases, this can be the kiss of death for an underground
band. In the case of Echo Is Your Love...it is just another interesting
stepping stone in their unusual career path. Lion Tamer vs Tigers
features the most accessible tunes we have heard thus far from these folks.
These tracks seem to harken back to late 1980s new wave and punk bands...while
still retaining that strangely aggressive edge. This EP features two tracks
that will be on their next full-length album as well as a remix by Boys
of Scandinavia. As always, truly neat stuff from this slowly emerging
art band... (Rating: 5)
Kill the evil that
Lives inside
You.(Rating: 1)
No matter
How many people die
In natural disasters
It will never be
Enough.(Rating: 1)
The Estranged - Static Thoughts (CD, Dirtnap,
Rock)
Really good straightforward rock played without unnecessary crap getting
in the way. This neat, short little album (clocking in at just under half
an hour) is a really cool blast of real, genuine rock music. The guys in
the band are tight, tight, tight...and they play with the same kind of genuine
energy that was evident in many of the early punk bands from the 1970s.
But don't expect a rehashing of ideas from the past here. The guys in The
Estranged are playing twenty-first century garage pop for modern music
fans. We're not certain, but we think we may hear subtle traces of Wire
and early The Damned in some of these songs. Throbbing rhythms, sexually
explicit guitars, and great raw vocals make Static Thoughts an excellent
and moving experience. Ten classy tunes here including "No Love,"
"Nothing To Say," "Image of More," and "Valueless
Properties." Some really excellent songs here... (Rating: 5)
Don't look anyone
Straight in the eye.
If you do they will
Pull you into their
Confused little universe
And you will be imprisoned there
Forever.(Rating: 1)
Don't follow your
Dreams.
Don't follow anything.(Rating: 1)
The
Fore - Black & White (Independently
released British import CD, Pop)
Folks usually either love The Beatles or they can't stand 'em. The
folks in Britain's The Fore are obviously enamored of the Fab Four,
as their music is directly influenced by the very early songs of John
Lennon and Paul McCartney. Black & White is a short
album lasting just over half an hour...a fact which in and of itself is
reminiscent of albums from the 1960s.When you opt to go retro it either
works...or it doesn't. These guys are obviously creating the kind of music
they love. And, as such, the tunes on this album seem to come straight from
their hearts. Admittedly, folks who don't like this style of music will
probably be pulling their hair out when they hear songs like "Love
For Sale," "You'll Be Mine," and "It'll Be Me."
But folks who dig the sound of artists like Neil Innes or any one
of dozens of bands on the Rainbow Quartz label will probably get a major
kick out of this disc. These guys obviously know what they're doing. Their
sound is decidedly authentic...and the vocals are exceptional. (Rating:
4+++++)
William F. Gibbs - My Fellow Sophisticates (CD, Old
Man Records, Pop)
Really cool melodic indie pop with a classic feel. William F. Gibbs
is quite different from the average modern underground pop singer/songwriter.
Instead of creating noisy, artsy, trendy music he composes surprisingly
accessible tunes that are basically pop...occasionally treading into other
territories like folk and even ragtime. My Fellow Sophisticates is
a very mature album. The tracks often remind us of some of the more offbeat
songs written by Ray Davies in the mid-1970s. Gibbs has a great voice
which is an integral part of his overall sound. His loose, genuine style
of singing gives his songs a nice, refreshing warmth that is most inviting.
"Come Back To Me (For My Love)" has a really cool ethereal melody
that is instantly catchy. "Ankle Deep in the Atlantic" features,
without a doubt, some of the most beautiful melody lines we have heard this
year. Don't expect a quick fix here. Sophisticates takes a few spins
to sink in. But, if you're like us, about five or ten spins later...you
will be addicted to this album. Recommended. (Rating: 5++)
Hour
of the Shipwreck - The Hour is Upon Us
(Independently released CD, Progressive pop)
A lot of time and energy obviously went into the recording of The Hour
is Upon Us. The guys in Los Angeles, California's Hour of the Shipwreck
have a super thick and dense sound that is characterized by unpredictable
melody lines and complex arrangements. The songs on this album come across
sounding something like a modern gothic take on progressive rock bands from
the 1970s. The songs have strange ethereal qualities and often evolve into
walls of sound. One writer compared the band's sound as something like a
cross between Jeff Buckley and Radiohead...which is a fairly
accurate way of attempting to describe the goings on here. The multi-layered
vocals are, at times, rather spectacular. We can't help but wonder if this
band is influenced by Peter Gabriel-era Genesis...? Peculiar
cuts include "The Chandelier Suite," "Soft Napalm Pillow
Dreams," and "Unclouded Eyes." (Rating: 4+++)
How do you do.
How do you don't.
How are you.
How are you not.
How is everything.
How is nothing.
(Rating: 1)
Gary Husband - The Complete Diary of a Plastic Box (Double CD, Angel Air, Instrumental)
Reissue of Gary Husband's 1999 release (originally titled Diary
of a Plastic Box) given the deluxe reissue treatment from the folks
at Britain's Angel Air label. The Complete Diary of a Plastic Box
is a double CD set that not only includes all of the original album tracks
but also includes a second bonus disc containing previously unreleased material
and outtakes (plus the package features all new liner notes). This, the
debut album from this intriguing multi-instrumentalist, has held up well
over the past few years. Husband has played with some biggies...including
John McLaughlin, Billy Cobham, Level 42, Robin Trower,
and Jack Bruce. This album was originally released on a small independent
label but was quickly deleted...much to the dismay of Husband's fans. Now
the album has been remastered and is once again available worldwide. Interesting
fluid instrumentals presented with precise attention to detail... (Rating:
4+++++)
Ignorance was genuine
In the past.
People were truly
Naive.
Over the years ignorance
Evolved.
Now people know better
But they choose to
Ignore it.(Rating: 1)
The Individuals - Fields/Aquamarine (CD, Bar/None,
Progressive pop)
Fields/Aquamarine is an interesting and somewhat different sort of
album. The Individuals have a sound that harkens back to the late
1980s and early 1990s when alternative guitar bands ruled college airwaves.
We can hear traces of possible influences by a host of different bands on
this album including (but not limited to) The Fleshtones and Gang
of Four. This lengthy album clocks in at almost 70 minutes as the band
presents no less than 21 original songs. Most of these tracks have a slightly
funky sound and are driven by cool bass lines. (Rating: 4+++)
Isol / Zypce - Sima (CD, Darla,
Progressive pop)
Sima is a different sort of exotic progressive pop album created
by the sister and brother team of Isol and Zypce. Isol has
already made quite a name for herself as a vocalist in the bands Entre
Rios, The Excuse, and Alsace Lorraine. Her brother Zypce
has, up until now, mainly been involved with composing music for film, dance,
and theatre in Argentina (which is where both siblings reside). This eleven
track album features unconventional pop music that is eclectic and often
strangely hypnotic. Even though the instrumentation and arrangements are
decidedly offbeat, the overall flow of this album is strangely pleasant
and appealing. This could be due to Isol's incredibly smooth and
absorbing vocals. Both siblings took part in writing the music. It should
be noted that, even though she has been involved in various other projects,
this is the first time Isol has been involved in actually writing music.
Some of these compositions bear a slight, strange resemblance to some of
the more experimental music created by Lol Creme and Kevin Godley.
It would be difficult to compare Sima to other twenty-first century
albums because it is just...very...different. For folks who need
to understand everything they hear, the lyrics are translated into English
in the enclosed lyric booklet. Super imaginative and satisfying. An easy
TOP PICK. Highly recommended. (Rating: 5+++)
Jesus dyed his hair
For your sins.
Jesus dyed his eyebrows
For your sins.
Jesus dyed his mother's underarm hair
For your sins.
Jesus dyed his pubic hair
For your sins.(Rating: 1)
Ariel
Kalma - Le Temps des Moissons (CD, Beta-lactam Ring, Drone/instrumental)
Numbing odd drones. This limited edition CD (only 5,000 are available) is
a reissue of an album that Ariel Kalma recorded way back in 1975.
He pressed the album himself on vinyl which included a surprise for the
listener...the final groove on the second side was a loop which meant that
the record would never technically stop playing until you turned it off.
Don't worry, the CD doesn't have that "special feature"...although
the listener is treated to several minutes of the loop at the appropriate
moment to give the desired residual effect. This reissue features all the
original tracks as well as two unreleased bonus tracks that were recorded
during the same time period. These peculiar cuts sound something like a
bagpipe being fed through various processors. Kalma used a saxophone to
create many of his sounds as well as various other ethnic and electric instruments.
Strangely hypnotic and slightly spooky...this is definitely not intended
for the casual listener... (Rating: 4+++)
Mark Mathis - We Both Was Young (Independently released CD, Pop)
Instantly likable soft pop from South Carolina's Mark Mathis. We
Both Was Young is a strangely inviting album with songs that sound something
like a more accessible take on Canada's Hayden except more folky
with subtle hints of bluegrass thrown into the mix. This album is impressive...even
more so when you consider the fact that Mathis is currently an unknown,
up-and-coming artist. This man's vocals are exceptional. He has a really
cool deep voice and comes across sounding genuine and sincere. Fortunately,
this disc includes a lyric sheet that allows the listener to easily absorb
Mark's deeply personal ideas. The more we spin this album...the more obvious
the subtleties become. Eleven cool tracks here including "Sharecropper
Takes a Colored Wife," "Prenup," and "Marriage is Hard."
(Rating: 5+)
Sarah
McLachlan - Rarities, B-Sides, and Other
Stuff (CD, Arista / Nettwerk, Pop)
Sarah McLachlan is a rare individual in the world of music. In the
case of most commercially successful artists, it is very easy to hate their
music because it is almost always a total ephemeral throwaway experience.
Because she is so well-known and professional, we would like to dismiss
McLachlan and her music...but we can't. And the simple reason why
is that this lady is so damned talented. As the title suggests, Rarities,
B-Sides, and Other Stuff is not a brand new album...but rather a collection
of odd nuggets collected to demonstrate how surprisingly genuine and real
Sarah is at any given moment. Any artist whose music can withstand the repeated
inundation of a television commercial ("Ordinary Miracle") has
to be doing something right (!). McLachlan works with a variety of guest
artists here...including Cindi Lauper, Bryan Adams, Emmylou
Harris, The Perishers, Ladysmith Black Mambazo, and Delerium.
No matter what she's doing or who she's doing it with...Sarah McLachlan
always sounds amazing. Her genuinely inspired spirit always seems to ring
through loud and clear. (Rating: 5+)
Alex
Moulton - Exodus (CD, Expansion
Team, Progressive techno instrumental)
The cover of this album sure brings back memories. Anyone who ever enjoyed
odd progressive / fantasy import albums from the 1970s will probably have
their memory banks shaken here. The cover of Exodus is a slick foldout
sleeve that features a really intense painting that recalls albums from
obscure seventies artists from Italy and Germany. To add to the authenticity,
the CD itself was pressed on black plastic and looks like a tiny little
vinyl LP. Hell, they even went so far as to enclose the CD inside a tiny
little plastic sleeve just like all those old overpriced imports. How cool
is that? Fortunately, there is much more to this release than a mere
nifty cover. Alex Moulton is the head of the media production company
and record label Expansion Team. For this album, Alex created his own storyline
and then created the soundtrack for it. Exodus is nothing short of
amazing. The music has an overall vibe that recalls progressive bands from
the 1970s...but the sounds and beats are much more current. These tracks
spin like twenty-first century takes on progressive rock with one major
difference. In most cases, the music is easy to dance to (!?!). The
thick and heady keyboards on this album are extremely focused and intricate.
Moulton worked on this project on and off for about four years. This is
an amazing album that effectively merges the past with the present. Fourteen
tracks of pure cerebral satisfaction. A real mind blower. Recommended. (Rating:
5+++)
One plus one is one.
Two plus two is two.
Three plus three is three.
Four plus four is four.(Rating: 1)
Nurse With Wound - Images / Zero Mix (Limited Edition CD Box Set with Hardback
Book, Beta-lactam Ring,
Experimental/sound)
Wow, what a package. The first 400 copies of this release are housed
in a large black box with embossed letters. Inside are two CDs, a hand signed
card, and an incredible CD-sized hardback book complete with embossed cover
and outer sleeve. A lot of folks may complain about the size of this release
because of the amount of space it will take up in their home. But our opinion
is that...this is so damn nifty that it hurts. In terms of creative
packaging, this is about as good as it gets. Fortunately this is not
one of those cases where money was spent to cover up the fact that there
is no substance within. The audio on these discs is dark, intense, and ultimately
very strange. Nurse With Wound is Steve Stapleton who also
creates art using the name Babs Santini. Steve's music consists of
strange audio experiments in which there are no rules and virtually no parameters.
He crafts totally artistic creations that exist in their own universe. It
would be futile to try and compare this music with other artists because
it would only confuse the issue. Suffice to say, these audio explorations
are intelligent and ultimately very, very curious. The little hardback art
book is fantastic. It features reprints of the 100 individually painted
discs that Stapleton created to celebrate the release of his three album
set Angry Eelectric Finger. If you're into experimental music and
stylish packaging, we would highly recommend that you get your grubby little
hands on this limited edition set as quickly as possible. It will undoubtedly
sell out fast. Wonderfully creative in every way possible. Okay, we'll stop
gushing now while we turn off all the lights...and turn this sucker up really,
really loud... Wow, what a rush. Highly recommended. (Rating:
5+++)
Oppenheimer - Take the Whole Midrange and Boost It (CD, Bar/None, Pop)
Neat swirling keyboard driven pop that recalls some of the better alternative
post-new wave bands from the late 1980s and early 1990s. In particular,
the vocals remind us of the criminally overlooked Boston band Fuzzy.
The folks in Britain's Oppenheimer released their debut album in
2006. Since that time, some of their tunes have landed in some rather amazing
places. The band's music has been included in the television shows How
I Met Your Mother and Ugly Betty and has even been included in
Fujifilm and Nike commercials. Oppenheimer's second album
should satisfy their original fans as well as bring in legions more. The
humorously-titled Take the Whole Midrange and Boost It is a pure
feelgood listening experience. The band seems to delight in delivering purely
upbeat danceable tunes without any regard for trying to sound cool or hip.
Listening to this album, we can't help but get the impression that these
folks record music because that's what they enjoy doing. The pure sincerity
of these modern pop cuts is infectious and real. Twelve magnetic songs here
including "Major Television Events," "Only Goal and Winner,"
"The Blue Rose," and "I Don't Care What Anyone Says About
You, I Think You're Alright." Really cool art on the tri-fold digipak
sleeve... (Rating: 5+)
You can get over anything
If you live long
Enough.(Rating: 1)
Peasant
- On the Ground (CD, Paper
Garden, Soft pop)
Peasant is the one-man band created by Doylestown, Pennsylvania's
Damien DeRose. Although the press release that accompanied this disc
compared the music to Elliott Smith and Simon and Garfunkle
(which is most certainly an accurate observation), in our minds DeRose's
songs sound very much like a soft folky Chris Bell (of Big Star
fame). A word of warning... If you're looking for upbeat, loud, danceable
stuff you will not find it here. On the Ground is an extremely
soft and subtle album featuring slow, soft, thoughtful, and thoroughly restrained
tunes. We were hesitant about this album at first...but ultimately Damien's
melodies drew us in and made us believers. Nice introspective tracks include
"On the Ground," "We're Good," "Be Free,"
and "You Don't Know." Nice, simple, positive stuff. (Rating: 4++++)
Pomegranates - Everything Is Alive (CD, Lujo,
Pop)
The debut full-length from Cincinnati, Ohio's Pomegranates. The members
of this band got a lot of folks talking with the release of their debut
EP Two Eyes. This album expands upon the ideas presented on that
EP...and further cements the band's place in the world of twenty-first century
pop. It is interesting to note that most of this album was recorded live
to tape. Our initial impression of Everything Is Alive is that the
band's overall sound is now much tighter and focused. The band consists
of Joey Cook (vocals, guitar, keys), Isaac Karns (vocals,
guitar, bass), Josh Kufeldt (bass), and Jacob Merritt (drums).
Presenting their material with a simple, stripped down sound was a super
smart choice for this album because it allows the listener to focus on the
odd nuances that make these songs so naturally appealing. Nice warm rockers
include "Transportation," "The Bellhop" (a really exceptional
tune), "Desert Hymn," and "Thunder Meadow." Intriguing
stuff. (Rating: 5+)
Michaela
Rabitsch & Robert Pawlik Quartet - Moods
(CD, Extraplatte, Jazz/pop)
Nice, soothing, sultry jazz featuring female vocalist Michaela Rabitch.
Austria's Rabitch and her husband Robert Pawlik have been recording
music for over a decade now. Moods is their third-full length release
and the first to feature exclusively original compositions. One thing that
sets these folks apart from the average jazz act is the fact that not only
does Michaela sing...but she is also an accomplished trumpet player.
This, combined with her husband's incredibly fluid guitar playing, gives
their music an inviting sound with occasional Latin flavors. Moods
is a very subtle yet stylish album featuring flawless playing and instantly
additive rhythms. We particularly like the light and playful sounds in "Afrika."
(Rating: 4+++++)
Rancho
Deluxe - True Freedom (Independently
released CD, Country/pop/rock)
Modern country pop has a really bad reputation in the twenty-first century...and
deservedly so. Whereas country music was once genuine and came mainly from
the heart...nowadays most of the artists come across sounding about as sincere
and real as a goddamn can of Cheeze Whiz. Thankfully, there are always
credible artists bubbling underneath the surface...and California's Rancho
Deluxe is an excellent exception to the rule. True Freedom features
fourteen smooth, hummable country pop tracks. In all honesty, this band's
music sounds like thousands of other bands on the planet. But in our teensy
weensy little corner of the universe, we try to look beyond the music and
pick up on the artists themselves and why they do what they do. To be more
precise...the intent behind the music is what separates the folks
in Rancho Deluxe from all the pathetic wannabees. Instead of churning out
processed crap, these folks create pure, simple, real music that could be
appreciated by just about anyone who enjoys this style of music. The players
are tight but not inclined to show off on their instruments...and lead vocalist
Mark Adams has one of the best voices in the business. Wonderfully
real, feelgood tunes include "Too Late," "Hard Time,"
"Pine Street Saloon," and "Whiskey and Saturday Nights."
This band is easily one of the best kept country/pop secrets in the United
States. Recommended. (Rating: 5++)
Republic Tigers - Keep Color (CD, Chop
Shop, Pop)
Smart, polished, articulate, immaculately produced modern progressive pop
with vocals to die for. Republic Tigers have created a wonderfully
imaginative album...twelve classy cuts that were obviously a labor of love.
There's no telling how many hours were involved in the creation of
this CD. When we originally heard the advance CD-R in April of this year,
we were instantly intrigued. After giving these tracks several more weeks
to sink in...we are now even more impressed. If there is one word we could
use to describe this band's music, that word would most surely be hypnotic.
The songs on Keep Color are cerebral yet highly melodic...and the
thick layered vocals really work magic on the brain. Of course, songs are
the centerpiece of any album...and songs are what make Color stand
up to so many repeated spins. In an age of throwaway pop, this disc easily
stands out as a genuine and sincere creation. Super satisfying cuts include
"Buildings & Mountains," "Feelin' The Future," "Made
Concrete," and "Cast On, Cast Off." Plenty of excellent thought
provoking lyrics. An obvious Top Pick. Highly recommended. (Rating: 5+++)
Riddle
of Steel - 1985 (CD, Ascetic,
Riff rock)
We have been impressed with this band for quite some time now. The guys
in Riddle of Steel return with what may be their most direct and
accessible album yet. 1985 is a hard-hitting punchy collection of
highly melodic pop/rock. The guitars on this album sound totally amazing...very
reminiscent of Joe Walsh's pioneering guitar playing on the first
three James Gang albums. This album seems to be somewhat of a departure
for the guys in this band. These songs are more stripped down and straightforward...as
well as harder and heavier. The rhythm section is just as riveting and exciting.
The real icing on the cake is the vocals. These guys have soaring vocals
that put other bands to shame. Anyone who ever loved super catchy riff rock
is bound to get a big bang out of this album. Super cool cuts include "John
Frum," "Who's the Fella Owns This Shithole?", "Plenty
of Satisfaction," and "Easy Love." Recommended. (Rating:
5++)
Ride
the Boogie - Ride the Boogie (CD, Longhair Illuminati, / Boogie Disks,
Pop)
This band began when Adam Tymn and Glenn Pinson began recording
on a bus while playing on the Warped Tour with their other bands. For their
debut album, the guys in this band went into a non-mobile studio and laid
down these tracks in a mere five days. Ride the Boogie is an interesting
album that alternatives between stoner rock and interesting progressive
pop. The loud tracks are real rippers. It's hard to stay still while listening
to intense rockers like "Big Ass Bass," "Flat Out First Gear,"
and "Mustache Riders." But don't expect all the songs to sound
the same (which is almost always the case with stoner rock bands).
These guys are a lot more inventive than that...tossing in various oddities
that are hard to describe and/or interpret. This stream-of-consciousness
album requires several spins to sink in. Oddball cuts like "Naughty
Corner" and "Miss Perfect" are strangely melodic and peculiar.
Strangely appealing... (Rating: 4++++)
Rocket Number Nine Zoom Zoom
Up - Rocket Number Nine Zoom Zoom Up (Advance
CD-R, Contraphonic, Jazz/instrumental)
This is an unusual release. Unusual because it is the first jazz release
we have heard on the Contraphonic label...and secondly because instead of
playing alternative rock, this young South Carolina-based trio is playing
free-flowing jazz instrumentals. Produced by John McEntire (who has
produced big names like Tortoise and Stereolab), Rocket
Number Nine Zoom Zoom Up (the trio's debut album) is a slick and well
rounded batch of tunes. This band consists of Monty Craig, Andy
Nagel, and John Bryce...all of whom admit that they "spend
more time listening to music than playing it." We would have liked
to have seen the actual complete release on this one rather than an advance
CD-R. As such, this one definitely gets a thumbs up...but only a
partial review because we received only part of the actual final product...
(Not Rated)
Shuteye Unison - Shuteye Unison (CD, Parks
and Records, Progressive pop)
This CD first caught our attention because it is on the Parks and Records
label. We have made particular mention of this cool little label in the
past because the folks running it seem to have the right ideas about making
music as well as the world in general. Not only that, they also seem to
have the right idea about what constitutes good music. Speaking of...Shuteye
Unison is an interesting new band. These folks create slightly hazy
melodic progressive pop/rock that sounds something like a cross between
Pinback and Starflyer 59. Shuteye Unison is the trio consisting
of Daniel McKenzie, Jon Fee, and Jake Krohn all of
whom are also involved in other musical projects. This self-titled CD is
short...lasting just over half an hour. But these six songs are extremely
strong and hold up to many repeated spins. Cool, catchy, thought provoking
stuff for intelligent listeners. Recommended. (Rating: 5++)
The Silverman - Blank For Your Own Message (CD, Beta-lactam
Ring, Experimental/sound)
This release features a really cool sleeve. Not only are the initial 500
copies enclosed in a full color book bound cover, but the cover itself is
a hoot. The front features a little frame encasing a blank white
space with the words "Blank For Your Own Message." It's kinda
like...name the album yourself. Brilliant. It would be tempting to
simply reprint the press release that accompanied this CD...because there's
no way in Hell we could ever come up with better words to accurately
describe the music created by The Silverman. While we won't do a
direct reprint...we will re-use some descriptive phrases because they are
so appropriate: collaged constructions...slurred drones...electronic capillaries...parenthetical
heart beat...metallic panging...hummable orbits of individual atoms... With
so many connections to our inner workings, we're surprised this disc isn't
titled I Sing the Body Electric. But hey, we can probably just write
that in on the front cover if we choose to do so (!). Blank For Your
Own Message is a wonderfully eccentric and eclectic spin. This seven
track album is peculiar and odd...and yet overall these compositions flow
by rather naturally at their own pace. Simultaneously soothing and peculiar,
this album works on many different levels. Intriguing experimental music
for brainiacs. Recommended. (Rating: 5++)
When you wish
Upon a star
You are wasting your
Time.(Rating: 1)
Starling
Electric - Clouded Staircase (CD, Bar/None, Pop)
Starling Electric is a band driven by the songwriting skills of Caleb
Dillon. We immediately noticed the stunning endorsement this album received
from Jon Auer (of Posies / Big Star fame). After spinning
Clouded Staircase a few times, it isn't difficult to see why this
album was so appealing to Auer. The chiming melodic guitar-driven pop tracks
on this album sound as if they were very much influenced by both Big Star
and Teenage Fanclub. The vocals bear a strange resemblance to Bob
Pollard (Guided By Voices) at times. There's a lot to absorb
here in the space of almost 52 minutes. Dillon and his bandmates (Jason
DeCamillis, Christian Anderson, John Fossum) present no
less than 18 tracks. Beautiful slick pop abounds. Instantly satisfying cuts
include "The St. Valentines Day Massacre," "I Got Scared,"
"New Era," and "She Goes Through Phases." Excellent
lyrics...and totally killer vocals... (Rating: 5+)
The Strangers - Original Motion Picture Soundtrack: Music by Tomandandy
(CD, Rogue, Soundtrack)
Talk about an unconventional soundtrack recording...(!). Created
by Tomandandy (the duo of Andy Milburn and Thomas Hadju),
the music for the film Strangers spins more like a German experimental
electronics album than a conventional soundtrack. This CD consists mainly
of dark, creepy sounds that surge in and out of your speakers...setting
a mood that is decidedly serious and unsettling. Subtle and dark, these
compositions are rather stark and definitely eerie. There are a few segments
where some almost normal orchestral passages creep into the equation...but
this album is, by and large, an audio experiment. And the best part is...if
you turn it up really, really loud it has the potential to scare
the shit out of you. Not much more to say about this one. Chilling
and INTENSE. Recommended. (Rating: 5++)
thebrotheregg - thebrotheregg (CD EP, Dandelion Wine, Pop)
We have been enjoying the music of thebrotheregg for some time now
and are still rather perplexed as to why these guys' music hasn't caught
on in a bigger way (at least not yet). If it has to do with the fact
that their music doesn't easily fit into any easily defined categories...then
this self-titled EP probably isn't going to change that. Although in some
ways...the fact that the band's music is becoming a bit more direct may
help to garner a larger audience. This EP features seven interesting, creative,
satisfying compositions that are ultimately reflective and melodic. Some
of these tracks bear a slight resemblance to The Television Personalities
at times... As always, excellent music from a wonderfully obscure band.
(Rating: 5)
Un Festin Sagital - Epitafio a la Permanancia (CD, Beta-lactam
Ring, Experimental/sound)
There's no telling how many listeners will be checking their computers and
CD players to see what has gone wrong while listening to Epitafio a la
Permanancia. This album has so many tricky, glitchy sounds that it even
had us trying to figure out if there was an electronic problem or
if the CD was defective. Nope, there's nothing wrong...other than the fact
that the tricky, devious folks in Un Festin Sagital are into creating
wildly unorthodox music. Actually, many folks might label these recordings
as non-music...but some of the goings on actually feature melodies so...
It is definitely difficult to try and describe what these compositions sound
like. Words that come to mind are...abstract, progressive, experimental,
confusing, loopy, complex, and unpredictable. Six strangely compelling tracks
of unorthodox modern creativity. Truly peculiar. Features lovely
dark cover artwork by Jesse Peper.
(Rating: 5)
Victorian
Halls - Springteen (Independently released
CD EP, Progressive hard rock)
You may not have heard of Victorian Halls...yet. But our guess is
that over the course of the next few months you will be seeing and hearing
a whole goddamn lot about this peculiar new band. Springteen
features a different sort of music from a different sort of universe. These
bizarre shots of progressive rock sound something like an obtuse cross between
The Pocket Fishrmen and Jane's Addiction. Victorian Halls
tunes jerk, whirl, rip, roar, and squeal their way into your subconsciousness...leaving
you ultimately confused and yet strangely satisfied and giddy. The band's
lead vocalist has one of the strangest and most frantic voices we have heard
in the twenty-first century. The tunes...are outlandishly complex and unpredictable.
The band consists of Sean Lenart (vocals, guitar), Carlos Luna
(piano, vocals), Mike Tomala (drums), and John Shotwell (bass).
Certainly not for everyone, Springteen is an EP that is bound to
make an impression. It'll sure be interesting to see what these guys come
up with next... (Rating: 5+)
The will of the people is
Wrong.
The will of the people has always been
Wrong.
The will of the people will always be
Wrong.(Rating: 1)
Your Highness Electric - The Grand Hooded Phantom (CD, Longhair Illuminati,
Hard rock)
Loud kickass rock and roll. The strangely-titled Your Highness Electric
is the trio consisting of Bear Bondehagen, Brad Magers, and
Bob Scott. These three fellows play loud complex progressive rock
that sounds something like a cross between Led Zeppelin and the Pocket
Fishrmen. If any of the band members' names sound familiar, it is probably
because they aren't new to the world of rock. They were previously in the
critically acclaimed 1990s band Christiansen. We're not sure why
...but for some reason over the past few years some of the best hard rock
bands seem to be tucked away in odd pockets of Kentucky. The Grand Hooded
Phantom is a cool, upbeat spin. The album features some cool dazzling
guitar playing and heavily stylized vocals. Lots of underground bands bury
their tunes in noise. These guys obviously don't feel the need to go that
route because they can and do actually play like holy hell. Rip-roaring
rockers include "Ain't No Not," "Wine Red Lips," "Army
Green," and "Carnal Knowledge." Cool hard rock with a difference.
(Rating: 5)
Mike
Zito - Today (CD, Eclectogroove,
Blues/pop)
The fifth full-length release from Mike Zito. Zito plays the kind
of bluesy soulful guitar-based pop that goes over well with thirty-plus
music fans. He has a cool raw masculine voice and plays a mean guitar. On
Today, he sounds something like a cross between John Mellencamp
and John Mayer. After a few rough years of indulging in excesses
that threatened to curb his career, Mike eventually pulled his life and
career back together. Apparently things have worked in his favor. These
days he is finding himself surrounded by (and playing with) some of the
best in the business. The public seems to adore folks who take control of
their troubled lives and emerge unscathed. As such, our guess is that Today
will probably be well received by music fans around the world. Thoughtful,
hummable tracks include "Love Like This," "Holding Out For
Love," "Today," and "Time To Go Home." (Rating:
4+++)
Alabama3 - Hits and exit wounds
Alu - Lobotmy sessions
And The Moneynotes - New cornucopia!
Arch Cupcake - Wash out EP
Frank Bango - The sweet songs of decay
John Batdorf & Mark Rodney - Still burnin'
Bella Noir - Premonitions
Kate Bloom - Terror
Kate Bloom & Loren Connors - Sing the children over / band in my shoe
Rick Brantley - Prize fight lover soul auctioneer
Bumtech - Beware of D C
Chauchat - Upon thousands
Chicken Shack - Stan would rather go live
Coal Men - Beauty is a moment
Darla Farmer - Rewiring the electric forest
Delicious Vinyl All-Stars - RMXXology
Destination Oblivion - Winter solstice
Diet Kong - Com A motor inn
Dream Bitches - Coke-and-spiriters
Roberta Duchak - Intersections
Jesse James Dupree and Dixie Inc - Rev it up and go-go
Effusion 35 - Stonewind
Elam - Day break sleeper ep
End of the Century - Hammer & the anvil
Everthus the Deadbeats - John kill and the microscopic lullaby
Frivolvol - Who needs maps when we got time
Genuine Sun - Return
Nikita Germaine - Just kita
G.G. Elvis and the TCP Band - Back from the dead
Gillan - No easy way
Grey Milk - City parks after dark
Guasto - Edge of the page
Gladys Hardy - I love jesus, but i drink a little
Harold & Kumar: Escape From Guantanamo Bay - Original motion picture
score
Heys - Youngboard&broke
I Am The Heat - The future doesn't need us
Akai Ikuo - Language without words
Intercept - Magnolia road
Jacksonknife - You don't know what you're talking about
Johns - Foresight/poorsight
Junior Pantherz - Rejoice, remain
Mary Kastle - Another swing
Matt Keating - Quixotic
LA Tool and Die - My brother-in-law won't go to your show b/w 1983 (the
year corey hart exploded in my pants)
Love Guru - Music from the motion picture
Jasmina Maschina - The demolition series
Joshua Marcus - Reverse the charges
Adam Marsland - Daylight kissing night
Greg Medoro - 14 sunset way
Microtia - Distance is oval
Muggs - On with the show
Navy of the Nice - Yellow springs, OH / sea cow b/w roseland / window
Neverdie - No rock un rolled
Nevereven - Nevereven
Oliver Dawson Saxon - Re-landed...plus
Omni - Ghosts
Ndidi Onukwulu - The contradictor
Eivind Opsvik - Overseas III
Orchid Highway - Orchid Highway
Pale Man Made - Oh, my treasured things
Panic Movement - No tomorrow
Ponies in the Surf - See you happy
Portishead - Third
Radars to the Sky - The big bang e.p.
The Rationales - The going and the gone
Edward Rogers - You haven't been where i've been
Patti Rothberg - Double standards
Yvette Rovira - The art of attraction
Rumble Strips - Girls and weather
Ray Russell - A table near the band
Scream Hello - Smart and stupid
Senser - End of the world show
Silveroot - Full measure
Sixteen Horsepower - Live march 2001
Skamper - Thunder beast
The Slants - Slanted eyes, slanted hearts
Smiling Strangers - All the way
Socratic - Spread the rumors
Ben Sollee - Learning to bend
Son Ambulance - Someone else's deja vu
Jon Sonnenberg - Acoustic selections
Split Knee Loons - Loon knee tunes
Spoonfork - All is well
Subrosa - Strega
Teenage Head - With marky ramone
Three Miles Out - Nobody
Transport Assembly - Improbable songs
The Trial of Penny Relentless - Volume ii
Uw Hypotheekadvies - Nature or nurture
Various Artists - The funhouse comp. thing II
V-Project - New machine
Various Artists - This city of neighborhoods: a beechfields record label
compilation
Various Art ists - Dreams of Myspace 1: Thanks for the add
Very Most - Congratulations forever
Vine House - Vine House
Leanne Weatherly - Go and find...
Willows - See you next april
Women - Women
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