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Reviews from
September 2009
RATING SYSTEM:
= UNBELIEVABLY INCREDIBLE
= EXCELLENT
= VERY GOOD
= GOOD
= FAIR
= SHITTY
Action
Dead Mouse - Revenge of Doormats and Coasters
(CD, Greed Recordings,
Progressive pop)
Most of you out there will probably guess from the name of this band that
they aren't playing music that sounds even remotely similar to Michael
Jackson or Taylor Swift (heh heh heh...). This is the
second full-length release from Italy's Action Dead Mouse...and it's
a peculiar spin indeed. The first thing that caught our attention about
this release is that on the inside insert the band introduces themselves
by saying that "semi-instrumental bands lyrics need little space to
be written..." and they then proceed to prove this by including all
the lyrics to this album (of which there aren't many)...on a tiny
4 inch by 4 inch sheet of paper. Accordingly and as you can guess, most
of the music on the strangely-titled Revenge of Doormats and Coasters
is instrumental. To be even more precise, these are guitar instrumentals...somewhat
math-rock-ish in nature...but definitely driven by rhythms that inspire
movement. Some of the pieces involve violas and trumpets, some were recorded
with a more straightforward rock sound. It would be hard to categorize this
music in one specific genre...so we just opted to describe it as progressive
pop. Plenty of good, obtuse cuts here including "Tom Cruise Told Me
Dan Savio Is Not Dead," "Room 121," and "Another Sad
Messiah Pt. 1." Strange and puzzling stuff...! (Rating: 4+++++)
Kristy
Apps - Pour Me Out (Independently released
CD, Pop)
Although Kristy Apps has been playing and performing for about a
decade now, Pour Me Out is only her third full-length release. Apparently
Apps is more concerned with quality than quantity because in terms of quality...she
really delivers. What struck us most about this album were the vocals.
This young lady has a voice that is as good or better than most classic
pop and rock artists. Unlike the average modern day crooner, when Kristy
sings a song she sounds like she means it. Several folks have already
(appropriately) compared her vocal style to Janis Joplin. Although
Apps is probably best known in her native Australia at this point in time,
she has been making inroads toward transferring that success to the United
States. Pour Me Out will no doubt elevate this young lady's career
to the next level. Mature, thoughtful, pensive, smart tunes abound on this
impressive album. Some of the softer tracks feature remarkably beautiful
melodies. Top picks: "Pour Me Out," "You Could Be You,"
"Push It," "Happiness." (Rating: 5)
The
Dustin Bentall Outfit - Six Shooter
(Independently released CD, Pop)
In the 1990s folks in Japan began outdoing Americans at their own game...writing
and recording rock music that surpassed what Americans were capable of producing.
Now in the twenty-first century artists in Canada are doing the exact same
thing...in the field of Americana pop/rock (!). It seems ironic that folks
in another country would be outdoing Americans in this particular field...but
we've heard it time and time again over the past few years. There are a
slew of credible Canadian artists whose Americana/pop beats the crap out
of stuff recorded here in the sloppy-and-quickly-deteriorating ol' U.S.A.
And we can now add Dustin Bentall to this growing list of artists
because...Six Shooter is an absolutely stellar collection
of organic-based folky pop. These tunes recall early Neil Young...but
the overall feel and vibe are much more modern. Bentall has a great masculine
voice and writes some truly catchy tunes that sound better and better the
more familiar they become. Eleven cool hummable tunes here chock full of
chiming guitars and pedal steel guitar. Killer tracks include "Railroad,"
"Take The Money," "Arizona," and "Deserts of Our
Minds." Recommended. (Rating: 5++)
Rob
Blackledge - Inside These Walls (CD,
One Revolution Entertainment,
Pop)
Pure pop fans take note...Rob Blackledge is poised to be one of those
"next big thing" artists...so be prepared because you're going
to be seeing and hearing this guy's name a lot over the next few years.
Rob recently had a song on the reality television show Ruby and also
co-wrote the song "Runaway" that was a hit for the band Love
and Theft. Now with the release of Inside These Walls, this Nashville,
Tennessee based artist is well on his way toward garnering international
success. Walls is a slick effort...super slick and polished.
But the studio gloss never disguises nor threatens this guy's cool effervescent
personality from shining through. Folks who love the music of The Pearlfishers
(that definitely includes us) will go apeshit over this album.
Blackledge's music is chillingly upbeat and genuine. His songs feature wonderfully
flowing melodies...and he has a voice to die for. If you think all
commercial pop music is crap, think again. Inside These Walls is
positive proof that pure pop is still alive and kicking. Kickass tunes include
"Should Have Known Better," "Everything," "Granola
Girl," and "Our World." Recommended. (Rating: 5++)
Stop donating
Blood.(Rating: 1)
Aimee
Bobruk - The Safety Match Journal (Independently
released CD, Pop)
This...is a debut album...???!! Whew, you'd never know it
from the sound of the smart, mature compositions on The Safety Match
Journal. Aimee Bobruk's smooth, crystal clear voice immediately
reminded us of Mary Hopkin...although in terms of songs she is markedly
different. So many up-and-coming artists quickly throw together some words
and music...and are then declared "the next big thing" by easily-persuaded
folks in the media. Journal is a different animal altogether. Aimee
writes smart, memorable tunes that hold up to many repeated spins...and
the arrangements are impeccable. The minute subtleties in these compositions
all serve their appropriate purpose...which is to support the main melodies.
This is easily one of the best debut albums we have heard this year. Cool
pensive cuts include "Liverpool," "Fools for Love,"
"Here She Comes," and "Shores of Gold." Recommended.
(Rating: 5++)
Capybara - Try Brother (CD, The
Record Machine, Progressive pop)
Hailing from the unlikely city of Kansas City, Missouri...Capybara
is probably one of the most original sounding pop bands we have yet to hear
in 2009. The individual parts of the music aren't all that different...but
the way the parts are put together and, in particular, the ideas behind
the music are what sets these guys apart from the crowd. We can hear
a few traces of other bands here...some of the arrangements remind us a
bit of Pattern Is Movement...the vocals occasionally recall The
Flaming Lips...and some of the melody lines are sometimes similar to
what Andy Partridge might come up with. But these are just comparisons
to give you some idea of where these guys are coming from because in actuality
they don't really sound that much like anyone else. The band consists of
Mark Harrison, Jared Horne, Darin Seal, and Joel
Wrolstad. Incredibly, Try Brother is the band's debut
album (!?!). Killer tunes abound here...but our initial favorites
include "The Wimp," "Hello City Glow," "Magpies,"
and "Birthday Song for Bridgegirl." Unusual stuff...very, very
effective. Highly recommended. (Rating: 5+++)
Cheap
Red - Cheap Red (Double CD, 555 Recordings,
Pop/rock)
Cheap Red is the new band created by Jen Turrell and Stewart
Anderson (formerly in the band Boyracer) that also includes Akina
Kawauchi and Arland Nicewander. This short album (clocking in
at just over half an hour) was recorded quickly during a long three day
weekend...which may explain the playful spontaneity. The cuts on this album
are straightforward and basic...and feature all four members trading off
on lead vocals. Boyracer fans may be surprised at how smooth and subdued
some of these tracks are. We particularly love the strings used on many
of these cuts. The album features two discs. The first contains the original
fourteen tracks that make up the album. The second CD features remixes by
a variety of artists including Bracken, The Sisterhood of Convolted
Thinkers, Team Forest, Fingernail, King Prussia
and more. We really like the direction in which this band is heading. Fresh,
cool, inspired cuts include "Let's Start A Riot," "The Hurt
On Her," "Red Shoulders" (a really beautiful song), and "The
Day I Was A Horse." Great stuff...! (Rating: 5+)
The Da Vincis - See You Tonight (CD, Olympic, Pop)
We had to listen to this short little album over and over before we finally
realized who it was that the guys in The Da Vincis remind us of.
There was something really familiar about the music but it only hit us a
week later. These guys have a sound that is strangely reminiscent of Stackridge.
When's the last time you heard a band from Mississippi that sounded like...Stackridge...?!?
Our answer is...NEVER. See You Tonight may be short (only just over
half an hour long)...but all eight tracks are satisfying and real. These
guys' keyboard-based pop is smart and highly melodic...played simply without
unnecessary fanfare. We just noticed something else interesting about this
band...they're very, very young. The oldest member of the band is
only...17 years old (!). But you'll find that hard to believe when you hear
how mature these tunes sound. Top picks: "Vermont," "Nickels
and Dimes," "Oh My Gosh," and "John Wayne." Very
nice stuff... (Rating: 5+)
Dead
Voices On Air - Fast Falls The Eventide
(Double CD, Lens, Progressive)
The eleventh full-length release from Mark Spybey's Dead Voices
On Air. For those who haven't been exposed to Dead Voices On Air, the
endeavor is a purely artistic one. Spybey isn't trying to create music that
fits in any one genre...and his compositions rove and range all over the
place with no particular destination in mind. Fast Falls The Eventide
is a big splash of creative genius. Together, these two CDs contain almost
two hours' worth of music. Some of it is purely experimental...while some
of it is more musical than Mark's fans might expect. Like previous DVOA
releases, this album spins like a purely spontaneous experience...although
these tracks were obviously tweaked and polished to minute perfection. We
always have a problem trying to describe this man's music...because normal
adjectives and descriptive variables don't seem to fit. The overall effect...is
the feeling you get while dreaming. Strange, unfamiliar, distant...these
are some of the feelings that come to mind while spinning these discs. The
first CD contains new compositions...while the second presents (for the
first time on CD) Spybey's 1994 cassette release Abrader (along with
two additional unreleased tracks). It's an interesting look at the present
and the past...and possibly an indication of where things are headed in
the future. We've always been suckers for this kinda ultra creative stuff.
As such (and as you might already guess)...this one is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
(Rating: 5+++)
Drag
Me To Hell - Original Motion Picture Soundtrack:
Music Composed by Christopher Young (CD, Lakeshore, Soundtrack)
We're not sure why this CD is being marketed so late in the game as this
film was released several months ago (?). In any event, if you have not
yet seen the film Drag Me To Hell...by all means GO SEE IT. It is
without a doubt one of the best horror/suspense movies we have seen in years...and
it really does keep you glued to your seat the entire time. Perhaps because
of the unexpected overwhelmingly positive response, the soundtrack is now
being made available for fans of the film. Composed by Christopher Young,
this soundtrack does everything a great horror soundtrack is supposed to
do...make your skin feel creepy-crawly...make you feel nervous...and generally
jerk you around in terms of your overall mood and psychological state. Nice
big orchestral sound here. Fourteen killer cuts including "Drag Me
To Hell," "Black Rainbows," "Loose Teeth," and
"Concerto To Hell." Be sure to turn the volume way UP on this
sucker... (Rating: 5)
801 - 801 Live: Collectors Edition (Double CD, Expression,
Progressive/pop)
A fantastic time capsule. 801 was a groundbreaking endeavor for a
number of reasons. First, because this particular line-up featured Brian
Eno during his best obtuse pop phase. Second because the outfit included
some of the most incredible progressive musicians in Great Britain in 1976:
Phil Manzanera, Bill MacCormick, Francis Monkman, Simon
Phillips, and Lloyd Watson. This version of 801 was formed by
the members mainly as a vehicle for enjoyment (they only started rehearsing
three weeks prior to their first live performance). This deluxe double CD
reissue is a real mindblower. The first CD features the tracks from the
original vinyl allbum, recorded live at the Queen Elizabeth Hall on September
3rd, 1976. The second CD features a rehearsal performance at Shepperton
Studios on August 23, 1976. The set list included tracks from Eno and Manzanera's
solo albums, Quiet Sun selections, and two cover tunes (John Lennon
and Paul McCartney's "Tomorrow Never Knows" and The
Kink's "You Really Got Me"). The track listing on both CDs
are almost identical, but there are plenty of differences between the two
performances that make both of these discs essential. Hats off to Manzanera's
Expression label for making this double disc set available to the public.
Highly recommended. (Rating: 5+++)
When people pray
Bad things
Happen.(Rating: 1)
Extra Happy Ghost!!! - How The Beach Boys Sound To Those
With No Feelings (CD EP, Saved
By Radio, Pop)
Extra Happy Ghost!!! is the one-man band created by Matthew Swann
who is better known as the bassist in the Calgary band Hot Little Rocket.
Swann recorded this short little EP (about 18 minutes in length) in his
apartment and then added additional drums and mixed the tracks elsewhere.
The hilariously titled How The Beach Boys Sound To Those With No Feelings
presents six peculiar lo-fi pop tunes with a remarkable emphasis on lyrics
and vocal melodies. We hate rating EPs because they only seem to give an
initial impression of what an artist is all about. So in this case we're
going to leave this one unrated. But we do want to mention that Swann has
a killer knack for coming up with some fantastic melodic hooks...
(Not Rated)
Susan
Fancher - In Two Worlds (CD, Innova Recordings, Experimental)
Susan Fancher is a superbly talented and creative lady who expands
the boundaries within which the saxophone can be utilized. This lengthy
album contains nearly 70 minutes of music...and almost all of it would alienate
casual listeners. In Two Worlds presents seven lengthy compositions
by Morton Subotnick, Reginald Bain, Mark Engebretson,
Edmund Campion, Judith Shatin, James Paul Sain, and
John Anthony Lennon. While some of the pieces might fall into the
category of modern classical, other compositions are so strange and peculiar
that they could only be described as purely experimental. These high tech
recordings involve all kinds of trippy electronics...while in many cases
the saxophone itself is presented without unnecessary effects. The playing
is extraordinarily precise and effective...and ultimately very provocative.
Fancher currently teaches at Duke University...but our guess is that her
true love is creating heavenly/heady recordings like these. Calming, disturbing,
cerebral, confusing... This stuff is amazing from anyone's perspective.
Highly recommended. (Rating: 5++++)
Food is never fresh and
Neither are the people
Who sell it.(Rating: 1)
The Feelies - Crazy Rhythms (CD reissue, Bar/None,
Pop/rock), The Good Earth (CD reissue, Bar/None,
Pop/rock)
We've compared various bands to The Feelies over the years...but
up until now the band has never received a proper review in the pages of
babysue. Thus and accordingly, this is going to read more like an
overall reaction/review of the band rather than a specific review of these
two reissues. Unlike most people who were immediately blown away by Crazy
Rhythms when it was first released on vinyl, we were not. Sure we liked
some of the tunes and liked the fact that The Feelies didn't sound too much
like other bands at the time...but we just weren't totally blown away like
so many other people were. It wasn't until several years later when The
Good Earth came out that we began to feel more impressed. There was
something subtle about the album...that made us keep playing it over and
over and over and over. Fortunately at about the same time a rabid
fan of the band talked us into catching them in concert. Seeing the band
play...was when we first fell in love with The Feelies. These guys
were/are, without a doubt, one of the most incredible live bands
of all time (right up there with The Poster Children who shared a
similar style and/or sound). So after being blown away by the show we went
back and began spinning both Rhythms and Earth again...and
promptly fell in love with the band's recorded sound as well. Even to this
day we don't feel as if any of the band's studio albums truly capture
the intensity of the band in concert. But if you can't see 'em live (which
is certainly unlikely)...then we can all thank our lucky goddamn stars that
the folks at Bar/None have opted to reissue these two previously out-of-print
albums. Rhythms is probably the more groundbreaking of the two albums...but
we still prefer the strange subtlety of Earth. But in all honesty,
both of these are absolute MUST HAVES. Interestingly...the band has begun
playing live again this year (?!?). The Feelies truly are one of the most
original and unique bands ever. Highly recommended classic stuff. (Rating:
6)
Jerry
Fels and the Jerry Fels - So Twice They
Named It Nice (CD, Nobody's
Favorite, Pop)
Can you believe this Jerry Fels guy? He was a solo artist. But now
that he's playing with a band he (rather generously) named it Jerry Fels
and the Jerry Fels. Actually a rather brilliant idea...can't
believe no one thought of it before...?!? We're usually suckers for folks
taking a simple approach to music...so not surprisingly this cool, sparse,
simple little album immediately caught our attention. Instead of trying
to blow people away with power and technology, Fels and his bandmates instead
rely mainly on lyrics and vocal melodies. The arrangements are strangely
bare...most of the tunes sound as if they were created using nothing more
than an acoustic guitar, a drum set, and a casio keyboard. The direct simple
sound is what first caught our attention...but as we became more familiar
with this album we became more and more impressed with the intelligent (and
often rather humorous) lyrics. This peculiar little trio is bound to be
an underground favorite in the coming months/years. Clever songs include
"Twice A Day," "Nobody Does Me Like You Do Me," "Books
Are My Only Friends," and "This Space Is Yourspace." Smart
and slightly goofy stuff. (Rating: 5)
Sarah
Fimm - Red Yellow Sun
(Independently released CD, Soft progressive pop)
Sarah Fimm must be going through a very productive period in her
musical career. She just recently released a brand new EP...and has now
quickly followed up with the impressively executed full-length Red Yellow
Sun. Listening to this music...our minds are still blown away to think
that an artist whose music is this rich and well-developed is still virtually
unknown to most people. Although playing for a relatively select audience,
Fimm is as good (and in most cases much better) than artists on major labels.
And the sound quality here is outstanding from start to finish. Just because
this is an independent release, don't expect sparse lo-fi pop...because
Red Yellow Sun features the exact opposite. Sarah's soft,
pensive tunes are played with precise instrumentation and sometimes layered
with fantastic sounding strings. And her voice has to be heard to be believed.
The soft, subdued vocals on this album have strange haunting qualities that
stay with you long after the disc has ended. Packaged in a beautiful embossed
black and white tri-fold digipak sleeve (complete with foldout lyric sheet)...this
just may be Fimm's best release yet. Highly recommended. (Rating:
5+++)
Final
Gravity - Final Gravity (the actual
title can't be typed) (Independently released CD, Pop/rock)
Into 1980s hair bands...? If so, there's a good chance you'll dig the sounds
of Los Angeles, California's Final Gravity. Although the funny thing
is...only one of the band members has the hair to match the sound
(the other three have short hair and are somewhat conservative looking).
But regardless of the visual image, the sound is there. The chugging guitars...urgent
arena-esque vocals...pummeling rhythms...and, of course, the intricate in-your-face
lead guitar. In all honesty we were never big fans of 1980s hair bands...but
for some reason the more we listen to this album the more we like it (?).
Either our tastes are regressing...or else this band just happens to have
some groovy tunes and they know how to play their instruments like holy
hell. Nifty cuts include "Parallel Lives," "Line 'Em Up"
(our favorite), "Lab Rats," and "Been Wasted." Good
loud pop/rock stuff. (Rating: 4+++)
Robben
Ford - Soul On Ten (CD, Concord, Blues/rock/pop)
Robben Ford's fourth full-length release on the Concord label. Soul
On Ten was mostly recorded live. Tracks one through eight were recorded
at The Independent club in San Francisco, California in April 2009. The
final two cuts were recorded live in the studio. Robben Ford is one of those
guys who is so good at what he does that he makes it all sound so damn
easy. Playing and singing with such style and maturity certainly isn't
easy...but it somehow just sounds so much better when it sounds like
it is (!). Ford has a great bluesy voice...but his guitar playing is what
probably really sets his fans on fire. Some of the spontaneous fluid leads
on this album remind us very much of Frank Zappa...except the songs
themselves are light years more normal and accessible. Ford is incredible
to be certain...but so is his backup band which includes Neal Evans
(B-3 organ), Travis Carlton (bass), and Toss Panos (drums).
Fans of rhythm and blues music can't go wrong with this album. Clean, groovy,
gritty cuts include "Supernatural," "Indianola," "Earthquake,"
and "Thoughtless." Highly absorbing stuff...! (Rating: 5+)
John
Frazier and the 8 Year Olds - Boogieman
(Independently released CD, Progressive pop/rock)
We had to spin this CD over and over and over before we began to
make some conclusions about it. Not that the music sounds all that drastically
different from other bands...but somehow the approach just doesn't seem
to fit in with the average twenty-first century rock band. John Frazier
and the 8 Year Olds play inspired melodic pop/rock with a difference.
The first thing that struck us about this album was the guitar. Frazier's
loose jerky fuzzy guitar sound recalls artists from the past like Television,
Richard Hell, and The Velvet Underground. But overall the
band's sound is markedly different. Some of the tracks on Boogieman
are all-out rockers...while others are more melodic flowing pieces that
recall 1980s-era David Bowie. Playing with John on this album are
Dug Winningham (bass, piano), Veronica Olvera (drums), and
Pinky Weitzman (viola, violin, stoh violin, saw, vocals). Punchy,
smart inventive tracks include "Road Rage," "Some Knew Truth,"
"Adjust," and "Compensation Pills." These folks take
the heart and soul of early punk and new wave bands and effectively push
the music into the twenty-first century arena. Recommended. (Rating: 5++)
Goose
Creek Symphony - Head for the Hills
(CD, Bo, Americana/country/pop)
The guys in Goose Creek Symphony began offering the previously unreleased
album Head For The Hills in the late 1990s to their fans at their
concerts and through their web site. Now finally in 2009 they are offering
an official retail release...completely remastered with a bonus track. In
the first phase of this band's career in the 1960s and 1970s, they were
a real oddity. Their style of unpredictable Americana pop just didn't fit
in...and image-wise they looked something like an odd rural version of The
Turtles. Of course here in the twenty-first century there are thousands
upon thousands of bands taking such an approach with music. But when these
guys began, they were one of the real originals. Head For The
Hills was recorded in the 1970s just after the band got out of their
contract with Columbia Records. The album was recorded but never saw the
light of day until the 1990s. This is a professional album that some company
should have released when it was originally recorded. Nice to see that it
is finally available for the world at large to hear. Nice solid cuts include
"Goin' Down the Road," "How-Do-Hi," "Workin' for
the Devil," and "Lazy." Groovy sounding stuff that still
sounds relevant today. (Rating: 5+)
Robin
Guthrie - Carousel (CD, Darla, Progressive/instrumental)
Here in the twenty-first century Robin Guthrie is a very busy man.
Actually, he was a very busy man in the 1980s and 1990s as well. While most
folks still know him mainly as the man who played the heavenly hypnotic
guitars in The Cocteau Twins, Guthrie's solo career has now eclipsed
his work with his previous band. He now releases solo albums...records film
soundtracks...records with other artists he admires...and acts as producer
with groundbreaking artists (old and new). Carousel is another beautiful
sparkling collection of dreamy instrumentals that encompass a wide variety
of sounds and styles. These tracks feature hints of classical music...ambient...plenty
of shoegazer-esque trippy sounds...and more. Carousel may surprise
some of Robin's fans because the album seems much more focused on specific
hummable melodies than previous releases. But not to worry...the essential
heady sound remains intact. If you loved Continental and Imperial,
you're sure to love this. Folks who may have missed the boat at this point
in time...would be well advised to pick up anything by this incredibly
influential artist. Recommended. (Rating: 5++)
Human
Nature - Reach Out (CD, Sony Music, Soul/pop)
We had an initial knee-jerk reaction to this band. After all, they're playing
songs that we've heard MILLIONS of times too many to begin with. And that's
one of the main reasons that we run for the barf bag whenever anyone even
begins to seriously discuss that horrible American Idol bullshit.
But after listening more closely we realized there's one big difference
between the pathetic American Idol creeps and the guys in Human
Nature. The Idol assholes do a horrible job of trying to recreate
classic hits from the past. The guys in Australia's Human Nature...do an
incredible job of recreating the idea and sound of the original tunes.
So much so...that for the majority of this album you might even think you're
listening to the real thing. Which brings up another perplexing thing. If
this sounds so much like the original...why not just listen to the original?
Well...probably because the sound quality on most of those old recordings
was rather limited and limiting. Thus, hearing these songs recorded with
the clarity and punch that twenty-first century technology allows...is interesting
to say the least. These guys are incredibly good at what they do
but we're still somewhat confused...because we can't decide whether or not
to listen to this...or the original vintage recordings...? Either these
guys really love the old hits...or else they're purely motivated by money...could
be either one (?). Hmmm.... (Not Rated)
Mothers kill their babies
Because they
Can.(Rating: 1)
The
Injured Parties - Fun With a Purpose
(CD, Zenith Beast, Pop/rock)
The Injured Parties is the new band created by Larry O. Dean
who some of you out there will remember as a member of the bands Post
Office and The Me Decade. Fun With a Purpose features
a more stripped down sound with most of the songs using only the bare essentials
(guitar, bass, drums, vocals). This 53 minute album features simple straight-from-the-hip
pop that sounds something like a cross between Muswell Hillbillies-era
Kinks and early Young Fresh Fellows. Playing with Dean on
this album are Jimmy De Lauriea (bass, vocals) and Mike Ebersohl
(drums, vocals). Though professionally recorded, mixed, and mastered, these
songs have a nice, loose sound and feel that is really appealing. We particularly
like the fact that Larry doesn't push himself in the vocal department. So
many vocalists try way too hard to get their point across and end up failing
miserably. On this album, the vocals are rather subtle...almost having a
slightly unrehearsed sound that is a perfect fit for the tunes. Cool guitar
driven pop cuts include "American Comfort," "Been There,
Done That," "Beauty of the Block," and an interesting, odd
cover version of Alex Chilton's "Holocaust." A pure feelgood
experience. (Rating: 5+)
Himalaya - Himalaya (Independently released CD, Rock)
This band was formed in 2007 by former members of Asteroid #4 and
Three Four Tens. The folks in Himalaya offer nine tracks on
this, their self-titled debut. It's a lengthy album that clocks in a just
over an hour (that's a helluva lot of music for a debut). The press
release that accompanied this album pretty much spelled out likely influences:
Spiritualized, Spaceman 3, Jesus and Mary Chain, Pink
Floyd... This CD features dreamy, slightly drone-y shoegazer inspired
pop tunes with remarkably well developed vocal melodies. Plenty of reverb
and effects used here...but it all adds (rather than detracts) from the
overall sound. Folks either love this kinda music or they hate it. We've
always been fond of semi-psychedelic pop...so that one goes over really
well with us. Cool reflective cuts include "31," "Melt Away,"
"Sleep," and "I'm Alive." At times this band's sound
reminds us of Chameleons UK. Really nice smooth mentally challenging
pop. (Rating: 5+)
If you heat your butt
You will die.(Rating: 1)
Hurt the one you're
With.(Rating: 1)
Into
The Presence - Into The Presence (CD,
Razor and Tie, Pop)
The debut full-length release from Into The Presence. This band is
the duo consisting of Luis Maldonado and Tim Alexander, neither
of whom are newcomers to the world of music. Alexander was previously the
drummer for Primus and A Perfect Circle while Maldonado was
formerly a session musician whose credits include playing with/for Pat
Monahan, Glenn Hughes, John Waite, UFO, and more.
Partly because of their fondness for artists from the 1970s, Luis and Tim
recorded this album entirely on analog equipment which may explain the warm
overall sound. Instead of hundreds of overdubs, the duo opted to use only
the essential ingredients necessary to get their point across in each song.
Many comparisons will undoubtedly be made between Luis and Freddie Mercury
(some of his guitar leads even resemble Brian May at times). He has
one of those precise, piercing voices that really breaks through the void.
What started out as mainly a solo recording for Maldonado's material evolved
into a truly joint endeavor as Alexander's input became more and more prominent
throughout the project. The more we spin this one...the better it sounds.
Groovy tracks include "End Game," "The Garden," "Radio,"
and "Coming Home." (Rating: 5+)
Jive64 - Goto 10 (Independently released CD-R, Electronic/pop)
Talk about different. Jive64 is Israel's Roy Cohen...a fellow
who has an obvious affection for early blippy-bloopy electronic game music.
Cohen provides three cover tunes on Goto 10...one each by Beyonce,
Rufus and Chaka Khan, and Kylie Minogue...probably a wise
move as this will give the average listener something familiar to latch
onto. But from our point of view, the other six tracks are the real meat
on this album. This album has a very dated sound...but in this case, the
dated sound is entirely on purpose (i.e., that is the way Cohen meant
for it to sound). The Pacman/Pacwoman art on the front of this album gives
a clear indication of what's going on inside this man's head. Cool tracks
include "Goto 10," "One Live Up," "Outcome,"
and "Summer Start (Extended Remix)." (Rating: 4+++)
Rena
Jones - Indra's Web (CD, Arabesque
Distribution, Progressive/instrumental)
Beautiful, intriguing, intricate instrumental music from Rena Jones.
This is mainly a solo album but Jones does elicit some help and/or assistance
from a handful of additional musicians on this album. Indra's Web...is
a dreamy, moody collection of tunes that don't easily fit within the confines
of any one specific genre of music. The songs feature subtle, sparse arrangements
and extremely restrained percussion instruments. Rena's main instrument
is the cello...so that obviously plays a major role in most of these tracks
(although the sounds are sometimes so obtuse and odd that you may not recognize
the cello itself). In addition to playing cello, Jones credits herself with
programming and mixing...so you know technology played a major role in the
creation of this album. This album won't clobber you over the head on the
first spin...but will instead remain in your "favorites" stack
for an extended period. Top picks: "The Awe and the Wonder," "Helix,"
"Point of Existence," "The Problem of Time." Intelligent
and well-executed. (Rating: 5+)
Kites
With Lights - The Weight of Your Heart
(CD, 24 Hour Service Station,
Pop)
Kites With Lights is the one-man band consisting of Jonah Cordy.
While spinning The Weight of Your Heart the first couple of times,
we were reminded slightly of Ronnie Martin's Joy Electric.
Cordy's tunes and overall approach are somewhat similar...although less
bubblegummy. The tracks on this five song EP recall a variety of artists
from the 1980s when techno-based pop was just coming of age. Some of the
electronic percussion and keyboard sounds on this EP may have even been
lifted from vintage equipment (?). Jonah has a great understated voice that
is a perfect fit for this style of music. The beats are steady and persistent...the
vocals breathy and subdued...and the keyboards appropriately dreamy and
distant. Top picks: "The Weight of Your Heart," "We're Ready,"
"Sound of the Rain." Nice, memorable, smooth stuff... (Rating:
4++++)
Roger
Kleier - The Night Has Many Hours (CD,
Innova Recordings,
Experimental)
Talk about eclectic. The Night Has Many Hours is the final
installment of a trilogy of albums from guitarist/composer Roger Kleir
(the first two albums were KlangenBang and Deep Night, Deep Autumn).
This album is, for the most part, a solo recording...although Kleier does
enlist some assistance from Joan Jeanrenaud and Annie Gosfield
on a couple of tracks. Kleier's compositions are difficult and complex.
Sometimes beautiful and sometimes strangely spooky, these compositions tread
all over the place in terms of sounds and styles. To quote directly from
the press release that accompanied this disc, Kleier's music "draws
equally from improvisation, contemporary classical music, and the American
guitar traditions of blues, jazz, and rock." That sums things up
rather well. The album is divided into eleven sections. The tracks range
from classical to ambient to drone to experimental to modern classical...and
then proceed to go way off the deep end. This is extremely heady and inventive
music...a far cry from the vapid shallow crap that the average twenty-first
century music fan downloads. Precise and intricate...this album is the work
of a true musical genius. Turn it up really, really loud...and you'll swear
you are seeing things. Highly recommended. (Rating: 6)
Nathan
Lee - Risk Everything (CD, One Revolution Entertainment,
Epic pop/rock)
Okay, so we admit right off the bat that epic pop and epic rock aren't exactly
our top favorite forms of music. But while spinning this one we couldn't
help but be impressed by Nathan Lee because--even though his overall
sound isn't what normally appeals to us--this guy is damn good at
what he does. Lee is a personality-type artist. He has a very strong image
and voice that should appeal to a wide variety of listeners. Vocally...he
sounds something like a cross between Tom Waits, Peter Gabriel,
and Bruce Springsteen (?!?). The songs on Risk Everything
are epic-type pop/rock compositions with big arrangements and a big slick
sound. Our guess is that over the course of the next year or two, millions
upon millions of people will know the name Nathan Lee. Urgent pop/rockers
include "Open Road," "Wrecking Ball," "Back To
You," and "Broke and Hollow Man." (Rating: 4+++)
The world is
Limp.(Rating: 1)
There are no boundaries to
Anything.(Rating: 1)
The
Little Heroes - Thank You (CD, Wednesday, Pop)
The last time we heard from The Little Heroes was in February 2007
when we reviewed their Cinematic Americana album. At that point in
time, the band's sound was way too similar to some unmentionable guitar
band from Athens, Georgia whose music was always ruined by a grating egotistical
lead singer. Hop forward two plus years...and thankfully the guys in The
Little Heroes are sounding less and less like that irritating Athens band...and
more and more like themselves. Yup, we were pleased as punch that
Thank You finds these guys treading more and more into their own
musical world...and from the sounds we're hearing on this album that is
a very good thing. A lot of time, energy, and money went into the
creation of this album...and the sound quality is superb. Artists making
guest appearances include Angus Cooke and Brian Mann. This
short album (lasting just under 30 minutes) should easily elevate the band's
career to the next level. Cool cuts include "Say I'll Be Gone,"
"Back Where You Came From," and "Postcards Sent West."
(Rating: 4++++)
Livan - Happy Returns (CD, P&C Pumpkin Music Ltd.,
Pop)
Energized melodic pop/rock that is instantly danceable. Livan writes
and records pop with a slight industrial edge that recalls many underground
British bands from the 1980s and 1990s. Possibly the best frame of reference
would be to compare his music to Sisters of Mercy. The songs on Happy
Returns have that cool, metallic driving sound that Sisters of Mercy
fans love. In terms of vocals, Livan's voice reminds us very much of David
Bowie. Unlike most albums from underground artists, Returns is
remarkably accessible and has a great deal of commercial potential. Eleven
cool cuts here including "King of the World," "Kiss and Tell,"
"When the Lights Go Down," and "Liberated Mr. Hyde."
Nice familiar sounding stuff. (Rating: 4++++)
The
Love X Nowhere - High Score Blackout
(Independently released CD, Pop)
The first full-length release from San Francisco, California's The Love
X Nowhere (the band previously released three well-received EPs). Recorded
at the legendary Tiny Telephone studio with Justin Phelps
(who has also worked with the bands Cake and Dresden Dolls),
High Score Blackout is an album that goes all over the place in terms
of sounds and styles. A few of the softer tunes on this album remind us
slightly of Neil Finn. On other cuts the band's music reminds us
a bit of babysue favorite Redd Kross. Some of the songs are
more subdued and moody...while at other times the band puts the pedal to
the metal. There is only one cut that doesn't work ("The Gyre").
The rest...all pretty much hit the target. Smart focused cuts include "Tomorrow's
Retreat," "Northern Time," "Knockoff," and "Gooseberry."
(Rating: 4++++)
Low
Low Low La La La Love Love Love - Feels,
Feathers, Bog and Bees (CD, Other
Electricities, Progressive)
We're not sure what motivates up-and-coming new artists to come up with
names that are either impossible to pronounce or a bitch to type
(?). This one rates as extremely difficult in both categories. But music
is what matters...and in this case the songs on Feels, Feathers, Bog
and Bees are much easier to digest than the band name. The band is a
constantly evolving group of musicians based in Wormhill, Derbyshire, England.
The music might best be described as progressive experimental pop. The overall
sound is something like Sufjan Stevens except...more unpredictable
and distant. On this particular album Low Low Low La La La Love Love
Love (really hate typing that name...) is Kelly Dyson,
Ellis Dyson, Chris Robinson, Hugo Edwardes, and Brian
Lutchmiah. This album is extremely smooth and satisfying. Only one real
flaw...the bad distorted vocals in "Friend To Mine" render the
song unlistenable. Otherwise...this is a killer collection of tunes. Top
picks: "Document 19," "Where're You Goin'?," "Blackbird
2," and "Bored Of The Stood Life." Intriguing. (Rating: 5+)
Mac
McAnally - Down By The River (CD, Show
Dog Nashville, Pop)
This phase of Mac McAnally's career is being boosted in a big way
because he is officially the first artist to be signed to country superstar
Toby Keith's Show Dog Nashville label. McAnally has had a long and
multi-faceted career. His fans will no doubt be won over hands down with
this release. Down By The River is a super slick album chock full
of listener friendly country-flavored pop. Toby's stamp is all over this
album. The sound of the album virtually resembles the sound of Keith's recent
solo albums. Some of the tunes themselves even sound remarkably similar
to Toby. And even Mac's current web site is eerily similar to Keith's
visually. But songs are the main event here...and in terms of songs, McAnally
always seems to deliver. Eleven classy cuts here...and Mac's voice
has probably never sounded better. We can't help but feel as if this album
will be hugely successful. Cool hummable tracks include "Blame It On
New Orleans," "If You Hang Around Long Enough" (our favorite),
"Over and Out," and "Big Disappointment." We've been
big fans of Toby Keith for years...but in all honesty, we feel that this
album is much better than Toby's more recent albums (!?!). Recommended.
(Rating: 5++)
Miss
Derringer - Winter Hill (CD, Nickel
and Dime, Pop/rock/punk)
Intriguing new pop/rock band with a difference. Miss Derringer lead
vocalist Liz McGrath will no doubt be compared to Deborah Harry
(Blondie) time and time again over the course of the next few years.
Not only does she resemble Harry physically (she's a really beautiful platinum
blond)...but her voice even recalls the slightly deep urgent cooing heard
on early Blondie albums. Interestingly, the three guys in the band (Morgan
Slade, Sylvian de Muizon, Cody James) look like they could
be members of Turbonegro (!?!). Winter Hill isn't a concept
album necessarily...but some of the songs revolve around a mob war that
took place between the Winter Hill gang and some of their rivals in Boston,
Massachusetts in 1960. So now you might be asking yourself...what do pop,
rock, punk, 1960s girl groups, and 1960s mobs have in common? The answer,
of course, would be...Miss Derringer. Winter Hill is a fun,
upbeat pop album full of catchy groovy melodies and feelgood pop that should
please even the most jaded music fans. Top picks: "Click Click (Bang
Bang)," "Bulletproof Heart" (a really killer cut),
"Black Tears," "Tell Me So," "Mausoleum."
(Rating: 5+)
Mist
and Mast - Action At A Distance (Independently
released CD, Progressive pop)
Most artists start their careers creating guitar pop/rock...and then eventually
evolve/devolve into other forms of music. In the case of California's Jason
Lakis, the exact opposite seems to have occurred. Lakis was formerly
in the band The Red Thread...a cool, credible country slow-core band.
When the band split, Lakis opted to take a more conventional approach to
music and thus Mist and Mast was born. This endeavor is much more
guitar pop-oriented...although hints of other genres creep in and out of
the music. Action At A Distance picks up where the last Mist and
Mast album left off. The album features smart, adventurous melodic guitar
pop with a difference. At the heart of the tunes are Jason's cool understated
vocals. At times some of these tunes recall Jason Martin (of Starflyer
59 fame). Winding intelligent melodies...uniquely satisfying guitar
lines...smart pensive lyrics...what more could you ask for? Once again Lakis
hits the target dead center. Cool creative tracks include "In Public,"
"Elm Street," "X-Ray," "In The Fall, From The Fall,"
and "Two Seams." Excellent stuff. (Rating: 5+)
Moraine - Manifest Density (CD, Moonjune,
Progressive)
Moraine is the quintet consisting of Dennis Rea (electric
guitar), Ruth Davidson (cello), Alicia Allen (violin), Kevin
Millard (bass guitar), and Jay Jaskot (drums). This, the band's
debut CD, features compositions that are obviously inspired by many of the
great 1970s progressive dinosaur bands. These five musicians have a sound
that recalls British bands like Camel and Curved Air. The
violin and cello add just the right classical touch to the music...while
the guitar, bass, and drums give the band some punch. The band's influences
give you some indication of how eclectic their sound is...Mahavishnu
Orchestra, King Crimson, John Abercrombie, Oregon, Univers Zero, Dr. Nerve...
Interestingly, while the music harkens back to the past...in terms of sound
these folks are presenting music that seems modern in every way. Groovy
jazz-inspired cuts include "Save the Yuppie Breeding Grounds,"
"Disillusioned Avatar," and "Revenge Grandmother." Interesting
stuff. (Rating: 4++++)
Dan Moretti - Tres Muse (CD, Foundations
Jazz, Jazz)
Tenor saxophone player Dan Moretti really delivers with this release.
Tres Muse presents eleven tracks of pure modern jazz. The sound is
thick and resonant and the playing genuinely inspired throughout. Joining
Moretti on these recordings are Marty Richards on drums and Marty
Ballou on bass. These three fellows are so tight on their instruments
that when spinning this album it is very easy to forget that you are listening
to a trio (they have a really big thick sound). Dan has played with
a wealth of well-known artists over the years...including (but not limited
to) Aretha Franklin, Mike Stern, The Crusaders, Nile
Rogers, and Chic. He is also currently a professor at The Berklee
College of Music in Boston, Massachusetts. The moods here range from sombre
to sexy to provocative...always inventive and right on target. Top picks:
"Off The One," "Mumbo Jumbo," "The Corner,"
"Leelander." Superbly recorded and executed... (Rating: 5+)
The Orphins - Wish You Well (CD, Adair
Park Recordings, Progressive pop)
The second full-length release from The Orphins. This band is the
quartet consisting of Thomas Barnwell, Daniel Upton, Jen
Upton, and Max McDonough. These folks write and record underground
guitar-based pop/rock with a difference. The tunes on Wish You Well
have a dense thick sound that is characterized by driving rhythms and complex
guitar lines. What is interesting is the fact that...with so much going
on musically...the vocals are rather straightforward and subdued. It's kinda
like hearing a complex progressive band with vocals one would normally associate
with pure popsters. We'd like to cite some possible references and/or soundalike
bands. But the more we spin Wish You Well the less inclined we are
to compare the music of The Orphins to other bands. A tiny bit similar to
Guided By Voices perhaps...but not really...? Interesting
heady tracks include "In The Dark," "Grazed," "Tundra,"
and "Wish You Well." Totally cool sounding stuff. (Rating: 5+)
Out
Like Lambs - Out Like Lambs (Independently
released CD-R EP, Soft pop)
Only four songs...but this cool little CD-R EP clocks in at 25 minutes and
32 seconds. This Ocean Grove, New Jersey band writes and records what might
best be described as improvisational folky psychedelia. Their tunes incorporate
all kinds of odd sounds...mainly organic in nature. Slightly dreamy and
chock full of accidental melodies and ideas. So hard to rate EPs so we're
not going to try. But from what we're hearing on this little disc, we'd
bet these folks have an incredible full-length coming up right around the
corner... (Not Rated)
Elin
Palmer - Postcard (Independently released
CD, Progressive pop)
The debut solo album from Sweden's Elin Palmer. Some folks may already
be familiar with Palmer's playing as she has acted in a supporting role
for a variety of well-known underground artists including (but not limited
to) Eric Bachman. Postcard is a wonderfully fulfilling album.
Palmer's music recalls a variety of artists...most notably Lisa Germano
and Rasputina (although only occasionally sounding like either one).
She writes wonderfully flowing melodies, has an incredible voice, and threads
lots of cool stringed instruments into her compositions. This short album
(clocking in at just under 30 minutes) is a rather mindblowing debut. We
can't help but think that Elin Palmer will be an underground celebrity over
the course of the next few months. Killer heady pop tracks include "Postcard,"
"Paint," "Balloons," and "Whaleboat." (Rating:
5+)
Parasites - Solitary (CD, Kid
Tested, Rock/pop)
More totally KICKASS power pop/punk from those unstoppable guys in Parasites.
Solitary is the band's first new album in over a decade. But don't
expect to hear a tired sounding band aping their past glories. On this short
album that clocks in at just over thirty minutes these guys toss out twelve
instantly infectious tunes so goddamn catchy that you'll find yourself humming
along on the very first spin. So many bands in the twenty-first century
aspire to play this kind of super fast buzzsaw catchy pop...but very few
succeed. The guys in Parasites sail through these tunes with flying colors
from start to finish. This is easily one of the best power pop/punk albums
we've heard this century. No joke, this damn thing ROCKS. Killer cuts include
"All the Time in the World," "Real Real Good Time,"
"Hanging Around," and "The First Day of Summer." Hopefully
this will be the one that brings these guys the recognition they so obviously
deserve. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. (Rating: 5+++)
Petracovich - Crepusculo (CD, Red
Button, Pop)
The third full-length release from Jessica Peters Malmberg who goes
by the name Petracovich. Crepusculo is a beautifully inspired
album featuring more of the kind of smooth, soothing, smart songs that Jessica's
fans have come to expect. There's an interesting but sad story attached
to this album. It was recorded in 2008 while Malmberg was pregnant with
her first child. Shortly afterward the child was born...only to die 8 days
later. At that point the album was appropriately shelved in order to give
Jessica time to grieve. Thankfully time has passed now which has allowed
Crepusculo to see the light of day. (And, as a side note, Jessica
is also now pregnant with her second child.) We would recommend this album
highly to anyone who ever loved Kate Bush's first two solo albums
(before she got carried away with technology). Crepusculo features
wonderfully melodic tunes with weaving arrangements, smart lyrics, and a
totally groovy vibe. Petracovich is one of those underground artists who
could easily become hugely successful if all the right pieces were to fall
into place. Thoroughly entertaining from start to finish. (Rating: 5+++)
Pugwash - Giddy (CD, Ape House,
Pop)
Golly gosh and gee whiz...we're not as cool and ultra-hip as we thought
we were...cuz up 'til now we have never even heard of Pugwash.
But one thing's for certain...after hearing Giddy, we won't forget
the band name anytime soon. Pugwash is the band driven by the songwriting
skills of Britain's Thomas Walsh...a man who obviously has an incredible
knack for writing heavenly pop melodies. Pugwash fans should be forewarned
that Giddy is not an album of new material. Instead, the album collects
some of the best tracks from Walsh's previous albums and includes a sneak
preview of the next release (two tracks are included that will also be on
the next full-length album which is due out in 2010). It isn't difficult
to see why Pugwash ended up on Andy Partridge's Ape House label...the
songs are very similar to Partridge's recordings with XTC. Other
comparisons could be made to classic pop artists like The Beatles,
Teenage Fanclub, and Electric Light Orchestra. After hearing
this, we can see why so many folks have gone apeshit over this band. Thirteen
killer tracks including "Apples," "Anyone Who Asks,"
"Pillow Cases," "My Genius," and "Two Wrongs."
Great and powerful heady pop stuff. Recommended. (Rating: 5+++)
The
Receiver - Length of Arms (CD, Vital
Music, Progressive pop)
Dreamy, intricate, progressive pop. The Receiver is two brothers...Casey
Cooper and Jesse Cooper who are based in Columbus, Ohio. Length
of Arms is the brothers' second full-length release...and it is really
something else. Arms is by no means a lo-fi endeavor. These
guys write smooth hummable soft melodies...and then add layers upon layers
of sounds and vocals to give their music a really thick cool sound. Producer
Mike Landolt managed to give the brothers' songs a nice slick sound
without making them sound like generic artificial twenty-first century copycats.
Vocals are usually the weakest link in a band...but in these guys' case
the vocals are what stand out the most. The more we spin this album...the
better the songs sound. These compositions are smart, intricate, and totally
mentally absorbing. Killer tracks include "Keep the Desert," "Little
Monster," "Castles In the Air," and "Amazing Thing."
Starflyer 59 fans should love this one. Recommended. (Rating: 5++)
Secondstar - Teeth (Independently released CD, Progressive)
Packaged in a simple cardboard envelope/sleeve. This five song EP from Secondstar
contains nice, smooth, hummable, melodic pop. This band is all about songs.
Strong songs with smart lyrics...and some rather heavenly harmony vocals.
Teeth has an overall organic sound. The songs are simple and stripped
down without unnecessary sounds and overdubs. Hard to tell a lot about a
band from five songs...but from what we're hearing, we'd bet these folks
have a helluva full-length coming up in the very near future... (Not Rated)
Shonen
Knife - Super Group (CD, Good Charamel, Pop/rock)
It's always cause for celebration here in the plush babysue offices
whenever there's a new Shonen Knife album. We've been huge fans of
the band ever since the guys in Redd Kross helped spread Shonen Knife's
crazy brand of power pop/punk across the United States. In case you somehow
missed out on the band's output over the past few years, they have a sound
that is unique. These three girls combine crucial elements from 1960s girl
groups with The Ramones and The Archies...and blast it out
from a totally cool Japanese point of view. Supergroup starts out
with could be called "classic Knife"...the title track charges
out of the gate with the upbeat, optimistic buzzsaw energy that these girls
are known for. They then proceed to cast out ten more cool, clever tunes
that are bound to please their fans across the world. Lyrics have always
played an integral part of what Shonen Knife are about...and Super Group
is no exception. Hilarious lyrics are evident in "Slug" (in which
the lyrics repeat the line Slug...I don't like the slug...I don't like
the slug...) and "Deer Biscuits" (which is a song about how
deer biscuits smell like soybean flower--haw haw!!!).
Goofy, smart, silly, strange...we could never EVER get enough of this kinda
stuff. They made us laugh long ago and they're STILL making us laugh today.
The band will be playing shows in the U.S. in October and November 2009.
If they play anywhere near you...you MUST GO. These girls are just THE BEST.
Highly recommended, as always. (Rating: 5+++)
Laugh and laugh and laugh and laugh
Then throw up all over
Yourself.(Rating: 1)
Slicnaton - Basendrums (CD, Extemporate,
Experimental/progressive)
People spout off about alternative music all the time...when all they're
really discussing is music that isn't commercially successful in terms of
sales. Slicnaton is a true alternative band...because these folks
are playing to a very small and very select audience (i.e., folks who prefer
music as sound rather than music as songs). Slicnaton is the duo consisting
of Nicholas Slaton and Ian Davis. Slaton is credited with
playing basses and electronics while Davis is credit with drums and electronics.
While the title of this album might imply danceable electronic music, this
stuff certainly doesn't fit within the strict confines of the bass and drums
category. The pieces on this album are almost totally experimental and there
is more of an emphasis on manipulating sound than coming up with melodies
and/or song structures. The band's RIYL list will probably give you a clue
as to whether or not you have the potential to appreciate what they're doing:
Tony Conrad, Marco Ciciliani, Milton Babbit, Henry
Texier, M.F. Cote, John Cage... If you're into any of
these artists, you may very well have the potential to dig Slicnaton. Obtuse
stuff...definitely an acquired taste. (Rating: 5)
Chad Smith's Bombastic Meatbats - Meet The Meatbats (CD, Warrior,
Progressive)
We have never been fans of the Red Hot Chili Peppers..not even for
a minute. So when this disc arrived in our mailbox the first thing we noticed
was that Chad Smith was previously a member of that band. But we
try to give everything and everyone a chance...and in this case, we're glad
we did. We are pleased to report that Chad Smith's Bombastic Meatbats
have virtually nothing in common with the previously mentioned Peppers.
Meet The Meatbats presents a surprisingly pleasing batch of progressive
jazzy instrumentals. And you get a lot of bang for your bucks here...this
album clocks in at over 55 minutes. But its the songs and particularly the
spirited playing that make this album such a great big ball of fun. These
guys are real pros...but they play with the passion of very young musicians.
Ten groovy cuts here including "Need Strange," "Oh! I Spilled
My Beer," "Lola," and "Into The Floyd." This album
should appeal to rock and jazz fans alike. (Rating: 5)
Music died a
Long time
Ago.(Rating: 1)
Squirtgun - Broadcast 02.09.08 (CD, Kid
Tested, Rock/pop)
Up to this point in time we had never even heard of the band Squirtgun.
Question: How unhip is that? Answer: Very, very unhip (but even more
so to admit it in public). The band was birthed in Indiana in 1993...so
it is appropriate that Broadcast 02.09.08 was recorded live in the
band's hometown of Lafayette (to a capacity crowd). This band's music recalls
some of the obvious...The Ramones, The Queers, Bracket...
but they're obviously masters of their own recorded universe. Steady propulsive
rhythms...loud fuzzy guitars...easy catchy vocal melodies... This is loud
in-your-face feelgood stuff that sure as hell entertained the crowd on this
particular night. The band slams out nineteen of their classics including
"Frederick's Frost," "Another Sunny Afternoon," "Please
Be Mine," "Across the Wire," and "Mary Ann" (from
the album of the same name that was a tribute to the character on Gilligan's
Island). Fun rockin' stuff played with balls and conviction. (Rating:
5+)
State
Shirt - This Is Old (CD, LFA,
Progressive pop)
The curiously-titled State Shirt is a one man band with a truly creative
approach. The first thing that caught our attention here was the cover photograph
on the cover...a really cool double exposure of the artist laying in the
grass. The tunes on This Is Old remind us in many ways of some of
Todd Rundgren's albums from the 1990s. The State Shirt guy uses technology
to drive his pop...but the music is really all about lyrics and vocal melodies.
Arrangements are kept to a minimum, leaving plenty of open space on these
tracks. Some of the tunes are almost straightforward pop...while others
delve into more experimental territory. We love the label name LFA (stands
for Los Fucking Angeles...haw!). Groovy tracks include "This Is
Old," "Computer," "So Weird," and "I Hate
California." Cool graphics, memorable tunes, a unique approach to marketing...
This guy has incredible potential...and he's only just begun... (Rating:
4+++++)
People get Swine Flu
Because they're
Pigs.(Rating: 1)
Patrik
Tanner - Quills
(CD, Dark One, Soft pop)
If you like the ultra-positive vibes given off by bands who don't feel the
need to have an annoying edge and push the envelope...well then, Patrik
Tanner might just be your favorite new underground artist. To be more
accurate, Tanner isn't really a new artist at all. Quills is Patrik's
eighth full-length release. His tunes revolve around a gently played piano...and
the vocals are way up front in the mix so that you can easily understand
the lyrics. On several occasions different musical segments on this album
reminded us of Neil Innes...many of the melodies are slightly similar
and even the vocal recall Neil on his later recordings. By keeping things
simple and direct, this fellow has managed to come up with an album chock
full of positive energy. Sixteen pensive melodic tracks here. Our favorites
include "The Next Available Agent," "A Moment In Time,"
"Beautiful Then," and "Rebuild the Titanic." Nice music
delivered straight from the heart. Real. (Rating: 5)
Telegraph Canyon - The Tide And The Current (CD, Velvet
Blue Music, Progressive pop)
We've been big fans of bands on the Velvet Blue Music label for so
many years now...that we can't even remember when we were first turned onto
this relatively small but substantially influential label...? In any event,
a great many Velvet Blue bands have been covered in these pages over the
past few years. We can now add Telegraph Canyon to our list of favorites.
The folks in this band play an Americana-type brand of sculpted progressive
pop that is a bit different from most bands we have heard on this label.
The band consists of Chris Johnson (guitars, banjo, vocals), Chuck
Brown (bass, vocals), Austin Green (drums, keyboards, bells),
Tamara Dauble (violin, vocals), Brian McCorquodale (pedal
steel, piano, percussion), Andrew Skates (organ, accordion, mandolin,
guitar), and Erik Wolfe (guitar, bass drum, vibes). You might think
that with so many people involved the overall sound would be busy and overproduced...but
this is not the case. The compositions on The Tide And The Current
display an impressive use of restraint, despite the sometimes complex arrangements.
The centerpiece here is Johnson's unique voice. This fellow sings with a
strangely distant urgency that is appealing and genuine. Sometimes super
soft, sometimes grand and slightly intense...this album shines brightly
with the ferver of creative ingenuity. (Rating: 5+)
Ten Pole Tudor - Made It This Far (CD, Angel
Air, Pop/rock)
The first new Ten Pole Tudor album since...1981 (!?!). Yup, you read
that right. Twenty-five plus years later and the band makes their grand
return with Made It This Far. Most folks will probably remember Ed
Tudor Pole as the quirky guy who made an appearance in The Sex Pistols'
The Great Rock'n'Roll Swindle fillm performing his song "Who
Killed Bambi." You would expect an artist and/or band resurfacing after
such a long period to sound tired and/or dated. But based upon the sounds
we're hearing here, Ed and company still have the spark. The title track
alone is worth the price of admission here. "Made It This Far"
is a great, super catchy upbeat track that ought to easily reignite the
band's fans. But the album reaches much farther...offering an additional
fifteen cuts (!)...all of which sound refreshingly inspired. Cool catchy
pop/rockers include "One for the Master," "The Occasion,"
"I Laid Her Down," and "Shutup Tracey." Includes detailed
liner notes by Ed himself. (Rating: 5)
Gordie
Tentrees - Mercy or Sin (CD, Yukon
Economic Development, Roots/folk)
The third full-length release from Yokon roots singer/songwriter Gordie
Tentrees. To support this album Gordie is performing no less than 180
(?!!!) shows in Canada, Europe, the United Kingdom, and the United States...so
you know this guy means business. Tentrees' songs immediately recall
Bob Dylan's very early recordings (before too much success transformed
him into a generic crap recording artist). In the world of roots/folk
music, things either work...or they fail miserably. In spinning this album,
the first word that comes to mind is...inspired. Instead of sounding
forced or phony, Gordie comes across sounding like a genuine, real artist
whose music is anything but contrived. Backup musicians Ken Hermanson
(banjo, lapsteel, guitar) and Matt King (upright bass) provide just
the right amount of support to make these tunes cook. The centerpiece here
are Gordie's cool heartfelt vocals. In a world full of throwaway artists,
it is refreshing to come across an artist whose music comes from the heart.
Top picks: "Alfred," "Hey Mama," "Mercy or Sin,"
"Ross River." (Rating: 5+)
Time
and Distance - Gravity (CD, Not Alone,
Pop/rock)
The third full-length release from Time and Distance. This power
pop/rock trio resides in the unlikely city of Charleston, West Virginia...a
place not normally known for its up-and-coming power pop/rock bands. Gravity
features smart hard pop/rock cuts with soaring melodies and driving
rhythms. In terms of songs...this band sounds something like a young Ben
Folds fronting a loud guitar band...even the vocals are remarkably similar
sounding at times. The band' sound is slick and professional...but their
songs still pack quite a punch...most likely because of the thick, gritty,
overdriven guitar that is always prominent in the mix. This band is playing
for a very young audience...most likely teenagers and college students.
But their songs are much more substantial that what you might expect. Cool,
creatively-crafted cuts include "First Time Caller, Long Time Listener,"
"Living In Fiction," "Sunday," and "Gravity."
(Rating: 4+++++)
Throw trash
Everywhere.(Rating: 1)
The
Twees - Lessons To Connect (Independently
released CD-R EP, Pop)
This is a super short EP lasting just 11 minutes. But with these four tunes,
the folks in The Twees seem to easily solidify their image and sound.
The three guys in this band have what might best be described as a New York
City sound. Their music draws heavily from artists like Lou Reed
and early Talking Heads. Cool thumpy rhythms combine with strange
staccato guitars and reserved spoken/sung vocals. Hard to rate an EP this
short...but our initial reaction is that these guys ROCK. (Not Rated)
Two
Hours Traffic - Territory (CD, Bumstead, Pop)
Shamelessly accessible guitar pop...with an instantly lovable sound. Two
Hours Traffic is the band begun by the duo of vocalist Liam Corcoran
and guitarist Alec O'Hanley...but which also now includes drummer
Derek Ellis and bassist Andrew MacDonald. Although we unfortunately
never heard it (damn!)...this band's last album (Little Jabs)
released in 2007 apparently made a big splash among lots of influential
writers and fans. Territory is a super slick collection of guitar-based
pop tunes. The vocals are way up front in the mix...and the overall sound
is very, very familiar sounding. If you don't like slick pop music well
then...you probably won't care for the sound of this band. But if, on the
other hand, you're a sucker for really well-produced catchy guitar pop...you'll
probably have the same reaction we did. This stuff sounds just...grrrrrrRRREAT.
Every song here is a keeper but particular standouts include "Noisemaker,"
"Territory," "Drop Alcohol," and "Happiness Burns."
Recommended. (Rating: 5++)
The white person is ugly.
The black person is ugly.
The brown person is ugly.
The yellow person is ugly.All people are ugly
Regardless of their
Color.(Rating: 1)
The universe is
Shitty.(Rating: 1)
Derek
Webb - Stockholm Syndrome (Advance CD-R,
i no, Pop)
Stockholm Syndrome took several spins to sink in. But now that it
has become part of our subconsciousness, this disc is one of our favorite
new albums. A word of warming...you have to like technology-based pop to
enjoy Derek Webb's music. Even though the songs themselves are basic
melodic pop, many of the compositions are draped in layers upon layers of
technology. And this is a super slick professional effort...no lo-fi electronic
pop here. What is probably most appealing about Derek's music is that his
brand of pop has some refined doses of genuine soul/R&B thrown into
the mix. Another plus here is that Webb isn't afraid to throw some oddball
tracks into the arena. We were particularly surprised to hear the doo-wop-ish
"Freddie, Please"...which actually works amazingly well (!). The
centerpiece of these tunes are Derek's super smooth, superbly effective
voice. This guy has a killer voice...and he manages to evoke emotions without
sounding artificial or phony. We sure hate the fact that we received an
advance CD-R...because this would have been an obvious TOP PICK this
month. This one definitely gets a thumbs up...but no rating because
we received only part of the actual final product... (Not Rated)
Simon Whetham - Quiet Please (Extremely limited edition CD-R, Lens, Experimental)
Talk about an extreme limited edition...there are only 100 hard copies being
issue of this particular disc (!). So if you don't get yours quick...well
then, you probably just won't get yours. This CD contains only one piece..."Quiet
Please" that lasts just over 28 minutes. The piece was created using
recordings Simon Whetham made in and around Peckham Library which
is located in the Peckham area of London, England. The recordings simply
captured the everyday sounds of life and work in and around this particular
public place. The recordings were then snipped, folded, and manipulated
to create this lengthy piece. It isn't music in any conventional sense...and
there are many segments that are so quiet that you almost don't notice the
disc is playing. Hard to rate something like this...because there isn't
much out there to compare it to...(?). A very odd spin indeed...
(Not Rated)
Wingdale Community Singers - Spirit Duplicator (CD, Scarlet
Shame, Soft pop)
Wingdale Community Singers is the quartet consisting of David
Grubbs, Nina Katchadourian, Hannah Marcus, and Rick
Moody. The first thing that caught our attention here was the fact that
Marcus was in the band. We were first turned onto Hannah's music in August
2000 when she released her refreshingly cool Black Hole Heaven album
on the Bar/None label. Spirit Duplicator is an extremely reserved
soft folky/pop album that reverberates. The overall sound and feel of this
album reminds us very much of Carly Simon's first few albums (before
Simon's music became way too polished and commercial), both in terms
of vocals and melodies . We have the feeling that these musicians were not
out to make a hit album. This is one of those cases where we most certainly
get the impression that the folks involved in this project made these recordings
purely out of inspiration. Fifteen tracks here...and not one of them is
a clunker. Particular standout cuts include "I'm in the Mood (to Drive),"
"I Was Once a Young Man," "Montreal," and "Death
Is Only a Dream." Soothing and very satisfying. (Rating: 5+)
Wiretree - Luck (Independently released CD, Pop)
Melodic guitar-based pop that harkens back to some of the better underground
pop artists from the 1980s. Luck is the second full-length release
from Austin, Texas-based Wiretree. The band cites their main influences
as Elliott Smith, George Harrison, and The La's...which
is appropriate as traces of all three can be heard here and there in these
tunes. Some of the cuts also remind us a bit of early Marshall Crenshaw.
It is important to note that even though this band is currently treading
in underground circles...their music is surprisingly smooth and accessible.
The band consists of Kevin Peroni (guitar, keys, lead vocals), Rachel
Peroni (bass), Joshua Kaplan (guitar), and Daniel Blanchard
(drums). Killer guitar lines abound here...as do super smooth, well-focused
vocals. So many bands use gimmicks in order to get their point across...these
folks don't. Straight-shooter pop tunes include "Across My Mind,"
"Back In Town," "Information," and "Heart of Hearts."
Good memorable pop delivered with style. (Rating: 5+)
The
Woods - The EP Logue (Independently
released CD-R EP, Pop)
Super short EP (just over 12 minutes long) featuring five songs. The folks
in The Woods write and record well-arranged soft progressive pop
that recalls artists like Sufjan Stevens. The songs are, for the
most part, built around a gentle strummed/plucked acoustic guitar...and
arrangements play a key role in the overall sound. Hard to tell a lot about
a band based on 12 minutes of music...for we are initially impressed with
these cool understated tracks... (Not Rated)
Hilary
York - In The Dark (CD, Hey Miau!,
Pop)
We're going to try and hold back instead of instantly turning excitable
and gushy here...no wait we can't hold it in... Hilary York is INCREDIBLE.
It took three or four spins before we realized it, but In The Dark
is easily one of the best albums yet to be released in 2009. And considering
the fact that it's only about 33 minutes long, that's really saying something.
This is the second full-length release from this young lady who resides
in Austin, Texas. But considering the mature smart songs on this album you'd
never know it. York has a slightly deep voice that occasionally recalls
Marianne Faithful (even some of the vocal melodies recall Marianne
at times). York's tunes are smart and reflective...and they come across
sounding 100% genuine and sincere. There are no variables here that instantly
stand out. No blatant use of technology. No weird image or anything like
that. No unusual lyrics or ultra-weird song titles. Nope, there's nothing
that stands out here except for...the words and the music. Eight
originals plus an excellent cover of Randy Newman's "Baltimore."
This lady's presence just oozes out of the speakers. Highly recommended.
(Rating: 5+++)
A
Air Waves - Air Waves
Al Atkins - Demon deceiver...plus
Arrivederci - Arrivederci
A Beautiful Curse - As it should be
Alchemist - Chemical warfare
Verden Allen - My masochistic side
Anthem In - The cloudbusting EP
Arctic Sleep - Abysmal lullabies
Assy Fish-Bass - Bass in my ass
Atsiaktonkie - Four wolves prophecy
Jacob Augustine - Harmonia
B
Baak Gwai - Find a stranger in the alps
Barrel House - Open road
Beat Circus - Boy from black mountain
Christopher Bell - Cover EP
Black Mold - Snow blindness is crystal antz
Bonnington Truce - Bonnington Truce
Boy Without God - Your body is your soul
Boz - Karma knows...
Brokencyde - I'm not a fan but the kids like it!
Bronze Radio Return - Old time speaker
Criag Buhler - Skykomish
Buskin & Batteau - Red shoes and golden hearts
C
Candace Brooks Band - The chase
Candy - Candy
Castevet - Summer fences
Circle Circle - Square square
Circular System - Signal morning
Color Turning - Good hands bad blood
Copilots - Escape through the trees
Estrella Cristina - This is life
D
The DGB - Victory song
Don Diego - A new beginning
Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde - Promo edition
Cornelius Dufallo - Dream streets
Dufus - In monstrous attitude
E
Brenda Earle - Songs for a new day
Early Hours - Falling elevators EP
Pauline Edwards - There comes a time
Eyes Set To Kill - The world outside
Evan and the Modern Human Show - A moose supreme
F
Fame - Original motion picture soundtrack
Fans of Jimmy Century - Head go whoosh
Fonnie Fauss - New songs for the old frontier volume 1
Dodd Ferrelle - Lonely parades
Dale Frane - 401K: Madness, greed and escape
Funny People - Original motion picture soundtrack
G
Anna Garrott - What a way to go
Glen Iris - "Horseless" b/w "Big Hatchet"
Alex Gomez - Love sex & drugs
Nicki Gonzalez - Moron love
Gospel Gossip - Dreamland
Grand Hallway - Promenade
Grass - Rogue waves
Groove Kings - Blood red
H
Hadley, Norman & Keeble - An evening of gold
Ben Cooley Hall - Owning up to a life
Trevor Hall - Trevor Hall
Hallelujah The Hills - Colonial drones (defective CD-R)
Will Hanson - Hope on top
Don Harvey - A dance in red
Bill Hart - This is why
HB3 - The veldt
Fritz Helder and the Phantoms - Greatest hits
Hi-Nobles - Shake!
Heavy Hometown - Action figures
Hollis Brown - Hollis Brown
Hot Cha Cha - The world's hardest working telescope & the violent birth
of stars
I
In Cadeo - Making our graves
Inspector Cluzo - Inspector Cluzo
Iron Horse - A boy named blue: The bluegrass tribute to the Goo Goo Dolls
The Iveys - The Iveys
J
Janus - Red right return
Jookabox - Dead zone boys
Simon Joyner - Out into the snow
Frank Jurgens - Last call at the tiki bar
K
Katastrophe - The worst amazing
Kennky and Leah - You and the night and the music
Kenny Young Project - Kenny Young Project
Kestrels - Primary colours
Kissing Cousins - Pillar of salt
Chris Knight - Trailer II
Greg Koons and the Misbegotten - Welcome to the nowhere motel
L
John Lefebvre - Psallngs
Laneous and the Family-Yah - Laneous and the Family-Yah
Steeuart Liebig/The Mentones - Angel city dust
Little Tybee - I wonder which house the fish will live in
Jennifer Logue - The pretty EP
Los Explosives - Los Explosives
M
Gunnar Madsen - Two hands
Chris Marshall - Starting out
Jesse Matheson - Pleasure pounds
MEM - Archaea
Men - Women aren't men
Men Aren't Men - Women
Kono Michi - 9 death haiku
Mike Middleton - Waxing gibbons
Mile Marker Zero - Mile Marker Zero
Misophone - I sit at open windows
Corbin Murdoch & The Nautical Miles - Wartime lovesong
Mystery of Two - Mystery of Two
N
Valerie Nicole - From the heart
Niggers - We are niggers
O
One Eskimo - One Eskimo
John O'Mara - Five year missionas
Orchid of the Living - Orchid of the Living
Joao Orecchia - Hands and feet
OS Haxixins - OS Haxixins
Over The Hill - Looking for a spark
P
Paper Heart - Original motion picture soundtrack
Paper Scissors - Howl
Pepper Dome - Let's try the otherside
Play the Angel - Play the Angel
Plea - Modern chaos
Pocket - 3 single sampler
Ana Popovic - Blind for love
Porcupine - The trouble with you
Pride Parade - Dose
Pretty Faces - Another sound
Public Good - No. 1
Puffy Dead Stuff - Dead stuff smells great
Q
R
Red Channels - Red Channels
Red Rooster - Walk
Red Star Revolt - Red Star Revolt
Rent To Own - Spellbound
Requiem For Delinquency - Hobs end
RHINOCEroses - We is shore dedicated
John Robert - Meant to be
S
Secret Pop Band - Pardon the solar interruption
Sexy Accident - Mantoloking
Chris Smither - Time stands still
Soultet - Yours, mind, and the truth
Joe Stickley's Blue Print - Smoke leaves town
Storys - Town beyond the trees
States - We are the erasers
Heather Stewart - Life of the party
Luke Stone - Somethin's gotta give
Super 400 - Sweet fist
Nathanuel Sutton - Starlite
Swamphouse - The fade EP
T
Aly Tadros - Things worth keeping
Carley Tanchon - Pendot
Adam Taylor - Play the piano drunk
Textile Orchestra - For the boss
Tim Be Told - From the inside
Tin Star - Bettie Lane
TPF! - Es slassh tee
Adam Taylor - Play the piano drunk
Jessie Torrisi - Bruler
U
Unit Breed - Always distance the lonely
Uh Uh - Yuh yuh
V
Gaby Valezquez - Let me in
Vangough - Manikin parade
Various Artists - Welcome to the wetherbeat scene 1988-1991
Various Artists - Rockabye Baby!: Lullaby renditions of Aerosmith
Various Artists - Shark Batter introduces sounds from the scottish underground
Various Artists - Prids Tribute: Connect the dots (CD-R)
Chris Velan - Solidago
Mia Vermillion - Alone together with the blues
Vessel - Vessel
W
Billy Wallace - The road spit me out
T.h. White - Company book
Kat Walker - Jazz skat gumbo
Sean Walsh and the National Reserve - Homesick
War Tapes - The continental divide
Wedding Soundtrack - Na na na ro
We'll Go Machete - We'll Go Machete
The Wind Whistles - Animals are people too
Wonderbugg - Transgraduate
Woodward - Woodward
World's Greatest Dad - Original motion picture soundtrack
X
X Borts the Slorch - Trot trot
Y
Yes Pleases - From whence it came
Michael Yonkers - With the blind shake
You Are Home - Phoneyhome
Z
Zebras - Parasitic clones under the strong arm of the robotic machine