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Comics, Poems, and Reviews by 
March 2010
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Comics, Poems, and Reviews by
March 2010
Aarktica
- In Sea Remixes (Limited edition CD, Silber,
Progressive)
Even though you know something to be an obvious truth...sometimes is just
feels reassuring to see it in print. We've been big fans of Jon DeRosa
(the man who is Aarktica) for quite some time now...and we've always
had the distinct feeling that this man is driven first and foremost by the
desire to create. As such, it felt particularly nice reading the press release
that accompanied this CD...in which DeRosa validated some of our feelings.
In Sea Remixes features fourteen remixes by artists Ramses III,
slicnation, Summer Cats, Al Qaeda, Mason Jones, Yellow6, Planar, Keith Caisius,
thisquietarmy, Remora, James Duncan, Declining Winter, Pan, and Landing.
The original Aarktica mixes were already strange and heady...so it comes
as no surprise that the same is true for these versions. We've loved everything
we've heard thus far from DeRosa. He's one of those artists you can always
depend on to come through with intriguing quality music with a conscience.
This is an individually numbered limited edition CD (only 500 copies). TOP
PICK.
A Death Cinematic / Sons of
Alpha Centauri - Ambient Visions Volume 1
(CD, Simple Box Construction,
Progressive/experimental)
This is a split release by two different bands. A Death Cinematic
is one man with his guitar, an amp, and some effects. Sons of Alpha Centauri
is an experimental British band. Ambient Visions Volume 1 is a perplexing
and unusual spin. Some of the original tracks for this album were taken
from performances in 2004 to 2007. The overall sound/approach here reminds
us very much of Tangerine Dream. These spontaneously created pieces
were recorded in such a way that they cannot be recreated. As such, each
piece stands purely on its own and the artists will not be reproducing them
in concert anytime soon...because it would be impossible to do so. These
strange recordings sound something like the soundtrack to being on another
planet. Really wild music that has no grounding in reality. You either love
this stuff or you hate it. So you might have already guessed that this is
a...TOP PICK. Totally tripped out and bizarre. Wow.
Almost
Alice - Almost Alice (CD, Disney, Various artists/songs inspired
by the motion picture)
This album is probably going to be a bit confusing to most people, so a
bit of explanation is in order. If you're looking for the soundtrack to
the film Alice In Wonderland, this isn't it. Danny Elfman's
soundtrack is available as an entirely different album. This album was commissioned
by the folks at Disney with the idea being to come up with some current
pop/rock artists interested in recording songs about or inspired by Alice
In Wonderland. This sixteen track various artists compilation features
an interesting array of artists including Avril Lavigne, The All-American
Rejects, Metro Station, Robert Smith (minus The Cure), Plain
White T's, Wolfmother, and more. Hard to rate a various artists compilation
so we won't even try. We are most definitely looking forward to seeing the
upcoming film...it sounds intriguing.
John
Anderson - Bigger Hands (CD, Country Crossing,
Country)
Who would've ever thought that--after leaving Yes--John Anderson
would grow a beard and end up crooning beer-driven country pop in the twenty-first
century...? Heh heh heh...of course we know better. The other guy's
first name doesn't have an "H" in it. Considering how long he's
been around, it seems incredible that John Anderson has never become a mega-superstar.
Sure, he's been a major contender for years...but we have always gotten
the impression that Mr. Anderson doesn't want to simply sell out in order
to make money. Bigger Hands finds John in fine form. The songs are
super strong and the vocals sound as good as ever. Anderson had a stroke
of luck in 2009 when James Taylor covered his song "Seminole
Wind." Bigger Hands is easily one of John's best albums ever.
Fresh, inviting, inspired tunes include "How Can I Be So Thirsty,"
"Bar Room Country," and "Bigger Hands." In the world
of country music it doesn't get much more real than this. TOP PICK.
Mickey Hamster.
Mickey Chicken.
Mickey Giraffe.
Mickey Monkey.
Mickey Donkey.
Art
of Shooting - Traveling Show (Independently
released CD, Pop)
The debut full-length release from New York's Art of Shooting which
is set to be released April 2010. This band's sound is driven by the unique
talents of singer/songwriter/guitarist Kelly Irene Corson...a young
lady with a strange warbly voice that recalls some of the early New Wave
artists from the late 1970s and early 1980s. Produced by Paul Mahajan,
Traveling Show has a nice slick sound...and yet the band's aggressive
edge is never overshadowed by technology. Some of the tracks on this album
are rockers...while others are more subdued and moody. Eleven tracks here
including "Drinking & Dressing," "It Goes (Home),"
"The Birdcage," and "Japanese." Simultaneously accessible
and unique.
Battlestar Galactica: The
Plan and Razor - Original Soundtrack From the
SYFY Special Events: Music Composed by Bear McCreary (CD, La-La Land, Soundtrack)
More Battlestar Galactica music from the intensely prolific Bear
McCreary. Bear has worked on quite a few varied projects over the past
few years but his Galactica recordings are probably what he is best
known for. In fact, many folks claim that much of the credit for the success
of the series is owed to McCreary's explosive music. This disc collects
compositions specifically recorded for the feature-length television features
The Plan and Razor. There's a helluva lot to take in here.
Nineteen tracks that clock in at just under 70 minutes...so you get a lot
of bang for your bucks with this one. If you dug Bear's other Galactica
releases you're bound to go apeshit over this one as well. Explosive modern
technology-driven recordings with a huge sound. Cool stuff that sounds
thrilling even without the visuals to go along with it (!). TOP PICK.
Billy Mack Collector - Pumpkin (CD-R, Progressive)
So many artists and bands claim to be underground or alternative...probably
because it's just more hip to be perceived as such. In the case of Billy
Mack Collector...the tags actually stick and mean something. Pumpkin
is a true underground album...released as a CD-R and housed in a homemade
cloth sleeve with a pumpkin head hand painted on the front with black paint.
The band included a nice xerox page with lyrics to the songs...and an authentic
hand-typed (!?!) cover letter. Pennsylvania's Billy Mack and his
associates are obviously involved in music for all the right reasons which
is...to be creative and have a good time making music. Pumpkin is
a peculiar little album chock full of imagination and inspiration. The lyrics
are wildly creative...and the songs mostly presented in a somewhat raw form.
This band has some of the best lyrics we've heard in years. Consider "You
Don't Know Food"..."Once in a field of grass I grew a garden
of strawberries and I sold them to a neighbor who was very old and they
bled into his white beard." Or how about "All Very" which
presents the puzzling idea that "I have all these thoughts and feelings
and they're all very important" (incredibly funny satire).
Folks wanting a nice, slick, processed package aren't likely to go for this
at all. But folks wanting a taste of what true underground music
sounds like will find a lot to love here. TOP PICK.
Ian C. Bouras - The Certainty of Being Found (CD, SDMP,
Instrumental)
The third full-length release from San Diego, California's Ian C. Bouras
who is probably best known up to this point as a member of the rock/reggae
band Ana Vana. The Certainty of Being Found is an interesting
album because it combines many things that are not normally combined on
a single album. Bouras incorporates elements of dub, ambient, and reggae
music into an interesting concoction that is mainly driven by spanish guitar.
It's an intriguing mix that is surprisingly cohesive, warm, and inviting.
Twelve smooth tracks here including "The Clues Are In The Dialogue,"
"On The Corner With Doubt," and "Without A Sense Of Duty."
Cool, creative, and reflective...
Bradley - Mountain Tiger Wolf (CD, Drip
Audio, Pop)
Imagine a cross between Joy Electric and The Young Fresh Fellows...and
you might begin to have some idea of where this guy is coming from. Bradley
is the mostly one-man-band created by Bradley Ferguson...along with
various other friends/musicians offering helping hands. Ferguson creates
his songs by mainly using a single analog synthesizer and a computer (along
with various effects/manipulations). Take away the strange instrumentation
and arrangements...and you have some surprisingly direct pop songs here.
Mountain Tiger Wolf has a nice, thick, aggressive sound. Some tracks
are all-out rockers while others are more pop-oriented. Twelve cool cuts
including "Monster," "Padma," "Little Voice,"
and "Lullaby."
Hannis
Brown - Oh Ah Ee (Independently released
CD, Progressive)
Obtuse artsy stuff from Los Angeles, California's Hannis Brown. Created
using unorthodox sounds with a complete disregard for commercial appeal,
Oh Ah Ee will undoubtedly lose most listeners on the very first spin.
The press release that accompanied this disc compared the artist's music
to Pendereki and Ligeti, Tortoise, and Charles Mingus...which
should give at least some indication of where Hannis Brown is coming from.
Thirteen tracks that go all over the place in terms of sound and style.
Our favorites include "Ehhh Ah Ooo," "Gliss," and "Nothing
I Know Of."
Burning
Hotels - Novels (Independently released
CD, Pop/rock)
Smart, driving, modern guitar-driven pop rock. The guys in Burning Hotels
recorded this album in the attic of a garage on a farm out in the middle
of nowhere. Accordingly, it is rather surprising the amount of energy and
spunk they managed to capture on Novels. At times the band's tunes
remind us of The Strokes (particularly evident on "To Whom It
May Concern")...but at other times they just come across as energetic
modern popsters. Eleven hard pop cuts here including "Austin's Birthday,"
"The River," "First Love," and "One To Five."
Plenty of cool smart tunes here.
Carta - An Index of Birds (CD, Silber,
Progressive)
Looking for the latest dance tracks? Or something that is perfect for your
MP3 player while working out at the gym? If so, you're reading about the
wrong release. The folks in Carta write and record peculiar
moody underground music that can and will only be appreciated by a small
segment of the listening population. The band formed in 2002 and has apparently
gone through various personnel changes over the years. Describing An
Index of Birds is a difficult task. This band's music could be described
as mood music, modern classical, slowcore, or shoegaze...but it never actually
falls into any of these specific categories. Some of the tracks are instrumentals
while others include vocals. There are so many wonderfully inventive tracks
here. We love the really cool atmospherics in the piano track "Small
Lights," the unbelievable bass sound in "The Likeness is Undeniable,"
and the cool, distant Curved Air-like vocals in "Descension."
Decidedly subdued and very, very groovy.
Beppe
Crovella - What's Rattlin' On The Moon?
A Personal Vision of the Music of Mike Ratledge (CD, Moonjune, Progressive)
A tribute to Mike Ratledge who was the keyboard player in the 1970s
British progressive band Soft Machine. This album is divided into
three sections. The first section (...Rattlin' all the time) consists
of ten covers of tunes written by Mike while the latter two sections (...before
the Moon and ...after the Moon) feature compositions by Beppe
Crovella that were inspired by the recording of the first ten tracks.
The Ratledge covers are intriguing to say the least. Crovella manages to
conjure up the original idea of the music...while relying on the freedom
of modern technology to push things to another level. A variety of instruments
were used including many well-known vintage keyboards from the past. Cool
trippy progressive music with hints of jazz and psychedelia. Our favorite
tracks include "Tarabos," "Pig," "Leonardo's E-Mail,"
and "Circular Lines In The Air."
Delicate Noise - Filmezza Remixes (CD-R, Lens,
Progressive)
This release is a companion to the Filmezza album that was released
by Delicate Noise in 2009. This seven track album features remixes
by Jauzas The Shining, Knowing Looks, Sunao, Document
One, Heinrich Dressel, 10-20, and Tension Co. Cool,
heady, slightly trippy remixes that present the music of Delicate Noise
under a slightly different light. Subtle, inventive, and moody.
Dirt
Mall - Pacifuego (CD, Daykamp,
Riff rock)
Cool driving guitar rock with instantly catchy vocal melodies. The guys
in Boston, Massachusetts' Dirt Mall keep things simple and direct
on their second full-length release. Instead of too many layers of junk
(which is what one usually gets from the average twenty-first century rock
band) the songs on Pacifuego are appropriately raw and simple...built
upon nice fuzzy guitar riffs. The overall sound reminds us a bit of stoner
rock bands from the 1990s...but the songs are much more pop-oriented than
such a tag might suggest. Eleven neat rockers here including "Building
A Case," "Lost In Plain Sight," "Buried By You,"
and "Suffer The Damage." Cool sounding music that ROCKS.
douBt - Never Pet A Burning Dog (CD, Moonjune,
Progressive/jazz)
That's not a typo...this band spells their name in all lower case
letters except for the "B" which is capitalized. douBt
is a power electric jazz trio created by three fellows who have previously
played in/with some notable other bands and/or artists. The trio is comprised
of Alex Maguire (Hatfield and the North, Elton Dean, Michael Moore),
Michel Delville (The Wrong Object, Comicoperando, TZGIV),
and Tony Bianco (Dave Liebman, Paul Dunmall, Alex von Schlippenbach).
This album also features vocals and bass guitar by Richard Sinclair
on three tracks. In the 1970s this would have been labeled fusion jazz/rock...but
these days it could probably best be described as progressive modern jazz.
Lots of spontaneous improvisation here as these three talented fellows let
their instincts do the talking. Eight cool tracks including "Corale
Di San Luca," "Sea," "Aeon," and "Beppe's
Shelter."
David
Dunn (Artist web page, Pop/rock)
Cool melodic pop/rock from from Lynn Haven, Florida's David
Dunn. Nice instantly catchy guitar-driven stuff here...we really dig
"Don't Talk To Me" and "Backyard BBQ." This guy has
a great voice and writes instantly catchy killer tunes. Click on the link
(above) to hear tunes...or click HERE
to check out Dunn's latest kickass music video. Top pick.
Dustbowl Revival - You Can't Go Back To The Garden of Eden (Independently
released CD, Progressive/roots)
The second full-length release from Venice, California's Dustbowl Revival.
The first few songs on You Can't Go Back To The Garden of Eden remind
us in many ways of The Kinks' Muswell Hillbillies album. Some
of this band's tunes have a cool, loose New Orleans flavor that is characterized
by cool spontaneous vocals and some really nifty and loose dixieland horns.
This is a lengthy album clocking in at just under one hour...so that gives
the band plenty of time to flex their musical muscles on these thirteen
tracks. As the album progresses, the tunes seem to become more sparse and
direct...which is pretty damn cool considering the fact that most bands
take the exact opposite approach. Plenty of inviting credible tracks here
including "Marching On," "Bakersfield," "River
Blues," and "Flying With Icarus."
Evangenitals - Evangenitals (Independently released CD EP, Progressive)
Hard to say whether or not these folks' main goal is to confuse the public.
But whether it is or whether it isn't, there's little doubt that people
are going to be confused by this band's approach. With a name like
Evangenitals you would expect these musicians to be playing heavy
metal or thrash music. Add to this the fact that the cover includes a skull...and
you could pretty much guess that the band would be delving into harsh noise
or satanic thrash music. But...you would be WRONG. This odd little EP features
surprisingly smooth and normal sounding laidback guitar pop tunes that have
much more in common with Americana pop than heavy metal. If people could
get past the name, we'd bet this band would stand a strong chance of garnering
a huge fan base within months. Their music is that good. Will the
band name hold them back? Who knows and...who cares? The only thing that
matters is the music. And in this case, these seven tracks kick ass. Our
favorites include "Hello," "Home," "Bad Town,"
and "I'm Sad." TOP PICK.
Nana fuble,
Fuble da lo.
Inker dis mino.
La fuble de
Klo.
Graves
Brothers Deluxe - San Malo (Greek import
CD, Green Cookie, Progressive)
So many bands either go for a total pop/rock approach...or experimental
music so weird that it alienates most listeners. The guys in Graves Brothers
Deluxe manage to tread on the fine line that separates both worlds.
The band has been very busy over the past few years recording their own
music and working with a wild array of different artists in all kinds of
different mediums. San Malo is right up there with the Brothers'
best recordings. Some of these tracks are moody distorted pop/rock...while
others feature more abstract sounds and ideas. Interestingly, the album
is being released on the Greek Green Cookie label. Strange how many cool
credible American bands find far more support in other countries (?). Ten
groovy cuts here that glide all over the audio map. Our favorite tracks
include "I'm Fine," "My Heart Burned Down Today," "The
Ballad of San Malo," and "Noisy Kind of Nothing." Another
killer release from one of the true American classic underground bands.
TOP PICK.
Durwood
Haddock - Hanks
A Lot (CD, Eagle
International, Country/pop)
Folks who love early country music from artists in the 1950s and 1960s...will
find a lot to love here. Country music has, unfortunately, become
very much a processed product over the past few decades. Most modern artists
are carbon copies of one another and their music takes a back seat to their
physical appearance. Not so here. On this album Durwood Haddock plays
homage to his four favorite "Hanks": Hank Williams, Hank
Locklin, Hank Snow, and Hank Thompson. The tunes are presented
simply without unnecessary instruments muddying up the mix. And Haddock's
average-guy-on-the-street vocal style suits the tunes to a T. Twelve cool
tracks here including "The Blues Come Around," "Send Me The
Pillow You Dream On," "A Fool Such As I," and "Let Me
Be The One." TOP PICK.
Martin
Hagfors - Men and Flies (CD, ME,
Pop)
Originally from Boston, Massachusetts, Martin Hagfors now resides
in Norway. Probably a very smart move on Martin's part...because he has
already been nominated for a Grammy in Norway. Readers should note that
based on the type and style of music Hagfors writes he would never ever
be nominated for a Grammy here in the United States because his music isn't
the kind of generic schmaltzy crap that sells in America. Men and Flies
is Martin's solo full-length debut album...and it's chock full of smart,
well-arranged pop tunes. Plus the guy has a great voice. Nine pop
tracks here that are bound to please even the most jaded pop fans. Our favorite
tracks include "Appetite," "Scarlet," "Tattooed
On My Eyes," and "Married Man."
Get high and
Watch things
Die.
Happy
Hollows - Spells (CD, Autumn
Tone, Pop)
Folks who are always on the lookout for super hip underground bands will
want to take note of Happy Hallows. This Los Angeles, California-based
trio is driven by the songwriting skills of Sarah Negahdari, who
is already receiving some unanimous praise among some rather artsy and influential
people around the country. Spells is a strange spin...but not so
strange and abstract as to be unlistenable. Sarah's tunes are different
and unusual without resorting to shock for shock's sake. The guitar-driven
tunes on this album draw from a wide range of influences all the way from
the 1980s right on to the present. Negahdari has an interesting voice that
sometimes reminds us a tiny bit of Dagmar (Henry Cow, Slapp
Happy). Strangely inviting pop tunes include "Faces," "We
Will Find You," "High Wire," and "Second Lieutenant."
The folks at Autumn Tone Records have hit gold with this one. TOP PICK.
Hark the Herald Angels
Stink.
Heavy
Metal Kids - Hit the Right Button Plus
(CD, Angel Air, Pop/rock)
Reissue of the band's 2003 album that includes four bonus tracks recorded
in London and Milan in 2004. Though they've been around since 1973 (?),
from the sound of the songs on Hit the Right Button Plus you'd never
know that the guys in Heavy Metal Kids are now in the third decade
of their careers (!!!). The album blasts off with the burning hot sound
of "Message"...a song that has "hit" written all over
it. We've always been fans of buzzsaw power pop...and, as such, this album
pretty much pushes all of our buttons. Cool loud fuzzy guitars...hooks galore...driving
bass lines and insistent drumming. The band consists of Danny Peyronel,
Ronnie Thomas, Keith Boyce, Marco Guarnerio, and Marco
Barusso. Hard driving pop/rock anthems include "Message,"
"Hit the Right Button," "Crool World," and "Voices."
TOP PICK.
Lily
Holbrook - Wicked Ways (CD, Alive
Recording Group, Pop)
Another superb release from Lily Holbrook who some folks may remember
as the young lady who got her start in music playing in subway stations
in Boston, Massachusetts. Lily's career started off with a bang and she
has quite a number of diehard fans across the world...and for good reason.
Unlike a lot of up-and-coming underground artists she has real talent
and a truly remarkable voice. Wicked Ways presented somewhat
of a stumbling block for Holbrook. After the album was initially released
in late 2008 the label went out of business. To make things more sticky,
Holbrook is not allowed to replicate the original finished tracks from her
second album. As a result, she re-recorded a few songs from that album and
included them here. While the career path may be getting a little more rocky
as time goes by...the music remains highly stylized and totally credible.
Wicked Ways contains ten magical compositions that feature wonderfully
inviting melodies and, once again, showcase this lady's incredible vocal
skills. All the tracks kick ass but our particular favorites include "Apocalypse
Kiss," "Smoke Screen," "Wicked Ways," and "Sweet
Little Girl." TOP PICK.
Hussys
- Japanese Graffiti (CD, Fat Cheerleader, Pop)
Though The Hussys are a Scottish band you'd never know it from the
songs on Japanese Graffiti. The songs on this album bear a very strong
resemblance to early synth driven American and British pop artists from
the mid to late 1980s. This band has a nice, fresh, inviting sound that
is a refreshing change from the vast majority of twenty-first century bands
who are trying way too hard to be original and unique. The arrangements
are, for the most part, simple and direct...and the female vocalist has
a cool and inviting voice that really makes these songs cook. Nine tracks
here with our favorites being "Japanese Graffiti," "Aftershave,"
and "Greatest Living Actress."
Hyperbubble - Candy Apple Daydreams (CD, Bubblegum,
Pop)
From the look and sound of this package...we'd be willing to bet that the
folks in this band are enjoying the hell out of themselves at this
point in time. And it sure looks and sounds as if they're mainly in it for
fun...which is, of course, the best motivation in the world. Candy Apple
Daydreams is an unashamedly sweet and catchy album full of totally upbeat
pop tracks that should be instantly appealing to children, teenagers, and
adults. To our ears, this band's music sounds something like Madonna
would sound...if her music were geared more towards school kids. Hyperbubble
is Jess on keyboards and bionics and Jeff on synthesizers,
sequences, and vocals. This band will undoubtedly drive artsy-fartsy type
music fans up the goddamn wall (which is where they deserve
to be). Clever cute cuts include "Candy Apple Daydreams," "Girl
Boy Pop Toy," "Teddy Bear Crime Wave," and "Top Ten
Lullabies."
Izakaya
Heartbeat - Ancient Asobi / In Arcadia
(CD, Handmade, Pop/rock)
Super cool underground guitar rock/pop from Norway. Ancient Asobi / In
Arcadia began as the solo project of Christian Larsen. But as
the project evolved and grew, various other artists entered the equation...and
from start to finish the recording ended up taking approximately three years.This
album is an excellent slice of what may be happening in the undercurrents
in Norway. This band's guitar-driven tunes are melodic and pack quite a
punch. The songs feature loud fuzzy guitars, driving rhythms, and some surprisingly
catchy vocal melodies. Many of these tracks remind us of some of the best
underground guitar bands from the United States and Great Britain in the
late 1980s and early 1990s. After spinning this album several times we can't
help but wonder what other cool obscure artists might be lurking around
in Norway...? Ten kickass tracks here including "Narcoleptic Highway,"
"Glass and Flowers," and "Into The Sun." TOP PICK.
Jason
& The Scorchers - Halcyon Times (CD,
Courageous Chicken Music, Pop/rock)
The last time Jason & The Scorchers released a new album was
way back in 1996. In 2008 the band won the Lifetime Achievement Award at
the Americana Music Conference...which may have prompted them to regroup
and record an album of new material. These days the band consists of original
members Jason Ringenberg and Warner E. Hodges along with new
members Al Collins and Pontus Snibb. Instead of being a retread
of old sounds and times gone by, Halcyon Times is a vibrant new album
of material that finds the band playing as hard and as well as they ever
did. The tracks on this album remind us very much of The Kinks during
their time on the Arista label when they had transformed into an all-out
rock band. The young rhythm section really adds the necessary punch that
makes these new songs cook. These fourteen rockers are sure to please the
bands original fans as well as youngsters who originally heard the band
on their parents' old vinyl LPs. Kickass tracks include "Beat on the
Mountain," "Mother of Greed," "Twang Town Blues,"
and "We've Got It Goin' On." TOP PICK.
Jump
Offs - Jump Offs (CD, Contrast,
Pop/rock)
Most people (including us) probably don't have a very clear idea
of what an alternative rock/pop group from Hawaii sounds like. And that's
probably because very few underground bands in Hawaii manage to get heard
anywhere outside of their home state. The folks at Contrast Records originally
released Jumps Offs in 2009. Probably because of a very warm reception
on The Islands, the label and publicity company made the wide decision in
early 2010 to make sure the album was heard by more folks...and thus a national/international
media campaign was initiated. The guys in Jump Offs have a real winner
on their hands here. This eleven track album features hard, driving, guitar-driven
pop/rock tunes delivered with guts and passion. If we had to compare the
band's music to anyone, it would probably be The Strokes...but in
actuality these guys actually deliver a much harder punch. The loud angular
guitars sound just wonderful...as do the slightly distorted vocals and propulsive
rhythms. The Jump Offs are Luke Aguinaldo (bass), Oliver Boe
(lead guitar), Bob Deeter (drums), Chris Gima (keyboards),
and Landon Tom (rhythm guitar, lead vocals). This will no doubt be
well received by almost anyone who loves good solid guitar pop. Killer tracks
include "In The Clouds," "All Nighter," "Stories
Of Your Stereo," and "Hurts Good." TOP PICK.
Khamsa Khala - All Rites Reversed (CD + DVD, Lens,
Progressive)
Khamsa Khala features former members of the bands Mandible Chatter
and Deathpile. This lovely CD + DVD set features music that might
best be described as Middle Eastern dub psychedelia. Neville Harson
and Don Poe obviously aren't in the game for money or fame because
their music is far too peculiar for the average music fan. There's a lot
to take in here. The audio CD features thirteen tracks that are eerie and
odd. These compositions combine traditional acoustic instruments with modern
electronics to create heady, complex pieces that go all over the map and
back. The DVD features 45 minutes' worth of high definition video shot in
Morocco and Egypt. Exotic music from a completely different sphere.
Kobi
- Live In Japan (CD, End of
Hum, Electronic/experimental/progressive), Earplugged (CD,
End of Hum, Electronic/experimental/progressive)
Kai Kobi Mikalsen kicks off 2010 with not one...but two new releases.
Kobi is one of our favorite electronic/experimental artists so we were pumped
to receive both of these discs in the mail. Live In Japan features
live recordings from Kobi's 2007 tour of Japan. This album may surprise
fans of the man because the compositions on this album are much more harsh
and metallic than what he have heard in the past from Kobi. Although a bit
more on the wild side, these tracks still have that peculiar surreal quality
that is simultaneously puzzling and inviting. Earplugged is Kobi's
new studio album which he recorded entirely by himself over the course of
the past three years. The album features one lengthy track conveniently
divided into thirteen track selections which makes for an easier listening
experience. Both of these albums are challenging releases that will only
appeal to that tiny segment of the listening population that enjoys strange
and inventive experimental music. Here in the plush babysue offices,
Kobi always effortlessly hits home runs. Accordingly, these are both
TOP PICKS.
K.D. Lang and the Reclines - A Truly Western Experience: 25th Anniversary Edition
(CD + DVD, Bumstead, Country/pop)
K.D. Lang has had so much success with her ultra-polished solo albums
over the past two decades that most folks probably don't even remember when
she was making cutting edge underground country pop with her band The
Reclines in the early 1980s. This double disc set celebrates Lang's
early years with an audio CD and a video DVD. The CD blasts off with K.D.'s
first two songs that originally appeared on a 7" vinyl 45 ("Friday
Dance Promenade" and "Damned Old Dog"). The remainder of
the CD contains Lang's debut album (A Truly Western Experience) plus
some additional unreleased and live recordings. The DVD features three videos
for the tunes "Hanky Panky," "Bopalena," and "Pollyann."
We were big fans of Lang very early in her career so for us this is just
a reminder of how she got started. Folks who only know her later recordings
may be surprised at some of this stuff...because it represents the artist
in transition. She started out on a high...and has never let her fans down
yet. A great compilation shedding light on the early recordings of Ms. Lang.
TOP PICK.
Christopher Lehman - Popjazzic (Independently released CD, Jazz/pop)
Trumpet player Christopher Lehman received all the best professional
training in the 1970s before spending the next few decades playing mainly
as a backup musician. And then around 2006 he made the decision to embark
on a solo career. The appropriately-titled Popjazzic blends
pop and jazz into an easily digestible concoction that the average listener
should find most appealing. Some of the tracks are instrumentals while others
feature vocals. Ten slick cuts here including "We'll Funk Me Up!!!",
"The Party Grind," "Is This Love?", and "The Diesel
Train."
Lid
Emba - Terminal Muse: Red (Limited edition
CD-R EP, Stickfigure,
Progressive/experimental)
The first of a limited edition three CD-R Terminal Muse trilogy (only
100 copies are being made available of each). Folks familiar with Lid
Emba won't be surprised to learn that Red features electronic
experimental sounds. Some of this music reminds us very much of American
and British electronic bands from the late 1970s and early 1980s. Five peculiar
cuts here including "Wasteland of Joy," "Oblivion Core Decoy,"
and "Terminal Muse." Odd obtuse stuff.
Love Happens - Original Motion Picture Score: Music Composed by Christopher Young
(CD, La-La Land, Motion
picture score)
Okay, so we have to admit that romantic comedies just aren't our cup of
tea. As such, we probably won't be rushing out to see Love Happens.
But you don't have to see the film or even like romantic comedies to appreciate
the score by award-winning composer Christopher Young. Young's music
has previously been heard in a wealth of films including Norma Jean and
Marilyn, Last Flight Out, The Shipping News, Spiderman
3, Ghostrider, and...perhaps most notably...the wonderfully intense
Drag Me To Hell. As you might expect from the subject matter, this
album is more subdued than some of Christopher's other projects...but it
is still a success because the music is most likely a perfect match for
this type of film. Sixteen tracks here plus seven bonus tracks...for a grand
total of over 67 (!) minutes of slick and moving music.
Ludlow
Lions - No Stories (Independently released
CD, Pop)
The debut full-length release from Brooklyn, New York's Ludlow Lions.
While spinning this album most listeners will instantly hear similarities
to XTC and Guided By Voices...both of whom are listed as major
influences by chief songwriter Brendan Coon. But make no mistake,
this is not a copy band nor mere mimicry. Coon takes ideas by his favorite
artists and puts his own spin on them...and in the process he comes up with
some remarkable underground pop tunes. On the first spin we liked this album.
Four or five spins later...and several of the tracks made a permanent and
lasting impression. "I Didn't Know" is easily one of the best
pop songs we've heard in months (God those guitar riffs sound incredible).
Our favorite songs include "Keyboard Teeth," "New Cold War,"
"My Compass," and "It's A Personal." TOP PICK.
Massive Attack - Heligo Land (CD, Virgin,
Progressive pop/dub)
The fifth full-length release from Massive Attack. The folks in this
band don't release albums that often but when they do...look out.
Massive Attack first hit the scene when they released their debut album
Blue Lines in 1991, a very early trip-hop release that helped to
define the genre. Heligo Land is sure to please fans of the band.
These tracks are melodic, slightly spooky, and decidedly moody. As one would
expect, the bass lines/sounds are intense. In addition to super cool cuts
this album also features some fantastic and utterly bizarre cover art. TOP
PICK.
Mindy
McCready - I'm Still Here (CD, Iconic, Country/pop)
About a decade ago Mindy McCready hit the big time with "Ten
Thousand Angels" and "Guys Do It All The Time." Since that
time, Mindy's career has become drenched in publicity surrounding the ups
and downs of her personal life...which in many cases has overshadowed her
career in music. Apparently taking a cue from this strange occurrence (thus
the title of this album), Mindy opts to bare her soul...seemingly determined
to make it through no matter what. As such, I'm Still Here has strange
resonant qualities that are sure to hit the bull's eye with her fans. In
many ways McCready still reminds us of Tammy Wynette...except her
voice is much more suited to pop music. Funny how people become so engrossed
in an artist's life that they forget the art. In this case, Mindy
proves that she is more of a force than ever to be reckoned with. Wonderfully
inspirational cuts include "Buy Her Side," "I Want To Love
You," and "I Hate That I Love You." Great country-flavored
pop that hits the target. McCready's vocals have never sounded better. TOP
PICK.
Rich
McCulley - Starting All Over Again (Independently
released CD, Pop)
The fifth full-length release from Los Angeles, California's Rich McCulley.
Starting All Over Again features nice, smooth, hummable pop that
is strangely familiar. The first thing that caught our attention about the
album is the fact that Adam Marsland and Todd Herfindal are
among those listed backing McCulley. This pure pop album has a slick sound
and yet never comes across seeming overtly slick or overproduced...and Rich
has a nice smooth voice that never sounds forced. Eleven laidback hummable
pop cuts here including "Dreams Tonight," "Nowhere,"
"Falling Apart," and "Starting All Over."
Lin
McPhillips - My Shining Hour (Independently
released CD, Female vocalist/jazz)
Lin McPhillips is no newcomer to the world of music. She began singing
at a very young age...even appearing on radio in Monterey when she was only
five years old. As an adult, McPhillips went on to join the jazz group Solar
Plexus which is probably where she really honed in on her singing skills.
My Shining Hour is an album that Lin recorded as a dedication to
some of her friends who have passed away. But instead of sounding sad or
mournful, these songs sound nice and bright. Lin has a great understated
voice that flows seamlessly in and out of these compositions that feature
no less than nine backing musicians. Eleven smooth groove-oriented cuts
here including "The Wind," "Azure," "Haunted Heart,"
and "My Shining Hour." Good solid music with a backbone.
Midas
Fall - Eleven. Return and Revert (CD,
Monotreme, Progressive
pop)
Nice smooth progressive pop featuring the slightly ghostly vocals of Elizabeth
Heaton. True to the claim of the press release, the folks in Midas
Fall write and record music that sounds something like Portishead,
Bat For Lashes, and Radiohead (we would also throw in Bjork
and Curved Air for good measure). Eleven. Return and Revert
features complex musical arrangements that remind us of many British progressive
bands from the 1970s...but the sound is dramatically more slick and modern.
In addition to Heaton, the band includes Rowan Burn (guitar, piano),
Brian Dunsmore (synths, piano, guitar), Jamie Scobie (bass),
and Adam Ley-Lange (drums). Nice subdued heady stuff...
1986 - Everybody Is Whatever I Think They Are (CD, Palentine,
Pop/rock)
This, the second full-length release from 1986, was quite some time
in the making (the album is being released about four years after the band's
debut release). The reason? Songwriter/guitarist Giorgio Angelini
was spending his time backing up other artists/bands such as The Rosebuds,
Bishop Allen, Cursive, The Gutter Twins, and Okkervil
River. The opening line of the press release that accompanied this CD
immediately caught our attention when it claimed "the goal was to
make independent music loud again." On this album, the band
succeeds in their mission. Everybody Is Whatever I Think They Are
is an impressively diverse album that packs a punch. The tunes would fit
in the progressive pop/rock genre...but there are lots of tracks on this
album that are heavy, propulsive, and downright loud. Some interesting folks
lend a helping hand here...among them are Duane Denison (from Jesus
Lizard) and Adam Franklin (formerly of Swervedriver) .
No easy predictable pop on this disc. These tracks are driven by creativity
and have a nice aggressive edge. Nine killer cuts including "Habits,"
"Undertow," "Rise/Fall," and "Loud/Soft."
FYI...the album is available as a free download by clicking HERE. TOP PICK.
Nekkid people everywhere
And not a drop to
Drink.
You is what you is.
Oholics - Disgraceland (CD, Sony
Music, Pop/rock)
Folks who loved 1990s rock/pop bands (that includes us, of course) will
undoubtedly fall in love with Disgraceland. True to the claim of
the press release that accompanied this disc, the guys in Sweden's Oholics
make music that bears a strong resemblance to early Rolling Stones,
Pink Floyd, Primal Scream, Oasis, and The Strokes.
This super slick album was recorded in 2008 but is only now seeing a release.
Disgraceland features eleven songs all of which are originals with
the exception of one cover (Syd Barrett's "Lucy Leave").
Oholics tunes are driven by strong vocal melodies and semi-psychedelic arrangements..
The overall sound is something like dream-driven pop/rock. After spinning
this one about a dozen times or more we've yet to find a track that doesn't
stick. Killer compositions include "Step Inside," "Lose It,"
"Lucy Leave," "Endless Sea," and "Wake Up."
This one is an easy TOP PICK. Note that the band is offering the entire
album as a free download on their web site (link above). Well done.
Jen
Olive - Warm Robot (CD, Ape House, Pop)
This album is a joint project created by Albuquerque, New Mexico's Jen
Olive along with some expert assistance from Andy Partridge.
The pair first started communicating with one another in 2007 via the internet.
Interesting that Jen cites Karen Carpenter as a major influence as
we could immediately hear similarities in her vocals. Warm Robot
is a surprisingly accessible album that could probably be appreciated by
most music listeners. Vocal melodies are at the center of Olive's songs...and
she comes up with some really great gliding lines here. Beautiful intricate
pop creations include "Boulevard," "Wire Wire," "All
My Heads Meet," and "Waffleson's Dream." We'd be willing
to bet this young lady will be a major contender in the years to come.
Olympics.
Shitty fucking
Olympics.
Shitty fucking goddamn retarded
Olympics.
Your parents don't know
Anything.
They are a total and complete
Blank.
Philippe
Petit & Friends - Silk-Screened
(CD, Trace Recordings,
Progressive)
Philippe Petit might best be described as an artist's artist. At
a point in time when virtually everyone wants to be categorized and pigeonholed,
Petit seems to delight in challenging his listeners by releasing albums
that sound unlike one another. Considering the fact that this fellow creates
such odd and obtuse music...thus far he has apparently had some amazing
success in underground cliques and circles around the globe. The press release
that accompanied this disc describes the music as "post-avant jazz"...which
is an accurate way of describing these proceedings. Petit and his friends
create sound collage abstractions in which spontaneity plays a key role.
There aren't very many familiar sounds and/or ideas to latch onto here as
these compositions were clearly recorded as pure creative endeavors. Odd,
peculiar, moody...some of these compositions might more accurately fall
within the boundaries of modern classical...(?). We love it when music is
the driving force...and that is obviously the case here. Plenty of mind-expanding
stuff that's sure to please even the most jaded music fans. Wonderfully
creative...and very, very mental. Top pick.
Pillars and Tongues - Lay of Pilgrim Park (Vinyl LP, Empty Cellar)
Okay, so we have to admit we did not have a chance to download these tracks
as of this writing...and as we have admitted in the past we purposely
don't have a turntable currently functioning in our office suite because
we want to avoid current hipster trends. But even without hearing this,
based on what we've heard in the past we'd be willing to bet that Lay
of Pilgrim Park is one kickass album. Beautiful packaging...and a card
is included with this package that entitles the purchaser to a CD quality
download of the entire album...
Plasticsoul - Peacock Swagger (Independently released CD, Progressive
pop)
The second full-length release from Los Angeles, California's Plasticsoul.
In perusing the promotional materials that accompanied this CD we were surprised
to see the repeated comparison to The Beatles. Not that the songs
on Peacock Swagger don't bear similarities to the band...but in our
minds Plasticsoul sounds much, much more like Redd Kross (who were
not mentioned at all in the package). In fact, songwriter/vocalist Steven
Eric Wilson can at times sound so much like Jeff McDonald (of
Redd Kross) that it is almost eerie at times. It's probably just a coincidence
as we don't get the impression that these folks are in any way trying to
be a copycat band. Swagger offers twelve nice solid jolts of modern
melodic pop...delivered simply and without unnecessary overdubs. Nice slick
sound...and the soaring vocal melodies always take center stage. Our favorite
tracks include "You Sentimental Fucks/Life On Other Planets,"
"Fishwife," and "My Three Friends." Cool stuff.
Bill
Price - With the Eye of a Skeptic &
A Few Other Likely Stories (CD, Grass Magoops, Pop)
The third full-length solo album from Indiana's Bill Price. In addition
to recording solo, Price is also the driving force in the band The Brains
Behind Pa. With the Eye of a Skeptic & A Few Other Likely Stories
is a nice, laidback album driven mainly by acoustic instruments. Some might
lump this album into the Americana category but in our opinion this would
be more appropriately labeled mid-tempo folk/pop. Although far more normal
than such a comparison might suggest, some of Bill's tunes...and particularly
his vocals...occasionally remind us ever-so-slightly of the bizarro obtuse
underground band The Frogs. Not only are the songs on this album
smooth and reflective...but the release also features really beautiful packaging
that includes a lovely lyric booklet. Thirteen keepers here including "Junkman,"
"Foot in the Dirt," "Red Cloud," and "Last Word."
Nice, sincere, and intelligent.
Be proud of your fat.
Be proud of your ass.
Be proud of your
Big fat
Ass.
Recife
- Doldrums (CD, Dead Bees,
Pop/rock)
The folks in Recife return with a real knockout. We were very impressed
with this band's two previous releases (New Arms and Microwave).
Now after taking two years to record, the band presents Doldrums...an
album which is pretty much the exact opposite of its name. The album
features a wonderful mix of acoustic instruments and cool electronics...all
blended together in what might best be described as fantastic modern progressive
pop. This lengthy album (clocking in at over 56 minutes) features a wealth
of smart and inventive compositions including "Doldrums," "Paper
Man," "Snow On Mars," and "Break Out of Their Reach."
This band just keeps getting better and better...and this just might be
their best release yet. An instant and easy TOP PICK. Only a few
hundred physical copies are available via the label web site (link above).
Well worth the bucks!
Retarded has always been
A great word but now it's
An even better
Word.
The
Right Now - Carry Me Home (Independently
released CD, Soul/pop)
We had to spin this one a few times before we realized...this here is some
groovy goddamn shit. 1970s soul seems to be making a comeback lately
in the world of music and, interestingly, many of the folks recreating the
sound are white boys and girls (?!). But color matters not...because the
folks in The Right Now know how to make their music cook. Carry
Me Home features plenty of sassy modern funk with some totally killer
bass lines. Lead vocalist Stefanie Berecz has a cool soulful voice
that is the perfect focal point for this band. If you love real soul music
from the past...but absolutely hate how the assholes on American
Idol drag soul through the mud...there's a good chance you will totally
dig Carry Me Home. This is an instantly pleasing album full of music
that compels movement. Our favorite cuts include "Ain't Going Back,"
"I Could Really Hold On," "I'll Get Down," and "Carry
Me Home." TOP PICK.
Ruby
Throat - Out of a Black Cloud Came a Bird
(Independently released CD, Progressive pop/folk)
The second album from Ruby Throat, the duo comprised of KatieJane
Garside (Daisy Chainsaw, Queenadreena) and Chris Whittingham.
Like the last Ruby Throat album, Out of a Black Cloud Came a Bird
is an odd and eerie spin. The songs are very subtle and sparse...and KatieJane's
strange quivering vocals are distant and fragile. These folks are fond of
offering initial quantities of their releases in really cool limited editions...so
if you want one of the original offerings of this album (which includes
a hand printed case file, art prints, photographs, and a "personal
effect") you'd better grab it fast because there are only 500 copies.
Not to worry, however...the more commercial product still offers cool cover
art and a bizarre lyric booklet that is almost impossible to read.
Another peculiar release from a duo who absolutely refuses to compromise.
Look in a mirror.
Stare at your face.
Notice your shitty hair and
Consider how ugly you are.
Ravi Shankar - Rare and Glorious (Double CD, Times Square, Instrumental)
At this point in time most folks in the United States have probably all
but forgotten about Ravi Shankar...the man who practically single-handedly
made the sitar a part of popular culture in the 1960s. Like David Peel,
Shankar's brief blip on the commercial radar was made possible courtesy
of one or more of The Beatles...who, during the 1960s, could make
just about anyone they wanted instantly famous for fifteen minutes. Shankar
is now 89...so what better way to celebrate the man's music than by offering
a whopping double disc set of music? The folks at Britain's Times Square
Records have done an excellent job presenting a brief overview of Ravi's
music here. Classic tracks are included as well as some recordings that
have never officially been released on CD before now. There's a lot to take
in here...each disc in this set contains over an hour's worth of music.
A heady reminder of this influential man's career.
Shark
Speed - Education (Independently released
CD-R EP, Pop)
The guys in Provo, Utah's Shark Speed are back with more infectious,
upbeat music. The band's last album (Sea Sick Music) struck a positive
chord with many folks...and Education is bound to have the same impact.
This short little EP includes four tunes that clock in at about fifteen
and a half minutes. The more we hear this band's music...the more they remind
us of some of Julian Cope's recordings right after he exited The
Teardrop Explodes. Instantly catchy cuts include "King of the World,"
"The Killing Kind," and "Pretend." Can't wait to hear
the next full-length. A band on the rise...
Sheepdogs - Learn & Burn (Independently released CD, Pop/rock)
Hailing from Saskatoon, Canada, the guys in Sheepdogs have a sound
that is decidedly different from most Canadian bands. The press release
that accompanied this CD appropriately compares the band's music to Moby
Grape, The Allman Brothers, and The James Gang...while
also making the validated claim that this album "is an innovative
update of a classic sound." We couldn't have said it better ourselves
although we would add The Guess Who to the list of comparisons. While
definitely heavily influenced by 1970s bands Learn & Burn is
decidedly based in the present...and presents a band whose main desire seems
to be to rock out and have a good time with their audience. The guitars
are cool and gritty and the vocals nice and raspy. But it is the songs themselves
that make this album such a pleasing spin. This band's songs are virtually
impossible to dislike. Fifteen killer cuts here including "The One
You Belong To," "Right On," "You Discover," and
"Rollo Tomasi." Fun, upbeat, and direct.
Snowglobe - Little More Lived In (CD-R, Makeshift
Music, Pop)
Cool modern progressive pop featuring wonderfully fresh vocals and smart
electronics. Whimsical...with just a hint of goofiness. We're going to do
something completely different this time. Instead of explaining and comparing
the music into the ground like we usually do...we're just going to make
this a quick TOP PICK cuz we're in a good mood...and cuz it sounds so
goddamn good.
Stellar
Vector - A Flock of Cowards (Independently
released CD, Pop)
The debut full-length release from Minneapolis, Minnesota's Stellar Vector.
Originally formed in 2004 and named {space bar}, the folks in this
band apparently decided to change their name to something easier to remember.
The band is driven by the songwriting skills of Charles Sadler (vocals,
keyboards) and Jonathan Ford (rhythm guitar). A Flock of Cowards
features underground pop tracks that would not have sounded out of place
in the undercurrents of rock music in the 1990s. Some of these tracks remind
us slightly of Guided By Voices...while others are more pop oriented
pieces. Smart pop creations include "Buffalo Jump," "Titanic
Work Ethic," and "Closing Notes."
Stereo
Transmitted Disease - Generation Nothing
(CD, X-Pressed, Rock/pop)
Combine the loud guitars of 1980s hair bands with the intense aggression
of 1990s alternative rock...and you might get an idea of what Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania's Stereo Transmitted Disease sounds like. The band is
led by frontman Chris Casso who has more than enough interesting
personal life crises stories to fill a press release. Casso writes from
his own personal experiences and, in the process, manages to come up with
tunes that hit the center of the target and stick. Hard rocking pop
tracks include "Generation Nothing," "You Got Fingered,"
"Unscathed," and "In the Morning I'll Be Gone." Some
of these tracks are slightly reminiscent of Nine Inch Nails. Nice
thick pop that rocks.
Superions - The Superions (CD EP, Happy
Happy Birthday To Me, Pop/Dance)
When the first song on this EP kicked off we were immediately pissed off.
We've heard copycat bands before we thought to ourselves...but
these folks just sound way, way, WAY TOO similar to The B-52s for
comfort. That was, of course, before we realized the reason for the
familiar sound. Superions is the latest band featuring lead vocals
by Fred Schneider (who is in The B-52s, of course). This EP features
seven tracks...but only three actual new songs (the remaining four tracks
are remixes). The music...sounds something like an electronic dance version
of The B-52s...with a more sexual slant in terms of lyrics. We've never
ever heard Mr. Schneider sounding this gay before (?). Remixes are provided
courtesy of The Lolligags, Casper & The Cookies, Ursula
1000, and Marshmallow Coast. Funny upbeat stuff.
Toto too.
Tootoo toe.
Toe too toe.
Toe tootoo.
I'm sorry.
I'm sorry.
I'm sorry.I'm not really sorry.
Tribella - Thirteen (CD, Rocklittleface Music, Pop)
The debut album from Austin, Texas-based Tribella. The three ladies
in this band made their initial splash a couple of years ago when they released
an EP titled My Guest List. The band is comprised of Sarah Glynn
(vocals, guitar), Rae Golding (bass), and Dena Berbrecht (drums,
backing vocals). Thirteen is a nice, slick album featuring guitar-driven
pop that would not have sounded out of place in the United States in the
mid-1990s. With cool atmospheric guitars and vocals that are sometimes slightly
reminiscent of Bjork, these girls have come up with an album that
is both satisfying and unique. Ten tracks here including "Deal Breaker,"
"Revolution Script," "Stationary," and "CSUS4."
Two houses are
Better than
One.
Andrew Watt and the Glory
Glory - First Day of Summer Life (Independently
released CD, Pop)
Smart keyboard-driven Canadian progressive pop featuring complex vocal melodies
and intricate musical arrangements. The press release that accompanied this
disc tossed around names like Phil Spector, Randy Newman,
and Dennis Wilson...which should give you a clue as to what to expect
from First Day of Summer Life. Andrew Watt was previously
in the band Heavy Blinkers and totally lucked out when he invited
the guys in Glory Glory Man United over to practice. The four ended
up getting on well and their styles obviously merged. This ten track album
will no doubt be getting some heavy duty reviews in the months to come.
Smooth pop creations include "Streets of Colne," "Time To
Be Still," "Slow Goodbye," and "First Day of Summer."
Jenny Whiteley - Forgive or Forget (CD, Black
Hen Music, Pop)
Amazingly professional and accessible stuff. Canada's Jenny Whiteley
has been a successful artist in her home country ever since she released
her debut album way back in 2000. Success in the United States has eluded
her thus far in her career...but it certainly isn't for a lack of good solid
songs. On Forgive and Forget Jenny writes about the ups and downs
of love that occur over time. Produced by legendary producer/songwriter
Steve Dawson (pretty much everything this man touches turns to gold),
this is a slick and professional sounding album that never suffers from
sounding too slick and professional. Whiteley spent about four years
recording these songs. Some folks are already claiming this is the best
record of her career. We haven't heard her entire catalog so we can't make
such a claim. We can, however, report that this album features nothing but
home runs. In a world full of half-talents and wannabes, Jenny Whiteley
easily stands out as the real thing. Killer tracks include "Raining
In My Heart," "Final Season," "Cold, Cold Kisses,"
and "Half Life." TOP PICK.
George
Winston - Love Will Come: The Music of Vince
Guaraldi Volume 2 (CD, RCA,
Instrumental/piano)
George Winston originally rode the wave to fame as part of the peculiar
New Age movement that took place many years ago...which is curious because
he has always been a rather straightforward pianist. And unlike others who
have come and gone George has been amazingly consistent in terms of his
output and the quality of his recordings. Here we have volume two of his
tribute to Vince Guaraldi who is best known as the man who composed
the unforgettable music for Peanuts cartoons in the 1960s. Mr. Winston does
an excellent job of recreating Guaraldi's sound...and he has the good sense
to present many less-well-known compositions which will hopefully open up
peoples' eyes and ears to the fact that there was a lot more to Vince's
music than just his Peanuts tunes. Sixteen classy tracks here including
"Time For Love," "Air Music," "Rain, Rain, Go Away,"
and "Nobody Else." We've always been huge Guaraldi fans so we
found this to be particularly appealing...
A
Ada Jane - Again...again
Almost Alice - Almost Alice
Alphanaut - Out of orbit
A M Conspiracy - A M Conspiracy
Apollo - Past present future
Apples and Apples - Blip
Mark David Ashworth - Bright is the ring of words
B
Bad Bad Bad - Uppity
Bingo Puppies - Game dogs
M Bird - Over the bones
Bramble Jam - Move your boots
Linda Brooks - The spaces in between
Reagan Browne - Daydrams in stereo
Bunky Dodo - Crap
Mitch Burger - Reactive
C
Jeff Callahan - Empty swings
Kate Cameron - Conviction
Conchita Campos - No one really knows
Canning Is Easy - No food for mama
Castle Oldchair / Kid Primitive Family - Newborn slime / White light
Cave Syndrome - Transient songs
Coal Porters - Durango
Jon Coleman - Make it fast
Consortium - 13th hour
Anna Coogan - The nocturnal among us
Nick Curran and the Lowlifes - Reform school girl
Cuzzle - Drank it up
D
Dairy Cow - Dairy flowers
Dangermaker - Dangermaker
Glenton Davis - Are you ready
Andy De Rosa & Electric Mojo - Unscathed
Shaky DeVille - Shaky DeVille
Dios - We are Dios
Brian Dolzani- Brian Dolzani
Dumb Muzzle - Fill 'er down
E
Easy Don't It - Plaza ski visit
Eat Muffy - Dori
Early Morning Dunk - Trinkets
Ezzer - Tame dreamer
F
Faan - Naafer
Fae - No more no more
Gus Fafalios - Night fishing
Feldikin - Small songs about us
Fight the Quiet - Let me in
G
Gills and Wings - EP
Jen Gloeckner - Mouth of mars|
Graze - Give/sell
Ken Greves - The face of my love
Gummer - Now about the gum
H
Ashbrook Haynes - Not so fast
Hearts and Minutes - Hearts and Minutes
Kris Heaton Blues Band - R-ME strong
Heligoats - Goodness gracious
Here Come The Birds - Here Come The Birds
Here Come The Birds - Cigarettes
Hotel St. George - City boy lemon
Hulon - First impressions
I
Ian - Tax pump
Irky Strip - Taw taw
Iron Kim Style - Iron Kim Style
Izztunk - Brintjl
J
Suzanne Jamieson - A sun-up sky
Jammies - East west west
Howard Jennings - Ready to listen
Vicky Juma - Lovers or friends
Sarah June - In black robes
Junk For Junkies - Jam on the toaster
K
K and K - Picky picky
Kadman - These old bones
Kenny & Leah - April in Paris
Ihsaan Khatim - Ihsaan Khatim
Will Kimbrough - Wings
Kung Fung - Lousy mercy
L
La Chansons - King and queen of the dance floor
Lady K and the Kings of Swing featuring Dale Head - Live at Blackhawk
Denise La Grassa - April dreams
Lambs Loaf - Loafer's paradise
Leverage - Soundtrack from the original television series
L'illon - Warrior angel
Living Proof - Feel good music
Lloyd Dobler Effect - A mute reminder
Lumpy's Dove - Howdy dover
M
Maaa Maaa Maaa - Meee Meee Meee
Craig Maher - Propel
Manhattan Valley Ramblers - Ballads and barnburners
Marbin - Marbin
Marshall Law - Power game
Sean McCann - Lullabies for bloodshot eyes
Melvin's Rockpile - Out to lunch
Laura Merrimen - Love letters for lonely hunters
H. E. Miller - Apocalyptic dreams
Kristine Mills - Bossanovafied
John Milstead - Sides of the soul
Mississippi Painful - No recession
Sergio Montoya - Black disco
Ken Will Morton - True grit
N
Naaa Naaa Naaa - Neee neee neee
New 5 - Introducing
David Newbould & Friends - The long way home: Live from austin
Next Stop...Soweto - Township sounds from the golden age of mbaqanga
Nickodemus - Sun people
Nite Nite - How to touch the moon
O
Trisha O'Brien - Out of a dream
Optimen - Fire fighters
Orange Velvets - Fuzz, beautiful fuzz
Willard Overstreet - Something to hold onto
P
Paa Paa - Tower of Paa Paa
Packway Handle Band - What are we gonna do now?
Paperdoll - Ballad nerd pop
Pistol Whip - Terminal
Q
Quaaker - Quaaker
Quick Before No - Harp #138
R
Raa - Lincoln's dumb
Rael's Floss - Rizznio
Rockabye Baby! - Lullaby renditions of Journey
Rooms - Rooms
Ruder Than You - Creation sounds
S
Catarina Dos Santos - No balanco do mar
Scattergun - Life at fantasy lounge
Scraping For Change - Breaking the silence EP
Seaspin - Reverser EP
See Green - Violet
Bill Slater - That's crazy talk!
Sojourners - Sojourners
Soundtrack Without Film - Wrath's Fury by David Adrian
Sourpatch - Crushin'
Stance - I left love behind a long time ago
Standard Fare - The noyelle beat
Static of the Gods - Knowledge machine
Stereo Freakout - If wishes were fishes...
Samujel Stewart - The beginner EP
Summer People - Good problems
Sunk Sunker - Town brim
T
This Harmony - Notturno
This Moment In Black History - Public square
This This - That that
Tiny Little Blackouts - Idea of alice
U
Ultralust - Hero
Untied States - Instanta everything
U. O. Project - It's time for U
V
Robert Valente - Alive
Various Artists - New music from San Diego
Various Artists - Heavy Rotation Records: Dorm sessions 7
The Villains - The Villains
W
Wag - Returning traveler
Warning Light - Further on
When Summers Gone - December
White Lightning - ...asmidnight approaches/paradise
Dana Wilson - Nothin' good ever comes easy
Wonder Years - The upsides
X
XXX - RT3
Y
Yaya and the Yaya - Toyotathon
Yeller Bellies - Here to suffer
Youth In Revolt - Original motion picture soundtrack
Z
James Zollar - Zollar systems
Zzebra - Zzebra/Panic
Zzz-Tamer - Yay for yowzer
