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October 2011 Comics, Poems, Fables, and
Reviews by
aka 
The Fable of The Hoktaw Chockie Wagdoll
Once time was up was a Wagdoll. But not any wag of type for what is to being Chockie Wagdoll. But not everyone knowing what all is for evidence is total for Hoktaw. Completeness for being is Hoktaw Chockie Wagdoll.
Hoktaw Chockie Wagdoll is to be going morning places. But not all morning places being the same for limits of permanent. Back sores and pain rides amount in the lab wagon, the wagon for insist of too many liner capsules. And the absolute tore upness is what grates the packer for niblets of toto and radiance.
That's how were it for the totals. Some of the totals was totalled and none of them was all totalled up so there wasn't nothing to be nothing for. The dust settle in the east but never in very far north. That being, there was a tiny sublet linking up the adorable. That was the day that shabby took her notion for plenty.
Plenty for you, plenty of her, and plenty of he. Diamond walls made piss of the dew for brands that mark will barbara the infect.
"Tearing the nibble is what you garter for," Hoktaw was fond of saying. "And the nibble ain't not what it ain't."
Little large thin things vibrated away, much farther away than they had done been vibrating before. Never again would this be the never again that it was before it was never again. And that's not saying that there wasn't no nothing to be something for in the third place.
Hoktaw never paid no mind to nothing no way. And that's where the noodle crisis made way for the forever excerpt. Two times two is two and two plus two doesn't have no total. At least that's what the bossy witch had told us all the time.
Hoktaw rose up from the ashes and stood plain in the cloud. Her cloud was all shiny. Not shiny like the white man shiny but shiny like the things that make stuff up high seem real important and neat for a reason.
"Does bleed the blood of saddle pump," Hoktaw blowed out. "Kitty kitty done got blurred out in the ninner."
And they all frowed away. Frowed away like there was nuffin to start wiff. The startin' was startin' to end when all of a sudden something big blowed everything all the way up and big lights flashed and something REAL IMPORTANT happened.
The real important thing shocked everyone.
For there in the middle of the polutant was a pony. A tiny pointless pony with a wag on its neck. And the wag's name was Bunkerhole.
Bunkerhole bunked a tidy nest. Bunkerhole bunked a tidy and perntliss nest.
Well, not completely perntliss. For therein lies the merle of diss feeble.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Astral
- Forever After (CD, Vibraphone,
Pop/rock)
Hazy slightly psychedelic underground pop/rock driven by fuzzy guitars and
healthy doses of reverb. This is the third full-length release from San
Francisco, California's Astral. These folks have been remarkably
successful in underground circles with their music...remarkable mainly because
of the rather obtuse nature of their music. There are no catchy choruses...no
state-of-the-art sound effects...very little to tie the band in with other
underground twenty-first century artists. The songs on Forever After
remind us very much of some of the more abstract guitar-driven underground
pop bands in the 1990s...when creative juices were flowing and people were
really just letting loose and getting fucked up. This beautifully packaged
album features strangely crafted heady tracks that ought to confuse the
casual listener at the very least. Peculiar rockers include "Narcissus,"
"Walk and Talk," "Eye To Eye," and "Forever After."
Top pick.
Ballyhoo! - Daydreams (CD, Law, Pop)
Don't know about you, but we feel that when reggae and rock mix the results
are usually disastrous. After all, look at how dreadful The Police
were and how many people flocked to their unbearably shitty reggae/rock/pop
songs. Because the genre is a turn off, we weren't expecting much from the
fourth full-length release from Ballyhoo! But y'know we have to admit...these
songs sound pretty goddamn good (?!). Our guess is that this is because
pop and rock are in the foreground and the reggae influence is somewhat
subtle. That...plus the fact that these guys write some impressive songs
that could easily appeal to just about anyone who ever appreciated the sound
of Smashmouth (one of the few successful reggae/pop/rock bands that
we actually dug). Twelve hummable smooth tracks here including "Evil
Penguin," "Diamonds," "Meat Head," and "The
Getaway." Neat sounding stuff.
The
Barr Brothers - The Barr Brothers (CD,
Secret City, Pop)
Beautiful introspective underground folky pop. The Barr Brothers
are, indeed, brothers Andrew Barr and Brad Barr...along with
whomever they choose to play with. This self-titled album is an exercise
in subtlety. Recorded in a makeshift boiler room in Canada, this album contains
all the elements that make self-recorded projects so rich and rewarding.
More than any other artist, some of the tracks on this album remind us very
much of the softer side of Hayden...although the songs are, for the
most part, much more accessible. These guys write excellent melodies and
have the good sense not to bury them in layers of overdubs. The nice open
sparse sound of this album fits the songs to a T. Ten smooth cool cuts here
including "Beggar in the Morning," "The Devil's Harp,"
"Deacon's Son," and "Let There Be Horses." Lovely free-flowing
stuff...
Bethesda - Dreamtiger & Other Tails (Independently released
CD EP, Pop)
We've said it before but we'll say it again (and again and again and again).
We rarely review EPs around here because of the hassle involved in playing
the damn things--so much physical work involved (pant, pant, pant, whine,
whine, whine...) just to hear a handful of songs. So if you see an EP
reviewed here you know it's something that really stands out. The
folks in Bethesda are obviously off and running with their career.
Though the band has only been around a short time their music is already
being played on over 200 radio stations around the country and they're slated
to appear in a multitude of cable shows. Not hard to see why the music is
being instantly embraced. The five songs on Dreamtiger & Other Tails
are fresh and feature some truly great crystal clear female vocals. The
band is comprised of Shanna Delaney (vocals, percussion), Eric
Ling (guitar, vocals), Jesse Sloan (guitar, vocals, keyboards,
banjo), Dan Corby (bass), and Justin Rife (drums, percussion).
Exceptional sleeve design and artwork on this one. You can expect to see
and hear a lot about this band in the very near future...
Big
Tree - This New Year (Independently
released CD, Pop)
The way that this band came about is interesting. The seeds were originally
planted when a group of jazz students at Sarah Lawrence College began playing
together a few years back. One of the players (Kaila Bader) wrote
some pop songs and some of her friends joined her to record a pop album.
Shortly thereafter the group had some local success playing on their campus
and around New York. But it wasn't long before some of the band members
decided to go their own ways after graduation...and the band went into a
brief hibernation. But not for long...the embers were still burning so replacements
were found and now the second album is being released. This New Year
features modern pop with a slight jazzy flavor...and plenty of layered harmony
vocals. Hard to categorize this or compare it to other bands. Eleven intriguing
cuts including "This Fall," "Two Seasons," "Storm
King," and "October."
Bright
Young Things - Bright Young Things (CD
EP, Aqui Estamos,
Pop)
We usually just chuck EPs to the side around here because we normally just
don't take the time to spin discs that only contain 15 or 20 minutes' of
music. But sometimes the effort is worth it...so we were glad we had a few
minutes to spare and actually played the latest EP from Bright Young
Things. What probably caught our attention was the label. Just about
everything we've ever heard on the Aqui Estamos label has been kinda incredible.
Bright Young Things is a quintet based in Raleigh, North Carolina and they
play pure pop with fantastic melodies...interweaved with cool guitar licks.
The press release that accompanied this disc compared the band's music to
"...The Beatles with shades of Wilco." That pretty
much sums it up. Four cool cuts here: "What We're Told," "Truth,"
"Everything In Blue," and "The Last Time I Saw You."
It'll be interesting to see where these guys go on their next full-length
release...
Built
Like Alaska - In Troubled Times (CD,
Future Farmer, Pop)
The third full-length release from California's Built Like Alaska.
This band was off and running at first and then hit a slump. After their
album Autumnland was released they went through several personnel
changes and were somewhat dormant. But rather than give up or fade away,
the guys in this band reinvented themselves...and came back stronger than
before. The band is now comprised of Neil Jackson, David Burtch, Sean
Norman, Anthony Rossi, and Jacob Canada. In Troubled Times
features smart moody mid-tempo underground pop songs with an emphasis on
intricate arrangements and cool vocal overlays. This band's music sounds
kinda like a cross between Americana and moody underground modern pop. Vocal
melodies are the central focus and they're always memorable and well thought
out. In many ways this music reminds us of some of the great underground
pop bands cruising around the United States in the late 1990s and early
2000s. Ten nifty cuts here including "The Union Song," "Rotten
In The Film Bag" (our favorite), and "In Troubled Times."
Top pick.
Bullying is
Kinda neat.
It teaches kids
To stand on
Their own two
Feet.
Butterscotch - Don't You Know It's Butterscotch
(CD, Angel Air, Pop)
Wow. This is such a cool nugget from the past. Most folks
don't care very much for early 1970s radio pop. Much of it was throwaway
music to be sure and in many ways it was 1960s bubblegum music regurgitated
but with much better sound quality and, quite often, phonyfied strings in
the background. Rhino's 1970s box set shed light on many of the throwaway
hits from that time period. But in our opinion this reissue album from the
guys in Butterscotch is ten times more effective and real. Butterscotch
was the songwriting trio comprised of Chris Arnold, David Martin,
and Geoff Morrow. Though you might not know their names you've probably
heard their tunes. Butterscotch songs were covered by famous artists such
as Barry Manilow, Billy Fury, Cliff Richard, Cilla
Black, Edison Lighthouse, and even Elvis Presley. True,
most folks who love 'serious' pop/rock music will hate this album. We've
been fans of 1960s bubblegum and early 1970s fluff pop for years so this
one holds a special place in our hearts. These ultra-lite cuts feature smooth
melodies, very unoffensive vocals and, of course, those cheesy strings that
pull it all together. Don't You Know It's Butterscotch not only features
the original tracks but also includes seven bonus cuts. There are so many
great cuts here that we won't mention them all. Our initial favorites include
"Bye For Now," "End Of My Nose" (what a great
tune!), "Surprise, Surprise," "Office Girl," and "Cows."
There's no better way to relive the sound of the early seventies. GET THIS!
Highly recommended.
Kristin
Chenoweth - Some Lessons Learned (CD,
Sony Masterworks, Pop)
We have no doubt that ultra hip and cool folks hate us for even bothering
to cover things like this. But you know...in our opinion...there's good
and bad in all genres of music. And that even applies to the world of glossy
commercial pop. Modern pop has gotten so bad in the past few years that
most cool folks have simply opted out altogether. But for the average listener...the
moms and pops and simple sons and daughters who just want something smooth
and familiar that doesn't tax the brain...a young lady like Kristen Chenoweth
has the ability to deliver exactly what they're looking for. Kristin has
a very nice voice and her songs are well written in terms of melodies. But
the one thing that stands in the way of our being able to truly get into
this music are...the lyrics. We unfortunately just can't identify
with the words in songs like "What Would Dolly Do" and "God
And Me" (this one is particularly grueling). So if you listen
and ignore the words, there are some decent country-flavored pop cuts here.
Hard to recommend this...except to those who like preachy and conservative
slick radio pop...
Chiwawa
- Element (CD, Satellite, Pop)
Chiwawa is the Canadian based duo comprised of Laurie Gordon
(vocals, keyboards, guitars) and Krassy Halatchev (bass, vocals,
drums, guitars, programming). If these folks aren't already a super hot
ticket on the download circuit...they sure ought to be. Element
contains more of the cool danceable technology-driven pop music the duo
is known for. These tunes have a nice thick sound featuring solid bass lines
and nifty thick keyboards. Just as was the case with the last album, the
vocals are exceptional. If you've heard one too many complex artsy bands
lately and need a change of pace...something that doesn't tax your brain
and simply makes you feel good...Element will most likely fill the
bill. Twelve nifty cuts here including "What Day Is Today," "Busy
Bee," "Carry It On," and "Ready To Steer." Totally
groovy music with heart and soul.
Christine
Cochran - Someone I'll Never Meet (CD,
Jahli Rodger, Pop)
Texas-based singer-songwriter Christine Cochran definitely got our
attention with a little personal note written on a promotional poster. But
it is her songs that ultimately made us want to write about this album.
Cochran writes very direct pop music that is instantly hummable and accessible.
And unlike most modern singers whose voices are tweaked to the point of
not sounding human, Christine sounds very much like a real living human
being. The guitar-based pop/rock tunes on Someone I'll Never Meet
are exceedingly unpretentious and real. This is an impressive album. On
her debut CD Christine makes it perfectly clear that she's in it for the
long run. Ten kickass tracks here including "Burbank," "Beautiful
Tattoo," "Guitars, Cadillacs," "Dear Allen," and
"You Run Deep." She's off and running...so look out.
Mike
Cottone - Just Remember (Independently
released CD, Jazz)
Slick and classy light jazz stuff. Trumpet / flugelhorn player Mike Cottone
currently performs regularly at the Bar Basque Restaurant and the Black
Duck Restaurant in New York City. This guy has had a lot of schooling in
jazz and has made plenty of cool connections along the way. Produced by
Ulysses Owens and Marc Iacono, this solo album has all the
trademarks you would expect from a top notch jazz album. The rhythms are
tight and focused and there's plenty of cool spontaneity that keeps things
sounding fresh and alive. The title of the album refers to the folks who
have influenced Cottone during the course of his adventures in music. This
stuff makes for great background music or food for thought, depending on
your needs and mood. Ten nifty cuts here including "Just Remember,"
"Gyroscope," "I'm Sure," and "Stardust."
Will Currie & The Country
French - Awake, You Sleepers! (CD, File Under: Music, Pop)
Pure energetic upbeat pop from Waterloo, Ontario's Will Currie &
The Country French. These guys previously released an EP (A Great
Stage) on Murderecords (the label owned by the guys in Sloan).
Now comes the debut full-length and...it's a total KEEPER. If you dig classic
pop with fantastic arrangements and uplifting melodies, there's a very good
chance that you'll go apeshit over Awake, You Sleepers! So...what
does the band sound like? That's easy. These guys play positive pop that
sounds very much like a cross between Ben Folds and Pearlfishers...both
of whom just happen to be babysue favorites. The band is comprised
of six individuals. Large bands can sometimes result in unnecessarily complex
arrangements and too many layers of stuff. But not in this case.
Each individual's contributions lend just the right ingredients to the mix...and
the sum is much greater than the parts. Consistently pleasing cuts include
"Arise, Take Up Your Lamps!", "Flowers," "Rumble,"
"Railroad," and "Awake, You Sleepers!" Top pick.
Steve Ellis - Ten Commitments (CD, Angel
Air, Pop)
Great Britain's Steve Ellis has had a long and varied career. Over
the years he has fronted the bands Love Affair, Ellis, Widowmaker,
and Scarlet...but these days he's mainly focused on his own solo
career. If there's one thing this album makes perfectly clear it is that
Steve is a vocalist with presence. Instead of just singing songs
this guy feels and believes what he's singing. As a result, his songs
have a sincere urgency that is instantly gripping and appealing. Ten
Commitments spins like a strong of oughta-be hits. The songs are slick
and melodic and feature nice thick arrangements that fit the songs to a
T. Ellis and his band have a classic sound that could easily appeal to a
wide range of listeners. Killer tracks include "Don't Let Me Be The
Only One," "Never Say Never," "Perfect Sunday,"
and "We Got It."
Religion is
A big wad of fermented cheese whiz.
Our children are
A big wad of fermented cheese whiz.
The environment is
A big wad of fermented cheese whiz.
All charities are
A big wad of fermented cheese whiz.
Endangered species are
A big wad of fermented cheese whiz.
Your most cherished thoughts and emotions are
A big wad of fermented cheese whiz.
Filthy Cheaters - Wake The Dead (Independently released CD, Pop/rock)
Loud cocky intense fuzzy punk rock played with conviction and balls. Minneapolis,
Minnesota's Filthy Cheaters play like they mean it. The band plays
a raw abrasive style of pop/rock that was very popular in the United States
in the mid-1990s. In many ways these guys sound like GG Allin...if
he had written good songs. Don't get us wrong...we loved GG. But while he
had the stage presence and the nerve, he was lacking in terms of songs.
The guys in Filthy Cheaters aren't afraid to offend and bend. But in doing
so they never abandon things like rhythm and melodies. The vocalist has
a really cool snarly voice that works perfectly within the framework of
these tunes. Hard rockin' in-your-face cuts include "Wake The Dead,"
"Total Death," "Keep The Change," and "Peckerwood."
Fun stuff with a hard nutty crunch.
Firehorse - And So They Ran Faster... (Independently released CD,
Pop)
Firehorse is a band driven by the creative energies of Leah Siegel...a
young lady who is obviously meant to accomplish great things in her life.
While Siegel's songs weave in and out of a variety of genres...the best
all-encompassing descriptive phrase that applies here might be "groove
oriented pop." And that would be because the one constant in the tunes
on And So They Ran Faster... are the infectious rhythms. Leah
has a fantastic voice. Not just a good voice that gets the job done...but
a really really wonderful resonant voice that pushes her music to
another level. You can tell by her presence that Ms. Siegel believes the
words that she sings. Some of these songs recall various dub pop artists
in the United States in the 1990s...but that doesn't adequately describe
what's going on here. Like David Bowie, Leah seems to be somewhat
of a musical chameleon. She effortlessly adapts to whatever style she is
singing with ease. This is the second release on the Pledge Music label--the
label's first offering was the incredible No One Listens To The Band
Anymore by The Damnwells (which we highly recommend...) Whoever's
picking the artists for this label is doing an incredible job. Can't
say enough good things about And So They Ran Faster... It's a focused
ambitious effort and it just gets better with every spin. Killer tracks
include "She's A River," "Only The Birds," "Puppet,"
and "Baby Bird." Highly recommended. TOP PICK.
Ghost Knife - Kill Shelter, Yes! (CD, End
Sounds, Pop)
Really cool high energy pop/punk in the vein of classic acts from the past
like The Jam. Ghost Knife is the trio comprised of Mike
Wiebe (guitar, vocals), Ben Snakepit (bass, vocals), and Chris
Pfeffer (drums). Up to this point in time Wiebe is better known as the
frontman in the band Riverboat Gamblers but he formed this band with
Snakepit and Pfeffer to present a different sound and perspective. Kill
Shelter, Yes! is chock full of catchy power pop cuts with unrelenting
rhythms and plenty of rough and raw energy. After hearing way too many overpolished
bands this month, we found the tracks on Shelter refreshingly real.
These guys are tight and they play really loud...and yet they never forsake
things like melodies and lyrics in the process. Nifty rockers include "Omnipotent,"
"Baamas Breeze," "Soft Bullets," and "Not Fair
To You." The more we spin this one the more we dig it. Top pick.
Roger
Glover - And The Guilty Party (CD, Eagle Rock Entertainment, Pop)
Though he's widely recognized mainly as the bass player in the band Deep
Purple that seems like kind of a shame...because unlike other rock stars
from the past Roger Glover has moved on with his life and career.
Instead of staying in the heavy metal/pop genre Glover delves into a variety
of sounds and styles that are much more current. So while listeners expecting
anything sounding like "Smoke On The Water" will no doubt be disappointed...more
open minded music fans will find a wealth of cool compositions on And
The Guilty Party. There's a lot to take in here as Glover and
his associates present sixteen cuts that clock in at almost 55 minutes.
Dub, blues rock, pop, rock and roll and more combine to create a mentally
challenging whirlwind of twenty-first century music. There's no doubt Roger
has moved on with his life...and judging by the songs on this album we'd
say that is a very good thing. Cool slick tunes include "Don't
Look Now," "The Car Won't Start," "Staring Into Space,"
and "Feel Like A King."
Home is where the
Hole is.
Home is where the goddamn
Hole is.
Hubert Howe - Clusters (CD, Ravello,
Electronic/drone)
Clusters presents some very interesting computer generated compositions
from Hubert Howe. Howe has been interested and involved in computer
music for decades. He has done a great deal of research on the topic and
teaches as well. One thing is certain. These experimental pieces are odd,
peculiar...and much of the time just plain weird. Listening to this music
you would never guess that Hubert is close to 70 years old. His music
has fresh imaginative qualities that are usually associated with very young
composers. There are very few qualities here that most listeners will be
familiar with or recognize. Instead of concentrating on beats and melodies,
Howe uses tones and notes that turn into somewhat of a peculiar drone. These
tracks are so abstract and odd that most folks probably would not even call
them music. Loving the experimental side of art, of course, this one is
right up our alley. On this album Mr. Howe proves without a doubt
that mature guys can be just as creative as the kiddie boosters. Nine strange
cuts. TOP PICK.
Hunters, Run! - Crows and Cranes (CD, Battle Standard Recordings /
At Arms Ltd., Progressive pop/rock)
The guys in Hunters, Run! were off and running when a bad car accident
in Kentucky put things on hold. But rather than stop or give up the guys
in the band regained their focus and recorded Crows and Cranes. These
fellows write unusual songs that feature intricate arrangements and unpredictable
vocal melodies. Instead of canned pop formulas, these songs include all
kinds of intriguing curves and surprises. The band is comprised of Larry
Hess, Jeff Newman, Dan Fodera, Nelson Colon, and Doug Fallone.
Possibly the best way to describe this music...would be to say that the
songs combine elements from 1990s pop music with threads of 1970s progressive
rock. Plenty of interesting tunes here....but our initial favorites include
"White Girls and Their Cameras," "Oh, My Ageless Brother,"
and "Love, Liquor and Loss."
The Jigsaw Seen - Winterland (CD, Vibro-phonic
Recordings, Pop)
We've been following this band's career for quite some time now. Over the
past few years they've recorded some amazing stuff and have also managed
to make some amazing connections. So the question now might be...when will
these guys achieve the larger degree of success they so obviously deserve?
In terms of real achievements they're already a success story of
course. Legions of pop fanatics around the world have already embraced The
Jigsaw Seen. Their last album (Bananas Foster) was a direct bull's
eye...and we're pleased to report that Winterland also hits the target
dead center. The timing of the release of this album is interesting. Just
as a brutally hot summer is ending, the band releases an album dealing with
wintry themes. As we would have expected, the frosty white and grey packaging
(which includes a foldout poster) is superb. But even more importantly,
the music is--once again--smart, gripping, and real. These guys always
seem to effectively combine classic pop elements from the past with their
unique twenty-first century sound. The result...is a classy modern pop band
whose songs will surely stand the test of time. We particularly love the
way these guys have incorporated a mellotron into their songs this time
around. It works amazingly well. The Jigsaw Seen is Dennis Davison
(vocals), Jonathan Lea (guitar), Tom Currior (bass), and Teddy
Freese (drums). We've been impressed with everything we've heard from
this band so far....but we'd have to say that Winterland may just
be our favorite disc yet. Ten wonderfully resilient tracks here...and they're
all rather...brilliant... Highly recommended. TOP PICK.
Kid
Icarus - American Ghosts (CD, Big School, Pop)
We're probably breaking all the rules regarding music reviews here because
we're including this one in our review section without having actually heard
the music. So what we're doing is covering something based entirely on what
we've heard in the past and liked. This Kid Icarus album has been
released on vinyl and it features some truly beautiful artwork and printed
lyrics that you can actually read (unlike those in CD inserts!).
In keeping with the album's title, the record itself was pressed on white
vinyl...and it includes a card allowing the buyer to download the album
from Bandcamp. We were too lazy to do the download (!). This is the fifth
full-length release from this Scranton, Pennsylvania-based band...and we'd
be willing to bet it's a keeper. Hell, we might even get off our lazy asses
and download the damn thing eventually--if we can devote the time to doing
so (!). Nifty-as-hell package from an impressive group of guys who obviously
know what they're doing...
Jupe
Jupe - Reduction In Drag (Independently
released CD, Pop)
The 1980s revival continues to arrive and expand...and at the front of the
heap is Jupe Jupe. The guys in this band made quite an impression
on a lot of folks with their 2010 album Invaders. Now they're back
with another polished danceable collection of juicy tracks engineered and
produced by Martin Feveyear (who has worked with Modest Mouse,
Robert Fripp, and Cornershop among others). Jupe Jupe tunes
feature great uplifting melodies, fuzzy guitars, and analog synths that
just scream 1988. The band is comprised of My Young (vocals,
synthesizer), Bryan Manzo (guitar), Patrick Partington (guitar),
and Jarrod Arbini (drums). In seems odd...but in many ways these
guys sound better than the 1980s bands they are most likely influenced by
(!). Ten groovy tracks here including "Headlong To Ground," "Olympic
Garden," "The Fire Curtain," and "The Raincoast of Cherbourg."
Ladybirds - Shimmy Shimmy Dang! (CD, Departure,
Pop)
This is a really groovy little underground album that is likely to be overlooked
simply because there is so much music being released that hardly anyone
can succeed anymore because of listener overload. The folks in this five-piece
band use classic ingredients from the past to fuel their smart modern underground
pop/rock tunes. And man oh man do they come up with some juicy tracks
here. At least two cuts ("Shimmy Shimmy Dang!" and "Hum De
Dum") have the potential to become legendary hits worldwide. And yes,
these tracks really are that good. So...what do they sound like...?
Well to us they sound a little bit like The Cramps mixed with Brenda
Lee...but that doesn't quite capture it (?). They write cool tunes...play
like hell...and the female vocalist is an absolute HIT. Lovable in so many
ways...Ladybirds definitely ROCK.
Amanda
Lamb - Highwire (Independently released
CD, Pop)
The debut full-length album from California's Amanda Lamb. We did
a double take when we read the press release that accompanied this disc.
Ms. Lamb is only...SIXTEEN YEARS OLD...??!! Hard to believe but true, this
young lady is off and running at a very young age. We still can't believe
how mature so many teenage artists are this century. Instead of sounding
unfocused or green, there are tons of super young artists whose music can
compete any old day with the heavyweights. Amanda isn't going the underground
artsy route. Her music is decidedly slick and commercial...so she may very
well accomplish the impossible and end up making a living in the world of
music. She's got good songs...a very smooth commercial voice...and her songs
are just the kind of mid-tempo slick pop that the public digs.
It is better
To have not lived
Than never to have
Lived at
All.
The Migrant - Amerika (Independently released CD, Pop)
The Migrant is the band/project created by Bjarke Bendtsen.
Originally from Denmark, Bjarke traveled to the United States with nothing
but a guitar and a suitcase...and during the course of his adventures in
our country he invented The Migrant. Amerika contains all
the ingredients that made the debut album so appealing. Bendtsen writes
and records exceedingly well executed underground progressive pop that features
wonderful floating melodies and arrangements that are to die for. The songs
are personal yet dreamy...smart yet not show offish...and the music always
seems genuine and real. The vocals are a real treat. Instead of pushing
or forcing himself, this guy's voice is very reserved...which works perfectly
within the framework of the music. You won't find formulaic pop here or
canned music. These tunes are heartfelt and sincere and extremely resilient.
Nine cuts including "Molehills," "Don't Talk," and "Flight
AA71."
Nerves
Junior - As Bright As Your Night Light
(CD, sonaBLAST!, Pop)
Interesting underground pop that ranges from smooth and melodic to somewhat
peculiar and urgent. We went to the band's Bandcamp web site but couldn't
find any personal information about Nerves Junior. The cardboard
sleeve names the band members however: Cory Phelps, Stuart Phelps,
Chris Snow, and Zack O'Renick (all four members are credited
with writing the songs). We found it very interesting that this album was
recorded in Louisville, Kentucky...a really cool place that very rarely
gets mentioned in underground music circles. These guys have managed to
write and record an album that is ultimately warm and friendly while still
retaining definite degrees of artistic freedom. Our favorite tracks include
"Champagne & Peaches," "Nails To Scratch With,"
"Kale" (a particularly strong cut), and "Downtown
Lament." Some of these songs have slight threads of interesting sadness.
Very cool sounding stuff...
The
Nines - The Nines (Independently released
CD, Rock)
The Nines is a band based in Howell, Michigan. If they play their
cards right...these guys could be BIG. The band is a powerhouse trio delivering
hard rock/pop tunes very much in the vein of early Led Zeppelin.
Unlike many modern bands, these guys are really, really, really TIGHT.
They can certainly play circles around other bands. The drumming is top
notch, the bass lines solid and strong, and guitar playing is fantastic.
And at the heart of the music is a vocalist whose voice fits the music perfectly.
In terms of music, these guys seem to be doing everything right. In terms
of image and packaging, they probably need some assistance. From the look
of the album artwork and promotional materials you would never guess
that the band sounds as good as they do. Music is what matters most of course...and
with this band you get plenty of great songs. Our initial favorites
include "Sun Don't Shine," "Call My Name," "The
Fever," and "Walk A Mile." Modern rock with a definite 1970s
blues rock flavor. Neat.
Old guys
In leather would
Look better in
Caskets.
The
Real Nasty - Dirty Dollars (CD, Ninth Street Opus, Pop/rock)
Wow. These guys write and record music that instantly stands out because
they can really really play. None of that limp wristed stuff or heavy
reliance on technology here. These guys are as tight as whipped cheese whiz
on their instruments and, as a result, they really pack a major punch.
This is the third full-length release from California's The Real Nasty...and
it's a keeper. The band is comprised of Ryan Lukas (bass, vocals),
Jacob Groopman (guitar, vocals), and Matthew "Smitty"
Smith (drums, percussion). These three guys play a cool brand of blues-infused
pop/rock with a heavy emphasis on melodies and lyrics. Instead of taking
the difficult artsy approach to making music, Ryan, Jacob, and Matthew play
tunes that could be appreciated by millions upon millions of listeners.
These guys are out there pushing their music hard...currently traveling
all over the United States playing live concerts. We have no doubt that
these guys absolutely kick ass live. Their songs are infectious...and
they're one of the tightest bands we've heard in 2011. Killer cuts include
"Dirty Dollars," "Game Change," "Heartbreaker,
Baby," and "Set Free." Top pick.
Can't remember
Anything.
Don't want to remember
Anything.
Jonny
Rogers - Soldier (Independently released
CD, Pop)
We're going to be honest...this is not the kinda thing we normally
go for (???). But we generally tend to pick up on what's going on behind
the music...so that's probably why we dig Jonny Rogers' music. This
young fellow writes and records slick modern pop that relies heavily on
technology. If the right folks were to put money behind this guy, we have
no doubt that Rogers could easily become an overnight sensation all over
the world. He's that good. Jonny's music has been compared to commercial
artists like Justin Timberlake and Michael Jackson but there's
one major difference. From what we're hearing on Soldier, this guy
is much much better. Ten groovy rhythm driven tracks here including
"Survival," "I Can't Tell You Why," "No Substitution,"
and "Someone New."
Rudy Schwartz Project - The Year They Switched To Cornmeal (CD, DC-Jam,
Pop/experimental/humor)
The Rudy Schwartz Project is one of the most creative bands / projects
of the past few decades...and (sadly) most folks probably don't even realize
it. We were originally turned onto this band by way of underground cassettes
they put out in the 1980s. The crazy goofy humor in the music caught our
attention instantly...and we've been huge fans ever since. While there might
not be that many R.S.P. fans on the planet...folks who love the band really,
really, really love it. And this album is yet another direct hit.
The Rudy Schwartz Project sounds something like an underground home recorded
cross between Frank Zappa and The Bonzo Dog Band. The man
behind the music has one of the most bizarre keen senses of humor we have
ever come across. It's very easy to burst out laughing while listening to
these songs...although the music itself is actually brilliant, well written,
and often mind-bogglingly complex. The Year They Switched To Cornmeal
won't be the album to land this band millions of fans...but that isn't even
the point. Casual listeners or the average music fan won't "get"
what's going on. And the average consumer would likely find the music frustrating
and/or offensive. But in our minds...this is yet another fantastic example
of true underground brilliance at its best. We're very pleased to hear Waldo
the Puppet proudly singing in his goofy anti-Sesame Street-esque growler
voice this time. What we wonder is...how could anyone not love songs
like "Bagpipe Benny," "Cockadoodledoo," "Taters
Done Gone Ta Sprout," and "Sarah Palin Pussy Juice"? This
band is, as always, light years ahead of its time. And its about time more
folks stood up and took notice. Can't say enough good things about this
disc... TOP PICK.
Saso - Exitudes (CD, Melted Snow, Pop)
We were so pleased to receive this album this month. The folks in
Ireland's Saso are one of our top favorite bands of the twenty-first
century. So when we hadn't heard from them in quite some time we began to
assume that they were no more. But after taking a five year break, this
refreshingly unique and genuine duo has resurfaced...much to the delight
of their diehard fans around the globe. During the break the band had the
good fortune of having one of their songs picked up for a television commercial
which probably had a profound impact on their motivation. It prompted them
to go into the studio to record more "commercial" sounding music.
But core band members Jim Lawler and Ben Rawlins ultimately
decided they didn't like the new direction and discarded a year's worth
of recordings. They eventually made the (wise) decision to get back to doing
what they do best...writing and recording progressive pop music that is
chock full of artistic integrity. Exitudes may just be the strongest
Saso album yet. This time around these guys use their core sound as a diving
board...letting their studio knowledge drive the music into some rather
interesting places. These compositions incorporate elements of pop, drone,
experimental, progressive, and electronic music into one big intoxicating
mix. Saso is easily the best independent act we have ever heard to come
out of Ireland. Killer cuts include "Billion Hands," "Silent
Earth," "Cardboard Cutout," and "Pull The Plug."
Extraordinary music in so many ways... TOP PICK.
The
Self-Proclaimed Rock Stars - Postcards From
Purgatory (Independently released CD, Pop)
We love technology, there's no doubt about that. But we particularly like
and appreciate artists and bands who do not use it as a crutch. That may
be what makes the music recorded by The Self-Proclaimed Rock Stars
so appealing and real. Postcards From Purgatory features pure direct
shots of guitar-based pop/rock delivered with class and style. The band
is comprised of Johnny Malone (vocals), Stephen DeBenedictis
(drums), Mick Greenwood (guitar, vocals), Ryan Savary (guitar),
and James Hogg (bass). Rather than sounding like processed cheese,
the tunes on this album sound like a real group of guys playing real music.
The songs are extremely melodic and accessible...and could easily appeal
to a wide cross section of people. Not a bad cut here...but our initial
favorites include "Suburban Kingpin," "Haymaker" (a
particularly strong cut), "No Faith," and "A Cold Sleep."
Good solid stuff.
The Size Queens - Appetite For Redaction (Independently released CD-R,
Pop)
The guys in The Size Queens have managed the impossible. At a point
in time when just about everything has been done in terms of creative packaging
they have managed to come up with something we've never seen done before.
The "cover" of this album is a manila file folder with a thick
stack of xeroxed pages inside--it looks just like any boring old file folder
in any old boring office of your choice. But tucked inside the front is
the band's brand new album chock full of more brilliant modern pop. By this
time the guys in this band could've easily made the decision to sell out.
They've got the songs and the talent to be making tons of money (if they
chose to do so). But instead of being gluttonous money pigs they seem to
be more interested in making music as a form of expression. And that may
be why we always seem to be impressed with The Size Queens. There's so much
creativity going on here...particularly in terms of lyrics. We continually
get the impression that these folks are making music for all the right reasons.
And they always manage to come up with cool credible songs. Appetite
For Redaction features nine inspired tracks. We particularly like the
fact that there is a message on the CD-R which says "SHRED" (haaaaawwww!).
Another TOP PICK...of course, of course...
Slowtrain - Bound To Find You Out (Independently released CD, Pop)
Classic melodic pop played with traditional instruments. The guys in Slowtrain
have come up with a winning album here. Bound To Find You is chock
full of what would have been FM radio rock in the 1980s and 1990s. Although
he describes Slowtrain first and foremost as a band in which all members
are equally important, the band's sound is driven by the songwriting skills
of vocalist Adoniram Lipton. This guy writes some exceptional tunes
and he has a really warm and inviting voice that is the obvious focal point.We
had to spin this album several times before we realized that--at least on
a few tracks--there are some slight similarities to Mott The Hoople.
If you're looking for weird artsy underground music you won't find it here.
But if you're the kinda listener who likes classic pop/rock with a heavy
emphasis on melodies and lyrics...well then, you're likely to fall in
love. Cool cuts include "Not The Only One," "Bound To
Find You Out," "Love Me Again," and "Take Me Home."
Top pick.
Spottiswoode
& His Enemies - Wild Goosechase Expedition
(CD, Old Soul, Pop)
These guys have been writing, recording, and performing music for over a
decade now. Wild Goosechase Expedition must certainly represent a
peak in the band's career. The album presents classic pop created using
traditional instruments...and the main focus is on vocal melodies and lyrics.
Songwriter Jonathan Spottiswoode has a real knack for writing smart
memorable catchy pop tunes that could easily appeal to millions of listeners.
We had to spin this album several times before we realized an odd comparison.
At certain points these guys sound very much like Mott The Hoople
(particularly on the track "Wake Me Up When It's Over"). Producer
Kenny Siegal gives the band the exact amount of polish they need
to get their point across. At a time when so many bands and artists are
using gimmicks, hearing a band with genuinely effective songs is a real
treat. Our favorite cuts include "Beautiful Monday," "Just
A Word I Use," and "All Gone Wrong."
Spy Kids: All The Time In
The World 4D - Music Composed by Carl Thiel
and Robert Rodriguez (CD, Lakeshore,
Soundtrack)
Okay. So we admit that we've never seen any of the Spy Kids
movies. If there's one thing we've learned over the years, it is that you
don't have to see or even be familiar with a film in order to appreciate
the soundtrack. So this is indeed one of those cases. The music for Spy
Kids: All The Time In The World 4D was composed by Carl Thiel
and Robert Rodriguez...both of whom are no strangers to the world
of soundtrack music. This 44+ minute album features twenty-one dynamic instrumentals
specifically suited for a spy adventure. As is the case with virtually all
Lakeshore soundtracks, the sound quality is top notch and really fills the
room. Plenty of kid-pleasing tracks here including "Spy Mom,"
"Panic Room," "Danger D'Amo," and "You Have Been
Activated."
Andi
Starr - The World Will Follow (Independently
released CD, Pop)
Very nice slick dreamy moody melodic modern pop that could easily be appreciated
by millions. Young Andi Starr is a great example of just how good
underground recording artists can be. At a point in time when anyone can
be a recording artist the results are sometimes weird and disastrous. But
not here. A great deal of time and energy was obviously spent recording
The World Will Follow. These smooth flowing tracks feature cool articulate
arrangements and at the heart of the music are Andi's super smooth and effective
vocals. This lady has an extraordinarily expressive voice and she never
overdoes it (something most twenty-first century singers are guilty of).
This is Starr's sixth full-length release. It will no doubt be warmly embraced
by fans and bring even more attention to this rising star's music. Nifty
dreamy cuts include "The World Will Follow," "Already Gold"
(our favorite), "Ticket-Taker," and "Water Rising."
Simone
Stevens - Right On Time (Independently
released CD, Pop)
Perusing the cover images we had a feeling right off the bat that we were
gonna dig Simone Stevens' music. Instead of a phony perfect photo
pushing generic cleavage (which is the cheap image almost every up-and-coming
commercial female artist uses), Simone appears on the cover of this album
with her cool tousled hair obstructed by a peculiar pair of large goggles...and
the images inside incorporate the same odd goggles with various visual distortions.
But make no mistake, Right On Time is not an underground difficult
artsy album. Simone writes and records music that could easily appeal to
hoards of folks. Her songs are somewhat subdued and subtle...and they feature
wonderful free-flowing melodies. The heart of the music are the vocals.
Ms. Stevens sings with a cool confidence but she never sounds like she's
pushing too hard or forcing herself. We're tempted to describe this as Americana
pop...but such a description doesn't quite capture what's going on. These
twelve soft pop tunes are proof positive that this young lady is off and
running on what we hope will be a long and rewarding career. Killer pop
tunes include "Let Me In," "ABC," "Just Because,"
and "Below Zero." Great stuff that comes straight from the heart.
Top pick.
The
Sweet Clementines - Though It Were The Kiss
Of Death (Independently released CD, Pop)
If there is one word we would use to describe the sound of The Sweet
Clementines it would be...unpretentious. At a point in time when
so many artists are relying on image and technology, the folks in this band
seem focused on simply writing and recording good music. And they look just
like regular people who might live your neighborhood. The band is comprised
of John Burdick (guitar, vocals, keyboards), Chris Tanis (guitar,
vocals, ukulele), Jason Sarubbi (bass), Matt Senzatimore (drums),
Marianne Tasick (vocals, violin, percussion), and Paul Carroll
(vibraphone, keyboards, percussion). The band cites classic artists
as their inspiration (The Beatles, The Kinks, Tom Waits, Andrew Bird)...and
we can certainly hear traces of these--and more--in these tunes. Smart,
smooth, hummable cuts include "Square In Your Corner," "Dreamland,"
"Mr. Reality," "Hannah," and "M Soul is Satisfied."
The
Syllable Section - Improvisationals EP
(Independently released CD EP, Progressive Pop)
Another true underground release from The Syllable Section.
As regular readers are already aware, we rarely review EPs...so if you see
one in this section you can bet it's something truly nifty. The Syllable
Section is the one man band created by Matthew T. Marquardt. Unlike
most up-and-coming recording artists, this fellow seems to have little if
no regard whatsoever for any kind of commercial success. His songs are pure
artistic creations in which he lets music take him anywhere it may. You
never quite know what's going to happen here...and therein lies the
beauty of the music. While we would describe this as experimental underground
progressive pop...that doesn't quite capture the essence. Sometimes subtle...sometimes
psychedelic...sometimes purely experimental...this guy has an imagination
that KICKS ASS. Weird unpredictable pop cuts include "Clarity and Hope,"
"Common Things," and "Giving Up." Some of this reminds
us of the first couple of pop albums from Brian Eno. Hmmmmm...
Top pick.
Kayla
Taylor - You'd Be Surprised (CD, SMartyKat,
Jazz/Female vocalist)
Really smooth and beautiful music that's picture perfect for dining, dancing,
or romancing. Atlanta's Kayla Taylor has been described as "Bette
Midler meets Diana Krall"...which should give you a good
idea of what she sounds like. The wonderfully warm guitar sounds provided
by Steve Moore are a perfect match for Kayla's smooth vocals. When
artists try to recreate sounds from the past they often fail because they
are merely aping others. But while You'd Be Surprised spins like
a blast from the past, Taylor, Moore, and their bandmates always manage
to inject their songs with their own unique spirit. The result...some sparkling
and provocative renditions of classic tunes that sound as fresh as the day
they were written. Eleven classy tracks here including "Good Morning
Heartache," "You'd Be Surprised," "Treat Me Rough,"
and "Blues Stay Away From Me."
Neil
Thornock - No Stopping, Standing, or Parking
(CD, Navona, Classical)
Another peculiar release from the fine folks at Navona. This album presents
compositions by Neil Thornock as performed by the United States
Coast Guard Saxophone Quartet, the Upland Chamber Ensemble, and
Amanda Baker. Thornok's pieces focus on the use of saxophones, keyboards,
and flute in some very unconventional ways. Some of this music reminds in
many ways of later instrumental tunes by Frank Zappa (there's a good
bit of herky jerkyness going on that listeners will find somewhat familiar).
This is a very long album that clocks in at close to 80 minutes. Seven tracks
that combine elements from traditional classical with modern classical...with
some experimental elements thrown in for good measure. Our favorite cuts
include "Traptalk," "All the Goods Are Stolen," and
"Fractured Compound." Somewhat perplexing while simultaneously
appealing...
The Trophy Fire - Modern Hearts (CD, Greyday,
Pop)
Very cool and inviting highly melodic modern pop. We had to spin this one
a few times before coming up with what is perhaps (?) an accurate way of
describing these guys' music. The guys in The Trophy Fire write and
record slick ballsy music that sounds something like a cross between Birds
& Batteries (one of our top favorite bands of the past couple of
years) and very early Rick Springfield. Modern Hearts is a
surprisingly accessible album chock full of driving hard pop tunes driven
by steady rhythms and aggressive fuzzy guitars. The band is comprised of
Ben Flanagan, Adam Schumann, and John Schumann. These
guys write songs that are super strong and catchy...and the vocals are absolutely
out-of-this-world. The more we spin this one the more we love it.
Twelve brilliant tracks here including "The Rent," "Medicate
Me," "Tired Eyes," and "Twilight Park." Top pick.
Tunabunny - Minima Moralia (Vinyl LP, Happy
Happy Birthday To Me, Pop/rock)
In the past we've included things in our review section that we haven't
actually heard...and now we're doing it again. Is there something
wrong with us? Well...yes. But this is yet another case where we
know that this album is well worth the money. We loved the last album from
Tunabunny and we love virtually everything on the Happy Happy Birthday
To Me label so...there's no reason not to believe this is exceptional.
This beautifully packaged vinyl LP includes a card with a code to get a
free download of the tunes. But being the lazy jerk offs that we are we
didn't take the time to download them. Oh well...maybe we'll get around
to that later. In the meantime we have the album proudly displayed on our
office wall so that others will realize that we're just about the hippest
goddamn reviewers ever to hit the state of Tennessee. Ooops...no...WAIT.
We don't want to be hip so maybe we should put the album in a drawer
somewhere out of sight. No, that's no good either. So who cares what anyone
thinks? We just love the hell out of Tunabunny and we're proud of it...
Vanish
Valley - Get Good (Independently released
CD, Pop)
The last album from Vanish Valley was one of our favorite albums
to listen to while driving for months. And what is strange is that--despite
the fact that we listened to the album dozens and dozens of times--we can't
really hum any of the tunes or recall exactly what it sounded like.
And that is, perhaps, the beauty of what these guys are doing. Because we
were so impressed with the last disc we were very excited to receive Get
Good. And the great news is...this album has the same perplexing qualities
that made the last one so appealing. You won't find catchy tunes here that
stick in your head...no cool "with it" sounds that date the music...hardly
any of the ingredients that the average modern pop band uses to get their
point across. What probably appeals to us about these guys most is that
we simply like where their heads are at. They have a sound that is
hard to pigeonhole...sort of a cross between underground pop, atmospheric
pop, Americana, and underground rock...but not really. Although we can't
come up with the exact words to describe this...we highly recommend this
band's music for the plain and simple reason that you can listen to it over
and over and over and over and it never seems to get tiring. Twelve
groovy cuts here including "Hazy Hills," "The Bottom,"
"Waiting," and "Lion's Den." TOP PICK.
Julian Velard - Mr. Saturday Night (CD, Planeteer, Pop)
The second full-length release from Julian Velard. Originally from
New York, Velard is now based in London, England where he is obviously enjoying
success writing and playing his pure upbeat pop tunes. For this album, Velard
has taken on something of an alter-ego personality...wearing a bow tie and
acting the part of a character he calls Mr. Saturday Night. Julian's
2009 debut (The Planeteer) went over really well with fans and critics.
There's no doubt Saturday Night will be just as warmly received.
These pleasant instantly hummable pop tunes recall classic artists like
Elton John and Ben Folds (more the former than the latter)
while still retaining an original spirit and sound. While perusing the liner
notes we found it interesting that Lol Creme is a co-writer of one
song. Cool tracks here include "Me and My Mirror On A Saturday Night,"
"Sentimental," "Everybody Wants to be Famous," and "Another
Guy's Song."
Giancarlo Vulcano - Unfinished Spaces (CD, Distant
Second, Progressive)
Wow...this album is so damn cool... Up to this point in time Giancarlo
Vulcano is probably best known as the co-music director for the television
show 30 Rock. During the show's hiatus, Giancarlo does other things...such
as Unfinished Spaces. This score was created for the documentary
of the same name that "explores the creation and subsequent decay of
the National Schools of Art in Havana, Cuba." Now that might sound
boring (we haven't actually seen the documentary so it may be incredible...)
but we can tell you that the music is anything but dull (!). Vulcano
and his eight piece band created some very beautiful heady pieces here that
delve into a variety of genres and styles. The playing is superb...but the
compositions themselves are what make this such a resilient and impressive
disc. Joining Giancarlo are Tom Chiu (violin), Conrad Harris
(violin), Caleb Burhans (viola), Alex Greenbaum (cello), Taylor
Bergren-Chrisman (bass), Jim Bruening (saxophone), Laurie
Krein (trumpet), and Dafnis Prieto (percussion). Killer cardboard
sleeve. Wonderfully inventive music with a difference. Highly recommended.
TOP PICK.
In the future
Everyone will be
Horrible for
Fifteen minutes.
Winter
By Lake - Stories From Birds and Horses
(Independently released CD, Progressive pop)
The debut album from Winter By Lake is an extraordinary listening
experience. The band is the one man project created by Nicolas Cancel.
This fellow spent about three years recording Stories From Birds and
Horses...and the time was well spent. This album features wonderfully
haunting moody progressive pop cuts that are truly resilient and original.
Although there are hints of other artists in these tunes it is difficult
to come up with any instant comparisons or possible points of reference...although
we can't help but think that early Pink Floyd could have influenced
some of these songs (?). Cancel seems to write music as a form of self expression.
His songs are personal, poignant, and ultimately very, very real.
The more we spin this album...the better it sounds. Nicolas has really come
up with a winner here so we hope he receives the recognition he so obviously
deserves. Killer tracks include "In The Hood," "Dark Beings,"
"Fairytales," and "Stories From Birds and Horses." TOP
PICK.
If a witness
Witnesses something and
No one is around to
Witness it
Did the witness really
Witness anything?
Aaron & Andrew - To be brave
Nasar Abadey & Supernova - Diamond in the rough
Abstract Artimus - Rite of passage
A Cat Called Cricket - When leaves fall
Afternoon Naps - Summer gang 7"
After The Fire - Signs of change
Aimee Allen - Winters & mays
Griffin Alexander - The sound & the sea
All The Apparatus - All The Apparatus
Also - Music belongs in the background
Bobby Alu - Take it or leave it
Astrae - Dirty blonde
Ancient Astronauts - Into bass and time
Mike Angus - Hymns
Flo Anito - No dustbunnies
Anti-Social Music - Is the future of everything
Arvo Zylo - 333
Astronauhalis - This is our science
Average White Band - Live at Montreaux 1977
Axess - Fusion
B
Baby Baby - Money
Backsliders - Rock and roll show
E.G. Bailey - American afrikan
Bad Co. - Live at Wembley
Bamboo Kids - The way things are
Barbarellatones - Confessions of a teenage prostitute
Stephen Barber - Astral vinyl
Ray Barnard & The Reverberation - Tinted windows to the soul
John Bartyl - Finally
Beastly - Songs From The Motion Picture
Bedhed and Blondy and the Sleepwalkers - Nuthin'...
Philip Bell - Since
Bemydelay - Totheotherside
Sylvia Bennett - Sonrie
David Berkeley - Some kind of cure
Berrys - Fairmount station
Mark Berube and the Patriotic Few - June in Siberia
Better Luck Next Time - A lifetime of learning
Beware of Safety - With Chakotay at the Helm b/w Cut into stars
Biello / Weyand - Fourthought
Black 100s - Fins
Black Out - Tap tap
Black Pussy - On blonde
Blank Pages - Absolute uncertainty
Blind Willies - Needle, feather, and a rope
Bloater - Radiac
Danielle Bloom - Meet me in the middle
Boy With A Fish - I put my tongue on the window
Morgan Bracy - The end of cinderella
Jesse Brewster - Jesse Brewster
Bree Bruns - Bree Bruns
Broken Poets - Broken Poets
Del Bromham - Devil's highway
Rachel Taylor Brown - World so sweet
Brulee - New beginnings
Bunky Moon - Schtuff we like
Bunnygrunt - "Just Like Ol' Times" "Young Abe Lincoln"
b/w "He's About A Leaver"
Jerry Burgan - Reflections, songs & stories
Frank Butrey - Malicious delicious
Buxter Hoot'n - Buxter Hoot'n
David Byrne - Ride, rise, roar
C
Call Off The Search - What doesn't kill us...
Patrick Campbell-Lyons - The 13 dali's
Mindy Canter - Fluteus maximus - one session one take
Rob Carlton - Seven thunders
Ralph Carney's Serious Jass Project - Seriously
Carpenter - Sea to sky
Cavemen Go - Someone's always dying to break my heart
Ceaser Pink & The Imperial Orgy - Four legs good two legs baaad!
Ceremony - Original motion picture soundtrack
Dylan Champagne - Love songs of the apocalypse: Volume 1
Chansons - At the chateau
Chiwawa - Bus stop chinese buffet
Chocolate Horse - Beasts
Cinema Cinema - Shoot the freak
Clara May - Hush
Claudine - Wrestling consciousness
Clutters - Breaking bones
Paul Coady - Driftin' years
Turner Cody - Gangbusters!
Buckman Coe - By the mountain's feet
Thomas Comerford - Archive + spiral
Compact - Fortune cookie philosophy (and other musical nuggets)
Company Car - Stop hitting yourself
Steve Conn - Beautiful dream
Scott Cook - Moonlit rambles
Copernicus - Cipher and decipher
Counter Punch - Dying to exonerate the world
Counter Riot - Punk funk kfugato!
Annie Crane - Jump with a child's heart
Crawl - Tangles
Jay Crocker - Jay Crocker
Billy Ray Cyrus - I'm American
D
Daddy Lion - Daddy Lion
Damngivers - Damngivers
Dana and Lauren - Dana and Lauren
Dansewolf - Smoke n mirrors
Dark Loft - Dark Loft
Ekendra Das - Ethnomusicology
Jenny Davis - Inside you
Arron Dean - MPLS
Dear Joe - Miles away
Jesse Dee & Jacquie B - Our ghosts will fill these walls
Deleted Scenes - Young people's church of the air
Details - Lost art
Dikta - Thank you EP
District Attorneys - Orders from...
Doctors & Dealers - Every sinner has a future
Dogs and Bones - 2.1
Alberto Donatelli - Non calpestare il mio giardino
Justine Dorsey - Colorwheel
Dotson Moon - 4am
Drawn From Bees - Cautionary tales for the lionhearted
Drive - Original motion picture soundtrack - score by Cliff Martinez
Ryan Driver - Who's breathing
DTES - Lost and gone forever
Dubioza Kolektiv - Wild wild east
Duchess Leo - Golden gray
Dunn Boys - Volume 1
Duomarine - Depth of sound
Brennan Dylan - Bullet ride
E
Eksi Ekso - Eksi Ekso
El Ebo - Oxford basement collection
Elemental Zazen - Nothing to lose but change
Elements of Jazz - Elements of Jazz
Eleven Dollar Life - Shatter the Silence
Empirates - Pretentiously awesome
Encore - Fred fried and core0
Eulogies - Tear the fences down
Eureka California - Modern Times 7"
Evaline - Patterned
Everybody Wants To Be A Cat - Disney Jazz Volume I
Every Boy - Parachute mind
Extra Arms - In parallel
John Eye - Cannonicus 3.14
F
Joe Fahey - Bushnell's turtle
Falling Blind - Comets
Marc Farre - One hand on the night
Fat Shadow - Foot of love
Duncan Faure - Anthology
Favorite Shape Triangle - Against time
Femme Fatalitiy - That's it that's it
Fenech-Soler - Demons
Dodd Ferrell - Hide the world
Filmi - Xenith anon
Dan Fisk - Bruises from the backseat
Five Eight - Your god is dead to me now
FluiD - Duality
Foghat - Last train home
Forgotten Door - Unlocked
Fostar - Believe
Michael Fracasso - Saint monday
Casey Frazier - After autumn
Freezzas - Trdonja
Fried Goat - Bon appetit
Fuck Knights - FuKn live! Vol. 3
F-units - Alone in babylon
Eleanor Fye - Love stays on
G
Galactic Cowboy Orchestra - All out of peaches
Alekos Galas - Mediterranean breeze
Duke Garwood - Dreamboatsafari
Matt Gary - I'm just sayin'
Gathering Britannia - The bridge between
Gazpacho - Misse atropos
Howie Gelb - Alegrias
Giant Hand - Starting as people
Mike Gibbons - Marigolds: the Bangkok sessions
Robbie Gil - Save yourself
Glamour Kings - Front row seat to the end of the world
Glimpse Trio - 1985
Glitter End - Diva
Global Noise - A prayer for the planet
Glorie - Glorie
Gno - Cannibal tango
Dave Goddess Group - Something new
Barry Goldberg - It's all my vault
Good Intentions - Someone else's time
Googolplexia - "O" before "L," and only one "E"
Tom Goss - Turn it around
Grascals & Friends - Grascals & Friends
CS Gray - Shoot out the star
Gray Lions - Run wild
Dave Greenslade - Routes roots
Dottie Grossman & Michael Vlatkovich - Call and response
Luther Grosvenor - If you dare
Kris Gruen - Part of it all
Gryphon Labs - Modern mythology
Guitar - It's sweet to do nothing!
Gunslinger - Early volumes 1
Jeff Gutman - Through the night
H
Tianna Hall - Never Let Me Go
Hammer No More The Fingers - Black shark
Havknotz - Music life pain
HB3 - Magic circles
H Bird - Operation fascination
Amy Heffernan - Friggin little know it all
Herzog - Search
Mace Hibbard - Time gone by
Hickoids - Kicking it with the twits
High Fiddelityi - Tell me!
Hilife - Highlife
Himalayan Bear - Hard times
Pamela Hines Trio - Lucky's boy
Eric Hisaw - Ghost stories
Hit & Mrs. - Mind split apart
Hit Back - Who are these weird old kids
Toni Hoffman Band - Humility
John L. Holmes - The Holmes stretch
Hoodwinked Too!: Hood vs Evil - Original motion picture soundtrack
Hops - Won't it be fun
Ted Hovis - Let it shine
Dan Hubbard & The Humadors - The Love show
Sam Humans - Life Free / Heligoats - Let loose
Hungry Kids of Hungary - Mega mountain
Hungryheart - One ticket to paradise
Hungrytown - Any forgotten thing
Jane Hunt - Violin venus
I
I Was Totally Destroying It - Preludes
Ill Mondo - De novo
Imaginary Cities - Temporary resident
In Bloom - all my potential
Information Superhighway - This is not the ending
INXS - Mystify
J
Jim Jacobi / Crap Detector - Prelude to the end of the dawn of destruction
Jazzfakers - Two
Jennifers - Well intentioned world
Jenocide - Knee deep
Mary Jenson - Beyond
Melvin Jones - Pivot
Jookabox - The eyes of the fly
JP - Simple man
JSB - When all is said and done...there'll be a lot more said than done
Junkyard Empire - Acts of humanity, vol. 1 & 2
K
K's - Red numbers rising faster
Ted Russell Kamp - Get back to the land
Benji Kaplan - Meditacoes no Vlolao
Karmacoda - Eternal
Eryan Katsenelenbogen & Andrei Ivanovitch - Classical meets jazz: Pictures
at an exhibition
Brian Keenan - Today this year
Keeping Riley - Welcome fire
Kellarissa - Moon of neptune
David Franck Keller - A long way from minneapolis
Kentucky Thunder - 'Bout damn time
Chad Kichula - Killer
Andy Kim - I forgot to mention
King Kong Magnetics - Futuristic money makers
Ryan Kirby - Postcard from vermont
Libby Kirkpatrick - Heroine
Wes Kirkpatrick - Naps & nightmares
Kiseleff - A sound seal
Kissing Cousins - Unfortunate end
Kotodama - Dichotomy
L
L.A. Guns - Acoustic gypsy live
Sofia Laiti - Like a road leading home
Imandra Lake - Ulistuslaulud EP
Laneous and the Family Yah - Scissors
La Res - Revolution
Last Act - Still Standing
Last Royals - Last Royals
Leah - Girl next door
Jerry Leger - Trraveling grey
Dorothy Leigh - A second chance
Lemonade Mouth - An original Walt Disney records soundtrack
Marissa Levy - 63 songs about joe
Mr. Lewis and the Funeral 5 - Delirium tremendous
Lick and a Promise - Come together in the morning
Lincoln Lawyer - Original motion picture soundtrack
Lincoln Lawyer - Music by Cliff Martinez
Steve Lipman - There's a song in my heart
Little Horn - Twelve EP
Trey Lockerbie - Light therapy
Donna Loren - Love it away
Donna Loren - Does elvis in hawaii
Carlo de Lorenzi - Four seasons in one recess
Love Crushed Velvet - Love Crushed Velvet
Lubec - Nothing is enough!
Gary Lucas & Gods and Monsters - The ordeal of civility
Duda Lucena Quartet - Live
Louie Ludwig - Nichevo
Ludwig Amadeus - Featuring Kes
Lunatic Soul - Lunatic Soul
Luup - Meadow rituals
Lydia Lunch & Philippe Petit - Twist of fate
M
Sarah MacDougall - The greatest ones alive
Mad Anthony / Yellow Belts - Split 7" vinyl single
Mad Anthony - ...I spent all my money on speed metal
Madison Square Gardeners - Teeth of champions
Magnuson - Crash of cassini
Tim Mahoney - Live from the sky
JD Malone & The Experts - Avalon
Mamuthones - Mamuthones
Mandolin Orange - Haste make / Hard-hearted stranger
Jesse Manley - Devil's red
Manooghi Hi - Silence
Man Ray - Tokyo joe
Whitney Mann - The western sky
March Into Paris - Beautiful chaos
Carol Martini - Petals of the red magnolia
Daniel Masson - Frequencies
Lisa Maxwell - Happy
May Day Orchestra - Ota benga
McDuo - Works for flute and percussion
Patrick McGrath - When black is blue
Malea McGuinness - Sweet
Brendan McKinney and the 99 Brown Dogs - Best they can
Elam McKnight & Bob Bogdal - Zombie nation
Medicine Head - Fiddlersophical
Jocelyn Medina - We are water
Melvoy - Midnight make up
Men In My Head - Men In My Head
David Michael - Low bid on a dream
Midget - City drop
Hannah Miller - O black river
June & Jean Millington - Play like a girl
Miniboone - Big changes
Jenn Mierau - Hush
Dan Miraldi - Rock n roll band
Miwa Gemini - Fantastic lies of grizzly rose
Cheyenne Marie Mize - We don't need
Cory Mon and the Starlight Gospel - Turncoats
Money In The Banana Stand - There's always...
Monte Negro - Cosmic twins
Moonshine Ramblers - Moonshine Ramblers
Gary Moore - Live at montreux 2010
Lisa Morales - Beautiful mistake
Patricia Morehead - Good news falls gently
Gaby Moreno - Illustrated songs
Carol Morgan Quartet - Blue glass music
Maren Morris - Live wire
Jackie O. Motherfucker - Earth sound system
Mournblade - Anthology - vol. I
Mousy Brown - Bronze turbo
Mouthful of Snow - The truth hurts, but you would still like to hear it
Pete Mroz - We'll rise above
My First Earthquake - Friction
David Myles - Live at the carleton
Myself - Punk floyd
Mystefy - Me
N
Nada Surf - If i had a hifi
Naked Heroes - 99 diamond
Gilbert Neal - Vultures and diamonds
Neaman - So free
Lee Negin - Hungry ghosts
Alva Nelson - Soul eyes
Lucas Nelson & Promise of the Real - Lucas Nelson & Promise of the
Real
Timothy Nelson & The Infidels - I know this now
Nexcyx - Queen
TJ Nix and Paul Plumeri - Blues in disguise
No Bird Sing - Theft of the commons
Claudia Nygaard - Let the storm roll in
Nylon Pink - Nylon Pink
O
1 - 10's - Fighting for a golden age
Ocote Soul Sounds - Taurus
Emily O'Halloran - Morphine and cupcakes
Lutalo "Sweet Lu" Olutosin - Tribute to greatness
Heather O'Neill - A feminist manifesto
Only Thieves - Heartless romantics
Open Feel - Open Feel EP
Operation ID - Legs
Orca Team - Vancouver, B.C. 7"
Carey Ott - Human heart
Ox - Silent night and other cowboy songs
P
David Paige - Not what it seems
Paint and Copter - More trial, less error
Paladino - Paladino
Marco Panella - In the age of batteries
Panic Years - Finally, today is tomorrow
Pandora's Box - Coyote poets of the universe
Parallel Play - The floor's made of lava!
Daniel Park - Search and rescue EP
Oradiah Parker - The siren and the saint
Joe Paulson - This fine evening
Jesse Payne - Buffalo
Laura Peek - Key
Pepper Dome - Chaos point
Tim Permanent - Marker
Gabriel Miller Phillips - One for the crow
Phineas and Ferb - Across the 1st and 2nd dimensions
Sarah Pierce - Bring it on
Heather Pierson - Make it mine
Pinataland - Hymns for the dreadful night
Tan Ping - Paradise
Pirates of the Caribbean - On stranger tides
Police Teeth - Awesomer than the devil
Poor Boy's Soul - Burn down
Poor But Sexy - Let's move in together
Jon Pousette-Dart - Anti-gravity
Pousette-Dart Band - The best of Pousette-Dart Band
Primal Static - The curtain of many faces
Project S.N.A.R.E. - Project S.N.A.R.E.
Prophets & Kings - Prophets & Kings
Psychopathic Romantics - Pretty prizes
Q
R
Racoon Bandit - Into the hills
Adam Rader - Any way I can
Rainbow - Live in Germany 1976
John Ralston - "Jesus Christ" b/w "A Marigy Xmas"
Scott Ramminger - Crawstickers
Rationales - The distance in between
Genya Ravan - I won't dry anymore...
Ready! Ricochet - Ready! Ricochet
Red Eye Fugu - Watchers
Redgy Blackout - Redg Blackout
Red Sammy - A cheaper kidn of love song
Mick Reed - Goodnight, texas
Danielle Reich - This year's kisses
Rethink Forever - Vocal music of Peter Hannan
Leslie Revelle - That little girl
Revenge of the Platypus - Dreams instrumentals
Sarah Lou Richards - Ruby red shoes
Riffbrokers - Every pilot's blinded by the sun
Ben Ripani Music Co. - Maladies
River Rouge - Not all there anymore
Riverside - Memories in my head
Rivulets - We're fucked
Troy Roberts - Nu-jive
Robinson - England's bleeding
Robotic Lunch - Zangief
Roch - Lightweight bipolar mania
Rockabye Baby! - Lullaby renditions of Def Leppard
Rockabye Baby! - Good day, goodnight
Rocket From The Tombs - Barfly
Clea Roddick - Songs of the year: Vol. 1
Paul Rodgers & Friends - Live at Montreux 1994
Eldridge Rodriguez- You are released
Laura Roppe - I'm still here
Arrica Rose & the ...'s - Let alone sea
Rusty Eye - Possessor
S
7 Months Later - Time to decide
Kekell Sa - Fortaleza
Saga - Heads or tails live
Salim Ghazi Saleedi - Iconophobic
Micky Saunders & Dan Susnara - Riding on the moonbeams & analog
slim in luddite land
Lisa Savidge - Lisa Savidge
Scarlet Season - The taxidermist
Stephanie Schneiderman - Rubber teardrop
Robert Schroeder - Cream
Sculpting The Air - Modern works for wind instruments
James Sera - Reality of the fantasy
Shaky Deville - Hot asphalt
Tom Shaner - Get real or get gone EP
Sharpay's Fabulous Adventure - Sharpay's Fabulous Adventure
Shawn Bell Quintet - Things yet unknown
Shayna & The Catch - Lighthouse
Side B - Greatest hits
Patrick Sieben - Awakening
Audrey Silver - Dream awhile
Mark Silverman - Perverse milkman art
Simon Says No! - Simon Says No!
SJ - Coffee
Skelp - Volume
Sleepless - Noise of life
Sleepy Vikings - They will find you here
Slopes of Distant Hills - Slopes of Distant Hills
Ruth Purves Smith & The 581 - Out in the storm
Azalia Snail - Celestial respect
Snick: A very colourful piece of Australiana - Michael Schneider
Snowblink - Long live
Sojourn - The water and the blood
Soldier Come Home - With psalm 131
Soloman - The love rocker project
Solstice Coil - Natural causes
Sound of Growing Up - Drifting
Soup - The great awakening
Source Code - Original motion picture score
South Cry - Blue moon
Split Tongue Crow - Split Tongue Crow
Sprains - Imitate art
Spring Breakup - It's not you, it's me
Standing Shadows - The silent revolution
Steve Steele - The expat
St. Even - Spirit animal
Dar Stellabotta - Ride the wave of love
Stephaniesid - Starfruit
Stewboss - Pilgrims & runaways
Greg Stomberg and Dan Susnara - Prequel: The 1st annual trips festival
Jacky Stone and His Ugly Bones - Blarg! All over Wrigley
Stone Antica - Stone Antica
Stone Foxes - Psycho b/w serious people
Storms - Lay your sea coat aside
Streakin' Healys - Booze fighter
Street Chant - Means9
Stuyvesant - Fret sounds
Styx - Regeneration: Volume I & II
Sufis at the Cinema - 50 years of bollywood qawwali & sufi song 1958-2007
Sunol - Ohlone
Sunrise - Spread the word
Sunshine Factory - Lower away b/w Tidal waves
Sunspot - Major arcana
Sun Wizard - Positively 4th avenue
Susan Surftone - Shore
Surrealestate - Lacunae
Surrender The Fall - Surrender The Fall
Dan Susnara - Vent grin and conquer
Dan Susnara & Micky Saunders - "Changing Days" / "You're
A Mirror"
Jacqui Sutton - Billie & Dolly
Oliver Swain - In a big machine
Sweetkiss Momma - Revival rock
Sympathy For Delicious - Original motion picture soundtrack
T
10 Ft. Ganja Plant - Shake up the place
28 Days of Joy - Are we ghosts
Cheley Tackett - Whisper me slow
Terminal Orchestra - The seasons
MJ Territo - Down with love
Testa Rosa - II
There Is No Sin - We are revealed
Thrill Building - The greatest game in the world
Tic Tic Boom - Reasons & rhymes
Tidelands - If...
Tigger - Forget you EP
Tiny Little Blackouts - Daly city
Tiptons Saxophone Quartet - Strange flower
Tommy and the High Pilots - Sawhorse sessions
Bill Toms - Memphis
Ashley Brooke Toussant - Sweetheart
Trophy Fire - Armor
Trophy Wives - Old scratch
Truth and reconciliation Commission - Songs about dying
Twilight Hotel - When the wolves go blind
Twisted Sister - Club days volume 1: The studio sessions
Two Guitars - Bending time
U
Uglyography - Undercover new machine
United Sons of Toil - When the revolution comes, everything will be beautiful
Using Bridge - Using Bridge
V
Freddy V - Easier than it looks
Sal Valentino - Dreamin' man
Vandaveer - Dig down deep
Randy Van Warmer - The vital spark / Sings Stephen Foster
Various Artists - Ventis secundis, tenne cursum: This is progressive rock!
Various Artists - Space Escapade Unit 1
Various Artists - Manitoba Music
Various Artists - War Horses! Angel Air Rocks!
Various artists - The Mylene Sheath: 2011 label sampler
Various artists - Undercover tribute to Pixies' Doolittle
Various artists - Made in Iceland IV
Various artists - Rescue Co. No. 1
Various artists - Digitaldubs: #1
Various artists - Rosler's recording booth
Various artists - The rock garage: Texas live concert series
Velvet Monkeys - Everything is right
Venetian - I wanna tell you a story
Versailles - Sacrifice
Vessels - Helioscope
Chet Vincent and the Big Bend - For everyone
Voice of Addiction - Reduce reuse resist
William Vollinger - Raspberry man
Von Ehrics - Two foot stomp
Vtg - Love is letting go
W
Walkability - Important singing gino ties
Fleet Walker - Morning void
Walk Ons - We did this on purpose
Brian Walsby - Manchild 5
Samuel Locke Ward & The Boohoos / Mumfords - Split 7" E.P. 33 1/3
RPM
Warped 45s - Matador sunset
Warrior - Original score composed and produced by Mark Isham
Mike Watt - Hyphenated-man
Way Yes - Way Yes
Bob Wayne - Outlaw carnie
Chris Weaver Band - Standng in line
We Is Shore Dedicated - We Is Shore Dedicated
Welcome To Florida - Make it work
Rosetta West - Raccoon
Wheeler Brothers - Portraits
Joseph Allen White - Things change
White Orange - White Orange
Who Cares - Out of my mind / holy water
Annie Williams - This mountain
Marty Williams - Long time comin'
Renee Wilson - Voodoo queen
Winnie The Pooh - Original soundtrack
Fay Wolf - Spiders
Wolfe Gang - Read the fine print
Andrea Wood - Dhyana
Wooden Want & The Briarwood Virgins - Briarwood
Wounded Men - All the east bay misses you
Wowz - Go figure
X
Y
John York and Kim Fowley - West coast revelation
Kenny Young - Simple things
Young Blood - Transfusion
Z
Inna Zhelannaya - Cocoon
