March 2016 Comics, Poetry, and Reviews by
aka 
Stream "Blood"
Safe Music for Safe People
If music reflects overall state of mind, then we're living in a world where most folks are more closed minded than ever. Lately I've been involved in several conversations where the discussion centers around the fact that most artists and bands are creating music that doesn't challenge listeners. It seems almost incredible that it wasn't so long ago when really bizarre and creative artists were actually selling lots of albums, all the while composing and playing wildly creative music that made people stand up and take notice.
But in 2016 most folks only want to hear artists whose music parallels their own narrow viewpoints of the world. You've probably already read articles where comedians say the last place they want to give a performance is on college campuses because...one wrong move or politically-incorrect joke...and they're booed off the stage.
Today music seems to reflect where we're at. Most folks don't want to be challenged at all. They simply want to hear music that reinforces their own thoughts and ideas. At one point it seemed as if people were catching onto the fact that we're all led around like sheep. But now it seems as if there are more and more sheep and less and less free thinkers running around the globe. In most cases, it seems as if the average music fan is only interested in hearing familiar sounding junk. Don't get me wrong, I love almost all genres. And there are thousands and thousands of great junk artists that I truly enjoy. But as entertaining as they are, junk songs and artists generally aren't so thought provoking or mentally stimulating. And that's okay because music doesn't always have to be thought provoking or stimulating, of course. But the one thing most popular artists have in common is that they are...SAFE. And that is just what people want...reinforcement and safety.
Of course the world of commercial music has always been littered with songs that are dull, mindless, and boring. But in previous decades...at least occasionally...a few legitimate cool artists could be found scattered in the dreck. Sadly, at this point in time, we almost NEVER hear anyone who sells a lot who is also credible. (One genre that seems to be an exception is music made for film and television...where a vibrant wealth of creativity seems to be the norm.)
As creative, intelligent artists are pushed farther and farther underground, it makes it harder and harder for folks playing stimulating inventive music to have much of a career (unless they're creating music for movies and television). And that's a shame, because in a perfect world music can be something that causes us to think, reflect, and look at things differently than we otherwise might. Thankfully there will always be underground artists making music simply because that's what they love doing. And, of course, it is those artists and bands that continue to inspire us to write...because they are the true success stories out there in the world.
Safe People + Safe music = Unbearably D-U-L-L.
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Arrow
- Original Television Soundtrack, Season 3: Music by Blake
Neely (Limited Edition Double CD, La-La
Land, Television soundtrack)
This limited edition double disc set features music from the critically
acclaimed television show Arrow. The show's plot involves a main
character (Oliver Queen) who returns to his home after being stranded
on a remote island in the Pacific Ocean. Reviews of the show are overwhelmingly
positive. For any series in today's world, making it through three seasons
is a really big deal. The music for the show is composed by Blake Neely
who is a very busy guy these days. Neely's name seems to be popping up everywhere
so we can only imagine how much time he spends creating music. Blake records
his stuff in his own Cow On The Wall studio in Los Angeles, California.
The quality of his recordings shows just how far home recording has evolved
over the past couple of decades. This double disc set offers a huge
amount of music including no less than fourteen (!) bonus tracks. These
compositions are emotionally energized and range from pensive to moody to
peculiar to exciting. If you love soundtracks, you'll love this release.
If you don't love soundtracks, you'll probably still love this simply
because it's so damn good. Neely always hits the target dead center
with his projects.
Ash vs. Evil Dead - Music From the Starz Original Series: Music by Joseph LoDuca (CD, Varese Sarabande, Soundtrack)
We've always been big fans of the film Evil Dead 2. Even though the
first film wasn't so great, the follow-up was sensational. If you've
never seen it, it is highly recommended. And as many times as we've seen
it, different scenes still bother us. It's a truly disturbing experience.
So we sure were surprised when we received this l'il sucker in the
mail. We didn't even know there was a television series that had
been spun off from the films. But yes indeedy-do there most certainly is.
And from what we're reading on the internet this one's getting a thumbs
up. We haven't seen the show yet, we're only just now hearing the music.
Created by Joseph LoDuca, the music for the show is certain to please
fans of the original films. If this television show is anything like the
Evil Dead movies, you can expect a wild roller coaster ride. On this
album, LoDuca presents twenty-two tracks that are sure to give the show
the exact impact intended. Over fifty-four minutes' worth of music here
including "Sheet Show," "It Did Happen/Outta Here,"
"Evil Catches Up," and "Ash's Theme."
Baby
Had baby and then
That baby had
Baby.
Beledo - Dreamland Mechanism (CD, Moonjune,
Progressive)
An ultra-creative, mind blowing musical experience from multi-instrumentalist
Beledo. The appropriately-titled Dreamland Mechanism truly
is a dreamland mechanism. On this album Beledo plays electric and
acoustic guitar, violin, Fender Rhodes, Mini Moog, acoustic piano, accordion,
fretless bass guitar, and sings. Also playing on this album are Lincoln
Goines, Gary Husband, Tony Seele, Doron Lev, Endang Ramdan, Dewa Budjana,
and Rudy Zulkarnaen. During the past four decades Beledo has played
and performed with a list of folks so long you'd have to see it to believe
it. Perhaps that's why there's such a feeling of maturity and confidence
that bleeds through these tracks. While these compositions feature plenty
of difficult and complex musical dexterity, they're also presented with
distinct style and focus. The press release describes this music as having
"...more twists, turns and surprises than an Agatha Christie novel!"
That pretty much sums this one up nicely. Ten beautifully executed cuts
including "Mechanism," "Lucilia," "Mercury in Retrograde,"
and "Front Porch Pine."
Bobgoblin - Love Lost For Blood Lust (CD, Motor Forces, Pop)
This album immediately grabbed our attention. The three guys in Bobgoblin
have an instantly infectious sound full of energy and wonderfully catchy
melodies. If you love the sound of underground power pop bands from the
1990s, you will most certainly want to check out this album. We have to
admit that this is the first time (to our knowledge) that we've heard this
band. But before we even read the press release we were thinking that these
tunes sounded very much like cool stuff from the mid-1990s. It was only
later that we read that the band formed in 1993 in Dallas, Texas...so it's
no wonder they have a sound that recalls that time period. No matter.
What matters here is the music. The tracks on Love Lost For Blood
Lust absolutely hit the target dead on. These guys play with focused
passion and their songs are filled to the brim with hooks. Loud buzzsaw
guitars, propulsive rhythms, and vocals that are light years beyond average.
What more could you ask for? This is an album that we'll be playing into
the ground this year. Killer pop cuts include "Feel No Pain,"
"Hide From Tomorrow," "From the Hill," and "I Know
A Place." We just love this... TOP PICK.
Bombay
Harambee - Goldmine (Max
Recordings, CD, Rock/pop)
Cool rockin' upbeat stuff from the guys in Bombay Harambee. These
fellows pack a mighty big punch with this twelve track album. These songs
are chock full of fuzzy power chords, driving rhythms, and appropriately
raspy vocals. If you like the sound of underground guitar bands in the United
States in the late 1980s and early 1990s, you'll find a lot to love here.
By keeping things simple, these guys manage to create and stay in a groove
for the entirety of all twelve cuts. In ways the overall sound and energy
here is somewhat similar to The Sex Pistols, but we wouldn't really
categorize this as punk rock. Whatever you call it, these songs are surefire
rockers...and they're presented with cool energized passion. Our favorite
cuts include "Interval," "Commotion Notion," "Blue
Balloon," and "Broken Hand."
Calisse - Farewell, Blacksheep (CD, Almabrain,
Progressive pop)
We love the blurbs that Kaytea from XO Publicity writes for
the projects she's working on. For this album, she described the music as
"...weird, absorbing, spellbinding, and beautiful. At any moment,
the songs are likely to merge vintage Californian garage-pop, a dash of
freakbeat, Texas lysergic threnody, and 70s counter-culture inspired vocals."
If you can even begin to understand such a cryptic description (we
sure could), then there's a good chance you'll enjoy the wildly trippy sounds
on the latest release from Calisse. If there's a single word we would
use to describe this music it would be...unpredictable. You really
never know from one song to the next what these folks will come up with.
And in today's world filled with ultra-predictable carbon copycats, that
is saying something. The band is comprised of James Collette, Kevin Hoffman,
Rob Iggulden, Karen Moore, and Morganfield Riley. So...what other
artists or bands can this be compared to...? Well, possibly a number of
different obscure artists from the past and present...and on the other hand,
possibly none at all. This music exists purely in its own unique universe.
These folks aren't trying to fit into a genre, please any specific fans,
or make money. They're just doing what they do and, in the process, creating
some wildly inventive stuff that is light years beyond the scope
of the average listener. This will undoubtedly end up being one of our favorite
albums of 2016. Highly recommended. TOP PICK.
Popa
Chubby - Big, Bad and Beautiful (Double
CD, Cleopatra Blues,
Blues/rock)
We normally wouldn't mention an artist's weight as an integral part of what
they're doing. But in the case of Popa Chubby weight is obviously
part of the overall image, otherwise this talented blues guitarist would
have chosen another name. In 2014 Popa released a very successful album
entitled I'm Feelin' Lucky. An appropriate title, and since the disc
was released he's been touring all over the United States and Europe. Those
tours were so well received that Chubby decided to release this double album
of live recordings. Popa's been making music for about twenty-six years
now which explains why he's so comfortable playing for people. Released
on the newly formed Cleopatra Blues label, Big, Bad and Beautiful
offers twenty-seven tracks of loud blistering blues played in Popa's own
unique style. Rip roaring tracks include "Working Class Blues,"
"I Don't Want Nobody," "Love In Vain," and "Over
the Rainbow."
Condemned - Original Motion Picture Soundtrack: Music by Daniel Davies
& Sebastian Robertson (CD, Lakeshore,
Soundtrack)
We knew we were gonna dig this one when we heard those initial bizarre
deep bass notes on the appropriately-titled opening track "Shynola's
Rumble." It seems like there are very few horror/fright movies made
in the twenty-first century that work. Even though we've yet to see Condemned,
from what others are saying the movie itself is a letdown. No matter. What
lots of folks seem to forget is that you don't have to actually see
a movie or even like it in order to appreciate the music. And this
is certainly one of those cases. This soundtrack could have just as easily
been released by a progressive band interested in delving into a myriad
of musical styles and genres. There are some real surprises here, to be
certain. Just when you think you understand where this album's going, Daniel
Davies and Sebastian Robertson switch off in an entirely different
direction. This may make some folks scratch their heads in confusion. But
here in babysueland...we just love it. Mentally challenging
tracks include "Cookie's Theme," "Cookie's End," and
"Condemned Theme." Cool stuff.
Andrew
Cresswell Davis - Emergency Love (CD,
Angel Air, Pop)
Talk about an impressive resume. Andrew Cresswell Davis (also known
as Andy Davis) is one of those guys out there who has accomplished
so much and done so many great things...and yet most folks still don't seem
to know him by name. Hopefully the release of this, his latest album will
help to rectify the situation. In case the name doesn't ring any bells in
your head, Davis is probably best known as a member of one of the greatest
1970s pop bands Stackridge. After that, he made some major waves
with his band The Korgis. Since then, he's also played with Tears
For Fears, Julian Cope, Bill Nelson, and Goldfrapp (whew!).
In 1990 he released the well-received solo album Clevedon Pier. Now
comes Emergency Love, and it finds Mr. Davis sounding (appropriately)
more laidback and relaxed. Listening to this, we're reminded of a variety
of other artists including Peter Gabriel, Neil Innes, and
even Steve Harley at times. At this point in his career, Andrew may
have found a sound and style that will once again put him at the top of
the charts. Let's hope so. Ten smart resilient tracks here including "Rain
Rain Rain," "Peacock of the Universe," and "The Ghost
of Love."
DearDarkHead - Strange Weather (CD, Saint
Marie, Pop/rock)
The guys in DearDarkHead have been making music since 1988, so we're
kinda embarrassed to admit that we've never heard 'em until now. Don't expect
anything retro-1980s here, because retro-1980s these guys are not.
This album features instrumentals that combine elements from hard rock and
underground shoegazer drone. The band's music once featured vocals but now
that both of the previous vocalists are no longer with the band they are
(at least temporarily) an all-instrumental band. Considering this fact,
you may be very surprised at how powerful these songs are. The band is now
comprised of Kevin Harrington on guitar, Robert Weiss on drums,
and Kevin McCauley on bass. For a three piece band these guys have
a great big sound. This is a short album that clocks in at just over twenty-five
minutes. But in that amount of time, these guys make it perfectly clear
they're in it for the long run. Groovy, compelling, and hypnotic.
Downes
Braide Association - Suburban Ghosts
(CD, Cherry Red, Pop)
If you don't like slick produced stuff, this may not be to your liking.
But if super slick, super polished pop is your kinda thing, there's a good
chance you'll go apeshit over this album. Geoff Downes and
Chris Braide have been making music for years now, each in their
own universe. But the two met for the first time only a few years ago (in
2010) at a Buggles reunion concert in London (Downes was/is a member
of the iconic 1980s techno pop band). The two recorded a debut album (Pictures
of You) which was warmly received by critics. Now comes the follow up.
Our guess is that Suburban Ghosts will receive the same warm welcome
as the debut. These guys are pros at what they're doing, in terms of composition,
arranging, and production. The tracks on Ghosts are super slick,
layered with all kinds of instruments and vocals. But instead of detracting
from the songs, the big produced sound adds multiple layers of intrigue.
Twelve credible cuts here including "Machinery of Fate," "Vanity,"
"Time Goes Fast," and "Dreaming of England."
The
Dumb Sounding Band - We Sound Just Like
You (Independently released CD, Eclectic/juvenile)
Rarely do we hear music from the back drawer of the cabinet. But that's
just where the guys in The Dumb Sounding Band met each other and
started making music. This is about as smart as things can sound when they're
as dumb as they can be. The band is comprised of Lord Cheese on vocals,
Lord Pickle on synthesizers, and Lord Indian on prissy things.
Like Jethro Tull's releases from the 1970s, this album is presented
as a single song entitled "You're All About Five Thousand Times More
Stupid Than You Ever Were." It's a bizarre piece that involves a wild
array of something, but all the while there are little things and big things
and even more little things that never happen. It's a juvenile experiment
that fails miserably and yet it succeeds miserably.
Eureka
California - Versus (Vinyl LP, Happy Happy Birthday To Me, Rock/pop)
Real true gritty loud rock isn't dead...it's just hibernating beneath the
surface while most folks prefer to drink diluted gunk from a baby bottle.
Eureka California is one of the brave bands out there playing music
that's just too raw and real for the masses. These folks have hit another
home run with Versus. If you love the sound of guitar bands from
the late 1980s right on through the 1990s when everyone seemed to be turning
up and turning on, there's a very good chance you'll totally dig
the sound of these tracks. This is the band's third full-length release
but the first to be recorded in a real recording studio. Thankfully none
of the band's edge has been salvaged in the process. Eureka California is
the duo of Jake Ward and Marie A. Uhler. Like most of their
new releases, the folks at Happy Happy Birthday To Me have released this
on a beautifully designed 12" vinyl LP, complete with a handy dandy
download card. Cool rhythms...groovy guitars in overdrive...and lyrics sung
with appropriate abandon...what's not to love here? Ten gripping
cuts including "Another Song About TV," "Fear and Loathing
in the Classic City," "Caffeine," and "I Will Write
Mine Over Potomac." Wildly neat. Love it. Top pick.
Everest
- Music Composed by Dario
Marianelli (CD, Varese
Sarabande, Soundtrack)
Everest is a movie you'll probably want to see for the cinematography
alone. Everyone pretty much agrees that the visuals in this one are astounding.
And given the lack of limitations provided by modern technology, you can
only imagine what they've done with this one. Everest is based on
real events in 1996 when two men (Rob Hall and Scott Fischer)
set about climbing Mount Everest, the highest point on earth. The film has
been released on IMAX 3D, so we can only imagine what this one looks like
on the biggest screen of all. The music for Everest was created by
Dario Marianelli. In addition to being a composer for film, Dario
is also a college professor. This is the first time we've heard this fellow's
music and we can bet this will mean a lot more work for Marianelli in the
very near future. This soundtrack features big orchestrated compositions
full of excitement and tension. But there are also segments that give you
the feeling that you truly are up in the snowy mountains miles and miles
away from civilization. Sixteen magical cuts here including "The Call,"
"Arriving at the Temple," "Someone Loves Us," and "Chopper
Rescue."
Mike
Farley Band - Where We Stand (Independently
released CD, Pop)
This album marks the return of the Mike Farley Band after about fifteen
years. And our guess is that Where We Stand will be warmly received
not only by the band's original fans but by other listeners as well. The
tracks on this well-produced album remind us of some of the mid-tempo stuff
released by the James Gang and Joe Walsh (very early in his
solo career). Farley's vocals are particularly reminiscent of Walsh when
he was young. The Mike Farley Band is comprised of Mike Farley (lead
and backing vocals, acoustic guitar), Jeff Nagel (guitars, backing
vocals), Jeff Beam (bass), and Joe Rohan (drums). These guys
experienced a good bit of success in the Cleveland, Ohio area from 1999
to 2002. But like so many bands their attention eventually moved to other
things and the members also moved to different parts of the country. But
in 2014 Farley and Nagel began writing songs together again via Skype...and
that led to a very successful Kickstarter campaign...which led to the recording
and release of Where We Stand. Super smooth melodic pop with an overall
upbeat tone and vibe. In addition to eight originals, the album also includes
a cover of Jeff Lynne's "Evil Woman." Cool reflective tracks
include "Rewrite History," "Helpless," "I Don't
Know," and "Rain." Superb melodies here...and we love
the vocals.
Flesh and Bone - Music From the Starz Original Series: Music by Dave Porter (CD, Varese
Sarabande, Television soundtrack)
Music for television shows sure has come a long, long, long, long, long,
long, long, long, long, long, long, long, long, long, long, long, long,
long, long, long, long, long, long, long, long, long, long, long, long,
long, long way over the past few decades. Whereas music for television
was originally somewhat of a throwaway kinda thing, now it's a mighty big
business with some major professional players involved. And whereas before
the music was usually simple and something of a second thought, today there
are lots of shows with music that rivals that used in major motion picture
soundtracks. Flesh and Bone is a television series involving ballet.
The music for the series was created by Dave Porter who, at this
point in time, is best known as the guy who created music for the series
Breaking Bad. Since then he has become a very sought after talent
in the world of music for film and television. This album features over
an hour's worth of music from the series. The cuts on this album are, for
the most part, moody and somewhat atmospheric. Beautifully crafted with
articulate arrangements. Twenty-seven expertly prepared tracks including
"Covered With Books," "Down the Stairs," "Glass
Slippers," and "Tell Me How It Feels."
The
Forest - Original Motion Picture Soundtrack:
Music by Bear McCreary
(CD, Sparks and Shadows,
Soundtrack)
We'll start out here by saying that this film is not getting good reviews.
But bear in mind that critics and fans also generally hated the movie Enemy
which remains one of our favorites (even though it ended on a dull thud).
With The Forest, the story involves some women who go into a forest
and...well, you can do internet searches and find out more about the plot.
Here we're just interested in the music. The soundtrack for The Forest
was created by the ultra-prolific (his name is everywhere these days) Bear
McCreary. This guy's name seems to appear on more soundtracks than anyone
else we can think of nowadays. Hard to believe one man can create and produce
so much music, he must have a lot of folks lending some support.
As is the case with all McCreary audio projects, this one features stellar
sound quality, plenty of audio surprises, and some beautiful segments that
would please most fans of classical music. On this soundtrack, more curve
balls are thrown. The music gravitates into the sound-as-music terrain,
and things often become rather...atmospheric. So even if the film was/is
a flop...the soundtrack is...yet another success for Bear. Ten gripping
compositions including "The Forest Main Title," "Follow The
Rope," and "The Cabin."
Gladiola - This Year's Storm (Independently released CD, Pop/rock)
Great name for a band...wonder why no one ever thought of it before?
This Year's Storm is a very basic album, using only the essentials
in order to get the messages across. Fortunately for the members of Gladiola
this was exactly the right approach to take, because it allows the listener
to hear and appreciate the inherent coolness embedded in these eleven tracks.
The band has had a rotating line-up but on this album the members are Bill
Madden-Fuoco (vocals, guitar, keyboards), David Mohs (drums,
piano), Joe Murphy (guitar), and Chris Regalia (bass, backing
vocals). The overall sound of this album reminds us in many ways of some
of the cooler underground pop/rock bands in the United States in the 1990s.
The band has a nifty driving sound but the songs are, for the most part,
melodic guitar pop. If you're into catchy hummable tunes you'll find them
in abundance here. Every single track has something credible to offer and
the melodies are far beyond what we normally hear. Our initial favorite
tracks include "We're Not Going Back," "Mental Schenectady,"
"This Year's Storm," and "You Can Tell."
Great
Lakes - Wild Vision (Independently released/manufactured
CD-R, Loose Trucks, Pop)
Hard to believe the group Great Lakes has been around since 1996.
But yup, the band has now been around for two decades...and they're showing
no signs of letting up. Originally based in Athens, Georgia, the players
are now based in Brooklyn, New York. But even though the geographic location
has changed, the sound remains remarkably similar and familiar. The band
is driven by the songwriting skills of Ben Crum, a fellow who writes
tunes that can pretty much be appreciated by anyone. Crum comes across sounding
mighty relaxed and comfortable on Wild Vision, presenting smooth
organic tracks that blend elements from folk, pop, and Americana. In addition
to Crum the band also includes Kevin Shea on drums, David Lerner
on bass, Joe McGinty on keyboards, Phillip Sterk on pedal
steel, Heather McIntosh on cello, and Suzanne Nienaber on
vocals (the same basic lineup that played on the 2010 release Ways of
Escape). Cool, melodic, reflective...if you like the sound of real people
playing real music, there's an excellent possibility you'll totally dig
this stuff. Nine solid tracks including "Swim the River," "Wild
Again," "I Stay, You Go," and "Blood On My Tooth."
Trevor
Green - Voice of the Wind (CD, Koru,
Progressive pop)
Trevor Green plays progressive organic modern pop but with a different
sort of slant. The tracks on Voice of the Wind seem to derive much
of their inspiration from the original inhabitants of our country...the
American Indians. But if you think these songs are going to sound like warrior
tribal pieces or rain dances, think again. Green is much smarter than than
and his music is far less obvious. While he may draw inspiration from the
original citizens of our country, his music is not directly derivative.
It's also a lot stranger than you might expect. If you're looking for familiar
catchy pop, this isn't the place to find that. The tracks on Voice of
the Wind were recorded first and foremost as a form of artistic expression.
This is Green's fifth full-length release, and it's chock full of smart,
resonant songs with conscience and soul. This one obviously came straight
from the heart.
Vasil
Hadzimanov Band - Alive (CD, Moonjune, Progressive/modern jazz)
This is the sixth full-length release from the Vasil Hadzimanov Band,
but it's the first to be released internationally. Although he's played
with a wildly impressive array of well-known artists, Vasil Hadzimanov
is obviously driven to create his own music. This Serbian keyboardist, pianist,
and composer will turn a lot of heads with the release of Alive.
Hadzimanov formed his band fifteen years ago. Since that time, they've played
hundreds of shows all around the world. Rounding out the band are David
Binney on alto saxophone, Branko Trijic on guitar, Miroslav
Tovirac on bass guitar, Bojan Ivkovic on percussion and vocals,
and Pedja Milutinovic on drums. These musicians play with one another
with an ease and fluidity that is impressive and hypnotic. While the compositions
and arrangements are complex, they are played with such confidence that
you almost forget this fact. The photos of kids sitting around in a living
room seems to be a strange visual paradox, as the music contained on this
album is anything but childlike. Eight impeccably recorded tracks including
"Nocturnal," "Dolasim," and "Otkrice Snova."
The
High Violets - Heroes and Halos (CD,
Saint Marie, Pop/rock)
Soaring, lush, beautiful, modern dreamy pop played with style. Heroes
and Halos is yet another resounding success for the folks in The
High Violets. This is the fifth full-length release from this Portland,
Oregon quartet. In some ways the tracks on this album remind us of Ivy
but with more of an atmospheric overall slant. The High Violets are Clint
Sargent (lead guitar, vocals), Kaitlyn Donovan (vocals, guitar),
Luke Strahota (drums, percussion), and Colin Sheridan (bass
guitar). These folks make music that can best be described as pop, but it's
not the kind of predictable dribble that you might normally associate with
the word. While these tracks are hummable and accessible, they are also
creative and strikingly intelligent. We love the understated elements. Instead
of pushing or forcing, these folks just let the music flow from their veins.
And it is this natural flow that makes these tracks sound so wonderfully
smooth and slightly surreal. Ten perceptive compositions here including
"How I Love," "Break A Heart," "Bells," and
"Hearts In Our Throats." Recommended. Top pick.
Hup, two, three,
Four.
Hup, two, three,
Four.
Inutili - Elves, Red Sprites, Blue Jets (CD, Aagoo,
Experimental/spontaneous)
Whew. This is so far removed from the world of commercial music in
2016 that it'd be hard to top this band in that respect. If you get tired
of all the canned perfection crap out there that all sounds the same (and
you can always predict what note or chord will come next), Elves, Red
Sprites, Blue Jets might just snap you back into reality. This Italian
band records music that some folks might mistake for practice or jam sessions.
To be certain, Inutili is a band that does not sound like
all the rest. But what's surprising here is how musical some of these excursions
into spontaneity can be. The vocals are particularly unusual. Instead of
being tweaked to perfection, the voice is presented as something of an accidental
element...with the words being barely discernible. Some of this reminds
us of some of the stranger German progressive bands from the 1970s...but
not really. Sure wish more modern rock bands would take as many chances
as these guys. This music is unusual, unpredictable, exciting, and decidedly
RAW. Gripping and bizarre. Love it. Top pick.
Doug Kershaw - Anthology: Rare Masters 1958 to 1969 (CD, Goldenlane, Cajun/country/pop)
Although it means admitting how ignorant and uninformed we actually are,
we must begin here by saying that--even though we've heard the name for
years--until today, we had never actually been exposed to the music
of Doug Kershaw. And to think we have the nerve to call ourselves
writers and/or reviewers. Well, we don't mind admitting our flaws or
ignorance...and in this case we realize we've really missed out on something.
Before spinning this album, we pulled up a video of Kershaw performing a
tune called "Diggy Diggy Lo" and...WOW. Our first reaction is...this
guy has some intense spunk. Rarely have we seen a performer so focused
and energized. So then we popped these puppies into our player and...WOW
again. Doug plays cajun music from the old school of country music...meaning
there's a whole lotta talent and personality going on...and very little
in the way of studio tricks or gimmickry. This whopping double CD set contains
fifty-two (!) unreleased tracks from the vaults, and these are sure to make
Doug's fans sit up and take notice. As noted in the title, the tracks were
recorded from 1958 to 1969, and they definitely capture the energy and sound
of that time period. Now that we've heard these rare tracks...we'll be on
a mission to collect all of Kershaw's original studio recordings...because
there's a definite VOID in our music library (!). Killer cuts include "Big
Mighty Man," "Mary Lou," "Except," "I Wish
I Had Died As A Baby," and "Rosie Come Take Me Home." Great
spirited stuff. Recommended. Top pick.
We all
March to Hell.
We all just
March to Hell.
Nathan
Mathes - Anajune Rival (Independently
released CD, Pop)
Nathan Mathes fronted several bands in the Green Bay, Wisconsin area
before going solo in 2010 with the release of his debut album American
Whitecaps. Since that time Mathes has released several other albums
that, like the debut, have been warmly received by critics and fans. The
curiously titled Anajune Rival is yet another credible offering,
chock full of intelligent pop songs that don't sound like everyone else.
Although the most comfortable fit for these songs would be in the alternative
folk/underground pop category, they're actually much deeper in many ways
than such a category might suggest. And that's probably because Nathan is
most likely writing and recording mainly as an outlet to communicate his
feelings, rather than try to come up with a hit song or something that the
public might like. In our strange little musical universe, motivation is
extremely important. And that's why we seek out music that we feel was created
for (what we feel are) the right reasons. The best way of describing this
album is probably to say that it is...thought provoking. Kinda dreamy
and even atmospheric at times, these tracks will take you places you may
never have known before. We can't help but be affected by cool tracks like
"An Offer I Can Take," "In The Long Run," "Baby
Wants To Meet," and "Come On After All." Recommended. Top
pick.
The
Multiple Cat - Intricate Maps (CD, Cartouch, Pop)
Upon receiving this, our first reaction was...what a welcome surprise.
We've been writing (and raving about) The Multiple Cat for years
now. Most folks who hear Pat Stolley's music seem to instantly become
devoted followers. So it's always seemed like a real bummer to us that more
folks aren't aware of this man and his music. Perhaps Intricate Maps
will turn that around, because it's yet another stellar collection of super
intelligent underground pop songs that rival some of the best stuff out
there. This is the fifth Multiple Cat album, and the first to feature a
full (three piece) band. On Maps, Stolley is backed by Ben Crabb
on bass and Andrew Barkau on drums. Although he's probably best known
as the guy who runs the Future
Appletree label, in our opinion this guy's true talents lie in writing
and recording his own material. Maps is yet another resounding success,
chock full of cool, catchy underground pop tracks that are intelligent,
hummable, and exceedingly satisfying. And, once again, we totally
dig the vocals. We're sure hoping this is the album that pushes this band's
career up a few notches. Magical stuff played for all the right reasons.
Killer tracks include "Maps," "David," "Theme II,"
and "Bells." Recommended. Top pick.
Lee
Harvey Osmond - Beautiful Scars (CD,
Latent Recordings,
Pop)
Ahhhhhhh....this is one we've been waiting for. We loved the last
album from Lee Harvey Osmond and we're lovin' this one as well. If
you've never heard this guy, he sounds something like a folky, smokey, more
moody Leonard Cohen if he had really long hair and a beard...and
his songs sometimes sounded like Tom Waits. Osmond (whose real name
is Tom Wilson) is no stranger to the world of music. Lots of folks
already knew/know him as a member of the bands Junkhouse and Blackie
& The Rodeo Kings. But it seems as if the music he's making as a
solo artist is the stuff that's really capturing peoples' hearts and imagination.
Produced by Michael Timmins (Cowboy Junkies), Beautiful
Scars is cut from the same fabric as Osmond's last album (The Folk
Sinner). The songs are subdued and slightly spooky. But it's those vocals
that really make the mark. Tom has a great deep focused voice that really
grabs you and doesn't let go. His lyrics are pensive and occasionally strange.
You'd never ever guess this guy is in his mid 50s. Recommended. Top
pick.
The
Pathetic Things - We Are NOT Pathetic!
(Independently released CD, Pop)
Like most people, the guys in The Pathetic Things are living in a
daydream. They think their ideas and music are very very important. But
in actuality, the things they think and the music they make doesn't matter
at all. Their childish reaction to a lack of interest from everyone in the
world is their debut album entitled We Are NOT Pathetic! We can describe
this release in a single word and that word is...pathetic. Do yourself
a favor and don't do yourself a favor. This is a good example of what's
right with the world. Whether you believe it or not, there's nothing anywhere
and there isn't anything that's going to happen at any point in the future.
Russell
Pinkston - Balancing Acts: Music for Instruments
and Electronic Sounds (CD, Ravello,
Modern classical/experimental)
Russell Pinkston was once a member of a progressive rock band called
Tracks that played around the New England area from 1969 to 1974.
But as years passed his interests and skills changed and evolved and in
1983 he found himself a member of the faculty at The University of Texas
at Austin, where he is now Professor of Composition and Director of Electronic
Music Studies. While Russell has composed all different styles of music
including choral, chamber, symphonic, and modern dance, in recent years
he has been focusing his attention on electronic sounds, particularly when
combined with the sound of acoustic instruments. Thus, Balancing Act
serves as a perfect example of where Pinkston's music stands in 2016. What
may surprise many about this album is how musical it is. Some folks
may not realize that "electronic sound" does not always mean "atonal
and grating." In fact, the experimental sounds presented here are exactly
the opposite. Pinkston presents sounds that are overall rather pleasant
and puzzling. When combined with the organic sound of acoustic instruments,
the result is surprisingly natural. In trying to describe the overall sound
here...we would say these compositions are like the sounds of nature that
have been slightly altered by computers and technology. Interesting stuff,
and exceedingly well-executed.
Poodle is
Popular for
No good
Reason.
Remember - Original Motion Picture Soundtrack: Music by Mychael Danna (CD, Varese Sarabande, Soundtrack)
Wow. This is one totally cool soundtrack album that doesn't sound
like all the rest. And the reason is that the music for Remember
was created by Academy Award-winning composer Mychael Danna. You
may not know him by name, but you've heard his music before. Danna is the
man responsible for composing music for less obvious movies like Life
of Pi, Capote, The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus, Little Miss Sunshine,
Girl, Interrupted...and many more. Unlike most modern soundtrack recordings
that clobber you over the head with volume, layers of sound, super complex
arrangements, and big orchestras...the music for Remember is simple,
sparse, pensive, and ultimately very, very beautiful. The plot revolves
around two men who are on a quest to find the Nazi who was responsible for
the death of their family members many years earlier. So it's no wonder
these tracks have a serious and somber tone. After reading over the list
of films Danna has chosen to create music for, we'd be interested in seeing
just about any film that features his compositions. Twenty-four tracks
of pure brilliance here including "The Letter," "The Face
of the Man," "Difficult Things," and "Tell Them Who
You Are." Some of the most incredibly articulate soundtrack
music we've heard thus far in 2016. Top pick.
Edward
Rogers - Glass Marbles (CD, Zip, Pop)
If you're turned off by the idea of music created for money (we sure
are), do yourself a favor and check out the latest album from Edward
Rogers. This is about as far from sellout slop pop as you can get. Over
the course of a year, Rogers wrote fifty songs. Then he and producer Don
Piper selected eighteen which were recorded for inclusion on Glass
Marbles. This album is a success on a variety of different levels. The
songs are smart and reflective. The sound quality excellent, but never too
glossy. The arrangements are a perfect fit for each track. The list of artists
backing Edward on this album is...unbelievable. Rather than go into
specifics, we'll just say that some incredibly talented folks play
on these tracks. But they're not there to steal the spotlight, they're obviously
there because they want to support Rogers and his music. And that's exactly
why we're covering this one. We'd sure like to help make more people aware
of this guy and his totally groovy sound. Although we don't get the
impression this guy is really trying to sound like anyone, while spinning
these tracks we're reminded of a variety of artists including Dave Davies,
Mott The Hoople, The Television Personalities, and David Bowie.
You get over 70 minutes' worth of music here...and it all sounds
great. Our favorite cuts include "The World of Mystery," "Bright
Star," "Fade Away," and "Glass Marbles." Recommended.
Top pick.
Zoran
Scekic - Just Music: Ana Zgur, Piano
(CD, Ravello, Piano/instrumental)
The music of Zoran Scekic as interpreted by pianist Ana Zgur.
If you think you know what albums featuring the piano sound like, think
again. This is a very different sort of album in which the piano
is presented in very subtle and peculiar ways. According to the press release,
this album "...presents an open series of compositions aiming to
explore the harmony or a non-tempered microtonal system based on integer
harmonics, or just intonation." The tracks on Just Music
show just how beautiful the tones of the piano can be. It's a world in which
the sound of the individual notes are much more important than the speed
or complexity of the pieces. The compositions are presented by the wonderfully
inspired talents of Ana Zgur, who plays with pure confidence and
focus. Some might describe these pieces as being sleepy or slow. But to
our ears...this music is wonderfully resonant and strangely perplexing.
This album is...simply beautiful. One of the most impressive piano
albums we've ever heard. Recommended. Top pick.
Brooks
Strause - The Chymical Wedding of Brooks
Strause (CD, Cartouch,
Pop)
Although he's been making music for years, this is the first time (to our
knowledge) that we've been exposed to the music of Brooks Strause.
The strangely-titled The Chymical Wedding of Brooks Strause is this
fellow's seventh full-length release and the first on which he relinquished
a good bit of control over to another person. For these recordings, Brooks
recorded guitar and vocals and then handed things over to Pat Stolley
(the man who runs the Future
Appletree label and has his own band The
Multiple Cat). Stolley completed the album, while also enlisting
the talents of Phil Pracht (drums), John Gamino (keyboards),
and Jeff Jackson (guitar). Apparently all parties involved were happy
with the results. Thus The Chymical Wedding is now available for
all to hear. What we like most about this album is the fact that the songs
don't remind us of anyone else. It's not often we can say that. Strause
seems to be one of those guys out there who is making music his own way
without giving much consideration to who or what it ought to sound
like. As a result, these songs come across like pure, straightforward forms
of expression in which Mr. Strause communicates with his listeners on a
real level. Thirteen smart, pensive cuts including "Good World,"
"Love Me There," and "It'll Be Fine."
Truth
- Original Motion Picture Soundtrack: Music by Brian
Tyler (CD, Varese
Sarabande, Soundtrack)
Truth is a new film starring Robert Redford and Cate Blanchett.
The true story revolves around Dan Rather and Mary Mapes (producer
of 60 Minutes) reporting on George W. Bush's military service,
and the controversy that it caused. We kinda tend to be drawn to films where
folks in the news get in trouble for simply telling the truth, so this is
one we'll probably catch sometime in the near future. The music for the
movie was created by Brian Tyler, who has thus far composed music
for over 70 films. Tyler isn't just a composer. He's a multi-instrumentalist
as well, playing instruments as diverse as piano, guitar, drums, bass, cello,
world percussion, guitarviol, charango, and bouzouki...and that's just the
beginning. If there's a single word we would use to describe the sound of
this soundtrack that word would be...pensive. Tyner has an incredible
knack for evoking human emotions with his music. This album features twenty-one
beautiful reflective tracks including "Asking Questions," "Mistakes
and Misunderstanding," and "End of an Era."
Martin
Turner - Written In The Stars (CD, Dirty
Dog Discs, Progressive pop/rock)
If there's one thing we're always hungry for, it's tasty guitars.
If you dig the groovy sounds of the six stringed instrument, you'll find
a wealth of wonderful stuff on the latest album from Martin Turner.
Fortunately, this album will immediately be well-received. As a founding
original member of the band Wishbone Ash, Turner cemented his place
in musical history decades ago. What will probably surprise and impress
so many about the tracks on this album is how fresh, spontaneous, and inspired
they are. Over time some artists lose the spark that once ignited their
careers, or they end up just making music because it's become a career for
them. Here, neither seems to be the case. Written In The Stars is
an impeccably-recorded collection of compositions that should please Wishbone
Ash fans as well as just about anyone who digs tasty, credible guitar pop/rock.
Playing with Martin on this album are Danny Wilson (guitars, harmony
vocals), Tim Brown (drums, harmony vocals), Misha Nikolic
(guitars, classical guitar), and Ray Hatfield (guitars, harmony vocals).
Excellent songs, killer guitar licks, superb vocals, a dynamic rhythm section...this
album has it all. Eleven killer tracks. Recommended. Top pick.
Tygers
of Pan Tang - Noises From the Cathouse
(CD, Angel Air, Rock/pop)
Here's a band we've haven't thought about in a very long time. Remember
Tygers of Pan Tang? Talk about a blast from the past. These guys
started making music way back in 1978 and were very active until 1987. During
that time MCA released four albums from the band that were very popular.
Many were probably surprised when the band members decided to get back together
in 1999 to continue their mission. Noises From the Cathouse was originally
recorded in 2003, but label and distribution issues prevented the album
from making a real mark. Once again the folks at Great Britain's Angel Air
have come to the rescue, releasing the album in its entirely complete with
three bonus tracks. Included with this CD is a cool booklet with interesting
liner notes written by Ian Ravendale. Thirteen focused rockers here
including "Bad Bad Kitty," "Running Man," "Master
of Illusion," and "Don't Touch Me There."
Up
The Chain - The Prison Break (Independently
released CD, Pop)
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania's Up The Chain was originally the one
band band created by Reed Kendall. But with the addition of Noah
Skaroff (bass) and Kirby Sybert (drums), the band is now a trio.
The Prison Break is the band's third full-length release. The album
presents twelve (really thirteen counting the hidden bonus track) intelligent
well-produced modern pop compositions that should appeal to a wide range
of listeners. The Prison Break has a good deal of commercial appeal
and we don't mean that as a cut. These guys make music that is credible
and real and yet there are enough familiar elements to make the music easily
digestible for almost everyone. Kendall has a really cool resonant voice
that provides the perfect focal point for these tunes. Nice hummable tracks
include "Kelly Green," "Game Kids," "Pineapple
or Potato?", and "On Your Side."
Virtual Tour - A Reduced Carbon Footprint Concert Series (DVD, pfMENTUM, Modern classical)
We've learned to expect the unexpected from the pfMENTUM label. And once
again, that is exactly what we get. This is the first time we've received
a release like this, and it may very well be paving the way for a whole
slew of future releases from artists all around the world. This DVD shows
how far technology has evolved and the new ways in which it allows people
to communicate from different locations. For the tracks on this DVD, the
musicians in one city play live with musicians in another city...while they
both hear and also view the other musicians while they're playing
along. The idea would already be intriguing...but it's even more so
when you consider the type of music these folks are playing. This isn't
simply predictable stuff. These folks are playing complex, unorthodox compositions
that require real thought and skill. So the fact that they can all follow
along with each other and perform as if they're all in the same room is
nothing short of...amazing.. The core quartet here is comprised of
Mark Dresser, Nicole Mitchell, Myra Melford, and Michael Dessen.
And on this DVD they play three concerts with a different "remote ensemble"
for each. If all this wasn't enough to blow your mind already, an additional
fact you should know is that this disc features eleven world premieres
created specifically for this release. Cutting edge technology combined
with cutting edge music equals...a cutting edge experience. Very elusive
and hypnotic.
Carl Vollrath - Lingering Longings: Music for Clarinet and Piano, Vol. 2
- Michael Norsworthy,
Clarinet & Yoko Hagino, Piano (CD, Navona,
Classical)
An impressive collection of intelligent compositions from composer Carl
Vollrath who is currently a professor in the School of Music at Troy
University in Troy, Alabama (where he has been teaching since 1965). Vollrath's
compositions are presented by Michael Norsworthy on clarinet and
Yoko Hagino on piano. This music is sometimes moody and sometimes
slightly quirky. You won't hear layers and layers of instruments here and
no digital tweaking. This is a pure recording that features the clarinet
and piano standing alone, sounding exactly as they sound when they are played.
Norsworthy and Hagino seem perfectly in synch with one another. The playing
is precise, but relaxed...focused, but comfortable. The release of this
album will hopefully make more people aware of Vollrath's talents and contributions
as a composer. Lingering Longings is divided into six sections: "Tim
and Trina's Ball," "The Odd Pieces," "Trina's Path,"
"Once A Bygone Time," "Lingering Longings," and "Evan's
Haven."
Jon
Patrick Walker - People Going Somewhere
(Independently released CD, Pop)
Musicians who act and actors who make music. Either way, the recipe usually
doesn't produce tasty treats in terms of songs. Fortunately there are always
exceptions to the rule, and this is definitely an exception. Jon
Patrick Walker was a musician before his acting career took off, which
caused him to focus his attention on his acting career. Unlike many actors
who struggle, Walker didn't. He has appeared in numerous television shows
and films. But in 2011 his mother's death caused him to reflect on his life
and he made the (wise) decision to once again focus more of his attention
on music. Lucky for all of us, because Jon Patrick Walker is one helluva
talented songwriter, musician, and vocalist. His first album (The Guilty
Party) garnered a great deal of interest. We never heard the debut,
but we're sure digging the tracks on People Going Somewhere. Listening
to these cuts, you can tell this man is making music because that's what
he loves to do. These songs are smart and focused, and we particularly love
the vocals. The John Lennon-esque kickback effect on the vocals sounds
excellent. We're hoping Jon has as much success in the world of music
(or more) than he's had as an actor. Twelve superb tracks here including
"Mother's Going To Shrug Us Off," "Never Win," "Sheila,"
and "While I'm Away." Top pick.
Never here.
Never there.
Never, never
Anywhere.
Noam
Weinstein - On Waves (Independently
released CD, Pop)
Once again, Noam Weinstein hits the center of the target with On
Waves. We were mighty impressed with this talented fellow's last two
albums (Bottlefed and Clocked) and we sure were pleased when
we read that Noam had chosen Old Soul Studios to record this, his latest
album. Like previous releases, the tracks here are personal and heartfelt.
Even more so this time around, as these songs were inspired by both the
passing of Noam's mother and the birth of his son. There's a whole slew
of folks lending their talents here. These tracks feature folks playing
everything from traditional instruments to harp, pedal steel, trombone,
saxophone, viola, cello, violin, trumpet, and more. But instead of sounding
overproduced, these composition have a nice big open sound (probably due
to the location where they were recorded). Weinstein sounds something like
a cross between the softer side of Elvis Costello and 1970s underground
popster Andy Pratt. These songs feature wonderful winding melodies
and lyrics that are particularly poignant and genuine. Once again, Noam's
vocals are what really make his music work. This guy's got a killer voice
and he never oversings...preferring instead to simply let the words come
straight from his heart. Fifteen captivating pop cuts including "Last
Reincarnation," "If I Had Feelings," and "Comes In Waves."
Recommended. Top pick.
The
Westies - Six On The Out (Independently
released CD, Americana/pop)
The Westies is the Chicago, Illinois-based band driven by the talents
of husband and wife duo Michael McDermott and Heather Horton.
Although the band's music is described by most as Americana, to our ears
this sounds more like straightforward pop/rock with folk influences. Some
of the louder tracks on this album remind us in some ways of Bruce Springsteen
but the softer cuts are drastically different than such a comparison might
suggest. McDermott and Horton impressed lots of folks with their 2015 debut
(West Side Stories) and our guess is that listeners will have the
same positive reaction to Six On The Out. These tracks have a nice
organic sound that will appeal to a wide cross section of listeners. Smart
melodic cuts include "If I Had A Gun," "Everything Is All
I Want For You," and "This I Know."
Winter On Fire - Ukraine's Fight For Freedom: Music Composed by Jasha Klebe (CD, Lakeshore,
Soundtrack)
For those who haven't taken notice, Netflix is no longer just a place
to stream and download television shows and movies. The company also now
creates shows and movies as well. Winter On Fire is a documentary
funded and released by Netflix. The music for the movie was created
by young up-and-coming composer Jasha Klebe. Jasha's music has already
been heard on many familiar shows and channels including The Discovery
Channel, The History Channel, and National Geographic. The music
for Winter On Fire is smooth, melodic, cerebral, and rather delightful.
With such subject matter, it's not surprising that the overall tone here
is serious and focused. While these compositions were recorded as the soundtrack
to a documentary, they could just have easily been released as classical
music. Klebe's got a real knack for coming up with smooth memorable melodies.
And his composition and producing skills can't be beat. Nice slick superbly
produced cuts include "Gathering at Maidan," "Dictatorship
Legalized," "Sniper Attacks," and "Glory to Ukraine!
Glory to the Heroes!."
Witching
Waves - Crystal Cafe (Vinyl LP, Happy Happy Birthday To Me, Rock/pop)
We've always felt there's been a void in the world of music since The
Fastbacks released their unbelievable string of knockout albums in the
1980s and 1990s. There was something particularly appealing about the band's
genuinely delivered loud fuzz pop injected with sinfully addictive hooks.
This is the first time in a long time that a band has given us the same
general feeling we get when listening to The Fastbacks...and that band is
London, England's Witching Waves. Like most artists on the always
entertaining Happy Happy Birthday To Me label, these folks have a nice raw
rockin' sound that has very little in common with present day processed
Cheese Whiz. The songs on Crystal Cafe are presented using only the
most basic essential ingredients: drums, bass, guitar, and vocals. And that's
all you really need, of course, because it's the songs that matter
most. These eleven tracks have a slight bubblegummy sound that we particularly
love, but most folks probably won't notice this because of the volume and
intensity. Witching Waves is the trio comprised of Emma Wigham, Mark
Jasper, and Ed Shellard. We sure hope these folks get the reaction
they deserve from this album. In a world of calm and dullness, bands like
Witching Waves are keeping the spark alive. Groovy buzzsaw cuts include
"Twister," "Red Light Loop," "The Threat,"
and "Receiver." Totally cool stuff. Top pick.
Rain
Worthington - Dream Vapors: Selected Works
for Orchestra (CD, Navona,
Classical)
Beautifully composed and executed. Dream Vapors presents orchestral
compositions by Rain Worthington who says that "world music,
minimalism, and romanticism" have influenced her compositions. Rain's
music has been presented all over the world in such diverse places as lofts,
dance clubs, and concert halls. This album presents seven pieces. Worthington's
music is melodic yet moody, peculiar yet soothing, familiar...yet just slightly
foreign and unusual. Our favorite here is "Tracing A Dream," that
truly gives us the feeling of being in a dream or trance state. Other standout
cuts include "Shredding Glass," "Fast Through Dark Winds,"
and "Of Time Remembered." Rain is one super smart talented lady
whose music will surely stand the test of time. She has an incredible knack
for coming up with cool flowing melodies and wonderfully precise arrangements.
We were already impressed with this lady and her music. But even more so
when we read that she is donating all the proceeds from this album to the
Cure Alzheimer's Fund (a cutting edge research public charity).
A
Additional Items Composed - Reversal of radishes
Additional Items Reversed - Back to the additional items
Adele - My frisky rat puppy done ate my head off
Alice Copper - Lob it to Seth
Allman Brothers - Crackdown concert 1986
Shirlette Ammons - Language barrier
Anthrax - For all kings
Antlers for Booboo - Oh no not that tired old runt again
Apples Got Smushy - Train smush
B
Bad Bump - Banana tread
Badfigure - Crooked down
Bambi Dambi - Lambi
Ballerina Pumps - Blackass
Barge - Limpy
Beadulls - Desmocker
Beatles - Medium rare
Bee Numb - Numb bee
Black Tabitha - Pastor of senility
Butler Pudding - Lippity gris gris
C
Car Mump - Dazed and refused
Cast of Cast - Lastly
Cat Grave - Mickey's laboratory
Cesula - Maid in martians
Chicago - Love songs
Chump - Malaria
Chunks of Paisley Pumps - Lordy the snore is a plaza burn
Come To Lulu's Nurse - Romp and the bumpy tum tum
Conscious Or Not - Grumpy lazy
Crosby, Stills & Nash - Survival Sunday
D
Dae Dae - Mae Mae
Daisy Days - Freezing
Dion - New York is my home
Dirty Pennies - Flocks and pimps
Doves That Die Today - Lassie
Ducks for Ducks - Nine hundred ponies
E
Eat The Bounty Feathers - Naptime
Elephant Muff - Beneath the blurry knob
Elves and Bumpy Thumpers - Original motion picture soundtrack
Empty - Flow
F
Far Out Far In - Farin
Five Times Fifty-Five - Live
Four Times Four Is Four - Five times
Foxes - All I need
Funky Laminate - Parking
Fur For Francis - Pouches
G
Gas Pumps - Last primper
Gauge Rage - Now cow
Germany's Burp - Lamp drill
Get Your Begging Done - Tower bitch
Vince Gill - Down to my last bad habit
Josh Groban - Stages live"
Guns N Roses - Acoustic session: Radio broadcast 1987
H
Hell for Humans - Happiness is a dumb puppy
Help the Hopeless - Bloody hearts get you nowhere
Ian Hunted - Punts and nuttters
I
Ian - Jackknife
If It Dies Don't Touch It - I offered more than they wanted and they took
it
Inky Doll - Dampness and dryness
It Stays Warm - Square butter
J
Michael Jackson - Off the wall
Jerry's Crud - Narry a buster
Jersey is Swervy - Translustre
Jethro Toil - Sick as a tick
Elton John - Wonderful crazy night
Jones Is A Donkey - Drammamine
Junk Is Just Junk - Lady trunk
K
Kandy and the Ks - Lassie's drool
Krazy Cow - Lots of tips
Krunchy Krunch - Captain's caps and tons
Kudzu's Lamp - Drastic
L
Ladies For Pretzels - Louder than the other thing that we had discussed
earlier
Lamb Peppers - Smuppy
Laxative Preamble - Naps and snappers
Lisa Said - First time, long time
Loretta Lynn - Full circle
M
Manners and Nanners - Tablets for pokey
Matchbox - Going down there
Math for Math's Sake - Plazas
Maze Lops - Trazzler
Mazer's Big Torch Bucket - Lipsy
Millie's Pork Bucket - Boxes won't go away
Moo Moo the Bow Wow - Trouser's ain't fresh no more
Murphy and Nop - Dammy and slop
N
Nasal and Tonsil - Lasers and urchers
Ned and the Headrumpers - Trowels
Newsboys - God's not dead
No More Blouses - Farmy
More More Cactus - Deal or no no
Now Cows - Blouses and thermometers
Numb's Fumbler - Town and mouth
O
Oh No That Old Shithead Is Here Again - Rotten old schmucks with no manners
Oooh - Uuuuuh
Opposite of Opposite - Lopposite
Orange Floyd - Sharp glide of the goon
Osmosis - USB #7
Other Muzzles - Howdy Pops
Oz and the Schnoz - Pow wows and monkeys
P
Pants and Pantless - Rainy press
Part Blub - Fran is ugly
The Puddles - Nappy load
Puny - Runny infection
Q
Query - Stop the questions
Quest for Dope - Smoking snuff
Quicker Than Daffy - Cords that don't work
R
Debbie Rafter - Lemme after
Reel to Raoul - Mouthpiece
Reform Club - Never yesterday
Rely On Relish - Candy dash
Mick Rhodes & The Hard Eight - Paradise city
Rihanna - Anti
Rolling Bones - Get your mama's kraut
Rush - Beneath, between and behind
S
Larry Samual - Barney doesn't have hugs for me
Santana - Santana IV
Smuppy - The tatters that ground pepper
Sparse - Kim's Ono spy mouse
Rick Springfield - Rocket science
Bruce Springsteen - Roxy night
Mavis Staples - Livin' on a high note
Steely Dan - Doing it in California
Styx - Suite madame blue: Radio broadcast 1977
Sultans of Swing - Subcontinental drift
Swap and Change - Loudness weird
T
Talking Sheds - Lambs forking up tonsils
Tea For Lunch - Massachusetts isn't a country
Teepee Tupperware - Laura's butter pan
Thuds - Ready for emperors
Thunder - All you can eat
Trust Idiots - Laugh when it's all over
U
Ultraplucks - Eyebrow mania
Umbrella Vision - Church of tassle
Uncle Duck - Mushed
Uncle Pregnant - Does and rodents
V
Various Artists - A collection of dull dribble that no one will ever hear
Various Artists - We stopped makin' em because they stopped buyin' em
Various Artists - No one buys these kinds of compilations anymore so that's
why we keep producing 'em
W
Wally Is Near - Stamp that thing goodbye
Wanda and the Wandas - Limp
Well I Guess This Is Just Another One - Lumps
Whether Or Not - Lousy weather
Lucinda Williams - Ghosts of Highway 20
X
X-ray Pecs - Lookie away
Xzistance - Lift down
Y
Yell All The Time For Whatever You Pay For It - Taxi service
Yellow Floyd - Park wide until noon
Yesterday's Potties - Damp portions
Yes We Will Be Bananas - Trap doors
Z
Zappa and the Zappettes - Trown
Frank Zappa - How flowers got in the potty train
