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August 2020 Comics, Poetry, and Reviews by
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LMNOP (aka dONW7) Discography. Music on Bandcamp, YouTube, Discogs, CDBaby, & Spotify.
Be nice to one another and get along.
Unless the other person is a worthless jerk.
In that case, treat them however you like.Ancient Whales - Vestiges of Tails Appear In All Of Us (CD-R, Wiener, Pop/rock)
Cool loud driving pop/rock music fueled by plenty of pulsing overdriven guitars. Because so many have veered away from basic paths in the twenty-first century, it's those folks with a true conviction for the basics that grab our attention most. And the folks in Ancient Whales most definitely fit into that category. You won't hear any trendy digital effects here. And there are no attempts to incorporate the crappy sound of modern sellout pop into these recordings. The tracks on the curiously-titled Vestiges of Tails Appear In All Of Us seem to have a purposely raw and spontaneous sound, in many cases almost sounding like live recordings. The current line-up of the band is Enoch Bledsoe (vocals, guitar), Natalie Bledsoe (vocals, bass guitar), and Oakley Munson (drums). Some folks might complain that the vocals are buried in a wall of noise. But our feeling is that this works perfectly for the sound the band is apparently shooting for. These guys blast out thirteen intense songs in just over twenty-six minutes. We love it when folks make their point simply and quickly, and then leave listeners wanting more. Recorded in Asheville, North Carolina with producer Ryan J. Rapsys, Vestiges is just what the doctor ordered for jaded listeners in 2020. You'd never know these folks have been making music for ten years, cuz these tracks have that cool immediate vibe we normally associate with musicians who have just learned to play their instruments. Groovy loud rockers include "Stick and Poke," "Everything," "Saturday Morning," "She Makes," and "Raunchy." Turn this one up really loud and forget about everything that's happening in our world today. Excellent stuff, recommended. Top pick.
Anker - Invite Your Demons To Tea (Independently released CD, Underground pop)
The fifth full-length release from New Jersey-based singer/songwriter Anker. After spinning this album a few times, we're still puzzled by some of these tracks. With most recording artists, you can immediately pick up on what other artists or bands they are influenced by. But that is not the case here, even though Anker himself readily cites influences like John Mellencamp, Tom Petty, and Bruce Springsteen. These songs could possibly best be described as simple and direct underground pop. These cuts are melodic and inviting, but they have a very personal overall vibe that makes them much more real than the stuff most twenty-first century sellout artists are releasing in 2020. This guy has an excellent voice that has not been tweaked to perfection. As such, when you hear him sing you'll get the impression you're hearing a real human being rather than someone who's been digitally tweaked to perfection. Twelve introspective guitar-driven tracks...and they all work on several different levels. We particularly like the fact that the arrangements are kept to a bare minimum. Instead of layering everything to death like most folks do, Anker opts instead to use only the basics necessary to make the songs work. This guy succeeds where so many others fail because he writes songs that seem to come straight from his heart. Well-crafted compositions include "Invite Your Demons To Tea," "Desert Sky," "On the Rails," and "History" (our favorite). Nice, smooth, resilient, and genuine stuff.Jennah Barry - Holiday (CD, Forward Music Group, Soft pop)
Smooth melodic pensive mid-tempo pop delivered with style and integrity. Nova Scotia's Jennah Barry has a voice that can't be ignored. Her singing is immediately warm and inviting, and you get the impression that her lyrics give direct insight into her soul. Folks into the sound of analog will really dig Holiday because it has all the smoothness and warmth some folks think can only be heard by playing vinyl. This CD might change some minds on that one. This is a short album that clocks in at just over thirty minutes. But in that amount of time Barry and her fellow musicians prove that quality is far more important than quantity. These nine tracks are smooth and subdued, yet ultimately intelligent and built upon sincerity. Barry has some choice musicians backing her on this album. Players include Colin Nealis (who also produced the album), Jonathan Anderson, Glen Patscha, Jordi Comstock, Michael Belyea, Michael Sachs, Addie Burkam, Emily Challis, and Grace Adams. Together, these folks have managed to record what might best be described as a modern classic. Using traditional instruments and utilizing standard arrangements, the main focus here is on the songs themselves. No one overplays. Instead, the understated instrumentation perfectly augments the beautiful vocal melodies and lyrics. Some folks might spend their entire careers trying to record something this cool. And yet, this is only Jennah's second full-length release. Every single track hits the mark, but our initial favorites include "No Danger," "Roller Disco," "Are You Dreaming?", "Pink Grey Blue," and "Stop the Train." Smooth, reflective, and real. Top pick.
Bicker about
Trivial shit.
Seb Brun - Ar Ker (CD, Carton, Progressive/experimental)
This is a very different sort of album coming from a very different perspective. We had to spin Ar Ker a few times to get an initial impression of what's going on here. Seb Brun is one highly intelligent individual. He's not trying to copy anyone's style and he is apparently not interested in any sort of commercial success. This album is an exercise in pure artistic creativity in which the artist simply does whatever he wants however he wants to do it. The end result...is a collection of peculiar and heady compositions that really can't be compared to anyone else that comes to mind. Some of these pieces are purely experimental, while others contain more conventional musical elements. Brun is playing for a very select audience. He's not aiming to please the masses at all. His music is simultaneously difficult and expressive...and also strange and provocative. Rarely do we hear twenty-first century artists with a sound this stylized and different. So many modern experimental musicians create music that is almost unlistenable. That is not the case here. Even though the tracks on Ar Ker are bizarre and unfamiliar, they also possess enough musical elements and substance to be highly entertaining. A word of warning. Seb is playing above the heads of most listeners. Accordingly, if you absolutely must have familiar elements in your music and obvious singalong choruses...this music will probably leave you in the dust confused. But adventurous folks who enjoy being challenged will find a wealth of incredibly inventive material here. Although we can't adequately describe them with words, compositions like "Bob Zarkansyel (Zanmari Bare)," "Ker," "Koroll," and "Interlude II" most certainly cause us to think and reflect in many different ways. Recommended for fans of truly creative and unusual modern music. Wonderfully inventive stuff from the mind of a true genius. Highly recommended. TOP PICK.
Dolph Chaney - Rebuilding Permit (CD, Big Stir, Underground pop)
We never heard Dolph Chaney's previous releases so for us Rebuilding Permit serves as an introduction. Folks who know what they're talking about probably already know that if it's on the Big Stir label, it's gotta be good. Once again, that holds true as this album features some remarkably warm and friendly underground guitar pop with a difference. Chaney's songs sound something like an odd cross between Bob Pollard, Scott Miller, and Alex Chilton, without ever sounding too much like any of them. The tracks on this album feature refreshingly sparse arrangements, cool hooky melodies, and lyrics that are always interesting and unusual. Dolph played most of the instruments, with the exception of drums which are provided by Clayton Melocik and Jim LeFager. What impresses us most here is the fact that these songs are not immediately obvious. In a world where everyone wants to instantly pigeonhole artists and understand them without thinking, this album may cause some confusion. In order to really 'get' what's going on you need to spin these tracks repeatedly and actually pay attention to the lyrics. There's so much cool underground pop being recorded these days. We can now add Dolph Chaney to the ever-growing list of credible hip popsters out there whose music deserves to be heard. Intelligently crafted compositions include "It's OK," "If I Write It Down," "The Biscuit (Who Grabbed My Face)," "Broken," and "A Good Road Is Hard To Find." This one sounds better with each and every spin. Cool stuff.Class M Planets - Ravenswood (12" Vinyl LP, Treefort Lounge, Underground pop)
Ravenswood is a remarkable album. When we first began listening to this there was something strangely familiar about this band's sound. It was only then that we realized Class M Planets is the new band created by the guys who were originally in thebrotheregg, which was easily one of the best and most under-recognized bands out there. The tracks on this album are decidedly out-of-sync with everything happening in the world of commercial music in 2020. And that, of course, is a very good thing. We love it when artists and bands do not jump on bandwagons or play whatever damn musical style is currently hip and/or sellable. So...how exactly to describe the songs on this album? They certainly fit in the category of underground pop. But they're also classic pop in some ways, because they feature very intricate and finely tuned arrangements. The vocals are wonderfully different, delivered with passion and style on every track. Class M Planets is comprised of Adam Goldman, Jairus Dathan Smith, David Gilde, and Liam McNamera. These songs are so decidedly different from just about everything else we've heard this year that it's rather difficult to describe them adequately...but we'll try. These compositions are highly melodic and feature super intelligent lyrics. They don't sound like anyone else (except thebrotheregg, of course). This is extremely esoteric stuff. It may not appeal to everyone, and that's almost certainly not the desired outcome anyway. But the folks who love this music will really, really, really love it. Ravenswood is easily one of the most highly stylized and well-conceived albums we've heard in 2020. Uniquely cool compositions include "Awkward," "Invasive Species," "Yer Wings" (there's a great video for this one), "Nervous Breakthrough," "Free Wishes," and "OK." Highly recommended. TOP PICK.
Close Lobsters - Post Neo Anti: Arte Povera In The Forest of Symbols (CD, Last Night From Glasgow / Shelflife, Underground pop)
This band has an immediately familiar sound and yet...we're having the hardest time trying to figure out exactly who they sound like (?!). No matter. What does matter is that this strangely-titled album contains a wealth of intelligent well-crafted underground modern pop crafted with substance and style. Produced to perfection, Post Neo Anti: Arte Povera In The Forest of Symbols is far more accessible and pop-oriented that its title might suggest. This album arrived with no accompanying information. After pulling up some internet info on the band, we were extremely baffled to learn that...this is the first new album from the band in 31 years (!!?!!). Spinning this album, we would have never had any idea the guys in this band are veteran musicians. These tracks sparkle and shine with all the vitality and cool energy of a band that's just started making music. Apparently these folks were originally active in the late 1980s and received a great deal of very positive responses from their music. But like so many other cool and credible bands, these guys probably decided at some point they needed to focus their energies on other areas. But in the 2010s they resurfaced, releasing a single and an EP...and that provided the ammunition necessary to record this album. This just might be one of the strongest comeback albums we've ever heard. And that's really saying something because, to our knowledge, we never even heard the bands original material from the eighties. So if this album is an introduction for us, then it is indeed one helluva introduction. Recorded over a period of five years in England and Scotland, this may very well be the album these guys always wanted to make. The attention to detail is staggering. These precisely crafted compositions featuring cool winding melodies, snappy lyrics, and arrangements that are an underground pop fan's dream. Each and every track sounds like a single, but some of our initial favorites include "All Compasses Go Wild," "Johnnie," "New York City In Space," and "Wander Pts. I & II" (the final lengthy track is a real mind bender). Superbly crafted and ultimately timeless music. Highly recommended. Top pick.
The Corner Laughers - Temescal Telegraph (CD, Big Stir, Underground pop/rock)
Instantly infectious pure pop with wonderful winding melodies and vocals to die for. We fell in love with this band's music on the very first spin. Temescal Telegraph is this group's fifth full-length release, but for us it serves as an introduction. The four folks in California's The Corner Laughers play music that is exceedingly positive and upbeat. The band is comprised of Karla Kane, Khoi Huynh, KC Bowman, and Charlie Crabtree. The overall sound of these folks' songs reminds us very much of Andrea Perry, one of our top favorite twenty-first century musical artists. Kane's songs are very much in the same vein as Perry's, and the two have voices that are remarkably similar. Ten inviting tracks here that clock in at just over thirty-four minutes. These four musicians have that uncanny ability to make everything sound extremely simple and smooth, but we can tell that a great deal of time, care, and acute attention to detail went into the recording of this album. The layered vocals are absolutely out-of-this-world. Even though the overall vibe is much more upbeat and modern, we can't also help but be occasionally reminded of Karen Carpenter. It's probably Ms. Kane's super breathy subdued voice. Like Karen, Karla has a very reserved vocal style that is perfectly suited for the songs she writes. These tracks are exceptionally strong and memorable. In a perfect world, this album would produce several hugely popular hit songs. Things being the way they are in 2020--at a point in time when the public-at-large generally only supports talentless dullards--this album will most likely only be heard and accepted by diehard fans of underground pop. But those who hear this band's music will likely be fans forever, because once you hear these songs you will want to hear them again and again and again. They are timeless modern classics. Our favorites include "The Calculating Boy," "Changeling," "Wren in the Rain," and "Lord Richard." Highly recommended. Top pick.
David Cross & Peter Banks - Crossover (CD, Noisy, Progressive/instrumental)
This is an important release because it is the last album of new material that we will ever hear from the late great Peter Banks. Banks was one of the most gifted and inspired guitarist on earth for many decades. Now that he's gone, he has left a wealth of music that will be enjoyed by music fans for generations to come. So here's how this one came about. The basic violin and guitar parts were recorded by David Cross and Banks back in 2010. They were mainly improvised pieces. Before he passed, one of Banks' final requests was that this music be released as an album. Some top notch players were invited to add their skills to the mix. Playing on these tracks in 2018 and 2019 were Pat Mastelotto, Tony Kaye, Billy Sherwood, Randy Raine-Reusch, Andy Jackson, Oliver Wakeman, Jay Schellen, Jeremy Stacey, and Geoff Downes (whew!). Each musician was given complete freedom to play what they felt best suited each track. The result...is a cool free-flowing musical experience that would certainly make Peter smile if he were here to hear it. Even though the overdubs were added years later, you'd never know it. This sounds very much like a group of musicians all playing together simultaneously and letting their imaginations run wild. With so many players, you'd think that the end result would be cluttered and overproduced. But instead the exact opposite is true. These tracks have a nice sparse open sound that allows the listener to enjoy the overall vibe more so than the individual parts. A great deal of time and energy was obviously spent crafting these tracks. Interestingly, you can tell from the end result that all of these players greatly admired Mr. Banks. If you like progressive music from any decade, you're sure to find something intriguing and real here. Impeccably crafted compositions include "Rock to a Hard Place," "The Smile Frequency," "Missing Time," and "Crossover." Hats off to a man whose music will continue to live forever.
Don't do
Anything about
Anything.
Early Day Miners - Placer Found (20th Anniversary Double 12" Vinyl reissue, Secretly Canadian, Progressive/moody underground pop)
This is a deluxe 20th anniversary reissue of the debut album from Early Day Miners that was originally released on the Western Vinyl label in 2000. The band apparently temporarily changed their name to EDM a few years ago before switching back to the full band name (which we like better). We never heard this music when it originally came out, so for us this version serves as an introduction to the band's music. These songs might best be described as moody progressive/alternative folk/underground pop. Using traditional instruments, these folks manage to incorporate cool atmospherics into their music. Listening to this is something like a transcendental experience. The songs are extremely subdued and hypnotic. The vocals are almost whispered, yet delivered with appropriate focus and conviction. What strikes us most about this album is how substantial the songs are. This is a far cry from so much of the formulaic shallow junk that is recorded in the twenty-first century. There are real thoughts and emotions here, and they're presented in a very mature and interesting manner. It's no wonder that this album has garnered more and more attention over time. And that obviously led to this deluxe reissue. This beautifully packaged double vinyl LP features all the tracks on the original album (of course) plus an additional fifteen minutes of additional material that was recorded at the time. Expertly crafted and precise in execution, Placer Found is an exercise in restrained creativity. Killer tracks include "Placer Found," "East Berlin at Night," "Stanwix," "Longwall," "Prospect Refuge," and "Blue Casino." Truly beautiful music executed to perfection. Recommended. Top pick.
Ex Norwegian - Hue Spotting (CD, Beyond Before / Think Like A Key, Underground pop), Spotting Hues (CD-R, Beyond Before / Think Like A Key, Underground pop)
Just when you think things can't get any better...things get even better. We've been Ex Norwegian fans since we first heard the band's music years ago. Throughout the group's career, mainman Roger Houdaille has released a wealth of cool credible music...far more than the average modern pop musician. And no matter what he tackles, the music always succeeds on a multitude of levels. Considering the overall quality of the band discography, we would've thought that it would be very hard for Houdaille to outdo himself at this point in time. But with the release of Hue Spotting, he has done just that. This album is different than previous releases because it is really more of a solo album, recorded with only one other musician...Fernando Perdomo (whose latest albums are also reviewed this month, see below). Perdomo is also one of our top favorite twenty-first century musicians--this guy is a real genius. Together, Houdaille and Perdomo record music that is mind-blowingly fantastic. This album may very well be the new standard by which all other Ex Norwegian albums are measured. This is about as great as pop music gets in 2020. Super intelligent songs with smart lyrics and infectious melodies. Arrangements that are a perfect fit for each track. Vocals that are light years beyond other artists and bands. And, not surprisingly, the sound quality is superb. In case you haven't yet gotten the main message here, we are totally knocked out by this album. It represents a new high for the band, and could very well be the stepping stone that catapults things to another level. Beautifully crafted slightly trippy tracks include "Fear Backwards," "Comfort Sands," "Hue Spotter," "Post Post Malone," "Your Mind is Mine," and "Night Is Long (As Long As Night)." Roger's songs should appeal to anyone who has ever loved classic artists like Neil Innes, Roy Wood, Let's Active/Mitch Easter, and The Beatles. There's no telling how many folks have influenced this man's music, traces of thousands of artists bleed in and out of the tracks so fast that it's hard to keep up. This album features two of the most talented musicians in the world of underground pop in the tweny-first century. What more could you ask for? Well...Not content to merely release a single album, Houdaille has simultaneously released a companion album entitled Spotting Hues. For those of us who have trouble figuring out all the rapid-fire influences in Ex Norwegian songs, this disc offers a glimpse into some of them. The album presents eleven covers, but they're a far cry from the kind of dreck that most folks cover in 2020. And the bizarre choice of material shows just how deep this fellow's knowledge of music goes. Most recording artists only cite the most common and obvious same-old-same-old super famous celebrities when they discuss their music. Mr. Houdaille opts to pays homage to some rather obscure and unusual musicians and bands that most folks probably aren't even aware of. How cool is that? Spotting Hues presents covers of songs originally recorded by July, Apple, Dr. Strangely Strange, Gruppo Sportivo, The Nice, Fairfield Parlour, The End, West Coast Pop Art Experimental Band, Billy Nicholls, Nick Garrie, and Gene Clark (whew!). These are inspired and credible covers of tracks that will hopefully prompt folks to further investigate these musical artists. As much as we love Spotting Hues, we have to admit that our favorite of the two albums is Hue Spotting for one simple reason. As much as we enjoy hearing this man play music composed by others, our favorite is hearing Houdaille play Houdaille.
As you might have already guessed, we highly recommend both of these albums. TOP PICKS.
From Hell - Rats & Ravens (CD, Scourge, Metal horror/death metal)
From Hell is an over-the-top metal/horror band that plays like the earth is coming to an end. And considering everything that's happening in 2020, that may very well be the case (haw haw...). In the 1990s there were bands all over the place playing death and speed metal and there were lots of folks supporting the genre. But now that the all-too-pervasive twenty-first century mantras like 'love everyone' and 'we are all one' have come into play, it seems as if the ultra harsh negative sounds of these types of bands have largely been pushed out of the limelight. Fortunately, that doesn't have to be the case. Looking at the state of everything, it seems like the time is right for bands like From Hell to make major waves in the world of music. Rats & Ravens is one loud, driving, angry ball of noise that doesn't give a damn about conforming or looking at the bright side of things. The band is comprised of Aleister Sinn (vocals, guitar), Wes Anderson (drums), Stephen Paul Goodwin (bass), and Steve Smyth (lead guitar). What is perhaps most interesting about these guys music is that it is not just a loud and abrasive wall of noise. These guys can really play their instruments. And listeners who dismiss their songs as just loud walls of sound may entirely miss the point. There's some surprisingly difficult musical stuff going on here. Take our word for it, not anyone can play stuff this complex and intricate. Rats & Ravens "tells a horror story about a corpse that wakes up in Hell only to find he must go back to earth, recover his soul that still lives inside another body and drag it back to Hell" (direct quote from the press release). Loud, blinding, blistering modern metal with brains and muscle. Kickass cuts include "Dark Heart," "They Come at Night," "Forest of the Screaming Trees," and "Am I Dead?" Simultaneously horrific and progressive. Whew.Hiding In Public - Out of Sight (Stream and download only, Pop)
This album is currently only being offered as a stream and download. Thus, this is not technically a review but rather a recommendation. Hiding In Public is one of our top favorite twenty-first century pop bands. Each and every release we've heard has blown us away. To tide their fans over until the next release of new material the band has released this remastered 'best of' collection. If you've never heard the band, this would serve as an excellent introduction. Top notch songs crafted with precise perfection and the end result is pure magic. Do yourself a favor and discover Hiding In Public, easily one of the best bands on our planet in 2020. You will not be disappointed.Ted Russell Kamp - Down in the Den (CD, PoMo, Laidback pop)
The twelfth full-length release from Ted Russell Kamp. Kamp has been mainly known as a bass player supporting other acts over the years. Plus he's produced several artists in his own home studio. But the focus has been shifting over time...revealing a solo recording artist whose music is instantly satisfying and real. Kamp's an interesting guy. He looks kinda like he stepped right out of 1975 when singer/songwriters were all the rage. The style of music he plays could easily appeal to a wide range of listeners. The overall vibe here is laid back and mid-tempo. Down in the Den may capture the attention of more listeners, as the lead track ("Home Sweet Hollywood") features Kamp singing a duet with Shooter Jennings. We pulled up some of Ted's videos and we weren't too surprised to find that this guy has a nice relaxed friendly demeanor. If you like good solid music without all the pretenses and image issues, you may very well be impressed with Ted's overall sound and vibe. He's not trying to be artsy or overly clever. This man writes songs that the average listener can probably relate to. And he's damn good at what he does. Fourteen well-crafted compositions here including "Have Some Faith," "Rainy Day Valentine," "My Turn To Cry," and "Take My Song With You." Nice smooth relaxing stuff.Paul Kelly & Paul Grabowsky - Please Leave Your Light On (CD, Cooking Vinyl, Soft pop)
We've only recently been introduced to the music of Australia's Paul Kelly by way of his recently released career-spanning best of double disc collection. Although he's not nearly as widely known in the United States, in his native country Kelly is a popular and credible celebrity. Over the year's he's recorded an incredible amount of material. For his latest release, he takes somewhat of a different approach. Recorded with pianist Paul Grabowsky, Please Leave Your Light On is a collection of simply recorded soft pop songs. The choice of material is excellent. Featuring a mix of original songs plus a few well-chosen covers, this album provides perfectly executed music that is obviously driven by a pure love of making music. The direct and simple nature of these recordings is in stark contrast to a world in which so much music is overproduced with far too many layers and effects. Just a man on piano and a man with a killer voice...that's about all you need when both parties are this talented and focused. When listening to this album, you may very well get the feeling that these two Pauls have been making music together for years. Beautiful. Personal. Poignant. Reflective. This album is a purely emotional experience. We can't help but think that just about anyone who hears these tracks will be immediately affected by them. Perfectly executed compositions include "True To You," "When A Woman Loves A Man," "Please Leave Your Light On," and "If I Could Start Today Again."Laguerre / Noetinger - DnT (CD, Aagoo, Experimental/sound/modern classical)
Pure improvisation. This album is a far cry from what most people are listening to in 2020. Recorded in two days in July 2018 at the Centre Culturel Andre Malraux de Vandoeuvre-les-Nancy in France. Jerome Noetinger and Anthony Laguerre wrapped a large tape loop around two reel-to-reel recorders, creating a random memory that was delayed and unstable. And the sounds that were created formed the basis of these peculiar and challenging compositions.We have to really admire and appreciate the folks out there who make completely abstract music like this. The market is so severely small and limited that you almost have to be driven by the pure drive to create...because there's really not much money or fame for most folks who choose the ultra-creative route. But fortunately there are those out there who realize that money and fame aren't everything. What more and more people may realize in decades to come is that money and fame aren't even really anything. The packaging on the curiously-titled DnT is as puzzling and obscure as the music itself. No standard packaging here. The CD and poster are housed inside a non-standard sized black plastic sleeve. And the artwork is appropriately minimalistic and odd. Really hard to describe these compositions...because there aren't any obvious familiar traits. If you like sound presented as music, you're likely to find much of this very absorbing, gripping, and challenging. If you don't like sound as music, this is probably too difficult and unfamiliar for you. Fortunately we fit into the former category. And we like it when folks try to push our buttons as far as they can be pushed. Seven bizarre tracks that will send shivers down your spine and cause your friends to request that you turn the stereo down. Curiously inventive and ultimately very unusual...
Here a lamb.
There a lamb.
Everywhere a
Lamb lamb.
Lorena Leigh - Water Theory (Independently released CD, Pop)
We received a rather odd little package from this Texas-based singer/songwriter that contained cool stickers, an odd little card, a CD...and a large weird shiny blue metallic jellyfish headpiece kinda thing (?!). But no press release and no biographical information whatsoever. In some cases such an approach might be a pointless gimmick. But in this case...it's just Lorena Leigh's unique way of getting her message across. Since much of the album deals with water (a truly interesting topic any ol' day), then the package naturally focused on...water. We weren't quite sure what to expect from the music. But when Water Theory began we knew this was a very interesting human spirit we were listening to. As far as the overall sound, Leigh's songs sound something like a more upbeat electronic version of babysue favorite Amy Winehouse. But Lorena is not a copycat artist by any means. She's a super intelligent musician who is using music to communicate with other people while apparently simultaneously entertaining herself. And she's not taking the conventional route most folks take in 2020. As of this writing, she has not yet gone electronic with her music...(!?!). So if you want to experience what she's doing you'll probably have to do it the old fashioned way by writing her (address below) because right now the music is only available as a physical album. This is an exceedingly well-crafted independent project. The disc is housed in a well-designed digipak sleeve...and the songs have a truly professional slick sound. But these tracks actually have very little in common with modern-day popular music because there is a real individual crafting these compositions and that comes across loud and clear during the course of all eleven tracks. Lorena's got a great voice for the style of songs she writes. And the lyrics are light years beyond what we normally hear. We love the fact that her main instrument is the ukulele. Although when you hear these songs you may not notice the instrument because of the professional backup musicians. Each and every track is a keeper, but our initial favorites include "Into the Water," "Girls Like Me," "Take It Slow," "Lost at Sea," and "Follow You." It might take a little effort to hear this up-and-coming artist at this point, but it's worth it. You can contact Leigh at P.O. Box 1384, Leller, TX 76248. Because her listeners will probably demand it, our guess is that Lorena will have a website up soon and her music will be available to stream and download. Remember the name because we have a feeling this is the start of something totally credible and real for years to come.Frank Lenz - Pyramid (CD EP, Velvet Blue Music, Progressive/experimental)
In a perfect world Frank Lenz would be hugely popular and successful. The world is not perfect, of course. And as a result, some of the most talented musical artists in the world exist mainly in the undercurrents where credible music continues to flow. Mr. Lenz is one of the most prolific recording artists out there (use the link above to visit his website and be prepared to be amazed at how much music he's created). But it's not just a case of quantity, because everything the man is involved with seems to be bursting at the seams with a genuine creative spirit. In the past he's played with a variety of different bands and artists including Pedro the Lion, Starflyer 59, Richard Swift, and Damien Jurado. But he's also a solo recording artist whose music often defies description. Pyramid is a peculiar collection of experimental instrumentals that veer and glide all over the place. These tracks feature an intense amount of creativity and they have an overall unconventional sound. Folks who only enjoy music that is simple and instantly familiar will probably not understand this EP at all. Like so many folks in the underground, Frank is playing music that is over most folks' heads. Comparing this to previous Lenz releases, Pyramid might just be the strangest yet. And that, of course, is a compliment. The weirder things get...the better they sound. Strangely crafted compositions include "Drumb Solo" (that's not a typo), "Metatronix," "Ohm Eye God," and "Tiger Beat Singalong." We particularly like the closing reminder on the back of the album: "Be kind, everything matters." Ain't that the truth (!). Truly hypnotic and mesmerizing stuff. Recommended. Top pick.
The Lovetones - Myriad (CD-R, Cleopatra, Underground pop)
Myriad is an exceptionally great pop album. After just two spins, we found ourselves head-over-heels in love with this band's music. This group didn't just pop up out of nowhere this year. Matthew J. Tow (the mainman in the band) has been making music for years. He began in his native Australia playing in Splash, Drop City, and Colorsound before relocating to the United States where he joined the Brian Jonestown Massacre (while simultaneously playing in The Lovetones). This is the band's first new album in ten years. Listening to these tracks, we kinda get the idea that this is the album that Tow always wanted to record. It's chock full of resilient emotional tracks that are ultimately catchy and thought provoking. The band is incredible. Playing with Tow are Christopher Cobb (drums), Matthew Sigley (bass, keyboards), Tim Kevin (guitars, piano, keyboards, vocals), and Nic Dalton (mandolin). These tracks have a classic sound that is timeless and riveting. We couldn't help but be reminded of scores of other great artists while spinning this one. But some that initially popped into our brains were The Beatles, John Lennon, Roy Orbison, and The Mavericks. Matthew has one of the best voices we have ever heard. Listen to this guy on tracks like "About the Girl" and "Caylus 74" and you may very well melt into the floor. Yes, he really is that good. Kevin mixed and engineered the album so that each and every track sounds like an expertly-crafted hit. This album is an instant and immediate modern classic. Pop fans around the world are bound to go apeshit over this music. This is about as good as pop music gets. Ten mindblowers here including "The Circle Turns," "About the Girl," "Caylus 74," "Modern Life Is Killing Me," and "I'll Never Be That Guy." If you love great pop played the way it ought to be played, you owe it to yourself to get your paws on this one. You won't be disappointed. KILLER stuff! Highly recommended. Top pick.
Norma MacDonald - Old Future (CD, No Yes, Soft pop)
Well-crafted mid-tempo pop from up-and-coming recording artist Norma MacDonald. Old Future (originally titled Death By Nostalgia) is MacDonald's fourth full-length release. And it should certainly please her fans and welcome in legions more. Norma and her backing band play instantly familiar-sounding mid-tempo country-tinged pop with a heavy emphasis on vocal melodies and lyrics. Unlike so many twenty-first century artists coming out of Nashville of late, Ms. MacDonald sounds like a real human being singing real songs about her real life. We don't sense any digital tweaking was applied here. These tracks have a nice warm organic sound that will give listeners the feeling that they're listening to a group of musicians playing live in the studio. Norma's backing band is great. Playing with her on this album are Dale Murray, Adam Fine, Jordi Comstock, Phil Sedore, and Anna Wedlock. Ten songs that clock in at just over thirty-six minutes and they're all originals penned by MacDonald. The press release that accompanied this disc recommended the music to folks who enjoy other artists like Neko Case, Loretta Lynn, Jeff Tweedy, Dolly Parton, and Gram Parsons. If any of those happen to be in your list of favorites (or even if they don't), you're likely to find a lot of cool inviting music here. Listener-friendly tracks include "Temperamental Year," "Trick of the Light," "Wonder in the Summer," and "I Already Have a Shadow."Paul Melancon - The Get Gos Action Hour! (CD, Super Action Go, Underground pop)
This album caught our attention because it immediately reminded us of one of our favorite obscure shoulda-been-a-hit albums from the 1970s, Rick Springfield's Comic Book Heroes. (If you've never heard it, you should...it's fantastic.) The Get Gos Action Hour! is the name of a fictitious 1970s cartoon show created by singer/songwriter Paul Melancon. And he wrote and recorded this album that appears to present the band's music from their television series...even though there really was no series. The songs do have a somewhat bubblegummy sound (which would be expected from any cartoon show featuring a fictitious band). But rather than being superficial, they may surprise many because there's an impressive amount of substance lurking beneath the grooves. The cover art is great, recalling artists from the past like The Archies and Josie and the Pussycats. Even though this album is presented tongue-in-cheek, the songs themselves are amazingly intelligent and resilient. Melancon has an incredible knack for penning memorable melodies. And he's got a voice that is a perfect fit for the style of music he writes. We particularly like the lyrics, certainly a far cry from the fluff heard on Saturday morning television shows. This is Paul's first new album of material in about ten years. So we can all only hope that this is the beginning of a whole new phase of creativity and expression, because this talented fellow has a great deal to offer the world with his music. Smart groovy cuts include "Theme From The Get Gos Action Hour!", "Robot World," "St. Cecilia," "Fitzcarraldo," and "The Answer Is Yes." Recommended. Top pick.
Miracle Whips - The Art of Facts (12" Vinyl LP, Devil Duck, Underground alternative folk/pop)
After reading the press release that accompanied this vinyl LP, we had a feeling this was going to be something different and interesting. Miracle Whips is the trio comprised of Paul Dillon, Jason Merritt, and Jeff Mercel. The Art of Facts is intriguing on a multitude of different levels. The lead track "Book of Matches" features some of the best lyrics we've heard thus far in 2020. This band's music can probably best be described as an underground hybrid of folk and pop, but that doesn't adequately describe what's going on here. And that's because, at least in our opinion, the main focus here is on the lyrics. In a world where so many can't craft words that mean much of anything, these guys manage to present thoughts and ideas that are substantial, complex, and unusual. Produced and engineered by Collin Hegna at Revolver Studios in Portland, Oregon, this album has a nice warm organic sound. So much food for thought here. These guys have a lot to say. And the way they say it is depthy and unique. There's a real consciousness kinda thing happening here that really separates this music from so much of what is recorded in the twenty-first century. These songs are highly intellectual, but not in a stuffy phony sort of way. Using traditional instruments, these three men manage to craft music that is entirely their own. If you enjoy the more peculiar mindset of material recorded by David Bowie and Leonard Cohen very early in their careers, there's a good chance you'll find a lot to chomp on here. Just bear in mind that the overall sound has very little to do with either of these artists. This album will take many spins to fully sink in. Exceptional cuts include "Captain Fuckpants," "Stupid Bird," "Blue Guitar," "Small and Good," and "Go With Gone." This is easily one of the most unique albums we've heard this year. Highly recommended. Top pick.
Jeff Morris - Hearing Voices: Human Sounds, Digital Ears (CD, Ravello, Experimental)
Jeff Morris records music for an extremely esoteric audience. This album fits into the genre where manipulated sound is presented as music. And in this case, the manipulated sound is the human voice. This is rather strange sounding stuff, even by our peculiar standards. To give you some idea of what to expect here... If you are familiar with early Yoko Ono, Laurie Anderson, or Diamanda Galas, those artists could give you some slight hints or clues. But Morris is actually taking the idea of voice manipulation a step further due to the fact that now there is even more advanced technology that produces even stranger and more bizarre results. Some might say that this is not music at all. But our opinion is that anything can be music...so we're usually up for just about anything anyone can dish out. Folks lending their voices here include Elisabeth Blair, Susanna Hood, Rodney Waschka II, and Joseph Butch Rovan. Morris acts as the electronic manipulator on all tracks, of course. Seven peculiar compositions that are sure to confuse your friends and anyone else who might be listening. We should note that Morris is one of those super intelligent guys out there who is operating in a universe that many might not understand and/or comprehend. This fellow is one very busy guy these days. In addition to recording music, Jeff is also the Editor-in-Chief of the International Journal of Art, Culture and Design Technologies as well as an Associate Professor at Texas A&M University. If you want to really understand who this fellow is and what he's doing, visit his website (link above). In addition to all of his other skills, he's also a very good writer. So you're likely to find plenty of thought provoking stuff threaded into his pages. Hearing Voices is an album that would be very difficult to ignore. Cool, unusual, different and challenging stuff for listeners who are willing to go the extra mile for the sake of art.Les Nuby - Clouded (CD, Cornelius Chapel, Rock/pop)
This is a rather remarkable debut solo album from Les Nuby. And that might just be due to the fact that he's been very active in the Birmingham, Alabama music scene for years prior to the release of Clouded. In the past Nuby has played in Verbena, Idlewild and Vulture Whale and is currently the guitarist/vocalist in Holiday Gunfire. Plus he's produced a whole slew of other artists along the way. So all of this obviously paved the way for this, his first proper solo album. Les produced, engineered, and played all of the instruments here. And he's super solid on all instruments, not just the guitar. We can occasionally hear similarities to Bob Mould in some of these tracks. But this is by no means copycat music. Nuby is obviously following his own muse, crafting songs his own way. He managed to get an exceptionally great big sound on these tracks (the sound quality easily surpasses most major label releases). True to the claim of the press release, this could be described as Brit/shoegaze rock...although if we hadn't read this it probably wouldn't have crossed our minds. The songs do have a shoegaze-ish sound at times, but they're much more melodic and focused than that. Les is a killer drummer and a damn good bass player. His guitar licks are pretty much top notch from start to finish. In addition, he's got a really cool voice that provides the perfect central focal point for his compositions. We'd be very surprised if this album doesn't create a great deal of word of mouth excitement in a very short amount of time. This man has managed to record an album that could easily appeal to millions of listeners, if they were only given the opportunity to be properly exposed to it. These songs are smart and they have that certain something that makes you want to hear them over and over again. Kickass cuts include "Never Falling Away," "Now It's On," "Hey Ivey," and "The Shadowlands." Executed to perfection in so many ways. Les Nuby is definitely a man to follow in the 2020s. Top pick.
Terry Ohms - Smooth Sailing Forever (CD, Cornelius Chapel, Rock/pop)
Birmingham, Alabama recording artist Terry Ohms knocks another one totally out of the park with the release of Smooth Sailing Forever. Wes McDonald (Ohms' real name) continues to impress us with each and every release. And that's probably because he's not following any trends or trying to ape anyone else's sound or style. This is the third album Ohms has released in a two year period, so obviously this guy is on a major roll. In a very short amount of time Terry has become one of our top favorite recording artists in the twenty-first century. This was a true solo project as Ohms engineered, produced, and played all the instruments. But you'd never know these are solo recordings, because they don't have that sterile overproduced sound that ruins so many modern albums. There are cool loose qualities to the music...and particularly the vocals...that make these tracks have a wonderfully warm and inviting vibe. This guy is so unlike other modern recording artists. His songs are relatively simple and they're mainly based on cool grooves/rhythms. But it's the songs themselves that push everything totally over the edge. Terry Ohms writes killer damn songs. They may be simple, but they're light years better than most of what's out there in 2020. Is it rock? Kinda. Is it pop? Kinda. Is it underground/alternative? Well, kinda... These songs don't really easily fit within any specific genre or sub genre. This guy seems to be doing things his own way. And fortunately for him and us, it all works. McDonald's former bands include The Ohms and Vulture Whale. But these days his solo recordings are his main focus. Creativity abounds on this album. And you never know exactly what you're going to get from one track to the next. But you can always bet that whatever it is will be interesting and totally entertaining. The more we spin this album the better it sounds. And that is, after all, one of the best aspects of any album...if it can stand up to repeated spins. All of these tracks hit the target, but some of our initial favorites include "Artificial Waterfall," "Do You Feel That," "When This Is All Over," "Get Together," and "Action Room." Hard to really compare this guy to other artists. But we're occasionally reminded of babysue favorite The James Gang from time to time. Highly recommended. TOP PICK.
Gary Olson - Gary Olson (CD, Tapete, Pop)
This album immediately caught our attention because Gary Olson is the lead singer and main songwriter in babysue favorite Ladybug Transistor. Recorded in both Norway and Brooklyn with brothers Ole Johannes Aleskjaer and Jorn Aleskjaer, this self-titled album features cool melodic breezy pop tracks that are a pure feelgood experience. If we had to describe the overall sound here, we would compare it to a cross between Fountains of Wayne and Pearlfishers. The songs are basic pop tunes, but the arrangements are highly stylized and precise. Also playing on this album are Havard Krogedal, Emil Nokalaisen, Joe McGinty, and Suzanne Nienaber (yow!). In a perfect world, this album would yield several well-received hit singles. But things being the way they are, this album will likely only be embraced by those who steadily keep their focus on the world of cool credible underground pop. Olson has a killer knack for coming up with consistently resilient and pleasing melodies. And his voice is an absolute perfect fit for underground pop. We love the arrangements here. They're so well thought out that they occasionally remind us of early Burt Bacharach. This self-titled album spins like a collection of twenty-first century classics. The folks at Tapete have certainly developed a mind-blowing catalog of music over the past few years. This one's bound to catch on like wildfire among underground pop fans all over the world. Captivating smart compositions include "Navy Boats," "Some Advice," "Afternoon Into Evening," and "Tourists Taking Photographs." Dreamy, introspective, and melodic. Cool stuff.Oozelles - Oozelles (CD, Org Music, Alternative rock)
Over-the-top strange crazy rock from the Los Angeles, California-based band Oozelles. These folks deserve a great deal of credit for creating exceedingly creative and unusual music at a point in time when most folks simply want something tame and familiar. In another time and place this would've been labeled alternative rock (a label we haven't used in years). But that descriptive term really seems to apply here. This rather large band is comprised of Dante White Aliano, David Orlando, Jada Wagensomer, Samuel Banuelos, Gregory Marino, and Phillip Minnig. These folks have been or are still members of the bands Warpaint, Starlite Desperation, Dante Vs. Zombies, Sex Stains, Detroit Cobras, Dura Delinquent, Jail Weddings, Swahili Blonde, Brass Tax, Ivory Deville, Black Pony, and Sugar and Gold (yikes!). This self-titled album would've fit right in with all the wild stuff happening in the 1990s. But in 2020, this is a different animal altogether from what most folks are accustomed to. In a world chock full of sameyness and boring musical artists, these folks come across like a fresh blast of cold water to the face. This band could be a wake-up call to others out there to be creative rather than merely mimic safe commercial artists. But don't think for a minute that this band's music is unlistenable. Just the opposite is true. These compositions are extremely melodic and literate. The just don't have that familiar verse/chorus/verse/chorus kinda thing going on. What is perhaps most interesting here are the arrangements. Far from being a mere rock band, these folks layer their songs with some surprisingly complex and intricate arrangements that push the songs to another level. The unusual quivery vocals are what most folks will immediately notice about this group's music. These folks apparently put on one helluva show. After spinning this album a few times, we have no doubt this is the case. Curious modern rockers include "Secret Door," "Hideous Thing," "East of the River," and "Cry Blood."Fernando Perdomo - Yacht (CD, Forward Motion, Underground pop), Leo August (this is both the artist & album title) (CD, Forward Motion, Underground pop), Open Sound (this is both the artist & album title) (CD, Forward Motion, Underground pop), Out To Sea 3: The Storm (CD, Forward Motion, Progressive rock)
We recently received not one, two, or three...but four new albums from California's ultra-prolific musician, songwriter, producer, and ultimate man-about-town Fernando Perdomo. For those who haven't yet been exposed to this man and his continually evolving world of music, Perdomo is one of those musicians out there who operates on a plane of existence well beyond the grasp of most normal human beings. Rather than compose four separate reviews here, we're going to combine everything into one. Perdomo has apparently now moved into a larger space which means he now has more space to compose and record. There are so many things that set this man's music and overall approach apart from others. Unlike so many who exist in the undercurrents and make difficult artsy stuff, Fernando writes and records music that has a surprising amount of commercial potential. Some of the music is so slick and commercial that you'll wonder why this man hasn't already had major hits all around the globe. Okay so...let's get down to business here. Leo August is just another name Perdomo used to release this ten track album. Our feeling is that this one is the most personal of these four albums. The opening track ("Final Stage") is one of the most soul baring things we've heard yet from this fellow. Hard to really compare this album to other folks because, if there are influences and references, they're obscure and certainly not obvious. Songs are the main focus here, and each one will leave you wanting more. And speaking of more... The next album that hit our player was Yacht which is very very different from Leo August. On this album, the songs have an extremely slick studio sound with layers upon layers of sound. The music is pop first and foremost and in any other decade, several of these would be instant hits. What is perhaps most interesting here is that--while these songs sound super slick and familiar--they still have substance and style. Even though this guy goes all over the place in terms of musical genres, he always seems to focus on quality first. Open Sound delves into yet another style of music. Written, recorded, and produced with Justin Paul Sanders, this album is chock full of guitar-driven pop fueled by heavenly harmony vocals. Sanders and Perdomo apparently work seamlessly with one another. And you'll have to hear the vocal harmonies here to believe 'em. The vocals are right up there with some of the best we've ever heard. Underground pop fans will go apeshit over these songs. Listening to these tracks we couldn't help but be reminded of The Beach Boys, Teenage Fanclub, Big Star, The Beatles, and more. In some ways, this one's a non-stop sugar rush. But it's the kind of sugar we crave so...we absolutely love it. Kickass tracks include "You're So Fine," "I Wanna Look In Your Eyes," "Reason to Write," "California Moon," and "Broadway." Out To Sea 3: The Storm is the third and final in a trilogy of albums featuring progressive rock instrumentals that recall some of the great artists from the 1970s. Listeners will be amazed at how easily Fernando can transition from pure guitar pop to progressive rock. And he seems equally comfortable and confident in both zones. These eleven tracks focus on Perdomo's undeniable guitar skills. The man's a genius in all areas, but his guitar playing will really blow your mind. The fellow is easily one of the most talented and brilliant guitar players on the planet at this point in time. And that's mainly because he doesn't just play notes. He puts his heart and soul into those notes. So you don't just hear music...you feel what this guy feels when he plays. That's a rare thing to come across these days. We love the photo of Fernando (apparently) playing guitar in his living room underneath paintings on the wall. Totally cool. We highly recommend these four albums as well as anything/everything this musician has released. Fernando Perdomo is easily one of the most incredibly talented people making music in the twenty-first century. Mind blowing stuff. Highly recommended. All four albums are TOP PICKS.
Raise - Crepa! (Independently released CD, Progressive rock)
Unorthodox modern instrumentals that are gripping, intense, and thought provoking. Crepa! is the debut full-length release from the Italian band Raise. This is a truly compelling collection of six progressive rock tracks that will leave listeners spellbound and out of breath. The folks in this band don't write songs in the conventional sense of the word. These compositions are more likely atmospheric epic rock creations that seem to live and breathe with force and energy. It would be very difficult to come up with any adequate reference points here because these musicians seem to be creating music that exists solely within the confines of their own unique universe. Pummeling drums, loud overdriven guitars, heavenly electronic overlays...and much much more. We get the impression that the main idea here was to create moods and feelings in the minds of listeners. You can totally forget about things like catchy singalong songs and simple guitar riffs. These tracks are intense and gripping...and even when things are at their calmest, an intensity remains that totally takes you off guard. This is so far beyond the scope of what most Americans are listening to in 2020...that we can only recommend it for folks who are into really intense underground rock with very few familiar elements. A word of warning. Once you get on this roller coaster, you won't want to get off even though you may be frightened and nervous as heck at some points. Kickass cuts include "Driepapegaaien," "Crepa!", and "Commuovelalegge." Bizarre and crazed...and occasionally rather beautiful. Intriguing music coming from a different time and space. Wow.Whitney Rose - We Still Go To Rodeos (CD, MCG Recordings, Pop)
This album is pure living proof that commercial sounding pop music doesn't have to sound crummy in 2020. But, as we all know, in most instances it most certainly does. Austin, Texas-based singer/songwriter Whitney Rose has a sound and style that could easily appeal to millions of music fans. She wrote all twelve tracks on We Still Go To Rodeos and each and every one hits the target. Producer Paul Kolderie managed to get a nice slick sound while never sounding too processed or digitized. Thus, if you like warm analog sounds you'll probably love the wonderfully inviting grooves that are presented here. Rose created her own label (MCG Recordings) rather than going with a major label. A smart move, as most music fans who would appreciate this music might very well be turned off by involvement with the majors. This talented lady is doing everything right. She writes songs that most folks should be able to relate to. She's backed by some incredibly gifted musicians. But it's her voice that will ultimately grab the attention of people around the globe. She's got a wonderfully genuine way of singing that is immediately refreshing and real. The world would be a helluva lot better place if folks in high places immediately dropped the frustrating losers who currently dominate the charts...and instead opted to support Whitney Rose (and others with a similar mindframe). The main difference between Rose and current hugely famous celebrities is that her music has substance. And that fact rings through loud and clear on all twelve tracks here. Smooth listener-friendly songs include "Just Circumstance," "Believe Me, Angela," "You'd Blame Me For The Rain," and "We Still Go To Rodeos." Nice solid music with heart and soul. Well done.Todd Rundgren's Utopia - Benefit for Moogy Klingman (4 CD + 2 DVD box set, Purple Pyramid / Cleopatra, Progressive/pop)
This is an important release because it documents some important events in the world of music in the early twenty-first century. Longtime legendary musician Mark "Moogy" Klingman had been diagnosed with cancer and needed some financial help. Klingman had made an unbelievable number of connections during his lengthy career. This release is proof of this fact. These discs capture two musical concerts given to benefit Moogy: the first was at the Highline Ballroom in New York City on January 29, 2011 and the second was at the Peekskill Performing Arts Center in Peekskill, New York on November 18, 2011. Performers at the first show were Todd Rundgren, Kevin Ellman, Moogy Klingman, Ralph Schuckett, John Siegler, Kasim Sulton, Daryl Tookes, Curtis King, Jesse Gress, Barry Gruber, and Patti Rothberg. Performers at the second show were Rundgren, Ellman, Gress, Schuckett, Siegler, and Sulton. This box set documents both of these shows with audio and video and it is intended for folks who are already familiar with Rundgren and Utopia. If you want to discover either for the first time, a better starting point would be the studio albums released in the 1970s. It should be noted that this is not top notch in terms of sound quality. This music sounds like it was recorded off the board, and the mix is not always what it should be. But that is secondary to the fact that this box set documents a moment in history when musicians came together to support one of their own. Mr. Klingman is sadly no longer with us. But this release will help remind listeners of his countless contributions over the years. Rather than point them all out here, we would suggest you do an internet search and find out more about this amazing man's life. Live renditions of tracks very familiar to fans include "Never Never Land," "Utopia Theme," "The Ikon," "Heavy Metal Kids," "(You Got To) Have Friends" (co written by Klingman and Buzzy Linhart), and "Just One Victory."
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Neal Smith - Pop 85/95 (CD, Kachina, Pop)
Here's a batch of forgotten recordings that are only now seeing a formal release. Neal Smith will forever be known as the man who provided those incredible pummeling drums on the first few Alice Cooper albums. Smith's drums were one of the most identifiable elements of the original Cooper group. Smith has been surprisingly active in the twenty-first century, much to the delight of his fans around the globe. The songs on Pop 85/95 were originally recorded as demos. But over time Neal decided they were good enough to warrant an official release. In addition to Smith, players on this album include Jay Jesse Johnson, Jeff Batter, and Peter Catucci. If you're looking for more music like early Alice Cooper, this album is not that. Instead of trying to recreate the sound of the 1970s, Smith and his pals instead opted to make music that has a sound that immediately recalls late 1980s pop. Neal wrote all of the songs with the exception of "Secret Eyes" which was co-written with Joe Bouchard. Eleven melodic tracks with instantly identifiable melodies. Cool hummable cuts include "If I Only Had You," "Distant Drum," "Fly Home Sweet Angel," and "All My Eyes Can See." We're just glad that Neal continues being active in the world of music in 2020. This man has certainly earned his permanent seal of approval in the world of rock.Spygenius - Man on the Sea (CD, Big Stir, Underground pop/rock)
The fifth full-length release from Canterbury, England's Spygenius. Way back in the 1980s jangly guitar pop bands seemed to dominate the undercurrents of pop music. If you were in a band and you were good at playing slick jangly pop, there was a very good chance you would immediately be signed by a record label and be well on your way to becoming a favorite on the college radio circuit. Genres come and go, of course. And now in 2020 it's rare that we hear a band playing this style of music. As such, the folks in Spygenius immediately create their own niche by playing a style of music that most folks no longer play. The good news is that the band's music is not so much retrospective as it is a new way of revisiting the past. Man on the Sea presents seventeen tracks that would have been topping the college charts in the 1980s. By injecting their pop songs with their own unique perspective, these musicians effectively manage to combine the past with the present...presenting smart twenty-first century pop music that can be appreciated by music fans of all ages. The band is comprised of Peter Watts (vocals, guitar, chief songwriter), Ruth Rogers (bass, vocals), Matt Byrne (keyboards, vocals), and Alan Cannings (drums, vocals). Man on the Sea has been simultaneously released as a double vinyl LP, a CD, and a digital download and stream. These tracks are pure pop all the way, so if you're looking for abrasive noise or something ultra weird you won't find it here. These folks seem to enjoy presenting upbeat pop that is instantly hummable and uplifting. The more poppy they get, the more we like it. And they manage to get away with all kinds of things other bands could not (background vocals going 'ooooo-oooo' and 'la la la la', etc.). If you enjoy artists like Robyn Hitchcock and Anton Barbeau, there's a very good chance this album may be your next favorite spin. The CD is housed inside a beautifully designed foldout cardboard sleeve featuring killer artwork by Joseph Champniss and comes complete with a foldout poster of O'Leary's Map of True Blue Albion and Surrounding Waters (yow!). It's no wonder this band's fan base seems to be quickly expanding exponentially. Exceedingly well-conceived and highly entertaining stuff.Staring Into Nothing - Love (Independently released CD, Studio pop)
Staring Into Nothing is the duo of Steve Rogers and Kurt Barabas. These guys released their debut album Power in 2017. We didn't hear that album, so for us Love serves as an introduction. These guys are incredibly well-connected. Love was produced, recorded and mixed by Ronan Chris Murphy. And playing on the album are Gregg Bissonette, Mike Keneally, Trey Gunn, Dave Nachmanoff, Victor Bisetti, Danny T. Levin, Jeff Fauthier, Maggie Parkins, Steve Kramer, Wendy Arnett, Teresa Tracy, Andrea Meli, Ronan Chris Murphy, and Randy Hill (whew!). The songs on this album can best be described as studio pop. Each track features a very precise and intricate arrangement. This one must've been difficult to mix with everything that's going on. But instead of sounding cluttered or overproduced, the end result is songs that have been crafted with exacting attention to detail. The vocals are exceptional. Rogers has a velvety smooth voice that provides the perfect focal point for these cuts. And Barabas is always spot on with the harmonies. Even though these songs sound very current, they have a great deal in common with classic pop from the 1960s and 1970s...when studio pop was really in its heyday. There's no telling how many hours were spent writing, recording, and arranging this one. The attention to detail is staggering. And the end result is a batch of songs with substance and style...while simultaneously being instantly familiar and accessible. All of the tracks work, but particular standouts include "Winter," "Autumn," "Beautiful Delusion," "Find Our Way Back," and "Ashes."Suggested Friends - Turtle Taxi (12" Vinyl LP, Happy Happy Birthday To Me, Underground pop/rock)
Smart and immediately familiar sounding modern pop from Great Britain's Suggested Friends. These folks write and record music that combines sounds from 1980s pop with 1990s alternative rock. But it's all infused with tongue-in-cheek twenty-first century sensibilities. This is the second full-length release from the band. The title track will no doubt be embraced by just about anyone wanting a bright sunny hummable summertime hit. But the truth is that there's a lot more substance here than that single might suggest. "Turtle Taxi" is a great song, to be certain. But it's the other tracks on the album that impress us even more. Far from being a mere singles/pop band, these folks present thoughts and ideas that are far beyond what one normally hears in underground pop. Some of the song titles might give you a clue of what's happening here in terms of lyrics: "The Apocalypse (It's Just A Day Away)," "Pretty Soon Your Grave Will Be A Landfill," and "For Jokes." The band is comprised of Christabel Williams (drums, percussion, vocals), Emma Kupa (bass, percussion, vocals), Faith Taylor (guitar, vocals, piano, synth, ukulele, percussion), and Jack McGinn (guitar, percussion, vocals). These songs range from fast pop to alternative rock to pure pop. There's a good bit of variety here, as these folks don't just have one sound. We're particularly impressed by tracks like "G.N.A." and "Magnolia" which display a great deal of thought and mental focus. The playing is inspired and the vocals are absolutely gorgeous. This album is bound to be a hit among fans of underground pop all around the world. Well-crafted music with a cool consciousness.Melissa Sullivan - Late Last Night (Independently released CD, Female vocalist/soft pop)
During our first spin of Late Last Night our first reaction was...wow, what a voice. Melissa Sullivan is one of those vocalists who obviously has a natural knack for sounding focused, genuine, and inspired at all times. The tracks on this album have a classic overall sound and were recorded using traditional instruments. The focus here is on the songs themselves and those irresistible vocals. For us, the mark of a truly great singer is one who can sound incredible while making it all sound sooooooooo easy. Peggy Lee had this quality, and it's one of the reasons we have always admired her so much. Sullivan has that same cool and collected aura. She's a real natural at what she's doing. As such, there was apparently no need to digitally tweak the vocals. Like so many great vocalists from the past, Melissa manages to come out sounding just right each and every time. Her backing musicians are superb. They provide the perfect foundation, allowing Sullivan to take the spotlight...while providing just the right amount of precise musical accompaniment. Late Last Night is one super smooth album, and could provide the perfect mood music for who knows what. Ten slightly exotic compositions here including "It's A Love," "Miles Away," "Lost Mind," and "Borders." Cool, subdued, and intelligent.Trees Speak - Ohms (CD, Soul Jazz, Progressive)
This album arrived in our trusty ol' mailbox without any accompanying information. No bio. No press release. No band photo. A sticker on the front compared the music to Cluster, Tangerine Dream, Can, Neu!, Silver Apples, and Kraftwerk. A new band out of nowhere...how could this group possibly live up to the hype...? Well dear readers, this is indeed one of those cases where the grand praise is warranted. If you love/loved any of those bands, you're almost certain to enjoy and appreciate Ohms. The band name is based around the idea of future generations using plants and trees to store data and information...and trees communicating collectively with one another (heavy stuff!). The band is comprised of Daniel Martin Diaz and Damian Diaz...along with other musicians in and around Tucson, Arizona. All songs are instantaneous improvisations. So, not surprisingly, there are plenty of unexpected twists here. Seventeen tracks that clock in at just over forty-three minutes. And they're all interesting. Lots of people make experimental electronic music. But not everyone makes experimental electronic music that is listenable. That's probably what sets these guys apart from so many others. These tracks are ultimately very musical and listenable. The only other twenty-first century band we've heard that comes close to what these guys are doing is babysue favorite Beak. After spinning this album a few times we checked out some of the band's videos which feature some very cool psychedelic visuals accompanying the tracks. Sometimes bands do live up to the hype and this is most certainly one of those cases. Cool free-form compositions include "Soul Sequencer," "Nitrous Crass," "State of Clear," "Out of View," "Silicone Emotions," and "Witch Wound." The cover art by Alex Kuno featuring a woman with plants growing out of her ears, mouth, and eye sockets is fantastic. These guys are far more creative than the average band in 2020. As such, we can highly recommend Ohms without any reservations whatsoever. TOP PICK.
The Virginia Gentlemen - The Virginia Gentlemen (12" Vinyl LP, Idle Edsel Recordings, Underground rock)
Loud rip-roaring underground rock with attitude and conviction. The cover of this vinyl LP immediately caught our attention. It features a photo of the four guys in the band with really crazed looks in their eyes. But it was the music on the album that really sealed the deal for us. In a world chock full of safe and tame music, this self-titled album comes across like a breath of fresh air. The overdriven guitars are way up front in the mix...and the band plays with the kind of 'fuck it' attitude we normally associate with groups from the 1990s (when people weren't nearly as closed-minded as they are now). Although they've been playing live since 2015, this is the debut full-length release from The Virginia Gentlemen. The band is comprised of Brian Idle Diederich (vocals), Robert Conquer Conger (guitar), Christian Davenport Johnston (bass), and Lawrence Mud May (drums). This self-titled release features twelve no-frills rockers. The songs feature throbbing rhythms, intense buzzsaw guitars, and vocals that are reminiscent of the criminally overlooked 1990s band St. Johnny. There's a refreshing urgency happening here that is absent in so many twenty-first century bands. Hearing these guys play together is like hearing a motor running at peak capacity. There's no holding back as these guys give everything they've got...and then some. Lead vocalist Diederich has been playing in various bands since 1976 (!), but you'd never know it from his completely over-the-top vocals. Listening to this, we can't help but think these guys are a totally blistering live experience. Revved up rockers include "Something They Crave," "Too Much of Everything," "Mary Poppins Day Off," "Find My Way," and "Go All Night." These four men play their balls off on this one. Loud, intense, heavy, and humorous. YES.Wares - Survival (CD, Mint, Rock/underground pop)
Canadian band Wares is a different sort of animal that often defies categorization. Yes, the music fits into the underground rock/pop genre. But instead of having one specific sound, the band actually has many. Survival is the group's first album on the Mint label, and it's a riveting and unusual experience. The band is comprised of Casia Hardy, Jamie McLean, Matthew Gooding, and Holly Greaves (plus engineer Mason Pixel also plays drums on this album). Although they don't really sound exactly like either, different elements of this band's music occasionally remind us of The Velvet Underground and Siouxsie and the Banshees. After listeners hear the raw overall sound of the lead track ("Handskin"), they may very well be surprised at the restrained odd poppy sounding "Tall Girl." Hardy writes songs that are captivating and gripping, but they don't seem to follow traditional formulas. And each one seems to exist in and of itself. What impresses us most here is the fact that these songs have real depth and imagination. And they seem to incorporate elements from several different decades. Casia's voice is definitely the defining factor here. She can sound strong and immediate one minute and frail and fragile the next. Survival is one of the more interesting albums we've heard in 2020. Cool intriguing cuts include "Tall Girl," "Living Proof," "Jenny Says," "Violence," and "Survival." A word of warning. This music takes several spins to sink in. So if you want to really 'get' what's going on, you need to spend some time with this one. But take our word for it, the time will be well spent. This is a band that's doing things their own way rather than copying the sound of others. And in 2020, that is indeed a very rare thing. The more we spin this CD the more impressed we are. Recommended. Top pick.
The Wedding Present - Tommy 30 (12" Vinyl LP, Happy Happy Birthday To Me, Underground pop/rock)
Re-recording of the second album from long-running underground pop/rock band The Wedding Present. Although few would've known it at the time, David Gedge has turned out to be one of the most prolific and focused musicians of the past several decades. Even though at any point during his career he could have opted to sell out and make crap music, he has instead chosen the exact opposite route...opting to place his emphasis on credibility and substance. In the long run, his approach has served him well. Instead of ditching him over time, his original fans remain fans. And along the way more and more people have become acquainted with his impressive body of work. The band has gone through so many changes that it's a blur. As you might guess, Gedge is the one remaining constant member. But somehow or another each and every incarnation of the band manages to capture the intended sound and spirit. During the past few years David has opted to not only release new albums, but also record new versions of early albums. And that's what we have here. The original Tommy album was a compilation of early singles and radio sessions. Not long ago the band went on a tour playing all the original songs from the album....at which point they decided that the songs warranted re-recordings to bring them up-to-date with where the band is at now. And then accordingly, Tommy 30 was born. If you love The Wedding Present, you're certain to love these new interpretations. If you've never heard the band, you'll probably also love these tracks. We've seen and heard very few people whose music can transcend time like this. As more and more time passes, it becomes even more obvious how solid and credible all of this band's albums sound. Killer cuts include "Go Out and Get 'Em, Boy!", "Once More," "This Boy Can Wait," "Never Said," and "My Favourite Dress." Top pick.
Weird Turn Pro - Maul and Mezcal (Independently released CD, Progressive/instrumental)
The fifth full-length release from the New Hampshire-based progressive band Weird Turn Pro. If there's a single word we could use to sum things up here, that word would probably be...uncommercial. These guys play a style of music that will only appeal to a tiny enlightened segment of listeners out there. But our guess is that they are far more concerned with making music than following traditional paths or trying to satisfy anyone other than themselves. The tracks on Maul and Mezcal combine elements from freestyle jazz, ambient, modern classical, and more. There are no potential hits here, as this music seems to be mainly intended to create shifting moods. The group is comprised of Chris Klaxton on trumpet, Matt Langley on bass clarinet, Chris Gagne on trombone, Rob Gerry on bass, Mike Walsh on drums, and Mike Effenberger on piano. Effenberger's compositions are peculiar, subdued, and moody...and there are plenty of dark threads running through them. And yet...there's something ultimately calming about this music that's difficult to describe. The song titles are as unconventional as the songs themselves: "In Praise of Oak," Twisty Passages, All Alike," "A Spore, An Incantation," "A Ceasefire Lullaby." It's unlikely that you'll be seeing this album topping any charts in the near future. But it's not because there's not plenty of quality music here. It's because these guys are playing way above the heads of most music fans. Precise, exacting, and ultimately very heady, this is an album that will surely stand the test of time because it is both perplexing and substantial. Strangely alluring and hypnotic stuff. Decidedly different and distinctive.
A
Academics for Pure Boredom - Slurps
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 - Aunt Sissy's lather bastard
Am Not - Am too
Anohni - Hopelessness
Anthroplod - Plodroanth
Antlers for Booboo - Oh no not that tired old runt again
Ape - Don't say no words
Apples Got Smushy - Train smush
Application For Crap - Please submit crap
Athens Is Not A City - Trauma for the bush animals
August Wish - Traps for punted
Augusta Is Not A City - Wilma for the plush panels
B
Bad Bump - Banana tread
Badfigure - Crooked down
Bambi Dambi - Lambi
Ballerina Pumps - Blackass
Barge - Limpy
Beadulls - Desmocker
Beatles - Medium
Beatles - Medium rare
Beatles - Rare
Beatles - Not as rare
Beatles - Stuff that was never recorded
Beatles - Stuff that we wish had never been recorded
Bee Numb - Numb bee
Beyonce - Sorry album
Beyonce - I can dance but that's about it
Beyonce - My face is ugly
Beyonce - Don't you get tired of hearing my stupid name all the time
Beyonce - I'm really a boring old hag
Beyonce - My fans have poor taste
Beyond the Beyonder - Blander and blander
Bjork - Jorky B
Black Tabitha - Pastor of senility
Blankets for Blankets - Laps
Blender in a Blinder - Fizzle
Bobo's Pretty Duster - Lamp off, lamp on
Davis Bowee - All the dumb dudes
Breezer the Flew - Like dazzlers in fume
Garth Brooks - I've recorded tons and tons and TONS of music
Garth Brooks - And yet you babysue folks have never reviewed ANYTHING
Garth Brooks - What is wong with you goddamn undergroud music snobs?
Garth Brooks - I'm rich, rich, RICH
Garth Brooks - If you've got lots of money, nobody cares if your voice is shitty
Bumps Fifty - West
Jenna Bush - Why does my face resemble the rectum of a pig?
Jenna Bush - Trying way too hard to be clever and cute
Butler Pudding - Lippity gris gris
Buzz's Lamp Cord - Tawny frinkC
Car Mump - Dazed and refused
Casket of Corformity - Laser dog
Cast of Cast - Lastly
Cat Grave - Mickey's laboratory
Cesula - Maid in martians
Chance The Rapper - Coloring book
Chicky Chicky Clock - Rump of the month slob
Chump - Malaria
Chunks of Paisley Pumps - Lordy the snore is a plaza burn
Eric Clapton - I still don't know what a guitar is
Phil Collins - No vocal skills required
Sean Combs - How come I never get reviewed in babysue?
Sean Combs - You don't like me just because I'm hugely famous
Sean Combs - Hey, I make a lot of money you underground jerks
Sean Combs - I'm rich, rich, RICH...ain't that what it's all about?
Sean Combs - Lookin' ugly for everyone
Come To Lulu's Nurse - Romp and the bumpy tum tum
Confederate Railroad - Happy to snort crystal speed
Conscious Or Not - Grumpy lazy
Crap You Like - Tape measure
Crosby, Stills & Nash - We were friends once upon a time
Crunchy Links - Switches and prawns
Miley Cyrus - How come I never get mentioned in babysue?
Miley Cyrus - I guess it's because my music lacks substance
Miley Cyrus - I wish I wasn't dull and boring
Czerchnkii - DimD
Dadfinger - Where's dad's finger when you need it?
Dae Dae - Mae Mae
Daisy Days - Freezing
Damn People - Damn People
Damn Tumblers - Damn Tumblers
Damn Warp - Damn Warp
Damn Zoo - Damn Zoo
Devonte - I'm fish food now
Diets Are For Dimwits - Lassie's lost pudding cup
Dimmer than Dim - Inputs
Diorssi - New York is my damn
Dirty Pennies - Flocks and pimps
Doves That Die Today - Lassie
Drake - Setting a bad example for the world
Driplite Dirtbag - Directional
Dry Potato - Sync
Ducks for Ducks - Nine hundred ponies
Dumb Sounds - Like Nanny and the poodleE
Each and Each - Teach
Eachy - Preachy
Eat The Bounty Feathers - Naptime
Ectonerf - Bah baddah bah
Elephant Muff - Beneath the blurry knob
Elves and Bumpy Thumpers - Original motion picture soundtrack
Emergency Flakes - Phasers
Empty - Flow
Empty Flower - 1 2 3 4
Enough for Five Thousand - One bottle
Enter the Entrance With Lockets - Glasses on the puddle
Eventually We'll All Die With Nothing - Pom poms
Everyone But - But Everyone
Ewe - Ranch funk
EZ - Not soF
FA - La la
Famous Famous - Converter
Far Out Far In - Farin
Faxes Forever - Limp little pixies
Ferz - Lizzy
Fifty Million - Zero lads
Finks Forever - Live at the dead
Five Times Fifty-Five - Live
Four Times Four Is Four - Five times
Foxes - All I need
Fume - Lumps
Funky Laminate - Parking
Fur For Francis - PouchesG
Gang of Flower - Untertainment
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
Goddamn Children - Goddamn us all to hell
Graham Slackers - Naturally grabby
Ariana Grande - My fame proves that people are retarded schmucks
Grandmothers and Grandfathers - Nothing else to live for except the goddamn grandchildren
Grass Patches - Dolby
Josh Groban - Sitting on a toilet for charityH
Hamster on a Bun - Heartache on a bun
Hamster on a Lettuce Leaf - Try to find something to stuff in your cheeks
Jennifer and Sarah Hart - Where did our love go
Jennifer and Sarah Hart - We loved Jesus very much
Jennifer and Sarah Hart - Happy together forever because we died together
Hay - Hay
Hazle - Measurements
Hell for Humans - Happiness is a dumb puppy
Help Me Help Me - Liver
Help the Hopeless - Bloody hearts get you nowhere
Hissy - Laserbon
Hitt - Dawn for the loud birds
Hizzers - Stuck
Whitney Houston - Howzuh bauwduh nuthuh drank?
Whitney Houston - You put water in my drink
Ian Hunted - Punts and nuttters
Husperate - ADN
Hut for Henry - Universe of sandy
Huzzle - Earlier albumsI
Ian - Jackknife
Icky - Picky, picky, picky
If It Dies Don't Touch It - I offered more than they wanted and they took it
If You Knew Nothing You Would Be Nothing - Drips
Inky Doll - Dampness and dryness
In The End The Beginning - Ridgefield
It Stays Warm - Square butter
IX Lamb Sweater - To each his each
IZZ - Each his to hisJ
Alan Jackson - Now that I'm a girl
Alan Jackson - Now that I'm half a girl
Alan Jackson - My dress has a big tear in it
Alan Jackson - And my eyeliner is all messed up now
Michael Jackson - Off the floor
Michael Jackson - Towers of mops
Michael Jackson - Nose dopes
Jerry's Apple - Towers
Jerry's Crud - Narry a buster
Jersey is Swervy - Translustre
Jethro Toil - Sick as a tick
Jethro Wump - Aquatong
Jethro Zoo - Minstrel in the snake exhibit
Elton John - Where did my voice go?
Jones Is A Donkey - Drammamine
Jones Is An Elephant - Mine ain't mine
Judas Priest - Battle cry
Junk Is Just Junk - Lady trunkK
Kaas - Lacey
Kalesh - Kaos
Kandy and the Ks - Lassie's drool
Kows - Land of the Kows
Kraftlunch - Radio lunch
Kraftdinner - Electric dinner
Kraftsnack - Trans euro snack
Krap - Krap
Krazy Cow - Lots of tips
Krunchy Krunch - Captain's caps and tons
Kudzu's Lamp - Drastic
Kunks - The Late Glossy Kunks Album
KWKWERA - ListsL
Lab Crutch - Tramps that David hates
Ladies For Pretzels - Louder than the other thing that we had discussed earlier
Lady Gaga - How come I never get mentioned in babysue?
Lady Gaga - If I look really strange, nothing else matters
Lamb Peppers - Smuppy
Lamps for the Homeless - These goddamn things don't work
Cindi Lauper - Elderly grandmothers with bad hair colors
Laxative Preamble - Naps and snappers
Let There Be Let - Now there be meow
Lisa Said - First time, long time
Lists - Stop the Lists
Loretta Lynn - Sings her favorite Nine Inch Nails songs
Loud and Loud - Dull and dull
Lumineers - Cleopatra
Lumps - Lousy mouses
Lung Disease - TrowelM
Manners and Nanners - Tablets for pokey
Maroon 5 - Music for shitheads
Maroon 5 - Stupid people love our music
Maroon 5 - Our lead singer is one ugly old homo
Trayvon Martin - Skittuzz fo evuhbuddeh
Trayvon Martin - Juss a boy on his way to duh candee sto
Masta Ace - The falling season
Matchbox - Going down there
Math for Math's Sake - Plazas
Maze Lops - Trazzler
Mazer's Big Torch Bucket - Lipsy
Bruce McArthur - People in pots
Bruce McArthur - Landscape architect blues
Bruce McArthur - Big 'n' playful
Paul McCartney - Nursing home blues
Tim McGraw - Do anything for charity
Tim McGraw - Do anything to make money
Millie's Pork Bucket - Boxes won't go away
Money for Puny People - Lucky drop
Monkey Chuck - Arlene
Monkey Davis - Nervous
Monkey Pauline - Damnable
Moo Moo the Bow Wow - Trouser's ain't fresh no more
Motorhead - Clean your clock
Motorbutt - Clock your cleaners
Mrowl - Prowling for mrowl
Murphy and Nop - Dammy and slop
Murphy and Nuns - Drippy nun bitches
Murphy's Paw - Plaid and dumb
My Evening Girdle - Snippets and drabble
My Evening Snot - Things my animals forget to learnN
David Nail - Fighter
Nasal and Tonsil - Lasers and urchers
Ned and the Headrumpers - Trowels
Aaron Neville - Apache
Newsboys - God's not dead
New York Dolls - We weren't real dolls
New York Dolls - We were real dolls
New York Dolls - We were really from Portland
New York Dolls - But we realized no one would buy music by the Portland Dolls
No More Blouses - Farmy
No More Bundt Cakes - Prowler
No More Cactus - Deal or no no
Nothing That You Haven't Heard Before - Repeat it
Now Cows - Blouses and thermometers
Numb's Fumbler - Town and mouthO
Octorub - Norbie
Oh No That Old Shithead Is Here Again - Rotten old schmucks with no manners
Oooh - Uuuuuh
Oooh Oooh - Uuuuuh uhhh
Opposite of Opposite - Lopposite
Orange Floyd - Sharp glide of the goon
The Orb - It's 1963 and the stripes are grinding
The Orb - Big fluffy omelets
Osmosis - USB #7
Other Muzzles - Howdy Pops
Oz and the Schnoz - Pow wows and monkeysP
Painted Fuss - Nope
Pants and Pantless - Rainy press
Part Blub - Fran is ugly
Dolly Parton - Lots of money makes me happy
Dolly Parton - Lots of attention makes me happy
Dolly Parton - Lots of everything makes me happy
Paws With Fingers - Ink bus
Pet Shop Boys - Super
Poodle Powder - Dust of the dawgie
Mike Posner - At night, alone
Pranks for Steak Loads - Heaps of slop
The Puddles - Nappy load
Punk Biscuits - Sap
Punk Noodles - Take this noodle and cook it
Puny - Runny infection
Pusfergradison - Nay, the basket sayethQ
Quacks - Trippy truck
Quails and Trucks - Lamb power
Queen For A Tray - Lower the pork
Query - Stop the questions
Quest for Dope - Smoking snuff
Quails Got Drunk - Beer and tissue paper
Quarternelson - A trotter in snuffer's cloning
Quicker Than Daffy - Cords that don't work
Quiet Little Worm Thing - Never thought about it and never want to now
Quiz Germs - Links that don't work
Quurtie - Lousy benchR
Radiodud - Half of the basic shop
Radishes - Lavish stickers
Debbie Rafter - Lemme after
Raws - Raws and raws
Reel to Raoul - Mouthpiece
Reform Club - Never yesterday
Rely On Relish - Candy dash
Mick Rhodes & The Hard Eight - Paradise city
Roasted Trap - Asia's not there anymore
Rolling Bones - Get your mama's kraut
Rolling Chunks - Flower pots
Rolling Dammits - Sure thing not sure
Rolling Elderly People - Stocky plungers
Rolling Joints - Finky stinkers
Rolling Monkeys - Monkeys on Main Street
Rumpy - USBs and RTDs
Runny - Tippy's revenge
Rush - Beneath, between and behind
Ruzzer - Bow to the Ruzzer
Rylo - The dog's head is not steady anymoreS
Larry Samual - Barney doesn't have hugs for me
Santa Died Last Night - Presenting...
Santa Did It - Lamenting
Ed Sheeran - How come I never get mentioned in babysue?
Ed Sheeran - It's because my music is crummy, isn't it?
Ed Sheeran - Why do I look and sound so crummy?
Ed Sheeran - Are there any questions that have answers?
Blake Shelton - Can't help it if I'm a boring dullard
Blake Shelton - If you're into what I do you're obviously on the wrong web site
Blake Shelton - If people think I'm handsome they must really be confused and retarded
Shotgun Louise - Rampy dim
Shotgun Tina - Lousy lamps
Shotgun Zappa - Mouses and mouses
Smashing Drumsticks - Pass the pepper
Smuppy - The tatters that ground pepper
Sparse - Kim's Ono spy mouse
Bruce Springsteen - The Crazy Boss
Bruce Springsteen - I'm a generic old woman now
Bruce Springsteen - Shallow songs that everyone can buy
Barbra Streisand - Barfing up my breakfast
Styx - Suite madame blue: Radio broadcast 1977
Sultans of Swing - Subcontinental drift
Swap and Change - Loudness weird
Swenter - Flowers
Taylor Swift - How come I never get reviewed in babysue?
Taylor Swift - Well, if your publicist would send something...you might.
Taylor Swift - Really?
Taylor Swift - Sure
Swy - RentT
Tai Tai - Lists
Talking Sheds - Lambs forking up tonsils
Tea For Lunch - Massachusetts isn't a country
Teepee Tupperware - Laura's butter pand
Telltale - Taller toll
Thuds - Ready for emperors
Thunder - All you can eat
Justin Timberlake - Can't stop being shallow
Tonk - Thoughtly
Trilly Dills and Damp Dippers - Witch white
Trunk Idiots - Laugh when it's all over
Try To Try - Stop and try
Tummy Bus - Lambs and prawns
Tunker - Lassie's paw
TZ397 - Rowl the smunkU
Ugly Banana - How do the hussy wink
Ugly Orange - Do the mouse
Ultraplucks - Eyebrow mania
Umbrella Vision - Church of tassle
Uncle Duck - Mushed
Uncle Pregnant - Does and rodents
Carrie Underwood - I'm proof that people will buy anything
Carrie Underwood - Making money is more important than making good music
Carrie Underwood - Cliff diving lesbians
Keith Urban - More pork from my smelly pig faceV
Various Artists - A collection of dull dribble that no one will ever notice
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
Various Artists - Tribute to someone whose name we can't remember
Various Artists - Trying to get something heard never works
Various Artists - The most boring bands you never cared to hear
Various Artists - We're the last ones to know the last ones
Various Artists - Our albums are always the first to get thrown away
Various artists - Who gets to eat the trash
W
Wally Is Near - Stamp that thing goodbye
Wanda and the Wandas - Limp
We Don't Get It - Now is the now
Well I Guess This Is Just Another One - Lumps
Whether Or Not - Lousy weather
Why Can't We Eat It In The Car - Marbly
William XIII - XIII or 238
Wind That Goes - Don'tX
X - The day we tied our shoes wrong
Xie - La la the distance away
X-ray Pecs - Lookie away
X-ray Stats - Box cutters and tramplers
Xzistance - Lift downY
Yack Yack - Tacky tick
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
Yes You - You guessed it
You might - Yes you might
You never - Well I never
Young and Bland - Stick, stuck
Yoyos for Panama - Sharp
Yoyos for Zop - Trollo mia presto
Yuck This Tastes Awful - Don't eat it then
Z
Zappa and the Zappettes - Trown
Frank Zappa - How flowers got in the potty train
Frank Zappa - Lukewarm mouses
Zi - See Zi play
Zunk - How the leaves got patchy
Zupper - Towels for Blanche
Zyle - Twelve and fifty
©2020 LMNOP (aka dONW7)
