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January 2004 Reviews by
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January 2004 Reviews by
*Top Picks
RATING SYSTEM:
= GODDAMN!!!
= EXCELLENT
= VERY GOOD
= GOOD
= FAIR
= SHITTY
January 2004
Comment Piece:
The Year We've Been Waiting For
Year after year after year...each blurring into the next...and now, finally the YEAR we have been WAITING for comes along... Yes, yes, yes...there have been good years and there have been bad years...but 2004 is BOUND to be OUTSTANDING. There are so many reasons, none of which need to be mentioned here. We have been UP and we have been DOWN...but now...we are finally going to be RIGHT WHERE WE BELONG. So...in a rare moment of optimism...we would like to wish almost everyone a very HAPPY NEW YEAR. Treat yourself and go to Hell. Abuse yourselves and abuse others. Smack a dead baby in the rump. Give a goddamn about things that don't matter. Blow your brains out in a hippy parade. Have an abortion on top of a purple convertible. Go to a really bad yard sale and buy too many things that you don't really need. Eat a tomato with mashed up parsley. Pray to the air. And above all...START DOING SOMETHING THAT MATTERS. Or don't, goddamn it...! Hell...it don't matter NO WAY! Sheeeeeeeyut!!!!!!!!!!!!
Bingo - The Cicada and Other Stories (CD, Cravedog,
Americana/acoustic pop)
If you like Ron Sexsmith...there's a good chance you will enjoy the
smooth genuine sounds of Bingo. If there is one word to describe
this album, it most certainly is "unpretentious." The Cicada
and Other Stories (Bingo's third full-length) presents laidback country-influenced
compositions that feature exceptional lyrics and wonderfully genuine melodies.
The arrangements are simple and straightforward...and the vocals have a
slightly sloppy feel that is most appealing. Real music from a real individual.
You wouldn't think it would be so difficult to come across such a thing...but
it is. Highly rewarding tunes include "The Cicada," "Wishing,"
"Ghost Woman Blues," and "Candlelight." (Rating: 5)
Brindley Brothers - Playing With the Light (CD, Paste,
Pop)
Nice bright upbeat pop music with a positive message and uplifting feel.
Singer/songwriter Luke Brindley already had a lot of people talking
before he enlisted the help of his brother, forming Brindley Brothers.
Luke last album (How Faint the Whisper) went over great with critics.
Now with the help of his brother Daniel Brindley, Luke is continuing
to write and record more absolutely addictive positive pop. On Playing
With the Light the brothers recorded what they felt was their best material
from the past two years. As a result, the album comes off like a non-stop
string of hits. What is most encourage about the tunes on this album is
that...while they have a great deal of commercial potential...they are also
successful from an artistic point of view (which is probably exactly the
point). Very strong stuff here...includes "Playing With the Light,"
"Roman Candle," "Slow Burn," and "Breakdown."
(Rating: 4+++)
Molly
Bryant - Take It Easy (CD, Gemini
23, Pop)
Molly Bryant writes some funny goddamn lyrics. These days
it is rare indeed when we actually read the lyrics while we listen to a
disc...but in this case, we did. On Take It Easy, Molly comes across
sounding something like a folk/pop version of Laurie Anderson. She
is smart and inventive...and she isn't afraid of pissing people off. While
her music is surprisingly accessible...in many cases her lyrics will scare
off potential listeners (we like that very much...). Whether she
is singing about the potential benefits of wearing veils (if you're an ugly
Middle Eastern woman, that is)...or whether she's ripping Michael Jackson
to shreds for his addiction to plastic surgery...Bryant never ceases to
entertain with her dry sense of humor. Our favorite line: Let's celebrate
the moments of our lives...doesn't have to be international coffee...it
could be Sprite (heh heh heh!). Funny, smart, and seductive...Molly
Bryant is clearly a rising star to be reckoned with. (Rating: 5)
Edson - Every Day, Every Second (CD, Labrador,
Pop)
Articulate and well written pop music with a classic feel. After releasing
two albums in 13 months, half of the band members in Edson split...leaving
the band to continue as a trio. Rather than pause their career, the remaining
three members immediately got to work and recorded Every Day, Every Second.
Many of the songs on this album are reminiscent of early Smiths in
that the tunes have a lilting sound and introspective lyrics. The band's
mid-tempo pop goes down easy, and should please fans of 1980s British pop
music. Rather than challenge their listeners with harsh sounds and unpredictable
surprises...this band instead chooses to present smooth material that doesn't
require too much energy to be enjoyed. Pleasant hummable tunes like "And
Then She Flung Me the Truth" and "Underdog/Overdog" make
this disc a truly pleasant spin. Exceptionally nice vocals. (Rating: 4+++)
Ether - Dance on Friday Night (Independently released CD, Soft
pop)
Singer/songwriter Garth Adam picks up where he left off on the second
Ether full length. This band is a good example of just how good independent
artists can be. Rather than spazzing out with grating noise and jarring
effects (like many underground artists)...Adam instead opts to present super
smooth and smoothing pop compositions that float by like the fluffiest of
clouds. Songs are the strongest part of the equation here...with words and
melodies absorbing the spotlight. There's a lot to love here...superb tracks
like "Closer," "Dance on Friday Night," "All At
Sea," and "I Wish I Could Remember" all feature outstanding
melodies supported by perfectly suited arrangements. Adam has a great voice...simultaneously
masculine, focused, and sensitive. Another great album from Ether. Recommended.
(Rating: 5)
Falconer - The Sceptre of Deception (CD, Metal
Blade, Rock)
Heavy anthemic rock with hints of death metal. The guys in Falconer
use hard rock from the seventies as a diving board to present their complex
epic modern compositions. The band plays loud and fast...but they never
forsake melodies and song structures in the process. The tunes on The
Sceptre of Deception feature ample doses of the band's soaring vocals
and unbelievable guitar playing. Falconer's overall sound is something like
a cross between early Black Sabbath and Queen...mixed with
elements of 1990s death metal. These guys lend credibility to a genre that
is often ignored due to the dearth of copycat bands. Ten classic cuts including
"The Coronation," "Night of Infamy," "Hear Me Pray,"
and "Child of Innocence." (Rating: 4+++)
Fefe
Dobson - Fefe Dobson (CD, Island, Rock/pop)
Seeing as how the world is cluttered with hundreds of thousands of bands...it
seems odd indeed that so few rock bands feature black female lead singers.
Unlike the bluesy hard-edged band The BellRays (the first comparison
that comes to mind), young Fefe Dobson is a pure rocking popster
all the way. Her overall style and voice are so white, in fact, that without
a photo...you'd think that she was. No matter, because the main menu
item is the music...and that's where Fefe's real magnetism lies. Whether
she's presenting positive pop or all out rockers, Ms. Dobson manages to
maintain a pure focus that is refreshing and real. While she displays some
real attitude on the rockier numbers...on the softer cuts she shows she
also has a pensive side as well. Interestingly, it is the unnamed thirteenth
track that is the real gem on this album. The song shows just how good Dobson's
voice is when she lowers the volume just a bit. (Rating: 4++)
Frankenpony - Mazel-Tov RockTales ( Independently released CD, Power
pop/rock)
Extraordinarily well written power pop abounds on Mazel-Tov Rocktales.
Frankenpony is a trio focused on their craft. The guys in the band
seem more concerned with writing quality tunes than wearing dumb clothes
or trying to hitch a ride on the latest trend. Frankenpony tunes are basic
buzzsaw guitar trips featuring extremely catchy melodies and smart lyrics.
The band's tunes are upbeat all the way...and man, can they play
(!). These guys are about ten times tighter than your average modern generic
slop combo. This is a great independent release chock full of oughta-be
hits...including "Old-N-Ugly," "Better Than Myself,"
"'S Not," "I Know," and "Behind My Time."
Smart, clever, funny...and instantly addictive. Great stuff... (Rating:
5)
Instrumental
Quarter - No More Secrets (CD, Sickroom, Instrumental)
Nice organic instrumentals with unique twists. You never know what to expect
from the folks at Chicago's Sickroom label...but no matter what genre of
music, these folks almost always satisfy by presenting credible and inventive
artists. No More Secrets is the debut album from Italy's Instrumental
Quarter. On the eight tunes presented, the band literally defies categorization...presenting
lovely and effective instrumental mood pieces that are intelligent and memorable.
Some of the tunes have a classical sound while others are more like progressive
acoustic instrumentals. This is perfect outdoor music...conveying the kinds
of thoughts and emotions one feels when in touch with nature. Beautiful
stuff here...including "Derniere Soiree," "Double Layer,"
"Illinois Breakfast," and "Wings of Torpedo." Unique
and haunting music. Highly recommended. (Rating: 5++)
Scott
Laurent - The Truth is Lies (CD, No Alternative, Pop)
Scott Laurent's fourth album is a pop knockout. Although still an
underground celebrity at this point, Laurent has the skills and the talent
to hit it BIG. His songs are mature and memorable...and the man's got a
voice that others would kill for. But what makes his tunes really stand
out is the pure and sincere motivation behind the music. Instead of coming
off like some money hungry jerk wanting to make millions, Scott just seems
like a nice guy who happens to be extraordinarily talented. Produced by
Ed Ackerson, The Truth is Lies is a beautiful melodic trip...full
of lush arrangements and heavenly melodies. Eleven choice cuts here including
"What You See," "Wondering," "Haunted," and
"You Always Win." (Rating: 4+++)
Long
Since Forgotten - Standing Room Only
(CD, RocketStar Music, Pop/rock)
Ed Rose has to be one of the coolest producers around. Whenever
his name is associated with a project, you can bet it'll be worthwhile.
Rose has produced such bands as The Get Up Kids, The Anniversary
(drool drool), The Casket Lottery, The New Amsterdams
(another drool drool), and many more. Once again, Rose's magic fingers
have worked magic on Long Since Forgotten...an impressive pop/rock
quartet from Syracuse, New York. The band's slightly progressive rock tunes
feature wonderfully winding melodies and superb vocal harmonies. Interestingly,
the lead vocalist reminds us of early Rick Springfield...although
the style of music is quite different indeed. Standing Room Only
is a pleasant trip into the world of modern progressive pop/rock. The songs
are smart, distinct, and thoroughly entertaining...and while Long Since
Forgotten is basically a pop band...they also know how to turn it up and
rock. Top picks: "Euclid Crashed" and "Another Song."
(Rating: 4+++)
The
Monolith - Here Comes The Monolith (CD,
Fortune, Pop)
Upon first listen, it might be easy to dismiss The Monolith as just
another underground pop band from San Francisco. But that would be missing
the point because...these folks simply have much better songs than
most other pop bands. Though explaining this may be a difficult task, the
important thing to remember is that Dahlia Gallin Ramirez, Rogge,
and Bill Rousseau write and play some superbly effective modern pop
without unnecessary frills. The band's tunes are subtle...slyly sneaking
into the subconsciousness of the listener over time. While the music has
a strangely familiar overall sound...it is difficult to come up with comparisons
and influences. To put it simply...Here Comes The Monolith is a heavenly
collection. The compositions transcend the genre of pop...instead possessing
an intriguing classic quality that makes them transcend time and space.
Wonderfully understated vocals glide by while perfectly suited arrangements
support them. Words cannot describe the sheer brilliance of tunes like "Ruby"...easily
one of the best tunes of 2003. Highly recommended. (Rating: 5++)
Castle Oldchair - Sad Pants (CD, Standard
Recording Company, Pop)
Beginning with the 1970s influenced backwards loop effects of "Backwords
(Running River)," Castle Oldchair takes his listeners on a soothing
and inventive melodic pop journey. Sad Pants is a surprisingly accessible
collection of mid-tempo pop songs featuring wonderfully winding melodies
and Oldchair's super soothing vocals. The songs are catchy but not cutesy...and
the intertwining guitars effectively caress the vocals in a most inviting
manner. These tunes are understated, ultimately real, and rather personal.
In the course of nine tunes, Oldchair manages to entertain and provoke the
mind...while never being too overtly calculated or clever. Cool cuts include
"Sad Pants," "Another Big Ocean" (our favorite), "Circles,"
and "Mourning Has Come." Hats off to Standard Recording Company
for including a silk-screened CD-R with the disc...inviting folks to freely
copy and share the music with their friends. Now there's an idea
(!). (Rating: 5)
Paper
Airplane Pilots - The History of Flying
(CD, Spade Kitty, Pop)
Nice happy 1960s-influenced melodic pop. Led by singer/guitarist Jeremiah
Wallis, Paper Airplane Pilots offer a glimpse into the past through
the obvious eyes of the present. The History of Flying is a purposely
positive and uplifting album...full of surprisingly genuine and sincere
compositions. Instead of covering everything in layers of unnecessary sound...Wallis
instead prefers to let his compositions speak for themselves. The simple
arrangements work perfectly for this style of music, allowing the listener
to concentrate on song composition and lyrics. The words, in fact, may be
this band's strongest point...and that is truly saying something (considering
how many bands have truly lousy lyrics). If you're looking for angry
loud hate music, then this band is obviously not for you. If, however, you
are looking for purely positive pop...The History of Flying is almost
certain to please. Lots of well-written cuts here including "She's
Magnetic," "Eva Braun," "I'm Not A Jet," and "Chicago
Skyline." Some of these tunes remind us of underground cult icon Jeremy
Morris. Good stuff. (Rating: 4+++)
People on the Highway - A Bert Jansch Encomium (Double CD, Market
Square, Various artists tribute)
Tribute albums rarely impress us...but then, that could very well be because
most of the artists usually being honored are trite and boring. People
on the Highway is a special release because it pays tribute to one of
the finest singer/songwriters of the past few decades...Bert Jansch.
While Jansch has never received much attention beyond a relatively small
circle of reviewers and pockets of devoted fans...his music has touched
the lives of many and and influenced the music of even more (the latter
is apparent due to the riveting line-up of artists on this album). What
is most impressive about these discs is the obvious sincerity of the performers.
These artists serve up Jansch's music with integrity and style...offering
an impressive glimpse into the mind of one of the most vastly underrated
folk singers of our time. Artists include Steve Ashley, Bird Dog, Donovan,
Adam Jansch, Martin Jenkins, Johnny Marr's Healers, Al Stewart, Steve Tilston,
and many more. This double CD set includes a whopping 26 tracks...as well
as a thoroughly entertaining booklet featuring quotes from each artist about
their recollections of Jansch and his music. Perhaps one day the rest of
the world will catch on... In the meantime, those familiar with the music
of Bert Jansch will always feel as if they have "a one up" on
the rest of the world... (Rating: 5+)
Quintaine Americana - Dark Thirty (CD, Curve
of the Earth, Hard rock)
Can normal looking guys play hard rock? If you consider the case of Mississippi's
Quintaine Americana...the answer is a definite YES. Instead of focusing
their energy on their hair and clothing...the four guys in this band seem
driven by their main desire...which is to provide solid, loud, hard rock
music for the masses. The vocalist is particularly impressive....with a
masculine growl that is reminiscent of early Alice Cooper. Quintaine
Americana songs are driven by thick heavy bass lines and precise drumming...layered
with thick heavy guitars and hummable melodies. These guys pack a powerful
punch...while at the same time providing intelligently written tunes that
get better the more you hear 'em. This, the band's fourth album, contains
quality rockers like "Hitchhiker in Black," "Then one More,"
"The Sky," and "She Lets Me Ride." Excellent hard rock
with great melodies. Cool stuff indeed... (Rating: 4+++)
Red
Tape - Radioactivist (CD, Roadrunner, Hard rock)
Hard, hard, HARD driving rock and roll played without frills and unnecessary
clutter. Red Tape is JD, Jeff Jaworski, Mark Meraji,
and Twig...four guys who obviously like to turn their instruments
way, way up and play like there's no tomorrow. But don't expect a metallic
blur of noise. The tunes on Radioactivist are surprisingly coherent
and melodic. Rarely do we hear really loud rock bands with material as discernible
as this. Why...in most cases you can even understand the lyrics (!?!).
Presenting intelligent tunes is a feather in the band's hat, however, as
the super strong material is what makes this album such a fun spin. Red
Tape is a spinout buzzsaw party...all cocked up and ready to go. Great non-stop
rockers include "Damage Control," "Divebomb," "Strike
Tonight," and "Shoot! Move! Communicate!" Excellent hard
rock. (Rating: 5)
Rothko
/ BLK w/ Bear
- Wish For a World Without Hurt (CD, Trace Recordings, Electronic/instrumental)
Wonderfully moody and spacey music from two true talents in the world of
underground electronics. Wish For a World Without Hurt is the collaborative
effort of Rothko (Mark Beazley) and BLK w/ Bear (JS
Adams). The compositions on this album range from experimental sound
to subtle and moving ambience. Beazley and Adams created this album in remembrance
of the World Trade Center catastrophe. The cuts on this album are not songs
in the traditional sense...but rather pieces created to evoke a mood or
feeling in the mind of the listener. As such, the album is a success because
it accomplishes its intended goal. It seems sad that audiences for projects
like this are ultimately small...because the music is so vastly superior
to the phony crap that average naive consumers purchase. This superb album
features eight perplexing pieces including "I Feel Lost Without You,"
"Dropped From Clouds," "Like Nails in the Rain," and
"Lowering With Wolves." A bit on the super-serious side but still...a
rather excellent spin indeed... (Rating: 5)
Kate
Rusby - Underneath the Stars (CD, Compass, Folk/pop)
Possibly the best of the new wave of British folk artists, Kate Rusby
is easily one of the most gifted young artists we have come across in years.
Her voice is so pure and sincere that one cannot help but become instantly
addicted to her music. Underneath the Stars is a collaboration between
Rusby and producer/multi-instrumentalist John McCusker. The two make
a perfect pair...offering twelve compelling and unbelievably passionate
songs that touch the heart as well as the mind. We have been knocked out
by Ms. Rusby's music in the past...but this album hits even higher heights.
The choice of material is right on target...and the arrangements never overshadow
the brilliance of the melodies. Our favorite track is the sad and haunting
"The White Cockade"...a recording so effective that it almost
brought tears to our eyes. For those who are unfamiliar with this young
lady, her sound is something like a cross between Mary Hopkin and
Alison Krauss...although she is by no means a copycat artist. Refreshing
and uplifting...Underneath the Stars is yet another masterpiece from
a young lady with a keen and inventive spirit...and a fantastic ability
to effectively communicate thoughts and feelings through music. Truly outstanding.
(Rating: 6+)
Snoozer - Winter Stops All Sound E.P. (CD EP, Happy
Happy Birthday To Me, Lo-fi pop)
Snoozer is the one woman band consisting of Susie Ghahremani.
Susie writes and records upbeat and melodic low fidelity pop. Her tunes
are somewhat reminiscent of underground pop bands from the early 1990s.
The tunes on Winter Stops All Sound are pleasantly smooth and subtle.
Using guitar, bass, drums, and synthesizers, Ms. Ghahremani creates music
that would not sound out of place on Oh OK's first album. Her songs
are simple yet effective. Exceptionally nice vocals here. Six tunes including
"Labor Day," "Providence," "Winterclothes,"
and "The Fuss." (Rating: 4++)
Speedealer - Bleed (CD, Dead
Teenager, Hard rock)
Incredibly hard rock played with passion and style. Speedealer is
one of the most focused and intelligent hard rock bands around...and Bleed
just may be their tightest effort yet. Produced by J. D. Pinkus (former
Butthole Surfers bass player), the album was recorded in a day and
a half and the songs were recorded in one take. As a result, this sounds
very much like an audio photograph of the band playing live (minus the obnoxious
crowd noise). The band's thunderous assault is loud and real. And there
is no need to hide behind effects and overdubs here...because this band
doesn't need 'em. Though their following is growing...there are probably
still relatively few folks who can handle the brutal wall of noise these
guys provide. Kickass mental rockers include "Bleed," "Wasted,"
"All Night Long," and "Come On and Kill Me." Truly INTENSE
stuff. (Rating: 5)
Spirit Caravan - The Last Embrace (Double CD, MeteorCity,
Rock)
The Last Embrace is a collection of remastered material from the
band's Jug Fulla Sun and Elusive Truth albums as well as some
additional tracks and alternate recordings. Spirit Caravan was the
power crunching trio of Wino, Dave Sherman, and Gary Isom.
This is an interesting look back at the career of a band who could've...and
should've made it into the big leagues. This album is a fine showcase
for the trio's loud, powerful, and heavy tunes...and Wino's mind-bending
guitar playing. This whopping double disc set also includes the last Spirit
Caravan recordings: "The Last Embrace," "Brainwashed,"
and "Dove-Tongued Aggressor." While many phony wannabe bands have
hopped aboard the stoner rock resurgence over the years...these guys were
the real thing. This is a must for diehard fans...as well as a great
introduction for those who were never turned onto the band. Excellent from
start to finish. These guys were truly killer players... (Rating:
5)
Steel
Train - 1969 (CD EP, Drive-Thru,
Pop), For You My Dear (CD EP, Drive-Thru,
Pop)
You've gotta have guts to cover tunes by The Jackson Five, Crosby,
Stills, and Nash, Bob Marley, David Bowie, The Beatles,
and Creedence Clearwater Revival...but on the 1969 EP, Steel
Train do just that. And, amazingly, their covers come close to or even
surpass the quality of the original recordings. Fortunately for their listeners,
this band doesn't try to "make the songs theirs." Instead, they
opt to present these songs in a manner as close to the originals as possible...without
trying to present exact copies. As a result, the guys in Steel Train surpass
almost everyone with their ability to credibly present cover tunes of well-known
classics. 1969 is exceptional...and quite surprising. The band's
cover of "Space Oddity" is a truly beautiful recording. Not surprisingly,
the For You My Dear EP...which presents six of the band's original
tunes...is even more rewarding than 1969. Jack Antonoff's
tunes present wonderfully real and genuine classic pop snapshots. The articulate
arrangements work perfectly here...shedding light on this band's promising
future. The playing is superb...and the vocals are nothing short of remarkable.
The songs are UNFORGETTABLE. Truly real, sincere, genuine, and memorable.
Steel Train is a band with all of their gears working...as they head squarely
down the right track. Highly recommended. (Rating: 5++)
Summer
Hymns - Value Series Vol. 1: Fools Gold
(CD, Misra, Pop)
Recorded between albums to kill time during a long winter, Value Series
Vol. 1: Fools Gold is a true gem. In their pure pursuit of enjoyment,
the folks in Summer Hymns created a mini-masterpiece. The band's
loose and slightly goofy sound is reminiscent of a softer version of J.
Mascis (the lead vocals are particularly similar). Though this is a
big band consisting of up to nine players (!)...the overall sound is subtle
and distant. Spinning this album is like listening to obtuse lullabies.
The messages aren't always clear...but the songs and melodies stick in your
head like crazy glue. Destined to be one of the best albums of 2004, Fools
Gold is a pleasant reminder that there are always treasures to be found
at the bottom of the lake. Superb cuts include "Fear the Law,"
"What They Really Do," "Behind That Locked Door" (as
good or better than George Harrison's version...!), "Buttonflies,"
"Crazy Baby," and "No Butlers." Highly recommended.
(Rating: 5+++)
Telefon Tel Aviv - Map of What is Effortless (CD, Hefty,
Electronic pop)
Another mentally challenging album from the duo of Joshua Eustis
and Charles Cooper. These fellows have built quite a reputation for
themselves in a short amount of time...based almost purely on word of mouth.
What some of the band's fans may find surprising about Map of What is
Effortless is that--in addition to presenting the electronic soundscapes
that the band is known for--Eustis and Cooper have now opted to also include
pop tunes. Interestingly, their pop tunes are reminiscent of some of Todd
Rundgren's work from the 1980s. While featuring pure electronics, the
tunes feature smooth melodies with a soulful sound that is strangely human.
Don't expect the obvious, however...because Telefon Tel Aviv is anything
but an obvious endeavor. This album provides modern mood music for progressive
listeners. Rather than handle vocal duties themselves, Eustis and Cooper
instead opt to farm the work out...soliciting the vocal aid of Damon
Aaron, the Loyola University Chamber Orchestra, and Lindsay
Anderson. Map is a beautifully crafted album...bursting at the
seams with lovely sounds...and featuring arrangements that bend brainwaves
and cause human fluids to ooze. Elegantly recorded compositions include
"When It Happens It Moves All By Itself," "Bubble and Spike,"
and "At the Edge of the World You Will Still Float." (Rating:
5+)
Vocokech - The Tenth Corner (CD, Strange
Attractors, Acid/space/electronic/progressive)
One can never get enough 1970s acid-drenched progressive rock...either from
that decade or from the present. The heady drug-influenced style of music
was as addicting then as it is today (just like the drugs that produced
it). Richard Franecki's Vocokech picks up where bands like
Hawkwind, Can, Steve Hillage, and Tangerine Dream
left off. The free-form electronic explosive cuts on The Tenth Corner
are a trippy endeavor indeed...a world where vintage electronics collide
with absolutely fabulous lead guitars so drenched in effects that they become
almost unrecognizable. In line with what one would expect with this style
of music, the compositions are lengthy expansions of mental intensity. These
seven tunes extend beyond an hour...providing plenty of mind-expanding exercises
for the adventurous and the hearty. Absolutely great stuff...with or without
the use of hallucinogens. (Rating: 5++)
Volcano, I'm Still Excited!! - Volcano, I'm Still Excited!! (CD,
Polyvinyl Record Company,
Odd pop)
Hmmm...what a catchy band name (?!?). Obviously not approaching music
with the idea of making an immediate fortune, the guys in Volcano, I'm
Still Excited!! produce a peculiar brand of pop that sounds not unlike
a crossing of Andy Partridge and John Vanderslice (more the
former than the latter). This trio pushes all the right buttons early in
their career...having quickly established themselves as an honest creative
force to be reckoned with. Possibly the nicest fact about this album is
that the band doesn't use canned formulas. Each song presents different
ideas and enough surprises to entertain the listener from start to finish.
Some of the cheesy keyboards seem a bit out of place...but that's a minor
complaint considering the quality of the songwriting. The album features
sixteen cuts including "Overture," "Joe Jaxon," "Around
the Dream," and "Two Exclamation Points." A good album to
be certain...but we're expecting even better stuff from these folks in the
very near future... (Rating: 4+++)
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