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November 2003 Reviews by
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E-mails | The babysue®
Store | General Info | LMNOP®
| Quotes | Official
T-Shirts | Review
Policies
November 2003 Reviews by
RATING SYSTEM:
= SO MUCH
YES THAT IT IS GODDAMN!!!
= GODDAMN
EXCELLENT
= VERY
GODDAMN GOOD
= JUST
GOOD (WITH NO GODDAMN ADDED FOR EMPHASIS)
= FAIR
AS GODDAMN FAIRIES
= SHITTY
AS GODDAMN SHITTY CAN BE
November 2003 Comment Piece: A New Goddamn Poem
Warm Vomit
Find the warm vomit
That is sitting in your head.
Feel the vomit,
Touch the vomit,
Bleed until you're dead.
Spread the vomit smoothly
Until heaven comes along.
Spread it over continents
Until it is all gone.
Eat the vomit giblets
With tenacity and love.
Give the giblets groovy rings
And keep them in a glove.
Even dogs don't get the joke
When they're not so warm.
Vomit doggies comatose,
Nailed inside a farm.
Addison Project - Mood Swings (CD, Unicorn,
Progressive modern jazz)
Addison Project is Richard Addison and a variety of impressively
competent guest artists. The compositions on Mood Swings are sure
to please anyone who ever enjoyed The Grassy Knoll...or virtually
any other credible modern progressive jazz groups. In addition to providing
thick and solid bass lines, Addison also acts as programmer in this endeavor.
These tunes play like modern mood music with a beat. Sometimes the sound
is spooky...at other times light and playful...and sometimes downright calm
and reflective. A variety of instruments and sounds keep things from ever
becoming samey or dull...and they are all effectively incorporated into
these finely textured pieces. Some of the melody lines are somewhat reminiscent
of some of Frank Zappa's later work...and a few of the guitar leads
remind us of Steve Hillage. These nine tunes hold up to many repeated
spins...sounding better and better as familiarity sets in. Top picks: "Sleepwalking,"
"Mood Swings," "Mceuet," and "Controlled Freedom."
Excellent. (Rating: 5+)
Basement
Jaxx - Kish Kash (CD, Astralwerks
/ XL Recordings, Pop/soul/dance/techno)
Charging out of the gates with the furious and explosive vocal talents of
Lisa Kekaula (on the tune "Good Luck"), it is immediately
obvious that Basement Jaxx duo has another heavy hitter on their
hands. Kish Kash is a maddeningly upbeat collection of tight dance
kickers...featuring the vocal talents of some impressive stars. Guest vocalists
include Meshell Ndegeocello, Cotlyn Jackson, J. C. Chasez,
Phoebe, and Siouxsie Sioux (we could have done without Dizzee
Rascal's disappointing appearance on "Lucky Star" but that's
a minor point overall). Kish Kash is chock full of the stuff that
techno kids love. The music is upbeat and very much with the times. For
our own peculiar taste, we find the music of Basement Jaxx to be a bit overproduced...but
hey, that's probably exactly the point of it all (!). Plenty of dance crazy
stuff here to keep the club kids happy... (Rating: 4++)
The
Books - The Lemon of Pink (CD, Tomlab, Eccentric/esoteric/difficult
to describe)
In a world full of generic artists whose music all tends to blur together
in an undefinable haze of boring nothingness...The Books are wonderfully
inventive and entertaining. It is a rare case indeed when we cannot sum
an album up in a few words...but this disc is virtually impossible to describe
in a simple and succinct manner. And therein lies the exact beauty and allure
of The Books. To pull a few phrases from the press release, this music might
best be described as "electro-acoustic sound collage, laptop, glitch,
folktronica, cut-up indie bluegrass..." That pretty much sums it up.
This duo takes acoustic instruments, samples them, and then patches and
layers the sounds with other additional instruments and voices...to come
up with their own unique vision of what music ought to sound like. Amazingly,
the overall effect is very calming and soothing...and the music has a surprising
warmth that is sadly missing in much of the world's electronic wonderland.
The tunes on The Lemon of Pink also have a strange personal feel...sounding
very much like the music is being created right there in your very own living
room. Thirteen perplexes compositions here including "The Lemon of
Pink," "S Is For Evrysing," "Don't Even Sing About It,"
and "That Right Ain't Shit" (that isn't a typo...!). Highly
recommended. (Rating: 5++)
BT
- Emotional Technology (CD, Nettwerk,
Accessible electronic techno rap hip hop)
Oh no...what happened to BT? We used to really dig this guy's stuff...but
this one has us wondering what went wrong (?). Emotional Technology
is way, way, way too calculated and obvious. The rap and hip hop elements
are obtuse and annoying...and even the programming seems pretentious and
tired. Our guess is that BT has decided to go for the bucks...leaving artistic
integrity somewhere way, way, WAY off in the background. We know this guy
has the skills and talent to create great stuff...but on Emotional Technology...it
just ain't HAPPENING. Bleah. (Rating: 2)
The
Capillaries - Overnight Lows and Daylight
Savings (CD, Water Power, Pop/rock)
A damn fine debut. Seattle's The Capillaries present a wealth of
melodic low fidelity tunes that possess a sincere and genuine intent...while
featuring distinct, memorable melodies. The band is led by Matthew Southworth
who, based upon his music, seems to be a fellow who is creating music first
and foremost out of the pure love of doing so. His tunes are thoughtful
pop pieces that recall a variety of artists from the 1960s right on through
to the present. What is most impressive about this album is its lack of
formulas. Each song stands up on its own...sounding distinctly different
from the rest...all the while retaining a familiar thread which gives the
album a nice flow. Joining Southworth are Jon Wooster on bass and
Kelly Minnis on drums. Plenty of strong songs here including "Modern
Dress," "Wait and Recover," "Genius," and "I
Can Fall." This l'il sucker was mastered by Jon Auer (of The
Posies)...who is also producing the band's next album. This is a true
underground pop gem. The more you spin it...the more you want to
spin it. Great stuff. (Rating: 5)
The
Capitol Years - Pussyfootin (CD, Full Frame, Pop)
The missing piece of the puzzle is, perhaps, the best of the puzzle pieces.
Up until this point, The Capitol Years' short but illuminated career
yielded but two releases (Meet Yr Acres & Jewelry Store EP).
Pussyfootin' was, for the most part, recorded in between the two
but never officially released. Very interesting...because this is where
some of the band's meatiest tunes reside. Subtlety is the key here...with
most of the tunes resonating with a folky feel that is particularly appealing.
The softer approach makes it much easier for the listener to take note of
what a great voice songwriter Shai Halperin has. But even more importantly...these
tunes make it clear that this man is truly a songwriter to be reckoned with
for many years to come. This album is chock full of fantastic little gems.
Particularly entertaining cuts include "Old Crow," "It's
the Law," "Tumbleweed Prayer," "Here Comes..."
(possibly the band's best song yet), and "Talk Walk." We've been
entertained by The Capital Years in the past...but Pussyfootin completely
blows us away... Highly recommended. (Rating: 5++)
Christiansen - Stylish Nihilists (CD, Revelation,
Hard rock)
The guys in Christiansen return...with another hard rock album for
the discerning listener. These fellows have the three basic elements that
make a band worthy of attention: (1) they're tight; (2) they have long hair;
and (3) their material is unique and inventive. Stylish Nihilists
contains plenty of loud thrashing...yet contained within the threads are
some rather subtle elements that give the band's sound a unique twist. The
song titles give a good indication of what this band is about: "Kentucky
Goddamn," "The Middle Finger," "Dead Celebrities Are
Amusing," "In Smut We Yearn"... Obviously there's a sense
of humor lurking underneath these voluminous compositions. Christiansen
tunes are somewhat epic in nature...sometimes sounding like arena rock...and
at other times sounding like pounding hard thrash rock. Smart and intense...these
four guys have a sound and image that could catch on with kids all over
the world in a BIG way... (Rating: 4+++)
Desert
City Soundtrack - Funeral Car (CD, Deep Elm, Progressive pop)
What...? A piano-based pop band that DOESN'T sound like Ben Folds...?
IMPOSSIBLE. But...as shocking as it may sound...Portland's Desert City
Soundtrack is a band that sounds virtually nothing like Mr. Folks on
this, their debut album. Sometimes that is a plus...at other times it is
a minus. But this band at least gets major bonus points for creating piano
pop/rock with a different slant...the main unique trait being that some
of their music comes off sounding like thrash and/or metal. Funeral Car
is a decidedly schizophrenic album...with many of the tunes coming in like
a lamb...and going out like a lion with rabies. Sometimes the idea works...and
at other times the tunes seem to fall short. Overall, this is a puzzling
album that seems rather out of step. That is, of course, another plus for
this peculiar band. One thing is for certain. Desert City Soundtrack will
not please everyone (and they most likely aren't trying to anyway). Some
interesting stuff here nonetheless... (Rating: 3++)
Kevin
Devine - Make the Clocks Move (CD, Triple Crown, Pop)
An intriguing album from a decidedly talented young artist. Make the
Clocks Move is an interesting spin. The album contains straightforward
pop compositions interspersed with sparse recordings that sound very much
like demonstration recordings. The mix of the two types of tunes adequately
portrays a songwriter with a sincere and genuine spirit...whose main motivation
seems to be embedding memorable melodies with intelligent lyrics. Even though
Kevin Devine is treading in safe and familiar territory...we are
hard pressed to come up with any obvious comparisons or influences. This
could possibly be due to the fact that his music contains such a wide variety
of sounds and ideas from other artists. The simpler and less produced tunes
here are the best...as they allow Devine's tunes and words to stand naked...proving
that his music is strong enough that it doesn't need lavish arrangements
in order to entertain. His voice is somewhat fragile at times...displaying
a vulnerability that is arresting and mesmerizing. The more we spin this
disc...the better it sounds. Credible compositions abound here...including
"Ballgame," "Noose Dressed Like A Necklace," "Marie,"
and "Thanks." (Rating: 4+++)
The Dirty Projectors - The Glad Fact (CD, Western
Vinyl, Obtuse pop)
The music of The Dirty Projectors is most likely to be appreciated
by folks who have enjoyed artists such as Tyrannosaurus Rex, Captain
Beefheart, and The Frogs. That is to say...this band truly does
have a unique sound that takes some getting used to...particularly in terms
of vocals. The band consists of Dave Longstreth...a man with an imagination
ten times taller than your average modern-day musician. On The Glad Fact
many of the tunes at first appear to be meandering and unsteady. Only upon
closer observation and repeated listenings does it become obvious that Longstreth's
tunes are actually sung exactly the way he intends them to sound. If you
are the type who enjoys familiar music that does not challenge your current
state of mind...you would do well to avoid this band completely. If, however,
you are one of those unusual listeners who is not "freaked out"
because something doesn't sound familiar...then we would highly recommend
that you check this one out. The more we play The Glad Fact...the
more impressed we are. Though it may be difficult to describe the sound
of tunes such as "Like Fake Blood In Crisp October" or "Off
Science Hill"...once you hear them, you aren't likely to forget the
experience of hearing The Dirty Projectors... (Rating: 5+)
Heather
Duby - Come Across the River (CD, Sonic Boom Recordings,
Pop)
Heather Duby's second full-length begins with the wonderful haunting
strains of "Make Me Some Insomnia"...a wonderfully subtle and
hypnotic pop masterpiece...captivating, haunting, and stunning. "Stamped
Out" follows with the same basic formula and works very well. For better
or for worse, from the third song forward this album seems to meander...never
quite matching the quality of the first two tracks (although "Three
Miles" comes close). Duby has a wonderful vocal style which seems to
work best when surrounded by the right instrumentation. The more sparse
pieces on this album just don't seem like they are quite focused enough.
Thankfully, the kinks are finally worked out...and the album ends with the
appropriately satisfying "Golden Syrup"...a beautiful composition
in which piano and strings compliment Duby's voice perfectly. Although this
isn't the one, Heather obviously has the potential to make a truly great
album... (Rating: 4-)
THEforREALS - Wash Away the Cheer (Independently released CD, Pop/rock)
THEforREALS is the trio of Norm Buccola, Tom Nunes,
and Micah Kassell...three session musicians who took it upon themselves
to form their own band and follow their own vision...rather than follow
the vision of others. Smart move...because this band sounds nothing
like a group of sessions musicians getting together for generic jamming
(!). THEforREALS sound something like an odd crossing of Thunderclap
Newman and Dinosaur Jr...but that description only hints at the
band's true sound. On Wash Away the Cheer these three guys have come
up with some amazingly credible pop/rock featuring a very minimal produced
sound...and absolutely killer masculine vocals. The songs are direct and
immediately effective...and the lyrics are smart and right on target. There
are some real classics here...like "Butter Cookies" (!!!), "Grey,"
"Savior Imbibes," and "Slo-Mo." This l'il sucker is
worth ordering from the band (besides...you aren't likely to find this
in local music shop...). Featuring a great big wad of infectious melodies...Wash
Away the Cheer is a real winner. (Rating: 5)
The Gay
- You Know the Rules (CD, Mint,
Pop)
Blissful upbeat happy pop. "Opulent Canine" caused us to instantly
fall in love with this band. The bizarre lyrics mix with the sugary sweet
pop sound and particularly loose drumming...to present a band of folks who
aren't taking themselves too seriously...all the while presenting some seriously
effective pop. The Gay are not a conventional band in many ways...not
the least of which is the line up (the band consists of four girls and one
guy). As an added bonus...one of the female singers' voice bears an eery
similarity to Kirsty Maccoll. While the remainder of You Know
the Rules is not as immediately accessible and gripping as "Opulent
Canine," with repeated spins the rest of the album holds up just fine.
In some ways, these folks' music reminds us of The GTO's (those crazy
groupies from decades ago)...partially because these tunes display a novel
innocence that is missing in the music of most seasoned bands. This is a
smart album...yet it is basically an easy spin. If all bands sounded this
fresh and vital...the world would be a much better place. Great tunes include
"Critics," "Cindy Lou," "Fidelity," and "Fishin'
Jim." Another winner from the fine folks at Mint... (Rating: 5)
Crystal
Gayle - All My Tomorrows (CD, Southpaw,
Pop)
Perusing the track listing on this CD, one might get the impression that
this is just another collection of tired old hits rehashed for the fifty
millionth time. Beware of first impressions, however, because Crystal
Gayle has a real winner on her hands with All My Tomorrows. To
put it simply, this is a beautiful album of classic tunes produced to perfection...and
sung with such conviction that the listener can't help but be pulled into
Ms. Gayle's musical universe. In many ways, this album's overall tone is
reminiscent of the approach K.D. Lang took on her spectacular Shadowland
album. When Gayle chooses a tune and records it...she makes it her own.
Her silky smooth voice is inviting and amazingly resonant...and she surrounds
herself with the best musicians and arrangers. While this album is a slick
and highly produced affair...it is my no means schmaltzy or insincere. Fourteen
heart stoppers here...including "You Belong To Me," "Falling
In Love Again," "What'll I Do," and "For All We Know."
Lovingly produced by Jay Patten and Gayle herself. (Rating: 5)
The Holy Ghost - Get Your Funeral Shoes (CD EP, Clearly,
Rock/pop)
The gentlemen in Brooklyn's The Holy Ghost continue in their mission
to provide intelligent rock music that--with the right marketing--might
eventually be appreciated by the masses. (That would be contingent on whether
or not the average citizen could get used to the band's unusual vocalist.)
Actually, the strange vocals are what make this band so great. No generic
whiny screams and yelps here. Christopher Dean Heine is truly a man
who feels what he sings. His voice is distinctive yet immediately effective.
But don't mistake this for a solo affair...the other players' contributions
to the overall sound are just as important. Kent Heine's bass playing
is thoughtful yet appropriately restrained...Eric Willhelm's drumming
is punctuated and determined...and guitarist Alec Ferrell's playing
is the icing on the cake. This is a great l'il EP...it just leaves you wanting
more. Five superb tunes including "Ghettobird" and "What
If We Never Change?" (Rating: 5)
Isolation Years - Inland Traveller (CD, Galaxy
Gramophone, Pop)
This is a noteworthy CD for two reasons. First, this is the first album
to be released on the new Galaxy Gramophone label...and secondly, because
Inland Traveller is the debut album from Scandinavia's Isolation
Years. Thus, that's a nice match between a good new label and a good
new band. Traveller was recorded in 1999 and mixed in 2001 but is
only now seeing a U.S. release. The band's thick heavy pop features keyboards
and guitars that mix and merge while the clean vocals are the central focal
point. The band's 1980s inspired pop may appeal to folks who are into present
day bands like The Strokes. Isolation Years consists of Anton
Berglund, Daniel Berglund, Mats Hammarstrom, Jakob
Mastrom, and Jakob Nystrom. Inland Traveller is a strong
album that only hints are what these guys will be capable of in the years
ahead... (Rating: 4+++)
JamisonParker - notes&photographs E.P. (Advance CD EP, Interscope, Pop/rock)
It would be easy to dismiss all modern power pop bands for the pure and
simple reason that most of them are generic and virtually unrecognizable
copies of one another. But that would be taking the easy way out...and it
might mean missing an integral exception to the rule...like JamisonParker.
The name is confusing. as the words are purposely spelled together with
no space...and the name is taken from the two individuals who make up the
band (Jamison Covington and Parker Case). Covington and Case
come up with some rather dynamic and catchy numbers on notes&photographs
(again, no space in between the words there...). True to the press release,
the duo's tunes are reminiscent of bands like Jimmy Eat World. This
EP sets the stage for what may very well be a fantastic full-length. Keep
your ears peeled... (Rating: 4++)
Jem - It All Starts Here... (CD, ATO
/ BMG, Pop)
This young lady is being heralded as an important newcomer in the world
of pop...that great big ol' marketing machine in the sky is telling the
truth (!). Born in Wales and eventually relocated to London, Jem
began singing and writing songs when she was thirteen. Her dedication and
commitment eventually led to her co-writing a tune with Guy Sigsworth
that ended on Madonna's American Life album. That solidified
her foot in the door...but gave no true indication of the true validity
of her work as a solo artist. It All Starts Here... validates everything
that Jem has been working towards. It immediately establishes her as a credible
new artist with a real flair for writing songs...and a silky smooth voice
that is incredibly captivating and cool. Jem's music is reminiscent of the
late great Kirsty MacColl in that there is an inherent subtlety to
the music that is endearing and genuine. The overall effect...is simple
and wonderfully produced music that gives one the feeling of floating. Five
exceptional tunes: "They," "Come On Closer," "Finally
Woken," "Just A Ride," and "Flying High (Acoustic Version."
Rarely have we been this impressed by an EP from a new artist. Fantastic
stuff that reverberates in the mind. (Rating: 5+++)
Lamont
Skylark - Love Poems and Fight Songs
(CD, Broken Home, Pop)
Upon first listen, Love Poems and Fight Songs didn't impress us much...but
something about the disc made us want to play it again...and again...and
again... During that time, we were pleased to find ourselves falling in
love with many of the tunes on this album. Lamont Skylark tunes combine
the best elements from pop, folk, and country...to create a fresh sound
that is vibrant and inviting. Bandleader Lincoln Morris writes some
truly heartfelt songs...and his deep voice is perfectly suited for his material.
This album recalls some of the more pensive material by Gram Parsons.
As mentioned previously, this band's material does take a while to sink
in...but once it does, you will find yourself completely immersed. Cool
tunes include "Stew," "Grey," "How Do You Know,"
and "Down From the Sky." (Rating: 4++++)
Jonny
Lang - Long Time Coming (CD, A&M, Blues/rock/pop)
Not many people score a platinum album at age 16...but then...not many people
can play and sing like Jonny Lang. With a voice and style that defy
his young age, Lang is a surefire hit in the world of music. He's confident...he
has a great, deep voice...and he has that nice slick clean look that goes
over so well with the general public. Usually when a young artist hits it
really big...they really don't have the talent to justify it. That is most
certainly not the case here. Jonny Lang is an unusually talented young man.
He really does have the talent and intensity of folks more than twice his
age. And Long Time Coming will only add fuel to the already intense
flames surrounding his career. People will go absolutely nuts over this
album...because it is chock full of the exact kind of familiar slick blues
rock that so many people love. The songs are great...instantly catchy tunes
like "Give Me Up Again," "Red Light," "Goodbye
Letter," and "Dying To Live" all sound like instant hits.
The only thing that is a major concern at this point is the people that
Lang is choosing to associate himself with. Bono...and Elton John...?
C'mon Jonny...you should know better (!). If Lang keeps hanging around
with bloated no-talents like this...he will quickly lose his credibility
among critics. But...at least for the time being...his music remains intact
and tactfully alive. So...at least for the time being...we'll give Jonny
a thumbs up. Hopefully he'll avoid the shitty superstar trip....and concentrate
on his career...rather than on becoming a "superstar airhead."
We'll just have to WAIT and SEE, won't we? Hmmm... (Rating: 4+++)
Map - Secrets by the Highway (CD, Velvet
Blue Music, Pop)
If you're the sort of person who is always on the lookout for that unknown
yet completely incredible unknown underground artist or band...you can do
yourself the grandest favor of all by checking out the Riverside, California-based
band Map. These folks have really outdone themselves with Secrets
by the Highway...creating a masterpiece overflowing with beautiful and
haunting pop compositions. This band is the brainchild of Josh Dooley,
a young man who can write circles around other songwriters...and whose vocals
are absolutely sincere and fantastic. Secrets was produced, mixed,
and recorded by Richard Swift and Frank Lenz who also act
as Dooley's backup band. Since the album was completed, a permanent band
has created which includes Ben Heywood (drums), Heather Bray
(guitar), and Jeff Loop (bass). There are so many knockout tunes
on this particular CD that it is difficult to choose favorites. The tracks
that initially stand out are "Everything Is Bad For You," "Beautiful
Friend," "Love and Magazines," "Riverside," "The
Dancing Girl," and "Is This Goodbye?"...but in all honesty,
every track is a keeper. Easily one of the best dreamy pop albums of the
year, Secrets of the Highway will satisfy for many decades to come.
Very highly recommended. (Rating: 5+++)
Ray
Mason Band - Idiot Wisdom (CD, Captivating
Music, Pop)
In an age filled with uncertainties...Ray Mason is always a sure
thing. Mason and his friends continue to provide smooth sailing pop music
that is highly reminiscent of some of the great light pop music that was
popular on FM radio in the early 1970s. His tunes and overall approach are
something like a cross between early Neil Young and Martin Mull.
What is most impressive about Mr. Mason is that virtually every song he
writes is a direct hit...and that is saying something, considering the generally
disposable nature of modern pop music. What makes Idiot Wisdom one
of Mason's better albums is the fact that he is sounding even more confident
now than he did a few years ago...particularly with regard to his vocal
delivery. Considering this man's quality output over the years...it becomes
more and more amazing that he has not yet been picked up by a major label
(?!?). This man's music could so easily be marketed (and purchased)
by a very large audience...! Perhaps one day the rest of the world will
take notice. Until then, Mason and his associates will continue to draw
the support of an incredibly devoted underground base of fans. Eleven knockout
cuts here including "Ring-A-Ling," "Water Off A Duck,"
"Slippery," and "Backroad Highway." (Rating: 5+)
The Minders - The Future's Always Perfect (CD EP, Future
Farmer Recordings, Pop)
Despite the obstacles that are always present when one is trying to maintain
a career in pop music...The Minders' Martyn Leaper manages
to stay on track by concentrating on crafting quality songs. The Future's
Always Perfect may not be quite as direct and easily digestible as some
of the band's earlier releases...but it's still basically a smooth sailer
with plenty of excellent melodies. The band's music continues to blend elements
from the 1960s and 1970s together and lace them with a modern pop sensibility
that is equally soothing and genuine. We tend to go for the tracks featuring
Leaper on lead vocals. Of the eight cuts on this EP, our top picks are "It's
So Hard," "Go Wave Your Hand," and "All the Way Round."
(Rating: 4+++)
MJB
- Bad Faith (CD, Semper
LoFi, Pop)
Sometimes known as MJB...and at other times known as Michael J.
Bowman...this man remains one of the true home recording wonderkids
of our time. Bowman has been doing this for many years now...which might
explain why his music has become so curiously mature and involved. The basic
elements from his early solo work remain intact (simple guitar playing,
real drums, inspired bass lines)...but the overall tone is more focused
and even somehow...more real. Michael has never made music with the intent
of making money...instead seemingly content to write and record his music
for his small yet devoted following (which still seems to be growing every
year). Potential listeners should be forewarned that this is truly a low
fidelity recording. There are no glossy effects and no fancy studio gimmicks.
Yet this is actually one of the real juicy aspects of this music. Rather
than having unnecessary variables getting in the way of the music...the
listener is confronted with only the essential elements needed in order
to get the point across. The cover of the album states that Bad Faith
is "a collection of poorly recorded songs about despair, resentment
and other bad attitudes..." That being the case, it seems odd that
the music has a strange uplifting quality (?!?). Not surprisingly, this
album is filled with more brilliant compositions that most folks will never
have the privilege to hear. Top picks: "Letdown," "Apple
Orchards," "Pickup," and "Moon." Filled with brilliant
material... (Rating: 5+)
Myracle Brah - Treblemaker (CD, Rainbow
Quartz, Pop/rock)
Myracle Brah is the latest project spearheaded by Andy Bopp...who
some may remember as the brains behind the 1990s band Lovenut. Treblemaker
is the band's second full-length release...and it is chock full of the same
melodically soaring music that made Lovenut such an entertaining experience.
Although the two bands do have similarities, Myracle Brah is most definitely
a much harder rocking unit. The tunes are propelled by thick fuzzy guitars
and a super tight rhythm section. Treblemaker is infused with the
sounds of decades of pop bands...yet the overall sound is very credible
and timely. The band's music is characterized first and foremost by Bopp's
crystal clear vocals. Plenty of pure pop numbers here, including "This
Is Where We Belong," "Climbing On A Star," "Heedless
Headless," and "Runaway." (Rating: 4+++)
New Bomb Turks - Switchblade Tongues and Butterknife Brains (CD, Gearhead, Hard rock)
Switchblade Tongues and Butterknife Brains is not a new New Bomb
Turks album, but rather a collection of tunes from previously released
EPs and B-sides. Thanks to John Golden's masterful mastering, however,
the collection holds up well with consistent sound quality from one song
to the next. This album can be summed up rather easily. If you love New
Bomb Turks...you'll go apeshit over this sucker. It really does match
the quality of the best albums they've released. If you've been turned off
by the band's loud unrelenting punk music in the past...then you probably
won't be interested. Whatever the case...it's chock full of hot slammers
like "Bad For Me," "Ad Nauseum," "Action,"
"Chip Away the Stone," and "Live Fast, Love Hard, Die Young."
(Not Rated)
Farris Nourallah - Problematico (CD, Western
Vinyl, Pop)
Farris Nourallah is a one man band...writing, playing, and recording
Problematico almost entirely by himself (the only exception being
backing vocals on track nine provided by Amy Kneppenberg). Nourallah
plays a melodic yet subdued brand of low fidelity pop that sounds not unlike
The Kinks' Village Green Preservation Society album. What
first stands out about Problematico is that Nourallah uses traditional
instruments almost exclusively...which gives the album a wonderful warmth
and genuine sound that is in stark contrast to many modern computer driven
solo projects. His vocals are particularly appealing...very restrained,
never forced...with overdubbed harmonies that are virtually perfect. These
tunes feature absolutely absorbing and beautiful melodies that slowly sink
into the listener's subconscious and take up permanent residence. The lyrics
are personal and introspective...offering a glimpse into how this man's
mind works. This is an excellent fifteen tune collection...featuring extraordinarily
meaty nuggets like "You've Got It Made," "Problematico,"
"Moscow In The Morning," "I Know Your Name," and "Adieu."
Easily one of the best pop releases of 2003. Instantly memorable. (Rating:
6)
Yoko Ono - John Is Dead and Now I Can't Get F*cked By Nobody (Advance
CD, Orange Peanut, Excuses rock)
We had to drink two buckets of vomit before we could understand this CD.
We kept asking ourselves..."Is Yoko being for real about all of
this?" The answer to it all is that YES, she really is being for
real...and the reality of it all is that it really is something real for
the first time in several years. To prepare for this recording, Ono spent
several months masturbating in the corner of a restroom on the top floor
of her home. It was hard work, but she has never been an artist to take
the easy way out. She kept smelling old pieces of John in her vaginal fumes
and this gave her the inspiration to begin a new album. She took a few layers
of the skin from John's rear end and layered them with some smoothed down
doodoo of her own...and then sprinkled some okie dokie on top of that. Her
own rear end wouldn't work right so she made some adjustments, finally coming
to the conclusion that her dead husband was never going to rump her barnhole
ever again. She cried and she cried. Oh how Yoko cried. The she decided
that the only way she was going to get someone else to rump her was to start
farting. She flipped on her recorder and farted high and low. She farted
sweet and she farted sour. She farted long and she farted short. She farted
south and then she farted north. And just when she thought she couldn't
fart again...Yoko stood up and said with a grin, "You know my new CD
isn't crappy as pudding, but that's how I planned it...now would someone
rump my goddamn noodle hole like that dead worthless atheist husband of
mine used to do before he crumped up and died?" The CD features photos
of Yoko's rectum in various modes of photosynthesis. Each CD includes a
bonus chunk of John's uterus. (Rating: 1)
Pelican - Australasia (CD, Hydra
Head Industries, Heavy progressive instrumentals)
Chicago's Pelican is an instrumental band whose music features a
slightly different slant. The band combines elements from 1970s progressive
bands with modern heavy metal...creating a formidable wall of sound that
seems to change and evolve from one minute to the next like a kaleidoscope.
The band's music has an epic sound that incorporates a wide variety of ingredients
along the way. While the band occasionally hints at ambient and even classical
music...they always seem to return to riding the crest on a wave of heavy
sludge guitars as their primal base. There are millions of instrumental
bands on the planet...but few have opted to take the heavy-handed path of
Pelican. In a world of generic instrumental bands, this quartet stands out
as a unique entity. Lengthy cuts include "Nightenday," "Angel
Tears," and "Australia." Good stuff... (Rating: 4+++)
Pseudosix - Days of Delay (CD, 54
40 or Fight!, Moody pop)
Pseudosix is a band whose music takes time to sink in and that can
be a very good thing...particularly when the end result is so ultimately
satisfying. The band is the trio of Tim Perry, Emil Snizek
(who also has his own great band named Holy Sons), and Joe Kelly.
Perry, Snizek, and Kelly play a thoughtful, subdued brand of soft pop music
that is characterized by soft vocals and some very smart and personal lyrics.
The band's tunes are anything but obvious. Instead of approaching music
from the same general principle as is most often applied...these guys are
instead coming from their own unique direction...providing tunes that truly
do not sound like the rest. For our bucks, the softest and more sparse
tunes are the best...recalling the general feel of tunes from Lou Reed's
fantastic yet underrated Berlin album. Perry and Snizek's vocals
are truly a perfect match. Dreamy cool sounds abound on Days of Delay
...making this one of the great standout albums of 2003. Classic cuts
include "Holly Abyss (Introduction)," "Run Rebel," "Put
Your Back to the Sun," and "Hey Revenge." Recommended. (Rating:
5+)
The Rum Diary - Poisons That Save Lives (CD, Substandard,
Progressive pop/rock)
The majority of the people in the world are so goddamn obvious. It's
a shame, isn't it? You can always spot truly shallow and trivial individuals
simply by identifying those whose lives are obvious. Those poor, pitiful
folks who feel they must always clearly state their position on everything...that
their ideas and opinions must always fit together like pieces of a goddamn
puzzle... It is sad. So very sad. These same individuals seem to feel that
their real identities in this big cruel world are so painfully important...and
that the way they are perceived by others is absolutely crucial to their
very existence. Because there are so many obvious bands and artists in the
world...it is fortunate indeed that at least a small percentage of the recording
public take the attitude and approach of The Rum Diary. The band's
material plays something like the soundtrack to an abstract painting. There
are no obvious reference points. There are no catchy choruses. There are
no images of the band on the cover sporting dumb haircuts and inappropriate
piercings. Instead, this band's music blends and blurs away in its own unique
universe...never quite giving itself away...all the while providing substantive
food for thought. Poisons That Save Lives will unfortunately not
appeal to most people...because in the world of music, most folks prefer
the obvious. (We don't understand it, but it is most certainly a fact.)
Those who take the time to hear The Rum Diary, however, will be rewarded
with the fine fruits of a truly rewarding listening experience. The band's
tunes are wonderfully understated and sly...creeping around unexpected corners...and
always focusing on clarity in the most subtle ways imaginable. Eight great
cuts here...including "Greasers Win," "It's Midnight,"
"Killed By the Cowboy President," and "The No Hunt."
Excellent. (Rating: 5+)
Slomo
Rabbit Kick - Bass Monster Lives in the
Bass Forest (CD, Skrocki,
Pop)
At this point we have to wonder...is a shortage of good "dot com"
names causing artists to come up with better and more creative band names...?
Maybe, maybe not...but when a band comes along with a name like Slomo
Rabbit Kick...this certainly seems to be the case (!). This is the new
project spearheaded by Jay Chicolte (previously with the band The
Revolutionary Hydra). Up until now, Chicolte has probably received most
of his notoriety from a song he wrote ("That Fact That Launched A Thousand
Shits") that appeared on the first Death Cab For Cutie album.
Bass Monster Lives in the Bass Forest firmly establishes Chicolte
as a viable one man band. He sang and played everything on this album with
the exception of some backing vocals supplied by Jamie Kline. Bass
is an odd album...sometimes sounding familiar...and at other times sounding
decidedly unfamiliar and peculiar. We are particularly impressed by the
fact that Chicolte opts to play real drums rather than use the ones
in cans...it sounds so much better. Reading the song titles...it is difficult
indeed to figure out where this guy is coming from ("spacer.gif,"
"To An Abject Degree," "Interstitial Walrus Revere"...).
Whatever is being said...it sounds strangely relevant. An intriguing album
from an intriguing artist... (Rating: 4+++)
Small Life Form - One (CD, Silber,
Ambient/drone/electronic)
Whenever we need an ambient drone fix...we turn to Raleigh, North Carolina's
esoteric Silber label for the latest pertinent injection. Small Life
Form is a particularly welcome release...because it was created by the
founder of the label himself. Brian John Mitchell has developed a
solid following by releasing music by bands and artists with virtually no
commercial potential and who truly expand the boundaries of music. From
the start, Mitchell's label has obviously been a labor of love...with an
emphasis on releasing unique, quality releases. One should be warmly
received by those who are already familiar with the obtuse and mesmerizing
Silber sound. Mitchell spent five years working on this album. It was recorded
in real time without overdubs, with Brian playing all the instruments himself.
On the first spin, one might be inclined to dismiss this album as a mere
electronic drone experiment. Upon closer observation, however, it becomes
apparent that these compositions are keenly focused and contain a wealth
of subtleties that make them truly hypnotic and intriguing. Some of the
basic ideas here remind us of those inherent in the music of Charity
Empressa. The idea is to use sound in order to put the listener into
a trance-like state. These seven pieces are wonderfully peculiar and tastefully
executed to perfection. While not for everyone, this album should be welcomed
by those into truly mind-expanding electronics with a difference. Seven
lengthy cuts including "Small," "Organ," "Pulsar,"
and "Melodica." (Rating: 5+)
Mindy
Smith - One Moment More (CD, Vanguard, Folk/soft pop)
This is a beautiful collection of tunes...and easily one of the best releases
from the Vanguard label this year. Though a newcomer on the scene, Mindy
Smith had already generated quite a buzz with her initial recorded work
(she made quite a splash with her cover of "Jolene" which appeared
on a Dolly Parton tribute album). Her pure, crystal clear voice is
reminiscent of Alison Krauss...and her delivery is as equally captivating
and sincere. One Moment More is a super smooth and pleasing collection
of classic soft pop tunes sure to please even the most jaded listeners.
It would, indeed, be difficult to imagine anyone not being able to
appreciate this disc (!). It really is that good. Excellent tunes...unbelievable
vocals...superb arrangements...what more could one ask for? This album is
destined to be on a great many "best of" lists for the year. Features
eleven cool cuts including "Falling," "Raggedy Ann"
(particularly impressive...rivals even the best Janis Ian
tunes in terms of pulling emotional strings), "Angel Doves," and
"One Moment More." A truly amazing debut. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
(Rating: 5+++)
Rod Stewart - Favorites For Old Farts Who Can't Move Forward and Other
Tired Old Hits (CD, DNI, Pop)
Rod Stewart just keeps getting older and older...right along with
his elderly fans. Unlike other celebrities who move and change with the
times, Rod just keeps shitting along in the same old tired rut he's been
in for years...and that's just the way his fans like it. On Favorites
For Old Farts Who Can't Move Forward and Other Tired Old Hits, Rod truly
gives his followers what they want...new renditions of his generic hits
from decades ago...all redone with the vitality and vigor of a three-month-old
slug. Stewart's highly publicized brain transplant is now months old...but
he still seems plagued by the publicity that it aroused. And even though
he can no longer remember the lyrics to his tunes, he still tries his damndest
to remember them...even though he really can't remember any of them. But
he sure tries, goddamn it. At least the goddamn man tries. He never does
succeed, of course, but that's all just part of the real fascination. Complete
with burps, farts, hiccups, and other gutteral noises, Favorites
is truly what old farts want. Shitty old crap churned and rechurned for
the millionth time. Stewart is apparently planning on having his heart removed
during his next concert tour which will no doubt delight his fans to infinity.
Until then, this collection of feces will cast shame on the toilet ramps
that evoke positive remourse from the childish yet giddy frommish that teedles
and toodles all the live long day. Dlah dlah... (Rating: 1)
The
Strokes - Room On Fire (CD, RCA, Pop/rock)
Cut from the same fabric as the band's last album (Is This It), Room
On Fire is bound to satisfy the growing legions of Strokes fans
around the world. The band made the wise choice to stick with producer Gordon
Raphael, who was largely responsible for the band's uniquely peculiar
sound last time around. All the elements that make this band so uniquely
attractive remain intact: the hypnotic angular guitars, the smooth bass
lines, the simple steady rhythms, and those ever-so-slightly distorted vocals.
While the songs may not be as initially gripping and compelling as the material
on the previous album...with repeated spins, this l'il sucker holds up just
fine. Most really popular bands suck like there's no tomorrow have have
nothing valid to offer. In this very rare instance, the public has
actually adopted a credible and compelling band as their saviors. That is
to say, The Strokes really and genuinely do satisfy with quality material
and heartfelt delivery. Plenty of great material here including "What
Ever Happened?," "You Talk Way Too Much," "Meet Me In
The Bathroom," and "The End Has No End." The Strokes are
easily one of the strongest, credible bands leading us into the twenty-first
century... (Rating: 5++)
The
Suggestions - Mix Tape (CD EP, Independently
released CD, Pop)
When it's done right, there ain't nothing as pleasing as pure happy pop...and
Mix Tape is brimming over the edges with plenty of superbly executed
upbeat pure happy pop. The Suggestions are Keith Hosmer, Jason
Schultz, and John Brodeur. The band's tunes are characterized
by surprisingly gliding melodies and unusually smart and unusual hooks that
are anything but standard fare. This is a band with a refreshing jolt of
real talent and enthusiasm. John Brodeur's songs are instant classics...sounding
strangely familiar, yet injected with all the excitement and energy of something
new and different. This is a fantastic little EP featuring such killer cuts
as "Be True, " "Art of Dying," and "Changing Your
Mind (Again!)." The vocals are out-of-sight (!). (Rating: 5+)
Superhopper - Does This Sound Exciting Yet? (CD, Guilt
Ridden Pop, Rock)
Playing a peculiar brand of aggressive power pop that sounds something like
The Buzzcocks mixed with The Chainsaw Kittens...except with
a harder edge than either...Superhopper is a band whose music features
moments of sheer brilliance. "New Fresh Midwest," the opening
cut, is nothing short of fantastic...with its repeating refrain of It's
now new, it's not fresh, it's the Midwest... An unforgettable tune played
with true conviction. This band's buzzsaw punk/pop has a distinctive jolt
that is different from the rest...and it is hard to explain exactly what
that jolt is. Does This Sound Exciting Yet? has an overall sound
that recalls the original bands from the 1970s...while making the delivery
with all the punch and energy of a twenty-first century rock band. Cocky
and smart...the guys in Superhopper are one big whopping ball of
loud rocking fun. Standout cuts include "Something Real Cool,"
"Button," "Laraine Newman," "Backslash Wall,"
and "What It Takes." (Rating: 5)
Tyrades
- Tyrades (CD, Broken Rekids,
Punk rock)
The term punk rock has been thrown around and mutated to the point where
it now means little to the modern music listener. But while most bands claiming
to be punksters simply don't fit the bill...Chicago's Tyrades genuinely
and really do. The band's sloppy and intense sound is loud and aggressive...yet
their songs easily stand out amidst all the crashing and bashing. The band's
sound is characterized first and foremost by a girl singer who can belt
'em out like the biggest bossiest hairy badboys out there. She sounds something
like Johnny Rotten on LSD. While it is virtually impossible to distinguish
what the band's lyrics are actually about (very difficult to understand)...that
matters little because with Tyrades, intent is everything. This band
is providing a well-needed spiked injection into the big old tired veins
of a musical community that has become way too tame and safe. Fuel-charged
nasty-ass rockers like "Money Boy, Money Girl" and "Let Down"
are about as close as one can get to the original intent of punk in the
1970s. Excellent and wonderfully hyperactive... (Rating: 5)
Vasoline
Tuner - Rock Out With Your Cock Out
(CD-R, H22, Abstract rock/pop)
One of the most obtuse and underrated bands on the planet, the guys in Vasoline
Tuner continue to do things their own peculiar way...creating challenging
music with a decidedly hilarious sense of humor. Rock Out With Your Cock
Out is easily the band's funniest album yet...featuring lyrics and song
titles that are almost certain to make even the most jaded listeners howl
out loud. The album begins with the furious tension of "Ugly Girls
F*ck Better" (Hell YEAH!)...and then plunges into the overtly
silly "Staying At The Y." Before you can catch your breath, the
band proceeds to present the trippy, thoughtful, and eerie "Your Mom
is a Man." Vasoline Tuner is always a strange and bewildering experience...but
they've really outdone themselves with this l'il sucker. Other cuts that
make a definite impression include "Clouds Are Sexy," "First
Call the Police Then Suck My Dick," and "Dracula Was a Ding Dong."
In an age where creativity seems to be getting harder and harder to find...these
guys prove that all it takes is a vivid and intense sense of imagination...and
the ability to play a few instruments. This band's crazed music is highly
reminiscent of the super creative stuff that was released on Frank Zappa's
Bizarre Records label decades ago (Wild Man Fisher, The GTO's,
Captain Beefheart, early Alice Cooper, etc.). You'll never
find this in a store...so it'd be in your best interest to visit these wildmen
at their web site (link above). Absolutely great and intense stuff. This
band just keeps getting better as the years go by. Highly recommended. (Rating:
5++)
Young and Sexy - Life Through One Speaker (CD, Mint,
Pop)
Refreshingly sincere melodic pop music with a difference. Begun in 1993,
this band's has a subtle, pensive, and reflective approach to making music.
Instead of inundating the listener with volume and a wall of sound...the
folks in Young and Sexy prefer to take a more roundabout approach
in presenting their tunes. The songs are wonderfully complex melodically...and
crafted using just enough ingredients to get the point across. In some ways,
the band sounds like a more soft and thoughtful New Pornographers
(and we're not just saying that just because they share the same label).
The songs are smart...featuring male and female vocals...and, like the Pornographers,
these folks' tunes just don't sound like any other band that comes to mind.
The tunes on Life Through One Speaker are unpredictable...and yet
somehow sound strangely familiar. With most modern bands, you can pretty
much guess what's going to come next in the tune. This is definitely not
the case here. These compositions take cool, winding paths...often ending
up where you would least expect...all the while maintaining focus and integrity.
The inherent beauty of songs like "Oh My Love," "Weekend
Warriors," "Lose Control," and "Life Through One Speaker"
make this album a joy to spin again...and again...and again... Truly lovely
stuff. (Rating: 5+++)
Paul Westerberg - Come Feel Me Tremble (CD, Vagrant,
Pop/rock)
New studio album from the 1980s Replacements rocker. On Come Feel
Me Tremble, Mr. Westerberg seems to be taking the attitude that he simply
wants to give the people what they want...which is basically more the the
kind of music that made the Replacements famous in the first place (around
the time of their Tim and Let It Be albums). If you liked
Westerberg's music in the past, this one should hit a home run for you.
If you weren't impressed before, you probably won't be impressed with this
one either. There is also a DVD release coinciding with the release of this
album... (Not Rated)
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