![](3D"http://www.babysue.com/logo.GIF"){kind=logo}
May 2007 Reviews by![](3D"http://www.babysue.com/LMNOP.GIF")
Luther=20 Russell* Sons |
*Top=20 Picks
RATING =
SYSTEM:![](3D"http://www.babysue.com/headsm5.GIF"=20)
=3D =
EXCELLENT, THANK=20
YOU MS. MUFFIN![](3D"http://www.babysue.com/headsm4.GIF")
=3D VERY GOOD FRIED NOODLE, =
YES VERY=20
GOOD![](3D"http://www.babysue.com/headsm3.GIF"=20)
=3D =
GOOD BOY, NOW=20
DOWN, GET DOWN NOW...![](3D"http://www.babysue.com/headsm2.GIF")
=3D FAIR IS HARDLY FAIR ANYMORE =
IN THIS=20
SHITTY WORLD![](3D"http://www.babysue.com/headsm1.GIF")
=3D SHITTY IS ABOUT AS SHITTY =
CAN BE, DEEDLE=20
DEE DEE...
Aeroplane Pageant is driven by the songwriting skills of =
Brian=20
Kelly but also includes Chris Anguis, Mike Areephituk, =
Tim=20
Watson, and Erik Deangelis. The band previously released an =
EP (He=20
Is Fire) that went over well with many critics and listeners. =
Wave to the=20
Moon features complex modern progressive pop that is sometimes =
reminiscent=20
of Lilys. Mr. Kelly has a cool, warbly voice that really makes =
these=20
tunes cook. The melodies weave all over the place...hardly the =
predictable=20
blubber that many modern pop bands are guilty of producing. Some of =
Brian's=20
melodies are absolutely out-of-this-world. Our guess is that this band =
will=20
probably be embraced first by college kids...then later accepted by =
members of=20
the general public. Smart and inventive cuts include "All the Days," =
"Wherever=20
September," "Ghost and the Ballerina," and "New Parade." Classy stuff. =
(Rating:=20
5++)![](3D"http://www.babysue.com/headsm5.GIF")
Bang =
Gang -=20
Something Wrong (CD, From=20
Nowhere, Progressive pop)
Only occasionally do we hear new =
bands from=20
Iceland...but when we do, they are usually intriguing and unusual to say =
the=20
least. Bang Gang is a project driven by Reykjavik's Bardi=20
Johannsson...an extraordinarily talented writer, producer, and=20
multi-instrumentalist. Previously only appreciated by fans in their own =
country,=20
the folks in Bang Gang are now the central focus of a lot of people in =
the music=20
business...mainly due to the fact that Ryko is now distributing their =
music in=20
the United States. (As a side note, From Nowhere is the first Icelandic =
label=20
ever to be nationally distributed here). Something Wrong features =
dreamy,=20
articulately arranged tracks that are somewhat epic in nature. =
Johannsson's=20
tunes are moody and unpredictable...and feature sweeping instrumental =
sections=20
that have a cool, breezy quality. Considering the cerebral, odd nature =
of this=20
album...it seems weird that the band would choose to include a cover of =
The=20
Supremes' "Stop In The Name of Love." But even more peculiar is the =
fact=20
that the track actually works (in many ways sounding as good or even =
better=20
than the original...!). With the release of this album, the folks in =
Bang=20
Gang immediately establish themselves as major contenders in the world =
of=20
twenty-first century progressive pop. (Rating: 5++)
A short EP =
with tunes=20
that are slightly reminiscent of The Hang Ups. Though this EP =
only offers=20
seven tunes, it will certainly serve to whet the appetites of the band's =
growing=20
legion of fans. "Those Years" and "Losing My Love" are without a doubt =
two of=20
the niftiest pop tunes we've heard thus far this year. Our only =
complaint is the=20
length of this disc. After hearing sixteen minutes...we really wanted to =
hear=20
more, more, more. Hopefully this will be followed up in the very =
near=20
future with a full-length album... (Rating: 5)
Pity the bitter old bitties
Because they are=20 bitter.
Give up on bitter old bitties
While you're on the=20 shitter.(Rating: 1)
We've been =
into this=20
band's music in the past...but Baby 81 is a REAL knockout. Laced =
with=20
traces of Marc Bolan from start to finish, Baby 81 is a =
fuzzpop=20
masterpiece. The guys in Black Rebel Motorcycle Club were in the =
peculiar=20
position of being labeled way too hip and cool way too fast...and we =
were=20
worried that all the attention would go to these guys' heads. =
Apparently, at=20
least up to this point, that is not the case. Despite the fact =
that this=20
album features some super catchy tunes, it also packs a hearty punch. =
These guys=20
have it all...a killer rhythm section, great lyrics, mind bending =
guitars,=20
vocals drenched with attitude...and yet they seem to maintain creative =
control=20
despite the fact that they are on a major label. We'll certainly be =
blasting=20
this l'il sucker in our truck and MP3 player all spring long. Killer =
cuts=20
include "Took Out," "Windows" (a real standout track), "All You Do Is =
Talk,"=20
"Killing the Light," and "Am I Only." Highly recommended. (Rating:=20
5+++)
Simple catchy=20
pop played with genuine enthusiasm. The guys in Pittsburgh, =
Pennsylvania's=20
Black Tie Revue have a sound that is decidedly unhip and=20
uncool...both of which are impressive in this little corner of the =
internet.=20
Instead of playing modern noise or (c)rap hop, these guys play hard =
power pop in=20
the same general vein as some of the best bands from the 1970s. The=20
appropriately-titled Code Fun is one great big danceable ball of =
catchy=20
fuzzpop. This 10 song mini-album is a great introduction to a band with =
a real=20
future ahead of 'em. The vocals sound superb. Pure feelgood tracks =
include "Red=20
Everywhere," "Call Waiting," "Too Much Thinking," and "Absent Radio." =
Ultra=20
positive pop with punch. (Rating: 5+)
Blktop =
Project
Blktop Project began in 2002 when skateboarders =
Ray=20
Barbee, Tommy Guerrero, and Matt Rodriguez went on a =
road trip=20
and began making music together (the band now also includes Doug =
Scharin=20
and Chuck Treece). This eight song CD features smooth, jazzy, =
almost=20
lounge-ish compositions that flow by like puffy clouds in the sky. =
Rather than=20
creating the abrasive (c)rap rock that many skateboarders are guilty of=20
producing, these fellows create music that is much more cerebral in=20
nature...sounding very much like a movie soundtrack. Our only complaint=20
here...is that this disc is only about 24 minutes in length. With this =
sort of=20
mood inducing stuff...it would have been far more effective if the disc =
were at=20
least an hour long. A minor point, however, as quality is always more =
important=20
than quantity in this fluffy office suite... (Rating: =
4+++++)
Okay, so it=20
may not be the most original sounding album in the universe...but =
Cary=20
Brothers' smooth, pensive pop still sounds mighty damn good =
to us.=20
Who You Are is a collection of slick, polished, acoustic guitar =
driven=20
pop music featuring excellent vocals and arrangements that sometimes =
border on=20
orchestral. Cary's sound and style may be far too accessible for =
underground=20
fans...but there's a large audience that we'd bet will welcome this =
guy's music=20
with open arms. Although we're always impressed with super intelligent, =
creative=20
artists whose music is challenging and bizarre...there are times when =
all you=20
want is some easy pop to groove on. And there is plenty to groove on =
here.=20
Excellent songs include "Jealousy," "Honestly," "Loneliest Girl in the =
World,"=20
and "Precious Life." Our guess is that the ladies are really =
going to=20
love this guy... (Rating: 4++++++)
What an intriguing surprise to receive this =
release. These=20
two ultra talented brothers have been writing and recording music for =
many=20
years...and now they finally collaborate on an album together. =
Ronnie=20
Martin is the man behind Joy Electric and Jason Martin =
is the=20
man behind Starflyer 59. Both bands have been babysue =
favorites=20
for years and years. So...what does Brothers Martin sound =
like...? Well,=20
we are pleased to report that it sounds very much like...a cross between =
Joy=20
Electric and Starflyer 59 (imagine that!). Songwriting duties are =
split=20
up evenly between the two with the first track ("Communication") being =
the only=20
joint writing endeavor. After hearing this...we can't help but wonder if =
this=20
project will continue or whether this is a one shot deal...? No matter. =
This is=20
like getting a new album by two of our favorite artists all rolled into =
one.=20
Jason and Ronnie's sounds merge together surprisingly well...making this =
yet=20
another remarkable collection of pop songs that we couldn't live =
without. Killer=20
cuts include "The Harsh Effects of Time," "The Missionary," =
"Opportunities," and=20
"Life on Strings." Highly recommended. (Rating: 5+++)
Marc=20
Broussard's debut for Vanguard Records immediately recalls the music =
of=20
Stevie Wonder. As a result, some people may tend to dismiss Marc =
as a=20
copycat artist...but we don't subscribe to this theory. Actually and =
instead,=20
since Stevie isn't exactly churning out quality material like he used =
to, we=20
find Mr. Broussard's sound and style a refreshing reminder of how much =
we love=20
great soul/pop from the 1960s and 1970s. Broussard chose to cover the =
icons=20
here...Al Green, Staple Singers, Otis Redding, =
Marvin=20
Gaye, Bobby Womack, Allen Toussaint and more...and his =
versions are in most cases as good or better than the originals. Folks =
who long=20
for the days when soul was the focus of most black artists are bound to =
fall in=20
love with this music. Sure we may have heard it all before...but when =
it's=20
delivered with this much integrity and style...it still sounds =
good.=20
(Rating: 5)
James Chance & The=20
Contortions - Soul Exorcism Redux (CD, =
Remastered=20
reissue with three bonus tracks added for extra punch ("Disposable You =
#2," "I=20
Don't Want Nobody To Give Me Nothing," "Truth or Consequence"...all =
three taken=20
from a four-track recording session in 1987). This disc is a live =
recording of=20
the band playing in Rotterdam, Holland in 1980. Must've been a =
wild=20
night. This hot, blistering session features throbbing rhythms, James =
Chance's raw and intense vocals, and some crazy instrumental =
improvisation.=20
While tons of artists are playing this style of music today, way back in =
the=20
early 1980s James Chance and his associates were treading new territory. =
The=20
band's music incorporates ingredients from rock, punk, modern jazz,=20
experimental, and progressive rock into one big bad nasty stew. On that =
fateful=20
night, the band consisted of Chance, Patrick Geoffrois, Fred=20
Wells, Lorenzo Wyche, Al McDowell, Richi =
Harrison, and=20
Anya Phillips. This is some pretty wild stuff. Provocative and =
intense.=20
(Rating: 5+)
Peculiar stuff, even =
by our=20
standards. Conformists is neither a noise band nor a hard rock =
band nor a=20
punk band...nor is it completely experimental. Instead, the folks in =
this band=20
create music that is an odd congregation of elements from all of these =
and more.=20
One minute they're angry, the next moment pensive, then they sound =
almost jazzy,=20
then abrasive and noisy. The tracks on Three Hundred can best be=20
described as...schizophrenic. Perhaps our favorite segment of =
this album=20
is the beginning of "Black People"...which features the band playing =
their final=20
crash of the evening as the vocalist says "Thank you, thank you, =
thanks,=20
thank you very much, thank you..." And that is, of course, the=20
beginning of the song. Obviously these guys have a sense of =
humor, and at=20
times they are a total scream. This band is bound to lose almost =
all=20
listeners as they attempt to expand the boundaries of what music is and =
can be.=20
Although we find some of this to be rather amazing, we can only =
recommend it to=20
folks who are really, really far out mentally... (Rating:=20
5)
The two=20
fellows in Datarock have a sound that is reminiscent of artists =
like=20
The Frogs, Young Gods, Sex Pistols, and =
Kraftwerk.=20
Datarock Datarock is almost certain to elicit a variety of =
reactions from=20
listeners and reviewers. Datarock is the Norwegian duo consisting of =
Frederik=20
Saroea and Ketil Mosnes...two fellows who apparently aren't =
gay but=20
seem to enjoy singing about gay themes. The tunes on Datarock =
Datarock=20
are basic modern techno with punk rock aesthetics. The lyrics are =
particularly=20
inventive and humorous. The songs themselves...are somewhat of a hit and =
miss=20
affair. When these guys hit the target, they hit it dead on ("I Used To =
Dance=20
With My Daddy," "Princess," "Laurie"). But some of the tunes tend to be =
a bit on=20
the generic side ("Computer Camp Love," "See What I Care," "I Will =
Always=20
Remember You"). So...while this album may be a bit uneven, if you don't =
mind=20
skipping around a bit you will find some really great songs. This is a =
good=20
album...but the duo's next release could very well be a complete=20
knockout. (Rating: 4+++)
Dog Day -=20
Night Group (CD, Tomlab,=20
Pop)
We had to do a double take here...a pop group...on =
Germany's=20
obtuse Tomlab label...??? Strange but true, the folks in Dog =
Day=20
play accessible alternative pop music that is melodic and hummable. Our =
initial=20
reaction to this band was that...we didn't have much of an =
initial=20
reaction to this band. But fortunately we came upon this l'il sucker on =
a day=20
when we had some extra time to spare...and within a short amount of time =
we=20
found ourselves happily tapping our toesies to this group's simple, =
catchy,=20
feelgood music. This Canadian group plays modern progressive pop that is =
slightly reminiscent of The Wedding Present with vocals that =
remind us of=20
Lou Reed's first solo album. Nifty keepers include "Lydia," "Oh =
Dead=20
Life," "Gayhorse," and "Bright Light." A cool, uplifting experience. =
(Rating:=20
5+)
Here's the church and
Here's the = steeple.
Open the=20 doors and see shitty
People.(Rating: 1)
Put your baby
In a dumpster and
Leave it=20 there.(Rating: 1)
Earthless -=20
Rhythms From a Cosmic Sky (Advance CD-R,
Most =
bands end=20
their concerts and albums with an intense jolt of chaotic noise...but =
that's how=20
these guys chose to begin this album. Earthless is the =
trio=20
consisting of Mario Rubalcaba, Mike Eginton, and Isaiah =
Mitchell...three guys in San Diego, California who have a really =
big, thick=20
sound that combines elements of 1970s heavy metal with 1990s stoner =
rock. The=20
lead track ("Godspeed") is an exercise in excess. Instead of offering a =
nice,=20
catchy, radio friendly tune to begin their album, these fellows =
immediately=20
launch into a crazed hard rock free-for-all...this wild track lasts over =
20=20
minutes and never lets up. The playing is intense and the guitars are =
truly=20
gripping. For folks who liked Black Sabbath or Fu Manchu =
but found=20
the songs too commercial and accessible...this may just be your favorite =
new cup=20
of tea. Noisy instrumentals that you won't soon forget. (Rating:=20
4+++++)![](3D"http://www.babysue.com/headsm4.GIF"=20)
Enders =
Room=20
- Hotel Alba (CD, Tuition=20
Music, Progressive/jazz)
Johannes Enders has played =
saxophone=20
with some notable artists including The Notwist, Billy =
Hart, and=20
Roy Hargrove. Enders Room is Enders' own project in which =
he=20
records with no less than ten other musicians...and the results are =
indeed=20
impressive. Hotel Alba features twelve modern, funky, progressive =
tracks=20
that incorporate influences from all over the map. Some of these =
recordings are=20
slightly reminiscent of Britain's Grassy Knoll...except more =
jazzy in=20
nature. In addition to saxophone, Enders also plays flutes, clarinette, =
piano,=20
and klampfe and provides electronics, programming, and vocals. We are=20
particularly impressed with Johannes' vocals. He has a deep, smooth, =
subdued=20
voice that works perfectly with the style of music he records. While it =
isn't=20
likely that this album will yield any commercial hits (the music is too =
mature=20
and obtuse), critics and fans of musical undercurrents are bound to be =
wildly=20
enthusiastic about this disc. Groovy cuts include "Tiki Land," "Just Red =
and=20
Blue," "La La Bee," and "Morph 2." Super cool stuff. (Rating:=20
5++)
Your father is a liar.
Your mother is a = bitch.
Your=20 brother is a faggot and
Your sister is a witch.(Rating: 1)
She bludgeoned her husband
With a = hammer.
She shot=20 all her children
With a gun.
She took her own life
With a = carving=20 knife
Because she thought dying was
Fun.(Rating: 1)
GOD WILL DAMN YOU
When you wish upon a star
God will damn = you.
When you=20 do a good deed
God will damn you.
When you help those in = need
God=20 will still damn you.
When you don't do anything at all
God = will=20 continue to damn you
To infinity.(Rating: 1)
Goon =
Moon=20
- Licker's Last Leg (CD,
Goon Moon =
is the=20
duo consisting of Chris Goss (Queens of the Stone Age, =
Masters=20
of Reality) and Jeordie White (previously known as =
Twiggy in=20
the band Marilyn Manson and also now a member of Nine Inch =
Nails).=20
Surprisingly, the tunes on Licker's Last Leg don't sound much =
like any of=20
these fellows' other bands. These tracks have much more in common with=20
androgynous popsters like Peter Murphy and David Bowie. If =
the=20
band's own tunes weren't an indication of where they are headed, then =
the=20
inclusion of an intriguing Bee Gees cover ("Every Christian Lion =
Hearted=20
Man Will Show You") is a dead giveaway. The thickly produced cuts on =
this album=20
are, for the most part, pure pop played with plenty of modern pizzazz =
and kick.=20
Goss and White write songs that are melodic and memorable...and the =
vocals are=20
particularly impressive throughout. Although fans of those other bands =
may be=20
confused by Last Leg...our guess is that these guys now stand to =
land an=20
entirely new fan base. Nifty tracks include "Apple Pie," "An Autumn That =
Came=20
Too Soon," "Tip Toe," and "Lay Down." (Rating: 5+)
There was no press release that accompanied this disc and we =
could find=20
no autobiographical information about this band on their web site so we =
can only=20
offer a pure reaction to the music we hear...which is actually a good =
thing in=20
cases like this. The folks in Great Northern offer smooth, thick, =
glossy=20
soft pop music that relies heavily on melodic harmony and heavenly =
arrangements.=20
While the tunes on Trading Twilight for Daylight are mainly soft =
and=20
subdued, some elements creep in that are usually reserved for hard rock =
bands=20
(crashing drums, loose guitars in overdrive). The combination of various =
elements and sounds gives this band a moody and often unpredictable =
sound that=20
is inviting and occasionally peculiar. We're always a sucker for great=20
melodies...and great melodies are the strongest aspect of this band's =
work.=20
Driving rhythms...incredible vocals...and a wonderfully lush =
production...make=20
this album a purely delightful spin from start to finish. Killer tracks =
include=20
"Our Bleeding Hearts," "Home," "City of Sleep," and "The Middle." =
Recommended.=20
(Rating: 5+++)
Cool, dreamy, slick =
modern=20
progressive pop. The first thing that struck us about Kate =
Havnevik was=20
her voice. Man, what a voice this young lady has. Her vocals are =
so silky=20
smooth that on the first listen it is hard to notice anything else on =
this album=20
except for the vocals (!). After a couple of spins, however, you =
begin to=20
notice to precise arrangements and subtle nuances of the music itself. =
Although=20
probably too slickly produced for most underground music fans, we find =
the tunes=20
on Melankton to be beautifully intricate and hypnotic. In some =
ways,=20
various elements in Havnevik's music recalls other female artists like =
Kate=20
Bush (except less dramatic), Lisa Germano (except less dark =
and=20
depressing), and Yoko Ono (except more immediately =
accessible)...while=20
never really sounding too much like any of them. Some of the techno =
percussion=20
that creeps in from time to time seems a bit out of place...but overall, =
this is=20
a very soothing and satisfying collection of tunes from a lady who is =
bound to=20
make major waves in the musical world in the years ahead. (Rating:=20
5)
Bobby =
Hebb -=20
That's All I Wanna Know (CD,
This is the first commercially =
available=20
album of new material from Bobby Hebb since his 1970 album =
Love=20
Games. As a key point of reference, Hebb is the man who wrote and =
sang the=20
iconic hit "Sunny" (a new version is included on this disc). Although =
Hebb has=20
recorded material over the years, the music never made it to the surface =
for one=20
reason or another. That's All I Wanna Know features classy, =
classic=20
pop/soul tracks...some of which are covers and some of which Hebb either =
wrote=20
or co-wrote with others. Thankfully, Bobby and his crew opted to avoid=20
incorporating modern cliches into this album...resulting in an album =
with the=20
soul power of the 1970s combined with the super slick sound that modern =
studios=20
allow. Bobby's voice sounds great. He still sounds remarkable and =
powerful...and=20
his backing band is super tight. Spiffy cuts include "Different =
Strokes,"=20
"A Satisfied Mind," "We're Gonna Make It," "Cold Cold Heart," and "Love =
Love=20
Love." Let's all hope that this marks Bobby Hebb's permanent return to =
the world=20
of writing and recording... (Rating: 5+)
Genuine, good, simple Americana pop/rock in the same =
general vein=20
as artists like John Cougar, The Replacements, Leonard=20
Cohen, and Bob Dylan. Thrones of Gold is the debut =
album from=20
the Darrin James Band. Many folks are bound to be impressed at =
how=20
unpretentious this music is. Rather than jump on predictable bandwagons, =
James=20
and his bandmates play simple, classic guitar pop that could easily be=20
appreciated by millions of people. Darrin's songs are straightforward =
and=20
real...presenting thoughts and ideas that most people should be able to =
identify=20
with. If you're looking for the weirdest new underground band of the =
month, you=20
probably won't be impressed with this. But if you're in the market for =
some=20
good, hummable music that touches on real human topics...Thrones of =
Gold=20
just may end up being your favorite album of the year. Quality cuts =
include=20
"Trivial," "Thrones of Gold" (our favorite), "Had Enough of Me," and "In =
the=20
End." (Rating: 4+++++)
Jimi Hendrix
Was cool
Because he
Took=20 drugs.
You be cool
Too.(Rating: 1)
Ronnie Martin was, to the best of our knowledge, one of =
the first=20
pop singer/songwriters to bring the world of analog synthesizers back =
from the=20
grave. Because he was doing this in the 1990s before the onslaught of =
modern=20
bands emerged who now proudly rely on early analog sounds, Martin was =
largely=20
ignored by reviewers and listeners...most likely because his sound was =
so loopy=20
and unusual. Since he began his career, Martin has probably turned on =
about as=20
many people as he has turned on. His songs are probably too upbeat and =
infused=20
with too much Christianity for hipster underground listeners...while =
he's=20
probably a bit too strange for fans of commercial music. Even though it =
has=20
become a love-it-or-hate-it commodity...folks who love Joy =
Electric=20
really, really love it. And we are proud to be among the group of =
people=20
who appreciate the genuine sincerity and talent that goes into every Joy =
Electric album. The Otherly Opus continues where previous albums =
left=20
off. The album is short (just over a half an hour in length) but once=20
again...Ronnie delivers. Catchy, smooth, heady pop tracks include =
"Frivolity and Its Necessities," "Write Your Last Paragraph," and "A =
Glass to=20
Count All the Hours." Great stuff, highly recommended. (Rating:=20
5+++)
June =
Umbrella
Very nice seven song EP from this up-and-coming four piece band =
from=20
Eugene, Oregon. These tracks are exceptionally mature and polished, =
particularly=20
when you consider the fact that the band recorded and produced these =
songs=20
themselves. June Umbrella is driven by the songwriting talents of =
Brian Hall. This young fellow really knows how to turn a =
tune...and his=20
vocals are truly exceptional. Dreamy, textural arrangements add extra =
depth to=20
these ethereal pop tracks. We won't be surprised when the next June =
Umbrella=20
album ends up being released on one of the super hip underground labels =
in the=20
months ahead. Word is bound to spread quickly about this nifty little =
band=20
because their music has true substance. Top picks: "Van Gogh," =
"Harvest,"=20
"Icicles." (Rating: 5+)
Kite =
Operations
Kite=20
Operations is, first and foremost, an artistic endeavor in which the =
musicians are free to do whatever they please. The first track on this =
album ("I=20
Want To See") makes it perfectly clear that the individuals involved in =
this=20
project have little regard for commercial potential and mass appeal. The =
tune=20
begins with an extended meandering introduction before transforming into =
an=20
all-out rock tune...and then gradually melts away into a sea of =
overdriven=20
guitars. Beautiful stuff. Heart Attacks, Back to Back features =
the same=20
sort of heady, puzzling compositions that can be found on this band's =
previous=20
album (Dandelion Day). Unlike many artsy bands that use the =
recording=20
process as a diving board for pure experimentation, the folks in Kite =
Operations=20
always manage to include enough genuine substance in their tracks to =
ensure the=20
music holds up to many repeated spins. The more we hear from these =
folks...the=20
more impressed we are. If you're looking for easy, familiar music =
you=20
would best be advised to steer clear of this album. But if you're in the =
mood=20
for consciousness altering creativity...you will find a wealth of =
thought=20
provoking material to digest here. Peculiar, unpredictable, crazy tracks =
include=20
"Chimera," "Good Morning" (our favorite), "Comfort," =
"Killing/Afternoon," and "A=20
Day Outside." Truly nifty stuff. We're big fans of this band... (Rating: =
5+++)
Corporate accountants,
Financial agents,=20 and
Attorneys are already dead
Because they are already = living
In=20 Hell.(Rating: 1)
What a great name for a band...not =
Lopsided...but=20
Lopside. Brilliant. And what an excellent album title. And =
not=20
only is the title the title...but when you break it up into individual =
words, it=20
also becomes the individual song titles. Some real creativity =
obviously=20
going on here. We've just been going through a phase in our lives in =
which we=20
have determined that being too responsible is just plain dull and =
boring. When=20
all you've got is a great band name and CD title, that isn't saying very =
much...but when you happen to be Lopside...well then, you just happen to =
be=20
doing just about everything right. Although it isn't specifically =
stated=20
on the CD itself or the accompanying press release, our guess is that =
this is=20
the one man project consisting of D. Linds. Linds composes and =
records=20
thick, heady instrumentals that emphasize a thorough understanding of =
music=20
technology. The tracks on this lengthy album (over an hour's worth of =
music=20
here) are imaginative, spooky, funny, and thought provoking. So many one =
man=20
electronic bands on the planet...and yet very few who actually stand out =
from=20
the crowd. Lopside is sure one of these. Classy, impressive tracks =
include=20
"When," "You're," "Finally," "Through," and "Being." Recommended. =
(Rating:=20
5+++)
Loose =
Salute=20
was formed after Mojave 3 drummer Ian McCutcheon overheard =
Lisa=20
Billion singing Bob Dylan songs while cooking at a rehearsal =
studio=20
(the band now also includes Charlotte King, Pete =
Greenwood, and=20
Alan Forrester). What will strike many folks is how strangely =
accessible=20
the tunes on Tuned to Love are. These soft, catchy songs could =
have=20
easily been radio hits in the 1970s and 1980s. Nowadays...who knows =
how=20
folks will react to this music...? Subdued, reflective, and =
simple...Loose=20
Salute songs have a light hippy sound that is somehow reminiscent of =
1960s folk=20
music from London and San Francisco. While the band's sound is soft and=20
familiar...we're baffled in our attempts to describe the music. Exactly=20
who does this album sound like...? Harper's =
Bizarre...?=20
Fleetwood Mac...? Whatever it is, it's classic and timeless. =
Excellent=20
tracks include "Death Club," "The Mutineer," "Why'd We Fight," and "Cold =
Water."=20
There are some beautiful little gems on this one... (Rating: =
5+)
Magic =
Bullets
Magic=20
Bullets is a peculiar little band in San Francisco that plays pop =
that is=20
strangely out of place in today's musical climate. The band's unique =
sound is=20
due in large part to the odd, slightly strangled vocals of Philip =
Benson=20
(who sounds something like a cross between very early David Byrne =
and=20
Robert Smith). The band's guitar driven tunes are direct and=20
danceable...and yet there are peculiar elements in the music that are at =
times=20
almost indiscernible. What is most appealing about this album is the =
fact that=20
the band members don't seem to be copying the sound and style of other =
bands.=20
The musicians seem driven by their own innate desires to make their own =
kind of=20
music...and it shows. Clever pop ditties include "Yesterday's =
Seen Better=20
Days," "Heatstroke," "Circumstances," and "Spent Nights." Groovy stuff, =
played=20
with integrity... (Rating: 5)
Graig Markel keeps the =
quality up=20
on this short but satisfying collection of tunes. On the first spin, one =
might=20
mistake Via Novella as just another batch of soft modern pop =
tunes. But=20
closer observation reveals the intricacies and nuances that make this =
album so=20
rewarding and fulfilling. Markel plays a whole slew of instruments =
(electric and=20
acoustic guitars, steel guitar, bass, keyboards, piano, vibraphone, =
etc.) and=20
has an impressive crew lending helping hands (Shea Bliss, =
Jeremiah=20
Green, Zera Marvel, Jeffrey McCallum, Jen =
Wood). This=20
album features eleven personal, moody compositions that are infused with =
tasty=20
reverb drenched guitars and subtle, heady arrangements. Graig has a cool =
restrained voice that is immediately genuine and soothing. Packaged in a =
beautiful diecut digipak sleeve...Via Novella is a wonderfully =
real=20
experience. Top picks: "Black Mesa," "Knives Drawn" (our favorite),=20
"Turpentine," "Silverlining." (Rating: 5+)
The=20
more we hear from the folks in Marlboro Chorus...the more =
impressed we=20
are. American Dreamers is, without a doubt, the band's strongest =
release=20
yet. This mini-album (lasting just over 30 minutes) features dazzling,=20
ultra-catchy guitar pop that is bound to put you in a great mood. B=20
Patric's tunes just keep getting better and better with every =
passing year.=20
This album contains some of the best pop songs we have heard thus =
far=20
this year . "Love Is In Love," "American Dreamers," and "What Your Mama =
Said"=20
(our top favorite...what a dynamite tune!) are just superb in =
every way=20
possible. Some of the tunes don't quite reach the peak of the best =
tracks...but=20
there's more than enough meat here to satisfy even the fussiest pop =
fanatic.=20
Considering the hit potential of some of these tracks, it seems =
incredible=20
that...at least at this point in time...Marlboro Chorus remains an =
underground=20
band. Let's all hope these folks receive the recognition they deserve =
this time=20
around... (Rating: 5++)
Maserati -=20
Inventions For the New Season (CD, Temporary Residence =
Ltd.,=20
Progressive)
The first new Maserati release in four years. The =
band=20
now consists of Matthew Cherry, Coley Dennis, newly =
recruited=20
drummer Gerhardt Fuchs, and Steven Scarborough. =
Inventions for=20
the New Seasons was recorded by Andy Baker at his home =
studio=20
in Athens, Georgia. The album features eight impressionistic =
tracks...all of=20
which are simultaneously hypnotic and slightly psychedelic. These guys =
combine=20
elements of drone music with modern electronics and guitar loops...to =
create=20
multi-faceted music that can be appreciated on several different levels. =
Only on=20
occasion is the full power of the band evident, as most of this music is =
somewhat restrained and heady. At a time when most bands can easily be =
lopped=20
into a specific genre...the folks in Maserati are creating their own =
brand of=20
hard modern mood music. Nifty clippers include "Inventions," "Kalimera," =
"Show=20
Me the Season" (our favorite), and "The World Outside." Interesting =
stuff.=20
(Rating: 5)
Mochipet -=20
Girls Love Breakcore (CD,
The first thing that caught our=20
attention about this disc was that it features babysue favorite=20
Twink on one track ("Toy Piano Core"). The second thing that =
caught our=20
attention was...the fact that this is one of the most over-the-top =
electronic=20
releases to come out this year. The person or persons known as =
Mochipet=20
butcher and mutate various musical forms on this wildly inventive album. =
Far=20
from being a solo endeavor, Mochipet involves a whole slew of other =
artists=20
here...Otto Von Schirach, Weasel Walter, Rotator, =
Aaron=20
Spectre, Doormouse, Paul Costuros, =
Tralphaz...names=20
that are probably only familiar to folks following the most serious=20
undercurrents of modern electronic pop. This music is so crazy that the =
only=20
thing most folks will be interested in...is how to make it stop. =
While we=20
were confused initially...the closer we listened, the more fascinating =
this=20
stuff got. Bizarre cuts include "Girls Don't Love Weird Voices?", =
"Tumbacore,"=20
"Wafflecore," "Weaselcore," "Hyphycore," and plenty more... WILDLY=20
NERVOUS STUFF. (Rating: 5)
Soft, smooth, melodic electronic pop. Montreal, =
Canada's=20
Montag is the creation of Antoine Bedard. Bedard's third=20
full-length release features intelligent, well-produced pop featuring =
shifting=20
melodies and subtle shades of sound. Several of the tracks feature guest =
vocalists (Anthony Gonzales, Amy Millan, Ghislain =
Poirier,=20
Ida Nilsen, Owen Pallett, Leah Abramson, =
Victoria=20
Legrand, Au Revoir Simone). Antoine's songs are, for the most =
part,=20
simple and straightforward...yet this fact is somewhat blurred due to =
the subtle=20
but heady psychedelic sounds that bleed in and out of the speakers. Many =
folks=20
would probably lump this album in the dream pop genre (which may be=20
appropriate)...but in our opinion this music is much smarter than that.=20
Puzzling, hummable pop tracks include "I Have Sound," "Alice," "Safe In =
Sound,"=20
and "Going Places." Nifty stuff. (Rating: 5)
Exceptionally effective smooth modern pop. After going through =
the=20
ordeals of being embraced by hoards and being signed to the Arista =
label,=20
Abra Moore opted to redirect her career. Released by the =
Seattle-based=20
independent label Sarathan, On The Way is a refreshing return to =
form.=20
Ms. Moore is apparently more interested in shaping her own career and =
honing her=20
craft than merely raking in the bucks. And that is fortunate =
indeed...because we=20
would hate to see a talent like this go to the dogs. Ms. Moore's music =
is an=20
intriguing hybrid that merges accessible, commercial pop with creative=20
arrangements and total artistic integrity. Her voice is =
mesmerizing...quite=20
obviously one of the best female vocalists of the twenty-first century. =
Though=20
these tunes may be too slickly produced for fans of the underground, =
On The=20
Way is most certainly a success in more ways than one. The songs are =
great,=20
the lyrics intelligent and insightful...and the overall sound is =
polished yet=20
genuine and sincere. Snappy cuts include "Into the Sunset," "Sorry," =
"Birthday=20
Song," and "No Turning Back." (Rating: 5+)
Smooth, melodic pop. The folks in Morningbell =
write=20
and record dreamy progressive pop that sounds something like a cross =
between=20
Alex Chilton and the softer side of Pink Floyd. The songs =
on=20
Through the Belly of the Sea don't fit in with general trends in=20
twenty-first century music. The songs certainly don't sound anything =
like=20
commercial crap...but they also have very little in common with the vast =
majority of underground pop bands. We always admire bands and artists =
who follow=20
their own instinctual tendencies rather than following the crowd...and =
this is=20
most certainly the case with Morningbell. The band consists of Travis =
Atria, Eric Atria, and Stacie Thrushman. Using =
traditional=20
instruments, these three individuals have managed to record twelve =
modern=20
classics that will surely stand the test of time. Top picks: "The Speed =
of God,"=20
"The Octopus Walks Across the Coral," Utopian Fantasy at the Center of =
the=20
Earth," "Sittin' On a Bubble." Recommended. (Rating: 5++)
This is =
the first=20
new Mother Hips album since Green Hills of the Earth which =
was=20
released in 2001. Kiss the Crystal Flake marks both a return to =
form as=20
well as a slightly different direction for the band. Produced by =
Dylan=20
Magierek (the man who founded Badman Recording Co.), this album has =
a=20
thicker, more modern sound than previous releases. The songs are still =
upbeat=20
and hummable...but the instrumentation and arrangements are more mature =
and=20
progressive. Songs are what drew us to this band several years ago...and =
songs=20
are what make Crystal Flake such a rewarding spin. These tracks =
sound=20
slick and smooth without ever sounding overproduced...and the vocals =
are, as=20
usual, right on target. Our guess is that this album will please the =
bands=20
fans...while hopefully attracting an entirely new (and younger) =
audience. The=20
band consists of Tim Bluhm, Greg Loiacono, Paul =
Hoaglin,=20
and John Hofer. It would be great if this turned out to be the=20
breakthrough album for these guys. They've worked hard through the=20
years...always managing to provide quality recordings with heart and =
soul.=20
Killer cuts include "Mission in Vain," "Wicked Tree," "White =
Headphones," and=20
"This Bliss." Recommended. (Rating: 5+++)
MUS - La=20
Vida (CD, Green =
UFOs, Soft=20
pop)
If we weren't already in love with the band MUS (which we =
were)...Darla's impeccably written press release would most likely have =
sold us=20
on this album. Prevous MUS discs were released by the folks at Spain's =
Acuarela=20
label, while La Vida is being made available by Green UFOs. La =
Vida is a bit of a departure from previous MUS releases in that the =
music is=20
more accessible. While applauded by critics and underground fans, this =
band has=20
been largely ignored by the general public...possibly due to the fact =
that they=20
sing all of their songs in their native Asturian language. In recording =
this=20
album, the duo of Monica Vacas and Fran Gayo have =
apparently=20
decided that this will likely be the last MUS release. We can only hope =
that=20
this is not the case. La Vida is a beautiful, seductive, =
exotic=20
collection of intelligent soft pop tracks that are ultimately satisfying =
and=20
genuinely unique. Twelve dreamy, longing tracks that will surely stand =
the test=20
of time. Killer cuts include "Per Tierres Baxes," "Animas del =
Purgatoriu," "Les=20
Patinadores," and "Anada Pal Primer Mes." Highly recommended. (Rating:=20
6)![](3D"http://www.babysue.com/headsm6.GIF")
The Nappy Headed=20
Hos - Insecure Overly Sensitive Basketball =
Playing=20
Prostitutes With Dirty Stinking Hair (CD, Blendorama,=20
Folk/pop)
Freedom of speech...or freedom from speech...? =
The Nappy=20
Headed Hos intend to butcher everything in their paths with this, =
their=20
debut album. Inspired by recent controversy over whether or not people =
should be=20
allowed to speak freely, the Hos have a sound and style that is frantic =
and=20
mainly driven by dirty panty rings. When they're good they're good =
("Ain't=20
Nobody Gonna Make Me Respect Whitey No Mo") and when they're=20
bad...well...they're actually pretty bad ("Flowers and Beef Stew =
Are=20
Mighty Good For You and Boo Boo Until Somebody Says Something Mean About =
My=20
Nasty Goddamn Hair"). We're not taking sides here...but The Nappy Headed =
Hos are=20
worthless insecure turds that just can't seem to get through the hoops =
of life=20
without whining their pussies off. (Rating: 1)
Global warming.
It's no = big
Deal.(Rating: 1)
Nonloc is the solo project =
consisting=20
of Mark Dwinell who is also the guitarist in the band =
Bright.=20
Dwinell's appreciation of Steve Reich and Terry Riley is =
obvious=20
in his music. The compositions on Between Hemispheres revolve =
around=20
repetitive rhythms and Robert Fripp-esque guitar loops. In =
addition to=20
layering acoustic and electric guitars, Mark also incorporates piano, =
accordion,=20
mandolin, and cello into his work. This twelve track album is subtle and =
peculiar...sometimes folky, sometimes rather droney, and sometimes as =
heady as=20
modern classical music. Unlike many albums of this genre, the tracks =
do=20
not all sound the same. Each song incorporates a unique =
approach...and yet=20
the sum of the pieces is cohesive and solid. Dwinell's music doesn't =
easily fit=20
into specific categories...but rather exists in its own parallel =
universe.=20
Peculiar tracks include "Corpus Callosum," "The Golden Apple Pie," "A =
Popular=20
Tune," and "Two Dreams." (Rating: 5+)
Imagine a cross between Joy =
Electric,=20
Ghost Stories, and Nine Inch Nails...and you might begin =
to have=20
some idea of what Orchard of Comradery sounds like. This band is =
the=20
project created by the one-man-band consisting of Edward Davidson =
(who=20
also plays live with the British band Attrition). The =
Company is a=20
long album...clocking in at over 75 minutes in length. During the course =
of=20
these fifteen compositions, Davidson crafts some very precise, complex =
modern=20
progressive tunes that combine the dark with the light. His overall =
sound is=20
very different from what we normally hear from totally solo projects. =
Instead of=20
catchy, happy pop...this album features dark, serious progressive tracks =
that=20
range from soft and pensive to light industrial. A lot of time and =
thought was=20
obviously spent creating this album...and it shows. Odd, obtuse cuts =
include=20
"Ancient," "The Audition," "All I Need," and "Forever Gone." (Rating:=20
5)
This man will dance with you if you
Pay him to = dance=20 with you.
This man will take you on trips
If you will pay for = the=20 trips.
This man will stay by your side forever
If you pay him = to stay=20 by your side forever.(Rating: 1)
The second full-length release from Italy's =
Port-Royal. These recordings practically define the term modern =
mood=20
music. Although the tracks on Afraid to Dance incorporate various =
elements from rock, electronic, trance, classical, and experimental=20
music...there is really no easy, clearcut way of describing this band's =
sound.=20
These sweeping, cerebral, heady compositions are far-reaching in=20
scope...mentally absorbing...and thoroughly engaging from start to =
finish. And=20
unlike some music of this genre that is best played at minimal volume,=20
Port-Royal tunes sound better if you turn the volume way up. Some =
of the=20
tracks on this album remind us of some of the more inventive bands we =
heard on=20
the Planet Earth label in the mid 1990s. Although we can't adequately =
describe=20
the sounds we hear on this disc, one thing is certain. This band's music =
is=20
absolutely mind blowing and light years beyond the average modern day=20
instrumental outfit. Classic, spacey tracks include "Bahnhof Zoo," =
"German=20
Bigflies," "Internet Love," and "Attorney very Bad (Aka the Worst)" =
(what a=20
great title for a song). Intensely beautiful music for the =
discerning=20
listener. Highly recommended. (Rating: 5++++)
The gun went pow.
Wow.(Rating: 1)
Boil the puppy
Until the = skin
Pops.(Rating: 1)
Rasputina's Melora Creager created Oh Perilous=20
World from real life events in the media that have occurred over the =
past=20
couple of years. This is the band's sixth full-length release and, once =
again,=20
Ms. Creager and company continue to carve out their own unique niche in =
the=20
world of music. Many artists who get a taste of the limelight alter and =
adjust=20
their sound to appeal to a wider audience. Melora seemingly has no =
intention of=20
making such unattractive maladjustments to her career. The first =
Rasputina album=20
was originally embraced by a small yet passionate group of folks...and =
the same=20
will probably be true for Oh Perilous World. Once again combining =
the=20
past and the present, Creager effectively captures the more peculiar =
elements of=20
humanity in her music with precise dignity and poise. Rasputina tunes =
have=20
always been too complex, intelligent, and heady for the casual =
listener...and=20
this is most certainly the case with this album. Odd lyrics and obtuse =
modern=20
classical influences dive into the world of alternative rock...with =
bizarre and=20
often startling results. Striking compositions include "1816, The Year =
Without a=20
Summer," "Cage in a Cave," "Child Soldier Rebellion," and "The Pruning." =
Highly recommended. (Rating: 6)
Cool subdued modern progressive pop that sounds something like a =
modern=20
Leonard Cohen...if he was living and recording in Athens, =
Georgia. The=20
oddly titled Ray's Vast Basement is the project created by Jon =
Benson that features a revolving cast of guest artists and =
musicians. This=20
album includes contributions from Nate Query (The =
Decemberists),=20
babysue favorite Michael Zapruder, Tim Cohen, and =
more.=20
Benson's tunes focus first and foremost on vocal melodies and lyrics. =
The tunes=20
on this album were originally written for the Actors Theatre (San =
Francisco)=20
production of John Steinbeck's Of Mice and Men. Benson and =
his=20
associates incorporate a wide variety of sounds and ideas into these =
tracks and=20
yet...the music never sounds busy or overproduced. This lovely fourteen =
track CD=20
features a wealth of solid tracks including "Salinas River Theme," =
"Danny's=20
Party," "Work Song," and "Palace Flophouse." Great stuff, executed to=20
perfection... (Rating: 5+)
The folks at Hefty Records have a great ear for picking =
out some=20
of the most unusual and original electronic artists around...and they've =
certainly hit the bull's eye again with Retina.IT. The =
band is the=20
duo consisting of Lino Monaco and Nicola Buono. Rather =
than create=20
club music or techno trash, these two individuals compose electronic =
music that=20
has its own unique flavor and sound. Simeion serves as an =
introduction to=20
Retina.IT. The CD features previously released and unreleased =
tracks...but due=20
to some rather precise mastering, as a whole the album flows very =
smoothly.=20
Monaco and Buono seem to draw their inspiration from various decades and =
locales...making it difficult to describe the music. Elements of =
ambience,=20
techno, scratch, and cut-and-paste all find their way into these tracks. =
While=20
not for everyone, Semeion is certainly an acquired taste for a =
specific=20
eclectic audience. Uniquely crafted stuff. (Rating: 5+)
Luther =
Russell
If you have =
become=20
disillusioned by the mounting seas of overproduced artists who are more=20
concerned with their hair and their clothing than their music...you may =
very=20
well fall in love with the music of Luther Russell. In a =
world=20
where so many folks try to hide the fact that their songs have little or =
no=20
substance, Luther's approach is refreshing and ultimately very =
real.=20
Although this is Russell's fourth album, it is apparently his first full =
blown=20
pop release (earlier discs featured either bare bones acoustic =
recordings or=20
instrumentals). This man is, first and foremost, a songwriter. Instead =
of using=20
arrangements and overdubs to mislead the listener, the sounds and =
instruments in=20
these tracks have one main purpose...which is to support the vocal =
melodies and=20
the songs themselves. Russell's style of songwriting is reminiscent of =
Alex=20
Chilton in many ways. His tunes are infused with reflective, =
personal lyrics=20
that are delivered with surprisingly genuine integrity. We'd be willing =
to bet=20
our britches that Repair will become a favorite underground =
classic in=20
the months and years ahead. Fantastic cuts include "Rise and Shine," =
"Everybody=20
Falls" (our favorite), "Blinking Star," "The Razor," and "Want You To =
Know."=20
Classic, classy pop. Highly recommended. (Rating: 5+++)
Really great=20
gritty hard rock that emphasizes melody over volume. Frontman Lance=20
Lammer has an intensely killer voice and unique style of playing =
guitar that=20
is sometimes reminiscent of some of Bob Mould's songs from the =
late=20
1980s. Super loud harsh rock bands are a dime a dozen these days...and =
the=20
majority of them don't make any impression with their desire to blow =
everyone=20
away with bad attitude and loud noise. Perhaps that is why Seven =
Storey=20
Mountain is so appealing. The band concentrates first and foremost =
on songs,=20
structure, and vocal melodies. But don't think these folks are wimpy =
popsters=20
because nothing could be further from the truth. At the Poles is =
a rock=20
album...a very loud rock album...that just happens to have substance =
lurking=20
beneath the surface. This band's music may not be for everyone as it is =
probably=20
far too odd, angular, and aggressive for the casual listener. But folks =
looking=20
for something different in the world of intense rock will find a lot to =
love=20
here. Crazy tracks include "So Cursed," "Sinking In," "Bad Day," and =
"Tunnel=20
Vision." Great stuff that really rocks. (Rating: =
5+)
We =
don't mind=20
admitting that we generally tire very easily of bands with a sound =
similar to=20
Australian's Sick Puppies. There are millions of generic modern=20
thrash/pop bands in the world and most of them are so interchangeable =
that it=20
becomes virtually impossible to tell one from the next. So...what makes =
these=20
guys different...? Good melodies first of all... And secondly...some =
very=20
punchy and smart arrangements. So many modern rock bands play at =
one=20
constant loud pace...making each song sound just like the one before it. =
The=20
guys in Sick Puppies are not guilty of this. Their music is smart and=20
involved...chock full of plenty of stops and starts and cool, crunchy =
guitar=20
riffs. Dressed Up As Life features twelve cool tracks including =
"World,"=20
"What Are You Looking For," "Issues," and "The Bottom." (Rating:=20
5)
Sons -=20
Viracochas (CD EP, Fractured=20
Discs, Rock/pop)
This EP is reminiscent of some of the more =
peculiar=20
acid-drenched pop bands from the 1990s. Sons is driven by the =
songwriting=20
talents of Scott Endres and William "Josh" Bratcher. These =
two=20
fellows and their associates produce reverb drenched pop music that is =
swimming=20
and swirling in a sea of effects. The tunes on Viracochas are =
melodic and=20
structured...but the proceedings get downright strange due to the amount =
of echo=20
and reverb present. The odd overall sound may turn some folks off...but =
when you=20
consider the sound these folks are striving for, the idea works =
surprisingly=20
well. The seven tunes on this EP range from spooky psychedelia to almost =
normal=20
rock. If you like your pop peppered with plenty of mental elements...you =
are=20
likely to find a lot to love here. This thick sea of swarming sounds =
includes=20
"Wax Museum," "F Train," "Gigolo Aunt," and "Cielo." (Rating:=20
4+++++)
Spain is
Fantastic.
Mexico = is
Shit.(Rating: 1)
Stafraenn =
Hakon
Stafraenn Hakon is Olafur Josephsson...an=20
underground recording artist who resides in Iceland. Gummi =
presents nine=20
atmospheric tracks...some of which are instrumentals while others =
feature soft,=20
subdued vocals. Some of Josephsson's tunes recall the music of his label =
mates=20
Port-Royal...while others are more direct and almost pop =
oriented. Olafur=20
is a master arranger...obviously spending a great deal of time tweaking =
his=20
music until it sounds exactly the way he intends it to sound. This is =
his fourth=20
release on the Resonant label...a stunning collection of intelligent=20
compositions clocking in at just over an hour in length. While he plays =
most of=20
the instruments, Josephsson also has plenty of help on this album from =
no less=20
than eleven associates. These thick progressive tracks are extremely =
lush and=20
produced to perfection. Imaginative and rewarding music packaged in a =
stunning=20
cardboard wallet sleeve... (Rating: 5)
John P. =
Strohm
We've=20
been fans of John P. Strohm ever since we were first turned onto =
his=20
music in the 1990s. In addition to releasing solo albums, Strohm was =
also=20
previously a member of Blake Babies and Antenna and played =
in=20
The Lemonheads. The appropriately titled Everyday Life =
marks the=20
return of John's solo career. The album features the same style of =
catchy guitar=20
pop that originally made Strohm a favorite among critics. Although he =
has always=20
been treading in the undercurrents, John's music remains surprisingly=20
accessible. Everyday Life just may be his most commercial =
sounding=20
endeavor yet. These tracks seamlessly combine elements of pure pop with=20
Americana...providing plenty of smooth effervescent pop that should =
appeal to a=20
wide range of listeners. Drew Glacken and Konrad Meissner =
(rhythm=20
section for The Silos) provide the perfect foundation for these =
upbeat=20
tunes. Cool pop tracks include "Sha La," "Waiting for the World to End," =
"The=20
Long So Long," and "Another Losing Season." A direct hit. (Rating:=20
5+)
The world is
Full of stuff and
None of it=20 means
Anything.(Rating: 1)
Our first reaction to Knoxville, Tennessee's=20
Tenderhooks was that we really liked the female vocalist. =
That was=20
until...we realized that the lead vocalist is a guy (!). =
Vidalia=20
reminds us in many ways of the Massachusetts pop band Claudia =
Malibu.=20
These folks play the same sort of genuine, melodic, feelgood guitar pop. =
Tenderhooks tunes harken back to the days of 1970s pop/rock when bands=20
concentrated more on song structures, vocal melodies, and lyrics than =
ultra=20
complex digitally enhanced arrangements. This short little mini-album =
lasts just=20
over 30 minutes but in that amount of time these folks clearly prove =
that they=20
are a real force to be reckoned with. Delightfully catchy cuts include =
"Kid=20
Stuff" (an incredible tune), "Mouthful of Rain," and "Armchair=20
Pharmacist." (Rating: 5)
The guys in=20
Touchers represent the seedy underside of ski resort towns like =
Bozeman,=20
Montana. While yuppy visitors are slipping down the slopes in their =
overpriced=20
retard gear, these guys tuck themselves away in the background and play=20
absolutely rip-roaring abrasive rock music (most likely to vent their=20
frustrations about the yuppy visitors who are slipping down the slopes =
in their=20
overpriced retard gear). The Underwater Fascist works. This =
self-recorded=20
album succeeds because of the inherent sincerity of the delivery. =
Instead of=20
trying to sound like the latest hipster band or drown their instruments =
and=20
vocals in effects, these guys play like hell and just let the machine =
capture=20
their sincere harsh energy. Fast, loose, and slightly trashy...these =
tracks are=20
refreshingly effective. Top picks: "Aphrodite Has Gone Mad," "Country =
Killer,"=20
"77," "Fire When Ready." (We absolutely love the ad featuring sea =
monkeys who=20
have been transformed into underwater fascists.) (Rating: =
5)
Laura =
Veirs=20
- Saltbreakers (CD,
Laura =
Veirs=20
writes and records smooth, intelligent pop music that should appeal =
equally to=20
average mom and pop listeners and fans of the underground currents. =
While smooth=20
and melodic and accessible, her songs are different enough to engage =
listeners=20
who are wanting more than just the usual fluffy pop. Like so many =
people, Veirs=20
recently made the move from Seattle to Portland. The emotional ups and =
downs of=20
this transitional period in her life are documented in this, her third =
album for=20
the Nonesuch label. More than any other artist, Laura's music recalls =
the=20
musical, lyrical, and vocal stylings of Suzanne Vega. Her tunes =
feature=20
honest and sincere observations in her life. While Saltbreakers =
features=20
mainly pensive soft pop, on occasion Laura can release her more =
aggressive side=20
("Phantom Mountain"). Unlike most commercial artists, Laura Veirs =
presents=20
catchy, smooth music with substance. This album effectively captures the =
genuine=20
and sincere nature of her personality. Cool cuts include "Pink Light," =
"Drink=20
Deep," "Black Butterfly" (our favorite), and "Wrecking." Intriguing. =
(Rating:=20
5+)
Cool soft=20
folkie pop delivered with honesty and style. Ex-Muscadine member=20
Jonathan Wilson originally released Frankie Ray on his own =
Pretty=20
and Black label. The album created such a buzz that it was picked up and =
re-released by the folks at Koch. Wilson's music is free-flowing smooth =
folk/pop=20
with a heavy emphasis on lyrics. There are plenty of beautiful melodies =
on this=20
album...all caressed in articulate arrangements and featuring Jonathan's =
soothing, subdued voice. One word of warning. In order to enjoy and =
appreciate=20
this album, you must be in the right frame of mind. If you're in =
the mood=20
for upbeat pop, you won't find it here. Wilson's music is subtle and =
often times=20
odd...evoking definite moods in the minds of his listeners. Cool classy =
cuts=20
include "Your Ears Are Burning," "Alabaster Dove," "You Can Have Me," =
and=20
"Dreaming." (Rating: 4+++++)
Another intriguing pop band from Athens, Georgia. The folks in =
Winter=20
Sounds create smooth, melodic music that is reminiscent of =
XTC's pop=20
recordings from the 1990s. Porcelain Empire is the band's debut=20
album...and it is chock full of stunning, cerebral, smart pop. These =
folks seem=20
to be on the fast path to success. They were signed to Livewire =
Recordings in=20
December 2006 and managed to record this album in the first two months =
of 2007.=20
Although the actual release date is June 26, 2007, the band is doing a =
good bit=20
of touring in advance of the album's release. Our guess is that based on =
positive word-of-mouth, the folks in Winter Sounds will already have a =
solid fan=20
base before their album is even released. The vocals are...truly =
exceptional.=20
Classy tracks include "Windy City Nights," "Sound Forged Like Spine,"=20
"Oblivion," and "The Tournament of Getting Older." (Rating: =
5)
I used to think
I couldn't live without = you.
Now I=20 know I'm
Better off
Without you.(Rating: 1)
When everyone
Is hero today
No one
Is = hero=20 today.(Rating: 1)
1000 Miles From Home - =
Collusion
1888 - Honey,=20
i'd kill...
2Adam12 - 2Adam12
Abe Lincoln Story - Kings of the =
soul punk=20
swing
American Catastrophe - American Catastrophe
Andy the Door =
Bum - Mt.=20
holly sessions
John Ashfield - Love is blue
Band Marino - The sea =
and the=20
beast
Bastard Fairies - Memento mori
John Beach - Scenes of =
abandoned=20
industry
Bees and the Birds - Bees and the Birds
Christopher Blue =
- Room=20
tones
Bottom of the Hudson - Fantastic hawk
Bowmans - Far from =
home
Boy=20
In Static - Violet
Brokedowns - New brains for everyone
Corey =
Brown and=20
the 11:11's - Time is now EP
Cat-A-Tac - Past lies and former =
lives
Child=20
Bite / Stationary Odyssey - Physical education
Chow Nasty - Super=20
(electrical) recordings
Chris and Joylene Show - Pupa's window: a =
family=20
portrait
Cola Wars - Red flag day
Gerald Collier - How can there =
be=20
another day?
Comas - Spells
Cringe - Tipping point
Rob Crow - I =
hate=20
you, rob crow
Johnny Cuomo - American idle
Dandeikon - =
Spidermnnofferings=20
(sorry, couldn't READ it!!!)
Death of Jason Brody - Death of Jason=20
Brody
J. DiMenna - Hf he could speak now
Alexa Dolan - =
Americana
Dub=20
Trio - Cool out and coexist
Paul Duncan - Above the trees
Dying=20
Californian - Coarsegold
Eastern Conference Champions - =
Away
Eastern=20
Conference Champions - Home away
Eggshell Egoz - Funky =
poetz
Electric Soft=20
Parade - No need to be downhearted
Empire 44 - Rise
Feature =
Presentation -=20
Limited edition
Fishbone - Still stuck in your throat
Five2 - =
Sweet=20
end
Foreign Elfest - Blue dirt / red carpet
Bob Frank and John =
Murry -=20
World without end
Fussy Bloody Tippy Toppy Carcass - Have a pretty =
thing in=20
your blister snack
Ground Components - An eye for a brow, a tooth for =
a=20
pick
Brian Grosz - Bedlam nights
Hallelujah the Hills - Collective =
psychosis begone
Headquarters - O and O
David Hillman - Americana=20
hour
I Am The Pilot - Crashing into consciousness
Jim Jacobi - =
Tryin' to=20
stay positive
Johnbenders - Johnbenders
Johnny and the Moon - =
Johnny and=20
the Moon
Stephen Kellogg and the Sixers - Glassjaw boxer
Terry =
Kitchen -=20
Heaven here on earth
Avril Lavigne - The best damn thing
Limbeck - =
Limbeck
Limits - Good songs...bad hair: 80's video =
collection
Little Aida=20
- Mad country
Lovelights - Problems and solutions
Keith LuBrant -=20
Searching for signal
Mad Juana - Acoustic voodoo
Mooney Suzuki - =
Have=20
mercy
Moontagu - Written in stone
Morning State - =
Retreat
Mustangs and=20
Madras - La LeChuza
Myself - myself
Casey Neill - Brooklyn =
bridge
Neon=20
Horse - Neon Horse
New Years Day - My dear
Tiffany Nicole - Just a =
girl
Octoberman - These trails are old and new
Only Children - =
Keeper of=20
youth
Ono - Open your box
Oxblood - first blood
Parish Festival =
-=20
Handshakes and heartaches
Parker Longbough - Commander =
comatose
Patsys -=20
Have you got soul?
Patsys Both sides never
Plants - =
Photosynthesis
Plok=20
- You tie a rock to yoru leg cuz it fits you
Praxis - Tennessee=20
2004
Reality Serum - Hop in
Condoleezza Rice - Reddy tuh kleen duh =
terlitt, massuh
Rumskib - Rumbskib
Graham Russell - The =
future
Nitin=20
Sawhney - In the mind of...
Zoe Scott - Beautiful to be =
alive
Scott &=20
Aimee - Sitting in a tree
Sea Wolf - Get to the river bevore it runs =
too=20
low
Self-Evident - Self-Evident
David Shultz and the Skyline - =
Sinner's=20
gold
Skidmore Fountain - Break
Sound the Alarm - Sound the=20
Alarm
Speaker Speaker - We won't march
Spraydog - Karate summer =
camp
ST=20
- People i barley know
Stillpoint - Bleed every note
Strata - =
Strata=20
presents the end of the world
Sunspot - Neanderthal
Dan Susnara -=20
Bicuspids
Sheila Swift - The shape of things
Fred Thomas - Sink =
like a=20
symphony
Tiger Saw - Tigers on fire
Trembling Blue Stars - The =
last holy=20
writer
Tunes N Tones - The rolling stone effect
Ugly Beats - Take =
a stand=20
with the ugly beats
Unseen Guest - Out there
Various Artists - =
American=20
Bhangra
Various Artists - Bob Dylan uncovered
Velcro Stars - =
Hiroshima's=20
revenge
Vertigo Butterfly - 1932
Eric Victorino - Coma =
therapy
VNV=20
Nation - Judgement
Von Robinson and His Own Universe - Jostle =
it
Vulture=20
Whale - Vulture Whale
We Is Shore Dedicated - We Is Shore =
Dedicated
Wooden=20
Wand - James and the quiet ecstatic peace
Holly Wood - =
Kill
Home |
=A92007