All You Can Eat "Manga"
(Onefoot)
Not so much snotty as just plain congested, All You Can Eat are a painfully muddy and sloppy
punk band from California. Not much here that turns my head other than the song titles. "I Saw
Your Girlfriend in a Movie," "Ignore-ant," and "Family Matters," are just a sample of songs that
boast all the qualities of a band that has plenty of room for improvement. -Zach Feldberg
Blue Rags "Rag-N-Roll"
(Sub Pop)
The Blue Rags play some of the most authentic ragtime-influenced music I've ever come upon.
The thirteen rhythmic tracks on Rag-N-Roll are all impressive in their own mysterious way, with
their own respective impacts. Tracks like "Be My Salty Dog" and "Dr. Jazz" have as much energy
to them as any good ol' stompin' put-on-your-dancin'- shoes song has ever been. This is modern
blues with a hint of Gershwin thrown in for good measure -- one of the most genuine recordings
released in a long time. -ZF
Buck-O-Nine "Twenty-Eight Teeth"
(TVT)
I have never been a fan of Buck-O-Nine, but having said that, the latest
album "Twenty-Eight Teeth" is in all honesty excellent! It is by far their
best release to date and shows a new level of musical maturity, with
meaningful lyrical content that often centers around self-examination
or self-evaluation, leading to very personal songs.
Overall, this is a solid package worthy of your hard earned buck.
-Zar Day
Chumbawamba "Tubthumper"
(Universal)
With the band's infectious leadoff single, "Tubthumping," it's no
surprise that people are going nuts over the UK's latest export,
Chumbawamba. The album is a fun one --musically, anyway-- that dips
into a futuristic sort of pop music that truly combines all of today's
popular styles. Although most people wouldn't know, Tubthumper is the
band's sixth recording. The previous ones were indies, sold well in the
UK, but not in North America. There's still a lot of hidden politics in the
newer stuff, a topic that is a staple of the Chumba's older work. This is breakbeat-synth-pop with an edge hard enough to let them appeal to a wide audience. -ZF
Copyright "Love Story"
(ViK/BMG)
Born out the band SLOW, Copyright is the latest of Canada's droning pop bands to break out
onto the market. Although they made an earlier record under the similar moniker ©, the band was
dropped from Geffen Records despite having many admirers. Unfortunately, there aren't enough
songs on "Love Story" to keep the listener interested, making it a difficult listen. "Seven" and
"Radio" are standouts, but the lengthier ones such as "Transfiguration," might have you
wondering when they're gonna be done. Not a write off by any means, but still nothing to get too
excited over. -ZF
Death In Vegas "Dead Elvis"
(Time Bomb/Concrete)
Take the sameness out of most electronic music, add some flair and some wicked blues
sensibilities and you get Death In Vegas. Like a 5 star hotel with a not functioning toilet,
everything about DIV is misleading. The leadoff track, "All That Glitters," is a glowing rock lullaby
that points you in the wrong direction, only to have you find yourself lost in the middle of "Opium
Shuffle," a vastly different track that uses a reggae beat to underlie its groove. Very cool stuff.
-ZF
Julie Doiron "Loneliest in the Morning"
(Sub Pop)
Eric's Trip were the band for a rainy day. Ultra depressing lyrics, soft
vocals, lo-fi guitars... they were the "I hate everything right now" band of
Canada. And then they broke up. The members split off into their
previously existing side projects, including Elevator To Hell, Purple
Knight, and others. Bassist Julie Doiron formed Broken Girl, an outfit
similar to where she is now that fared quite well, only to mutate into her
current solo status. The songs are very similar to the tracks that she sang
on with Eric's Trip. Soft, emotional, and as she might say, "Sappy." Julie Doiron is a great Canadian talent who will probably always be up to something.
-ZF
The Elevator Drops "People Mover"
(Time Bomb)
If anyone knew the E-Drops, there would be little to say, as they enthrall and delight audiences
in all corners of the world. But no one knows them. So I have lots to say. They spin a tale of
apocalyptic comedy. They dice elements of pop music, throw it in a blender, hop in a time
machine set it on destination future, and come back to reveal their genius to us. Bassist slash
singer Goolkasian's voice flies in the ionosphere, its high strain biting and cynical or
sincere and sweet. Spastic rhythms are bounced around as if drummer Fitts is playing a game
of jacks. Garvey J, guitarist and keyboardist supreme, can kick out mighty rock barbarian riffs,
psychedelic bursts of space-noise, pop classic progressions, and surfy solos. It all whirls around
into epics, instrumentals, and pop songs and smacks some sense into you. They write the best
refrains you'll hear. Their lyrics are as contradictory as Gool's singing. Everything is threaded
together with spacey swirls and retarded computer beeps. They know country, disco, prog,
electronic, punk, metal, surf, space rock, and pop, and are not afraid to put it all together in
weird and awesome ways. I've gone on too long- buy this record and its ancestor, "Pop Bus"
and spread the horrible, horrible word. -David Orr
Elevator To Hell "Eerieconsiliation"
(Sub Pop)
And this is where the noisier part of Eric's Trip went. Elevator To Hell retains guitarist/vocalist Rick
White and drummer Mark Gaudet of ET and invites Tara White of Orange Glass aboard for the ride.
While maintaining the mystery and abstract of Eric's Trip, Elevator to Hell add their own flair to the
songs. The vocals, of course, are shockingly similar, but the guitars are actually a little more rootsy
(before you disagree, listen to "Hurricane"). A very worthwhile side project coming out of a
legendary defunct band. - ZF
Faceplant "Smells Like Gasoline, Drives Like Steve McQueen"
(Chet Records)
For the most part, this record is the usual "alternative" kinda stuff -- what one might expect to
hear from a Collective Soul / Bush X mating experiment. Thus, most of the 19 tracks just kind
of slide on by, unnoticed in a quagmire of monotony not unfamiliar to anyone who's heard
the above mentioned bands. The disc still "has its moments", though; Demented rave-ups like
"Bug d'Espanol" and "Kahuna!" bring spasms to the unprepared ear, while the energy behind
the straight-forward "Discipline", when played loud enough, has the potential to make kids of
the "I saw moshing on MuchMusic so it is therefore cool" persuasion want to go out and kick
some ass. And this world could use a little more ass-kicking if you ask me, so you might want
to check this out. -Mike "Biggie" Small
Fig Dish "When Shove Goes Back To Push"
(Polydor)
Still totally mystified as to why their debut, "That's What Love Songs
Often Do" didn't go multi-platinum, I was sure that this would be the
album that Chicago's Fig Dish would finally break through and do well for
themselves. Sadly, in many eyes they're still regarded as the band that
gave Veruca Salt their break. There's not one song on this record that isn't
a perfect single, yet there isn't one song on it that gets any kind of regular
airplay. Fig Dish could most easily be compared to a more innovative
Treble Charger, yet they're so much more. With their unmistakable Cheap Trick attitude,
and a knack for the perfect pop song, Fig Dish are the best band you haven't heard yet, but should have.
-ZF
Five Knuckle Chuckle "All Hammed Up"
(Raw Energy)
FKC are back! With a slightly different line-up and a tighter sound, this is
the most impressive stuff they've ever done. The album starts off with
"Granola Boy," a typical FKC track with quick melodic vocals and blazing
guitars with hyper-charged drumspeed. If that isn't enough to get you to
go out and pick this up, I don't know what is. -ZF
Freedom Fighters "My Scientist Friends"
(Amphetamine Reptile)
This is not for the faint at heart. Sludgy rock songs dropped against some of the most perverse
lyrics in recorded history are what makes up "My Scientist Friends". The nine tracks are all very
original, and sometimes ring up faint visions of the Melvins. This is a diary of pet peeves --
some personal, some not. Just an overall angry record. -ZF
Frigg A-Go-Go "The Penetrating Sounds Of..."
(360 Twist!)
Thirteen more dirty ditties from LA's garage rock aficionados Frigg-A-Go-Go! This is nothing short
of what you would expect from a band like this -- after numerous 7"s they finally put this record
out compiling old material with new. If these guys haven't played with El Vez yet, I'll be very
surprised. They're a perfect match. -ZF
Grifters "Full Blown Possession"
(Sub Pop)
This is the Grifters' sixth official album and it certainly displays all
the experiences they've picked up over the last 9 years of their
existence. The Grifters use their laid back composure to stun the
unexpecting listener. They're not out to impress anyone; it's as if
they stumble upon their greatness by accident, and once they
discover it, they try to change it. "Full Blown Possession" isn't a
totally new Grifters. But it is a changed Grifters. This album sees
them venturing further into the cave they've been digging for years,
only to find imitators and fakes sitting in their place. The Grifters can give you the most
interesting listening experience of your life. -ZF
(hed) pe S/T
(JIVE)
These guys are the bastard sons of Rage Against The Machine and Bloodhound Gang or 311 .
Some of these songs are so ridiculous it makes it seem like there's a contest to see who can use
most offensive lyrics on a single record. I think I've said enough. -ZF
Jars of Clay "Much Afraid"
(Essential/Silvertone)
I believe this Jars of Clay's second release, and it really just picks up where the other one left off.
Soft acoustic verses with harder strummed choruses. "Flood," their single from their previous
album did very well on the charts, and if you enjoyed that, you'll enjoy this. Songs here explore
religion, life and experiences. -ZF
Jersey "No Turning Back"
(Raw Energy)
Although commonly written off as "merely a ska band," Jersey are actually quite a mixture of
some very interesting musical styles. Made up of two hardcore bands, Grade and Believe, and
with a few more members from other sources, the band's music is a concoction of punk, ska and
hardcore. "Glaukenspiel" opens the record off with a sampling of the band's thought-provoking
lyrics and great rythm. Let's just hope they stay together for a while before going back to their
other projects. -ZF
Joykiller "Three"
(Epitaph)
This is by far the most different band on Epitaph Records. Vocalist Jack Grisham probably has
the savviest voice in punk rock, making it a very relaxed sounding record, despite the wild pianoes
supplied by Ronnie King. This is the most original punk rock on the scene today. -ZF
Junkster S/T
(RCA)
Contrary to what I let myself think, I really enjoy Junkster! Ethereal vocals courtesy of Deirdre
O'Neill are the crowning jewel of each of the album's 11 songs. Backed by five guys; Aidan, Mick,
Graham and Donal, the band appears to be similar to the usual heap of girl fronted rock bands
raking in the bucks today, but there's good material a-plenty on this, the band's debut record.
Looks like Junkster could have a very promising future. -ZF
Damien Jurado "Waters Ave S."
(Sub Pop)
Please, please don't dismiss Damien Jurado as just another folk
singer. "Waters Ave. S." is the story of loss that follows his early days
to his current days in punk exile. Comparisons to John Cale would be
easy, but probably can't do him enough justice as Jurado weaves
through emotionally powerful yet fragile songs with a bite all his own.
Damien Jurado is like an experimental minimalist -- lots of ideas, but
limited to few resources. Perfect. -ZF
KMFDM "*XO@D " (Richard -- don’t know what the hell this album is called. Those letters are the
(TVT) ones that resemble them best. If you use this, I can email you the logo.)
The long awaited tenth album by KMFDM is out, and is the perfect initiation into the future of
electronic music. There's an insane trend going on -- the electronic music that's been lurking
around the underground for years has emerged into the mainstream, and KMFDM are the ones
who are going to make sure that the original attitude is never forgotten. This CD is an hour of
manic angst and fury. There are lots of feature guests as well, including Abby Travis, who's
worked with Beck and Elastica, Ogre of Skinny Puppy and Tim Skold of SKOLD. This is still
KMFDM. Don't expect anything other than that. -ZF
Lollipop "Sucked In, Blown Out"
(Amphetamine Reptile)
Well if it isn't Lollipop, the rudest, most vulgar garage rock band of the
decade. The fierce foursome are back with their answer to "Dog Piss
On Dog" their previous release with "Sucked In, Blown Out" another
ear rattling record. Fronted by Rebecca, a green-haired bassist, the
band has so much frollickin' wild energy it's amazing to know that they
can still stand. Think of a female Jon Spencer fronting a garage band.
It's a wild thought, but that's what you get with Lollipop. -ZF
LUSK "Free Mars"
(ZOO/Volcano)
LUSK are what might happen if Jamiroquai was backed by Cake. Very spacey songs, right down
to the album title. The record is beautifully packaged in cardboard with a gatefold liner note thing
that suits them well. The duo of Paul D'Amour and Chris Pitman (ex-Replicant) have created what
D'Amour likes to call "a highly orchestrated pop record". "Free Mars" is anything but predictable,
and it'll tease you track after track. -ZF
MULU "Smiles Like A Shark"
(Dedicated)
Fans of the Cocteau Twins or the Sunday swill no doubt be delighted to hear MULU, a combo of
vocalist Laura Campbell and keyboardist Alan Edmunds. They've been faves in the UK for a while
now, and have just started to break on through to Canada. There's a very evident techno
backdrop on the album which works pretty well with Laura's vocals. MULU's future looks bright.
-ZF
MxPx "Life In General"
(Tooth In Nail/A&M)
"Life in General" is yet another fine record by MxPx. Nothing new, nothing extraordinary, just fun
punk songs such as "My Mom Still Cleans My Room," "Chick Magnet," and "Move To
Bremerton". They've started to pave their own path though, and the record sounds quite good.
Snotty punk done by a bunch of guys who care about the music. It sounds very genuine, and
that's pretty damn important when there are so many bands who can't play punk properly. MxPx
play fun punk with enough edge to keep you awake. -ZF
Olive "Extra Virgin"
(RCA)
Despite being a little too techno-dance-house for my taste, Olive are quite good at what they do.
The vocals are smooth, the keyboards are, of course, perfect, and the feel of the record is pretty
nice. I'm not much of an expert when it comes to this genre, but the record's not a bad one at
all. -ZF
Pink Noise Test "Plasticized"
(Interscope)
I can't say enough how excited I am about this record. Like The Jesus
and Mary Chain with a swinging backdrop of keyboards and
electronics, Pink Noise Test are the band I've been waiting for for a
long time now, but never found anywhere else. Songs like "Girl Can't
You Tell," the blaring leadoff track and "All The Same To Me," which
will be their first single, are so different and interesting that they
would be welcome additions to any modern rock radio playlist. We'll
find out soon as the album comes into North America over the next couple months. Join Pink
Noise Test on their quest for the future, and catch them on tour with Sister Machine Gun for the
next little while. Get involved with PNT now before the rest of the world does. -ZF
Plumb S/T
(Silvertone/Essential)
If this band was named after lead vocalist Tiffany Arbuckle, chances
are that Plumb would be dismissed as an Alanis Morissette wannabe
act in a short time. And, although the band is not named after her,
the focus here is obviously Tiffany. Her voice flirts dangerously with
Alanis' patented wail that has haunted me in numerous nightmares
that I've experienced over the past few years. It's for that reason that
I can't seem to enjoy this record. -ZF
Red Red Meat "There's A Star Above The Manger Tonight"
(Sub Pop)
I'll be honest here: not everything on "There's A Star Above
The Manger Tonight" is a great song or a classic, but there's
enough great tracks on here to keep even the most impatient
music fan enthused. Hints of Guided By Voices pop in and out
of the eleven tracks, never hitting the influence directly on the
head, but keeping it in mind. There's enough grace on this
album to balance out the noise, in a perfectly executed
fashion. -ZF
Reel Big Fish "Keep Your Receipt"
(Mojo/Universal)
Only five songs, but hours of fun on your computer with the CD ROM! The enhanced sequence
includes 3 videos (Sell Out, Trendy, and Everything Sucks), 3 previously unreleased songs
including a cool remix of Unity by Op Ivy, a karaoke-type capability to switch off the vocals and
sing along with just the music, band members background info, and a very cool
interaction game where you can add your own mix of horns to the song 241. These guys really
know how to sell out! Money can't buy more fun than this. -Zar Day
Patti Smith "Peace and Noise"
(Arista)
Listening to Patti Smith can be quite a trip. She's been part of the punk scene for so long, and
has so much to say, but should she still be putting out records? My answer is yes, although many
people might say otherwise. She's one of punk's survivors, and if she can still go out there and
sing without the Sex Pistols' lousy attitude, then go on and do it! Although "Peace And Noise,"
her latest release isn't as sharp as previous material, it's still enjoyable. There's a dark aura
surrounding this record, helping make it an intensely personal experience. -ZF
Stereolab "Dots and Loops"
(Elektra)
No matter what you are currently doing, it is automatically "cool" if you are listening to Stereolab's
"Dots and Loops". In fact, you yourself are cool. Throw on a sport coat, pull the
convertible out, and take a spin through the country, suburbs, or big
city. You'll be cool. Trust me. It's somewhat jazzier and mellower than
their last album, "Emperor Tomato Ketchup". The groove-pop of
Emperor has been transformed into the ultimate bachelor
soundtrack. They reinvent themselves while not straying from past
intentions. It's familiar enough to be warmly welcomed and inventive
enough to be highly praised, and well you should, Jet Jaguar. -DO
Southern Culture on the Skids "Plastic Seat Sweat"
(DGC)
Chapel Hillbilly renegades serve up another griddle fried musical
breakfast burrito. From the land of the Loaf, Superchunk, Polvo, Ben
Folds Five, and more indie favorites, these swell folks have been
doing it for a very long time. What you get with SCOTS is an ear
pleasing blend of blues, country, rockabilly, and surf. Of course, I
speak not of 90's geriatric country, but that of the old school kind.
"Plastic Seat Sweat" is their second DGC album. They continue to
rock in a swinging way, and their newest instrumentals are the best
yet. Rick Miller's voice can range from cornball goofy to a warm croon
to a party time howl. Mary Huff's bass is still rock solid and her two
vocal offerings here are well appreciated, for she has a fine voice.
And just by listening to drummer Dave Hartman, you can tell that he
stands up while drumming. Songs are about banana puddin', a tow truck driver on crack, and
dancin'. SCOTS fans should be pleased, and as for everyone else, it's time to dive in to this
twisted gene pool. -DO
Snot Rockets "Songs from Planet Head"
(Mackle)
The Snot Rockets may be just a buncha kooks from Buffalo, but they can play some mean punk
rock. The album sounds like mid-'70s punk rock -- even the recording is kinda scruffy for a really
cool feel. "You Will Not Turn Me Gay" is a controversial rant that has sparked some anger at the
band, but has turned folks on to them at the same time. You name it, it's probably on this record.
From mild ska to hardcore to three chord punk rock. And hey the promo version comes with free
Kleenex! Yes! -ZF
Various Artists "Lounge-A-Palooza"
(Hollywood Records)
The concept of this CD is excellent, and it's actually a great listen.
Take a bunch of musicians, tell them to play a lounge song, or a
lounge version of another song, and record it! Some acts on the CD,
such as Combustible Edison, Esquivel and Pizzicato Five are already
well known for their lounge sound. But Ben Folds Five, who provide
one of the best moments of the album with their version of Flaming
Lips' "She Don't Use Jelly", Poe and Fun Lovin' Criminals are
interesting choices. I'm surprised that it took someone so long to
finally do this. Oh -- and did you ever want to hear a lounge version
of Soundgarden's "Black Hole Sun" by Steve & Eydie? Well now you
can. -ZF