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Lisa Mychols,"Sweet Sinsations" (Rev-Ola)
Lisa Mychols combines the guitar crunch of the Muffs, the vocal allure/sensuality of Susanna Hoffs (Bangles not solo) and the power-pop sensibilities of the early Bangles & Go Go's. Mychols combination of all these in the package of a one-woman powerhouse of pop! From the first few notes of the kick-off song, “Living Doll” (not the Cliff Richard song!) you know that this is not your average power-pop album. You get the psychedelic feel of “Gonna Get That Boy” with its classic-Who ending. “Turn the Radio On” is the best power-pop song about the radio since the 1978 Cheap Trick song (“On the Radio”). The title song, “Sweet Sinsations” could have been a Bangles hit back in the ‘80s! “Take a Ride” is reminiscent of classic Cheap Trick. “Rock In the City (Tonight)” can easily replace “Kids in America” as a modern rock anthem. These songs alone prove that Lisa is a force to be reckoned with in power-pop.
I don’t really like the title of “Diva” and its negative connotations, so I’ll just call Lisa a “power-pop princess”. This CD is a Sweet Sinsation indeed, and it ultimately leaves you wanting more!
To go to this artist's web site click here
Review by Ronnie
Better Than Ezra,"Live At The House Of Blues, New Orleans" (Sanctuary Records)
I’ve heard the name a thousand times but I never knew who they were until I listened to this live cd. Yeah, that’s when you go “So, that’s who that is!” Not only have I heard their name over and over but I’ve heard their songs hundreds of times on the radio. Songs like “Misunderstood”, “Good”, “Extra Ordinary” and “In The Blood” are constantly filling the airwaves. These are songs you sing along to every day in the car on the way to work or school. “Live At The House Of Blues, New Orleans” also contains two new studio tracks, “Cold Year” and “Stall” both of which will be seeping into your brain very soon no doubt. A dvd of the House Of Blues concert is available as well.
To go to this artist's web site click here
Review by J.R. Oliver
Various Artists,"It Was 40 Years Ago Today-A Tribute to the Beatles" (Bullseye Records)
Truth be told, when I first heard of this two-disc Beatles tribute album, I was a little skeptical. Over the last few years, there have been so many BAD Beatles cover songs released (example: Fionna crApple!) and just as many half-assed Beatles tribute albums.
But when I gave this CD a spin - it instantly made all those other Beatles tribute albums obsolete! I kept waiting to hear a song that made me cringe - and it simply didn't happen.
"IT WAS 40 YEARS AGO TODAY: A Tribute To The Beatles" is a 50 song, 2 CD set that truly gives a fresh look at some Beatles classics, with a myriad of interesting interpretations contained within. You have originally slow songs that you never would have imagined working as fast “rock” songs. Then you have the originally fast songs that are given slower treatment. Sure, there are a few boring “straight” covers, but these are few and far between. What I really like is that the CD combines both the "known artists" (such as Al Kooper, Andrew Gold, Bill Lloyd and many more) as well as independent artists. So you get a pretty good cross-section of interpretations. Dee Long of Klaatu even performs on this CD - ironic since Klaatu was once thought to be the Beatles reunited in the mid '70s. And Beatles fans are gonna love the cool liner notes, written by Craig Cross, author of 'Beatles-discography.com: Day-by-Day, Song-by-Song, Record-by-Record'.
So take it from this Beatles fanatic (since 1975) - this is the BEST tribute album of the Beatles that I've ever heard - kudos to Bullseye Records of Canada for releasing the ultimate Beatles tribute album! So please, please...I'm begging Hollywood…next time you wanna use Beatles music in a film and can't get the rights to the originals...contact Bullseye Records!
P.S.: For a limited time, a bonus disc will be available which includes 23 more Beatles covers! That's a total of 73 Beatles covers from the original selection of 222 song titles recorded by The Beatles on their original official studio albums and singles - not a bad ratio at all.
To go to the Bullseye Records web site click here
Review by Ronnie
Traindodge,"The Truth" (Ascetic Records)
Sprawling, like driving on a twisted off ramp that never seems to end, but still
manages to take your breath away-that is The Truth. This four piece from Norman,
OK spits out this double CD and utilizes every instrument they can tune to make
it work for the songs inside. Disc #1 starts off with "Abandon City" a blistering
track about urban decay that features singer Jason Smith stating "what was once
mine will be mine again." "Streets" kicks it with a groovy piano riff that somehow
doesn't get lost in the guitar crunch jackknifed into the song by guitarist Jon Holt.
Rounding out this disc is the epic-(it's over 10 minutes long) "Failure Is An Orphan".
Guitar patterns seem to crash in waves when they are not digging under your skin,
and the bass is thick and overpowering-a great way to end this disc.
Disc #2 keeps the momentum rolling with some wild drum fills by Rob Smith
on "Love and Venom" and some feedback that Thurston Moore would be proud of.
"March of the Damned" has some cool bass lines by Chris Allen as Smith wails-
"It's my last stand so god damn with a firm grip of redemption's hand and it's
time to place regret aside." "I'm Entitled To Your Opinion" is another great
song on this disc and the rhythms threaten to overtake your eardrums and cast
them in the trash heap-all in good fun of course. So fans of Lungfish, Shellac,
even the studious restraint of The For Carnation will like this massive effort,
but you'll keep coming back because Traindodge takes you down sonic highways
you'd never thought you would travel.
Review by Sean Koepenick
Jack Irons,"Attention Dimension" (Breaching Whale Records)
This is the solo debut from drummer Jack Irons, who has played with The
Red Hot Chili Peppers, Pearl Jam and Joe Strummer. Although this is a mostly
instrumental record, the stylistic textures here tend to weave around your head like
an anaconda sliding around its prey-once this tightens its grip it won't let go.
Irons uses layers of drum patterns, with keyboards, organ and some horn
treatments as well. Irons' partner from Eleven-Alain Johannes supplies
continuity and musical assistance on the rest of the tracks.
"Ocean's Light" is a trippy song that would probably do wonders for
expanding your consciousness, even without any chemical assistance.
The record's one cover is a deconstructed version of Pink Floyd's "Shine
On You Crazy Diamond" that classic rock purists may scoff at; but actually
works thanks to the inspired performance of Les Claypool (Primus) on bass
and Eddie Vedder on vocals. Irons pretty much ignores Nick Mason's static
playing and comes up with a new pattern that takes the song into a whole
different universe that even those Floydians may not have envisioned.
"Water Song" sports another interesting match with Flea on bass and
Stone Gossard on guitar. The results are definitely intriguing and it's nice to
hear Flea get a chance to stretch out musically without Keidis warbling in the
background. Attention Dimension closes out with the frantic "Aquaman's
Electric Band" which basically throws everything including the kitchen sink-
(OK-nobody actually played a kitchen sink on this) into the mix for a
spectacular finale. So even though you may be wary of instrumental records-
be advised this is no Joe Satriani wanking off with endless soloing-these are
real songs. They deserve a listen from you and maybe you'll think that this
is the best solo record by a drummer since Stewart Copeland's Klark Kent EP-
or even Herman Rarebell's Herman Ze German classic.
Review by Sean Koepenick
The Screamin’ Mee-Mees,"Live From The Basement 1975-1997" (Gulcher Records)
Here’s a glimpse into the wacked out world of The Screamin’ Mee-Mees. Twenty drug induced, alcohol fueled songs hatched from the warped minds of Bruce Cole and Jon Ashline and recorded in their basement. This is my favorite Mee-Mees release because it’s a complete collection of all their singles and Eps and includes such non-hits as “Hot Sody”, “Max Factor”, “Green Cigars From Mars” and “Answer Me”. Listening to their freeform exploits is like taking acid without taking acid. I’ve known Bruce a few years now and he’s just like you’d expect he would be from listening to his music. A little wild, a little crazy, a little drunk and very opinionated but that’s what rock n’ roll is all about. Isn’t it?
To go to the Gulcher Records web site click here
Review by J.R. Oliver
The Screamin’ Mee-Mees,"Garbage Collage" (Gulcher Records)
Twenty three more tracks of twisted mayhem. These guys must have lived in that damn basement! There seems to be an endless supply of tapes lying around just waiting to be released. When did they ever have the time to make a beer run? Or a piss, for that matter? I know their creative juices were fueled by hops but did they have a truck deliver the shit? As I’ve mentioned in past reviews, if songs like “Be Retarded”, “Disco For Drunks”, “Too Young To Shave, Part Two”, “Dirty Socks” and “Why Can’t A Watermelon Pray?” don’t convince you that Gibby Haynes should get down and kiss the feet of Jon Ashline and Bruce Cole then nothing will.
To go to the Gulcher Records web site click here
Review by J.R. Oliver
Channels,"Open"-(EP) (Desoto Records)
J. Robbins may not have been thinking "third time's the charm" for this project,
but it certainly looks like Channels may end up catapulting their songs into the
stratosphere once word gets around town about this release. Not that J.'s previous
work with either Jawbox or Burning Airlines weren't blockbusters-but Open
seems to venture down hallways that remained barricaded before.
"Disconnection Day" starts off with some shimmering acoustic guitars and
still manages to simmer up some serious steam by the time the chorus kicks in.
"Storytime (In the Street Of Spies)" features some solid bass fills from Janet
Morgan; who also contributes harmony vocals throughout the EP that Siouxsie
would kill for. "Chivaree" barrels along powered by Darren Zentek's complex
drum fills as Robbins spews out nearly venomous lines like "I curse 2003/they put bomb in my dreams/but I wake in the one place I wanna be."
Channels also give some glimpses of their musical perspective-"Fear Is A Man's
Best Friend" is a John Cale cover (an early solo version appeared on an Exotic
Fever compilation) and the last track "borrows" its title from a Roger Miller solo
album. But Channels is definitely about tension and fear in this frazzled society
we live in today. But there is hope and Channels is here to get us all on the same
frequency.
Review by Sean Koepenick
Guadalcanal Diary,"2X4" (Rhino Handmade)
Finally a record company had the good sense to reissue this long out of print
record from one of the most underrated bands of the 1980's. Rhino goes for broke by
releasing this with a whopping 11 bonus tracks. For those of you unfamiliar with
the band, they came out of Marietta, Georgia in 1981 and featured the songwriting skills of Murray Attaway (although the whole band wrote material). They put out 4 great
records before calling it quits in 1990.
2X4 find the band returning to their roots with production assistance from Don
Dixon (The Smithereens, R.E.M.). The disc starts off with the band's biggest hit-
"Litany (Life Goes On)" which features Who like chord changes that Oasis wishes
they had done first. "Let The Big Wheel Roll" lampoons the hyper over-extended
culture of the "big 80's" written by guitarist Jeff Walls as he dreams about break-
dancing and Mr. T. Good stuff. But it wasn't all fun and games with the subject
matter. "Where Angels Fear To Tread" discusses how religion can have a negative
repercussions when mixed with "televangelism" hucksters like Tammy Bakker.
"3AM" takes an early morning stare at alcoholism through an empty pint glass.
I'll leave up to you to explore the bonus tracks, but they make this well
worth it for any music fan who wants to experience great alternative rock with
thoughtful lyrics as well. Plus the liner note pictures are pretty funny too.
Review by Sean Koepenick
Trashcan Sinatras,"Weightlifting" (SpinART Records)
Don't call it a comeback-more like a hiatus. But The Trashcan Sinatras are
here with their first release of all new material since 1996's A Happy Pocket.
It's been a tough road in between, but the band was able to keep their name out
there with a few self releases in the meantime. But that continued effort has paid
off for patient fans with this release.
Weightlifting shows the band complementing each other's musical ideas so well it's almost scary. "Welcome Back" is a call to arms to all of those who may
have counted them out. "Got Carried Away" is quite simply, a beautiful mid-
tempo tune that lead singer Francis Reader pulls off with true passion. This could
be a hit on US radio-if every station wasn't owned by Clear Channel now. "It's
A Miracle" is moved along by the dual guitar textures of John Douglas and Paul
Livingston as Reader sings "you're a rare old flame burning bright again/all those
thing that we shared matter now/I just can't say goodbye/Do I have to try."
Weightlifting is a triumphant return to form for these Scottish tunesmiths-
although they're may not be a song as instantly hummable as "Obscurity
Knocks"here- this is their best release since their debut.
Review by Sean Koepenick
Riddle Of Steel,"Python" (Ascetic Records)
Riddle Of Steel pours hot molten rock into this release and the results could
weld your brain cells together like dead bolts in an I-beam. Hailing from St. Louis,
this power trio offers up an intriguing mix on their debut release. Think Bluetip
if they were fronted by Mike Patton of Faith No More-you get the idea.
"Fire Is A Special Occasion" is a full tilt rocker that features some expressive
guitar runs from Andrew Elstner and sets the tone for the pure sonic assault of
Python. "A Dime For The Curse Jar" cops to a sin we'll all fallen from grace on
(sorry Mom!) and "The Gaping Jaw" pulls some elastic runs out of bassist Jimmy
Vavak. The highlight of Python would have to be "Saturn Eats His Children"-
the title alone is worth the cost of admission. But it's the rollicking drums of
Dave Tutncrantz that makes this a winner. Python is big and scaly-but it won't
hurt once it tightens its grip around your soft underbelly.
Review by Sean Koepenick
Glenn Tilbrook,"Transatlantic Ping Pong " (Compass Records)
As the lead singer of Squeeze, Glenn Tilbrook along with partner Chris Difford,
seemed to always be striving for the next big hit single. Eventually, even Difford
left in the early 1990's and Tilbrook decided to retire the band name. As a solo
artist, Tilbrook seems more relaxed and self-confident, and this hasn't been more
evident, until this, his second solo release.
Staying away from some of the excursions that threw The Incomplete Glenn
Tilbrook off track occasionally (please-no more techno drums!), he comes up
with a record that's much more accomplished both musically and lyrically.
"Neptune" bounces along and will stick in your head after one quick listen.
Tilbrook hasn't lost his sense of humor as one title-"Hot Shaved Asian
Teens" will attest. But of course it wouldn't be a Tilbrook record without
songs about lost love. One of the best ones here is "Domestic Distortion"
where Tilbrook sings "sliding from the shadows/of our domestic distortion/
uncertainty has been the only thing I'm sure of/my feelings are elusive/somewhere
that I will not go/now we're on a journey where it ends I don't know."
Tilbrook even penned a song with his old songwriting partner Difford on
"Where I Can Be Your Friend". So even though the title refers to his back and
forth touring in the US and the UK, Transatlantic Ping Pong is a winner. Be
sure to catch him with his new backing band-The Fluffers- you won't be disappointed.
Review by Sean Koepenick
Maurizio Lauroja,"Heaven Or Hell" (Indie Release)
This is surprisingly tasty for a mainstream style of release. By mainstream I mean a cd that will appeal to fans of rock, blues, funk, classic rock, jam bands and alternative. Normally, that would be spreading it too thin for me but it works here somehow. This guy’s guitar playing is outstanding, I mean, Stevie Ray Vaughn or Eric Clapton outstanding. “Heaven Or Hell” is one of those cds you throw on when you’ve got people over for the first time and your not sure what kind of music they like but you know they’ll dig this.
To go to this artist's web site click here
Review by J.R. Oliver
This Is Exploding,"Until The Next Red Light" (Indie Release)
Their first full length release, This Is Exploding is a power pop band on a mission. They demand to be heard and they’re doing all they can to make you listen. Everything from nonstop giging to compilations to movie soundtracks. “Until The Next Red Light” gives their growing fanbase ten new songs full of piss and vinegar, loads of energy and hooks to boot. A hard working band gets my respect everytime. No matter if they play what I’m into or not.
To go to this artist's web site click here
Review by J.R. Oliver
Choo Choo La Rouge,"I’ll Be Out All Night" (Preoccupation Records)
This Boston bands music reminds me a bit of three albums by bands from the south. Love Tractor’s “Around The Bend”, Pylon’s “Chain” and The Connells “Boylan Heights” to be exact. The jangly guitars and deliberately laidback vocals are what made me flash back to the aforementioned vinyl releases. Underground power pop with the mandatory Beatles influences. Standout tracks for me personally were “Black Sheep”, “No One Knows Like You Know” and “Sinkhole” but the whole release is solid.
To go to this artist's web site click here
Review by J.R. Oliver
Tizzy,"Dead Band Rocking" (Indie Release)
Mitch Easter’s Let’s Active meets Led Zeppelin, Janes Addiction and Gang Of Four. This six song cd ep is one of the most interesting things to cross my desk in this weeks mail pile. It’s not exactly what I’m “in” to but I can’t help but get into it. I know, your thinking, step away from the beer and start making sense dickweed. Well, it’s a little hard to explain. Wait a minute. No, it’s not. This is just good rock n’ roll, plain and simple. Check it out.
To go to this artist's web site click here
Review by J.R. Oliver
Speak Easy,"Low Moral Character" (Indie Release)
Funky rock n’ roll with a reggae twist. This Massachusetts quartet also throws in pinches of folk, pop and punk to the mix. The full length follow up to their “Box Of Cubans” EP, “Low Moral Character” is a pretty interesting release that’s tailor made for mainstream radio airplay. The title track as well as songs like “Oh, Melanie” and “Danni” are indie rock hits if ever I heard one… And I’m not saying I have.
To go to this artist's web site click here
Review by J.R. Oliver
Holy Frog,"Holy Frog" (Indie Release)
What if Cat Stevens and Syd Barrett had been born and raised in Middle America and dropped acid together? I imagine they would sound a lot like Holy Frog. Holy Frog dubs themselves "a surreal postmodern acoustic duo", but I prefer to describe them as "psychedelic-Americana-punk". At 6 songs, this CD is way too short, but it gives a tantalizing glimpse of what the band is capable of. Please give us more...
To go to this artist's web site click here
Review by Ronnie
63 Crayons,"Good People" (Happy Happy Birthday to Me Records)
In an alternate universe, Syd Barrett quit Pink Floyd in 1967 and joined the Monkees just in time for their psychedelic TV season. Wanna know what the psychedelic-bubblegum pop that resulted would have sounded like? It would have sounded just like THIS CD! The groovy tunes contained within this CD take the Syd Barrett stylings of psychedelia and infuse it with the fun and pop sensibility of the Monkees (around 1967). Somewhere along the way, psychedelic music became too serious. And psychedelic music should be FUN...and 63 Crayons makes it so!
Oh, I've seen this band live as an opening act and they blew the main act off the stage!
To go to this artist's web site click here
Review by Ronnie
Mosquitos,"Sunshine Barato" (Bar None Records)
NO, this ain't that cool sixties rock group that appeared on one episode of "Gilligan's Island". Too bad, cause I would have preferred that TV manufactured version of music to this pretentious tripe. Like a bad dream in which a B-52s wannabee band is playing at a two-bit bossa nova dive in France. But, I'm sure this stuff is "cutting edge" for the oozingly-cool folks at your local Starbucks.
In fact, I convinced the editor to add a new review standard - one that is lower than the low. In the past, a really bad CD got a "0" rating. Well, now we have the "bomb"! And no, that ain't street lingo for cool! This CD is docked one rating just for singing half the songs in annoying French!
To go to this artist's web site click here
Review by Scott H. Platt
The Electras,"The Electras" (Wepecket Island Records)
The Electras were your basic, early '60s garage-rock band that put out one vinyl record in 1962 and then faded into oblivion. That is, until former bass player John Kerry became a Presidential candidate in the 2004 election! Now the album has been released as a CD, with the original cover & liner notes, as well as a "where are they now" commentary included. Like a lot of the garage bands of that time, The Electras concentrated on instrumentals and that is one of the problems with this CD - they all start to sound the same after awhile. The one exception is their cover of "Sleepwalk" which is interesting. The highlights include the two songs that DO have vocals, "Summertime Blues" and "Ya Ya". All in all, The Electras are not bad...just average.
I know what everyone wants to know - how is John Kerry on the bass? Well, let me just say that Clinton's sax playing can beat up Kerry's bass playing any day. Hmmmm…maybe there is an album in that?
The election in November will determine whether this becomes a unique collector's item (especially if you could get it autographed by Mr. Kerry) or if the band will return to being just a long-forgotten footnote in the garage rock band annals of the '60s.
To go to the www.johnkerryandtheelectras.com web site click here
Review by Ronnie
The Cringe,"Scratch The Surface" (Listen Records)
My wife seems to really dig this and isn’t that why we started bands in the first place? It’s a little edgier and quite a bit more interesting than most of the radio chum spilling into our airwaves. Kind of reminds me of Husker Du on a couple of tracks and Pearl Jam on others with a little Stone Temple Pilots thrown in along the way. Not bad. Not bad at all.
To go to this artist's web site click here
Review by J.R. Oliver
Blues Explosion,"Damage" (Sanctuary Records Group)
Jon Spencer’s Blues Explosion is an acquired taste. The band’s trashy blues, rock n’ roll, funk, soul, sampling, mix is a taste I personally acquired back in 1996 with the bands “Now I Got Worry” cd and later grew into an addiction with 1998’s “Acme” release. Their latest offering seems appropriately titled since the damage has been done and I’m pretty much a slave to their grind now. The title track asks ‘do you dig my band?’ and then goes on to give you a reason to do so. “Burn It Off” is a boogie driven rocker just drippin’ with soul and “Hot Gossip” is like a swampy Southern Culture On The Skids fronted by John Lee Hooker. “Mars, Arizona” gets loose like a college cheerleader drinking Jose Cuervo and “Blowin My Mind” is the sleazy fingers of rock n’ roll slipping inside the white panties of today’s hitmakers like Jessica Simpson and Britney Spears. I can already tell you this is gonna get some serious play at my house.
To go to this artist's web site click here
Review by J.R. Oliver
Pete Muller,"More Than This" (Indie Release)
I think that given a chance, Pete Muller could kick Ben Folds ass. Not in a psychical sense, but a strictly musical one. They both play a more than capable piano, but Muller has a quality in his voice that makes him more interesting. When Pete Muller goes for those gospel-bluesy songs he is "on"! But when he goes for the ballads, he is only "so-so", with the sole exception of the song "Iceberg", which is a great song.
To go to this artist's web site click here
Review by Scott H. Platt
Wild T & The Spirit,"True Bliss" (Bullseye)
Mix Stevie Ray blues, Rick James funk and Living Colour-styled hard rock and you get Wild T & The Spirit. An interesting mix that overcomes the tedium that often comes with a blues-only release. This is the freshest, best blues-based artist that I've heard in years.
To go to this artist's web site click here
Review by Scott H. Platt
Cowboys International,"The Backwards Life Of Romeo" (Pnuma)
What the hell? Where did the damn birds come from? Sounds like Phil Collins playing drums in the middle of the freaking woods. Somehow I had never heard of Cowboys International although I was very familiar with some of it’s members other projects like Terry Chimes work with the Clash and Keith Levenes guitar work with Public Image Limited. I’m still not clear if this is a newly reformed version of Cowboys International or if this is old tracks but it simply reeks of the late seventies-early eighties New Romantic movement. Reminds me of bands like ABC and Spandau Ballet. Not exactly my cup of tea but who am I to judge. I do love the cool guitar riff that runs throughout “Ready Steady Go”. It’s got to be my favorite track of the disc.
To go to this artist's web site click here
Review by J.R. Oliver
Steve Frederic,"Have We Met?" (Swat Man)
Totally forgettable jangley-pop that sounds like Loverboy as the backing band [on the songs where Steve tries to 'rock out']. Steve Frederic doesn't have what it takes to do lead vocals and the female harmony vocals are very distracting! Strictly karaoke material.
To go to this artist's web site click here
Review by Scott H. Platt
Daniel Carlson,"Now" (AptZero Recordings)
I hate to be a downer, but why in the hell was this even released? I do believe there is a disclaimer on the EAR CANDY site about sending in your CD's for review. So with that in mind I feel totally justified in "reviewing" this CD. Actually, there is not much to review. Sure, there are 5 songs, but they are lame songs with lackluster performances. Also, Daniel tries to put too many influences in, therefore having no style that he can call his own. After several plays, the songs are still forgettable. Well, there is one song that sticks out, an instrumental called "Gold". This song sounds like porn-film background music, I kid you not! Perhaps Mr. Carlson will have more success in that field of music.
To go to this artist's web site click here
Review by Scott H. Platt
Five Eight,"Five Eight" (Indie Release)
Somewhere in the alternative section of your neighborhood record store that houses bands like Social Distortion, Husker Du and R.E.M. is where I’d place this Athens, Georgia trio. They’re one of those bands that could pull off opening for todays top forty bands like 3 Doors Down and Nickelback as well as say, Jet or Green Day. Twelve pop songs with an underlying punk vibe that grows on you with every listen. Pretty catchy stuff that’s well worth a listen.
To go to this artist's web site click here
Review by J.R. Oliver
d. boon & friends,"d. boon & friends" (Box-O-Plenty Records)
The Minutemen were an extremely great band if you ask me. The first time I ever heard of d. boon and company was when I bought a copy of “My First Bells 1980-83”, a cassette only release that had around sixty songs on it as I recall. I think that’s why I bought it. It had so many songs for the money that it just looked like too good of a bargain to pass up. Anyway, they blew me away with their jazzy bursts of punk riddled with lyrics delivered in a beatnik poetry spat from a machine gun kind of way. Boon’s guitar style was as cutting edge and experimental as Television’s Tom Verlaine or Gang Of Four’s Andy Gill. Unfortunately, boon’s career was cut short when he died in a van crash in 1985. This release gives the listener a glimpse of how that unconventional style evolved. It’s probably not for the average listener but Minutemen fans will love the shit out of it.
To go to the box-o-plenty web site click here
Review by J.R. Oliver
New York Dolls,"Pre-Crash Condition: Live From The Royal Festival Hall 2004" (Sanctuary Records Group)
Bridging the gap between post-Glam and pre-punk, the New York Dolls burned out way before any commercial success - but the band still left an influential legacy that is still felt today. This CD was recorded at a reunion of the band for 2004's Meltdown Festival in London, and presents all the band's classic tunes in a surprisingly tight and still vital form. (However, if you think these songs are HOT, check out the original records!)
This CD is proof that some bands can still "cut it" 30+ years down the road. There are LOTS of bands from that same era (or even earlier) that should take notice of this performance before attempting a reunion - this is the standard by which all reunions should be judged.
To go to the Sanctuary Records Group web site click here
Review by Ronnie
Unbounded Sky,"Unbounded Sky" (Indie Release)
You can't judge a CD by its cover – especially in the case of Unbounded Sky. Yes, the CD cover of their demo looks like one of those classic YES album covers from the '70s. And while Unbounded Sky is indeed a PROG band (a.k.a. "progressive rock"), they have more in common with early Genesis and ECHOES-era Pink Floyd than YES. And like Pink Floyd's ECHOES, they play great progressive-rock-mood music - that is, music that is best enjoyed when it can just soak into your psyche. Long instrumental sections with occasional vocals - it is music to be enjoyed for its various textures and sonic surprises rather than your standard "pop form". I'm talking late night, lights off, candles on and maybe some good wine.
There are a few fidelity issues (where the CD distorts), but this is easily overlooked by the playing contained within. Unbounded Sky is "progressive" without being pompous, like well...Emerson, Lake & Pompous (or is it Palmer?). If PROG is indeed making a comeback, these guys ought to do well! Impressive indeed and another case of a band that needs to produce a full-length CD!
To go to this artist's web site click here
Review by Ronnie
Various Artists,"Under the Influence: A Jam Band Tribute to Lynyrd Skynyrd" (Sanctuary Records Group)
UNDER THE INFLUENCE-A JAM BAND TRIBUTE TO LYNRYD SKYNYRD gives guitar-driven band's interpretations of classic Lynyrd Skynyrd songs. IT is a strange concept that sometimes works. Some artists stick close to the original version, like GOV'T MULE's "Simple Man" & MOE WITH JOE HIATT's "Ballad of Curtis Loew". And some versions are just downright bizarre like DISCO BISCUITS' "Gimme Three Steps", GALACTIC's "Saturday Night Special" and LES CLAYPOOL's "They Call Me the Breeze". These three are guaranteed to confuse your average Skynyrd fan. However, the best surprises on this CD are BLUES TRAVELER's "Free Bird" (a hard song for ANYONE to cover!) and BIG HEAD TODD & THE MONSTER's "Sweet Home Alabama". I especially dig how BLUES TRAVELER uses the harmonica in place of those classic slide guitar riffs. These are the only two songs in this collection, in my opinion, that offer an interesting interpretation - which is what a tribute album is all about.
This CD is only for die-hard Lynyrd Skynyrd fans - and the Skynyrd faithful might consider some of these versions “sacrilegious” ...but then again, some might like these unique interpretations.
To go to the Sanctuary Records Group web site click here
Review by Ronnie
Kimmy & Klassé,"The Love of Music" (Indie Release)
Kimmy & Klassé is an average R&B group with an above-average lead singer - Kimmy Kearse. However, despite Kearse's powerful vocals, the rest of the CD falls flat. Mainly due to the choice of songs and the karaoke-sounding background.
To go to this artist's web site click here
Review by Scott H. Platt
Lisa Dames,"If These Walls Could Talk" (Waffle Ranch Records)
Lisa Dames plays traditional country in the style of Patsy Cline and this CD sounds very early-sixties authentic. "Viva Las Vegas" is the most interesting track on this 6-song CD and it sounds like what the track would have sounded like if Elvis had recorded it at Sun in 1956. Ultimately, there are a few "clunkers" on this CD and I think that with stronger material Lisa might do a little better.
To go to this artist's web site click here
Review by Scott H. Platt
Gretchen Witt,"Demo" (Indie Release)
Although I'm not normally into folk music (which is how I would classify Gretchen's style), there are two things on this demo which immediately caught my attention - Gretchen's distinctive voice AND guitar playing! Her voice is both angelic and powerful and when she combines it with her impressive, fluid acoustic guitar picking it is...well, a match made in heaven. Gretchen uses this formula to full effect on 3 of the songs and fills the rest of this demo with one piano song and one blues song (while not bad, these two don't impress me as much as the others). As far as demos go, this is top of the line. The 5 songs included give you a little taste of what Gretchen is capable of and makes you look forward to a full-length CD.
To go to this artist's web site click here
Review by Ronnie
Roadside Zoo,"Caleb Coolville" (Indie Release)
The first few songs on this CD had me thinking that these guys were just Red Hot Chile Peppers knock-offs. But then came songs such as "Jesus Lives on the Beach", "94", "Getaway" and "This Love". These 4 songs show that this band has what it takes to make a good album - and when they fill a complete CD with songs of this caliber they will have one. Love the keyboard infusion into the funk formula - gives the band some identity.
To go to this artist's web site click here
Review by Scott H. Platt
Various Artists,"Trekkies 2 Official Soundtrack" (Reboot Music)
Basically, this is a repeat of all the stuff you already have if you get the Trekkies 2 DVD - the DVD just makes this CD redundant. There are a handful of various Star Trek tribute bands represented on this CD, including the BEST one, WARP 11 (whose great CD we reviewed last issue). However, the "bad" words are "beeped" out of the Warp 11 songs on this CD - so avoid the aggravation and get the real deal, the complete Warp 11 CD!
As for the rest of the bands represented...they come off better in the DVD, but alas, when you hear them without the visuals, their music falls flat. I guess you had to have been there...Get the DVD, it is MUCH more entertaining!
To go to this artist's web site click here
Review by Ronnie
Stiv Bators,"Disconnected"[25th Anniversary Edition] (Bomp! Records)
This is one of those albums that every card carrying punk or garage rawker should already have in their collection but if you don’t, then by all means pick up a copy of the 25th Anniversary Edition from Bomp Records. You get all the classic nuggets from the original release like Stiv’s version of the Electric Prunes “Too Much To Dream” and rawkers like “Evil Boy”, “A Million Miles Away”, “Swingin’ A-Go-Go” and “The Last Year” plus you get five bonus tracks. Two of which are alternate takes of “Evil Boy” and “Swingin’ A-Go-Go”. The third is an instrumental track titled “Crime In The Streets”. You also get a live version of the garage punk classic “Little Girl” and a little something called “Junebug Skillet”. Apparently, Bators had a habit of making prank phone calls to a place called Malik’s Gumbo Hut. He would order using a character he created that he referred to as Junebug Skillet, a 75 year old blues singer from Louisiana. You get to hear one of those calls. And, as if that wasn’t enough, you get a cd booklet chocked full of pictures and info as well.
To go to the Bomp! web site click here
Review by J.R. Oliver
Les Hell On Heels,"Les Hell On Heels" (Bomp! Records)
Jeff Dahl brought this Phoenix band to the attention of the folks at Bomp and for that I would like to thank him. Just like their name would suggest these four women know how to rawk. I’d have to say they have more in common with bands like The Runaways, New York Dolls or the Stooges than The Donnas or The Ramones just because they have that harder, rawer edge. Their cover of Dahl’s “Ain’t So Cool” is damn near rock n’ roll perfection if there is such a thing. This cd kicks from start to finish with its punk and rock n’ roll mix laced with pop harmonies. A fun listen all the way through and the cd cover ain’t hard on the eyes either.
To go to the Bomp! web site click here
Review by J.R. Oliver
13 Stories,"FunkyPopSexyHouseRap" (Onethree Records)
When I reviewed the debut disc by 13 Stories back in 2001, I was impressed by what I heard and really psyched about hearing their full-length CD. Three years later I finally get to hear it and I’m a little disappointed. The songs aren’t as immediate and endearing as their debut disc songs. More polished yes, but something is missing in the translation this go around. Plus, a couple of the songs have had a huge makeover and it’s not for the better – “After School Special” and “Lexi” lack the punch of their original versions. Maybe there is a clue in the title, “FunkyPopSexyHouseRap” – the band appears to attempt too many genres at once?
To go to this artist's web site click here
Review by GPR
Camp Susannah,"Happy Today" (label)
I'm not going to go into a long dissection of the pro's and con's of this CD so I'll cut to the chase instead: basically what you have here is a second-rate Ricky Lee Jones-meets-Meridith Brooks clone. Nice voice, but half-assed songwriting that leaves you unsatisfied and looking for the real thing.
To go to this artist's web site click here
Review by Scott H. Platt
The Deep Eynde,"Shadowland" (Disaster Records)
Southern California devil punk is what they’re calling their sound and that’s cool with me. They can call it whatever they want just as long as they keep rockin’ like the twelve songs on “Shadowland”. Reminds me of The Damned and Agent Orange like the press release suggest as well as bands like The Living End and The Coffin Lids. Song titles like “Suicide Drive”, “She Likes Skulls”, “Society’s Parasite”, “Devilchild”, “Killing Time” and “Hoodoo” should give you a pretty good glimpse into what The Deep Eynde is all about. If you want to take a walk on the dark side of punk then this is your band.
To go to the Bomp! web site click here
Review by J.R. Oliver
Nancy Sinatra,"Nancy Sinatra" (Sanctuary Records Group)
There are too many entertainers-of-past that try to relive their "glory years" and end up putting out embarrassingly worthless CD's that only diminish their former legacies. Well, Nancy Sinatra is NOT one of these! Rather than relying on past glories, she forges straight ahead on this CD, going for that "modern" sound and succeeding!
There is nothing here as punchy as "These Boots Are Made For Walkin" or as alluring as "You Only Live Twice", but what you do get is well worth a listen. My favorite track on this CD is the one that you would never have imagined Nancy Sinatra ever trying! "Momma's Boy" has a spooky groove that would effortlessly make it onto the playlist of any “alternative rock” radio station! The only song that even hints of Nancy's '60s material is the psychedelic-sounding "About A Fire". The rest are an eclectic collection of styles with samplings of Herb Albert-tinged brass, grunge-like guitar crunch, techno backbeats, 12-string Byrd’s-like guitar pop, country rock and even blues-piano! Nancy effortlessly changes genres, but ultimately holds these styles all together in a cohesive unit. Nancy is an artist that is willing to take chances and it pays off on this CD.
To go to this artist's web site click here
Review by Ronnie
Floorian,"What The Buzzing" (The Committee To Keep Music Evil)
Psychedelic space rock that makes me want to partake of the lambs wool. I mean, it makes me want to light up one big ol’ honkin’ spliff! I’m talking a box of Captain Crunch, a jar of peanut butter and maybe some fish sticks kinda spliff. This is trippy shit. I know because I don’t even like weed. I’m seeing shit just listening to it. Think of Pink Floyd when Syd Barrett was a viable member. Yeah, that kind of trippy.
To go to the Bomp! web site click here
Review by J.R. Oliver
Rosetta West,"X Descendant" (Alive Records)
Sounds like a stripped down, trippy Blues Explosion. If someone took away all of Jon Spencer’s toys, samples and gadgets then he would probably sound a lot like Rosetta West. Their song “Deeper Than Magic” even brings to mind Led Zeppelins “When The Levee Breaks”. John Mayall would be pleased with this psychedelic blues outfit. A psychedelic blues band from the Mid-West of all places. If someone had told me this was recorded in England in the seventies or something like that I would have believed them. It’s a definite blues rock flashback to the days of Cream and Zeppelin.
To go to the Bomp! web site click here
Review by J.R. Oliver
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