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The Dragons Live At The Casbah CD Junk At a recent farm party we hosted, I played this here 4th Dragons album and by the 3rd or 4th song on the album the party of 10 or so folk in the kitchen had been cut in half, fresh beers in hand and pullin' up seats around the system in the next room. Real honest balls-out rock 'n' roll will do it everytime. Energy and carefree abandon mixed with crack musicianship is the only thing a band needs to achieve greatness. The Dragons live up to every accolade they've ever been paid and where a band like the Replacements eventually went wrong for me the Dragons erase thoses old dissapointments! Led by vocalist/guitarist Mario Escovedo (yes, part of the large and talented family) this quartet are so good it's almost frightening! Amazing originals and a half dozen blistering covers must have had the crowd at the Casbah in San Diego this night in a beer soaked frenzy. If you like any super-crush rock 'n' roll from any decade you will dig bigtime, this here album. Rock 'n Roll lives and The Dragons are out there breating fire at the front of the pack! (JW) |
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Psychotic Youth Stereoids CD Bomp The 4th album that I know of from Sweden's Psychotic Youth continues the saga of this 4 piece who mix the perfect amount of power pop and guitar driven rock 'n roll ala the Real Kids and early Cheap Trick with total snot nosed punk rock. Killer harmonies and super catchy aggressive melodies strike out song after song with memorable anthemic choruses. With super tight playing and the pinning, up front recording, this album should easily be getting the same hype as current US newcomers American Heartbreak. Bomp is a great label and if you know their history, it's so painfully obvious as to why the cleverly titled "Stereoids" by Psychotic Youth is at rest where it is. Crank this baby up, get in the convertible and get ready to cruise. (JW) |
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The Insomniacs Get Something Going CD Estrus This New Jersey band are a power trio who play straight up power driven mod/popwith a healthy dose od furious rock 'n roll. Drawing inspiration from 60's legends like Small Faces and the Creation, the Insomniacs more or less 3rd album continues to keep them at the pole position as North America' best band of the genre. With the vintage gear they use, the choice of 4 relatively obscure nugget worthy 60's covers and 9 of their own killer, hook laden originals these guys could pass for the real deal if time travel were permitted. Dave Crider's Estrus label continues to be the most consistent garage label in the world and "Get Something Going" from the Insomniacs is another feather in the cap! (JW) |
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The
Mooney Suzuki People Get Ready CD Estrus
New York's Mooney
Suzuki have cut an album that smack's of soulful but blisterin' garage
rock that'd totally at home in the late 60's or early 70's if not for
the aggressive 90's punk aggression. Recorded by rock god and Texas legend
Tim Kerr and engineered by garage stalwart Mike Vasqueuz at the famous
Sweatbox in Austin, this 4-piece not only gets the best brought out in
them but also guarantees attention paid to it with this duo at the helm.
The band rocks and if anybody out there is a fan of a band like Tricky
Woo you will fuckin' love this ! I've read alot as well about the fact
that they're a killer live band. Hey guys how about a show at the Dominion
Tavern? I'll set it up yesterday!!! (JW) |
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Klasse Kriminale What Have We Got? CD KBD Records Anyone who likes the sound of the traditional british working class punk music by bands like Cock Sparrer, The Business, Four Skins and the Clash will love this Italian band. Klasse Kriminale have worked their craft sine the mid 80's and over that course of time have released a lot of records the world over. With the sounds of late 70's/early 80's politically correct UK punk under their belts this bands latest album is full of that "have another Guinness, sing-along chorus Oi" that many fans of this style of music hold dear to the heart. The fact that I don't understand the Italian lyrics does not affect the rock charge contained on this 13 song album. Oi music is the punk equivalent of world beat; check out the killer traditional reggae break in the track "Faccia A Faccia" for proof ! Klasse Kriminale have made a cracker of an album that's everybit as good as their contemporaries. Oi Oi Oi !! (JW) |
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Robots The Day Of The Robots Cd Man's Ruin Whether or not one cares for the Hellacopters, Gluecifer or their Scandanavian forefathers, Turbonegro(RIP), the current popularity of these groups has shed light on that part of the european continent and have made the world aware of the huge amount of bands that have toiled in the underground for many years. The Robots North American long play debut is I believe, their 3rd or 4th full length and the band play a catchy, full on intelligent form of rock music not that unlike the sounds of the Supersuckers, Humpers and others cut from that cloth. Based in Stockholm, the Robots have an obvious penchant for the American roots of rock sounds that are particularily in evidence on tracks like the full-tilt "JuJu Man" and "Mr. Sauve" and the motorbike roar of "Speedway Child". The song "Papa" about Ernest Hemingway is one of the most infectious cuts I've heard in ages.Lead vocalist Odd belts the songs out with a particular ease and is always framed by a constant and charged, full on, guitar attack. Catchy as hell and supercharged like dynamite, this, thinking man's punk rock is one of the best out and out rock 'n' roll albums of the year! (JW) |
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The Rendezvous Band Live At The Magic Stick, Detroit CD Real O Mind The late Fred Smith has got to be tappin' his foot in heaven to this album. Best known for their only official release, a 7" from the mid-70's called "City Slang" the Rendezvous Band were brought back to life in part by The Hellacopters inclusion of that song on "Payin' The Dues" and a posthumous live album released on the Detroit based Mack Aborn record label called "Sweet Nothing" several years back. This album is the result of a reunion show from last year which needed Detroit as a spiritual back drop for what proved by hearin this to be an excellent exercise! Original members Scott Morgan, Gary Rasmussen and Scott "Rock Action" Asheton are joined by Deniz Tek from Radio Birdman to give us all another exciting and vital blast of classic 70s Motor City power driven rock'n roll! An excellent live set despite a virtual lack of rehearsal, exemplifies why with age, everything indeed gets better! Fred Smith would be proud and the crowd who saw this show should feel fortunate to heve been there! The "Champ" gets another gold star for this release, keep it up!! (JW) |
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Asteroid B612 Different Licks For Different Chicks CD Ramblin Records I don't remember when I first read about this band but whenever it was it was enough to constantly be on the prowl for releases and info on this killer Aussie rock band. Anyone who knows me knows I have had a constant and undying love for the OZ rock underground and since these lads started they have recieved the royal treatment on the radio, in the shop and at home. Previous albums on AuGoGo and Lance Rock are pretty unbeatable with that walloping Motorcity meets Radio Birdman attack with amps at 10 and "...Licks..." is no exception to the rule. The 6 songs here are 3 originals and 3 covers, with the later being sweet, intense renditions of Stones, Flamin Groovies(fuckin' eh!!!!) and a double combo of Died Pretty and Pere Ubu. This is loud and memorable rock 'n' roll! When's the next release????? (JW) |
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New York Dolls A Hard Night's Day CD Norton Norton records gives the world yet another example of why they are such a fuckin' great and ever consistent label. This collection of material was recorded one night in March of 1973 as a demo of almost their entire repetoire to showcase their talents for Mercury records. There is no sign of the impending, tumultous, short lived and sad demise of one of the most influential punk bands of the 70's contained herein. It's all here! Tight, killer, live in the studio performances, recorded and played with rawkin' abandon. Read essential ! Of course, you should have both offical albums, but this stuff is so good I almost prefer it to the actual following Mercury albums!! Hearing this album for the first time was as great a thrill as my mom giving me the first self titled record for Valentines day in 1974! (JW) |
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This barkin' puppy is flat out, that'll git it, rock'n roll of the highest pedigree!! Jeff Drake leader of the Joneses has teamed up with Scott Drake (no relation) of Humpers fame to create a group that is the perfect combo of the former two. The Vice Principals kick off thier debut album with a cover of the great "Jack The Ripper" and from there on it's all sweat and beer blastin' fun. I can only imagine how great this band would be live as Scott Drake is arguably one of the best and wittiest frontmen in the biz. You'll be wearin' the dunce cap by not gettin' this album and startin' every party rockin' with the Vice Principals. (JW) |
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Joneses Criminal History CD SFTRI 20 songs of early-mid 80's kick-ass glam punk, rock 'n roll and a nod to bar room country, with an unparralled ass shakin' quality that goes straight to 'yer soul ! Combining punk attitude and energy with the best of The New York Dolls with a dash of Hank Williams chucked in and you get the picture. Largely over looked and maybe best remembered for their masterpiece "Pillbox": a song that made it onto nearly every punk comp tape I made in the day, The Joneses make timeless rock 'n' roll that is played with effortless greatness! This is the best re-issue of the year and is already easily in my top ten for 2000. I can't believe these guys were not huge, history is truly criminal !! (JW) |
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SuperBees Got This Feeling 7" + CD Cabeza De Tornado Straight no chaser rawk 'n' roll, in the vein of the Humpers, Joneses,and Jeff Dahl. These California based newcomers have that in 'yer face Chuck Berry style overdriven riffage that never fails to bring a smile to the face. All 5 originals on this cd ep & 7" feature Iggy-sneerin' vocals, framed by a fat twin guitar attack and a thumpin' rhythm section. Exclusively packaged for The Las Vegas Shakedown in August of 2000 this might be hard to find! Thank goodness for friends who go places! This is Rock' Roll! (JW) |
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THE BROOD. Beyond the Valley of The Brood. Dionysus. (LP) Portland, Maine's fave femme garage combo are back with this, their fourth full length LP. It's been 5 years since their last platter but it has been worth the wait. Beyond the Valley of The Brood is a mock soundtrack to a film starring an all-girl band called The Swizzle Chicks and I do believe that Russ Meyer would be proud of the attitude, angst and sex appeal delivered on this album. Front-woman Chris Horne's ultra snotty, Jaggeresque vocals and distorto-fuzz guitar have never sounded nastier. Betsy and Crystal drive out a tough yet groovy rhythm while Asch's haunting organ fills in the gaps to provide a very authentic 60's sounding garage band style. The mop-topped beatle-booted 6Ts-punk purists will dig this like a new paisley shirt. Like most Brood LPs, there are several slower tempo pissed-off-with-your-latest-flame teen ballads, as well as a very cool maraca shakin' bump and grind instro for added sex appeal. The Brood aren't breaking any new ground here, but unlike most bands who have managed to keep it together for over 15 years, they have stayed consistently cool. Keep it up, ladies! Some way-out garage rock for the hip-hugger set. -Merle Knurling |
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THE EMBROOKS. Our New Day. Voxx. (LP) Fans of The Creation, The Wimple Winch and The Q65 will get a charge out of The Embrooks. This is some of the coolest mod-psych rock & roll I've heard from a new band in years. Recorded by Liam Watson at legendary Toe Rag studios, Kent, England's Embrooks deliver a hip shaking, mind melting slab of pure action. Vocal duties are split between guitarist Al, and bass player Mole (who also sings in Dutch). Crunching guitar tone and some trippy bass playing all congeal with Lois's Keith Moon-ish drumming style to deliver a sound that you can either shake yer arse or blow your mind to. A sharp dressed band to boot. As if that weren't enough, it's on Voxx Records. Need I say more? Dig it, you square! -Merle Knurling. |
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FORTUNE AND MALTESE AND THE PHABULOUS PALLBEARERS. Sonic Sounds From Seattle. Dionysus. (7") Stomp, shout and work it on out with Freddy Fortune and Michael Maltese! Here we have a new 45rpm from our men in Kalamazoo backed up once again by the Phabulous Pallbearers. You bet, daddy! These are the "lost" Fortune and Maltese sessions from Kearney Barton's legendary Audio Recording, Inc. And brother, it's a wham-bam dandy of a platter. Four killer cuts: two classic covers and two boss F&M originals all given that authentic monophonic Kearney Barton treatment. This baby would have sounded better in a Pacific Northwest roadside diner jukebox back in say, oh,1965 or so, but since time travel ain't possible, you'll just have to pick up this slab of wax up and spin it on whatever's handy. Roll up the carpet, pop open a tall cool one and twist the night away to Michigan's action-packed frat-rockin' hipsters. Hit it or quit it! -Merle Knurling. |
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FEAR
Have Another Beer With Fear CD Hall of Records |
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Mensen / The Meat Joy split 7" Fandango Here's a couple of scorchers from two "chick rock" bands and delightfully the emphasis is on "rock". First from the home of the Fandango record lauching pad, the U.S. capital, are The Meat Joy. Catch(Fire) is a solid rocker akin to early Patti Smith and with some Penetration and X-Ray Spex flavour. Will be waitin' for more from this combo. Also a fine Scandinavian band w/ a full length and double 7" under their belts, Mensen crank out the sassy "Mean Christine" an exclusive track to this single and as gutsy and catchy as the rest. Limited to 500 so, crack out some green and fork it over. dave aardvark |
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The
Von Zippers / Les Secretaires Volantes Dead End Canada -- 7" Mag Wheel Records
Just in time for summer, A brand new split 7" touted as a soundtrack to a film called Dead End Canada. Four hot tunes by two of Canada's finest kept secrets. Les Secretaires Volantes have been crankin' out the good stuff in the Montreal region for some time now and are a total pleasure to see live. Their energy is sufficiently captured here and will please long time fans and newcomers alike. And, perhaps not quite as unknown due to their Estrus records affiliation, but far from commercial or any such shite are Calgary's The Von Zippers who competently manipulate the Pagans' Dead End America (traditional?!?) to suit the theme, and a new one called Screwdriver High that'll Kick you upside the noodle. All in all an excellent endeavor. Buy now while supplies last and there's still some summer left in your soul. dave aardvark |
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ROBERT BELFOUR What's Wrong With You Fat Possum In
light of how lame some regional blues festivals can be, (we won't mention
any names) I figure it's a good time to point out the lack of interest
in some of the latest Fat Possum releases (great new T-Model Ford Lp too)
in particular "What's Wrong With You" by Robert Belfour. These are the
real outback country style blues that are actually worth paying attention
to. Belfour is a very accomplished, no bullshit guitar player, as strong
as any of his contemporaries from the Mississippi region, and at sixty
is still going strong. Nine beautiful porch stompers, (amongst them are
two songs penned by the late great Junior Kimbrough) all of which have
an authenticity that could have you thinkin' it might actually have been
recorded some sixty years ago. Easily the best blues album out this year.
So then, What The Hell IS Wrong With You anyway? dave
aardvark (July 13th) |
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THE WHITE STRIPES De Stijl SFTRI Can
the sophomoric release be better than the brilliant self-titled debut?
Maybe, maybe not, I've heard it four times already though, and it is at
least just as good. Thirteen more gems from Detroit's most clever brother
and sister, guitar and drums duo, Jack and Meg White. Drawing again from
the tradition of great stripped down, back porch, country-fried blues
yet still not without its skewed urban, Motor City flavour. Full up with
ample tone and texture, these songs (some of which are accompanied by
violin and bass are lamentful and angst-ridden delivered from a clenched
soul. Appropriately included are two choice covers, Son House's "Death
Letter" and "Your Southern Can Is Mine" by Blind Willie McTell. It doesn't
get any tastier than this people. dave aardvark
(July
13th) |
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-- An Urge To Play Loud .People Like You. Records Here's a kick-ass new 7 song 10" from one of Spain's finest, the punk rock 'n' roll quartet Aerobitch. They already sport a fairly large catalogue of stuff, a previous 10', a full length album, a split 10" w/ another Spanish band and a batch of 7"s. This new one picks up with fine fury, crankin' out five hard hitting originals (a total stand-out is the catchy "You Lie") and two excellent covers; "Know Your Product" by the legendary Australian band the Saints and "High Voltage" by AC/DC that are sung with great gravelly lung belting action by a gal named Laura. Fans of the Pleasure Fuckers, T.V. Killers, Sugar Shack and the Creamers take note. These "bitches" in heat. Get 'em. dave aardvark. (July 13th) |
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ASS
PONYS -- Some Stupid With A Flare Gun Cd Checkered Past Welcome to "some stupid with a flare gun" (an excellent title to be sure) a fifth album for this Cincinnati, Ohio quartet, the first in about four years and perhaps the best one yet. Wisely away from major label indifference, this one's a real heartwarmer, ornate with off-kilter melody, musically cacophonous, celebratory and subtle, sometimes in the same breath. Twelve robust numbers bound together by Chuck Cleaver's distinct falsetto that delivers enigmatic tales of longing, sorrow, heartbreak, horror, disgust and even anger, in true contemporary folk blues or hurtin' C&W fashion but well removed from any typical alt. country motions. Ranges, if you will, between the rootsier side of R.E.M. to something along the lines of the more elaborate sound of Dead Moon, and should have plenty of appeal to fans of everything from Built To Spill to Tom Petty. Fire off a round into the dusk dummy or just get with it. Absolutely essential. dave aardvark. |
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THE (International) NOISE CONSPIRACY Survival Sickness Cd & Lp Burning Heart/Epitaph So far this year has been blessed with great new discoveries. Enter the Black Mask collective from Sweden and their musical outlet, The (International) Noise Conspiracy. Formed in the fall of '98,they already have a singles collection under their belts. (First the "Noise" part as in powerful and uplifting not irritating), fronted by Dennis Lyxzen of the Refused, the new Survival Sickness will stagger you with some punk rock & soul akin to the Small Faces meets the Murder City Devils or something, but grasping, as they are hard to pin. No surprise however, (…the second part, "Conspiracy" as in enlightened) 'cause these folks are fully in defiance of mediocrity and convention, flying a radical banner chalk full of thoughtful politics and enticing ideas, putting the skewer thru the cold heart of popular culture. Music may be "limiting" but the INC cross that bridge very well. If you don't buy music then tink of it as medicine, the prescription for your "existing" woes. DO I have to spell it out? P.S. Heads up Chumbawambas. dave aardvark |
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PHANTOM SHIFTERS - GIVEN HALF A CHANCE, WE'LL WRECK IT FOR EVERYBODY / cd Gas records Local rockers the Phantom Shifters have put together a debut disc that would make a killer Mad Max soundtrack. Chugging like a V8 engine with two blown cylinders, "Given Half a Chance, We'll Wreck it for Everybody" is the perfect blend of loud garage and punk with a well defined battle-cry against anything remotely slick. With a battered two-string bass, front-man Ryan Kerr snarls through the record sounding like he took a giant haul off of a tailpipe. Somehow Kerr manages to capture as much vocal energy as he puts out every live show, making this a smoking first offering from a local band that we can expect has plenty more to offer. PAGE |
GLUECIFER - GET THE HORN CD and 10" on Sub Pop If you haven't heard of Norway's Gluecifer, it's time to dig in your heels. Riding firmly on the flame-job coattails of fellow Scandinavian rockers the Hellacopters, this five-piece of dual blazing guitar mayhem know how to heat it up with a style that's true to classic North American rock 'n' roll. With two blistering import albums under their belts, the band has signed with Sub Pop and is poised to take this continent by storm. "Get the Horn" is a six-tune teaser e.p. that hits you straight between the eyes and heats up the turntable for their North American full-length debut due in the next few weeks. PAGE |
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The Delta 72 -- 000 Lp & Cd Touch & Go These lively dudes crank out another soul-soaked document in their growing repertoire of funkiness. Definitely leaning even more in the direction of sounds that wouldn’t sound alien on Westbound Records back in the day w/ maybe some good period Tower Of Power thrown in. Appropriately recorded in Philly at Tongue & Groove, there’s no mistakin’ that this band HAS the groove. Lots of killer Hammond organ tastefully pounded throughout. Guest guitar on “3 Day Packet Plan” by Royal Trux’s Neil (Haggerty). A record that almost does justice to their frantic live show. Check it doc. dave aardvark. |
The Tantrums -- Motels 10” & Cd-Ep Cheetah’s Some swingin’ rockabilly numbers from this new California quartet, one of which is a rousing version of Charlie Rich’s “Midnite Blues” that many have perhaps beenfamiliarized due to The Detroit Cobras’version on the popular Mink, Rat or Rabbit album. The other 5 tunes here are originals however, delivered with no uncertainty, competent and infectious riffs overseen by the sweet pipes of vocalist Devil Doll (probably not her real name). Motels is definitely a worthy rest stop onthe road to a smooth collection Jack. dave aardvark. |
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The Peepshows -- Mondo Deluxe Lp & Cd Burning Heart I held out, and it took awhile to get this on wax, but it was more than worth the wait. As you probably know by now Scandinavia is ripe w/ a load of righteous punk rock & roll bands as of late, Gluecifer, Turpentines, Hellacopters, Wonderfools…the list is astounding. It is definitely time to add The Peepshows to that list, in spades. Very powerful, hard hitting and melodic follow up to the “Right About Now” 10”. These guys aren’t really braggin’ when they say they are all that. Don’t miss the boat, climb in for a good earcleanin’ on what is looking already to be one of the finest rock recordings of the year. “No Excuses” indeed. dave aardvark . |
BLACK KALI MA You Ride The Pony (I'll Be The Bunny) Lp Alternative Tentacles Holy Mother… It's been a while since I've seen Gary Floyd's name pop up on anything. The notorious and well -traveled frontman for legendary Texas band The Dicks, and singer for Sister Double Happiness is lending his voice to perhaps the most compelling of all projects yet. ( I do admit however to not hearing much of his solo stuff, which is mostly German import and such ) Accompanied by duel guitar attack and solid low end from ex-Rhythm Pig Ed Ivey, These fellas power through ten profound, hard drivin' numbers with depth that will stand up for years to come. Complete with Floyd's trademark blues bellow that is sure to send you searchin' for SDH deletes. ….dave aardvark |
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Loosely described, Calexico are multi-instrumentalist: Joey Burns and percussionist John Convertino with a multitude of guest musicians. They released a dynamite album in '88 called "The Black Light" that is rich with Spanish, Folk andTex-Mex flavors. Now to speculate, "Blacklight Sketches appears to be two "remix" (reprise?) tracks drawn from the album's material and two new ones that seem to be performed by players previously unrelated to the band, all of which give them a more stripped down, minimal post rock type feeling not with out it's own beauty. I might be missing the boat on what exactly is going on here, (it's kinda like pulling teeth deciphering, what with vague liner notes and no bio) but one thing is for certain, if you enjoyed the LP as much as I, you may or may not need this too. dave aardvark |
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Vocalist for the U.S. Bombs, Duane Peters' new label is off to a fine start. Following a 40 some song comp. "Old Scars and Upstarts", he's got a couple of full lengths out by the Pushers and the subject in question, the excellent Smogtown Lp. This record is pure punk rock joy and glory as this new band cranks out thirteen catchy tunes in the spirit of early Adolescents and Descendents with perhaps some Buzzcocks and S.L.F. thrown in. It just keeps getting better with each listen. This should be large. dave aardvark |
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The late sixties was a crucial period for all forms of popular music and funk was no exception. While Funkadelic were developing the funkentelechy that would later launch the Mothership and the JB's built the bridge, riff after endless riff, deep down in the American south the Meters had perfected the art of the syncopated back-beat. And it's a mother. These original sessions have resurfaced after years of dodgy comps and endless holds on back order.Get them while they're still around because when they're gone, chances are will be another decade or so until they resurface. And that's too long to wait for the funky chicken. Or the chicken strut for that matter. --Claudio Cacciati High Rise - Disallow cd Squealer This is the first digital studio recording engineered by the japanese psychadelic pummel trio themselves so you get to hear the sonic maelstrom as it was meant to be heard. Always the masterful synthesists of all western musical forms, High Rise practice the forgotten rule of rock and roll recording: everything in the red. All the time. On Disallow, Nanjo and company drop the sonic bomb on their incense burning, bead wearing American bretheren and make them sound about as lethal as a Greatful Dead cover band at a summer solstice love-in. --Claudio Cacciati The Zeros - Right Now! Cd Bomp The ninties was a decade that was, musically speaking, about recapitulation of other forms. Many of which had already been perfected in previous decades. So it's a sign of the times that a first generation punk band should reform after twenty years. Fitting too that their lead singer's solo career was as a mexican Elvis impersonator. Capitulate that motherfucker! While you're at it lend an ear to the perfect punk song structures, sublime power-pop vocal harmony, and awesome guitar playing. The decade began with such promise but, the greatness of it notwithstanding, Nevermind was not a punk rock record. So it is only just that The Zeros should return at decades (millenium!) end to write one of the final pages in the west coast punk chronicles. On your board punker. --Claudio Cacciati The Lord High Fixers - Is Your Club a Secret Weapon? cd Estrus Speaking of recapitulation what do you make of a recording that manages to toss around Dylan, Kerouac, Jimmy Mcgriff, the Byrds and Gil Scott-Herron in the mix with equal aplomb? Well I'm not so sure either. Effete and impudent snobs? Maybe. One thing for certain though, the Fixers have served up another compelling broth of rock damage that has me coming back for seconds, thirds, fourths, and fifths, if only to figure out what other ingrediants they conjure for this psychadelic soup. It doesn't roll much but it sure as fuck rocks. --Claudio Cacciati MC5 - High Times / Thunder Express cd Munster A lifetime ago, when you were just a thought on your dads mind and a twinkle in your moms eye, America was convulsing under the strain of a youth movement bent upon changing the rules of the game. From a rock and roll stand point a bunch of reprobates from detroit thought they could help spearhead the cause through their songs. From good time boogie rockers to dangerous revolutionaries, dangerous enough to be put on the FBI's public enemy list and even to whack for the Black Panthers to associate with, the MC5 have remained on of the most underdocumented American rock groups ever. Record company executives, fretful of helping foment the revolution but minful of lining their pockets, hooked the band up with hopeless producers and engineers who conspired to strip the band of their power in the studio. All that should change thanks to the folks at Munster and Rhino. High Times remains the only official studio document that is a testament to what they could have been and Thunder Express delivers the true power of this band in a live studio session. Kick out the jams brothers and sisters indeed! --Claudio Cacciati Will Oldham - Ode Music An instrumental Palace release may seem absolutely pointless to some; Will Oldham being this generations equivalent to Bob Dylan. But if you're like me you think sometimes a singer can ruin a good song. So paying mind to his prolixity, Mr. Palace releases a contemplative recording of soundtrack music for Kelly Riechardt's film entitled Ode. Think Ry Cooder and the Paris, Texas soundtrack and you're on the right track. Sultry and as languid as any other proper Palace release with a cover painting curtousy of Todd Haynes. A perfect end to your Saturday nights or a perfect start to your Sunday mornings. --Claudio Cacciati |
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