3LW : A Girl Can Mack Cd on Epic/ Sony
3LW
are the latest group of divas trying to sell some records. Just before
the release of their sophomore album, A Girl Can Mack, the group dumped
member Naturi Naughton for not being "ghetto" enough. Here's the deal:
Adrienne Bailon is supposed to be the group's J.Lo and Kiely Williams is
the Beyonce. That leaves Naughton, who was supposed to be the Mary J. Blige
character. Naughton claims that management tried to exploit her because
of her darker skin. Furthermore, she alleges she was abused in a food-fight,
as Williams messed up her 'do with mashed potatoes. What does this have
to do with the new album? Publicity! The drama has generated some badly
needed buzz for the group's bland R&B. It's worth noting that Naughton's
vocals were "ghetto" enough to keep on the album, and 3LW haven't searched
for a replacement. Might these girlfriends reconcile after the album goes
gold?
Acceptance : Lost For Words CD on Rocketstar
Recordings
Gaining critical acclaim, ACCEPTANCE has combined
a driving rock influence and a sophisticated pop element that allows for
a continually different experience. The range in the style can be attributed
to each member's individual and varied taste in music, as diverse as the
FOO FIGHTERS to bands such AS LAGWAGON and even the timeless rock and roll
of THE BEATLES. In the end, however, it's the individuality of each member
combined as one that defines Acceptance.
Acid Mothers Temple : Electric Heavy Land CD
on Alienate
The most groove heavy release yet by tokyo's
acid mothers temple. Electric heavy land graces the areas of extreme stoner
rock, full-on psych freak-out and even heavy metal.the recording is made
of three tracks that at times will have listeners reminiscing over the
likes of early mudhoney and monster magnet's spine of god-era sound. It's
the one of the catchiest records from the incredibly prolific psych unit
in recent times while the rock and psych influences are the most obvious,
closer attention reveals beautiful kraut rock inspired patterns.the release
is beautifully housed in our custom cardstock double gatefold packaging.
Action Spectacular : Everything's Going To Be
Ko, Really .CD on Sugar Shack
Action Spectacular are five shameless and self-confessed
"dirty fly-by-night Northern cowboys" hailing from Sheffield, and they
come, somewhat excitingly, with every music journalist's aphrodisiac: a
rambling and largely nonsensical rock'n'roll manifesto written in all manner
of different fonts, suggesting that these are mad, bad and quite possibly
very dangerous men to know. ..on Sugarshack (home to Redefine) Full Uk
press & radio mailout.
Barry Adamson : King Of Notting Hill CD on Mute
Born and bred Moss Side, Manchester, Barry Adamson
has had a prolific career starting with being the former bassist in Magazine
and a founder member of Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds. Since then Barry has
developed his own unique sound of soulful funk and "The King of Nothing
Hill" is Barry's most accessible album yet. As a hugely respected artist
Barry has maintained a solid fan base and will have mass appeal to several
different markets appealing to those that enjoy funk, beats, soul, jazz
and simply very cool music! Barry Adamson is certain to cross over to new
areas with this release.
Add N To X : Loud Like Nature CD on Mute
‘Loud
Like Nature’, the follow up to 2000’s ‘Add Insult To Injury’, features
13 brand new tracks including the single ‘Take Me To Your Leader’ (7th
October). Add N To (X) have delivered their finest collection to date and
proved, yet again, that they’re an edgier, more extrovert and coherently
schizoid band than any other functioning band around. Recorded by Ann Shenton,
Barry 7 and Steve Claydon in London, New York and Sheffield, the album
features contributions from Pulp guitarist Richard Hawley, J.P. Buckle
(National Bandit), drummers Joe Dilworth & Goldfrapp’s Rowan Oliver
plus long time collaborator, Dean Honer. There is also a guest appearance
from legendary American producer Kim Fowley who provides the spoken word
piece to the eerie ‘Invasion Of The Polaroid People’. . It hints at everything
from hip hop to '50s rock 'n' roll and yet never settles on a recognisable
sound. From the glamtronic opener 'Total All Out Water' to the frenzied,
rock 'n' roll of 'Sheez Mine', the p-funk surrealism of 'Party Bag' and
the pastoral analogue suite 'Up The Punks', the stomping single 'Take Me
To Your Leader’ and synth thrasher 'Large Number', the album gathers up
the band's history and spins it into gorgeously twisted nuggets.
Aden : Topsiders (CD). on Teenbeat
Fourth full length from DC pop quartet recorded in a cabin on Chesapeake
Bay. All mixed in Nashville by Mark Nevers (Lambchop, Vic Chestnut, Hank
Williams Jr., Johnny Cash, LeeAnn Rimes). Features Kevin Barker's banjo
pickin' & newfound skills on Hawaiian B-Bender. Members of LADYBUG
TRANSISTOR & ESSEX GREEN sing on one song. File between Galaxie 500
& Lambchop.
Airport Five : Tower In The Fountain Of Sparks
CD on Fading Captain
New material from indie rocks' great songwriting
duo robert pollard and tobin sprout. 'Tower in the fountain of sparks'is
an amazing follow up to pollard and sprout's 1996 lyrical collaberation
'tonics and twisted chasers'. Instruments/vocals played and recorded by
sprout at moonflower in leland, mi. While, pollard's vocals were recorded
in dayton at cro-magnon in january, 2001. ' Tower' brings you sprout's
crafted lo-fi multi chord guitar melodies combined with pollard's emotionally
charged atmospheric vocals.
Alabama 3 : Power In The Blood
Led
by Reverend Dr D. Wayne Love, Brixton's finest acid-house/country-rock
combo return with another album devoted to the joy and misery of living
in South London's infamous borough.Showcasing their own peculiar fusion
of country, techno, euphoric trip-hop and twisted blues guitar, 'Power
In The Blood', appropriately enough, is Alabama 3's third album - and their
best yet; fourteen Alabama originals plus an inspired version of Springsteen's
'Badlands' anda cast list that includes Keith Allen, BJ Cole, Rolo McGinty,
Eileen Rose and Irvine Welsh.
Allstar Reserves : What I Should Have Said CD
on Mother Stoat
Allstar Reserves formed at the end of last year
out of the ashes of Winner... Winner were at the forefront of the burgeoning
Aldershot scene, having gone to the States to record their album they came
back and and somehow self destructed with vocalist Ross leaving completely
out of the blue, while they self destructed the Aldershot music scene went
through the floor with bands that once had supported them now being offered
very large sums of money and record deals Hundred reasons , Vex Red etc.
Not one to get bitter bassist Tim and drummer Matt recruited a new Guitarist/vocalist
in the form of Oli and set out making the music they wanted to . Their
first gig saw a mass of interest but they decided to stick with their friends
at Mother Stoat, the album was written and recorded in record time and
has a raw powerful sound and they are now set to launch themselves on an
unsuspecting public
Tori Amos : Scarlets Walk
Not
so much a collection of songs as a sonic novel,'Scarlet's Walk' is the
brand new album from Tori Amos. Both highly personal and deeply political,
it's an epic and thought-proving journey though America. A road trip in
the classic Kerouac tradition, narrated by a character called Scarlet who
is Amos herself and yet who is also Everywoman. "Scarlet is walking
in my shoes", says Tori. "You could say she's based on me. Or perhaps I
am based on her". Populated by a cast of sometimes desperate but always
fascinating characters and rich in symbolism and allegory, it's both
a voyage of self-discovery and an examination of the stark choices facing
us in a world which often seems to have lost its moral compass. Partly
inspired by the stories told by Tori's mother of her Cherokee family history
and partly by the crisis of identity in contemporary America, it is also
the most challenging, ambitious and vivid creation from Tori Amos's fertile
imagination to date. Includes the single 'A Sorta Fairytale'.
Anacondas : Anacondas CD on Sonic Rendezvous
Spicy surfband from Amsterdam, with a taste for
ballroom blitz and psychedelic bizarre. Guitar hero Johnny Torpedo mixes
lead and rhythm into an original reverberato blend while cruising a dense
grooving beat. Weird and sometimes threatening sounds are boiled up with
the aid of several extra-terrestrial devices including an obscure monosynth.
Includes a couple of great covers: The Clash 'Guns Of Brixton' and The
Ventures 'The 9th Wave'. The Anacondas kick off yet another party!
And None Of Them Knew They Were Robots : Liebestod
CD on In At The Deep
This highly anticipated follow up to Leeds quartet
And None Of Them Knew They Were Robots self-titled debut sees the band
move into new uncharted territories. Whilst still retaining the original
intensity of their debut mini album on Pigdog records, 'Liebestod' sees
the band take on an even more abrasive approach this time with a sound
that can only be likened to that of classic MINOR THREAT. And None Of Them
Knew They Were Robots are widely regarded as the best emo punk band the
UK has to offer and this eight track mini album will finally ram the message
home.
Anomoanon : Asleep Many Years In The Wood CD
on temporary residence
The instantly recognisable warble and touching
harmonies of the oldham brothers ned and will have been imitated ad nauseum
more times than any of us can recall. Returning with his band, the anomoanon,
ned oldham has carefully crafted an album ripe with country crooners, slow
burning ballads and the occasional raucous back woods jam. Joining the
band are brothers will (aka bonnie 'prince' billy), david heumann (also
in bonny's band) and david michael curry on viola. Constant sellers on
the drag city label, the anomoanan will appeal to the fans of palace, lambchop
etc.
Apples in Stereo : Velocity Of Sound CD on spinART
Velocity
Of Sound is a fitting title for the Apples’ fourth full-lengther — a good
chunk of the disc sounds like a 33 being played at 45 RPM. Lead Apple Robert
Schneider’s guitar spits out standard punked-up indie pop chords at a million
miles an hour and his sped-up vocals are virtually indistinguishable from
drummer/co-singer/woman Hilary Sidney’s. About half the songs sit somewhere
between The Chipmunks and an old cub album — not very becoming for a popsmith
of Schneider’s caliber. The second half of the album is much better with
its revved-up pop-rock and the hint of darkness embedded in Schneider’s
kiddie-pop singalongs, but compared to past glories like 1997’s gentler
Tone Soul Evolution, Velocity is a let-down.
Appliseed cast : Lost Songs CD on deep elm
Fresh off the heels of their hugely successful
and critically acclaimed double full-length LOW LEVEL OWL, THE APPLESEED
CAST are back with nine new songs that marry their old-school and new-school
songwriting styles. LOST SONGS combines the bitter emotional release of
their earlier recordings and the meticulous soundscapes crafted through
endless hours of studio time on more recent recordings. Dynamic song structures,
hurricane-force rhythms and ultra-vivid lyrics paint bold portraits of
lead singer Chris Crisci's pain, while at other points LOST SONGS overflows
with symphonics, crescendos, swells of feedback and electronics. THE APPLESEED
CAST have done it again. One word: groundbreaking. "The songs are so damn
good. Nearly perfect. It's that amazing.." - Delusions of Adequacy * Recommended
to Fans of: Slint, Pet Sounds, Sigur Ros, Mogwai, Godspeed You Black Emperor
Aqualung : Aqualung : CD on b-unique
Having
produced one of 2002’s most intoxicating and aloofly blooming singles –
‘Strange & Beautiful (I’ll Put A Spell On You)’ – Aqualung have decided
not to be a one-off, advert-soundtracked wonder; an album also entitled
‘Strange & Beautiful’ has been assembled and, let’s get this straight,
is every part as atmospherically absorbing and tender as its high-profile
title-track.
And, whilst we’re getting matters ironed out
and verified for certain, let it be known publicly too that Aqualung is
in fact one Matt Hales, the former-frontman of two-time indie-hopefuls,
Ruth and The 45s. Whereas his prior projects relied on poppy exuberance
via the means of cranked-up guitars, infectious three-minute arrangements
and indie-boyish cuteness, Hales has now fled the roost to go it alone,
using his ample enough skills of operating recording-equipment and way
with a piano to create one of the understated, low-key albums of the year.
A voice every bit as softly mesmerising as Thom
Yorke’s and a character with a penchant for mournful songwriting that even
Elbow would have a difficult time finding faults within, as you glide from
track to track through Hales’ deeply engaging and reflective melancholia,
just try and hold back the heart-tugging pains in the chest and welling
in the eyes.
Whether it’s the downtrodden openness of ‘Falling
Out Of Love’, or slightly noisier and edgy ‘Good Time’s Gonna Come’, what
becomes most apparent is a sense of melodic solemnity and lyrical directness
which seems achingly absent from anything so accessible to the musical-mainstream
– a location Aqualung could find themselves heading in the not so distant
future. Further hymns for the heartbroken in all of us, ‘Tongue-Tied’ and
the helplessly, shamelessly romantic ‘Can’t Get You Out Of My Mind’ are
obvious numbers of merit, not to mention the shocking high-notes obtained
and stretched within ‘Everything Changed’, seriously prompting the listener
to justifiably ponder over whether the man has a full set of family-jewels.
Still, whether such a matter ever becomes solved or not, the fact remains
– this man has soul and pained sincerity by the bucket-load, and a competence
for crafting and moulding compositions that will haunt and enchant long
into the early hours of the morning.
It’s because of Hales so willingly offering to
hang his heart on the line that as he hums, ‘If I fall, will you catch
me’ – after hearing all this – you’d be treacherous not to oblige the man
his humble request.
Arbol : S/T CD on Indus Sonica
Arbol is a new project from piano magic member
miguel marin. Since leaving the band in early 2002, marin has scored several
multimedia works and shorts films including working with renowned spanish
film director bigas luna. This record is his first solo album. This collection
of 13 songs (all published by rykomusic td/rocketgirl music) was recorded
between 2001/02 at his home studio in north london and is released on the
new london based electronic label "indus sonica", which is marketed by
rocket girl. Using samplers and other electronic instruments mixed with
acoustic elements, marin creates evocative soundtracks to images that only
appear in the back of your mind. Fragments of melody drift through soundscapes
of fragile beats taking the listener on a journey of melancholic elegance.
Arbol's album contains contributions from suzy mangion of manchester band
"george" on vocals, james topham on viola, paul tornbohm on bass and john
cheves on melodica.
Arlo : Stab The Unstoppable Hero CD on Sub Pop
'Stab The Unstoppable Hero' is the second album
from Los Angeles 'power pop' alchemists ARLO: 'power' here implying both
electrified and sizzling like a live wire, 'pop' implying that particular
cereal box optimism that stems from clever children who grow up into sardonic
and lethally charming adults (or, as in the case of Arlo, mildly aged and
road seasoned teenagers). Nate Greely and Sean Spillane (singers and guitar
players both of them) come from the South (Texas), met while attending
college in L.A., moved to Pasadena and formed Arlo with Shmed (bass) and
former Beachwood Sparks/Further drummer Tom Sandford. 'Stab The Unstoppable
Hero' builds upon the groundwork laid with their debut, 'Up High In The
Night', adding new warp and weave to the band's pop-rock landscape (note
the twang provided by Further/Beachwood Sparks guitarist Josh Shwartz on
'Up'). Unlike their debut, which was completely self-produced, 'Stab The
Unstoppable Hero' is a co-production with Ben Vaughan. It's danger, a refreshingly
defiant optimism and the aforementioned live wire power that arm Arlo as
they stab the unstoppable hero. So, bet on the underdog for a change, take
a few pokes at Goliath….
Atomoc 7 : Gowns By Edith Head CD on Mint
Fans
of seminal Toronto instro-combo Shadowy Men From A Shadowy Planet will
be happy to know that guitarist Brian Connelly has not ignored his instrument
since that band's demise. Rather, he creates some of the finest twang bar
guitar soundtracks around with his new outfit Atomic 7. They’ve been tearing
up the club scene over the last year and have finally released their first
disc, Gowns By Edith Head (named for the costume maker for all of Hollywood’s
big budget flicks from the ‘40s to the ‘70s). As the lead track states,
this one is "Chock Full O' Notes" as the boys wind through all the classic
genres associated with this type of music: lounge, surf, spaghetti western
soundtracks, rockabilly and country picking in the Roy Clark tradition.
To top it off, these cuts have some of the best titles of any wordless
tunes, including "Save Your Fork There's Pie" and "Artistry In Nachos."
But I'll leave you to decide what's going on during "You Ain't Having Fun
Till You're Dialling 911."
Autechre : Gantz Graf CD on Warp
Warp’s first DVD release fittingly by Autechre.
The DVD will only be available in this package with the CD. The DVD package
will feature 3 ep videos.‘Gantz Graf’ by Alexander Rutteford. Alex has
previously achieved much acclaim with a series of experimental shorts screened
at the ICA in conjunction with onedotzero. This video took 4 months to
make and the attention to detail and editing shows a major new talent appearing
on the horizon. ‘Bass Cadet’ Directed by J.S. Hunter. This video appeared
on WARP’s ‘Artificial Intelligence’ video compilation and is directed by
Jess Scott-Hunter, who also did all the 3D computer graphics on the Chris
Cunningham video, and ‘Second Bad Vibel’ Directed by Chris Cunningham.
The version included here has never been seen before, it has been completely
remade for the DVD
Pete Aves : Bystanding CD on Little Brother
Bystanding,the second solo outing from high llamas
guitarist and multi-instrumentalist pete aves, is an eclectic collection
delivered with warmth, assurance,deftness and subtlety.delicate instrumental
shading sets the mood next to the light,breezy,intimate and the mysterious.styles
swirl and blend in songs which are clever without being contrived and wry
without being sarcastic.the listener is rewarded with music that resonates
with humility,intelligence,humanity and humour whilst passing the whistle
test.aves' gift is his ability to reference his influences (sometimes several
within the space of one song) whilst maintaining the unity and integrity
ofmusic which expresses his own personality.anyone who can deliver with
conviction a homage to french cinema in the style of early stereolab meets
the kinks deserves your attention.
B9 : Infiltrator CD on Musicsystem
Infiltrator is b9’ s second album, while the
first album, the critically acclaimed don’t worry it’ s b9, was a fresh
twist on the drum’ n bass genre, the second album infiltrates (pun intended)
genres like electro, drum’ n bass, ambient, slowbeat & even techno.
On Infiltrator b9 continues his extraordinary attention to detail, the
result is some very contemporary sounding electronica
B Movie Heroes : Rock Music CD on Changes One
The brand new 6 track mini album (7 if you count
the hidden track) from Brit Rockers THE B*MOVIE HEROES. Formed from the
still smouldering ashes of the YOYO's - Neil Phillips was the first out
of the traps with new material. This is their 2nd release and an excellent
slice of melodic, hook laden rock. With a track on the covermount of Metal
Hammer in April, anticipation for this release is buzzing - expect excellent
reviews across the board.. Top notch anthemic Pop/Rock in the vein of YOYO's,
WILDHEARTS with nods to CHEAP TRICK, KISS & THE JAM along the way!
Bad Anorak 404 : Sun Plus Sea CD on Snowstorm
Debut album by liverpool's bad anorak 404. The
band are essentially a one woman operation formed by lin sangster who was
previously in kit with members of shack.the album has comes at a cheap
introductory dealer price. John peel is a huge fan and has previously had
lin sangster for a number of peel sessions.will appeal fans of shack and
the young marble giants
Bad Astronaut : Houston: We Have A Drinking Problem
CD on Honest Don’s
In
the vastness of space, there is plenty of clutter, but Santa Barbara’s
Bad Astronaut shines so strong that it lights solar systems. After a slow
first few tracks, Bad Astronaut picks up and rocks out. The coupling of
former Nerf Herder guy Marko 72’s energy and former Lagwagon lead Joey
Cape's inspired lyrics makes for a surprisingly fresh ride. The occasional
generic punk track is lost amongst the gems. Lyrically, the inspirations
from Bowie and Radiohead are obvious, but Bad Astronaut carry their own
feel.
Bad Wizard : Sophisticated Mouth CD on tee pee
Bad wizard’s follow up to last years sleazed
out, 4k (kerrang) debut “free and easy”, is fast paced, charged, proactive
rock at its finest. Melding blue cheer’s intensity, deep purple’s pomp
and swagger meets the mc5’selectricity and bob segers “heartland” soul.
Not only do “sophistaicated mouth’s” industrious intricacies show signs
of the band’s maturity, they capture bad wizard’s live performance with
stunning accuracy…
Ballboy : Guide For Daylight Hours CD on Sl Recordings
The long awaited debut album "proper" from Edinburgh's
bittersweet BALLBOY. Ballboy have released four highly acclaimed (&
best selling) eps over the last three years on Edinburgh's SL records.
John Peel's a huge fans, having played almost every track the band ever
released, invited them in to record a session at the prestigious Maida
Vale studios, and they featured as part of an SL records night. Ballboy
have also had great support from the Evening Session in Scotland, Steve
Lamacq, and local radio stations across the UK. The album 'Club Anthems
2001' was a compilation of tracks lifted from their first first three EPs
& received great write ups in the UK press "a mixture of incisive lyrical
commentary and an intelligent way with a tune" Daily Mirror "a lush, engaging,
alternately witty and wistful record" Q magazine "the Strokes may be cooler,
but if you need someone to articulate your angst, ballboy are your band"
tony naylor in the NME Ballboy will be touring again between now and the
end of the year. the album features artwork by renowned artist and illustrator
david shrigley, and will be accompanied by a booklet of his illustrations.
Bobby Bare Jr : Young Criminals Starvation League
CD on Bloodshot
'"Young Criminal's Starvation League" flirts
with Beatles-like harmonies and a fascination with early 70's style Nashville
crossover hits, but also delivers a quick sucker punch to the past through
literate, biting songwriting. This is not a Bare Jr. record. Those familar
with that band (signed to Geffen) will not hear the special brand of "Southern
Rock meets Nirvana" which makes them so endearing. Instead, our man Bare
got together with his musical pals down in Nashville and recorded a post-punk
platter of psychedelic melancholy. What emerges is a smarter, softer, but
somehow still menacing Bobby Bare Jr. The amps might not be as loud, but
that's so you can hear the words....Leave it to Mr. Bare, Jr. to pick the
covers he picks. "Painting Her Fingernails," by Shel Silverstein is a perfect
fit for Bobby, both subject-matter-wise and for his sing-song delivery,
as well as including a guest appearance by dad, Bobby Bare Sr. There's
also a countrified take on the Smiths' "What Difference Does It Make?"
complete with pedal steel delivering the brooding echo of the original
Beatnuts : Originators CD on Landspeed
The Beatnuts are a Hip Hop dynasty, a power house
with a Latin flavoured sound that’s instantly identifiable. The Beatnuts
never disappoint, and The Originators is no exception to that rule. Since
starting out as a couple of kids from Corona, Queens on a mission to create
great beats, The Beatnuts have laid down a body of work that’s turned ears
and heads for more than a decade. From their work with Naughty by Nature,
Ghostface Killah, Big Pun, Mos Def, Money Love and Fat Joe to their own
classic cuts like “Off The Books”, “Watch Out Now”, “Turn It Out”, and
“No Escaping This”, The Beatnuts have created a legacy of sound. On The
Originators Les and Juju deliver their trademark Latin spiced beats and
the hot guests Beatnuts fans have come to expect. Joining The Beatnuts
on The Originators are Cormega, Al Tariq (former Beatnut, formerly known
as Fashion), Tony Touch, ILL BiLL from Non Phixion, as well as The Large
Professor just to name a few. One of the most uncompromising groups in
Hip-Hop deliver the best album so far this year, an album they have been
wanting to make but have not had the artistic freedom to do so until now.
For the first time in nearly 10 years The Beatnuts are finally free from
the commercial pressures of Sony.
Bellini : Snowing Sun CD on Monitor
Damon Che (Don Cab) is the enormous rhythm section,
Agostino Tilotta (UZEDA) on attacking guitar, Matthew Taylor completes
the rhythm section on bass. Giovanna Cacciola (UZEDA) rounds out the band
contributing vocals. Recorded by Steve Albini at Electrical Audio, the
album has a heavy sound, sometimes hard, sometimes slow, always aggressive.
It is the perfect marriage of bass, drums, guitar, and voice. The experience
of the players is evident, this is no ordinary band. File Under: Angular
Rock For Fans Of Don Caballero, Shellac, Uzeda
Below The Sea : Les Arbres Depayseront Davantage
CD on Where Are My Records
Based in montreal and quebec city, this trio
(formed of pascal asselin, patrick lacharité and mathieu lévesque)
had already done a few gigs when they didn't even knew each other while
experimenting with patrick's little 4-tracks.year 2000 took in 6 months
of recording after they had signed with where are my records.their album
would be released in europe and would start gaining more attention.collaborative
efforts came along and the experience they gained pushed them to release
a new more accomplished album. Les arbres dépayseront d'avantage
was recorded this last winter and has been written over the course of their
existence. Influences include labradford, slowdive, godspeed you black
emperor!
Brendan Benson : Lapalco CD on V2
'Lapalco'
is named after the main thoroughfare in Harvey, Louisiana, where Brendan,
the son of a welder, spent his childhood. But the record itself commemorates
Brendan's return to his birthplace of Detroit, where he lived out those
all-important teenage punk years. The result is an album of heart-warming
melodies and feel-good rock-out numbers, evoking the golden era of songwriting:
The Beatles, T.Rex, David Bowie, The Kinks, Alex Chilton...even the likes
of Squeeze and ThePixies get a look-in. Includes the single 'Tiny
Spark'.
Big Sur : Big Sur CD on All Action Figure Records
Debut album from big sur whose main influences
are rem,bob dylan, neil young and the kinks. ”one consistent feature of
this band is classic songwriting” uncut .the album features previous singles
“jonny ain’t too cross” (mark & lard record of the week), “lonely when
i’m down” (radio 2, xfm & glr playlists), “desert song” and the forthcoming
single “75”.
Bilge Pump : Let Me Breathe CD on Gringo
Years ago, Colchester gave Leeds a man called
Joe Mask. Now, in a pleasing moment of cultural exchange, Leeds gives Colchester
(well, Gringo) the mighty Bilge Pump in return. The jewel of the north
is well known for its steady turnout of self-sufficient, trend-proof rock
wallahs. The Pump are no exception. These three men have forged a sound
based on clang and whallop, given shape by the rollicking bonh(a)mie of
Neil Turpin, a man who has loaned his rhythm to Him more than once. Think
Gang Of Four bass tumbling over Led Zep drum-rollick, slammed up against
gnarled, screeching King Crimson guitar fripperies from 'Our Joe,' a chap
who is also known to millions for his tireless work in Red Monkey. This
is heavy and off-kilter, but never turgid. Sharp melodies and upbeat delivery
jump out with repeated listening. Bilge Pump, like McDonalds, are popular
both in Europe (where they have toured extensively) and America, where
they have released on the supreme Troubleman Unlimited stable. They will
shortly be touring with kindred spirits Erase Errata in the UK. stopping
off in the following cities; Leeds, Nottingham, Glasgow, Manchester, London,
Newcastle. * ‘Let Me Breathe’ is the debut album from Leeds’ Bilge Pump,
after some five years of playing around the UK and Europe, having had previous
releases on Slampt and Troubleman Unlimited. * Bilge Pump are from the
DIY hotbed of Leeds. They also share members with Him, Polaris, Red Monkey
and Snail Racing.
Birdie : Reverb Deluxe CD on Apricot
A few weeks after their tour with St Etienne,
PAUL KELLY and DEBSEY WYKES aka BIRDIE recorded a gorgeous version of 'Please
Rain Fall' by the Seas Urchins.'Reverb Deluxe' features this along with
other previously unreleased songs and long deleted b-sides. It's a collection
of warm and tender moments - songs you can put on in the middle of the
night, a soundtrack for stepping outside to watch the stars. The song 'Natural
Star' feels like a shy hug by someone you've fancied for years, the melody
of 'Lift Up The Sun' glows and shimmers like a bracelet with diamonds.
Tracklisting : Such A Sound, Please Rain Fall (unreleased), Send And Receive,
Silver Line (Reprise) (unreleased), Golden Image (unreleased), Natural
Star, Lift Up The Sun, Shipwrecked, Thirty Dollar Drum (unreleased), Theme
From Tired, Linus (Version).
Bitter Little Cider Apples : Still CD on Pink
Hedgehog
This is the BITTER LITTLE CIDER APPLES's debut
release, and once again proves that there is something very special about
the music coming out of the often over-looked West Country music scene.
Incredibly hard to categorize, they could be The Monkees for the 21st century...
one minute they're pure garage pop (XTC or early R.E.M.), next thing you
know they've mutated into The Cure, before evolving again into Neil Young
and Crazy Horse. Having made all those comparisons, they don't really do
the band justice... The band features Alan Strawbridge of THE LUCKY BISHOPS
(signed to BEVIS FROND's Woronzow Records) and all The Bishops appear on
this album and it also features Simon Swarbrick (Fairport's Dave Swarbrick's
nephew!). This is more than just intelligent pop, with creative guitar
work and infectious melodies, but if comparisons have to be made... then
think along the lines of early R.E.M. and XTC
Blame : Into The Void CD on Good Looking
‘Into The Void’ is Blame’s long awaited debut
solo album, a culmination of 5 years work with Good Looking, commencing
with the historic ‘Logical Progression 2’ compilation and his very own
720 degrees stable. Templating his increasingly edgy, technological sound,
Blame has pioneered warped electronic grooves in clubs all over the world,
merging straight-up dancefloor weapons with spacious, but fractured time
signatures. His vision is firmly embedded in this work, where electro beats
super-collide with mechanical fx; icy vocoders slink with warped basslines
– all the well established Blame trademarks of a sound that has gathered
momentum and fans in every corner of the globe. This is the sound of the
future now – a feast for electro epicureans and future funkateers
Blindside : Silence
Blindside
is one Swedish rock band whose ship may have just arrived. With two memorable
indie releases under their belt, the scorching foursome have signed with
Elektra in the U.S, and have been busily putting the finishing touches
to their Howard Benson (P.O.D)-produced debut. Despite the title, Blindside's
much-anticipated disk is anything but silent. Marked by brilliant, flaring
guitars that complement an almost mystical vocal presence, the group has
carved out a rock masterpiece in a series of stunning, but simple strokes.
The appeal of such immediacy was not lost on producer Benson. "I met them
through P.O.D", says Howard. "They were blown away by how talented they
were". Sonny of P.O.D, indeed heaps a fair amount of praise on Blindside.
"They play with such a high level of emotion, I believe they will be the
next big thing in rock. 'Silence' is by far the best album of the year,
a refreshing break from all the cookie-cutter acts that are out there today".
Blood Brothers : March On Electric Children LP
on Three 1g
Presold, and stocked ages ago (well a month or
two) finally the press is comi ng throuh in droves, 4/5 in kerrang, 7/10
in nme this raging hardcore debut from the blood brothers (now signed to
some high falutin usa major…oh well) is getting a lot of people hot under
the collar, and rightly so! Produced by the band and ross robinson (slipknot,
korn, all that corporate stuff, well he is practically responsible for
nu-metal… cheers!). In the vein of drive like jehu, antioch arrow, and
the crimson curse, this is urgent hardcore with wild rhtyhms, crazed /
demented vocals and a really powerful sound!! Re-released, this will fly!!!!
Blood Or Whiskey : Blood Or Whiskey CD on Eire
Records
Finally reissued, Blood Or Whiskey's self-titled
debut album will tear a new arsehole for anybody within reach of this their
superb punk debut. Previously unavailbale in the UK Blood Or Whiskey's
manifesto is simple - to merge traditional Irish music (ala Pogues) with
good time Punk Rock 'n' Roll!. Suffice to say that DROPKICK MURPHY'S admitted
to ripping BOW's sound off on their latest album!. Hugely popular in the
States and Europe 'Blood Or Whiskey' is A MUST HAVE for anybody who bought
the bands second album 'No Time To Explain'. For Fans of: Operation Ivy,
Clash, Pogues and oh yes... Dropkick Murphy's.
Blow : Bonus Album CD on K Records
The blow is a band comprised of khaela maricich.
Formerly known as get the hell out of the way of the volcano, the blow
has toured around the country and the northwest, playing shows of stories
and songs made up beforehand as well as right there on the spot. Bonus
album is a collection of songs that are outside the context of the blow’s
more theme-based, operatic live pieces. These odds and ends are like the
collection of artifacts that you find in the bottom of your purse, items
that are small and necessary and reminiscent of something important, including
a very suave take on wolf colonel’s “jet ski accidents”. The bonus album
is foreshadowing of the blow spectacular (cd/lp) due in 2003.
Bluebird : Hot Blood CD on Sweet Nothing
After releasing a handful of eps, an ambient
/ soundscape album (more akin to mogwai ) and a debut full length, sweet
nothing is pleased to announce the release of the new full length from
la’s bluebird. Bluebird - a rock group from los angeles, california - a
mess of hair,guitars, collision and exhiliration set to the odd light show,
burning effigies and guest musicians. In the way that black sabbath or
even queens of the stone age deftly blend heavy guitar riffing with shimmering
vocal melodies, bluebird makes catchy pop songs driven by heavy layers
of guitars. And jane’s addiction or for that matter early soundgarden in
their prime ascent the guitar textures and tasteful "jams" are far more
reminiscent of 60s psychedelia, 70’s warped skronk, and the mc5’s throttled
power-riff breakdowns (in fact, former mc5 guitar god, wayne kramer makes
a guest appearance on the track, "beautiful believer"), there is even nods
to drive like jehu's patchwork guitar strata. Recent recruit, paul fig
(ex-amen) adds further cohesion to this fivepiece hot blood was also self-produced,
mixed by joe baressi (melvins, qotsa, weezer, jesus lizard) .
Blue Light Fever : Blue Light Fever .CD on Salt
Blue Light Fever is best described as dirty electro
funk for the 21st century. Collaborations on the album include Little Annie
(On-U Sound, Current 93, Coil, The Wolfgang Press), G-Sharp (Diceman),
Adam McConnachie (a shady Mancunian with a sideline in sensitive poetry),
and contributions from Lydia Lunch, Psychic TV and Current 93.
Blue Rodeo : Palace Of Gold CD on Warner
Although
they still sound deliciously Canadian, an outsider might mistake Blue Rodeo
as a bunch of California boys. More than ever, Palace Of Gold has the band
intertwining classic Cali country-rock with big, bouncy sun-kissed pop.
Palace Of Gold is an unmistakable Blue Rodeo album; the formulaic Keelor/Cuddy
tension is in full effect and there are plenty of gentle country-pop ballads
à la "Try." However, the band push their songs further than ever
before. Bold, bright and complex, the Wilco comparisons are obvious and
only a little unfair (if they hire Jim O'Rourke to produce the next one
we'll get on their case). This may be Blue Rodeo's best album to date,
which is hardly surprising coming from a band that gets better with age
Boas : Mansion CD on Overcoat
Info formed without the pretense of any final
destination status and arriving seemingly out of thin air, boas debut full
length mansion is a striking debut that boldly announces the arrival of
great young band . Taking it's cues from jim white , syd barrett-era pink
floyd, early royal trux and the red red meat/califone songbook, boas boastfully
take on filtering the stone's exile on main street through a variety of
lenses. ** boas feature members whose past include stints in the fire show,
joan of arc, the dishes and piano magic. ** mansion features guest appearances
by john herndon (tortoise), nick broste and josh berman
Botanica : With All Seven Fingers CD on Subway/alive
This botanica's second full length release, their
debut "malediction" was described as an album of "grandeur, sweep, romance
and edge". "with all seven fingers" picks up where "malediction" left off,
casting its spell through 12 tracks of sultry grooves, leering waltzes,
fragile beauty and flat out rock and roll. Even as it evokes a dash of
the sensuous bryan ferry, a mournful croon worthy of leonard cohen, the
vividness of lou reed or tom waits, or even the sharp ironies of the buzzcockz,
this album never fails t osound like anything else than the collective
of liars, thieves, con-artists and seductive geniuses that is botanica.
Featuring kid congo powers, oren kaplan of firewater, and other guests.
Boom Box 2000 : S/T .CD on Orange Twin
Boom box 2000 is the most dynamic rap group that
ever played! This is their debut album, it was Recorded in various by-the-hour
motel rooms in athens, georgia on high quality equipment. If you like Batman
and robin aka “the dynamic duo”, proffessional wrestling, beastie boys,
you’ll love boom box 2000.
Bottleneck : Bottleneck CD on Hard Rain Records
New alt/roots country combo from Vancouver featuring
the songwriting and singing talents of Scott Smith (ex-Bughouse 5) and
Robyn Carrigan (Daisy Duke, Sara McLaughlin), with cameos from Juno winning
Jesse Zubot on violin. Haunting and heartfelt stuff Guitar, steel, banjo,
accordian, dobro, etc, as produced and recorded by Chon (Radiogram, Destroyer
etc ). "Would sound good on a mixed tape with: Lucinda Williams, Gram Parsons,
Steve Earle, Emmylou Harris, Fairport Convention, The Rolling Stones, Ron
Sexsmith, Tammy Wynette, John Prine. Canadian press say - "Takes you down
a familiar country road you have never traveled and back to a city street
you never left." "A really impressive debut in the style of Gram Parsons
and Emmylou Harris". "Not one bad track - without a doubt a candidate for
this year's list of best CDs".
David Bowie : Best Of Bowie Cd on EMI
Although
most people that like Bowie will already own the Sound And Vision collection
(if not every album), this new double CD Best Of Bowie is a solid collection
spanning the career of the former David Jones from Space Oddity up to Heathen.
All the hits are here ("Changes," "Let's Dance") as well as less-played
favourites ("Life On Mars?", "Scary Monsters (& Super Creeps"). Although
the liner notes are less than stupendous — nothing more than production
notes, a few photographs and a picture of Bowie comprised of, um, other
pictures of Bowie. So, while this would be a better package if there was
something to read (or rare photos to look at), musically speaking this
is all the Bowie the casual listener needs.
Boysetsfire : Live for Today cd on Wind-Up/Sony
More
than two years after their much-heralded record After The Eulogy, this
Delaware-based quintet give fans a brief taste as to what their new record
(being released in April) will bring. Opening track, "Release The Dogs,"
casts a new light on the reaction of the American public post 9/11. That
happens above crunching guitars and a driving bass line. The two other
new songs lack the same intensity of the opener and are more radio-friendly.
The three live tracks truly show that Boysetsfire deserve all the attention
they get for being a hell of a live band and hopefully more of that intensity
will find its way to the studio.
Brando : Single Crown Postcard CD on Recordhead
Hailing from sunny bloomington, indiana, brando
have spent the last 10 years in their basement recording masterpiece after
masterpiece with all of the world oblivious to such material. With a handful
of self-released cassettes, two "best of the unreleased" compact discs,
and the 2001 eighteen song mini-marathon of an album, 'the headless horseman
is a preacher', brando are now prepared to bring their brand of sonically
intriguing song-cycles to the masses. While spending so much time recording
on their own, brando have learned to squeeze every last bit out of their
4-track studio enabling them to be a creative force without suffering the
loss of the home recorded warmth we all love and clamor for. On record,
their sound is an eclectic mix inspired by equal parts dukes of stratosphere
and galaxie 500.
Bratmobile : Girls Get Busy .CD on Lookout
'GIRLS GET BUSY' is the 2nd album from the highly
influential and well respected pioneers of the Riot GRRL movement BRATMOBILE
since their reformation in 1999. In the past 3 years they've grown tremendously
in their songwriting and musical vision, and 'Girls Get Busy' is a testament
to that. Combining biting political commentary with humour, irony, emotion
and New Wave Punk Rock. Songs such as "Shop For America" and "United We
Don't" comment on the state of teh US since Sept 11, while "Shut Your Face"
looks at the issues surrounding disappearance of Washington intern Chandra
Levy. Musically Bratmobile have taken it to the limit, adding new elements
like bass & keyboards to their trademark simple catchy punk formula
creating a real livewire of a record.
Brave Captain (Martin Carr) : Advertisements
For Myself
'Advertisements
For Myself' is the brilliant second full length album from Bravecaptain
aka Martin Carr, formerly of The Boo Radleys. The follow-up to 2000's critically
acclaimed 'Go With Yourself', this album takes listeners on an amazingly
varied musical journey that immediately brings to mind Carr's acknowledged
masterpiece, 'Giant Steps'. With 19 tracks that range from pure pop to
Aphex style electronics to mash ups worthy of Kid 606, 'Advertisements'
once again displays Carr's still-disarming grasp of a tune, albeit one
swamped with obscure, experimental panache.
Brian Jonestown Massacre : Bravery Repetition
And Noise CD on Bomp
Another masterful dose of maximum rock'n'roll,
mathematical pop and majestic psychedelia from America's greatest rock'n'roll
band, on America's greatest rock'n'roll label, at greatest rock'n'roll
record stores and distribution networks everywhere!. Songs include: Just
For Today, Telegram, Stolen, Open Heart Surgery, Nevertheless, Sailor,
You Have Been Disconnected, Leave Nothing For Sancho, Let Me Stand Next
To Your Flower, If I Love You I Love You Always. Quote: "It's about love
and fluids".
Broken Social Scene : You Forgot It In People
CD on Paper Bag
The
first thing you have to know about Broken Social Scene is their composition.
Headed by Kevin Drew (KC Accidental) and Brendan Canning (ex-By Divine
Right), Broken Social Scene also happen to feature a revolving cast of
virtually every going-nowhere guest star-type on the Canadian indie rock
scene. A sampling of the bands that contribute to BSS include Do Make Say
Think, Stars, Metric, Raising The Fawn, Bourbon Tabernacle Choir, Feist,
Royal City and godspeed you black emperor. It's a mixed bag of Queen Street-friendly
ne'er do wells for sure, but the end result is vastly superior to the sum
of its parts. In You Forgot It In People, the Social Scene collective have
managed to create an album that's subtle and elegant without being boring
or prissy. Over the course of the record a pattern emerges. Light, twinkly
passages build up to noise rock and back down again. But the noise is a
mere set-up for some wonderful songsmithery. "KC Accidental," the first
proper song, admirably sets up the beguiling hand-clapper "Stars &
Sons" and the fuzzed out "Almost Crimes." From there, the gentle "Pacific
Theme" signals the next shift towards album highlight "Cause = Time." When
sitting back and listening with your headphones on and not dissecting various
movements, You Forgot It In People makes for a wonderful trip. Bold and
dignified, if any epic indie rock outfit makes waves this year, let it
be Broken Social Scene.
Broken Spindles : Broken Spindles CD on Tiger
Style
Broken Spindles is the musical brainchild of
Joel Petersen (also of THE FAINT) - early 80's inspired electro-pop in
a modern electro clash stylee.... * This is the debut release from the
Broken Spindles, bridging the gap between Faint albums · Broken
Spindles plan to tour in early 2003 For Fans Of: Fischerspooner, Duran
Duran
Pieta Brown : Pieta Brown CD on Trailer/rubric
The first CD from Pieta Brown, daughter of Grammy-nominated
US folk singer Greg Brown. On her debut disc, she demonstrates some musical
common ground with her father, along with notable differences. Like her
father, Pieta Brown possesses a talent for songwriting, she sings with
a sultry, slightly slurry style that works well with her jazz- and blues-flavored
tunes, her music more closely resembles that of LUCINDA WILLIAMS. Creating
a musical bridge between to the two women is Bo Ramsey. A frequent Lucinda
Williams producer and sideman, Ramsey shines here in his dual role of producer
and lead guitarist, bringing his signature sound to the project. Pieta
Brown's haunting style brings to mind other artists as well as Lucinda,
combining her folk writing skills with the languid smoky vocal sound of
The Cowboy Junkies and Mazzy Star
Jackson Browne : Naked Ride Home
Over
the course of three decades, Jackson Browne has written and performed some
of the most literate, moving songs in popular music. With classic albums
like 'The Pretender', 'Late For The Sky' and 'For Everyman', he has defined
a genre of songwriting that is charged with honesty, emotion and personal
politics. At once poetic and elegant, spiritual and sad, the music on 'The
Naked Ride Home' - his first studio album of all new songs since 1996 -
catalogues the human conditionwith a grace and brilliance that have become
trademarks of Browne's work.
Bruces : War Of The Bruces CD on misra
A card-carrying member of lambchop, a regular
contributor to the live and recorded works of vic chesnutt, and one-third
of empire state, this omaha native will spend the fall opening up for bright
Eyes. Give up? For such a ubiquitous talent, too many have missed out on
the understated genius of Alex mcmanus. But no more. Mcmanus¹s one-man
band, the bruces, all but dormant for seven years, is Back with album number
two, and the war of the bruces proves worth the wait. Recorded by lambchop
member and noted producer mark nevers (vic chesnutt, jenny toomey, leann
rimes, silver jews) at nashville’s beech house, the war of the bruces checks
in with a newfound high fidelity that highlights mcmanus’s intricate take
on indie-fied electric folk. The songwriter recently relocated from athens,
Ga, to his native omaha, and he traverses all the homestyle musical territories
from point a to point b. Mcmanus will be a member of bright eyes’ live
band while the bruces join bright eyes on their lengthy U.s. tour beginning
this fall.
Franklin Bruno : Cat May Look Like A Queen CD
on Absolutely Kosher
Franklin Bruno returns from a two year silence
with the most mature, accomplished and cohesive album of his career. One
of the most gifted lyricists around - Franklin is perhaps best known for
fronting indie pop pioneers Nothing Painted Blue, he’s a music critic &
an underground pop institution with a solid cult following. Guests on the
album include members of Calexico, Nothing Painted Blue, Refrigerator and
Jonathan Richman’s band.The album was half recorded by Dave Trumfio (Wilco,
Mates of State, Handsome Family) and half with Craig Schumacher (Calexico,
Giant Sand, Brokeback).
Burnung Brides : Fall Of The Plastic Empire Cd
on V2
Finally,
a band that deserves the heaps of attention it’s getting. Packed with monster
riffs, groovin’ beats and heroin chic musicians, it’s no wonder that people
are blabbing about the Burning Brides like they’ve built a better mousetrap.
They have — at least with Fall Of The Plastic Empire, an album that manages
to ride the line between serious music and fun rawkin’. It’s more of a
sludgy, big-guitar New York trash album than the garage rock it’s being
heralded as. A sonic blast coupled with a hip shakin’ groove, Fall Of The
Plastic Empire is like Goo-era Sonic Youth playing Volume 4-era Black Sabbath
instruments. Occasionally they slip into Mooney Suzuki-styled punk rock
‘n’ roll, but songwriter Dimitri Coats has way more melodic sensibility
than the heroes he’s honouring, making for a truly diverse, always entirely
enjoyable listen.
Reto Burrell : Shaking Off Monkeys CD on
Blue Rose
Applying a punk attitude to hook-laden pop, singer/songwriter
Reto Burrell is creating some of Europe's most exciting music. A veteran
of the Swiss music scene for more than a decade, he was raised on a healthy
sampling of American rock and R&B records that belonged to his England-born
father, and the influence of American music on Burrell is obvious. Rather
than singing in Swiss German or incorporating Swiss folk influences, Burrell
sings in English and credits American pop-rock bands, including the Wallflowers
and Sheryl Crow. "Tom Petty has been a favourite of mine since I was a
kid," he said. "Through his songs, I learned how important it was for a
song to have a hook". Whilst his 2001 debut album, 'Echo Park' displayed
the acoustic side of his musical persona, Burrell's latest effort 'Shaking
Off Monkeys' is a pop-rock masterpiece. "We ended up taking out the electric
guitars and rocking up this next album." 'Shaking Off Monkeys' was recorded
in New York, produced by Adam Steinberg (Todd Thibaud) and mastered by
Howie Weinberg (Nirvana, Sheryl Crow, Oasis).
Butterflies Of Love : New Patient CD on Fortuna
Pop
PRIORITY RELEASE: The Butterflies Of Love are
based around the songs of singer and guitarist Jeffrey and Daniel Greene.
Jeffrey is a New York based artist who works around the world curating
exhibitions, while also teaching art to the inmates of local prisons. Dan
is a Justice of the Peace and High School teacher. The remainder of the
band consist of Scott Amore (keyboards), Pete Whitney (bass) and Neil O'Brien,
ex-Van Pelt (drums). 'The New Patient' is their second album and was recorded
with Mike Deming (producer of The Lily's No. 1 hit single 'Nanny In Manhatten',
Beachwood Sparks etc). With the release of the single 'Wild' (Fortuna Pop!)
in 1999 The Butterflies of Love were described as "the best new band in
America" by Melody Maker. The next single, 'It's Different Now' (Fortuna
Pop!) went one better, making the coveted Single of the Week spot in the
NME. A session was recorded for John Peel's legendary Radio 1 radio show,
along with sessions for John Kennedy (XFM) and Sean Hughes (London Live).
The debut album, 'How To Know The Butterflies Of Love' on Fortuna Pop!
contained 12 sparkling and emotive songs that stand alongside anything
in America's guitar-rock canon. Co-produced by Mike Arafeh and by the critically
acclaimed Mark Mulcahy (ex-Miracle Legion), who also contributed backing
vocals and drums, the album received glowing reviews in the NME, Select,
Mojo, The Times and The Guardian, and garnered comparisons to Galaxie 500,Pavement
and The Go-Betweens. 'The New Patient' includes the singles 'Wintertime
Queen' , 'The Mutation' and 'Dream Driver'
Cabaret Voltaire : Original Sound Of Sheffield
CD on Mute
Compiled and remastered lovingly by founder member
Richard H. Kirk, this compilation covers Cabaret Voltaires unquestionably
best, most creative and influential period. Capturing the bands finest
moments in chronological order starting at "Do The Mussolini (Headkick),
through the outstanding classic ‘Nag Nag Nag’ finishing at ‘Loosen The
Clamp’. This compilation follows the release of the single ‘Nag Nag Nag’
on Novamute, which featured brand new mixes by Tiga & Zyntherius, Akufen
and Richard H. Kirk himself as well as the original. The sound of Cabaret
Voltaire, is more relevant today than it ever was, at this snap shot in
time, they are probably the most influential and exciting electronic band
Britain has ever produced..
Caesura : More Specific, Less Pacific CD on 54
40 Or Fight
Debut full-length from this San Francisco trio
who write unique, dense, scattershot rock that goes for the jugular. More
Specific, Less Pacific is forty-five stunning minutes of smart, riveting
stuff that will have folks lining up outside the club waiting to see Caesura
bring it live. RIYL: Gang of Four, Unwound, Sweep the Leg Johnny, Minutemen,
the Jesus Lizard, early Unsane, Mission of Burma etc
Candidate : Nuada CD on Snowstorm
Candidate
follow up their “tiger flies” album with an album of music inspired by
the cult film the wicker man. It is released thirty years (to the week)
from when filming wrapped on the movie.the first 3,000 copies of the album
come in a numbered card slipcase and feature a 12 minute documentary film
“singing and dancing on a sunday” which follows candidate around the original
locations from the film.the album includes guest contributions from folk
legend bert jansch and jason hazeley from ben and jason.interest in the
wicker man has never been higher with the directors cut being issued as
a dvd earlier in the year, a hollywood remake on the horizon and christopher
lee’s continued enthusiasm for the film.press is being done by hermana
p.r. the last album received universally great reviews and this album looks
set for even more.
Neko Case : Canadian Amp CD on Lance Rock
NEKO CASE has two fine solo albums (The Virginian
and Furnace Room Lullaby) on Mint and Bloodshot records, she is a member
of the New Pornographers and the Corn Sisters and is finishing off her
fourth solo album for release later this summer. If you don't know what
she sounds like, she is an old school country crooner with as strong a
voice as you can imagine, with updated indie sensibilities. 'CANADIAN AMP'
was initially released as a tour and mail order only CD last year on Neko's
own Lady Pilot label, comprised of Neko mostly solo in her kitchen, covering
the work of Canadian artists such as Sook-Yin Lee, Mike O'Neil (Inbreds),
Neil Young, Lisa Marr, updates of Hank Williams tracks, and a pair of new
originals. The feel is more morose and stripped down than on her previous
albums, Demand for the limited CD was overwhelming, and she has decided
to let Lance Rock put it out as a VINYL-ONLY RELEASE - there are no plans
at present to release a CD version. Limited quantities available
Cassius : Au Rêve CD on Virgin
Cassius
appear to have taken a page from the book of French cohorts Daft Punk and
Air, following up a brilliant album with a half-baked release. Au Rêve
builds upon the austere house/disco grooves of Philippe Zdar and Boombass’s
last album, 1999, and the admonishments are often unwelcome. Guitar-driven
pabulum like "The Sound Of Violence" and "I'm A Woman" add an unwelcome
rock edge to the fuzzy house beats. Should it be any surprise that they're
the two lead singles? "Thrilla" features Ghostface Killah clumsily twisting
his tongue around a alluring synth arpeggio. Why not just settle with the
synth? There are redeeming moments, such as "Telephone Love," but those
moments are few and far between. Imagine one of those chilled-out modernist
rooms that get featured in wallpaper* magazine. Now imagine it being redesigned
by Martha Stewart with oodles of faux-warm accoutrements. The former room
was 1999, the new room is Au Rêve. Which would you rather use to
entertain friends? The answer will likely indicate your taste for this
album
Cave In : Tides Of Tomorrow CD on Hydra Head
song mini album of exclusive songs - over half
an hour of brand new unheard material from Boston's sonic astronauts. Carrying
on their knack for progressive, melodic, epic rock & roll recalling
RADIOHEAD, PINK FLOYD, SMASHING PUMPKINS, VOIVOD & LED ZEPPELIN whilst
maintaining the metal/hardcore dynamics when necessary..... Their previous
album "Jupiter" continues to sell as more and more people get exposed to
their unique sounds,
Tracy Chapman : Let It Rain
Few
artists can match Tracy Chapman's gentle but passionate vibrato, her literate
lyrical compassion and her uncompromising stance. From the startling honesty
of her multi-platinum debut, which features the now-classic 'Fast Car',
to the phenomenal reaction she received for 2000's 'Telling Stories', she
has always shared with her audience stories that matter and songs that
ring true. 'Let It Rain', Chapman's sixth studio album, was recorded during
this summer in a studiooverlooking the San Francisco Bay. Tracy co-produced
with John Parish (PJ Harvey, Eels,Sparklehorse), and found a core group
of musicians to track the twelve songs: drummer Joey Waronker, bassist
Andy Stoller, keyboard-player Patrick Warren, and guitarists Joe Gore,
Steve Hunter and Greg Leisz, as well as additional strings and vocals.
Showcasing some of Chapman's most hauntingly beautiful vocals to date,
this stunning new collection includes the single'You're The One' as well
as the bonus track 'Over In Love'.
"I found John Parish through several unconnected
events. First: while auditioning musicians to record my new album, I received
a letter and resume from Joe Gore, a guitarist who has worked with PJ Harvey
and recently with the Eels. I had many of the records Joe had worked on
in my collection and while listening to some of them I noticed John Parish
had musician and producer credits. Next: a friend gave me the recent Sparklehorse
CD and I found John there as well.In looking for a
co-producer I really wanted to work with someone
who could bring a musician's sensibility to the process of recording. John
and I spoke by phone several times and then met in San Francisco to talk
about the mechanics of recording and to listen to music. I found that,
in spite of our different backgrounds, we had some overlapping musical
tastes - T.Rex, David Bowie, Johnny Cash... Upon meeting John I was impressed
by his forthright nature and sense of humour - qualities he displays
throughout the making of the record, along with his willingness to let
the method serve the song, the needs of the musicians" - Tracy Chapman
Chargers Street Gang : Holy The Bop Apocalypse
CD on Get Hip
Straigh outta controllsville, by way of cleveland,
comes holy the bop apocalypse, the debut album from the chargers street
gang. The pride of ohio serves up an audio reminder why people loved rock
and roll in the first place. Imagine a mix of detroit rock city, cleveland
bile (pere ubu, rocket from the tombs, dead boys) and stoens swagger…all
mashed together under the watchful ears / eyes of tim kerr (lord high fixers
etc), this is the mc5, sun ra and stooges chewed up and spat out with the
ferocity of the first new bomb turks lp!!
Chinkees : Searching For A Better Future (CD)
on Asian Man
From San Jose, California comes the third full-length
release from THE CHINKEES. “Searching for a Brighter Future” is a forceful
mix of rock-steady, ska, and punk rock. Dealing with a plethora of topics
from wartime comfort to women of Korea and war to family struggles and
racism, the music is enriched by a Hammond Organ, the band combines the
political energy of OPERATION IVY with the smooth drive of the SPECIALS.
Christa Fast And Others : Die Nixe (The Mermaid)
CD on Roof
Performed in German and English (the two versions
follow each other on the CD) 'Die Nixe (The Mermaid)' is a spoken word/experimental
music atmospheric re-telling of the Hans Christian Andersen fairytale.
This CD takes the form of a musical radio play with atmospheric underwater
musical accompaniment. Created by Christa Fast, wife of legendary producer
Conny Plank and recorded at his studio, the music is provided by Annette
Humpe with legendary CAN members HOLGER CZUKAY and JAKI LIEBEZEIT, and
on the English version guest vocals and narration are by PETER GABRIEL
and ANNIE LENNOX.
Cicero Buck : Delicate Shades Of Grey CD on Super
Tiny
Cicero Buck are a duo comprising of American
singer Kris Wilkinson and English songwriter Joe Hughes, and they produce
a delicate blend of alt.country/Americana and UK acoustic rock. Kris' roots
are in Mississippi and in the US country/blues tradition, whilst Joe's
history includes the band The Lover Speaks, and he wrote the song 'No More
I Love Yous', a hit for Annie Lennox. Since meeting in Nashville and moving
to the UK, Cicero Buck have developed a gentle acoustic pop sound, reminiscent
of Everything But The Girl or Eddi Reader, mixed with the literate country
edge of Patty Griffin or Mary Chapin Carpenter. Evocative vocals, swirling
acoustic ambience, and classic understated melodic American songcraft.
Cinema : Before The Dark CD on Domino
First LP from downtempo self confessed movie
soundtrack buffs Cinema. Producers of Belle & Sebastian, The Delgados,
Pastels etc. getting laidback & philosophical on their days off . Cinema
tell us: “The album is not the dark epic that many foresaw. And neither
is it intended as the "soundtrack to an imaginary film" that some will
suggest. However, the album was conceived as a whole and is no random collection
of tracks - all have been written specially for the album and each evokes
its own particular feeling. Organic sounds and live instruments fuse with
solid rhythm tracks, creating instrumentals that have both depth and immediate
impact. The overall mood is optimistic, but with melancholy undertones
in places”.
Cky : Infiltrate Destroy Rebuild
Written
and recorded on CKY's uncompromising time and vision, 'Infiltrate.Destroy.Rebuild'
finds them on message and backing up every bold word with more audacious,
expansive, laser-sighted rock and roll. During the sessions, CKY's purity
of vision was held at a premium and done completely devoid of outside influences.
"We had no record company involvement", states guitarist Chad Ginsburg.
"We mixed it, produced it, everything. It's exactly the way we wanted it,
exactly the waythat we handed it in. We put a lot of passion into the album
and we won't settle with anything less than perfect. What you get is a
CKY album. The real sh*t".
COCO : C.O.C.O. Sound CD on K Records
Chris and olivia, city of olympia, that is c.o.c.o.
The c.o.c.o. Sound, harder to define. Chris sutton is also known for his
work as bass player in dub narcotic sound system. In c.o.c.o. He plays
the drums, with olivia on the bass. This is their second album, and it
continues their heavy emphasis on the dance quotient in music, exploring
different sides of the funk. Using the bare minimum, stripping it down
to the bass and drums, breaking it down to it¹s essence, but being
fully soulful and melodic at the same time. It is a sound refined, yet
garagey. A mix of stax southern soul and thee headcoats; a sound equally
influenced by the gories, esg, & trouble funk. Their high energy live
shows always have the dance floor crowded. They have toured the u.s. With
sleater-kinney and white stripes
Coin Op : Friendly Fire
Coin-Op
consist of Nick Hills (vocals/keyboards/guitar), Matt (vocals/guitar),
Craig (bass/vocals) and Matt (drums). They currently reside in Brighton,
England. In February 2002 the Panda posse stumbled across Coin-Op in the
Dublin Castle in Camden. Astounded by the quartet's art-pop-punk sensibilities
and the fact that singer Nick looked alarmingly like a young Mick Jagger,
Fierce Panda offered Coin-Op a plan. And that plan was to release three
seven-inch singles and a mini-album within the space of six breathtaking
months. The first 7" was 'Democracies' and saw the blight of day on June
10th. The second 7" was 'Southpaw' and was released on July 22nd. The third
7" 'The Curve' is due for launch on October 10th. In the meantime, 'Friendly
Fire' does everything it says on the tin and features all these singles
plus a few more.
In the midst of all this frantic activity Coin-Op
have found time to play live with an eminent selection of fine acts such
as The Yeah Yeah Yeahs,The Rapture, The Parkinsons, Easyworld, The Polyphonic
Spree, The Bellrays, Bobby Conn and British Sea Power. On one particularly
historical, not to mention hysterical Saturday in the summer they woke
up in the morning in Brighton, played Oxford's Truck Festival at lunchtime
and headlined a Fierce Panda evening at Sheffield Leadmill the same night.
On another somewhat frazzled summertime day Coin-Op popped into Maida Vale
to record a Peel session AND an Evening Session Unsigned session. These
people are not lazy.
Coin-Op are, however, driven and dangerously
warped. Oft perceived as a frantic hybrid of The Fall, Clinic and supremely
early (ie arty and wired) Blur, Coin-Op make intelligent, battered wig-out
pop which crashes through perceptions first and asks questions later.
Edwyn Collins - Orange Juice : Casual Introduction:
Best Of
Edwyn
Collin's life story began with a Glasgow schoolboy punk band called the
Nu-Sonics which metamorphosised into Orange Juice, who, with their self
financed label Postcard Records, blazed a trail and established a new genre
at the start of the eighties.After a clutch of jewel-like indie singles,
the band moved to Polydor Records. Four albums, starting with the classic
'You Can't Hide Your Love Forever', and a couple of hit singles later,
Orange Juice were no more. Edwyn's career as a solo entity began in 1987,
but it was not until 1989 that he found a home for his first solo album,'Hope
and Despair'. Following on from the success of this, Edwyn moved more towards
steering every aspect of his recordings, i.e. self-producing, resulting
in 1994's 'Gorgeous George' (containing the hit single 'A Girl Like You').
This worked rather well, and since then he has continued to enjoy the fruits
of his labours at his own studio inWest Hampstead in London. This is the
first time a collection of Edwyn's material both in Orange Juice and from
his solo years has appeared together. Selected by Edwyn himself, it represents
just a smattering of his mighty canon!
Phil Collins : Testify Cd on WEA
This
isn't a comeback in any traditional sense. But, for his millions of fans
worldwide, it is bound to be viewed as a hugely welcome, long-awaited return
to a territory few artists understand better or have mastered with greater
success. Phil Collins has been pursuing other avenues of late, both with
his acclaimed Big Band project and, as an Oscar, Golden Globe and Grammy
Award-winning writer of music for Disney's 'Tarzan'. But now, with 'Testify',
he places himself firmly withinthe realm of grown-up pop once again. Inspired
by his new marriage in 1999 and his new fatherhood in 2001, 'Testify' is
a captivating, wide-ranging collection of powerful, moving songs - all
defined by Collins' signature voice and unmistakable musical imprint. If
you're in the market for flawless compositions, lyrics suffused with adult
emotions, then look no further. Phil iis - and always has been - your man.
”The songs for this album were written over the
last two years. Working with new toys and new tools, they pretty much wrote
themselves, and only occasionally needed nudging along. Though I used 90%
of my demos, I was lucky to have a fantastic team to help me finish the
record,particularly Rob Cavallo, Allen Sides, Tim Pierce, and James Sanger.
There are some songs here that are amongst the best I have ever written;
I hope you agree”. Phil Collins
Colorsound : Youre Only As Good As Your Sound
CD on Rayman
Welcome to the surreal world of colorsound. A
world where rich musical soundscapes collide with hypnotic beauty to create
an immersing experience few will ever forget. "you're only as good as your
sound", was previously released in australia and america on summershine
records through sub pop, which earned colorsound impressive critical acclaim.
In the september cmj new music report, david newgarden gave the album a
"jackpot review" describing it as "perfectly focused, with throbbing drones
and vibrant guitar tones, in the spacemen 3 style of songwriting.". Then,
thom duffy, in his home and abroad column for american billboard magazine
wrote - "one of the most hypnotic and alluring bits of music to appear
in recent weeks", whilst in rolling stone, jeff apter wrote this is somnambulistic
pop which is ideal mood music for your next dip in the sensory deprivation
tank". Now digitally re-mastered, with brand new artwork and bonus track
‘sea of color’
Congiure one : Congiure one CD on Nettwerk /EMI
Front
Line Assembly/Delerium partner Rhys Fulber goes solo for a project that,
like Delerium, features guest vocalists and a sinister, percolating undertow
beneath the innocent surface. Vocal talent from Poe and Sinead O'Connor
(her track is the first single) are definite highlights. Most of the album
takes the Delerium direction even further, almost becoming conventional
at times. Traces of Euro-pop bring the beats down to a slower pace, but
there’s still that underlying creepiness that hopefully won’t ever disappear
entirely.
Converge / hellchild : Deeper The Wound CD on
Deathwish Inc.
The 1st release on Jake Brannon's new label teams
up 2 of the world's most extreme bands for a stunning scarefest: first
up, Boston's CONVERGE serve up 5 tracks including a ground-levelling version
of DEPECHE MODE's "Clean", before handing over to Tokyo's HELLCHILD who
weigh in with 4 slabs of brutality for your entertainment. Awesome artwork
from Derek Hess & Florian Bertmer.. Sheer marvellous international
extremity and torment!
Cooler : Oh Happy Day CD on Ear X Tacy
Kentucky's answer to Weezer - COOLER play honest rock blessed with
an almost impossible balance betweeen punk- like integrity and tongue in
cheek nostalgia…Influenced by the sweet pop rock of the 70's, as well as
the hook laden synth pop of the 80's, the band rocks hard but maintain
a keen accessible pop sensibilty that is both fresh and familiar. Lyrically
Coooler deliver universal themes like heartache & longing, delivered
with poignant simplicity and a sardonic wink! Very classy power pop…
Copperpot Journals : Plotting To Kill Your Friends
CD on Firefly Recordings
After shows with the likes of RIVAL SCHOOLS,
BOYSETSFIRE, CAVE-IN, HUNDRED REASONS as well as countless shows with their
future Firefly labelmates SUNFACTOR, SCUTTLE, HUNDRED REASONS went as far
as to name them as their favourite British band in the NME, recently played
them, on their XFM Hijack show and this release was highlighted as part
of the NME review for their album as things that they were listening too!.
Now with their own clearly defined sound, taking elements of the likes
of CAVE IN, FIRESIDE, QUICKSAND, RADIOHEAD and even a jazz influence, THE
COPPERPOTS are all set to explode.
Count Nosferatu Kommando : Ultraviolence Uber
Alles CD on Kodiak
Here’s the new extreme sensation:kneel down and
get ready to suffer with Count Nosferatu Kommando ! Perfect reflection
of a f**ked-up modern world, where terrorism, civil wars are the norm,
the CNK arises from its suburban vault with its debut album ULTRAVIOLENCE
ÜBER ALLES. Stuffed with Clockwork Oranges, Jim Beam, 8 O’clock news,
cynical nihilism and hellish good intentions, The CNK puts this world in
the dock, without any possible way back. Mixing bombastic guitar riffs
with ultraviolent Hellektro rhythmics, brutal vocals and martial atmospheres
ULTRAVIOLENCE ÜBER ALLES is probably the ultimate warlike release
to date.
Country Teasers : Science Hat Artistic Cube Moral
Nosebleed Empire .CD on In The Red
The country teasers are best known for their
stunning output on the crypt and fat possum labels. How a band of scots
and londoners crazily influenced by the likes of the fall, devo, joy division,
Bauhaus, hip hop and country and western music wound up recording for labels
best known for American rootsy-down-home-style output is anyone’s guess.
This album collects obscure singles, Demos, out takes, ands hoem recordings
spanning the band’s 7 year career. Frontman ben waller Compiled 40 tracks
for the limited 2lp set (1000 only) and 20 of those appear on the cd version.
Cowboy Junkies - Best Of
One
of the most influential bands of the past 15 years,Cowboy Junkies have
come a long way since they released their first album on RCA in 1987. In
that short time they've amassed an enormous cult following and managed
to maintain the integrity of their unique style and sound - a blend of
folk, country and alternative rock that is distinctly theirs. Digitally
remastered, this fantastic 'Best Of' collection contains material drawn
from four of the band's critically acclaimed albums - the famous 'Trinity
Sessions' (recorded live with one microphone in an abandoned church), 'Caution
Horses', 'Black Eyed Man', 'Pale Sun, Crescent Moon' - and also includes
the UK only bonus track 'A Horse In The Country'.
Graham Coxon : Kiss Of Morning CD on Transcopic
The
most complicated member of British music’s most complicated band, the coolest
man in Camden, biker, proud new Dad, label boss, the best guitarist we
have, secret jazzbo, all of these and then some… are GRAHAM COXON. As a
member of Blur he has made some of the most important and successful records
of the past decade and a half; records that propelled him to superstardom
where he felt very uncomfortable indeed. That’s partly the reason why GRAHAM
COXON also ploughs a different furrow, that of a highly individual, intense,
humorous, passionate, beguiling solo artist, who is about to release his
fourth and best solo album to date, ‘The Kiss Of Morning’.
Cracktorch : ....Is Not The Problem .CD on Lunasound
CRACKTORCH are from Boston MA in the U.S of A
and this is their first album and they are already being chased by major
labels in the USA. Like the SUPERSUCKERS, URGE OVERKILL, and THIN LIZZY
before them, CRACKTORCH sparks an arena-ready flame. Like wet prophets
on a motor city mission this will appeal to fans of the ever popular retro
rock scene, bands like HELLACOPTERS, GLUECIFER etc. Bothers and sisters,
consider the jams kicked the fuck out.
Crash : Young Boy I Can Help You Through Your
Exams CD on Firefly Recordings
Not many bands form in prison but in April 2000,
Upon Arild's and Aaron's release from the one year sentence they had been
serving together for ALF-related activities, CRASH was formed! With their
ex-bands including respected hardcore acts JR EWING and KIDS LIKE US the
band hit the floor running. Their 10" showed a glorious mesh of early JIMMY
EAT WORLD/HEY MERCEDES/GET UP KIDS style greatness. Deserving of a wider
release Firefly Recordings put out a CD version combining the tracks from
both the 10" and the 7".
Crime In Choir : Crime In Choir CD on Omnibus
Featuring founding members of At The Drive In,
Hella, & The Hades Kick, Chrime in Choir are a crime of passion and
practice. Analog synthesizers, Rhodes piano, moog bass and baritone guitar
make for a mathematical mixture of adventurous neu-prog from San Francisco.
Feauturing the incredibly technical, yet wildly free-form drumming style
of Zach Hill (Hella) anchored by smooth, calculated guitar and sythesizer
melodies. Raising eyebrows after a handfull of shows with the likes of
The Appleseed Cast, Mates Of State, Mice Parade, and Her Space Holiday,
Crime In Choir are poised turn the indie rock world on it’s ears.... post
rock /tortoise/matmos fans would like.
Crispy Ambulance : Fin CD on LTM
Extended 70 minute CD from the cult Manchester
post punk band recorded between 1981 and 1982, around the time of the release
of their classic Factory album 'The Plateau Phase'. Features 12 mixing
desk recorded live tracks, including a superb version of Throbbing Gristle's
'United' and tracks previously unavailable in any form, plus 4 studio recordings
made up of the Factory Benelux single 'Black Death' and their debut 'From
the Cradle to the Grave'.16 digitally remastered tracks in total. Complete
with band history and previously unpublished photos and graphics. 'Here
was a band that had a vision all of its own without any help from the rest
of the pack'. NME
Crosstide : Seventeen Nautical Miles CD on Ignition
CROSSTIDE’S new full length is definitely for
Fans of SUNNY DAY REAL ESTATE, MINERAL, TEXAS IS THE REASON, SENSEFIELD,
ELLIOTT and JIMMY EAT WORLD but also thowing in some more sombre lyrical
moments and prove the diversity of the band, they can rock out but they
can write the slow ones too! With the musicianship throughout the band,
it is more than fair to say these guys are likely to receive references
to RADIOHEAD, MUSE and SMASHING PUMPKINS
Cuff The Duke : Life Stories for Minimum Wage
CD on Three Gut
Three
Gut Records has continued with its uncanny ability of signing some of the
best, most promising bands that Southwestern Ontario has to offer. With
Cuff the Duke’s new album, the old south’s rebellious country style has
been reinvented in Oshawa, Ontario (of all places) by a group of young,
talented troubadours. They bring enough of their own take on the genre
to not sound like a complete rip-off of (insert any classic country artist
here). These ten tracks of heartbreak and loss will have you wiping tears
from your eyes and looking for a bottle of Jack Daniels to help ease the
pain of your own shitty life.
John Cunningham : Happy-Go-Unlucky CD on Parasol
This one comes to us on the recommendation of
former scud mountain boy and current pernice brother, joe pernice.the brighton
artist is a complete unknown both here and in the uk but not so in france,
where the influential magazine les inrocktuptibles has called him england's
most neglected singer songwriter. "homeless house" is the work of a man
whose time in the spotlight might well be approaching. With an ostensibly
delicate voice, cunningham's vocals are most reminiscent of robert wyatt
and sean o'hagan of the high llamas. Cunningham's lyrical ability is not
dissimilar to that of elliott smith. If only to give you a recommendation
of its quality, fans of pernice, wyatt, the beatles, nick drake, o'hagan
and smith will fall in love with this
Cursor Miner : Explosive Piece Of Mind (CD) on
Lo Recordings
Cursor Miner's debut album Explosive Piece Of
Mind is a proper electronic pop album with harmonies, razor sharp lyrics,
songs, hooks and all those things you thought the laptop generation had
left behind. And twisted, like if Lewis Carroll tale wrote lyrics for Gary
Numan or Squarepusher
Curveside : Save Yourself CD on Fuzzbox
Curveside were formed because ash, bernie, matt
and greg grew up in the late eighties/early nineties when the guitar ruled
the world, grunge was on the up and converse was the uniform for the new
generation. Curveside want to bring back the converse. Save yourself, the
bands debut release, was recorded by richard jackson who has previously
produced material for the super furry animals, big leaves and the sixty
foot dolls. Curveside have begun to make an impact on the welsh scene due
to supporting the likes of the manic street preachers and mclusky. The
curveside sound is all about impact. It’s like an unholy alliance of nirvana
and p.o.d.
D+ : Mistake CD on K Records / Know Yr Own
d+ is the hometown study group formed by bret
lunsford (beat happening), phil elvrum (the microphones, old time relijun)
and karl blau (captain fathom) now in its sixth year. Mistake is the third
d+ album, following the self-titled 1997 debut and 1998¹s dandelion
seeds, both released on k records. Mistake furthers the collaborative process
within the band: elvrum¹s loving insistence on textural exploration;
the mad science of blau¹s beautiful pop wisecracks; the clunky stridence
of lunsford¹s refusal to matriculate from elementary musicianship.
One of those elemental ingredients in the k stew is the windy kelp riptide
flowing between northwest islands.
Daedelus : Invention.CD on Plug Research
Daedelus produces sonic patchworks from a studio
deep within Santa Monica, California. Inspired by Hollywood soundtracks
of the 1930s and 1940s alongside an ear for 70s grooves, Daedelus ventures
into the LA afterdark, its subterranean mysteries worked into a graceful
suite of mellifluous instrumental music with carefully administered hip-hop
breaks and the odd lyrical attack to spice things up. Invention combines
multiple instruments, including non-traditional ones such as computer printers,
toy pianos, and the techno harp known as the Omnichord. Daedelus invites
local MC talents Busdriver and Sach to flow over the versions of 'Quiet
Now' and 'Pursed Lips Reply'
Dances with wolves : South East Dc CD on baltimore
2012
after close to a decade of songwriting and music
making, adrian finch releases his first official album under the moniker
of dances with wolves. Adrian has been displaying his instrumental prowess
for years in such bands as elf power, the summer hymns, and the masters
of the hemisphere, playing everything from guitar and keyboards to the
violin and the saxophone. In 2000 adrian released a song on kindercore
records' 50th release under the band name the phones. With the name changed
to dances with wolves, adrian recorded his first album of synth-pop that
should appeal to fans of east river pipe and the magnetic fields. At times
joyful and upbeat, at others bitter or disconsolate, a certain dejected
melancholy runs through most of the record, occasionally contrasting the
soothing music with tuneful despondence. The mild-mannered, charming gloom
of "south east" reveals adrian finch to be not just musically proficient,
but disarmingly modest and honest in his lyric-writi
Dat Politics : Plugs Plus CD on Chicks On Speed
Brand new album from French laptop quartet featuring
contributions from a host of electronica stars such as KID 606, MATMOS,
BLECTUM FROM BLECHDOM, LESSER and FELIX CUBIN. Dat Politics have recorded
for such quality electronica labels as MILLE PLATEAUX, FAT CAT, TIGERBEAT
6. Their cheap laptops generate epileptic micro-rhythms escorted by child-like
acid melodies and distorted vocals.Futuristic electronic pop at its finest.
The CD is designed by CHICKS ON SPEED in cooperation with DAT POLITICS
Dempsey : Dempsey (CD). on Output
WITH A NOD TO 'SCREAMADELICA' , BECK and THE
ROLLING STONES, and with ONE SIDE OF THE ALBUM RECORDED BY TREVOR 'PLAYGROUP'
JACKSON and THE OTHER BY KIERAN 'FOURTET/FRIDGE' HEBDEN, it comes as no
surprise that the SUNDAY TIMES said.... "SHOUT IT FROM THE ROOFTOPS - THE
SOUNDTRACK ALBUM OF SUMMER 2002 IS HERE" *Californian born American native
Geoff McIntire aka Dempsey finally releases his debut album. The album
is split over two cds, the 'Sunrise Side' recorded with KIERAN HEBDEN (FOUR
TET/FRIDGE) and the 'Sunset Side' recorded by TREVOR 'PLAYGROUP' JACKSON.
Dempsey delivers a skilled songwriter and unique personality, premiered
over tripped up folk, acid loops, smacked out guitar riffs and melancholic
strings.The album also features FRIDGE members Sam Jeffers on drums and
Adam Ilhan on bass. Dempsey's first offering was the mega limited , sold
out 7" 'ODB On The Run': "A RAW MIX OF FRANTIC FOLK, DISTORTED HIP HOP
LOOPS AND DISCORDANT GUITARS" (Jockey Slut) "FAT BLUES FOR THOSE BOULEVARD
DRIVES" (The Face) "EELS, WITH BLUESY NOODLING, IS THE DISH OF THE DAY"
(NME)
Destroyer : This Night CD on Merge
Vancouver’s
Dan Bejar — the central figure in all things Destroyer — is the reigning
king of intelligent non-dance music. Over the past seven years, Destroyer
have released a string of albums that combine fascinating (and copious)
lyrics and Bejar’s deadpan voice with unusual song structures that still
manage to fit under the catch all pop umbrella. This Night is no exception.
The 15 songs here paint vivid, and sometimes absurd, pictures. Beautiful,
complex and dark (if not downright depressing), This Night is an album
to get lost in on those nights when there’s nothing better to do than spend
the night alone with your headphones.
Digger : Keystone CD on Hopless
With an influx of screamo / emo pop punk at the
drive in rip off bands and disposable retro garage Schlock polluting the
independent music scene, we can rely on digger to stick to their punk meets
Rock and roll roots. They delvier an infectious power pop punk that is
overlayed with some beach Boys styled harmonies!! This is a harder edged
green day sound yet with more pop sensibilities. The Last album "monte
carlo" sold more than 500 copies in the uk.
Dillinger Four : Situationist Comedy .CD on Fat
Wreck Chords
DILLENGER FOUR are truly a musical force to be
reckoned with! Present day finds the band releasing their third full-length
“Situationist Comedy”, on Fat Wreck Chords, who’s reputation for discovering
great new punk bands goes unsurpassed. It’s said, when the critics here
this album they’ll wonder how the mid-western foursome harnessed so much
fury, and made it into something people can dance to. With tons of shows
and a successful tour of Japan with GREEN DAY, DILLINGER FOUR are considered
the masters of adding harmony to musical mayhem.
Diorama : Art Of Creating Confusing Spirits CD
on Accession
Follow up to the successful "Her Liquid Arms".
'The Art Of Creating Confusing Spirits" has skillfully arranged electronic
sequences, atmospherics & dense keyboard sounds. DIORAMA's new album
is complex, catchy and melancholic
Dissent : Bleeding Together Cd on Wide Hive
Considering
the title is Bleeding Together, I thought this was another indie death
metal album. I put the headphones on expecting sanguine guitar riffs and
maggot-infested lyrics. But I was wrong. The bleeding refers to the different
styles of music that bleed together in the form of Dissent, a San Francisco
art-music outfit. With their second release, Dissent continue to create
their own genre that is unique and experimental. It’s a coagulation of
down-tempo, Morcheeba, classical Indian music, bossa nova and DJ Shadow.
The song "Soul Cycling" features synthesizers, violins, congas, and guitars.
"Sound Painting" mixes timbales and turntables. There’s everything here.
Well, everything other than death metal.
Distorted Reality : Fine Line Between Love And
Hate CD on Accession
Debut album from Industrial pop band DISTORTED
REALITY. This innovative band is made up of American lead singer Martha
Arce (also lead singer for Deep Red) and keyboardist Christian Kobusch
from Germany. Their music contains a broad range of style, passion and
ingenuity. Combining classical and electronic instruments, the album ranges
from commanding and tension filled soundtrack-like compositions to powerful
and energetic dance tracks. Produce by BRUNO KRAMM(Propaganda - Dr. Mabuse,
P Machinery)
DJ Krush : Shinsou CD on Sony
Japanese
turntablist DJ Drush has been successfully merging the parallel worlds
of drum 'n' bass and hip-hop for the past decade. Shinsou (having a double
meaning in Japanese of both "depth" and "truth") is Krush's seventh album,
continuing along the path of his earlier records, Milight, Kakusei and
Zen. These albums featured dense, jarring musical arrangements and the
cream of the crop of cool, critically acclaimed hip-hop auteurs. On Shinsou,
DJ Krush procures the services of veteran musical collective Anticon, new
hip-hop kids on the block Anti-Pop Consortium and little-known Japanese
rapper, Inden. Krush also expands his palette to include reggae and dub
with the assistance of Sly and Robbie on "The Lost Voice" and Abijah on
"What About Tomorrow."
DJ Downfall : Curse CD on Where Its At Is Where
After two storming singles on wiaiwya (the first
"song for Kelly le Brock" narrowly missing out on single of the week in
melody maker (pipped to the post by the Beta Band)), two TV programs for
Channel 4 ("the Trip" and "the Shape of things that hum"), two blinding
singles on xl subsidiary rex (blanket evening session airplay), and a slew
of ultra hip remixes, dj has come up with his debut long player "the curse"
(out imminently on the ubiquitous wiaiwya records... can they do NOTHING
wrong?) 2 tracks from the album have already been included in documentaries
to be shown on Channel 4 this autumn, with a further 2 being mooted for
other programmes... the album includes remixes of two of the dj's previous
singles... dj has played near legendary sets at skool disco, the scala,
etc... dj used to drum for Marine Research, play guitar for Dweeb, and
currently plays bass for the Tender Trap...
DJ Vadim : U.S.S.R.: The Art Of Listening CD
on Ninja Tune
Russian-born
DJ Vadim brings an element of resourcefulness to his beats. His early releases
demonstrated his penchant for finding rhythms within static and noise.
His U.S.S.R. series (including this, The Art of Listening) has him working
with more traditional samples, although he still conjures minimalist beats
from a variety of sources. Like Japan's DJ Krush, Vadim has an affinity
for hip-hop, employing a full itinerary of MCs to front his beats and leaving
little doubt he could be an uber-producer like Timbaland. Given the flexible
joints he lays under Gift of Gab, Yarah Bravo and the Phi-Life Cypher crew,
he may, one day, get that chance. In the meantime, any hip-hop head should
definitely seek out this disc.
Doa : Win The Battle CD on Empty
With the release of their tenth studio album,
DOA tap into their early roots in a ferocious display of punk and rock.
They combine their best qualities of humour, sarcasm, chainsaws, defiance
and politics. For their first new album in four years, JOEY SHITHEAD and
bassist RANDY RAMPAGE team up with "THE GREAT BALDINI" on drums to create
Rockin' Musical Mayhem. DOA hits you hard: from their new rallying cry
"Just Say No To The WTO" to the anti militarist "Warmonger", to the driving
rhythms of "Dead Men Tell No Tales" and "To Hell N' Back" to the complete
inreverence of "Mexican Holiday", "Beer Liberation Army" and ZZ Top's "La
Grange" to the metal piss-up party of "Curbstomp The Devil". DOA, Canada's
legendary punk pioneers who pushed the term "Hardcore" into the common
vernacular have influenced a generation. Everyone from Green Day to The
Offspring & Henry Rollins to Sonic Youth & The Dead Kennedies to
Rancid and David Grohl (Foo Fighters/Nirvana).
Dropsonic : Belle. CD on 54 40 Or Fight.
Guess it's cool now to like Zeppelin, the Stones,
AC/DC and Sabbath in the indierock world, but this trio does so sans irony,
eschewing retro-glam. Atlanta's Dropsonic has distilled the impurities
from the bloated genre to craft a fiery follow-up to their amazing 2001
full-length, The Big Nothing (Moodswing Records). It's imperative at this
point to mention it's not derivative, only inspired. And yes, it rocks.
RIYL: Shellac, AC/DC, Rye Coalition, Shiner
Econoline : music is stupid CD on seriously groovy
Every
once in a while comes a momentous discovery. Be it gravity, or the Valley
of the Kings, it’s usually something that’s been there a good while until
some lucky beggar unearths it and calls it their own. Econoline are coming
close to the surface. Ladies and gentlemen, it’s time to start digging.
Almost certainly, you’ll want a piece of this. Oh yes; just like the apple
that gave Isaac Newton his finest hour, ‘Music Is Stupid’ hits you straight
in the face, but harder. It’s no exaggeration to say that discovering the
new LP from Econoline gives us a glimpse into what old Isaac must have
felt that day. This, in no uncertain terms, is big news.
Bewilderingly, this is the debut album from the
London-based four-piece. Keep that fact in mind, as it will become more
bizarre with every track. For a first record, it’s astonishingly accomplished,
the idea of mediocre material banished far from thought. Instead, what
we’re gifted is just under forty minutes of unrefined, noisy, tender genius.
Opener ‘The C and the G’ sums up the group perfectly;
two heart-warming minutes of gorgeous, twinkling guitars, suddenly cut
into by Ian Scanlon’s fragile but perfectly suited vocals that signal the
arrival of an intense but oddly melodic racket… After something quite so
luscious, how could you not want more?
Recently undergoing tours with the likes of The
Dismemberment Plan and Engine Down was obviously a journey that rubbed
off musically on the group. They borrow Engine Down’s intensity and display
brilliant examples of punk the way the early ‘Plan used to do it, especially
on excellent forthcoming single ‘I’m Plagued’. Thankfully though, it never
once feels as if you’re listening to people simply trying to imitate idols:
this is something fresh, something new. It has a sense of humour, too –
the fantastic ‘Ounces and Ounces of Solid Goodness’ not only provides the
album with a high point, but features a title that pretty much reviews
itself.
Its brilliance partly lies in its combined ability
to sometimes grate at the soul with guitars that sound like they’re quickly
rusting away (as on ‘Full Tar’), whilst at other moments cleverly employing
barely audible lyrics and sparse instrumentation to create something as
emotionally draining as ‘Missing From Pictures’, which proves all on its
own that lush string-arrangements and polished production are by no means
a requirement for assembling graceful, heartfelt music.
Conclusively, few albums could prove their own
titles wrong as convincingly as ‘Music Is Stupid’ does. It very nearly
has everything. You could fall asleep to it, scream your lungs out to it,
hell, you could probably dance to it if you really wanted to, although
the shapes you’d have to throw to get down to this album would likely conjure
up all kinds of ungodly demons that are possibly best left where they are.
Even saving the best ‘til last, stunning closer ‘Buddy Bradley’ is possibly
one of the finest demented, fizzing, shouting beasts of a song you will
ever hear. It’s a fitting end to a near-masterpiece.
Thankfully, Econoline have throughout resisted
what must have been a temptation to jump on a passing ‘emo’ bandwagon,
in preference of opting to drive one themselves. Stand at the side of the
road and beg for a lift.
EDIE : Shades CD. on EDIE
Unique modern rock with lyrical density, hypnotic
melodies, drama, and intelligence. PJ Harvey meets Jeff Buckley meets Bjork.
Elf Power : Nothing Is Going To Happen CD on
Orange Twin
Nothing's going to happen, elf power's 6th album
is an album of 10 cover songs including songs originally written and recorded
by roky erickson, husker du, bad brains, buszzcocks, chris knox, the misfits,
gary numan's tubeway army, and the frogs. Also included on the cd is the
come on ep, originally released in 1998 as a limited edition tour-only
ep of 1,000 copies. It features 6 more songs, covers of t.rex, sonic youth,
jesus and mary chain, robyn hitchcock, billy childish, and the flaming
lips. This album represents elf power at their full tilt rocking best and
is considered by the band to be a tribute to some of their favorite artists
and songs, elf power began in 1994 in athens, ga and have toured the u.s.,
europe, and japan many times with groups like wilco, r.e.m., guided by
voices, j. Mascis, olivia tremor control, and neutral milk hotel.
Eludea : Siren CD on Kordula
With the release of their acclaimed EP 'Phona'
for Bristol's now infamous Cup of Tea Records, ELUDEA (Roger Mills, Marc
Day and Hannah Bristow) established a unique sound that set them well apart
from usual dub beat crossovers. The originality of that sound melds Hannah's
velvet vocals to backdrop of twisted samples, strict crisp beats, rich
bass, spikey guitar and trumpet. They concentrate on well crafted, memorable
songs that have an intensity to make the hair on the back of your neck
stand on end. The trio have recently teamed up with X F Word Beatmeister
Dan Clibery and DJ / Bassist Mr Ben, and locking themselves in the studio
have recorded 11 blistering tracks for their debut album 'SIREN'. The album
showcases tracks written over the past two years, which includes collaborations
with Radiohead strings supremo Jon Matthius, DJ Alpha Proxima [Breakbeat
Culture] and Paul Wigens [Grand Drive / Blue Aeroplanes]. Eludea's dynamic
live performances are also becoming legendary with recent shows drawing
larger & larger audiences, mesmerized by the electric atmosphere the
band creates.
Empyrium : Weiland CD on Prophecy
The history of Empyrium is also the history of
Prophecy Productions. Empyrium´s debut "A Wintersunset", saw the
light of day in 1996 and was the reason for founding Prophecy Productions.
It featured deep melancholic dreamy music, these attributes were taken
to even higher levels with the second release "Songs of Moors and Misty
Fields". It delivered otherworldy music enchanted by the beauty of nature....
EMPYRIUM deliver truly epic albums. "Weiland", their barnde new release
is dark and progressive & features classical instruments like violin,
piano and acoustic guitar
End On End : Why Evolve When We Can Go Sideways
CD on Substandard
Politically-charged hardcore and post-hardcore
from LA, END ON END combines a sense of urgency, passion, and activism
with a heartfelt love of music and a desire for honesty and integrity in
all their actions. Why Evolve When We Can Go Sideways? marks the second
full-length, and highlights the changes that the band has gone through
since their debut full-length and split full-length releases on This Guy
Records. Moving into heavier, screamier and altogether more complex terrain,
yet retaining their base in the melodic sound of '80s and early '90s hardcore,
the band has taken their sound to a whole new level, compared in the past
to bands like STILL LIFE, RITES OFF SPRING, ENDPOINT and early GRADE.
Endstand : Fire Inside .CD on Combat Rock Industries
Finland’s endstand are widely recognized as one
of the premier leaders of the bludgeoning scandanavian punk rock scene
– leading the way alongside fellow countrymen manifesto jukebox and wasted,
endstand’s new album “fire inside” is uncompromising punk rock. The band
tour the uk shortly, as part of a 3 month european tour. “fire inside”
is their third album , brought to you by combat rock industry (home of
manifesto jukebox and wasted) – yet more scandanavian sonic uncompromising
punk blasts!
Enon : High Society (CD). on Touch and Go
FEATURING MEMBERS OF BLONDE REDHEAD, THE LAPSE
AND BRAINIAC, 'High Society' is ONE OF TOUCH & GO'S STRONGEST ROCK
RELEASES FOR YEARS! K K K K K R E VI E W I N K E R R A N G ! ! "AS AN ALBUM
'HIGH SOCIETY' HAS EVERYTHING; IT ROCKS, IT'S POPPY, IT'S ABRASIVE AND
IT'S CHALLENGING. IN SHORT, IT'S F**KING BRILLIANT!!!!!". Enon is NOT your
average rock and roll band! This band forges some traditional rock vocabulary
together with samples, electronic creations and an "anything goes" attitude.It's
a celebration of technology, for certain, but not at the expense of actual
songs.The songs are ROCKING and POPPY and DOWNRIGHT CATCHY!! *John Schmersal
cut his teeth in Brainiac, the Dayton Ohio freakoutfit. After their sad
demise, John then moved to New York City. He put out a few singles on various
labels under the name Enon and a record under the mysterious name John
Stuart Mill. Enon was still, at this time, basically a solo project, Now
joined by Toko Yasuda (Blonde Redhead/The Lapse) and Matt Schulz (Let's
Crash), Enon is a bright spot in the current state of rock and roll. Originally
using John's former band Brainiac as a jumping off point, Enon have since
forged their own unique sound of surprisingly melodic songs and pure rockers.
The addition of Toko on vocals and songwriting opens up an entire new world
of pop frequencies. For Fans Of: Pavement, Devo, Sonic Youth, Blonde Redhead,The
Lapse
Entre Rios : Idioma Suave CD on Elefant
This three-piece from Buenos Aires, Argentina,
present a gentle sound postcard, a collection of placid, delicate songs;
music to dream to with your eyes wide open. Elefant released "Litoral",
a seven inch on their legendary Singles Club in 2001. This brought the
music of ENTRE RÍOS to many new audiences; among them BBC Radio
One DJ John Peel, who played the record several times. 'Idioma Suave' is
their debut album, thirteen songs influenced in part by Angelo Badalamenti,
Phil Spector & Brian Eno (all experts in the art of creating enigmatic
atmospheres). Fabulous electronic sound scapes shored up by ethereal vocals
make this a very fine example of avant garde pop
Enya : Only Time Collection: 4cd Box
Enya marks the latest stage in a highly successful
career with the release of this stunning retrospective box set. 'Only Time
- The Collection' brings together tracks from the 1986 album 'The Celts'
right up to the Oscar-nominated song 'May It Be', which was written and
recorded last year for 'Lord Of The Rings - The Fellowship Of The Ring'
at the personal request of director Peter Jackson. Included on 'Only Time'
are all of Enya's most loved songs, including hitsingles such as 'Orinoco
Flow', 'Book Of Days', 'Caribbean Blue', 'Anywhere Is' and 'Only Time'.
In addition, the box set also features a number of tracks that have never
been previously featured on an Enya album before. These are 'Eclipse',
'Isobella', 'Song Of The Sandman (Lullaby)', 'Willows On The Water', 'May
It Be' and 'Oiche Chiun (Silent Night)'. Also included on the enhanced
CD4 is video footage of 'Oiche Chiun (Silent Night)', which was first broadcast
on the BBC in December 1996, plus a 48-page booklet which features liner
notes by lyricist Roma Ryan, a discography and archival photos.
Epic 45 : Reckless Engineers CD on Where Are
My Records
Epic45 was formed in 1995 by ben holton, rob
glover and mark oldfield.after developing an interest with the music that
was coming out of glasgow and chicago, they started recording and playing
gigs around 1998 with various friends helping out live and in the studio.
Still in their early 20's they blend together influences ranging from the
mellow ambience of bands such as bark psychosis and labradford to the sonic
experiments of bands like godspeed you black emperor, slint and hood, but
end up with a sound uniquely their own. Epic45 have released 2 eps(bearos),
3 split singles, appeared on 2 compilation albums,numerous radio one airplay
from both steve lamacq and john peel, plus an appearance on the channel
4's,the big breakfast.epic45 have played live with the likes of muse, do
make say think, cay, rothko and the pattern.
Erase Errata : Other Animals CD on Tsk!tsk!
The four girls that make up San Francisco's Erase
Errata got together in late 1999. After writing ten songs in half an hour,
the chemistry was clear. Emerging was a shaky shared vision, a stumbled-upon
equation of organised chaos - with a beat. Composing upon a lifetime of
influences, Erase Errata twisted those influences into an end result. Think
of ESG, CAPT. BEEFHEART and SLEATER KINNEY you may get some idea… Despite
being dubbed 'no-wave' almost immediately, Erase Errata make music both
angular and yet, beautiful - their songs are propelled forward on choppy
waves of jerky rhythms and guitar lines that wrap their way around you
brain like a copper wire. Erase Errata have opened for such indie veterans
as The Fall and Le Tigre (check the back cover of Feminist Sweepstakes
to see Le Tigre's approval). Sonic Youth chose them to play at All Tomorrow's
Parties 2002 in LA, and they will be supporting Sonic Youth on their US
tour in August this year. Their debut album, 'Other Animals' has taken
the US by storm with rave reviews in music publications across the country,
and proclaimed by many (including Thurston Moore) as album of the year!
The European version has been remastered for tsk! tsk! records by Weasel
Walter of the Flying Luttenbachers. FOR FANS OF: ESG, LE TIGRE, SLEATER
KINNEY, SONIC YOUTH
Escargo : Si Vous Aimes L'amour CD on 555
Debut full length solo cd release from jayme
guokas of the skywriters, rabbit in red, the snow fairies, men in fur,
and the last wave. With a little help from melissa snow fairy on backing
vocals jayme has created a fantastical and fun-filled world of pop through
the course of these songs, bringing to mind some of the best moments from
the vaselines and the pastels. Casio keyboards, moogs, drum machines, live
drums, and lots of layers of clean and fuzzed up guitars!
Ether Net : More Strange Bruises CD on Symbiotic/requisite
'More Strange Bruises', the third full-length
from Ether Net, showcases this three-piece at its purest; majestic, shapeshifting
rock with dynamic melodies, evocative lyrics, and wide-screen arrangements.
Each distinct song informs the next, while retaining the band’s unique
DNA, largely based around the intimate vocals. "This mighty trio has a
sound that falls somewhere between crashing American indie pop/rock and
the more atmospherically inclined bands from across the pond." - The Big
Takeover "Ether Net’s music is like a brawl in an absinthe bar; transcendent,
otherworldly, mysterious, yet able to throw the punches and draw the blood
that reminds you you're alive." - Alternative Press Recommended for fans
of Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, Dandy Warhols, My Vitriol
Peven Everett : Studio Confessions CD on Pias
Genuine Recordings introduce you to new signing,
Peven Everett whose album was signed in the face of stiff competition from
American label ABB, (label who discovered Dilated Peoples).) His debut
album Studio Confessions is set to establish him firmly in the musical
premier league. Studio Confessions is an intimate look at life, love and
his passion for music. His sound is sublime, organic, melodic, and of course,
full of soul - a fusion of African and Latin rhythms, hip hop, funk, and
a touch of jazz. Having performed with jazz greats at spots like Blue Note,
Sweet Basil and Smalls in NYC and Chicago and went on the road with Wynton
and Branford Marsalis (Buckshot LeFonque). He also started recording deep
house records with collaborative efforts on timeless cuts like ‘Gabriel’
and ‘Watch Them Come’. It was ‘Gabriel’ which was to have an electrifying
effect on the UK music scene, becoming one of the key records that helped
inspire the nascent UK garage scene. What makes it all the more impressive
is that Studio Confessions is all Peven. A producer, writer, vocalist,
performer and multi-instrumentalist, Peven plays 11 instruments including
the guitar, keys, drums, bass, trombone, flute, saxophone as well as being
a renowned trumpeter. From the bongo driven rhythms of ‘One More Time’
and the bass bump of ‘Testing Me’ to the spacious grooves and laid back
rap of ‘They So Cold’ this is a rough edged, modern soul album that provides
a much needed antidote to the digital gloss of modern soul and r’n’b
Everything But The Girl (Ebtg) : Like The
Deserts Miss The Rain: Best Of
"Every
greatest hits collection seems the same: over-familiar tunes reheated and
assembled in the boardroom and generally thrown at the public on a cold
plate, so we thought we'd try something different", says Tracey Thorn of
Everything But The Girl about their new retrospective album. "If there
was going to be a retrospective we wanted it to be a personal view. We
wanted to look back on some of the stuff we've been proudest of over the
past twenty years. Some of them happen to be famous hits, some are obscure
B-sides. It's just our take on things, and we hope it throws a fresh light
on these songs and what they mean".
'Like The Deserts Miss The Rain' is an alternative best of collection: sixteen tracks over seventy minutes culled from twenty years, selected and compiled by Ben Watt and Tracey Thorn themselves. The choices range from EBTG's breakthrough jazz-inflected hit of 1984, 'Each And Every One', through rare B-sides like Tracey's beautiful 'A Piece Of My Mind' to cornerstone album tracks such as the million-selling 'Amplified Heart's opener 'Rollercoaster' and big hitters like 1995's US #1, 'Missing'. There are limited edition remixes and Tracey singing in Portuguese!
"It is not trying to be comprehensive, it is not
even trying to represent every album we have ever released", says Ben.
"In each case it is simply a track we look back on and think, yes, that''
what we meant, and it still seems to have resonance. We've also drawn a
non-chronological line from the past through to the present. It is an attempt
to offer a compass and a map for our journey through so many different
styles and genres over the years. Hence the latin sounds of the early eighties
'Each And Every One' rub shoulders with the futuristic drum 'n' bass bossa
nova of the mid-nineties 'Corcovado' and Chicane's rerubof 'Before Today'.
The still-life beauty and sexual politics of 1984's 'Mine' slide moodily
into Tracey's seminal woman's eye view Massive Attack collaboration, 'Protection',
whilst 1996's Top 10 hit, 'Wrong', is presented here in its Y2K bootleg
incarnation, the floor-rocking 'Tracey In My Room".
Exile Inside : Exile Inside CD on Exilophone
EXILE INSIDE is the latest vehicle for the sweeping
musical vision of JAKE SHILLINGFORD, founder of Orchestral Pop pioneers
MY LIFE STORY, joined here by co-writer and arranger Aaron Cahill. When
MLS split in December 2000, after 3 successful albums & 6 top 40 singles,
Jake and band orchestrator Aaron immediately joined forces to concentrate
more on the synth-pop they grew up on and loved as youngsters. Forgoing
the major label involvement from his previous experience, and avoiding
all the pitfalls associated, Jake raised the money for the recordings from
his own website, offering his fans the chance to actively participate in
the making of his new music.
Fatso Jetson : Cruel And Delicious CD on Rekords
Fatso Jetson was formed in Palm Desert, CA, in
1994 and are often credited as the fathers of the desert strain of stoner
rock made most famous by their slightly younger neighbours Kyuss and Queens
of the Stone Age. The reason for the group's immense stoner credibility
is that key members of the group played in seminal local "desert" bands
Across the River, Englenook, Yawning Man, and the Sort of Quartet: each
of them being groups that the high school aged Kyuss members would see
perform at parties. While musically similar to some of their stoner brethren,
Fatso Jetson incorporate a broader variety of musical influences that includes
punk and surf. This is not to say that the band isn't capable of dishing
out supremely heavy riffs and Black Sabbath-influenced guitar soloing.
Certainly grounded in dense hard rock, Fatso Jetson experiment with many
musical textures, instrumental epics, and bizarre lyrics to create a punky
art rock all their own.
Feeder : Comfort In Sound
At the very end of 2001, Grant Nicholas confessed
that despite the breakthrough success of 'Echo Park', he'd already written
ten songs he considered his best ever. The result? - 'Comfort In Sound'.
The culmination of six months studio productivity - Grant and bassist Taka
Hirose choosing to work with Gil Norton (Pixies, Foo Fighters) for the
second consecutive album, whilst old friend Mark Richardson (ex-Skunk Anansie)
filled in on drums after the tragic death of original drummer Jon Lee -
'Comfort' takes in everything from bruising sleaze-rock ('Helium', 'Godzilla'),
to gentle electronica ('Child In You') and glorious string-laden epics
('Forget About Tomorrow'). Regardless of the year's tragic events, if ever
there was a place where Feeder could be said to be the most at home it
would be bathed in waves of glorious guitar noise and mercurial melody
lines. Includes the single 'Come Back Around'.
"We've come too far, we've got too many fans
out there, and there's too many people that have really stuck by us over
the years, it just seems tragic to give up now. We're a good band, but
we've got a lot more left in us before we call it a day"- Grant Nicholas
Figgs : Slow Charm CD on Hearbox
The year 2002 marks a milestone for the Figgs.
Not only does it mark the 15th year the three founding members have been
playing together, this CD “Slow Charm” marks the bands 10th release. That
is of course if you exclude the bands 12 singles. Not bad for a group of
guys whose eldest member just turned 30. Despite major label woes throughout
the mid part of their career, the Figgs' winning power pop and never-say-die
modus operandi have kept the group alive and kicking. The Figgs uphold
their reputation here, conjuring up a reliable assortment of contagiously
punchy song craft akin to their 2000 long-player "Sucking in Stereo." Look
for a bit more ntrospection and moodiness on a few numbers though. "Slow
Charm” is without question another step forward for this prolific trio.
“one of America's best-kept rock'n'roll secrets." Billboard Magazine,
Filthy Jim : Whiskey And Porn CD on Tour Horse
Sleaze-rockers Filthy Jim's debut album Whiskey
and Porn is a brutal, 26-minute homage to all the bad things that feel
so great about fast, energetic rock n' roll. All 12 tracks come and go
with the urgency of a suckerpunch, seething with the piss and vinegar of
the Stooges, the depraved grit of the Melvins, and just a touch of Motley
Crue's sing-a-long scum. .. best enjoyed "at a loud volume, drunk," says
bassist Troy Richardson. ...
First Grade Crush : Our Time Down Here CD on
Jum Up
SKA PUNK : FIRST GRADE CRUSH's music is powerful,
energetic, diversely-influenced, and dark. Based in punk - incorporating
bits of emo-core and metal - driven by bright horn lines and mind-bending
theremin. The band has been compared to Dillinger Four, Rocket From The
Crypt, Fishbone, Promise Ring, Bad Religion, Saves The Day, and Less Than
Jake - but truly the band sounds only like themselves. Amidst the sonic
chaos, sing-along choruses, anti-establishment chants, and adolescent emotion
- First Grade Crush create a suprisingly mature record, with sharp, biting
lyrics and and in-your-face sarcasm.
Flaming Stars : Sunset And Void CD on Vinyl Japan
From the after-dark sophistication of the last
album “A Walk on the Wired Side” THE FLAMING STARS” have returned to deep-down
sleaze’n’roll which is their trademark. This album represents the next
chapter in the STARS career, so turn the lights down low, take a swig of
Jack Daniels from the bottle, sit back and enjoy.
Fly : Put The Needle Down .. CD on Elefant
Featuring three ex FELT members. Instrumental
music with shades of Kraut rock. NME " It takes three former members of
80's legends FELT to revisit the kind of retro-futurism where jet travel
and autobahns were the stuff of wild possibilty....'Put the needle down
& fly" is chrome silver Eurotronica evoking household robots, Kraftwerk
and synthesizers the size of a family car"
Fog And Ocean : Fog And Ocean CD on 555
Debut full length release from this international
pop supergroup with members from three different continents! It was an
opportune moment that brought together members of the cat's miaow, huon,
boyracer,sleepy township, steward, hydroplane, rabbit in red, architechture
in helsinki, and jen turrell in the same place and the same time to record
this album. Back to early 80's with analogue synths and 808 beats and sweet
girl vocal. Highly melodic- retro and refreshing.
Fontanelle : Style Drift CD on Kranky
Portland , Oregon's Fontanelle take drums , keyboards
and guitars , tightens up the interplay and weaves taut patterns that touch
on the liquidity of FUSION JAZZ and the crystalline angles of IDM electronics.
A huge step forward from their debut album, a unique mix of instrumental
and computer aided improvisation. File next to : TORTOISE/FLY PAN AM.
Fosca : Diary Of An Antibody. CD on Shinkansen
2nd album from London based 4 piece Fosca led
by Dickon Edwards (ex Shelley (Sarah Records), Spearmint and Orlando).
10 tracks of punchy guitar pop and piano led ballads described indie by
one critic as Pulp meets The Shangri-La's
Foxy : Stay Foxy, Por Vida .CD on Loud Energy
FOXY is made up of ex-members of 4GASM and have
a strong SOCIAL DISTORTION connection with John Maurer playing on their
first recording and also produced this album. They take their influences
from such 70’s punk bands as THE CLASH, BLONDIE and THE RAMONES while still
giving a nod to big brother band SOCIAL DISTORTION. They’ve toured the
UK 3 times now and have built up a good following.
Free Loan : Ever Been To Mexico CD on Shelflife
Mini album of six tracks from Stockholm's Free
Loan Investments - full of jangly guitars, fizzing distortion and blazing
fast melodies - all grounded by Amanda's vocals. With a nod towards UK
guitar pop (Talulah Gosh/Shop Assistants) and 80s post-punk (Au Pairs/Dolly
Mixture), FLI's songs have just the right amount of classic style and sensibility,
poppy melodies and thrashing guitars.
Freezepop : Freeezepop Forever CD on Elefant
This female-fronted three piece from Boston,
USA bring back to life the best eighties techno-pop with fresh air, smashing
good tunes and a very cool Image… Thirteen tracks and two videos in a single
CD. Formed in 1999 in Boston, MA, and as legend has it they decided to
form a synth pop band because the icy cool of the synthesizer was the perfect
antidote to that summer's excruciating heat. The band consists of vocalist
Liz Enthusiasm, programmer he Duke of Candied Apples, and keyboardist the
Other Sean T. Drinkwater, also of Lifestyle. While the band has shied away
from their '80s retro image in interviews, their sound and '80s pop culture
references (they have a song titled "Tracey Gold") are one of the reasons
they have connected so well with the national synth pop scene. Freezepop,
who play all of their music on a Yamaha QY-70 battery powered sequencer,
borrow both from the stylized new wave synth pop of the early '80s and
the amateurish side of late '90s punk-pop acts like Bis and Huggy Bear.
They won Best New Band at the American Synthpop Awards(2002) and had their
"Science Genius Girl" featured in the Playstation 2 game Frequency.
Friends : Best Of Friends CD on Summerhouse
The long-anticipated Friends compilation is now
available. The inevitably titled Best Of Friends includes selections from
all the band’s six albums and from two of their four singles, spanning
the period 1986 to 1995. It covers the whole wide range of the band’s music,
from the pure pop of their indie heydey, through more rock-inclined numbers,
to the stripped-down acoustic pop of their most recent album Folk Songs,
all featuring the characteristic Friends trumpet sound and classically
English vocals of singer and founder-member William Jones. Best of Friends
is accompanied by a lavish 12-page booklet outlining the band’s history
and including many unpublished photos, with an introduction by former Factory
artist Graham Fitkin. Best Of Friends, whilst retrospective in nature,
is no final summing-up of the band’s career. Although silent since the
late 90s, the group have remained busy, and have amassed a huge backlog
of material for future release. Best Of Friends will quickly be followed
by a new Friends studio album, Beautiful You, scheduled for release in
summer 2002, with a four-track sampler CD single to be released at the
end of July.
Funerals : Pathetic Me CD on Thule Musik
After excellent albums from MUM and TRABANT Thule
Musik release something quite different, the debut album from Reykjavik's
The Funerals. Their music is a mixture of slow and tragic alt. country
tunes and broken heart ballads mixed with Icelandis drinking songs. It
all started when two guys Raggi and Doddi, ( usually doing instrumental
electro music) got together on cold winter nights, drank some port and
started singing the blues. The result was quite amazing. So, during two
weekends in a small cabin under a cracking glacier, they recorded the album
"Pathetic Me".The recordings were recorded onto a simple old two track
tape. Nominated as the best record of the year 2001, at the Icelandic Music
Awards plus an article about the band featured in The New York Times and
they even got their picture on the front page of the arts section in N.Y.Times.
File next to: Tindersticks/Lincoln/Will Oldham.
Galore : Parader CD on : Tidemark/Fading Ways
Parader
opens with the song "Little Hit Parader," a slightly jarring glam rock
opus that sets the tone for the album — at least the first half of this,
their second full-length. Side A (or the first five songs of the CD) is
reminiscent of a nightmare that takes place in a sketchy bar (or an old
mansion on the side of the road during a storm). Side B sounds like a completely
different band — more pop than rock, with a folky, country influence. The
song Waltz is killer. How they’d put a set list together for a live show,
I don’t know
Gare Du Nord : In Search Of CD on Pias
Gare Du Nord are a musical partnership between
Francois Inca and Dinant Lance who met in Paris in 1998. A year later,
they were joined by third member Wahid. The trio started Gare Du Nord as
a conceptual musical vehicle based upon their shared appreciation for film
and music, indeed, the album, ‘in search of excel lounge’, offers their
personal memories of Paris via the wide variety of musical styles and influences
pooled between them. Their hybrid of music has put them in the territories
that St Germain’ “Tourism” inhabit. The journey of ‘in search of excel
lounge’ spans elements of French disco through to the delta blues fuelled
rhythms of ‘Pablo’s Blues’. ‘Pablo’s Blues’ uses an eerily potent sample
of Robert Johnson and Gare Du Nord succeeds where many have failed – enhancing
a classic blues sample by meshing the lo-fi original recording of the track
with beautiful brassic synth beats, the authenticity seeping through. The
rest of the album sustains its raison d’etre, managing to flow seamlessly
through with the George Benson –like ‘Taxi Au Moulin’ and ‘Searching Gainsbourg’
– a tribute to the controversial French singer, (on a day when he gets
through at least half a pack of Gauloises ).
Gaza strippers : From The Desk Of Dr Freepill
CD on nicotine
New album from the mighty gaza strippers, the
fast paced nitro fueled punksters fronted by Former didjit rick sims! This
is their third album, and follows up from their lookout album 1000 Watt
confessions, their mini album on twenty stone blatt, and their debut on
man’s ruin. 10 tracks of Raw and barbed punk rock with the unmistakeable
vocals of rick sims. 3 tracks are from a wild show i N sweden. Includes
covers of blue oyster cult, queen and love and rockets.
Gc5 : Never Bet The Devil Your Head .CD on Thick
Influenced by the drive and urgency of late 70's British punk, Chuck
Berry guitar riffs, and the melodicism and bitterness of Elvis Costello,
with a working-class ethic and D.I.Ydetermination, “brothers and sisters,”
THE GC5. Balls to the wall rock’n’roll, complete with fierce guitars, street
punk intensity and catchy fist raising anthems. Never Bet The Devil Your
Head is the bands 4th record (2nd full length), and the kids barely twenty
(two of which are brothers) know their roots. Recorded in their home town
- Cleveland, Ohio - and produced by the Dropkick Murphy’s Ryan Foltz (who
also plays organ and mandolin on the record) - themes of working class
pride, left politics and anti-establishment outrage run rampant.
Gem : Sunglare Serenades .CD on Pitch-a-tent
2nd album, their debut "Hexed" was released by
Restless, from the pop rocking combo formed in 1992 & featuring DOUG
GILLARD & TIM TOBIAS of GUIDED BY VOICES who handle guitar+vox, Tim's
brother, Todd, plays bass, keys+samples while Eric Vogt handles drums.
Think GUIDED BY VOICES, nuff said!'What a tight piece of work. For having
members of Guided by Voices in their group, the songs on Sunglare Serenades
are surprisingly tight and straightforward. Although some of the sound
is similar, their songs seem like more cohesive, complete types of Guided
by Voices songs. Each track seems to contain steady beats with the guitars
capable of flailing and driving anywhere they damn well please. Songs like
"J.H.-S" even contain guitars akin to ZZ Top. While occasionally throwing
out a quirky guitar-led ditty here or there, this material is nonetheless
very ear-friendly, and any Guided by Voices fan would do themselves a great
disservice to miss this album. -All Music Guide RECOMMENDED!- ONE OF THE
BEST OF 2002 SO FAR!
Beth Gibbons: Rustin Man - Out Of Season
Seasons
come, seasons go, but some things remain the same. The feeling of being
out of season and out of step with the times, the surprise of first time
experiences. All the things captured on 'Out Of Season', the album by Beth
Gibbons and Paul Webb, aka Rustin' Man.
You'll know Beth from Portishead and Paul from
Talk Talk. They've been friends since before Beth joined Portishead when
Beth had auditioned for Paul's post-Talk Talk band, O'rang. The pair kept
in contact andat the end of the last Portishead tour a break for Beth arose
and a conversation sparked the collaboration.
On one level, 'Out Of Season' is all you'd expect
an album from the duo's background: exquisitely melodic, haunting…both
three-in-the-morning air of calm and nape-hair-raising at the same time.
With a spiritual depth, but palpably human emotion. With a definite feeling
of sadness, but infused with the joy of nature ("God knows, how I adore
life / When the wind turns on theshores lies another day" - 'Mysteries').
But then this is a different record to Portishead or Talk Talk. For one,
it's 'beats'-free, and has more of a timeless, feel. Those who love Nick
Drake, or Nina Simone, or even Radiohead's 'Exit Music (For a Film)' should
unconditionally love 'Out Of Season'.
"The thing that I'm into is the philosophy of
the music. I love the surprise of things, the accidents…just the sound
of a word, to try to express them in the best way, so that the emotion
is totally revealed” -Beth Gibbons
Giddy Motors : Make It Pop CD on Fat Cat
Following hot on the heels of their debut single
‘Whirled By Curses’ (released on FatCat in July), ‘Make It Pop’ delves
further into their taut, idiosyncratic take on rock. Recorded with Steve
Albini at Electrical Audio studios in Chicago over a nine day period in
the Autumn of 2001, the eight tracks here take in a range of styles and
ideas, though for the most part, these are intense, wayward, and strangely
anglicised songs set to tight, chaotic chord progressions and jagged, acrobatic
percussion. Utilising drums, bass, guitar and vocals to full effect with
drums also triggering occassional saxophone samples, their songs are explosive
and prone to suddenly flip back on themselves or fly off at unexpected
angles. The album sets out its stall from the full-on AmRep/Sabbath punk
of the opening track, ‘Magmanic’, and this formula provides the backbone
of the album. Yet the band’s ability to transcend the genre (witness the
more reflective ‘Cranium Crux’, the pastoral acousticism of ‘Venus Medallist’,
the 23 Skidoo / Pop Group-style rhythms that pervade the album), sets them
apart from any scene as such. Chaotic, energetic and aggressive, perhaps
more than anything, Giddy Motors sound like a band locked into their own
thing, intensely focused and happy to explore their own wayward logic
Gigolo Aunts : Pacific Ocean Blues CD on Bittersweet
Taking their name from the Syd Barrett song,
the effervescent power-pop unit Gigolo Aunts first came together in 1981
in New York then moved to Boston. While in the UK with Velvet Crush, Gibbs
made a number of crucial contacts with Creation Records' Alan McGee and
the members of Teenage Fanclub, and interest in the Gigolo Aunts began
to build. A series of assured EPs - Gigolo Aunts, Gun and Full-On Bloom
- appeared to strong reviews, as did 1994's rocky album Flippin' Out, the
1995 EP Where I Find My Heaven (the 'Game On' TV theme) and Minor Chords
and Major Themes in 1999. Pacific Ocean Blues is the closest thing to a
"definitive" album that the Gigolo Aunts have ever released. The smooth
production values of the last album still reign here, but the band doesn't
hesitate to rock out a lot more, which produces some of the band's most
memorable material. Specifically, "Let Go!" is easily the most infectious
and immediate song in the Gigolo Aunts' canon - while it runs for just
over five minutes, the song packs in two fantastic, flashy guitar solos
and a killer horn-inflected chorus. And on the more "adult" side, "Even
Though (The One Before the Last)" tops nearly all of the mid-tempo material
on the last album. Recorded at Counting Crow's Adam Duritz's studio in
the Hollywood hills, Pacific Ocean Blues, by tying up the band's stylistic
loose ends, is possibly the Gigolo Aunts' most consistent listen.
Girlinky : My Huge Head CD on Dedear Records
Endearing debut from this fine Anglo-Antipodean
four piece featuring striking female vocals. Girlinky's brand of indie
rock is steeped in that classic eigthies Aussie/New Zealand indie rock
sound echoing the greats such the Go Betweens, The Clean and the Gordons.
Gloryholes : Want A Divorce CD on dirtnap
Get up off your knees son and come out of that
stall, 'cause the gloryholes are here with a brand new record. Want a divorce
is 13 more songs filled with crunch, shrrang, boom, crash, smack, throb
and shriek. Following close on the heels of their debut release, knock
you up (empty us), the gloryholes haven't skipped a beat. This is punk
rock n' roll played with reckless abandon, not just a smidgen of "fuck
you." with jack endino (nirvana, the nights and days, etc.) At the helm
once again, the gloryholes have put together another damn fine record that'll
make you jump up off the couch and yell "fuck Yeah! Get me another beer,
ma!" features eye poppin' full color cover art by hate's very own peter
Bagge! (he's famous, you know!)
Go Back Snowball : Calling Zero CD on Fading
Captain
Mr. Robert pollard (guided by voices) and mr.
Mac mccaughan (superchunk) have joined forces to bring you twelve tracks
of pure pop bliss. With mac handling all of the instrumentation at his
studio in north carolina, and robert kicking out the vocal duties at the
lovely cro-magnon studios in dayton, ohio - the two (collectively known
here as go back snowball) have completed a record so cohesive, so strong,
so perfect one could never guess they hadn't spent even an afternoon in
the studio together. Mac presented robert with a bed of beautiful instrumentals,
and in turn, robert has delivered lyrical magistery and vocal performances
that only he could top. With 'calling zero', the "band" have given us no
less than exactly what onewould expect from a meeting of these two masterminds.
Godspeed You Black Emperor : Yanqui Uxo CD on
Constellation
GODSPEED UNLEASH THEIR MASSIVE NEW ALBUM AT WHAT
COULDN'T BE A MORE PERTINENT TIME IN WORLD POLITICS. THE FIRST NEW ALBUM
FOR TWO YEARS, THE ALBUM ARTWORK FEATURES BOMBS DROPPING ON AN UNDISCLOSED
TARGET ON THE FRONT AND A 'FAMILY TREE' OF ARMS DEALERS ON THE REVERSE.
U.X.O = unexploded ordnance, landmines, cluster bombs. YANQUI = post-colonial
imperialism, international police state, multinational corporate oligarchy.
Recorded by STEVE ALBINI. Single compact disc and double vinyl in awesome
packaging. File Next To: Godspeed The music speaks for itself and so does
the message.
Gogogo Airheart : Exitheuxa CD on Gold Standard
Laboratories
Brand new album from cult U.S. outfit released
on AT THE DRIVE IN/MARS VOLTA run label G.S.L. GoGoGo Airheart are a unique
and easily-recognizable feature on the landscape of eccentric, experimental
modern pop/rock. Their previous efforts have each been critically-acclaimed
and are certainly on par with any by like-minded groups from Talking Heads
to Flaming Lips. Recorded at various San Diego locations - including GSL
and Three One G's own E Street house! - and mixed with Rafter Roberts (Rocket
From the Crypt, Album Leaf, etc.) during the winter of 2001-02, Exitheuxa
is GoGoGo Airheart's fourth full-length release and their second LP for
GSL. GoGoGo Airheart venture well beyond this easy pigeonhole in their
newer compositions. This album is certainly their most straight-ahead "rock"
record to date - though it's unlike anyone else's 'brand' to say the least.
Useful reference points might also include Pere Ubu, Happy Mondays, Unrest,
and mid- 70's era Rolling Stones....... *Special appearances include members
of ROCKET FROM THE CRYPT, Tristeza, and others. File Under: Post Punk Smorgasbord
For Fans Of: The Flaming Lips, Pere Ubu, The Pop Group
Gogol Bordello : Voi - La Intruder CD on Rubric
New
from Rubric : Combining elements of punk, gypsy music, and Brecht-ian cabaret,
Gogol Bordello tells the story of New York's immigrant diaspora through
debauchery, humor, and surreal costumes. Leader and singer Eugene Hütz's
taste in music was spun out of black-market tapes of the Birthday Party
and Einstürzande Neubauten in his native Ukraine. After being evacuated
to Western Ukraine in 1986 following the Chernobyl disaster, Hütz
became enamored of the mystical, outsider qualities of gypsy music. Living
as a refugee in Poland, Hungary, Austria, and Italy before moving to the
United States in 1993, he experienced life as an outsider himself. After
arriving in New York, he teamed up with guitarist Vlad Solofar and squeezebox
player Sasha Kazatchkoff. American Eliot Fergusen added a strong rock sound
on the drums and the band was also augmented by Sergei Riabtsev on fiddle.
Their music soon evolved into the hyper-kinetic explosions that earned
them a solid following amongst New York's downtown hipsters. Voi-La Intruder
was produced by Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds' drummer Jim Sclavunos" ALL
MUSIC GUIDE. "The fired-up Eastern Europeans in Gogol Bordello define rock
'n roll as being frantic, sweaty and filled with horns and accordion riffs-not
unlike the Pogues in spirit.." -Time Out, NYC
Good Charlotte : The Young and the Hopeless CD
on Sony
There’s
nothing like an instrumental song to open up a "punk" album. If you were
to go by appearances, GC would be playing some pretty aggressive hardcore,
but unfortunately looks are deceiving. Ignore the Minor Threat references,
the MT tattoo on the leg and any and all connections to old-school punk.
Clean, wholesome, pop-punk along the lines of MXPX (and just as religious)
and the like, Good Charlotte's new record is boring, sappy and full of
cliched lyrics of hard knocks and spoiled celebrities. It seems that GC
take the music as therapy road a little too literally, as they don't try
to mask the contempt and ill feelings about fathers (at least three songs
have reference to a dad — one minute hating him and the next feeling sorry
for him). Good songwriters have a knack for writing personal, therapeutic
lyrics without coming across as such. Good Charlotte haven't learned this
crucial lesson yet.
Gore Gore Girls : Up All Night CD on Get Hip
Bridging the gap between traditional r&b,
detroit r'n'r and old fashioned bump and grind come the first ladies of
detroit's garage girl-group sound.. The girls of gore let loose with their
poppiest, most powerful, signature girl-group/girl-gang sound ever -- with
13 scorching tracks of dirty love, each one delivered right in the kisser.
The gore gore girls headed into jim diamond's now legendary ghetto recorders
in detroit last september to deliver the second round. Armed with nasty,
loud and sweet(!) Rock 'n' roll numbers, gore guitarist/songwriter amy
surdu added more sugar to the mix with some classic girl group covers:
"keep your hands off my baby" and "standing on the corner". Combined with
sound of their trademark originals, up all night delivers the low-fi love
that gore fans crave. There are girl groups and girl gangs--the gore gore
girls are both. Rock, dance and romance with three badass babes from detroit.
Grand Drive : See The Morning In Cd on
Gravity/BMG
Recorded
this summer on home turf in south London, 'See The Morning In' sees Grand
Drive - Danny Wilson (vocals, guitar), Julian Wilson (vocals, keyboards),
Ed Balch (bass, vocals), Paul Wigens (drums) - further refine an aesthetic
that began with the sophisticated americana flavours and Midnight Cowboy
style of 1999's 'Road Music', and continued in fine style with the soulful
modern classicism of follow-up 'True Love And High Adventures'. 'See The
Morning In' has all thewarmth and craft of its predecessors but this time
the Australian born Wilson brothers' songs have been stripped of much of
the instrumentation that characterised the band's previous releases. Julian:
"The first album, we were just recording songs as they were written, which
turned into a record. The second, we had an idea that we wanted to make
a great big beautiful thing out of little pieces with little money. Ironically
it was the first time we could really afford to have more of anything yet
we wanted less of everything". Danny: "Less drums, less guitar, less organ,
less harmonies, less everything. Less of a production job, more of a band
record. To let the songs stand up for themselves a little more". Which
is exactly what they do, to wonderful effect.
Grand Oral : Worlds Highest Thrill Ride CD on
Five45
The
criticism that the British music press doesn’t spend a lot of time looking
for new talent in London does indeed sound laughable. Grand Oral, despite
being based in our nation’s capital and undertaking a similar musical direction
to groups the UK press have loved getting their teeth into recent months,
have somehow been overlooked by journalists too busy concentrating on the
embarrassing amount of overseas talent we’re currently experiencing. If
only they came from New York…
What relatively little attention they have gathered
has for the most part been full of understandable praise. ‘World’ Highest
Thrill Ride’ is the three-piece’s debut record, and following a number
of well-received EPs and live-shows which have made a disappointingly smaller
impact on the music-world than they should have. Their sound is one not
dissimilar from those that current darlings The Strokes and The White Stripes
both hark back to, that being the fuzzy comfort of Dinosaur Jr. and Sonic
Youth, as well as the twisted pop sensibilities of the Pixies.
So, could they be the long-waited British element
that today’s scene lacks? Possibly. At times, ‘World’ Highest Thrill Ride’
is sublime beyond belief, great examples arriving in the shapes of the
gorgeous melancholia of ‘Feel Like’ or a moving ‘Not A Day’, the vocals
provided by front man Anthony Smith on the latter perhaps being the album’s
emotional peak. Indeed, time and effort have been taken and well-utilised
to ensure that none of these eleven compositions sound in the least bit
flat, trickery and twists abound in the likes of a slightly sinister ‘Godant
7’, but despite the apparent sweat lost over the tunes, it doesn’t ever
sound as if it’s trying too hard.
Grand Oral only lack a few things. They’ve taken
their repertoire from a very fine list of influences, but suffer when it
comes to building on them to create something to call their own. On occasion,
this keeps them grounded when they should be flying, occasionally sounding
like a parody of their heroes rather than forging their own path to greatness;
additionally, this could be levelled through to the slightly amateurish
quality to both the lyrics and artwork alike, but, reassuringly, the music
hints that there are more than enough exciting roads to travel down on
further adventures... Yes, what they need is simply a killer song with
an individual flair, and whilst a fair few of the tunes on ‘WHTR’ come
close to this mystical level of excellence, they’re yet to maintain their
foot firmly in the door.
Such criticism may seem harsh for such a new,
vibrant talent, but it’s only because this record is so achingly, frustratingly
near to being something really rather luminous that it needs to be said
at all. It’s a safe bet that while their debut LP is a highly endearing
collection of grunge-orientated pop songs, it most certainly won’t be Grand
Oral’s finest hour.
In fact, when they play by their own rules instead
of ones dictated to them by the ghosts of musical-past as on the affirmatively-titled
‘Golden Shit’, it’s a strong call to arms, a threat that dismissing the
trio now will only make you seem slightly foolish when they become something
truly wonderful in the future... For now, though we’ll happily put up with
them being simply rather good.
David Gray : New Day At Midnight
For
all the comparisons with 'White Ladder' that David Gray's new album will
no doubt meet, 'A New Day At Midnight is far from simply 'White Ladder
Pt2'. Recorded intermittently between spring 2001 and August 2002 in Iht's
Clapham studio (all 20 x 10 ft of it), the results are certain to defy
expectations. Here is a record that plays and was built by its own rules,
an event and piece of work in its own right. "After the huge success of
'White Ladder' there was a certain amount of psychology involved in making
this record", says David. "The task I faced was to get past all that, and
get on with the job of writing and recording some music that articulated
how I was thinking and feeling in the here and now". There is an undoubtable
shift of tone between the two records,whilst the simplicity of sound and
structure remains unadulterated. "I'm just doing what I do. It's not that
there's been a decision made togo in this direction, that's just
the way it's gone". Includes the single 'The Other Side'.
Great Lakes : Distance Between CD on Track And
Field
Great lakes return for a second lp, full of the
same psyche pop harmony driven tunes that made their first record such
a hit with critics and pop kids throughout the world. Great lakes hail
from athens, georgia, usa and are centred around the hard-core trio of
ben crum, dan donahue and jamie huggins with a mid-core that includes various
members of the olivia tremor control, of montreal, neutral milk hotel and
elfpower. Robert schneider of the apples in stereo also lent a hand with
the mixing of this lp. Influences range from the sonics to the zombies,
brian eno and the kinks, to the flaming lips and galaxie 500. Great lakes'
eponymous debut is an explicit display of neo-psychedelic production values.
Pepperland pet sounds that see-saw between gorgeous stereophonic experiments
and whimsical vaudeville. - uncut magazine "enough breezy harmonies and
wind instruments scattered among the strawberry fields to make you forget
the last 30 years ever happened."
Grebo : Don't Just Do Something Stnad There CD
on Sugar Shack
Grebo formed in September 1999, after playing
shows in and around Bristol for a year, the guys headed into the Whitehouse
Studio to record the Grebo EP. They've built up a loyal local fanbase,
and a reputation as one of Bristol's most high-energy live acts, the band
played their first tour off the back of the EP, supporting Californian
Pop Punks "The Ataris" in May 2001. After a successful summer that saw
Grebo secure a slot at Reading Festival, the band headed into the Studio
once again to record a brand new 5-track EP entitled "Nothing New". With
support slots including The Ataris, Midtown, King Prawn, Nerf Herder, Leatherface,
Fabulous Disaster and Leftover Crack under their belts, the band will be
doing a headline tour of the UK "BEHOLD your future executioners, the new
teenage brit-punk revolution/revelation is upon us" TOMMY UDO[7/10] METAL
HAMMER OCT 2002
Greenhornes : Dual Mono CD on Telstar Records
After touring the uk recently supporting the
datsun’s and the von bondies, cincinnati fourpiece the greenhornes (the
white strieps’ favourite band!) Deliver their second full length for the
new york label telstar. 12 tracks of white soul and old school r&b,
with one foot in the garage camp, the other in the 60’s soul camp. The
greenhornes even get holly golightly to take lead vocals on one track,
and a duet on another. Drawing inspiration from the likes of the who, lovin
spoonful, and great rock and roll from the brit invasion, the new greenhornes
album is in the right place at the right time!!
Halcyon Band : Sirocco CD on Eggbert
So far most of the attention THE HALCYON BAND
have received on two continents has been focused on comparisons with the
US West Coast of the 60s and the new breed of retro-New York punk bands
that have hogged headlines from Seattle to Stockholm. Anyone expecting
a Love/The Strokes hybrid with 'Sirocco' should leave their preconceptions
in the CD sleeve when they hit play. If you wanted to describe the Halcyon
sound, you'd have to include The Beatles, The Who, Beck, Dylan, Sly Stone,
The Stooges, Primal Scream, The Pixies and Big Star, to name a few. Lyrics
might allude to the claustrophobia of small-town life, but where other
bands have built albums - even careers - on the back of that one-trick
pony, the Halcyon's take it further. The Halcyon Band are from York &
are signed to the ultra hip LA based Eggbert Records. Press reports: 'Packed
with frantically strummed guitars, vintage West Coast harmonies and bursts
of Who-like energy' - LA Weekly. 'Shot through with bead whirling, loon
Moon rolling drum fills, Arthur Lee preaching vocals, and melodious vibes,
giving it the feel of the white-out bleached, acid edged Los Angeles hills...'
- The Fly. 'Three-minute nuggets of California-kissed guitar pop blessed
with soft harmonies, joyous drumming and layers of guitars' - Here.
Hand Of Doom : Black Sabbath Tribute CD on Retrophonic
Perhaps the most star studded tribute band in
the short and twisted history of tribute bands, hand of Doom features former
smashing pumpkins / hole bassist melissa auf der maur (on lead vocals,
as ozzy!!) , ex wallflowers / natalie merchant drummer pedro yanowitz,
queens of the stonage's nick oliveri (singing the dio lead on the mob rules,
a treat for all fans of rock!!), Guitarist guy satevens, filmmaker Joey
garfield, and molly stern. Songs include, hand of doom, fairies wear boots,
mob rules, war pigs, Paranoid (this is particulary well covered), changes
and black sabbath. Produced by jeff martin and Melissa auf der mar.
Hardkandy : How Do You Do Nothing CD on Cat Skills
Catskills Records unleash the sublime debut long
player from Brighton funksters Hardkandy – The “How Do You Do Nothing?”
album follows last year’s well-received “Nothing To Do In Hell EP” and
the current “Suddenly Calm EP”.. The album showcases Hardkandy’s diversity;
sublime vocal tracks sit alongside accomplished instrumentals, the tempo
shifting from low gears through to high and back again effortlessly. Vocal
contributions come from Ashley Slater (“Funny Thing”), Chungking’s Jess
Banks (“Stand Still” and “Moonlight”) and Phillipa Alexander (“Big Sand”).
Hardkandy - Simon Little and Tim Bidwell – met two years ago shortly after
they migrated South to sunny Brighton. Individually they had been doing
production work with the Space Raiders and only met by chance at work.
Simon was making ends meet with DJing, production work and a regular gig
as organ player at Brighton Ice Rink where Tim was moonlighting as a hot
dog seller. They started making music together when they discovered their
mutual love for Barry White, Pink Floyd, Al Green and The Meters amongst
others. They set about trying to recreate the sound and style of old classics
with modern sensibilities.“There are no samples on the album,” explains
Tim. “We wanted to bring some musicianship back to modern music. We’ve
always been influenced by the warm sound and feeling of old recordings
and wanted to get away from repetitive loops.”
Hayden : Skyscraper National Park CD on Loose
Hayden (real name Paul Hayden Desser) is a lo-fi
Canadian folk hero turned reluctant alt.rock major label poster boy. His
DIY debut ‘Everything I Long For’ was the album that got him his major
label deal with Outpost/Geffen and promised much.. He's also shared a stage
with Bowie and Pearl Jam, performed at Young's annual Bridge School Benefit
and even got a few calls from an admiring Jerry Seinfeld. This unexpected
adulation resulted in the Scott Litt produced ‘The Closer I Get’, a 1999
follow up that couldn't quite match up to expectations – then the label
Outpost collapsed. Despite numerous offers of so called "rescue deals"
Hayden just wasn't interested in making a return to the centre stage and
gradually put together ‘Skyscraper National Park’ with no firm plans to
release it. Dominated by a warm, almost casual feel the album captures
perfectly the sense of a handful of musicians playing and recording together
with no real expectations. Hushed, almost breathless folk songs cosy up
to a series of seductive yet dramatic moments where his slacker growl creeps
under your skin and claims eternal residency. It was hardly a rush job
but well worth the wait... UK tour in Autumn with Josh
Jack Hayter : Practical Wireless CD on Absolutely
Kosher
Jack Hayter’s voice has ghosts. Whether they
were birthed there in the hollows of his words and songs under the influence
of nostalgia, drink and hard times or they seeped in with the brittle clarity
of the cold night air, no one can say. But they’re there. And you can hear
them. Following a few years in a group ahead of the curve (critically acclaimed
but otherwise unknown Spongefinger), Jack spends much of his time playing
pedal steel, guitar and other instruments for London pop phenomena Hefner.
In fact, it was the prodding of Hefner frontman Darren Hayman that got
Jack into the studio to record his own songs. Darren sat at the boards
and, along with the other members of Hefner, played here and there on the
album. His is an incredible voice, both wistful and weathered, crackling
with a warm intensity, and he has the pen to match. Jack’s songs have a
smoky, homespun feel about them, the kind of music that’s incredibly intimate
The album also includes a fantastic, understated, slow and misty version
of the Only One’s classic Another Girl, Another Planet.
Headgear : Where This Good Life Goes CD on Diamond
Head
Born
in Dublin in 1972 Daragh Dukes joined a goth/indie type band who based
themselves in London's Tottenham in a house they took over from Neil Hannon's
"Divine Comedy". They toured around Europe and released (according to Daragh)
"some duff e.p.'s" on the Setanta label. "The main problem was that the
music we played was a pale imitation of other vogue-ish current bands.
It was always Pixies type music, Wedding Present style, or Public Image
image, but without it's own sound, and I thought having your own sound
was the whole point" explained Daragh. Soon after, he moved to Holland
for a year where he had many and varied jobs, did some raving, and worked
on songwriting on his own. More recently, a period working at the modern
art museum in Dublin gave him the right environment to experiment and hone
his craft. The result of his search for a unique sound can be found on
‘Where this Good Life Goes’, Daragh Dukes debut mini-album. Going under
the sobriquet of "Headgear" and with limited resources, in 2001 he released
two limited edition 7" singles on his own "marthadigs" label.. So impressed
was Sean Rowley that he formed his own label Diamond Head Recordings to
accommodate Headgear's music. Asked to describe Headgear, Daragh refuses
to be drawn; "Like most writers, I'm pretty crap at pigeon-holing, probably
cos I don't want to be. The thing is that I'm not emulating anyone anymore.
I'm trying to write tunes that are cinematic and optimistic while avoiding
clichés in the process.”
Heelwalkers : Heelwalkers CD on Brobdingnagian
Canada's HEELWALKERS' self-titled debut is 13
tracks of sonic mayhem, just plain old mean-ass guitar fury and pounding
drums. Fans of bands like the Hellacopters or Gluecifer will know that
good, heavy rock n' roll isn't coming solely from the US. The Heelwalkers
play a tightly wound brand of hard rock, and their debut CD intermittently
references the stoner rock terrain of Fu Manchu, alongside MC5 bruisers
and the metal territory of the Devil Dogs or Nashville Pussy. Songs about
chicks, trucks and brawls, wrestling, having a good time, and shaking their
asses, The HEELWALKERS aren't afraid to get their hands dirty and blow
a few amps
Hellacopter / Gluecifer : Respect The Rock America
CD on mans ruin
When man’s ruin went belly up, some bands got
their stock back. Gluecifer and the hellacopters got a load back and are
selling some to us, and thus we are now able to offer the gluecifer/copters
split album at a reasonable price. This is scandinavian rock action at
its very best. Tracklist:hellacopters: american ruse, working for mca,
a man and a half, her strut, doggone your bad luck and gluecifer: Gary
o'kane, shitty city, my card says typhoon killer, no goddamn phones, going
down. The hellacopters tour in december
Hermano : Only A Suggestion CD on Teepee
Hermano’s long awaited debut album “only a suggestion”,
is finally here. Hermano features john garcia, stoner rock’s version of
ian astbury driving force behind bands like kyuss, unida and slo-burn.
Garcia rears his ugly head for the first time since unida’s “coping with
the urban coyote” album In 1999 on the now defunct man’s ruin records.
Hermano also features dandy brown (orquesta del desierto), mike callahan
(disengaged), david angstrom (black cat bone) and steve earle (afghan whigs).
This hard rock collective lend their high decibel riff work to the project
and create a sound that both burns and soothes. “only a suggestion” includes
8 tracks that are reminiscent of classic kyuss strained through soundgarden
at 100 miles an hour. John garcia is back in town, and hes rocking hard!
His Name Is Alive : Last Night CD on
One
of His Name Is Alive's consistent charms has always been their songwriting,
despite an uncanny - some might say mercurial - ability to reinvent themselves
from one record to the next - but not even their most ardent fans could
have expected what their last album delivered. Some of Warn's most beloved
influences - cosmic jazz, funk 45's, and gentle acoustic blues - shine
through anew, but the haunting moods are still there, and Lovetta's extraordinary
singing continues to set the music aglow. There are no histrionics; every
performance is real, evocative and delivered from the heart. Amongst its
many treasures, ‘Last Night’ offers a couple of typically Defever-esque
raids on the past (a showstopping ‘Teardrops’, which was originally written
by Eddy Grant's Equals and a sweet nod to some friends (‘Maybe’, by Ida).
But it's the HNIA originals that captivate - the haunting title track,
the heartmelt of ‘Flowers’, the beautifully stripped-down ‘I Can See Myself
In Her’ and the smoky intimacy of the closing ‘Train’. There's no faux
gangsta booty shit, no sickly sentimentality and no pretension. Simply,
'Last Night' is essential listening.
Hoggboy : Or 8 : CD on Sobriety
Formed
just over 18 months ago after a chance meeting on the top deck of the 53
bus in Sheffield, Hoggboy - Hogg (voice/guitar), Bailey (bass), Hugh (guitar),
Richy (drums) - put out their debut Richard Hawley-produced single, 'So
Young', to critical acclaim in January of this year. This was followed
in april by second single 'Shouldn't Let The Side Down', and their first
headline UK tour. Now the band reach the next rung on the ascendancy ladder
with the release of their eagerly awaiteddebut album. Recorded in the main
by legendary producer Chris Thomas, who, along with engineering The Beatles'
'White Album' and mixing 'Dark Side Of The Moon' for Pink Floyd, produced
The Sex Pistols' 'Never Mind the B*llocks', INXS and Pulp, 'Or 8?' delivers
eleven tracks of purest blistering and tough rock and roll, elegantly delivered
with more than a pinch of punk chic by a band fuelled on lager and Embassy
number 1's. Includes the single 'Upside Down'.
Homescience : Songs For Sick Days CD on Track
And Field
'Songs for sick days' is the second homesience
long player featuring twenty two songs to make you want to skip work so
you can listen to them over and over again. Andrew ward's fragile voice,
their unashamed love of pop, country and toy instruments, the gentle sentiments,
the hope, the ability to carve a song out of any situation, it's all here
and in abundance: the perfect soundtrack for those deliciously guilty stolen
hours of your next duvet day. Like many scottish groups, the band's influences
are firmly steeped in americana. Influences range from the flaming lips
and grandaddy to the beach boys and the elephant 6 collective. Amid the
chiming acoustics and hard edged rhythm there are so many effects and sounds
that confirm an obsession with pushing back the sonic boundaries. “stepped
in americana but without the compulsive melancholy, homescience could be
mercury rev meeting teenage fanclub, or they might be giants cheering up
elliot smith.”Total guitar
Home Team : Time And Place CD on Rocketstar Recordings
Eleven songs from Canadian band THE HOME TEAM,
inspired by bands like THE GET UP KIDS although they resist the “emo” tag.
This will appeal to fans of THE WEAKERTHANS, FOO FIGHTERS and WEEZER
Honeyrider : Sunshine Skyway CD on Orange Sky
Records
Sunshine skyway is the first us release for florida's
honeyrider, who have generated quite a buzz in the uk and, especially japan,
with their two critically-acclaimed import-only records: all systems go!
(1998) and splashdown (2000). Sunshine skyway is their best yet. Like its
predecessors, the new record is full of buzzin' jesus and mary chain/primitives
guitar sounds, beach boys-styled melodies, and soulful psychedelic pop,
but the songwriting here is even more potent. The lyrics display a personal
side that vocalist/ guitarist gary strickland has only hinted at previously.
Hooblers, The : I Hate Folk Singers CD on Blue
Rose
Third album of this Canadian four piece featuring
singer/songwriter/guitarist Mike Grier. The Hooblers is an Ottawa, Canada
based straight forward rock band. Their music is a well-balanced combination
of straight-forward crunchy rock - in the mould of Neil Young and Led Zeppelin
- captivated with Grier's extraordinary voice and his ability to write
catchy melodies with memorable hooklines, with just enough of a modern,
raw edge. The debut album Can You Do This which was released five years
ago got critically acclaim and good sales and was listed in the Blue Rose
Top 20 for a long time. In March 2000 they had released Where We Are, and
now they are back with their latest effort, I Hate Folk Singers. You can
expect more of the thoughtful songwriting, tight harmonies and gentle rhythms
that prompted the Ottawa Citizen to call the Hooblers "one of the best-kept
secrets in Canadian rock." Another Canadian magazine said: "A 13-song set
of originals penned by lead singer/rhythm guitarist Mike Grier, the album
matches the fire of Neil Young & Crazy Horse at their most footloose…"
ROOTS ROCK
Horse Stories : Travelling Mercies CD on Loose
Australian born Toby Burke had demoed a few of
his songs with Mick Thomas of Weddings, Parties, Anything …settling in
LA he took the moniker Horse Stories off a Dirty Three album and soon began
to build up a band. First to get interested was Clinton Stapleton, a Texas
native who at the time was playing in a power-pop outfit called National,
not exactly where Horse Stories were at, but he could play drums and had
an impressive drawl . It wasn’t too long before they began working on ‘Travelling
Mercies’. Horse Stories are one of the few bands to sound perfectly stripped
down even when they’re all dressed up and, if you pardon the pun, are a
very welcome addition to the Loose stable. On the release of ‘Travelling
Mercies’ in Australia, the press had this to say: “Wilco and Jeff Buckley
all come to mind - but there is an originality that distinguishes Horse
Stories from mere copybook applications., Horse Stories already has an
identifiable ‘sound’” - The Age
Hot Hot Heat : Make Up The Breakdown CD on Sub
Pop/Warner
Hot
Hot Heat is a band that won’t be able to avoid the all-too-easy comparisons
to The Strokes and critiques of their place in the current garage rock
explosion. The genius of Make Up The Breakdown, the first LP from the Victoria
quartet, is that it lives up to — and far surpasses — the hype. It takes
the template of their first Sub Pop EP, the bitchin’ Knock Knock Knock,
to a higher level. Somewhere between "This Town" and "Talk To Me, Dance
With Me," you’ll catch on to the flavour of this catchy, danceable rock
‘n’ roll. During the hook on the samba-influenced "Talk To Me…" singer
Steve Bays yowls out "You are my only girl, but you’re not my owner girl."
What sets Hot Hot Heat apart from The Strokes is the fact that The Strokes
will never be this happy. While the cool NYC boys will be busy making sure
they’re gorgeous, Canada’s own Hot Hot Heat will be smiling as they get
the jaded indie kids shaking their asses.
Hot Hot Heat : Knock Knock Knock LP on Sub Pop
SPECIAL EDITION VINYL : Colored solid pink vinyl
AND hand silk screened covers. Victoria, BC's Hot Hot Heat play an updated
post-punk style that recalls The Cure and Joy Division, but without all
the mopin' around. I know, you're thinking "The Cure and Joy Division without
the depression ain't The Cure of Joy Division at all. Where's the comparison?"
I'll tell ya where; in the unhinged, dramatic vocals and lock-groove rhythms.
That's where. Knock Knock Knock was produced by Chris Walla of Death Cab
for Cutie.
Hot Water Music : caution Cd on epitaph
Sometime
in the not too distant past, somebody invented a genre, and called it ‘Emo’.
We listened, and heard that it was good. Yes, the music it attempted to
categorise had existed happily without a silly name for fifteen years or
so before some hack came along with a handy tag, but it seemed finally
this generation had something it could call its own. ‘Caution’ combines
all the best bits of said-genre. Although still nobody strictly knows what
Emo is exactly, this will do as a handy introduction.
Despite this being their seventh full-length
studio release, this may also be many people in Britain’s introduction
to Hot Water Music themselves. So, let’s set the scene: the band sit happily
on a sturdy fence that separates the gardens of Fugazi and, erm, Van Halen,
enjoyed a high-profile spot living ‘like Carnies’ on the Vans Warped tour
this year, and possess an impossible knack for simply writing killer songs.
Excited yet?
As it happens, the first seven tracks of the
act’s latest album harbour choruses as infectious as a strangely joyous
plague. Opener ‘Remedy’ is typical of their huge, hard-hitting sound, boisterous
but never violent, comparable at times to the similarly named Hot Rod Circuit
or the Get Up Kids. Over the course of the album, variation certainly isn’t
a main concern, but, happily, the hooks are so sublime that it matters
little that each song could have quite easily contained every chorus on
the entire album. In fact, the truly excellent ‘Trusty Chords’ makes fun
of this very fact – summing up the band perfectly with the line ‘I hate
this place, but I love these chords’. These chords, it seems, love them
too, a love-affair they play out on every track – but, if the hat fits…
And this is one mighty comfortable hat. At first,
having song after song of relentless melodic hardcore seems slightly foolish
as the individual tunes occasionally become too intertwined, but once each
track is allowed to settle down inside a comfortable listener’s skull it
all begins to make perfect sense. They’re loud and confrontational, but
– whisper it quietly – at heart, these are all luminously crafted pop songs.
The only criticism that could be levelled at
such a fine effort is that the production, provided by Brian McTernan (whose
previous credits include The Promise Ring & Texas Is The Reason) is
uncharacteristically plush, perhaps removing an edge that may have made
this album a classic, but sufficiently assuring that ‘Caution’ will almost
definitely become Hot Water Music’s most successful effort since their
1994 inception.
There we have it, then – officially, HWM sound
like the kind of group you could obsess over. And it appears that the band
themselves have done the very same over ‘Caution’, meaning that the fruits
of their labour are delicious… Huh – kinda makes you wonder why you didn’t
pay attention sooner, doesn’t it?
Human League : Dare (21st Anniversary:
Includes Love & Dancing)
Released
in 1981, 'Dare' defined a moment in pop history. Spearheaded by the massive
number one 'Don't You Want Me', it ushered in a new sound that would shape
electronic music throughout the decade. Remastered by Simon Heyworth using
24 bit technology, this 21st anniversary edition comes packaged in a hard
backed book style format with 32 pages of lyric, photos and essay contributions
from Phil Oakey, Boy George and Simon Heyworth. This release also incorporates
theremix album 'Love And Dancing', included on the same disc for the very
first time. ('Love And Dancing' was one of the first albums of material
remixed specifically for dance clubs. The artist name used for the album,
League Unlimited Orchestra, was a play on Barry White's Love Unlimited
Orchestra, widely credited for recording the first disco songs).
Hunches : Yes. No. Shut It. CD on in the red
In the red has consistently thrown up great debuts
and this is no exception!!! Loud, noisy, aggressive rock’n’roll this is
what the hunches are all about and they deliver it some!! Hailing fro mportland
oregon, andaveraging 20 years of age, they draw on all the classic influences
one would expect from any great rock’n’roll band (eg, stones, saints, cramps,
beefheart, dolls, stooges, 60’s punk, 70’s punk, the blues etc) and handle
it with irreverent abrasiveness. The reuslt is totally their own, pure
nastiness filtered through rock’n’roll romanticism. They include a cover
of the electric eels’ “accident” is a total fuzzed out noise (literally
there are three vacuum cleaners overdubbed on this song, one of these is
sucking up screws!!!) This is exactly how it should be done.
Sonya Hunter : Sun In Mind CD on Innerstate
Bridging the gap between traditional folk and
indie rock, senses are indeed warmed and twisted like taffy on Sonya Hunter's
6th album. Recorded in Brooklyn and San Francisco, co-produced by Erik
Pearson of Mushroom and Desmond Shea (engineer for The Court & Spark
and Tarnation), this is Sonya's most adventurous CD to date. Picture the
Andrew Sisters visiting the Cocteau Twins on the way to a Donovan concert...with
backwards guitar loops, chamber strings, and a touch of sax reminiscent
of Stan Getz. Add rich vocal harmonies that are achingly Eastern European
one moment and sparkly '60s beach-party the next and you've got a shining
"Sun in Mind"
William Hut : Road Star Dolittle CD on Rec90
Debut solo album from POOR RICH ONES lead singer
William Hut. "Road Star Doolittle" departs slightly from the Poor Rich
Ones template, by focussing on the mellower, melancholic side of things.
Produced by Even Johansen (Magnet), this album features contributions from
Espen Mellingen (ST THOMAS / Ai Phoenix) Stig & Pedro (Sister Sonny)
and on the stand out track 'Country Hut' vocals from William Hut, Pedro
& Magnet. This is a stunning new album from one of the most interesting
singer songwriters from Norway. The Poor Rich One's album 'Happy Happy
Happy' recieved glowing press in theUK (4**** Guardian, Q, Rock Sound etc),
their last single was picked up by
I Am Robot And Proud : The Catch CD on Catmobile
Rigid rhythms underpin circuit-breaking grooves, textured melodies,
idm-styled rhythmic pinpricks and a delicate rush of carefully tendered
melodies. Captivating and breathtaking, shaw-han liem’s music is bright
and vivid, never slipping into gaudy over-indulgence. The release of his
debut ‘the catch’ has created a growing ripple of excitement through the
electronic pop community; he has received well-deserve praise from the
wire, has been played on cbc numerous times, and has recently enjoyed airplay
from bbc radio 1’s john peel. Shaw-han regularly plays live in toronto,
and visited the uk in september 2001 for a short catmobile tour. A new
release and uk tour will follow in 2002.
Idaho : We Were Young And We Needed The Money
CD on Retrophonic
A lot has happened since the venerable indie-rock
quartet formed in a los angeles garage in 1992. They Have both shaped and
survived the "slo-core" movement. In commemoration of their ten year Anniversary,
idaho have radided the vaults for "we were young and needed the money",
a seventeen Track collection of rarities, outtakes, studio versoins of
live favourites, and other accumulated Effluvia of a decade of making records.
Ill Lit : Wacmusic CD on Badman
Containing the best elements of vintage Americana,
combining it with electronic cut-and-paste sonic pastiches, ILL LIT's debut
album "WACMusic" endeavours to turn the perfect pop song on its head. ILL
LIT's unique construct of ambient home-recorded noise serving as background
to a more traditional rendering of folk/country music might seem ambitious,
but the resulting sound is inspired. The album is a sonic marvel - earnest
vocals tinged with honeyed twang rising over the soothing white-noise of
loops, beats and a battered boombox, with Hunter Thompson-esque lyrics.
Produced and recorded by D. Ahearn, M. Moser, and Dylan Magierek (Mark
Kozelek (Red House Painters), Erland Oye (Kings of Convenience). "Country
harmonies, ambient recorded noise, slow distant melodies, minimal production
, their sound is of sincerity and disaffection. Worth tracking down." (8
out of 10) -Vice Magazine. "Songs that are elegies of American lostness,
road music for a new breed of pioneers" - Sound Collector Magazine.
Impossible Shapes : Laughter Fills Of Hollow
Dome CD on Recordhead
Welcome to the album you need to know about for
2002. A band whose frontman is the 21 year old wunderkid of his college
town, bloomington, indiana. The impossible shapes are the now great thing
in a next great thing world. Considered by many tastemakers to be the best
underground pop band in existence today, the impossible shapes have previously
enjoyed success and recognition among true music cognoscente. Now, with
the release of 'laughter fills our hollow dome', the band is poised to
break onto the national stage, beyond the record collectors and music critics.
Current producer bill doss (olivia tremor control, elephant 6, sunshine
fix) says: "in describing the impossible shapes' music, cherries fall where
texts fail."
India.Arie : Voyage To India Cd on Motown/Universal
Fans
of India.Arie's debut, Acoustic Soul, will undoubtedly lap up every neo-soul
second of her sophomore release, Voyage To India. She's likely to find
new converts as well. As on her debut, India.Arie bathes her minimalist
beats in layers of lush harmonies and acoustic guitar. Her vocals are front
and centre, laying out positive, femme-friendly lyrical content. India.Arie
once again displays a meticulous ear for detail, but unlike Alicia Keys
she lets the soul vibe flow without resorting to excessive vocal histrionics.
Expect this disc to push her into the upper echelon of contemporary soul
sisters, alongside Keys and Erykah Badu
Infinity Chimps : Sounds Of Nant Y Benglog LP
on Ankstmusik
AnkstMusik issue a very special LIMITED edition
Vinyl -only new John Lawrence/Infinity Chimps solo album. 'Sounds of Nant
Y Benglog' is Lawrence's second solo collection to be released under the
name Infinity Chimps. It contains eight brand new compositions and is split
musically into two separate but complimentary halves. Side 1 is reminicent
of the acoustic guitar playing John contributed to early classic albums
released by his former band Gorky's Zygotic Mynci. Side 2 is an electronic
journey that takes us deep into the heart of 'Nant Y Benglog'. 500 copies
only
Ink And Dagger : Ink And Dagger CD on Buddyhead
This is the self titles, third and final full
length release, from Philadelphia's night stalkers INK & DAGGER. Over
the course of 3 years, Ink & Dagger made a name for themselves as one
of the most progressive, controversial, and sensory provoking bands around.
Throughout their existence, the group successfuly explored their punk and
hardcore roots while developing their own brand of sonically powerful rock.
The band forged their reputation by touring the world with the likes of
Refused, Atari Teenage Riot and the Misfits. "Ink & Dagger" is destined
to be a classic, the groups dark imagery and precarious bite combines with
a deadly scope of sounds extending from sharp explosive energy bursts to
spacey instrumentals and delicate rhythms. For fans of : My Bloody Valentine,
Black Sabbath
Instruments : Billions Of Phonograpsh CD on Orange
Twin
Billions of phonographs is the first recording
by the instruments. It is a beautiful and brilliant record, with entrancing
folk melodies. Heather mcintosh is the songwriter, and she has been a staple
of athens music for years. She has been playing cello since very small,
and earned a degree in music from the university of georgia. Heather quickly
realized school was not enough of an outlet for her talents. She joined
a punk band, zero, in which she played bass. That lasted about a year,
then she discovered performance art through medaglia d¹oro and dixie
blood mustache. Heather is currently a member of japancakes, circulatory
system, great lakes, and dixie blood mustache. She also has played or recorded
with bands such as elf power, superchunk, of montreal, the gerbils, little
red rocket, sunshine fix, and many many others.
Iron Boss : Guns Don't Kill People... CD on Game
Two
Back in the hot summer of 2001, the boys from
IRON BOSS found themselves in a fortuitious situation. Flat, on their arse
broke, they carted their gear into samlltown venue, and were promptly asked
by the promoterif they would allow him to make an ADAT recording of the
set. "Hell Yes" they said. And here it is in all it's unfettered, sweaty
glory - no overdubs, digital cleaning up, pitch-correctors or Pro Tools
fannying. Just honest ROCK & ROCK played with blood & guts. What's
that you say? You don't like live albums??? Well, this is no ordinary live
album - put this alongside AC/DC's classic "If You Want Blood.." Awesome,
dirt-raw, punk rock & roll, the way God intended. For Fans of: NASHVILLE
PUSSY, AC/DC, MOTORHEAD
Iron Maiden : Edward The Great: Gt Hits
An
outstanding collection of music, 'Edward The Great - The Greatest Hits'
brings together - on one killer CD - 16 of Iron Maiden's finest moments
from a career that has seen them sell over 50 million albums worldwide.
Compiled by the band themselves, and featuring brand new Eddie artwork,
'Edward The Great' serves as a timely reminder of the righteous power of
metal from a band who have continued as defenders of the faith while those
around them have either withered or denied their roots.
Iron Maiden : Eddies Archive: Box: 6cd
01.
Iron Maiden - Friday Rock Show Session 1979
02. Running Free - Friday
Rock Show Session 1979
03. Transylvania - Friday
Rock Show Session 1979
04. Sanctuary - Friday
Rock Show Session 1979
05. Wrathchild - Reading
Festival 1982
06. Run To The Hills
- Reading Festival 1982
07. Children Of The Damned
- Reading Festival 1982
08. The Number Of The
Beast - Reading Festival 1982
09. 22 Acacia Avenue
- Reading Festival 1982
10. Transylvania - Reading
Festival 1982
11. The Prisoner - Reading
Festival 1982
12. Hallowed Be Thy Name
- Reading Festival 1982
13. Phamtom Of The Opera
- Reading Festival 1982
14. Iron Maiden - Reading
Festival 1982
Disc Two: BBC Archives
01. Prowler - Reading
Festival 1980
02. Remember Tomorrow
- Reading Festival 1980
03. Killers - Reading
Festival 1980
04. Running Free - Reading
Festival 1980
05. Transylvania - Reading
Festival 1980
06. Iron Maiden - Reading
Festival 1980
07. Moonchild - Monsters
Of Rock Festival Donington 1988
08. Wrathchild - Monsters
Of Rock Festival Donington 1988
09. Infinite Dreams -
Monsters Of Rock Festival Donington 1988
10. The Trooper - Monsters
Of Rock Festival Donington 1988
11. Seventh Son Of A
Seventh Son - Monsters Of Rock Feastival Donington 1988
12. The Number Of The
Beast - Monsters Of Rock Festival Donington 1988
13. Hallowed Be Thy Name
- Monsters Of Rock Festival Donington 1988
14. Iron Maiden - Monsters
Of Rock Festival Donington 1988
Disc Three: Beast Over Hammersmith
01. Murders In The Rue
Morgue
02. Wrathchild
03. Run To The Hills
04. Children Of The Damned
05. The Number of The
Beast
06. Another Life
07. Killers
08. 22 Acacia Avenue
09. Total Eclipse
Disc Four: Beast Over Hammersmith
01. Transylvania
02. The Prisoner
03. Hallowed Be Thy Name
04. Phantom Of The Opera
05. Iron Maiden
06. Sanctuary
07. Drifter
08. Running Free
09. Prowler
Disc Five: Best Of The B-Sides
01. Burning Ambition
02. Drifter - Live
03. Invasion
04. Remember Tomorrow
- Live
05. I've Got The Fire
06. Cross-Eyed Mary
07. Rainbow's Gold
08. King Of Twilight
09. Reach Out
10. That Girl
11. Juanita
12. The Sheriff Of Huddersfield
13. Black Bart Blues
14. Prowler '88
15. Charlotte The Harlot
'88
Disc Six: Best Of The B-Sides
01. All In Your Mind
02. Kill Me Ce Soir
03. I'm A Mover
04. Communication Breakdown
05. Nodding Donkey Blues
06. Space Station No.5
07. I Can't See My Feelings
08. Roll Over Vic Vella
09. Justice Of The Peace
10. Judgement Day
11. My Generation
12. Doctor Doctor
13. Blood On The World's
Hands - Live
14. The Aftermath - Live
15. Futureal - Live
16. Wasted Years '99
- Live
Presented in a unique 270 x 190 x 60mm limited
edition silver Eddie embossed casket, 'Eddie's Archive' comprises of three
double CDs containing the band's earliest live recordings from 1979 through
to their headlining performance at Donington in 1988. Also included is
the compilation 'The Best Of The B-Sides', plus a crystal Eddie Head shot
glass and an individually numbered Pete Frame family tree on parchment
scroll, detailing the complete Iron Maiden history and rolled in a specially
designed Eddie ring. Each of the three double CDs have full colour 24 page
booklets, two with new Eddie artwork with previously unseen photos of the
various line-ups, and one based on the original classic '82 tour programme.
Ist : Pokalolo Paniolo CD on Inbetweens
The quintessential stoner-rock power trio, iST
was formed by Astrid Young (sister of NEIL YOUNG), David Kiner (ex-of Juno-nominated
Mal Havoc) and Dan Cornelius (Sass Jordan, Rocket Science, Monster Voodoo
Machine) in Toronto Canada. Dan, Dave and Astrid put together songs and
a live show in the style of the music they'd all grown up listening to
- Black Sabbath and Iggy Pop being cited as the primary influences. Along
with noted engineer/producer Rob Sanzo (VoiVod, Treble Charger), Astrid
produced the first iST album, 'Pokalolo Paniolo'. "Stoner Rock? What's
that, we thought: some convoluted term made up by some radio or record
guy ... really it's just old-school heavy music. We tune way down, we riff
hard, we dig into it, man." But falling into a category of rock shared
by Kyuss, Fu Manchu, Queens of the Stone Age and The Melvins isn't such
a bad thing: "they're some of our favourite bands!" Having toured briefly
but successfully in Canada and California, the band also shot a short film
called Haunted, which is a (fake) documentary about a band (iST) whose
singer is a serial killer. The film has shown in festivals worldwide and
to date has won two awards, as well as being banned in four countries for
the brutality depicted. This album features much of the music that is in
the film. By the way, 'Pokalolo Paniolo' means 'marijuana cowboy' in Hawaiian.
Jackpot : Shiny Things CD on Surfdog
Brand new album from vocalist / guitarist rusty
miller who's songwriting combines townes van zant charm with stephen malkmus
style zaniness with nick drake and bill callahan. 'Shiny things' is the
bands third release and is the follow up to 2000's 'weightless'. The new
york times described them as 'one of california's greatest unknown bands
and mojo and q have all wriiten glowing reviews.
Jack Russell : For You CD on Ulftone
Brand new debut album from the former great white
vocalist. Having disbanded great white after a farewell performance on
new years eve 2001 the singer has launched a solo career. Jack’s band features
a multi-platinum all-star line up including bob kulick (kiss / meatloaf
/ lou reed), billy sherwood (yes / paul rodgers), vinnie colaiuta (sting
/ zappa / stevie nicks) and tony levin (john lennon / peter gabriel / pink
floyd). Classy hook filled melodic hard rock.
Jarcrew : Breakdance Euphoriea Kids .CD on Complete
Control
Following up their critically acclaimed debut
single "Paris & The New Math", South Wales Post Hardcrew mob JARCREW
deliver up their first album: 9 songs chock full of smart, sassy twisting,
turning, constantly surprising sounds. Bringing to mind modern innovators
like REFUSED, ICARUS LINE, AT THE DRIVE IN, LOSTPROPHETS etc, with a little
dose of SUPERFURRY ANIMALS style Welsh whimsy to boot.... "Spiky and full
of righteously raw hardcore ire… would sound at home on Fugazi's Dischord
label" 4KKKK KERRANG! "A cracker" NME
Mark Jenkins : Sequencer Loops CD on Amp
Records
Mark Jenkins best recordings to date: ...It includes
mostly long, melodic sequencer/ rhythm combinations and synthesizer tracks
with influences from Ashra, Michael Hoenig and Klaus Schulze - but with
touches of Pink Floyd, Hawkwind and Carlos Santana (and "a lot of guitar").
Jesse James : Hotwired (CD). on Deck Cheese Records
If you don’t know them already JESSE JAMES is
a six piece soul/punk act, think DEXY’S meets CLASH meets BLINK 182. They
have increased their already large fan-base by touring with the likes of
THE POGUES, 311, LIT & the recent Big Cheese/Radio 1 sponsored ‘Smash
It Up’ tour. Their constant touring has built them a loyal fan-base across
the country & their heavy rotational appearance on Kerrang TV is winning
the band new fans on a daily basis. The band are currently embarking on
a full UK tour supporting the SUICIDE MACHINES as part of their huge gigging
schedule which hasn’t seen them stop in the past 6 months.
Jets To Brazil : Perfecting Loneliness CD on
Jade Tree
"It's
beautiful and it's sad, but it's all that I have," Blake Schwarzenbach
sings on Perfecting Loneliness, the first album from JETS TO BRAZIL in
over two years. Not that beauty and sadness are anything new to JETS TO
BRAZIL. When everyone last heard from the band, they had delivered Four
Cornered Night, a melancholy mix of folk, rock, country, and just about
everything in between. Inspired by Four Cornered Night's ambitious nature,
the band has returned with Perfecting Loneliness: a mirrorball of sound
that reflects a clearer, more focused JETS TO BRAZIL. Perfecting Loneliness
represents not so much a continuation of the band's previous gestures,
but a better understanding of them. Now, the melodies flow out of Schwarzenbach-the
JETS' brave blend of angular rock, epic balladry and really cool keyboard
noises front and center-as his guitar (or piano) gently weeps. Beautiful
and sad? Absolutely. But Perfecting Loneliness is all the better for it.
Massive selling band in the UK , expect major press coverage on all fronts!
John Cate Band : V CD on Blue Rose
The John Cate Band's fifth album is an excellent
representation of their 'roots rock' sound, presented with the maturity
and professionalism of a well-oiled machine. John Cate, who emanates from
the Boston area, is an exceptional songwriter and singer in the American
roots tradition, where hints of the vintage 60s folk music of Bob Dylan
and Woody Guthrie mix with the rock of Mick Jagger and John Mellancamp.
Solid rockers and mellow rollers blend the modern sound of guitars and
drums with the traditional styles and instruments of mandolin, lap steel
and harmonica to create a fresh, but comfortable sound. "V" is produced
by Rob Fraboni (Keith Richards, Bonnie Raitt, Rolling Stones).
Josef K : Crazy To Exist (Live) CD on LTM
The first ever live CD release from cult Scottish
post-punk outfit Josef K, who split in 1981 after a string of classic recordings
for the Postcard and Crepuscule labels. 20 tracks combining two complete
gigs in April and August 1981. Includes 'Sorry for Laughing', 'Chance Meeting',
'It's Kinda Funny', 'Heaven Sent' and 'Fun 'n' Frenzy'. Mastered from original
mixing desk tapes, booklet features full history and rare colour photos.
'Here you get the fullest sense of the band at their most serrated and
angular, engaged in an always engaging struuggle to break out of their
post-punk chrysalis' Uncut.
Jurassic 5 : Power In Numbers CD on Interscope/Universal
The
follow-up to 2000’s superb Quality Control is as rich as its predecessor
— possibly even more so. Full of thick groove, infectious beats and melodies
and, above all, heavy-duty soul, Jurassic 5 approach hip-hop with a sense
of maturity and respect that rivals the greats of so-called "conscious"
rap. J5’s ability to tastefully mix personal and political lyrics with
rap, funk, world beats, sexy grooves and even Nelly Furtado's vocals (her
contribution on "Thin Line" is a jazzy Digable Planets-esque he said/she
said) is truly skilled. As they chant on one song: "We’re humble, but don’t
mistake us for some corny-ass group/What we do is try to give you what
you ain’t used to." Cheers to that.
Kaia : Oregon .CD on Mr Lady
Long awaited new full length from mr lady records
founder and butchies member kaia. This is her third full legnth, the record
features mostly angsty lyrics and tender melodies, abstract lyrics and
lullabies. Theres acoustic guitar, a splash of 80's keyboards, harmonica
on one song, a hint of piano, fabulous percussion by melissa york and guest
vocals and whistling by amy ray.
Karate : Some Boots CD on Southern
Excellent fifth album from Karate , recorded
directly after their mammoth European tour in the first half of 2002, including
a packed out, sold out show in London at 93 Feet East. This record builds
on the jazzier elements of 'Unsolved' but does not ignore the more rocking
sensibilities of the first three records. Karate plan on more European
touring in early 2003. *Please note the CD includes one song more than
the vinyl, necessary due to achieve the best quality of sound on the vinyl
version. For Fans Of: The Minutemen, The Band, Gone, Soft Machine, Bitch
Magnet, The Sorts, King Crimson, Beefeater
Kelso : Eat The Evidence CD on Probe Plus
Latest release on Liverpool label Probe Plus, the home of the legendary
HALF MAN HALF BISCUIT, and released in the wake of their 'Editors Recommendation'
EP(PP32CD). Kelso are a Liverpool based 4 piece band who were formed three
years ago and have performed all over the North West including some prestigious
support slots with bands such as JJ72. *What they say about Kelso: "Their
hybrid of rock, pop, hip hop and soul is a lethal combination" - Wirral
News Group, "Kelso are 100% representative of what is great about good
music - songs with true meaning and tunes to die for" - Village Voice,
NY. *And: "Sure to break through this year - their anthemic choruses, combined
with radical lyrical content make Kelso ones to watch" - Itchy Media, Leeds,
"Lyrical content that's often controversial, topical and always thought
provoking" - Wirral Globe.
Kicker : Fivefortyfives CD on Track And Field
fivefortyfives” is just what it says on the tin:
a collection of kicker’s five vinyl seven inch 45s, remastered and available
on cd for the first time. Housing ex members of velocette, hood and comet
gain, you'd be forgiven for thinking that kicker is a dream indie supergroup
of sorts. But this band is worth far more than the sum of its equal parts.
Each kicker song contains the mad drive of the city yet is coated in the
melancholy of the sorrow of the unwanted. "the falling leaves", for example,
is brilliant, possessed, emotion-fuelled and spiced in a glow of 60s kaleidoscopic
garage pop played by the likes of ? And the mysterions, the castaways or
even early inspiral carpets. Or "on your floor" which is replete with a
melody to make you swoon, blush and smile, though not necessarily in that
order. Meanwhile, "said and done" is mournful, anguished and lush, with
a heart full of soul… i don't know what soul music is meant to mean but
when i listen to kicker strange things happen. Something involving emotions,
feelings, the desire to truly live and all that stuff. Life suddenly has
a new sheen for three minutes. So i guess that's soul music. And this lp
has nine other tracks just as good as these. All you have to do is turn
on the cd, sit back, close your eyes and listen…
Kid 606 Vs Dalek : Ruin It CD on Ulftone
A collaboration just waiting to happen between
good friends and ipecac labelmates kid606 and celebrated new jersey hiphop
three piece dälek, known for there constant touring, highly gifted
lyricism and stream of consciousness rhyming, as well as forward thinking
bombsquad styled rythyms and big black inspired clusters of noise. A long
time in the making this releases was conceived when dalek remixed/reinterpritated
the kid606 song ³ruin it, ruin them,ruin yourself, then ruin me²
off of the kid¹s seminal ³down with the scene² album breathing
new life into it and giving all the parts back to kid606 for him to remix
and back and forth until this ep was completed. If the swirling sax-like
sounds of the original "ruin it, ruin yourself then ruin me," and faux-sitar
processes don't defy your expectations, the gorgeous cd-only track, "vague
recollection" will knock you flat with it's austere, distorted allusions
to an overheated hammond organ. *ipecac¹s newest signee, dälek¹s
full length is being released in august with a major promotional push,
they have also released an ep on matador and there cri ically acclaimed
debut ³negro, necro, nekros² on the gern Blandsten label. A brooding
35 minute collection of inspired collaborations and instrumental Jams ,all
on the borders of experimentation and blunt anger fueled declarations.
Kid Dakota : So Pretty CD on chairkickers music
released by low’s label, chairkickers' music.
Kid dakota founding members darren jackson (vocals, guitars, keys) and
christopher mcguire (drum set, ice cube tray, percussion) create taut,
intelligent precise, and complex songs about drug abuse, betrayal, loretta
lynn, and russian novels. Recorded by alex oana (spymob), so pretty fuses
knife-in-the-stomach guitars, howitzer gun drumming, and beautifully sung
melodies. It is this improbable union that has inspired comparisons to
such diverse artists as elliott smith, neutral milk hotel, jeremy enigk,
the kinks, joegrushecky, built to spill, nirvana, pink floyd, and low.
Zak sally of low joins kid dakota for the three new songs.
Killer Dwarfs : Reunion Of Scribes Live 2001
Cd on Bullseye
Power
Hour favourites Killer Dwarfs reunited in 2001 for their first tour in
years and this live CD documents the band's hometown performance. ROS is
a mixed bag of hits like "Dirty Weapons" and "It Doesn't Matter." Although
The Dwarfs hammer out the tunes efficiently, it's hard not to see that
the material hasn't aged well. Oddly though, songs from their '86 release,
Stand Tall, like the anthemic encore "Keep The Spirit Alive" that still
manage to hold after all these years. Vocalist Russ Dwarf has retained
that high-pitched wail. He has a penchant for between song rants littered
with expletives that get a bit unnerving — like when he jokingly(?) refers
to being intimate with a friend's mother. One question: Where the hell
is "Heavy Mental Breakdown?"
Killerest Expression : Four Days That Shook The
World CD on In At The Deep End
Eight track mini album from highly rated UK Punkers
the 'Killerest Expression'. The Killerest Expression were formally known
as The Buggers formed back in 1994. They played fast, upbeat music, saturated
with energy & toured with Snuff, One Car Pile-Up, Southport, Capdown,
Vanilla Pod etc Over the years the band settled into a deeper and more
melodic sound & in January 2001 were voted one of the best unsigned
bands in the Kerrang! readers poll. Their debut single 'Here Comes The
Times' (April 2001) was Single Of The Week in Kerrang!. In March of 2002
THE KILLEREST EXPRESSION signed to ‘In At The Deep end Records’ a fast
up and coming label in the punk/hardcore scene & now release this mini
album.
Kings County Queens : Big Ideas CD on Rubric
Features players from God is My Co-Pilot and
Herione Sheiks. "Country music in the slow and bittersweet tradition of
a bygone era, the beautifully melancholy harmonies of Kings County Queens
vocalists Chris Bowers and Daria Klotz speak with an authentic country
loneliness..." -Ceative Loafing. Kings County Queens was born out of the
pure love of pure country. From the band's first show at the summer-opening
of Coney Island in May of 2000, where they debuted with a handful of Chris
Bowers' originals and a mixed bag of covers, to sharing stages with the
likes of the Waco Brothers, the band has progressively earned a reputation
for winning over even the most urbane audiences and convincing country-music
fans that there is life outside of Nashville. Using mostly acoustic arrangements
and rich vocal harmonies, the band continues to mix old-time country music
with quiet, heartbreaking originals. Their Rubric Record debut Big Ideas,
produced by Jacques Cohen (Mercury Rev, Hopewell) was recorded at the Space
Recording Studio in Poughkeepsie, NY.
Knockout : Perfecting Loneliness Cd on Fearless
Even
though Searching For Solid Ground easily has some of the worst cover art
of the year, Knockout have the type of sound (and looks) that could very
well make them the next poster children of the emotional punk rock scene.
They’re young, lightly pierced and tattooed (not enough to be a really
bad influence) and their sound is about as threatening as a poodle with
three legs barking at the postie delivering the mail. There’s nothing substantial
to this music that takes everything bad about the contemporary pop-punk/emo
scenes and packages it smoothly and effortlessly into something ready to
market to the pre-teens, commercials, and quite possibly a guest appearance
on Dawson’s Creek
Koester : High Highs The Low Lows CD on Pitch-a-tent
'The High Highs The Low Lows' is KOESTER's second
release. Koester is Steve Koester, Alan Weatherhead, Miguel Urbiztondo,
Tim Buckley & John Daniels. Steve was formerly with Punchdrunk &
currently moonlights with Maplewood. Alan plays with SPARKLEHORSE &
Maki. Miguel has hit drums for CROOKED FINGERS, Mary Timony & Maki.
And John & Tim are the main songwriters behind MAKI, as well as veterans
of the Blow Pops & Wobble Test. Time Out NY called Koester's first,
'Oh! Turpentine', a "powerful debut", CMJ said it was "right on", and Milk
Magazine referred to it as "perfect alone-in-the-bar-at-the-end-of-the-night
music." But if 'Turpentine' was Koester in black & white, 'High Highs'
is Koester in technicolor, not just taking up where Turpentine left off,
but pretty much just taking off. Written & produced by Steve Koester
with Alan Weatherhead (Sparklehorse, Nina Persson, Clem Snide, Mary Timony),
High Highs is not only a lyrical examination of the crystal-clear highs
& the curb-kissing lows we all go through, but also a sonic exploration
of the high-tech & the low-tech, the mechanical & the organic,
the past's idea of the future & the future's past. . . or something
like that. Reference points? Pink Floyd's Animals & Iggy Pop's Idiot,
Leonard Cohen & Stereolab, 'Kid A' & the Brothers Gibb, black/white
era Stranglers and whatever else you can find in there. PS. Koester rhymes
with "Chester".
Sharron Kraus : Beautiful Twisted .CD on Camera
Obscura
Drawing on diverse influences such as 60s folk
legends Shirley Collins, Martin Carthy & Anne Briggs on the one hand
& contemporary artists such as The Violent Femmes, Tom Waits, Nick
Cave, Coil & the Swans on the other, Sharron Kraus creates timeless
original folk music characterized by soil-rich vocals, fine acoustic guitar
& banjo picking, & masterful visionary word craft. Her songs are
populated by a carnival array of fatally charismatic characters & tell
tales of enslavement, perversion, incest, obsession, death & various
supernatural phenomena. Which has always been the palette of folk music,
we suppose. File under : Dark folk, gothic, acoustic, singer-songwriter.
Ktb : All Clam In Dreamland CD on Truck
Once upon a time ktb (aka katharine bennett)
sang about a tree. Once she took the tree song to the masses at the local
village garden party, now known as truck festival, it was inevitable a
career in pop music was in the wings. In june 2001, her cash strapped older
brother joe promised her some time in his bands (goldrush) truck studio.joe
acted as producer overseeing the contributions of his band mates g and
garo. 'All calm in dreamland' is a collection of songs which explore the
ideas and experiences of a young travelling mind, peppered with both humour
and earnest thoughts, introducing the world to ktb (with goldrush).
Ladytron : Light&Magic CD on Emperor Norton/Outside
Like
Miss Kittin and the Hacker, Ladytron were analog when analog wasn’t cool.
With last year’s 604 album, the Liverpool-based quartet became poster children
for the electro-pop revival. That said, they were working the minimalist
blips and bleeps long before the scenesters crashed their party. Light&Magic
is sure to be identified as yet another fine electroclash moment, what
with its "Warm Leatherette" inspired opener, "True Mathematics." There
are more organic moments, however, such as "Blue Jeans" and "The Reason
Why," where Ladytron sounds like a real band. Interestingly, there’s a
subversive tone to the album, most notably on the track "Seventeen" ("They
only want you when you’re 17/When you’re 21, you’re no fun"). Taking the
trend-setting music and media industries to task, "Seventeen" could be
seen as a direct rebuttal to the hype machine that’s propped up Ladytron
as the next big thing. In all, Light&Magic is a fine album, playing
on 604’s monotone vocals and synths, but also adding a little bit of warmth
to the rigid grooves. It may not be as uniformly sound, but it’s clearly
the product of an evolving band
Lagwagon : Let's Talk About Leftovers CD on Fat
Wreck Chords
This is a special album, basically because it
will appeal to both old and new LAGWAGON fans. It contains out-takes and
B-sides from all of the previous releases dating back to before their first
record. They have also compiled all of the rare compilation songs that
the band have done over the years, and included them, along with 7 brands
new songs, 25 tracks in all!
Landing : Circuit CD on music fellowship
The quartet's hypnotic shows have been entrancing
audiences across the mid-west and east coast, reminding - quietly - of
the wonder to be found in dreamy washes of sound. This is a rare band that
respects mood, understands dynamics, and just allows beauty to happen.
Circuit is a weave of sound and a rush of gentle energies, wherein the
male/female vocals are as integral as the interplay of instruments and
effects. Within these saturated whorls of soft noise hide simple, heartfelt
pop songs. Landing have toured with windy&carl three times in the last
three years, and have played other shows with low, black heart procession,
bardo pond, pinback, kinski, doug martsch, and are scheduled to play at
terrastock 5 in boston, with sonic youth, acid mothers temple, bevis frond,
six organs of admittance and many others.
Lano Places : Everyone Likes To Be Lonely (CD).
on Rec
"Everyone likes to be lonely", the debut
album of Lano Places, has astonished the Norwegian Press. Lano Places combine
the compositional strength of pop music with the sincerity of rock'n roll.
Their chord progression and tonality can be compared with Coldplay. But
reviewers have also recognized an attempt to reach the storytelling qualities
of Belle and Sebastian and the inter-textual depth of John Lennon. "Everyone
Likes To Be Lonely" is, if nothing else, a strong collection of songs.
Recorded at home on an 8-track recorder. A definite grower from the Norwegian
buzz band ....
Lanterna : Sands CD on Badman
The second release on Badman Records (home of
Mark Kozelek etc.), by LANTERNA, an album of spacey, quiet, ambient, slo-core
mood music. After releases on Parasol and on Rykodisc, 2001 saw Badman
release the 'Elm Street' album which met with 4 star reviews. For "Sands",
Henry Frayne's delayed guitar is augmented by utilizing drum loops and
adding vocals which bring the songs' ethereal melodies to the forefront.
In the right hands, a lot can happen to a man with a delay pedal, a wall
of reverb, the passion to record a wide range of ambient space and a trusty
guitar. At times, this mainly instrumental album seems to harken back to
early psychedelic sonic washes a la Pink Floyd or dreamy Talk Talk ambience
& sometimes forward to music that current songs can only hint at. In
any case, it is the soundtrack to whatever movie your mind might conjure.
"The Lanterna sound is ideal for a drive down some lonely highway late
at night. It's a guitar sound that conjures up the soul of the night, not
in a spooky way, but in portraying nighttime's quiet and empty spaces"
Large Professor : First Class CD on Matador
Go ahead, check the credits. Twelve years since
Main Source's Breaking Atoms, he returns with ‘1st Class’, and it's vintage
Large Professor: 16 tracks of first-class beats that any other MC would
kill for, featuring old friends Nas, Q-Tip, Akinyele and Busta Rhymes.
Wrapped around a relaxed beat and a choral melody on ‘In the Sun’, Tip
hasn't sounded this comfortable since The Low End Theory. Nas returns to
his Queensbridge roots on "Stay Chisel", but he's not the same old Nasty
Nas - this is the grown-up version; he and LP sit on the stoop, trading
verses and telling stories. Akinyele joins in, but it's fitting that he
gets his own beat - he's leaning out the window, screaming, yelling and
telling it his way. And Busta Rhymes takes his turn in ‘On’, with a beat
that's as frenetic as the dreadlocked MC. One thing's for sure: you're
not going to find another hip-hop album like it this year. And that's not
just because Ja Rule's not on it, either…
Las Ketchup : Hijas Del Tomate Cd on Columbia/Sony
Ketchup
is the ubiquitous bland sauce, a homogenous product that lacks any variety.
Take a taste of every brand of ketchup you can find. Can you tell the difference?
I didn't think so. Now, go grab a few jars of different salsas. Note the
wide range of spices and flavours. Ketchup sucks, salsa rules. Say no to
Ketchup. Go get some salsa!
SONDRE LERCHE Faces Down (Astralwerks/Virgin)
Norwegian teen prodigy Sondre Lerche’s debut full-lenghter
sounds like the work of a well-schooled pro. An admitted student of the
craftsmanship of Bacharach and Cole Porter, Lerche has modeled an album
that sits somewhere between those great masters, swoony crooner Rufus Wainwright
and Mutations-era Beck. With gentle beats purring away in the background,
Lerche’s songs are simultaneously classic and current sounding — his soft,
but confident voice bubbles with a timeless romanticism that’s hard to
resist. With a rich group of collaborators that include honey-voiced singer
Lillian Samdal and High Llamas mainman Sean O’Hagan (he takes care of the
string arrangements), Lerche has successfully completed the rare feat of
making a classic pop album that sounds utterly brand new.
Legendary Pink Dots : All The Kings Men CD on
Roir
Early Legendary Pink Dots material mostly new/
unreleased & a few re-workings of songs from their earliest cassette-only
releases (virtually unavailable in their 1980's form).
Lemon Jelly : Lost Horizons CD on XL
“What
Lemon Jelly have done, by way of boundless enthusiasm and prodigious musicianship,
is create a work, by 2002’s standards at least, of almost unparalleled
beauty. If ‘Lost Horizons’ isn’t this year’s most transcendental melodic
masterpiece then we are living in fortunate times indeed.” - Jockey Slut
(cover feature) Aug 2002. To date, previous album Lemonjelly.ky has sold
over 140,000 copies worldwide; for an album which was mainly fuelled by
word of mouth, with no single, no video and no marketing involved, this
is some achievement. 2002 and Lemon Jelly (a.k.a. Fred Deakin and Nick
Franglen) return to bring some more happiness into our lives. The same
rules apply - to create a package which has been lovingly compiled with
attention taken to every tiny detail. The result is Lost Horizons, which
is Lemon Jelly at their finest.. Travel is a recurring thread. From the
slow, burning, seductive and footloose sounds of Ramblin’ Man to Return
to Patagonia, which revisits the Yellow EPs’ Homage To Patagonia, and the
first single Space Walk , inspired by the Apollo moon landings. You only
need to look at the artwork which contrasts rural landscape against urban
modernity in a night versus day setting to get the idea. Lost Horizons
is a joyous and sanguine journey. Take Elements which mixes up hip-hop
beats, jazz and loungecore against a warped barber shop quartet vocal.
Then there’s Nice Weather For Ducks which is a tramp’s turbo-house fantasy
trip, over an old nursery rhyme. Lost Horizons is a big, bold, warm thing.
Dive in and lose yourself..The vinyl format comes as a sealed triple gatefold,
double vinyl, with four page booklet .
Sondre Lerche : Faces Down Cd on Astralwerks/Virgin
Norwegian
teen prodigy Sondre Lerche’s debut full-lenghter sounds like the work of
a well-schooled pro. An admitted student of the craftsmanship of Bacharach
and Cole Porter, Lerche has modeled an album that sits somewhere between
those great masters, swoony crooner Rufus Wainwright and Mutations-era
Beck. With gentle beats purring away in the background, Lerche’s songs
are simultaneously classic and current sounding — his soft, but confident
voice bubbles with a timeless romanticism that’s hard to resist. With a
rich group of collaborators that include honey-voiced singer Lillian Samdal
and High Llamas mainman Sean O’Hagan (he takes care of the string arrangements),
Lerche has successfully completed the rare feat of making a classic pop
album that sounds utterly brand new.
Lightbox Orchestra : First Contact! CD on Locust
First contact! Brings together highlights from
nearly half a decade of recordings by an extended and ever changing superstar
lineup of chicago jazz, punk and rock musicians under the tutelage of cellist
leader fred lonberg-holm (peter brotzmann tentet, terminal four, anthony
braxton). What you'll hear on this disc is an uproarious gathering of sonic
jouissance featuring composer, songsmith and producer jim o'rourke (sonic
youth, gastr del sol), laptop guitar cum electronics-whiz kevin drumm (mimeo),
jeb bishop, guillermo gregorio, members of town and country, pillow, tv
pow, and dozens of other bright lights from this city's creative gene pool
on acoustic
Little Hell : Demonic Advisory Centre CD on Double
Dragon
“Mixing a sub-Pixies howl with the suss of a
less dislikeable Placebo and a large dose of Black Flag inspired sludge
– SMART!” KKKK KerrangThey take to the road with THE EIGHTIES MATCHBOX
B LINE DISASTER, VENDETTA RED and The BACKYARD BABIES for more “anti-mainstream
ranting” …..8th October – Liverpool Masque ( with 80”s matchbox b line
disaster), 9th October – Stockton Georgian theatre ( with 80”s matchbox
b line disaster), 10th October- Hull Adelphi ( with 80”s matchbox b line
disaster), 11th October LONDON – UNDERWORLD ( with Vendetta RED), 12th
October – Cardiff Barfly ( with 80”s matchbox b line disaster), 13th October
Mansfield Town Mill ( with 80”s matchbox b line disaster).
Little Hell : Everybodys Cursed CD on Double
Dragon
Little Hell have recently finished playing dates
with Rival Schools, and are planning a full-on onslaught of the UK’s venues
later this year…in the mean time they release a new single. Album ‘DEMONIC
ADVISORY CENTRE’ is released on the 21ST October and has already been hailed
by Metal hammer as “the sounds of a punked up Marilyn Manson crossed with
the smacked up ramblings of Jane’s Addiction” . C list at xfm 5 weeks up
front. Full support on air from Zoe Ball. XFM Rock show session repeated
on 9th October.NME review week before release, GREAT NME Live review to
run soon, Kerrang review, Kerrang Feature, Expect loads of fanzine action,
Full student mayhem expected
Loaded : Dark Days CD on Locomotive
Brand new album from the former guns n’ roses
bass player duff mckagan. Duff handles vocals and guitar in loaded and
is joined by drummer geoff reading (new american shame / green apple quickstep),
bass player g.stuart dahlquist (goatsnake) and guitarist dave kushner (danzig
/ dave navarro). After leaving guns n’ roses duff returned to college and
stuidied to become a business major (!) As well as joining steve jones
in the neurotic outsiders. ‘dark days’ features 12 songs of sleazy and
impassioned rock n’ roll . The band undertake a european tour during july
Local Rabbits : This Is It Here We Go CD on Brobdingnagian
Montreal's LOCAL RABBITS make challenging and
sophisticated music that is as entertaining as it is creative. They have
carved a die-hard cult fanbase for themselves in Canada. The band got a
high-profile introduction to the Montreal music scene when Halifax pop
kings SLOAN showcased the young band during tours and signed them to their
own label Murderecords, where they released two albums. Their dynamic new
record 'This Is It Here We Go' was produced by Don Kerr (Ron Sexsmith,
Rheostatics). Reviews: "spirally gleaming pop music… the gleeful Rabbits
accomplish musically what their former bosses and mentors, Sloan, have
been struggling to create for the last few years. Local Rabbits make nonsense
out of much of the '70s by eclipsing all the unfortunate musical errors
of the time Local Rabbits recognize that the Kinks and Stones were more
substantial before their careers became waterlogged with ineffectual and
forgettable stadium anthems" - Fast Forward. "This Is It Here We Go eventually
gets you. The endearing, schoolboy-ish falsetto of Ben Gunning and the
cool, steady vocals of Pete Elkas will always coax you into singing along.
There are good harmonies and the usual intelligent, wordy, autobiographical
lyrics. This is for Steely Dan fans who've run out of Steely Dan records
to buy" - Chart Attack. "Damn that's the best record I've heard so far
this year… 'This is It' is almost unbearably cool. It's at once a homage
to and progression from the coolest mid -'70s rock" - The Coast
Jason Loewenstein : At Sixes And Sevens CD on
Domino
First full length solo LP from key member of
US indie outfit Sebadoh. 'At Sixes And Sevens' displays Jason’s trademark
emotive sense of songwriting realism - flirting between inner turmoil and
a positivist outlook on life, rich with both impassioned lyrics, crunching
guitar and some of the catchiest pop melodies that have ever crushed your
cranium. One multi-instrumentalist man, one reel to reel 8 track, one fantastically
great DIY LP to capture the imagination. “The Sebadoh bassist aims for
the heart with garage gems that exceed all expectations” Mojo. Full tour
forthcoming in November
Logh : Every Time A Bell Rings An Angel Get His
Wings CD on Deep Elm
New DEEP ELM >>LOGH filters the finest elements
of indie rock, poetic tone and intelligible songwriting through a Nordic
perspective and into a record that pulses, swells and sighs with effortless
synergy. Without ever leaving the grips of simple pop, EVERY TIME A BELL
RINGS flirts with lo-fi elements - lightly brushed snares, subtle guitar
strumming, droning bass lines and wispy, aching vocals - but with more
range, expression and genuine feeling than most bands can muster. Music
laden with so much texture, atmosphere and emotion is rare. The stark sadness
may be ghostly familiar as one of LOGH's greatest strengths is their ability
to make their images sing. But as heavy as your heart may grow, the record
uplifts you...not through eleven separate songs, but rather one intricate
blueprint of earnest emotion. Incredibly well performed and overflowing
with desperate beauty. Unreleased song "Guided Tour Of A Dead Man's House"
on The Emo Diaries, Chapter Eight. Recommended If you like: Mogwai,Songs:
Ohia, Idaho, American Analog Set, or Yo la Tengo.
Lo Hi : Say It More CD on Tiger Style
New York City's Boss Hog was coming off a 1996
tour when their drummer, Hollis Queens, met fellow drummer Martin Owens
of Speedball Baby, and the two instantly conspired to form Lo-Hi. After
several years of holding down the beat in Boss Hog, Queens stepped up to
the mic, strapped on a guitar, and proved that she is a compelling musician
and front woman in her own right. With Owens behind the traps, Lo-Hi moved
forward in 1997, releasing their first record, Kind Of Like A Feel Good
Thing, on California garage punk mavens Sympathy for the Record Industry
and played numerous shows on the East Coast with such artists as the Delta
72, the Make Up, Mooney Suzuki, The Jon Spencer Blues Explosion etc. After
Boss Hog's 2000 world tour in support of White Out-a record highlighted
by Queens' vocals on the title track- Lo-Hi returned to action once again.
Two new members were added in 2001: guitarist and fellow Boss Hog alumnus
Jens Jurgensen, and Bassist-biochemist Justin Holub. Jens and Justin have
added to the band's already-considerable charm and musical history, but
more importantly, they have transformed Lo-Hi from a stripped-down, R&B-influenced
novelty act to a full fledged rock & roll band. This new record is
a gigantic step forward for the band as it expands Lo-Hi's garage punk
roots into an eclectic mix of rock, punk, garage, soul and pop, all with
the sass you have come to expect for these NY rock veterans. * Lo-Hi features
Hollis Queens of Boss Hog, stepping out from behind the drums and taking
the mic in hand. * This is their second album - the first, Kind of Feel
Like a Good Thing, was released on Sympathy for the Record Industry. *
Other members of Lo-Hi include: Martin Owens (Speedball Baby), Jens Jurgensen
(Boss Hog) and Justin Holub (Boss Hog). For Fans Of: The White Stripes,
Boss Hog, Jon Spencer, The Bell Rays, Delta 72, the mAke up
Lollies : Taste CD on fortune and glory
Canadian trio The Lollies (now based in London)
with their debut album of catchy bubblegum pop melodies and classic 60s
girl group harmonies, mixed with an indie garage punk attitude. Every song
is a trashy, tinny lesson in no-frills punk pop, with rapier wit lyrics
- The Ronettes/Shangri-las played by The Ramones. From the label that brought
you the Ant from Hefner solo albums. "Head bang those pigtails! Jangle
those bangles! The quiet-grrrl revolution continues with the pan-American
Lollies and their sugary, Hole-with-humour garage guitar pop" - The Source.
"Shangri-Las, Kenickie, Rezillos, B52S, all present and correct, frugging
in white PVC Courreges boots to that luvverly Farfisa boogie beat" - Careless
Talk Costs Lives. For fans of Sleater Kinney, Kenickie and Talulah Gosh.
Longstone : Archive: 03 CD on Ochre Records
The third release in the ochre archive series.
Double cd featuring all longstone’s non-ochre, vinyl and non-album tracks.
Includes tracks that have appeared on other labels. Includes ‘convex structure’
parts 1 to 3 and an exclusive sonic boom remix of the track as well as
the ‘live in new york’ 10” and tracks featuring bunnymen guitarist will
sergeant. Longstone to date have released albums on ochre records, space
age recordings & blackbean & placenta. The ‘static’ mini-cd on
ochre received 4 out of 5 in dj magazine and was described as inhabiting
the world between intelligent thought provoking electronica and twisted
motorik melodies. The second album ‘auto??Geneous” received 9 out of 10
in future music. Longstone have often been compared to autechre, kriedler,
cluster and kraftwerk.
Lost Weekend : New Religion CD on Frontiers
New third release from the u.k. Based classic
rock outfit. Ufo meets lizzy style quality hard rock produced and recorded
by mike dmitrovic and murray daigle of emerald rain. The band will be touring
the u.k. And the making their live continental debut later in 2002. Features
and advertising will appear in fireworks and powerplay. The album is scheduled
for a half page advert in the next issue of classic rock.
Love Life : Here Is Night CD on Jag Jaguwar
(…brothers, here the birds burn) featuring ex-members
of jaks, universal order of armageddon and the great unraveling, baltimore's
love life create dark, twisted operatic-rock for the rest of us. Their
music is the evil carnival without the kitsch, the dance of the bull-fight
without the sword. It co-mingles the sacred with the profane. Chock full
of odd time signatures, driving bass, spooky arrangements and katrina ford's
uniquely sinister, guttural voice and lyrics, the music of love life is
unlike anything else. If reference points are what you need, think the
birthday party, thalia zadek's uzi, early pere ubu, super genius-era circus
lupus and bauhaus all mashed together and then finely distilled. Not for
the faint of heart.
Low : trust Cd on rough trade
Never
ones to cause a commotion, Low have always been, to say the least, a most
downbeat of acts. Harnessing the rare ability of mixing up chugging guitars
amidst deeply reverberating bass and plaintive, angelic vocals, the three-piece
are still able to keep the end-result at a volume only just about audible.
Yet, with their latest work to date, ‘Trust’ – as worked on with Tchad
Blake of Tom Waits notoriety – a previously-unknown up-tempo spikiness
rears its head for the first time.
Such a progression follows an already flourishing
time in music – which has, release-wise, included a series of critically-acclaimed
singles and limited-edition odds ‘n’ ends, namely comprising 2001’s compelling
‘Things We Lost In The Fire’ album, a Christmas-LP, and a recent reworking
of The Smiths’ devastatingly mournful ‘Last Night I Dreamt Somebody Loved
Me’. Evidently, at such a stage in their career, especially when considered
alongside the band’s worldwide reputation and accessibility to selling
out thousand-seater theatres, a change of formula would seemingly be the
last thing needed to further invigorate their career.
But, let’s not get too carried away. Essentially,
a change of direction in this case means one particularly jaunty tune,
in the shape of ‘Canada’. Featuring Alan Sparhawk’s unashamedly-US croak,
a drum-pattern last seen flaunting itself within The Strokes’ ‘Modern Age’,
and a helplessly infectious bass-line, you’ll find yourself contemplating
just what kind of substances Low have taken in order to get themselves
so deliriously High.
However, as with such narcotics, the effect lasts
for too soon. The advancing ‘Candy Girl’ is as broodingly eerie as anything
else within the band’s repertoire: the pounding drums, all-too soothing
vocals and clanging guitar serving as a truly intoxicating listen. The
motion-picture grandeur that greets the opening of ‘Tonight’ is just as
epic, the ensuing notes almost paralleling Radiohead’s more aloof moments,
with Mimi Parker’s dynamic vocal-lilt hooking you through to its ease-out
ending. Such a dazzlingly breath-taking, albeit low-key, effect is pretty
much existent throughout the entire works, the utter darkness of ‘The Lamb’,
chilling folk of ‘In The Drugs’ and deceptively cheery ‘La La La Song’
proving as strong as anything already within the ole’ back-catalogue.
So, although the reflective, understated threesome
may not still overtly nor consistently partake within stirring the aforementioned
commotion, even after all these years, they still establish that they’re
more than capable of allowing us listeners to arise our own one over them.
And, suitable to their latest outing’s title, let’s hope and trust them
to stay the same.
Low Frequency in Stereo : Low Frequency In Stereo
CD on rec90
The Low Frequency in Stereo can maybe be put
under a sort of lo-fidelity/post-rock category. Their songs are most often
laid-back and instrumental, with groovy drums, heavy organic bass and a
knife-edging guitar. This is all spiced up with samples and keyboard, also
using vocal on some songs. Press: "TLFIS play intelligent Post-Rock. They
suck you in to the music and holds you there for a long, long time. It`s
the band with the biggest potential tonight. Their potential is so big
that it is scary." - Puls. "These 4-piece band from Norway named The Low
Frequency In Stereo play a magnificent style of music. This is an instrumental
ensemble with class that mix the groove between krautrock and postrock,
sublime stoner and psychadelica. Marvellous keyboards with low frequencies,
after a while they come to a climax with post hardcore and finishes with
surf better than Manta Ray. A unique experience!" - Bilbao newspaper
Lucky Bishops : Grimstone CD on Woronzow
The second release on the Bevis Frond's label
Woronzow for The Lucky Bishops. Woronzow became aware of The Lucky Bishops
in 1997, when a tape landed on their doormat. Instantly they were hooked
by the glorious melodies, the tight four part harmonies and the immaculate
playing, and released the first album to rave reviews: "Dorset's best-kept
secret…tight commercial psychedelic pop a la late sixties Beatles or Beach
Boys" - 3*** Uncut, "This stunning 'classic pop' debut offers so much -
invention, variety, sophistication and deviously infectious hooks" - Mojo.
"Great music, period!" - Classic Rock. And now another album of their neo-psychedelic
pop rock. The influences that come across on 'Grimstone' range from The
Beatles, The Beach Boys, Spirit and Todd Rundgren, to more current folk
such as Jellyfish and the superb Cotton Mather
Luna : Close Cover Before Striking CD on Jetset
Records
Featuring five Luna compositions, two cover versions
("Waiting on a Friend" by the Rolling Stones, and "Neon Lights" by Kraftwerk),
and two music videos. Track listing: 1 Astronaut 2 Waiting On A Friend
3 Teenage Lightning 4 Drunken Whistler 5 The Alibi 6 New Haven Comet 7
Neon Lights. Plus videos for "Lovedust" and "1995
Lupine Howl : Bar At The End Of The World
: CD on Beggars Banquet
Lupine
Howl were formed out of the ashes of Spiritualized, in January 1999. Sean
Cook, lead 'Howler explains: "I see Lupine Howl as capable of doing whatever
we feel like doing. There's no strict philosophy behind what kind of music
we're going to make. In Spiritualized, the aesthetic was a lot stricter.
We had all these layers of minimal sound with this opiated blueprint over
the top. I was getting bored of it, it was always love songs. I just wanted
to do something that was a bit more out there". Recorded over the last
year with fellow 'Howlers Mike Mooney and Jon Mattock, 'The Bar At The
End Of The World' is a beautiful string laden country tinged psych record.
It's also without doubt their finest recording to date, showing a band
relaxed in their approach to songwriting.
"Virtue and Vice are negated by the grave, but
as long as you got a grave you got somewhere to go. After signing off from
life it's just possible to see both your impotence and your power. Wecan
be pathetic and beautiful but when we become proud we are often succeeded
by the weak and the lean and the low. I'm confused about most things but
one thing I do know is that I'm clearly f*cked but at least I'm clear about
that. I hope there is a bar at the end of world so that at least, when
I get there, I can get a drink" - Sean Cook
Madness : Our House: Best Of
Billed
as a 'London love story', 'Our House' is a brand new musical featuring
the music of the original Nutty Boys, Madness. As frontman Graham 'Suggs'
McPherson explains: "We've always been theatrical without understanding
theatre. I think our songs, in terms of the theatre, have become timeless
and I have been really excited watching this show develop". As well as
featuring two all new songs written by Madness, the show is full of the
band's greatest musical numbers - including 'Baggy Trousers', 'It Must
Be Love', 'Driving In My Car', 'Embarrassment' and many, many more - all
collected here on 'Our House - The Original Music Of Madness'.
Magic Drive : Whats The Beef? :CD on Knife Fighting
Monkey
What’s The Beef? is the long-awaited debut album
from the group Magicdrive. The sound of the album is an eclectic mix of
pop, prog, garage and metal, held together with killer tunes – a bit like
King Crimson being kicked in by Elvis Costello with the Beach Boys holding
his jacket. Alt.prog at it’s finest. Magicdrive released their debut single
Had To Be You on Fierce Panda label in 1995 before signing to Fontana.
‘On The Soft’ was the very first XFM Single Of The Week. Bang 2 Rights
and the well-received EP’s for the label Lithium - Hotel Transatlantique
and Grand Hotel - followed. "Magicdrive are really trying to cram pop history
in all its entirety into one song. It doesn’t get any cooler than that.
Maher Shalal Hash Baz : Maher On Water CD on
Geographic
Free thinking Japanese phenomenon & the inspiration
behind the Pastel’s Geographic label release their latest material. Maher
Shalal Hash Baz are legendary for releasing the beautiful 83 song set,
‘Return Visit To Rock Mass’, which took three years to complete, and is
one of the most collectable Japanese records of all time. From The Wire
magazine tracking them down and introducing them to the West they followed
with Geographic’s ‘From A Summer To Another Summer (An Egypt To Another
Egypt)’, which garnered an absolutely incredible response. Now ‘Maher On
Water’ introduces a new concept, Blues De Jour, whereby band leader Kudo
will reflect his feelings of the day in whatever fragments of song come
to mind, sketches of where the Maher sound is about to go. “Opener “Stone
on the River” is one of the most disarmingly beautiful pop songs...like
Joe Byrd’s United States of America relocated to a Japanese commune this
set radiates with painstaking, deliberately ‘imperfect’ beauty” - The Wire“
. Very very strong support from John Peel (radio 1) who became a massive
fan during the tour.
Jesse Malin : Fine Art Of Self Destruction
Jesse
Malin is a native New York singer/songwriter. 'The Fine Art Of Self Destruction'
is his stunning debut album. Produced by Ryan Adams (who also plays guitar),
this is a gloriously retro rock-infected outing that has already drawn
comparisons from everyone from Neil Young, Lou Reed, Paul Westerburg, through
to Bruce Springsteen and Joe Strummer. Mixed by Carl Granville (U2, Counting
Crows), 'The Fine Art Of Self Destruction' also features Melissa Auf De
Maur (SmashingPumpkins/Hole) on bass and backing vocals.
'The best album anyone has made this year' -
Adam Duritz, Counting Crows
Malory : Outerbeats .CD on Clairecords
For fans of Slowdive, shoegaze, dreampop, etc. Malory picks up where
they left off on their debut - and takes things about 1000 steps beyond.
They retain the brilliant sheets of effected guitars, drawing comparisons
to the unmistakable gorgeous guitar work of Slowdive. But they also add
a subtle electronic touch to this record with samples and chill beats (in
addition to a live drummer) that makes Outerbeats deeper and even more
bewitching than one could hope for. Subtle electronics, wonderful male/female
vocal interplay, and ebbing & flowing guitars.
Manganese : Lo Fi Fo Fum .CD on Mint Blue
The debut album from Glasgow newcomers MANGANESE.
There is a full UK tour planned for Summer 2002 with dates to be announced
following the release of the single. As part of the warm up Manganese supported
the The Cosmic Rough Riders at Glasgow's Tron Theatre recently and are
already being hotly tipped and enjoying regular airplay on Radio 1 Session
Scotland and Beat 106 Beatscene. Manganese have also covered 'Trouble'
for Eagle Record's forthcoming Frankie Miller tribute release.
Manic Street Preachers : Forever Delayed:
Gt Hits: 2cd: Ltd
Drawing
together the best of the Manic's six multi-platinum selling albums - 'Generation
Terrorists', 'Gold Against The Soul', 'The Holy Bible', 'Everything Must
Go', 'This Is My Truth Tell Me Yours' 'Know Your Enemy' - 'Forever Delayed
- The Greatest Hits' provides the first truly comprehensive anthology of
one of the finest bands ever to emerge from the valleys of Wales. This
outstanding collection features 18 singles and two newly recorded songs,
including 'There By The Grace Of God' and 'Door To The River' (speaking
to NME, Nicky Wire described 'There By The Grace Of God' as: "Enjoy The
Silence' [by Depeche Mode] meets 'A Design For Life' - there's a very epic
quality to it". 'Forever Delayed' also includes three singles that have
never featured on a Manics album before - 'Motown Junk', 'Suicide Is Painless'
and 'The Masses Against The Classes'.
This limited edition includes a bonus CD of remixes.
Manifesto Jukebox : Remedy CD on Byo
New release from this classic punk rock label,
BYO, and this one is an instant winner. MANIFESTO JUKEBOX from Finland
are kicking up quite a storm in the US and have already turned heads over
here too. Definitely will appeal to the Fracture zine readers and such
like and they’ve been described as revolutionary rock with social and political
lyrics, musically like a mix of HOT WATER MUSIC and HUSKER DU, lovely!
Dayna Manning : Shades CD on EMI
Strike
this Stratford, Ontario-born singer/songwriter off the M.I.A. files. It’s
been five years since her debut, Chapter 1, and much has changed in Manning’s
life — okay, she’s through with wearing braces and her chirpy nasal vocals
aren’t as piercing. But more importantly, Manning has taken her folk-cum-country
further into adult contemporary circles, with more hushed vocals and a
glossy production. On tracks like "Miracle," "Normal" and a reworked version
of "Walk On The Moon" she digs deep into soft rock the elders would appreciate
(read anything that ain’t loud ‘n’ abrasive). The glossiness, sadly, puts
a damper on what would otherwise be a close facsimile of those ‘70s singer-songwriter
albums where the four-chords-per-song rule is often broken (notably "Heather")
and not every song sounded the same.
Eric Martin : I'm Goin' Sane CD on Frontiers
Brand new solo album from the former mr big vocalist.
On ‘i’m going sane’ martin explores a heavier and darker side to his songwriting
while retaining his trademark melodic edge. The songs on the album are
co-written with jack blades (aerosmith / damn yankess) and andre pessis
(mr. Big / the storm). The european version features two exclusive bons
tracks.
J Mascis : Free So Free CD on City Slang
The end finally came in 1997. 14 years after
they first emerged from the backwoods of Amherst, Massachusetts, blasting
out a new blueprint for US underground rock, Dinosaur Jr were shut down
by their laconic frontman J MASCIS. It was MASCIS who introduced the US
hardcore scene to guitar solos, and it was MASCIS who – alongside The Pixies
– laid the foundations from which grunge was later to blossomAnd now he
returns with a new solo album. It is safe to say that FREE SO FREE is a
concept album; revolving around J’s new found passion for skydiving. In
fact many of the songs on the album were written mid air. “There’s something
about reaching terminal velocity that really helps you open up,” j says.
“The whole freedom idea sorta evolved out of that, and also some of the
playing I was doing with Ron and Scott Asheton (The Stooges). Those guys
have some real special notions about freedom.” With a bitching burst of
ass-rockin’ first song Freedom sets the tone of this album perfectly. The
lyrics are clearly about the emotional high of J’s first parachute jump
– taking off into the atmosphere, tension building as the door opens, then
bursting into the blankness of clouds. Fourth track Bobbin plays with the
concept further. We bob not for apples. We bob not as thread. We bob on
the curtain of life’s holy dread. Marc Bolan (especially the tubby, later
version) would never dare to stand on the lip of a planes exit door. Void
or no void. On the other hand Jeff Lyne might say ‘Go for it.”.
Maserati : Language Of Cities CD on Kindercore
A new member of the Kindercore family, MASERATI
delivers a beautiful, dynamic, instrumental masterpiece. Yet another of
the Athens GA experimentalists, Maserati picked up where bands like Tortoise,
Macha, and Labradford left off with complex, warmly textured instrumental
music straying from the confines of rock to explore the ambient, jazz,
and even modern classical traditions. The four piece of Coley Dennis (guitar),
Steve Scarborough (bass), Phil Horan (drums), and Matt Cherry (guitar)
first recorded and self-released '37:29:24', a moody blend of space rock
expansiveness and scatter-bursts of Slint-like aggression. In 2002, they
met again in producer Andy Baker's studio to record 'The Language of Cities'
for Kindercore. The eight-song album continues their exploration of emo-tinged
instrumental rock, best exemplified in the track "The Language," a seven-minute
plus opus of sustained cymbal build ups, churning guitar, and John McEntire-style
fills. From beautiful, quiet drones, to full-on rocked out breakdowns,
Maserati are masters of their sound. Like an instrumental version of U2
(circa 1985) with punk rock roots - precise, beautiful
Matt Pond Pa : The Nature Of Maps Cd on Polyvinyl
Playing
in near obscurity and signed to a relatively unknown record label, Matt
Pond’s group, Matt Pond PA, always puts out albums of pure pop bliss —
most often accompanied by full string and horn sections. The Nature Of
Maps’ opener, "Fairlee," soars to the heavens, with Pond’s vocals tinged
with a sense of urgency. Highlights include "Closer," which is what a Lou
Reed-fronted Smiths song would have sounded like and "Summer Is Coming,"
which takes the Death Cab For Cutie formula and layers a gorgeous string
section over it. It’s a shame Pond’s name isn’t as known as Elliott Smith’s
since the latter’s fans would fully embrace the former.
Max Tundra : Mbgate CD on Domino
Mastered By Guy At The Exchange’ follows on from
Max Tundra’s 2000 debut album ‘Some Best Friend You Turned Out To Be’.
An album that must be heard to be believed and streets ahead of any of
his peers Max, aka Ben Jacobs enlists the help of friends & family
(such as sister Becky on vocal duties) to craft an album that eschews influences
and pastiche references from artists like Richie Hawtin to the Housemartins.
There’s even a rousing Chas N Dave style knees up at the climax of future
single ‘Cabasa’ to warm the cockles of any music enthusiast’s heart. “Great
Electronica” Laurent Garnier, “Refreshingly risque old chap!” Pressure
Drop, “I can see people freaking for this” Mixmaster Morris are just some
of the enthusiastic reactions received at Domino Towers
M C Mabon : Mia Non CD on Ankstmusik
Follow up to the hugely acclaimed 'Hunt For Meaning'
M C MABON mainman Gruff Meredith wrongfoots everyone again with a sixteen
track Welsh language collection. M C Mabon is essentially a one man band
fronted by the hyper talented Gruff Meredith. A one time member of politico-hip-hop
rappers TYSTION. The debut album 'Mr Blaidd', released in early 2000, charted
several musical landscapes - from punk, rock, rap to pastoral & electro
funk. Appearances for the John Peel show & 'Session In Wales' Radio
1 preceded the 2nd album 'The Hunt For Meaning' - a genuinely eclectic
& innovative album that picked up rave press across the board. (including
The Independent, MOJO, NME & was the Evening Standard's album of the
week) 'Nia Non' is a 16 track Welsh language album created with sparse
beats, acoustic piano and guitars - a healthy mix of contributors and a
somewhat
Meanwhile Back In Communist Russsia : Indian
Ink CD on Truck
Mbicr's debut album of last year, 'indian ink'
is a staggering statement of intent from a band whose live outings up to
that point had careered from the sublime to the shambolic. Dark, desolate
and beautifully crafted, layers of guitar and synthesizer noises provided
a wonderfully bleak backdrop for vocalist emily gray's paradoxically deadpan
and hysterical monologues. Such a mix of childlike fear, passionate frustration
and alternately ambient and venomous noise conjured up magical images of
lydia lunch fronting mogwai. " a satisfying moodscape of swooshing boards
of canada electronica, intense sonic youth-like crashing, textured guitar
work, and bitter spoken monologues"
Mean Red Spiders : Still Life Fast Moving CD
on Teenage Usa
From Teenage USA Recordings, the new Mean Red
Spiders album. The band's third record is their most engaging and mature
work to date. With a new clarity of arrangement, these songs are imbued
with a melancholic, baroque-pop sensibility. Accordions, glockenspiels
and moogs wash and soar over signature guitars, melodic bass and expressive
percussion. The group's sound has evolved into a unique distillation of
their diverse and ranging influences. Track Listing: 1. First And Only,
2. Advance to Illinois, 3. Beaconsfield, 4. Chinese Wall, 5. Declaration,
6. Turn Walk Away, 7. The New Nostalgia, 8. My Soul To Keep, 9. They Only
Met Once, 10. Awkward Over Coffee, 11. First And Only
Measures : Universe Is Mine CD on Radiotone
The nu-retro sound of this debut from the measures
has already gained plays on xfm and london live. The band are also recording
a live session for xfm. Guitars, songs, energy - think the stone roses
played by the who featuring the beach boys with a dose of user friendly
psychedelia.the single was produced in the band's london studio and comes
backed with the rambling tension of random song and a through-the-hedge-forwards
reworking of universe entitled pure energy.
Mecca Normal : Family Swan CD on Kill Rock Stars
Brand new full length from mecca normal, in these
accounts of family tension, details trigger Memories, giving listeners
a new vantage point from which to view their history. Specific and personal,
The adult does the remembering, as perspective shifts back to the child.
The family swan is powerful And dangerous - anger, pain and funny recollections
are allowed to surface. The ability to express Oneself creatively is an
essential part of being human, not a luxury to be earned or worshipped.
On Previous albums they wrote, recorded, then toured. For the family swan
they decided to take a year To work on the songs, tour the new material,
and record at the end. Produced by dave doughman of Swearing at motorists.
Mecca normal is not just an underground rock duo. Catch mecca normal in
Nightclubs, art galleries and classrooms combining their music, with art
and literary endeavors. Music: mecca normal is the voice of jean smith
and the guitar of david lester
Mega Super Altra : Back To Take Another Bow CD
on Jump Up
This Chicago based power trio's new release is
a 9-song follow up to their 1999 debut "Power Pop Art". Heralded by Europe
based Scootering Magazine "as good, and in some cases better than anything
around during the '79 Mod revival". Revolver USA described their songs
in this way " ...quick changes, starts, stops, clever lyrics and irresistible
melodies". A heaping helping of vintage Farfisa and horn arrangements dance
through the songs - these rich musical compositions hold true to the 2
minute 50 second pop standard in classic style. For fans of: The Strokes,
Odd Numbers, Phobes, The Pills, The Get Set, Ted Leo/Chisel, The Shins,
Detour Records
Meligrove band : Let It Grow Cd on Endearing/Ductape
The
Meligrove Band could very well be Toronto’s finest potential heir to Sloan’s
pop rock throne. Having started the band when they were barely legal, the
Meligroves are now as old as the Sloans were when it all started for them.
Their latest offering, Let It Grow, certainly shows the band is on its
way. Catchy to the point of shamelessness, the album is fixated on ‘60s
sunny pop like The Beach Boys and The Monkees ("Now Look What You’ve Done"
and "Check Your Messages"), with nods to mod rock and power pop. Time will
tell whether or not they are able to create a sound that’s all their own.
Let them grow, indeed.
Merzbow : Merzbeat CD on Important Records
Merzbeat stands in stark contrast to all releases
in merzbow's post-analog, digital laptop-era.containing over 50 minutes
of brand new aggressive, psychedelic, organic, analog beat oriented merzbow
compositions,. Kid 606 called merzbeat "one of the greatest thing he (merzbow)
has ever done." Merzbeat includes a cover of the rare highway robbery song
"promotion man" the first pressing of merzbeat also has a hidden remix
of amlux by jack dangers of meat beat manifesto.
Micevice : Stop Here: Love Store CD on Homesleep
MICEVICE is band of Giovanni Ferrario, better
known as the producer of a bunch of big Italian bands and member of Hugo
Race's SEPIATONE, but also one of the coolest and most expressive Italian
songwriters in the recent years. Micevice music is full of the attitude
and charisma we have grown to expect from the likes of Swervedriver, or
Lou Reed or Nick Cave's best works. "Stop Here: Love Store" is a great
collection of fantastic rock songs. Featuring Hugo Race and Sepiatone
Malcolm Middleton : 5 14 Fluoxytine Seagull Alcohol
CD on Chemical Underground
Malcolm Middleton comprises one half of Scottish
misery legends Arab Strap. During Autumn/Winter 2001 he felt a wee bit
down and had to write some songs. He then recorded a 10 track acoustic
album which Chemikal Underground later asked him to transform into something
more. The result was his debut solo album ‘5:14 fluoxytine seagull alcohol
john nicotine’. With a little help from friends Aidan Moffat (Arab Strap),
Jenny Reeve (Eva) and Barry Burns (Mogwai) he has made a record that can
easily be described as "good". To date, Malcolm has made a handful of appearances
- all north of the border. Most notable was a recent appearance at Woodside
Social Club, a traditional working men's club. An audience was gob-smacked
by the pithy songs. Furthermore, Malcolm has just completed shows with
James Yorkston. Malcolm will play three shows in August as part of the
"One man's home is another man's hell..." tour; the tour takes in just
three cities and the bill features Sophia (Robin Proper-Sheppard/Will Foster),
Malcolm Middleton and Kristofer Astrom. The dates are: August 6: London
- Water Rats Theatre, 7: Glasgow – Barfly, 8: Stockholm – Kagelbanan. Malcolm
will be touring further towards the end of the year before returning to
the studio with Aidan to finish the 5th Arab Strap studio album.
Midwest : Town And Country CD on Homesleep
New from Italian label HOMESLEEP (home of Yuppie
Flu, now signed to XL). This is the debut album from MIDWEST, a really
young combo (21 years old) from Varese. They have caught the attention
of some European music magazines without releasing anything, just with
their demo! One of the freshest sounds you'll hear: mellotron, Wurlitzer
organs, acoustic guitars, banjos, harmonium and percussion to build catchy
indie-folk songs somewhere between Grandaddy, Califone, Red Red Meat and
Nick Drake.
Milemarker : Satanic Versus CD on Jade Tree
Hot on the heels of their Jade Tree debut album,
Anaesthetic, (which the New York Times named as one of its top underground
releases of 2001) MILEMARKER are back with a six-song mini album/maxi EP
showing that high-velocity progress that is MILEMARKER. Half of Satanic
Versus was recorded in Chicago with Steve Albini (NIRVANA, PIXIES, PJ HARVEY)
at monolithic Electrical Audio, three songs deliver on the promise of the
live shows, bombastic heaviness, drone epics, flailing anthems and polemics
aplenty. The flipside is the three songs the band self-recorded, three
various and sundry Electro-jams, alternately recalling the precision and
coldness of KRAFTWERK and the crunktastic party-vibe of "Around the World
in a Day" era PRINCE AND THE REVOLUTION.
Miles Apart : Storyboard .CD on Boss Tuneage
Formed from the ashes of Eversore, Italy's premier
pop-punk band of the 90's The Miles Apart have come up with the goods on
'Storyboard', their second album and first for by Boss Tuneage. Whilst
most of their countrymen spend their time trying to emulate the Ramones,
Queers and Screeching Weasel, The Miles Apart tread a very different path,
perfecting perfect soaring harmony driven emo-pop-punk, displaying a mixture
of influences akin to the likes of Jimmy Eat World and Saves The Day through
to late 80s UK pop-punk legends The Senseless Things & Mega City Four.
The band will also play at the Boss Tuneage all day festival at The Verge
in Kentish town, London on October 26th as part of their second UK tour.'Without
a doubt, the finest band in Italy right now'
Rhett Miller : The Instigator Cd on ElektraWarner
Former
Old 97 Rhett Miller’s debut is an unassuming little record that, if your
taste runs to the singer/songwriter ilk, may very well become your current
favourite record. Miller sings of relationships, but it’s not all lovey,
girly shit (though "Four-Eyed Girl" may be the greatest ode to geek love
around). While it’s mostly about the voice, Miller is wise enough to surround
himself with musicians that’ll present him in the best possible light.
So, "Point Shirley" features guitar and vocals by Robyn Hitchcock. "Our
Love" and "Come Around" has drums by Josh Freese (Vandals, A Perfect Circle)
and Jim Keltner (who has provided the beats for everyone from Elvis Costello
to Jann Arden) makes an appearance, too. A little bit pretty, a little
bit earthy, The Instigator is, apart from a few dubious lyrics, about as
good as folky pop gets.
Joss Mills : Love Is True CD on Plaza
Debut album from Northern Irish singer songwriter
Joss Mills. Features Tim Wheeler from ASH. Originally started as a 4 track
demo, ASH frontman Tim Wheeler got involved & drafted in drummer Rick
McMurray on 3 tracks. 2 years in the making 'Love Is True' eventually developed
into this full length, with the addition of cello, double bass, violin
and piano parts. Whilst taking in elements of the likes of Johnny Cash
and Bob Dylan, Love Is True is essentially a beautiful piece of work incorporating
Joss' own personal take on modern folk music. Joss Mills will be appearing
live in London Autumn 2002...
Miss Black America : god bless miss black america
Cd on integrity records
’I
was born in a force-ten gale/It takes more than hot air to blow the wind
out of my sales/And my eyesight's poor/But I am the future/Hear me roar’:
‘Talk Hard’
Not exactly lacking in confidence, is MBA frontman,
Seymour Glass. But, then again, you don't become agitator-in-chief of Britain's
most politicised rock act by keeping your opinions to yourself. And, oh
yes, Seymour has opinions. Religion, love, life, death, society, politics,
education... There isn't much that's spared the vitriol of the angriest
man in Bury St. Edmunds.
As you’d expect, quite simply, there hasn't been
a record carrying this sort of all-encompassing caustic agenda since the
Man-erm… A bunch of wide-eyed, glammed-up Clash fans started throwing rock
shapes around with gleeful abandon some fifteen years ago. But whilst the
M***** set their tales of Culture, Alienation, Boredom and Despair to a
torrent of chunky power chords and cod-Guns N' Roses riffs, the ‘America
favour a far more atmospheric, almost U2-esque brand of tuneful rock; guitarist
Gish's intricate, slow-burning verses often culminating in an impassioned
frenzy of a chorus.
Huge moments, churning six-string riffage and
the memorable singles ‘Talk Hard’ and ‘Miss Black America’ prove the definite
highlights throughout, the former number an ode to the resilience of put-upon
outcasts everywhere (the act's answer to Pulp's ‘Mis Shapes’, if you will),
the latter a rousing declaration of intent.
So, they may not be the finished article quite
yet – it was always going to be tough translating their riotous live shows
to long-playing record – but in a confused world where ‘Pop Idol’-flop
Rik Waller can get a record deal, Miss Black America are nothing less than
essential. Should they hold out so long, you're only allowed to stop loving
them when The Greatest Hits Tour calls into arenas nationwide in 2012.
Misterlee : Chiselgibbon CD on Rubber Czech
When Misterlee started work on his debut album,
he wanted to somehow combine the classic songwriting of the likes of Jacques
Brel, Lennon and McCartney and Scott Walker with the eclectic production
and arrangement qualities associated with artists such as Ennio Morricone,
Beck, Wally Stott, PJ Harvey and George Martin. And he's just about succeeded...
Misterlee's debut album, "CHISELGIBBON", is a truly original - and often
challenging - masterpiece. This one-man musical maelstrom wrote, played,
engineered and produced everything! Live, Misterlee performs solo... though
occasionally as a duo, and also a trio, when the frighteningly-talented
Jamieguitar Smith joins him (um... on guitar) and the debonair Mick Curtis-Oxtoby
adds violin and bass. Misterlee has been witnessed supporting such like-minded
individuals as Hamell On Trial and Johnny Dowd
Mistwitch : Smile For The Money Shot CD on Moonska
Madcap So-Cal inspired Irish Punk awash with
mega riffs and glorious harmonies from Dublin's very own MIXTWITCH. With
a successful EP and debut album "Funny But It's True" already released
in Ireland, making MIXTWITCH the Emerald Isle's most popular "new" Punk
band. Unusually sounding more Fat wreck than Moonska, this new album featuring
the bands unique tuneful and powerful pop-Punk, should help launch one
of Ireland's best kept secrets upon the UK and the rest of Europe.
Moistboyz : Iii CD on Ipecac
10 SONGS OF UNASHAMED DIRT ROCK IN THE VEIN OF
RAMONES, ZZ TOP AND AC/DC FROM MOISTBOYZ , ALTER EGO OF AN INFAMOUS AMERICAN
DUO WHO CANNOT BE NAMED FOR LEGAL REASONS.... *The Moistboyz are here to
put a stop to "clear-channel" Rock and Roll. The Moistboyz are sick and
tired of bullshit and candy-coated VH1 girl-rock. They will not appear
in panties or women's clothes. The Moistboyz are not spokesmen of the oppressed.
They care nothing for causes, marches, or human rights, because 'human
rights' are only the communist watering-down of FREEDOM. The Moistboyz
exist to provide loud Rock and Roll intended to be played at maximum volume.The
Moistboyz have previously released two cds on the Beastie Boys' now defunct
Grand Royal records, both were met with met overwhelming response by true
fans of American Rock and Roll. *Moistboyz,III is 10 songs of pure, inspired
American Rock and Roll, in an age where fake "metal" and "punk" are packaged
and marketed nicely for you by the same people who provide your telephone
service. The Moistboyz are here to serve notice to the fakers and doubters
and reclaim Rock and Roll for those who aren't so easily fooled..... Dirt
Rock For Fans Of: AC/DC. Ramones, Motorhead, The Toilet Boys
Moon Orchestra : You'll Know When You Get There
CD on Dbut
With a strong basis in various obscure European
and Cuban easy-listening records, Jon Platou Selvig, aka Moon Orchestra's
sole member, blends in a contemporary edge with carefully crafted beats
and serene melodies. His inspirational sources range from Barry White and
Cuban salsa to contemporaries such as Jazzanova, DJ Food and St. Germain.
A strong representative of the blossoming Norwegian scene, Moon Orchestra
sets out to fill the void left between floor-filling club anthems and sweet-but-dull
chill-out. Carving his own little niche, Jon is here to give you something
for your hips as well as your head. A strong fascination for shiny vintage
Boeing jets, deep lounge seats and soundtracks for imaginary (but slightly
sedate) action movies is the foundation for music. Loosen your tie, treat
yourself to a dry Martini and let the hips do the rest.
Morellas Forest : Tiny Lights Of Heaven CD on
Endearing
From Dayton, Ohio, MORELLA'S FOREST are fun pop
with catchy choruses, cool keys, and female vocals. Consisting of Sydney
Rentz (vocals/ guitar), Sean McCorkle (bass), Shawn Johnson (guitar/ keyboards)
and Nate McCorkle (drums), with the styling's of 80's new wave quirkiness
and indie candy pop maintain a strong bond amongst the members of Morella's
Forest, Sydney's lovely alluring vocals cascade through dreamy poppy keyboards
and guitars. After the release of "Ultraphonic Hiss" and "From Dayton With
Love" (Tooth & Nail), this third album "Tiny Lights of Heaven" finds
the band venturing straight into the world of pop, creating some of the
strongest songs and most moving ballads of their career. Flourishes of
Stereolab, flashes of The Cardigans, and flecks of Velocity Girl have been
injected into the band's guitar-driven songs, redefining the Morella's
Forest aesthetic. Morella's Forest prepare to bring to the pop world more
of their trademark infectious melodies delivered with sensuous vocals,
textured guitars, creative arrangements and balanced rhythm section, bringing
their own special collection of catchy, positive songs to everywhere that
need a little more beauty. From Dayton with love, of course.
Moses : Swimming Zoo CD on Bmn
MOSES are Hartlepool-born brothers Paul &
David Mosley, purveyors of quality acoustic pop songs & harmony-laden
melancholia, and along with their highly musical friends they have produced
their debut album "The Swimming Zoo". Both Paul and David are responsible
for the songwriting and vocals, and it is the interplay between their voices
that make the warmth and quality of the songs come through. Coupled with
some subtle arrangements for guitars, cellos, trumpets and percussion,
this is classy sophisticated songwriting. Already this has received a 3***
review in Q Magazine ("Given a sunny summer's day, this will fit the bill
nicely"), and also good reviews in The Big Issue ("Fast maturing songwriting…
classy indie pop") and Time Out ("gruff vocal elegance and stirring, warmly
emotive, multi-instrumentalism"). For fans of Badly Drawn Boy, Elliott
Smith, Beautiful South etc.
Mooz : Wheel That Squeaks The Loudest Is The
One That Get (CD). on Sink And Stove
New to sink and stove are bristol based band
mooz; a collective of four individuals creating an intensely edgy and seductive
new sound using cello, bass, drums, guitar and vocals. With a broad range
of musical influences they respond to their environment; creating haunting
city soundscapes based around stripped-down melodic groove songs.they have
played with roni size and horace andy and played glastonbury.the cd brings
to mind talking heads , pj harvey, sleater kinney and the slits.
Mount Sims : Ultra Sex CD on Emperor Norton /Outside
Mount
Sims’ ultimate gig would be playing a the prom in some ‘80s teen flick.
To say Mount Sims is influenced by New Wave would imply that they’re not
really new wave. Right. That would be wrong since Mount Sims are not influenced
by new wave, they are new wave. Heavy keyboards and monotonous, robotic
vocals on opening track "How We Do" lets you know how far back in time
you’re going here. It’s a thin line between serious homage and cheeky camp
that Mount Sims tight ropes across, but regardless of what you think about
copying the formula instead of adding to it, it’s fun to listen and dance
to. Most songs are cheeky and flirtatious, evidenced by great song titles
like "We Electric," "Come And Get It" and "Delicious & Nutritious."
Eighties geeks of the world, your new favourite band has arrived. Brian
Pascual
Mummydogs : Mummydogs CD on Frontier Records
When thin white rope broke up in 1992, they broke
the rock world's heart. Ten years on: the return of guy kyser should be
greeted with a frenzied anticipation akin to the second coming of christ.
The mummydogs' sound meanders through barry white, ennio morricone, delta
blues and cracker country, and grungy melodic pop laced with maracas and
feedback. Band features former members of thin white rope, chance the gardner,
beatrice 9, jem and scout, and thornucopia
Muskoka : Isn't It Beautiful Out There CD on
MOKI Records
Muskoka finally release their much anticipated
debut album on their own label MOKI records. Following on from the success
of their previous singles, the debut album delivers a mix of blissed out
sound-scapes and traditional band set-up, combining acoustic folk sounds,
haunting harmonies and simple hooks with dynamic walls of noise and rhythmic
guitar laden textures. Highlights of this debut include the dirty grooves
of "Younger for longer " and "Joe Meek", contrasting perfectly with the
chilled out vibes of "Isn't it beautiful out there" and "This is your hurricane".
My Favourite : Love At Absolute Zero .CD on Double
Agent
With songs packing sentiments like "Loneliness is pornography to them,
but to us it is an art", My Favorite are the logical new choice for thoses
disaffected folks who wore out their copies of The Smiths' 'Louder Than
Bombs'. Saturated with dreams of escaping lives haunted by technology and
an uncertain present, '..Absolute Zero' is reminiscent of Morrissey's golden
years. Musically the quintet's songs also have the charming elegance of
The Smiths, but layers of decadent synths and Michael Grace Jr's dusky
voice also echo New Order, while Andrea Vaughn's fragile vocals recall
the Cocteau Twins' gossamer atmospheres. The band have recently played
shows with Marine Research.
Youssou N'dour : Nothing's In Vain Cd on Nonesuch
If
you've ever heard of Senegal, you probably know that it's home to Youssou
N'Dour, a popular African musician that has made in-roads into the musical
vocabulary of the rest of the world (with a little help from Peter Gabriel).
On Nothing's In Vain, N'Dour weaves in more traditional instruments from
Senegal and creates songs like "Moor Ndaje" that are both intricate and
emotional. He still maintains a gentle balance between his roots as a griot
(oral historian) with pop sensibility. While he sings the majority of the
lyrics in his mother tongue, he can still make you hum. However, the track
"C'est L'Amour" indicates that, perhaps, Youssou is spending too much of
his expatriate time soaking up sappy French lounge acts.
NAS : The Lost Tapes Cd on Columbia/Sony
Nas
is one of the most over-analyzed hip-hop artists. When he first cut into
the East Coast gangster scene with Illmatic, fans immediately gave props
to his lyrical mastery. With his subsequent albums‚ fans thought Nas became
a sellout thanks to collaborations with Aaliyah and Ginuwine. However,
for fans of vintage Nas, Lost Tapes compiles unreleased tracks recorded
during the Illmatic and I Am sessions. Songs like "My Way" feature trademark
minimalist jazz loops and slicing lyrical cavalry, while others, like "Nothing
Lasts Forever," suffer from poor arrangement, but still triumph lyrically.
Overall, the album plays like an original release. For fan and critics,
there is a no doubt that Nas has always been "half man, half amazing."
Nerf Herder : American Cheese CD on Honest Dons
This is the new and highly anticipated recording
by NERF HERDER, anyone who knows this band will know that they’re anything
but “hard” and don’t come from the “streets”, they are totally hilarious
and are the true masters of new-wave influenced, quirky poppy punk music.
“American Cheese” looks deep into love, alcohol and masturbating, twelve
tracks the kids can relate to and after two long years since their last
album, it’s about bloody time!
Nicotine : Samurai Shot CD on Asian Man
NICOTINE hail from Chiba, Japan and have been
playing their punk rock sound since 1993, the band has worked extremely
hard to bring their high octane sound to the masses. NICOTINE has sold
well over 300,000 records of their previous two releases in Japan. Asian
Man Records is proud to introduce this compilation of greatest hits from
three full lengths, singles, and compilation tracks, over 70 minutes of
music altogether. Influenced heavily by the likes of NOFX (same instrumentation
- two guitars, bass and drums), in fact they've often been described as
the Japanese NOFX.
Nightwalker : In Shop We Build Electric Chairs
CD on Fading Captain
A modern day acid-drenched mind-fuck from your
new favorite band - nightwalker. Born in the hills of bloomington, indiana,
this decidedly gnome like outfit give no information as to their identities
on their records. Each of their tracks is considered to be an album, 11
of them appear here. Previous to this release, nightwalker have released
two albums in the form of 7"s - ' lucifers aching revolver' and 'firehouse
mountain' both of which sold out within days of their release. All nightwalker
recordings are met with a rather enormous amount of praise from the folks
who like to Call themselves "psychedelic." These recordings set the standard
for "out." Includes the hits "the fink swan (swims away)" & "ceramic
cock einstein." On the robert pollard-centric label; the fading captain
series.
Not From There : Latvian Lovers :CD on Kool Arrow
With a history that includes several deportations,
a stay in bratislava and a hit single sung in a foreign language, not from
there are arguably one of the most popular independent bands in australia.
Not from there have opted to make their second album, 'latvian lovers'
available in the uk / europe on kool arrow records (the label formed by
billy gould (ex-faith no more), raymond herrera and dino cazeres of fear
factory and juan brujo of brujeria). The music - though completely original
- has a vague familiarity about it, inviting (distant) comparisons to the
fall, sonic youth, and girls against boys. They then decided to record
their next full length “latvian lovers”, taking the approach of recording
with only small glimpses of musical ideas in place. Nft surprised all with
their disco flavoured 'frisco disco' a track that gained radio rotation
across the board and perfectly introduces the bizarre transition that is
'latvian lovers' an album which fuses their past style with a mutated electro
meets mexicana disco vibe
No-man : Heaven Taste CD on Hidden Art
‘heaven taste’ comprises a selection of b-sides,
rarities and outtakes recorded in the band’s studio. Originally released
through the voiceprint label it is now re-released on the hidden art label
after being out of print for some considerable time. This new digitally
re-mastered recording features the full length version of the title track
‘heaven taste’ (which was edited on the previous issue) as well as brand
new artwork throughout. Focusing on the more filmic and atmospheric aspects
of the band’s output, the album boasts a rich and seamless fusion of ambient,
ecm jazz and dance influences. Highlights include title track ‘heaven taste’,
a stunning twenty-two minute instrumental collaboration with ex-japan/rain
tree crow legends jansen, barbieri and karn and an inspired cover version
of the nick drake classic ‘road’.
Sinead O'connor : Sean Nos Nua
'Sean
Nós Nua' is a collection of traditional songs recorded and produced
by Sinead O'Connor with seminal Irish musician Donal Lunny and Adrian Sherwood
(Massive Attack, NIN, Dub Syndicate, The Cure). "The way we have recorded
them is to 'sexy' them up with rhythms and sounds so that they can become
part of what is new style", says O'Connor. "Hence the record is called
'Sean Nós Nua' - old style but new". Other musical guests include
Sharon Shannon (accordian),former Waterboy Steve Wickham (fiddle) and Christy
Moore. Highlights include 'Óró, Sé Do Bheatha 'Bhaile',
an Irish language song celebrating Grace O'Malley, the sixteenth century
pirate who battled the Spanish and French fleet, Dublin street ballad 'Molly
Malone', and 'Peggy Gordon', a traditional song of unrequited love.
"Normally traditional Irish music has been presented
in a sexless way and in such an old fashioned way that - with the exception
of Moving Hearts -no-one has really made the songs appeal to young artists,
as what is traditional in Ireland is thought of as being uncool. Myself,
Adrian Sherwood and Donal Lunny are hoping to make Irish traditional music
appealing to singers, bands and songwriters who are bored with the state
of Irish music as it is now" - Sinead O'Connor
Of Montreal : Aldhils Arboretum CD on Track And
Field
Their songs soar and weave with energy and goodwill,
daring anyone who hears them to walk away without a smile on their face.
Listening to of montreal, you might think that singer / songwriter / architect
kevin barnes is missing the angst gene. But the longer you listen, the
more you start to realize that maybe missing the angst gene is a blessing.
It allows kevin to more fully explore his crazily creative ideas and to
make wondrous music. The band have released five long-players in the states
and have built a strong a following through extensive coast to coast touring
and their close links to te elephant 6 collective. Their new long-player,
"aldhil's arboretum"
Oddfellows Casino : Yellow Bellied Wonderland
CD on Pickled Egg
Oddfellows casino is the latest incarnation of
brighton-based singer-songwriter david bramwell, whose past exploits have
included recording with cult producer kramer for the shimmy disk/ koko-pop
label. ‘yellow-bellied wonderland’ is his first album with pickled egg,
and proves to be a dreamy, exotic and intriguing debut. Packed to the hilt
with to-die-for tunes, the album lurches from hammond-drenched pop to haunting
electronica, blaring horns, wispy flutes, eastern-sounding string arrangements
and stripped down acoustic piano songs. Lyrically, bramwell pays homage
to his northern roots, with tracks such as ‘road movie’ and ‘hide me, joe’
exploring the wilderness of lincolnshire and the north york moors, while
elsewhere there are tales of drunken evenings by the fire, the author’s
forlorn insomniac wanderings and some deliciously black humour in the tale
of the ‘prune-faced man and his fat wife’’.
Oneida : Each One Teach One : CD on Jagjagwuar
As
is the case with Oneida's live performances, the focal point of the material
here is the pursuit of overwhelming aural cacophony. This latest sonic
assault begins with a noisy monotone marathon that goes for the listener’s
jugular with a vengeance. "Sheets Of Easter" drops into a 20-minute drone
only interrupted by one 10 second break. The other composition on the first
of this two-CD set has a similar lack of structure. It’s not until CD 2
that some actual song structures appear and a more layered mix is presented.
Sure, there is some order to this sonic experimentation, but Oneida tend
to throw the basic song structures out with the proverbial bath water,
leaving the listener with more questions than answers from this seemingly
pointless sonic hurricane.
Oranges Band : On Tv CD on Lookout!
"Music is Mobility!" is the mantra. Activity
is the goal. The Oranges Band are a concept band and the concept reads
"Make good music. Take to the streets." It sounds easy, and it is. But
it took a while to arrive at this simplicity. Roman Kuebler began making
music five years ago with the Roads to Space Travel, a Baltimore quartet
of indie rockers banging around in their basement. The quartet slimmed
to a trio and the band focused on creating complex pop music. They put
out two full lengths on Amish Records & a 7" on DeSoto. The Orange
Calendar then started around April, 2000 with the release of the innovatively
packaged and appropriately titled seven inch/cd combo, "The Five Dollars
EP", on Morphius Records followed by a five song effort titled "Nine Hundred
Miles of Fucking Hell", released 2001. In it's second year, with the original
touring line up still in place, the band confirmed it's commitment by adopting
the more appropriate title of The Oranges Band. 'On Tv' is their debut
mini for Lookout! Records. The references are many: some Velvet Underground,
some Smiths, maybe some James. Modern types will hear similarities to The
Strokes, but none of these do them justice. The jangly yet driving guitars,
the intensely heavy melodies, the pounding drums are all tied together
by the incredible vocal delivery of Roman Kuebler. The Oranges Band are
destined for big things.
Out Hud : Street Dad CD on Kranky
Debut album from hotly tipped Brooklyn outfit
OUT HUD, currently one of the most talked about bands on the U.S. live
circuit....... *Out Hud deliver the rhythm and the restraint: recalling
the DRY, BRITTLE FUNK of EARLY 80's UK POST PUNK, think FACTORY RECORDS
meets ON U SOUND. *This 5 piece doesn't sound hopelessly retro or preciously
muso, at the core is an airtight, energetic live band transformed in the
mix into a pounding system with a wide melodic range. *File next to: Factory
Records/On U Sound
Oxes : Oxxxes .CD on Monitor
Confrontational call it what you want,nobody
cares.what matters is that this band is making some of the best,most influential,groundbreaking
music available today ,"oxxxes" proves that.this joyous piece of ear candy
takes you from "wanting to punch your best friend" anger, to "shaking your
bottom, baltimore dance club style"!!! Done completely with only two guitars
and one drum set.recorded by bob weston (shellac).finally a band to bring
back the early days of bastro, don caballero, rapeman and bitch magnet,throw
in some trans am quirkiness some champs riffing
Paper Moon : One Thousad Reasons To Stay CD on
Endearing
Created a few months after the amicable dissolution
of the critically-acclaimed Winnipeg pop group B'ehl, three of the group's
members decided to try making music together again. Allison Somers, Bob
Somers (ex-The Bonaduces) and Chris Hiebert (also ex-The Bonaduces), recruited
Heather Campbell (ex-The Electrosonics and Bossanova) to add a new sonic
dimension to their music. Paper Moon is the result. Sometimes driving,
sometimes atmospheric, melodic throughout, Paper Moon would not seem out-of-place
on the same stage as That Dog (if they were still around), The Cardigans,
The Sundays or Juliana Hatfield.
Part Chimp : Chart Pimp CD on Rock Action
MOGWAI's ROCK ACTION LABEL PRESENTS THE HEAVY
AS FUCK DEBUT ALBUM FROM PART CHIMP, THINK QUEENS OF THE STONE AGE meets
JESUS LIZARD meets MOGWAI...... Part Chimp are Tim Cedar (guitar/vocals),
John Hamilton (drums) both ex - LIGAMENT, Nick Prior (bass) ex - SCARFO
and Ian H (guitar) ex - SAWYER. Mogwai were so impressed by the band when
they supported them at their Shepherds Bush Empire gig that they asked
the band if they could release the record on their label. 'Chart Pimp'
is LOW BROW, KNUCKLE SCRAPING, PRIMAL GARAGE PUNK ROCK, METAL with a hint
of COUNTRY thrown in for good measure. *VINYL LIMITED TO 500 COPIES. Part
Chimp will playing several live dates around the country to support the
album including dates with TRAIL OF DEAD. *File next to : QUEENS/JESUS
LIZARD/MOGWAI/TRAIL OF DEAD.
Pastel Vespa : L'anarchie CD on Siesta
Pastel Vespa hails from Brazil, that's Brazil
just south of France, west of St. Tropez. She's Astrud Gilberto in a late
nite jazz club, - a Latin blonde with the silky voice of Claudine Longet
surrounded by musical maestros that could be re-incarnations of Bacharach,
Jobim or Tony Hatch. "L'Anarchie", her first full-length album, presents
camp cover versions of hits by The Sex Pistols, Astrud Gilberto, Kiss,
Thin Lizzy, Chumbawamba, Ian Dury and Alanis Morrissette. Unforgettable
songs aided by the rhapsodic musical direction of Mr. John Thorn, Pastel
Vespa takes you on a journey into exciting new musical terrain. Mariachi
bands strum where electric guitars once howled, smooth lounge blows the
angst from Chumbawamba, and "Ironic" gets the torch song treatment it always
craved. Pastel slows the Kiss classic "I Was Made For Lovin' You" down
to a bedroom purr, Wheatus' "Teenage Dirtbag" goes adult-contemporary and
"Evie Pts 1, 2 & 3", the quintessential Australian 70's rock anthem,
becomes a melding of lounge, The Carpenters and Latin disco! Exotica? Lounge
pop? Mambo Pop? Anarchy Cha-cha?… Yes, the boys are back in town, but this
time they're packing marimbas!
Pavement : Slanted And Enchanted:Luxe &
Reduxe Cd on Matador
Ten
years ago, Slanted And Enchanted first hit record stores and college radio
waves. Equal parts art-rock pretension, white noise hullabaloo and unforgettable
melody, Slanted was a beacon in the indie rock wilderness. Now, to celebrate
the now-defunct band, Matador releases the Luxe & Reduxe version of
this release. Two CDs contain the album proper, John Peel sessions, the
Watery, Domestic EP, along with other rarities and an entire live show.
Malkmus's scrawled lyrics, as well as liner notes by the major players
accompany the album. While sitting through both CDs at one time may be
too much of a good thing, taken in parts this is an invaluable document
and a pleasurable listen. Plus, "Summer Babe" ranks among the best first
songs on a debut album from any decade.
Peaches : Teaches Of Peaches CD on XL
Now Peaches has signed to XL Recordings, we are
proud to present her hard-to-find debut longplayer, The Teaches Of Peaches,
in all its glory She could eat you for breakfast – and with her fearlessness
and humour, her tongue lapping her cheek lasciviously, she joined the ranks
of artists like Madonna, Lil' Kim, Kathleen Hanna and Lydia Lunch who’ve
succeeded in bending the complex sexual energies of pop to their own cultural
ends. When Peaches reached her spiritual home - the capital of decadence,
Berlin - her unbridled live passion and her fruity verbal flow made lots
of people want to fuck. And dance. And cast off their inhibitions. And
laugh. And then do it all again. .One thing led to another, as it so often
does when wearing pink latex, and Kitty-Yo released Peaches' motherlode,
the Teaches Of Peaches full-length, to the lucky people of Europe in September.
Produced and recorded entirely by Peaches herself, fusing the nihilst gutter-tronics
of Suicide with the carnal knowledge of a wanton hussy, The Teaches Of
Peaches thrilled critics and soundtracked clubs, fashion shows, house parties,
pole-dances, DJ sets, fetish scenes, gay discos, intimate soirees, gallery
openings and furtive assignations for many, many months thereafter. . The
vinyl pack is a special limited-edition five LP set, including the entire
album, plus four brand new songs and four acapella versions of album tracks,
packaged in a super-wide spined sleeve. The follow-up to The Teaches Of
Peaches will be released next year…
Pele : Enemies Cd on Polyvinyl
While
this album was playing on the stereo, my roommate asked who would like
this type of music. My response: Geeky White College Boys. What more can
I say about this derivative math-rock instrumental album? Pele is a quartet
who were probably completely into this sort of music during their college
years. So it's no stretch that this dense material would come out of the
heads of this foursome. There's lots of music going on here: meandering,
fiddly guitar, major bass line fret fingering, multiple key and tempo changes.
This entire album seems more like aural excerpts from a professional music
lesson than a document for casual listening.
Peralta : Peralta .CD on Atarms Mechanics / No
Idea
Imagine that True North attack mixed up with
an early DC sound, with a little BIG BLACK and BLACK FLAG and you have
Peralta. What a great mix it is too! Like BIG BLACK, they have that chaotic
guitar sound, but manage to make a melody out of this. The bass hits you
like that out of BLACK FLAG and the whole thing is kept at a tidy pace.
They recently toured with PLANES MISTAKEN FOR STARS and are getting great
reviews.
Phantomsmasher : Phantomsmasher CD on Ipecac
Phantomsmasher is: (the Atomsmasher you know
and love) Dave Witte (Drums), DJ Speedranch (AudioMulch Vocals), and James
Plotkin (Bass, Guitar, Synthi, Wave Editing). Pushing the boundaries of
Hardcore, Grind, Electronica, etc. through radical experimentation. A masterful
meeting between violent rock and violent electronics. "It's energy, it's
power, it's evil, it's beautiful, it's emotional, it's hell and heaven
rolled into one big fat blunt, smoked like a motherfucker." -DJ Speedranch
James Plotkin has also released music under the guises of Scorn, Old, Khanate,
Atomsmasher and Death Ambient. For Fans Of: Kid606, Venetian Snares, Aphex
Twin.
Piranhas : Erotic Grit Movies CD on in the red
The second of this week’s slew of in the red
releases, and it’s another mind blowing debut, following On from some blinding
singles, hailing from detroit (yes its that hotbed of raw talent again!)
Have already been on the cover of mmr.their chaotic live shows haveearned
them a reputation as one of the few truly primal and dangerous bands around.
Their music is a violent head on collision between art skronk abstraction
and raw punk savagery. Like a mutant cross between hearpen era pere ubu
and damaged era black flag, with a dose of mid 70s cleveland punk poured
over the top for good measure.
Plastic : Kunst Stoff CD on Accession
Brand new from Accession Records. PLASTIC's debut
album '[kunst]: Stoff' is an uncompromising mix of EBM, electro and synth
pop. Walls of sound, combined with pulsing bass sequences & glorious
vocals.
Pocket Rockets : Love Or Perish .CD on Teenbeat
New signings to Teenbeat are a trio of Washington
DC area teenagers putting the "Teen" back in Teenbeat. They list their
influences as David Bowie & other early 70's glam bands, but somehow
come out sounding more like indie 2002. Johnny Marr-ish guitars & teen
girl angst vocals with almost psychedelic production help from Bill Doss
(OLIVIA TREMOR CONTROL, SUNSHINE FIX) & Ryan Lewis (KINDERCORE, FOUR
CORNERS). A blazing debut.
Pollard / Meltzer / Smegma / Antler : Tropic
Of Nipples CD on Off
exclusive & unreleleased material ROBERT
POLLARD (GBV) joins forces with RICAHRD MELTZER (lyricist for Blue Oyster
Cult) to create one sick little puppy of a release. Features unreleased
songs that bubble & burn with the musical yet psychedelic minds of
legendary 70's noise outfits SMEGMA & ANTLER
Polly Phillips : No Relation .CD on Koala Music
This is the second album from Scottish singer-songwriter
Polly Phillips, described as having ‘the voice of an angel that swears
like a trooper’, who is fast becoming one of Scotland’s hottest musical
properties. A collection of raw-boned songs, sung with sheer power and
passion – switching from a delicate acoustic feel on the girl-next-door
breathtaking love songs to full-on guitar rock on the angry-young-woman
honesty edgy numbers. Press quotes: “taking our breath away with an incredible
demonstration of her vocal abilities” The List, “The kind of voice that
makes you want to do wild things” Diva, “Bristling with ironic observation
and vivid imagery” The Scotsman, “A beguiling voice…you could close your
eyes and imagine a less gravelly PJ Harvey” The List. Sweet and clear,
hard and bitter, a definite cut above the majority of singer-songwriters,
a very original style but not a million miles from the commercially successful
sounds of the world of Sheryl Crow, Tori Amos
Patrick Porter : Reverb Saved My Life .CD on
Camera Obscura
We are chuffed to bring you the extraordinary
recordings made by Patrick Porter (one half of the spacepop duo Raining
on Vivian St previously known as PHINEAS GAGE) in 1997-98. Committed by
the then teenager to a friend’s basement 16-track ADAT in the early hours
of the morning, the songs have a Nick Drake-like internalization &
soul. These recordings, originally self-released on cassette have now been
re engineered & expanded instrumentally to present them sonically as
their scope & sweep deserves. Lyrical, lilting & rhythmic, the
songs share some similarity to work by the likes of Spiritualised, Low,
& Piano Magic, but seem more like floating in a zone of sleep-deprived
questioning & seeking rather than in space. Ambient & glorious,
Porter’s vocal & guitar work shine throughout, but never more so than
on the newly recorded “St Louis”, on which the swaying melody & skipping
guitar lines are tracked by a night chorus of crickets inside a vast cathedral
of sound.
Post : Backwards CD on S A Records
A three piece from bloomington, in, the post
seamlessly synthesize the standard guitar/bass/drum rock orchestration
with organic samples, loops and keyboards. On the newly released cd, backwards,
the post have come into their own by fully integrating the sound collages
and broken times and loops. Though don't be misled, the post is not another
laptop outfit bleeping its waythough their record. Instead, the collages
and beats are allowed to wrap themselves around the song's core. And the
results a mix of the experimental arrangements of this heat, morricone
textures and the rhythms of the talking heads.
Peru You : In The Sea On The Sea CD on Tpwb
This 5-piece band from Oslo, Norway have what
it takes to kiss your ears!. These four men and a woman - fifty fingers
that perform with Farfisa and a concerto guitar, melodica and Korg, duets
and glockenspiel, with bass and pocket percussion to sway your hips! And
the revellers are: Ole Bjerkebakke: Percussion, drums, whistle, Knut Xyvind
Olsen: Vocals, Farfisa, bass, guitar, melodica, glockenspiel, Linda Wietfeldt:
Vocals, Farfisa, piano, melodica, bass, Christian Solberg: Bass, guitar,
Even Juliussen: Guitar, bass, melodica, Korg. Press: Drammens Tidende 5/6
- "..debuts with brilliantly underproduced lo-fi/slow-core pop magic -
a surprising release from the Norwegian underground." "Peru You are terrific
songwriters and the record is loaded with melodies with a character of
their own." "Never noisy, but all the more beautiful and athmospheric."
CD comes in clear jewelbox with delicious artwork. Vinyl is limited to
300 numbered copies with inserts.
Pia Fraus : In Solarium CD on Claire
“In Solarium” is the second album from Pia Fraus.
It sees the band reaching new heights of sonic texture. The band’s six
members utilize a bevy of instruments including farfisa organ, synthesizers,
“noise”, two vocalists, bass, drums, and of course those wonderful guitars.
Their songs have a remarkable sense of melody that’ll be stuck in your
head for ages. The layers upon layers of guitars, keyboards, and boy/girl
vocals put you in a different place - a land of daydreams and bright colors.
It’s pop. It’s noisy. It’s brilliant.
Dave Pirner : Faces & Names Cd on Sony
For
his solo debut, Soul Asylum’s tangle-haired front-man Dave Pirner arrives
in a crooning mood. Lush Hammond organ, horns and hip-hop beats accentuate
an album that crosses acoustic singer/songwriter every-which-wayness with
modern R&B. Pirner additionally draws a line back to Stevie Wonder,
Taylor-era Stones, Marvin Gaye and even Michael Jackson. The lyrics are
intensely personal, involved and involving (and very hard to read). Adept
and literary as Pirner is, this is also a high gloss, high concept recording.
Poor Rich Ones : From The Makers Of Ozium (CD).
on Rec90
This album won the Spellemannprisen (Norwegian
Grammy) in 1998. This is the Poor Rich Ones second album and incl. the
track "Small Glimpse" which was a single of week at XFM. The album was
produced with the band and Kai Andersen (Madrugada and Motorpsycho)
Pretty Girls Make Graves : Good Health . CD on
Lookout
Pretty Girls Make Graves are the future of punk
rock. They're equal parts style, sound and emotion. Their music and live
show exemplify the kind of experimentation, humanity, honesty and intensity
that make the punk rock underground continually vital. Pretty Girls Make
Graves defy the limiting definitions of emo, hardcore and street-punk to
present a sound all their own. The songs are incredible bursts of joy,
pain, energy and true emotion set to a visceral and dynamic punk soundscape.
Their pedigree is hard to deny (featuring members of Kill Sadie, Death
Wish ids, The Beehive Vaults and Murder City Devils), and in the short
year since they formed they have developed an amazing following. The vocals
and lyrics of singer Andrea Zollo put her up there along the likes of Exene
Cervenka and Penelope Houston as an incredibly powerful and exciting singer.
Pretty Girls Make Graves are effective and compelling, they are serious
and real. With plans to tour non-stop in 2002, Pretty Girls Make Graves
are a force to contend with in Punk Rock for the new millennium.
Primesth : Underneath The Surface .CD on Rebelution
Entertainment
With two singles under their belts this is the
bands first full length, originally from Stockholm, Sweden they’ve now
relocated to Los Angeles and quickly gaining a reputation for themselves
playing good ol’ heavy rock. The band have worked with producers Andy Wallace
(LINKIN PARK, NIRVANA, STSTEM OF A DOWN) and Tom Lord-Age (WEEZER, MARILYN
MANSON) so you know it’s quality.
Printed Circuit : Adventure Game CD on Catmobile
In the past four years, claire broadley has recorded
as printed circuit for irritant, tigerbeat6, 555 and elefant, played live
with kid 606, chicks on speed, le tigre, cex and manitoba, on her 2001
cd 'reprints'. Her music was recently described as “the logical outcome
of commodore 64s being force-fed down usb cables”, and her first full-length,
'the adventure game', demonstrates that theory perfectly. Despite the cautious
tones of opener 'paws', the album almost immediately explodes into the
vibrant, technicolour electro-pop of 'semaphore on the dancefloor'. It's
the printed circuit ethic condensed into one song; crafted melodies leading
exciting electronic music that can be both intelligent and fun. Everything
about 'the adventure game' has been painstakingly crafted, right down to
the exceptional designed album artwork (by mike langlie of yipyop.com).
Amongst a genre that throws out a vast volume of work every year, you should
know that when a printed circuit record is made, the music is always imbued
with love, attention, optimism, blood, sweat and beats. It's electronic,
but truly human in its emotion.
Prong : 100% Live CD on Locomotive
Brand new live album from the reunited prong.
The band consist of tommy victor (vocals / guitar), dan laudo (drums),
brian perry (bassist) and monte pittman (guitar). The album includes 'beg
to differ', 'snap your fingers, snap your neck', 'prove you wrong', 'whose
fist is this anyway', 'rude awakening', 'controller', 'another wordly device'
and more. 14 tracks in total.
Puressence : Planet Helpless CD on Island
Having
spent the latter part of last year on-the-road honing their craft, Puressence
reach the next rung on the ascendancy ladder with the release of their
third -and finest - longplayer. Recorded at the Fallout Shelter,Revolution,
Ridge Farm, Westside and Zarma (Paris),'Planet Helpless' shows a massive
leap in maturity following 1996's 'Puressence' and 1999s 'Only Forever',an
album that won Puressence an enormous amount of critical acclaim. A bludgeoningheadrush
of spectral guitar lines and acrobatic vocals, standout tracks include
the epic 'Walking Dead', the beautiful 'How Does It Feel?' and the sublime
'Heart Of Gold'. The end result is their most accomplished album to date
and one that,should make them odds-on in their continuing assault against
mediocrity.
Q And Not U : Different Damage CD on Dischord
'Different Damage' is the follow up to their
highly acclaimed debut 'No Kill No Beep Beep' and was recorded by IAN MACKAYE
and DON ZIENTARA. Q and Not U will be supporting FUGAZI on selected dates
of the highly anticpated, recently rearranged UK tour. File next to : Gang
of Four/Fugazi/Rapture/Bluetip
Quix*o*tic : Mortal Mirror CD on Kill Rock Stars
Gloomy soul music from x-slant 6, the blue rider
and cromtech folks. Quix*o*tic is based in washington dc and is made up
of christina billotte (autoclave, slant 6), mira billotte (the blue rider),
and mick barr (cromtech, orthrelm, octis). Christina and mira are sisters
and they use their voices to create innovative and haunting harmonies and
other vocal intrigues. And christina is a fabulous guitarist as seen in
her work in her previous bands. Mick plays in crazy prog-rock bands so
his playing is as impeccable as you might imagine. The music is a unique
and finely balanced mixture of genres that seems to create its own new
genre and feels perfectly natural. Soul, garage, goth-punk (such as the
cramps et al) and indie-rock mix to create a new thing that doesn't sound
quite like any of these, although if pressed you could call it soul more
than anything else. Maybe "gloomy soul music." quix*o*tic has done three
tours around the us, one in europe. They've toured with sonic youth, will
oldham, papa m, blonde redhead, fugazi, the rapture, and some others.
Rabbincial School Dropouts : Cosmic Tree CD on
Tzadik
Based in california, the rabbinical school dropouts
is about as crazy as a group of kooks as one could wish for. Sun ra, the
hampton grease, frank zappa and the klezmatics all rolled into one. The
music of the three freidmann brothers is fresh and imaginative. Their ten-piece
big band (featuring oboe, bassoon, mandolin, toy piano, tablas, etc) storms
through a dozen creative originals touching upon klezmer, jazz, funk, latin,
rock and varied silliness along the way. Jewish garage jazz with a sick
sense of humour from long beach, california
Radio 4 : Gotham : CD on City Slang
Half
dance party, half political rally, 'Gotham!' is the hook-saturated, dance-rock
record of 2002. Complete with a post-punk fortitude, this is one of the
most exciting, most passionate and most aggressive albums to be released
in a long time. There's no mistaking the influences from Gang Of
Four to The Clash to Talking Heads to PiL but seldom have you heard
anything so fresh, so animated, so focussed, so political and so full-on
funky. Addictive rockers such as 'Start a Fire', 'Eyes Wide Open', and
'Calling All Enthusiasts' are accentuated by Tommy Williams's serrated,
funky guitar workouts, while 'Speaking in Code', and 'Pipe Bombs' explore
hypnotic dub inflections. Meanwhile, 'Struggle' and 'End of the Rope' could
incite a dance riot. And yes, the anthemic 'Dance To The Underground' does
indeed sum it all up for a new movement of rock bands demanding you to
shake your rump.
Mark Rae : rae road CD on grand central records
On
numerous debut albums, talent and potential may well be blindingly obvious,
but you can’t help but wish that some artists had that little bit more
experience that may help them escape the pitfalls of the initial outing
that claim so many lives at the first hurdle.
Mark Rae has found a clever way around it all.
Although this is, strictly speaking, his debut record, ‘Rae Road’ benefits
hugely from experience gained from his involvement in renowned dance duo,
Rae & Christian, as well as his ownership of the Grand Central label
– on which he releases this long-awaited LP… And a pretty good effort it
is, too. ‘Rae Road’ consistently manages to succeed where other dance-tinged
albums recently have failed due to a lack of variation or ability to laugh,
both of which are things that this album has in abundance.
Rae tells of how he ‘wanted this record to be
almost like a Jackson Pollock’, which should give you an idea of the scope
of the project. Although the comparison to Pollock may lead you to expect
something slightly more leftfield than what is on offer, what you do get
is an invigoratingly cheeky take on dance, as the mischievous opener ‘Lobster’
lets you know right from the off, and – hell – the inclusion of ‘proper
songs’ also makes a nice change. Obviously a practiced lyricist and songwriter
as well as record guru and DJ, Mark Rae has enlisted the help of many vocal-talents
to add flair to the mix, most notably the soulful tones of Veba (who Rae
calls ‘the best vocalist I have ever heard’), whose superb virtuoso performance
on first single ‘Lavish’ recalls better sides of Soul 2 Soul, whilst on
the vaguely Avalanches sounding funk of ‘Fold or Flower’, she makes Shirley
Bassey sound like a partially-muted pussycat.
Another guest-singer, this time in the shape
of Joseph Cotton, provides the album with its standout moment in the stimulating,
ragga-garage crossover of ‘Candystripe’, itself an utter contrast to anything
provided by Veba’s admirable efforts. The variation is the album’s main
strength – even if the dance-flavoured R&B style will not be to everyone’s
taste – and any accusations of dullness or lack of flair simply don’t have
a leg to stand on. The only times where ‘Rae Road’ lets itself down, incidentally,
are where it becomes too comfortable with itself, for example ‘I Need A
Fix’, which in comparison to everything else just seems rather plain, and
‘Bamburgh Dunes’, which seems to show a slight slip in the level of imagination.
Otherwise, the continuity in terms of worthwhile,
memorable tunes is a big achievement. It never leans towards self-indulgence,
stands up to intensive listening and always keeps a firm grip on luscious,
catchy melodies such as those in ‘Dime Train’ and ‘Make No Mistake’. It
won’t revitalise what according to some reports is a dying scene all by
itself, but others in the game would do well to take notice; it’s become
clear now that being mediocre will not get you anywhere for long – and
‘Rae Road’ may well be the path to take.
Red Animal War : Black Phantom Crusades CD on
Deep Elm
Rich with innovation, intensity and complex songwriting
BLACK PHANTOM CRUSADES represents a flawless mixture of art and math. Unpredictable
and aggressive yet never out of control, RED ANIMAL WAR pulls, screams
and claws at the heart of guitar-driven rock as if they had just one last
chance to save it. And save it they do...with a unique display of sound,
style and talent so delicately restrained one minute, so ferociously ready
for battle the next. Multi-layered patchworks of instrumentation, intricate
start-stop dynamics and sharply written melodies characterize the somehow
seamless flow of each song on this amazing sophomore release. Wrapped with
smart lyrics that venture far beyond the domain of broken hearts, lead
singer Justin Wilson understands that words can hit as hard as any instrument.
The rhythm section is so driving and the guitar play so tricky...you can
feel it in your bones. Turn-on-a-dime dynamics, pop-punk riff sensibility,
heartfelt emotion and sharply written melodies. - Slave INTENSE...great,
innovative and intriguingly catchy songs Clever stuff...hard to pin down.
- Fracture If half of bands out there were half as good as RAW, the world
would be a better place. Superhero * Recommended to Fans of: Braid, Burning
Airlines, Hot Water Music, Jimmy Eat World
Redefine : The Daisy Chain Cycle .CD on Sugarshack
Though aged in their late teens, Redifine share
an intensity you would only expect from a band who had honed their skills
over a decade or more. Singer Pete Daplyn's voice drips with heartbroken
emotion over an almost tribal backbeat with the kind of awesome crunching
guitars that leave no gaps at all in an almost wall of sound assault on
the senses. Containing twelve tracks 'The Daisychain Cycle' includes last
single (Kerrang! Single Of The Week) 'Cypher' and a totally reworked version
of their debut single 'Seven By Seven', plus ten brand new compositions
that display a vibrant, brand nu extremely young and very hard rocking
band at their searing best. Catch Redefine live when they headline The
Barfly at The Monarch in Camden on April 15th, prior to a full UK tour.
Here's just some of the nice things the press had to say about Redifine's
previous releases: KERRANG! 'Knowing that this is just the start for them
just makes it all the more exciting', 4KKKK 'Single of The Week'. ROCK
SOUND 'Exciting and emotional, 'Cypher' benefits from trying to sound like
Deftones when it's had too much of the Placebo influence'. METAL HAMMER
'Bristol-based space-age rock quartet (not in a Spineshank fear Factory
Kinda way, though) who sound like an eclectic fusion of Silverchair, Incubus
and Far. Check'Em Out'.
Red Star Belgrade : Secrets And Lies CD on Blue
Rose
Mixing country, alternative rock, and hard driving
pop, Red Star Belgrade (formed in North Carolina by ex-music critic Bill
Curry) offer their fourth full-length CD. A compelling ride from start
to finish, Red Star Belgrade's 'Secrets and Lies' incorporates everything
from barnstorming guitar rock to alternative country to organ blues and
even lush piano songs. Adding to the guitar assault this time around is
none other than Eleventh Dream Day guitarist Rick Rizzo who adds sparkling
lead work on the both the title cut (perhaps the band's finest song to
date - a maelstrom of epic fury as Rizzo and Curry unleash a mammoth wall
of sound) and the CD's opening track, "Drowning," a tragic tale of murder
and paranoid delusions. Fans of Red Star Belgrade's twangier side are also
sure not to be disappointed by "Twinkle," with its melancholy pedal steel,
and "We Tried," a classic country waltz about a disintegrating relationship.
For more than eight years, Red Star Belgrade has made some of the darkest
and most uncompromising music on the planet. Provocative, insightful, and
always tuneful, 'Secrets and Lies' just might be the band's best CD yet.
Reno Divorce : Naysayers And Yesmen CD on Boss
Tuneage
Debut album from these Denver, Colorado natives
who play high octane Punk Rock 'n' Roll with a heavy Social Distortion
influence. Managing to incorperate elements of the Pogues into their more
anthemic moments Reno Divorce deliver on all counts with all the 'old school'
feel and swagger of their So. Cal. peers. Make no mistake this pure is
Orange County Punk Rock circa 1982, mid-paced to fast Punk with that trademark
emphasis on melody and vocal harmony. Reno Divorce have gained themselves
a searing live reputation have toured the U.S. relentlessly with the likes
of All, Pavers (ex All singer Scott Reynold's new band) and their heroes
SOCIAL DISTORTION!. For Fans of: Social Distortion, Adolecsents & the
Pogues. Track on the forthcoming Boss Tuneage sampler due in September,
plus track on Boss Tuneage cover mount CD free with first 10,000 copies
of famous German 'Ox' Magazine in September
Richmond Fontaine : Winnemucca .CD on El Cortez
Records
On their fourth album, "Winnemucca", Richmond
Fontaine continue their musical journey of richly woven musical settings,
atmospheric vistas, and lyrical storytelling. Recorded at Type Foundry
Studios in Portland, Oregon by John Askew (Tracker, Norfolk and Western)
and Joanna Bolme (The Minders, Steve Malkmus, Elliot Smith), "Winnemucca"
finds the members of Richmond Fontaine mining a subtler vein than on previous
efforts. The album deftly conjures up images of a late night ride throught
the desert where death, despair and ultimately hope reign supreme. "Winnemucca"
is named after a small town in Northern Nevada where the band wrote most
of the material for the album. Richmond Fontaine is: Willy Vlautin (guitar,
vocals) Paul Brainard (pedal steel, dobro) Dave Harding (bass) Sean Oldham
(drums). "Portland, Oregon's Richmond Fontaine is one of the best acts
to emerge from the new-country movement.....the band beats Son Volt at
it's own game." -- The Onion (Denver, Madison) "The band balances it's
taste for punk rock with it's love for pedal steel, blending settled-down
folk with fiery energy." -- The Pitch Weekly (Kansas City) "Richmond Fontaine
has reached an apex that few bands reach in a lifetime. Richmond Fontaine
plants itself at the top of the country-rock band heap." -- Willamette
Week (Portland, OR)
Riff Randells : Riff Randells .CD on Delmonico
The Riff Randells are two young girls and a boy
playing teenage pop punk the way it should be. Their sugar coated rock'n'roll
riot is made up of fun-filled infectiously catchy tunes, a la The Go-Gos,
The Donnas, and The Ramones. The rock'n'roll trio is made up of Kathy on
electric guitar, Anne-Marie on drums, and Justin on bass. Hailing from
the rainy city of Vancouver, the band has been playing shows and writing
songs since the summer of 1999. Mint Records put out their first two 7"
records, the second "Who Says Girls Can't Rock" was KERRANG's SINGLE OF
THE WEEK. (5KKKKK's), the Riff Randells released their next single with
San Fransisco's Lipstick Records. This is their debut MINI CD recorded
& released by CHIXDIGGIT's label DELMONICO... 6_ track_ punk_rock_
scorcher !! Recommended !!
Rise : Signal To Noise .CD on Ferret
From the state of Texas comes a new noise. Rules
and limitations are ignored and genres well and truly trampled in the quest
for the New. Hardcore, after all, should be the sound of Revolution, and
revolution takes many shapes and forms. Their sound is rooted in Punk,
Metal, Indie Rock, Emo, Electronica etc., and despite their tender age
and experience they have cut and cleared their own path, with the eye firmly
planted on the future. If you want a precedent: put them in the lineage
of AT THE DRIVE IN, REFUSED, MINUS & ATARI TEENAGE RIOT, because they
are moving things forward. Believe.
River City Rebels : No Good, No Time, No Pride
Cd on Victory
The
River City Rebels return with their third release, No Good, No Time, No
Pride, chock-full of fun tunes that will put ants in your pants. Pure ska
tracks like "Drunken Angel" and "Pass The Bucket" are catchy enough to
make listeners get up and dance, but have enough variety that the record
doesn't become boring. The album clock in at just under a half-hour, perfect
timing for a collection of fast and furious ditties
Rob : Don't Kill CD on Source
French multi-instrumentalist Rob follows up his
first single ‘Power Glove’ and DJ-favourite ‘Don't Kill (Remix by Jack
Lahana)’ with his debut album ‘Don't Kill’. Rob, a self confessed techno-phobe,
gives us a slice of dreamy full-orchestral pop without any reference to
sample and computers, unlike his French-touch counterparts Daft Punk. Rob
has a uniquely Gallic slant on arranging, an inevitable legacy of indulging
in music of Gainsbourg, the godfather.. Rob was first heard on Source’s
highly acclaimed ‘Source Rocks’ compilation along with Phoenix among other
hot French acts.
Rob : Satyred Love CD on Source
On his first album, ‘Don’t Kill’, Rob was probably
one of the few musicians to successfully embrace a clear penchant for progressive
rock, a marked taste for fat and sleek guitar sound, without falling into
the trap of reactionary affectation. And he is the only one who can currently
juggle variety—in the most genuine and least pejorative sense of the term—while
incorporating outdated piano lines and light melodies. Rob owes his ease
and success not only to his eclectic experience playing instruments (he
does a little of everything: keyboards, trumpet, guitar, bass, background
vocals, percussion, programming and drums), but also and more simply to
his talent as an orchestrator and arranger and his obvious love of great
and beautiful melodies. Work on his albums has landed him in the hospital
every time. Since his first trumpet test at the age of 12, when he collapsed
from blowing into his instrument too hard; to this new album, whose recording
forced him to take to his bed for days under morphine treatment, Rob has
tended to swallow life whole. More a pop tale than a rock opera, ‘Satyred
Love’ is structured like a novel of initiation, an epic of romantic love.
Symphonic flights, pop gimmicks and catchy refrains, through precise writing
and orchestration. A sweet-natured dreamer, Rob has an extraordinary talent
for projecting both himself and his listeners into a chimerical, magical
world outside time
Chris Robinson : New Earth Mud Cd on Redline/EMI
Imagine
an album full of Black Crowes ballads and you've got the solo record from
their front man Chris Robinson. New Earth Mud is organic, acoustic and
so full of gooey love that it melted even the coldest part of my heart.
Well, almost. Robinson takes his Three Snakes And One Charm penchant for
down-tempo vocals and instrumentation and creates some damn pretty songs.
"Fables" rocks in its simplicity and "Could You Really Love Me?" is one
of many indicators that, yes, Chris Robinson has the dancing hearts around
his head for his woman, Kate Hudson.
Rocket From The Crypt (Rftc) : Live From
Camp X Ray
Delivered
with more urgency then an ER ward, 'Live From Camp X-Ray' will drag you
through a merciless journey of ass-shaking, explosive sound. Here is the
latest studio full length that extends the saga of these San Diegan cultural
cult-icons trail of fire - just as the 'garage' sound gets trendy - RFTC
are back to remind that sound where it got its sound. As is their way,
'Live From Camp X-Ray' was recorded with the band all packed into the same
room playing together."It's the only way rock should be recorded, in the
same room, eyeballing the person next to you", says bassist Petey X. "You
can't get that energy if you're not".
Rogers Sisters : Purely Evil CD on troubleman
unlimited
The rogers sisters hail from brooklyn, ny and
have been taking the city by storm with their unique mix Of garage/soul
and post punk. Think a mixture of early b-52s/talking heads and the sonics.
This truly unique blend of sounds works perfectly, and they have become
a crowd favorite over the past year. Their live shows have become mini-events,
with gigs selling out way in advance. They have been known To play for
hours, sometimes playing songs twice in one set! People have called them
the "first no – Wave party band". The tracks are loaded with soulful screams,
sultry harmonies, and hot-shit Dissodant guitar licks mixed 1960s-esque
soul-new wave get-downs. Quite possibly the most interesting band we have
ever heard!
Rosemary's Billygoat : Evilution CD on Porterhouse
Brand new 2nd album from the l.a. O.t.t. Shock
punk rock outfit. Dead kennedys meets black sabbath. The live show features
a flaming pentagram and a fully operational electric chair, untold amounts
of pyrotechnics as well as a er…one of kind ‘five-brain time helmet’! ‘evilution’
includes a satanic cover version of the pat benatar classic ‘hell is for
children’ the monstrous lead track ‘i plead the fifth’ and the teen scream
hit ‘665 ½’.
Rotten Apples : Real Tuff (Durable Plastic) CD
on Empty Records
Real tuff by the rotten apples is all that! A
rock & roll mix of wave and soul. This all female band brings you 10
rockin' songs of heartache, frustration about female stereotypes, road
rage and the status quo. With ex- members of the pin-ups and the amazombies,
this melodic punk four piece would surpass dusty springfield if the muffs
had been her backing band.
Royal Beat Conspiracy : Dig It! CD on Bad Afro
The
Royal Beat Conspiracy are back with their first album after two hard years
touring Europe. These slick cats from Gothenburg, Sweden have taken time
out to refine their sound and have come up with a fresh vibrant mixture
of soul, rock’n’roll and rockabilly that will have their old fans drooling
whilst appealing to the new breed of rock 'n' rollers. Following on from
their acclaimed debut album 'Gala Galore, 'Dig It's!' ten songs are more
focused and straight to the point, yet all the while retaining the bands
diversity. From the keyword driven bossanova of 'Ghostrider Song' and 'St.
Michael's Theme' to the hypnotic ballad of 'By Your Side' and soul stomper
'Good All Over' (the first single cut from the album), The Royal Beat Conspiracy
once again deliver on all counts. For fans of Glucifer, Hellacopters &
Dirtbombs etc.
Santana : The Essential Santana Cd on Columbia/Sony
From
his 1969 hit "Evil Ways" to 1999's smash album, Supernatural, guitar guru
Carlos Santana has achieved tremendous success over more than three decades.
Longevity, however, brings both hits and misses. Despite the recent comeback,
let's not forget that dark period in rock 'n' roll history known as The
Eighties. Ironically, the comprehensiveness of The Essential Santana is
its detriment. Arranged in chronological order, the double CD starts off
strong with classics from Abraxas and Caravanserai but peters out with
the '80s material. Nor are we rewarded with songs from his two latest collaboration
albums.
Santana : Shaman
Carlos
Santana's latest album release, 'Shaman', the 37th of his career, spotlights
a legendary artist at the peak of his powers. Produced by Carlos Santana
and Clive Davis and executive produced by Antonio 'L.A' Reid, the new album
is again (in the words of Carlos Santana) a "multi-dimensional" collection,
bridging generations and cultures in a musical melting pot of creative
partnerships. In addition to Michelle Branch, who guests on the album's
first single 'Game Of Love',Santana was joined in the studio by fellow
Arista artist Dido ('Feels Like Fire'), Citizen Cope ('Sideways'), Placido
Domingo ('Novus'), Macy Gray ('Amore (Sexo)'), Melkie Jean and Governor
Washington ('Since Supernatural'), Chad Kroeger ('Why Don't You And I'),
Alejandro Lerner ('Hoy Es Adios'), Musiq ('Nothing At All'), Ozomatli ('One
Of These Days'), P.O.D. ('America'), and Seal ('You Are My Kind'). The
Santana band takes the helm on 'Adouma', 'Foo Foo', 'Victory Is One', and
'Aye Aye Aye' (a reunion with original 'first generation' Santana drummer
Michael Shrieve).
Sand Pebbles : Eastern Terrace.CD on Camera Obscura
Debut CD for Melbourne, Australia band The Sand
Pebbles. "an informed and doughty synthesis of 60s fuzz-pop & creative
film scoring". The album is chock-full of soulful, guitar-driven sunset
psychedelia, from shimmering Spacemen 3 style neo-psych pop-songs to acid-country
balladeering to extended soundtrack rock bliss-out instrumentals. Including
a cover of Julian Cope's "Out of My Mind on Dope & Speed.
Schneider Tm : Zoomer CD on City Slang
It's time to blast preconceptions of electronica
as cold, minimal, distant knob twiddling to oblivion once and for all,
and Dirk Dresselhaus, aka Schneider TM, is just the man to do it. His second
full length album, Zoomer, harnesses a sublimely modern depth of musical
vision to the hard won wisdom of life experience. Last year's 'Binokular'
split mini album paved the way. Its stellar track was the stunning, and
ubiquitous, 'The Light 3000', a breath-catching cover of The Smiths' 'There
Is A Light That Never Goes Out', which spread virus-like to everyone and
was embraced by everyone from die-hard indie fans to dance music softies
and anyone who ever had a heart. With ‘Zoomer’, Schneider TM defies expectations
of aural wallpaper electronica with a grace, passion, & wit that are
the mark of a songwriter whose talents are in full bloom.
Seaworthy : Ride CD on Jetset
Reaching outside the Eastern parameters of his
work with pioneering Indonesian-Garage rockers MACHA, Josh McKay casts
a new and thoroughly narcotic vibe for himself under the Seaworthy moniker.
Delivered as something resembling a song-cycle, this collection of material
blends equal parts organic and electronic elements to create a hypnotic
vibe throughout. Beginning with the massive riff work underpinning the
"Open The Gates" instrumental, the equally powerful slow drive of "I Met
Her In The Candy Store" is offset by the entrance of McKay's soft vocals.
The guest vocal work of avant-Japanese vocalist HACO on "The Day" is a
logical, but well-played addition to the roster of lush sounds. But it's
dreamy tracks like "Sea Manta" and the brief "In Anticipation Of" that
help keep "The Ride" aloft as a truly modern end-to-end listening experience.
The album not only stands on its own as a solo project but as a another
testament to McKay's deft visions in sound... for fans of Mogwai, Pedro
The Lion, slo-core... on Jetset
Sex Maniacs : Mean As Hell CD on Eccentric Man
Yorkshire Superstars THE SEX MANIACS take pity
on us, and unleash probably the most exciting debut album of the 21st Century!
Formed by 3 ex members of Leeds Hardcore bruisers VOORHEES (and current
members of THE HORROR & THE MERCY SUITE), this ain't no cry-baby emo
or zonked-out stoner sludge snooze - This is straight up 100% high energy
Rock & Roll!! 12 anthemic singalongs blaze by, taking no prisoners
and leaving you with a fat lip, a spilt pint and a sore neck. You want
comparisons?: Imagine AC/DC's "Powerage", RADIO BIRDMAN "Radios Appear"
and CIRCLE JERKE "Group Sex" - how's that grap ya? Posititvely dripping
with hits..... Catch them on the Eccentric Man tour in November alongside
labelmates THE DUKES OF NOTHING & SCISSORFIGHT..
Ron Sexsmith : Cobblestone Runway
'Cobblestone
Runway' is Ron Sexsmith's sixth full-length release and his debut for new
label Nettwerk/Parlophone. It is also his best album yet. "With all of
my previous records, there are always things that bother me now when I
hear them", explains a thoughtful and self-effacing Sexsmith. "I think
this is the record where I've really got it right", he adds with a laugh.
"It's the record that seems to have that mysterious combination of elements,
all falling right intoplace". Recorded over the course of seven days in
London last year, 'Cobblestone Runway' is a stirring and reflective collection
of cool, propulsive melodies and warm, hopeful ballads. Textured with a
deft blend of acoustic and electric guitars with keyboards, Sexsmith moves
easily from the warm, hopeful swing of 'Former Glory' and the sweet, soulful
'These Days', to the soaring, choir-backed 'The Least That I Can Do' and
the smooth-gliding, funk-flavored 'Dragonfly on Bay Street'. The haunting
bonus track,'Gold In Them Hills (remix)', features a guest vocal appearance
from Coldplay's Chris Martin. The two became friends after Sexsmith supported
Coldplay on a US Tour last year.
Shearwater : Everybody Makes Mistakes CD on Misra
Shearwater’s addictive sound has been compared
to cat power and richard buckner, fronted by two members of okkervil river
though their true influences lie slightly further back in time. Everybody
makes mistakes lovingly attempts to continue the thread of modern songwriter-oriented
folk--the thread that ran through such albums as van morrison’s astral
weeks, nico’s chelsea girl, tim hardin’s 1 and lou reed’s berlin. Everybody
makes mistakes, the bands second effort, was conceived as a concept album
about failure and bad decisions, a paean to the time-honored “sophomore
slump”. The album benefits from the contributions of drummer/vibraphonist
thor harris, the group’s recently added fourth member, who moonlights with
the angels of light and lisa germano.
Sights : Got What We Want CD on Sweet Nothing
a high-impact mix of garage rock, psychedelia,
and pop by a prodigiously young threesome" –billboard Magazine. That’s
what was said about their debut. Now the word is out about their new full
length, This young detroit three piece are about to release one of the
best albums of 2002. Now a fourpiece With the addition of nate cavaleri
on keyboards, (eddie baranek – guitar, vocals; matt hatch - bass, Vocals;
dave shettler -drums, vocals) mix the high energy charge of the small faces
and the power Drumming of keith moon, with some '70s boogie rock. Add a
touch of phil spector and you get something resembling the sights. Every
note of got what we want displays the band’s catholic attention to the
Last 40 years classic pop and rock, the zombies and big star, the band
and the rolling stones to Mention only a few.
Silver Pill : Martian Chronicles CD on amity
records
The Silver Pill were formed in late 1999. Thus
far the band have recored sessions for Radio One's Session in Scotland
and Beat 106's Beatscene programme. They have appeared on television on
Scottish Television's S2 Live and BBC Choice's In Session and have appeared
at In the City, T in the Park and, most recently, Gig on the Green. The
single will be reviewed in The List and NME and, aside from heavy airplay
on Beat 106's Beatscene and Radio One's Session in Scotland, will also
be featured on Steve Lamacq's Evening Session programme. Tracks from the
single can also be heard on the Evening Session website (but, obviously,
can't be downloaded). A smattering of southern Britain dates are currently
being organised to coincide with the release. NME claimed they were "Ablaze
with a Lunatic Glow". Scotland on Sunday claimed they possessed a "Divine
Racket All of Their Own". The List, appealing to baser instincts, found
them "Very Attractive", 'A psychotic swirlpool of molten geetar pop and
twisted sample-delia.' Music Description: Incendiary indierock:The Breeders,
The Pixies
Simian : We Are Your Friends CD on Source
On their highly anticipated second album 'We
Are Your Friends' Simian's sound has been refined, filtered and concentrated
- the result is a more pure and distilled form of Simian. The songs have
moved from the skewed folky vibe, towards a more direct, stomping, Rock
& Roll outlook. At the same time the production has gone from atmospheric,
cerebral electronics to a tougher, more progressive take on Electro and
modern American R&B. 'Chemistry Is What We Are', was made in a quiet,
leafy avenue in a south Manchester suburb. 'We Are Your Friends' has been
made in noisy, dirty, messy east end London and the effect is clear...
Imagine the Beatles meet the Neptunes and have a lock in!! Simian have
just completed a sell out tour with Echoboy and My Computer. National 10
date tour confirmed with USA coolsters INTERPOL - including an already
sold out Scala date in London. Major supports still being hunted for -
details to follow a full European tour and USA tour in the new year. Major
fanbase hungry for the experience of the live simian and their Mobile Disco
Madness!! Sessions to be recorded for XFM, BBC London. Peel Session. "Later"
and other relevant shows - video for the single directed by award winning
director PAUL GORE
Sing-Sing : The Joy Of Sing-Sing CD on Manifesto/EMI
Okay,
so maybe expecting a release that features Emma Anderson (formerly of Lush)
in the line-up to be anything but depressing would be stupid, but the minimalist,
lo-fi, trip-hop music that is Sing-Sing is a bit much — or not enough.
Maybe it’s just that I don’t understand, but by the fourth song (sung in
a dreamy, airy voice), boredom set in to the degree that I continued listening
only to reaffirm that I had no recollection as to what I’d just listened
to. It’s that forgettable
David Singer : Civil Wars CD on Deep Elm
Critically praised as one of the undergrounds'
most inspired songwriters, DAVID SINGER & The Sweet Science hail from
Chicago and their heartfelt rock confessionals are an open dialogue of
orchestral pop, fresh melodicism and mesmerizing poetry. His sophomore
release, CIVIL WARS, scratches beneath the seemingly peaceful exterior
of family life to reveal the true battleground, where Singer unveils his
innermost struggle through a complex range of subtle storytelling and catchy
melody. SINGER's sharp lyrical turns and textured twists of phrase are
neither too obvious nor too obscure, and it's his willingness to experiment
with melody, word play and instrumentation that takes CIVIL WARS from being
a solid indie record to a stellar, stand out release. This highly accomplished
collection of soothing, piano-driven ballads and intellectual rockers simply
defies most categories. Press: "A record that so beautifully unleashes
the essence of pop. Brilliant melodic songwriting". - All Music, "Channeling
the Beatles via Elliott Smith, he reveals a sharp, sophisticated pop sensibility."
- Chicago Reader, "Remarkably good...warm, lush, sophisticated, orchestrated
pop. On the level of Elliot Smith". - Organart. * Recommended to fans of:
Elliot Smith, Beatles, Nick Drake, Pavement, Richard Davies
Sinking Ships : Out Of Key Harmony CD on darla
the sinking ships are the latest holiday flyer/california
oranges crew collaboration. The sinking ships explore more traditional
pop/rock territory than previous endeavors of the sacramento crew and show
some maturation and depth. The album serves as a showcase for katie's angelic
vocal and verna's creative harmonies and bass lines. The band is led by
the dynamic pop duo of ross & matt, who help propel these songs along
with delightful fluidity and speed. The wall to wall chiming guitar sound
of superchunk and velocity girl are stylistically balanced with the more
classic modern rock sound of say the pretenders and matthew sweet. Infectious,
blue-sunshine pop. A winning combination!
Sixpence None The Richer : Divine Discontent
Cd on Reprise/Warner
It’s
been a good while since Sixpence’s tender, cutie pie breakthrough single,
"Kiss Me" (sorry if the sickly chorus is now fluttering in your head).
Now they’re taking another stab at the alternative adult contemporary market.
The predominantly acoustic Divine Discontent is full of whiny ditties of
lost love and broken hearts. The lone bright spot is a cover of Crowded
House’s "Don’t Dream it’s Over." Sixpence is suitable as the soundtrack
to any Jennifer Love Hewitt movie or a Party Of Five marathon, but if you’re
out of tissues you might want to check out Aimee Mann instead.
Skep : Static CD on Dockrad
Lookout! buzz band The Washdown's debut mini
album. The Washdown is another of the new Lookout! bands giving the US
underground a much needed shot in the arm. From Tampa, Florida, they've
crafted a truly original style of 60's informed modern punk. The Wasdown
mix the youthful intensity of bands like International Noise Conspiracy
& ATDI with the swagger of the Starlite Desperation and Jon Spencer.
Twangy, distorted guitar driven punk n'roll that's angular, intelligent
and compelling. The Washdown have already been the subject of a heated
major label A&R skirmish on the strength of their live show & demos,
but Lookout! snapped them up for this debut self titled release.... 6 track
mini
Sleater-Kinney : One Beat CD on Kill Rock Stars
Long awaited follow up to 2000’s “all hands on
the bad one”. “one beat” finds the band expanding its dialogue by the experimenting
with the dialects of pop, new wave, and soul in particular. Make no mistake:
sleater-kinney is still very much a rock band. The album teems with anthemic
rockers that contain a new palette of textures without sacrificing the
visceral kicks. Seven years and six albums down the line, sleater-kinney
is still doing what they do best – expressing themselves with passion,
unbridled enthusiasm and continuous musical growth. Sleater-kinney have
a massive fanbase.
Slipper : Zoon Sandwhich CD on Elsewhen
From Rephlex (Aphex Twin's imprint) to Elsewhen
Records, 'Zoon Sandwich' is bizarre lounge tinged jazz from another time,
another place. Slipper's second album, 'Zoon Sandwich', is a continuation
of the critically acclaimed 'Invisible Movies'. With the flavours and tastes
of an era not sampled before. It's Y2K2. In another universe. John Lennon,
having finally given up all hope of his unpopular beat combo breaking big,
is a retired postman now living in Birkenhead. John Lydon, a child pop
star who rose to fame on Opportunity Knocks, has been tipped as the next
Secretary-General of the UMN (United Microsoft Nations). And 'acid house'
is the name of a new type of Barrett Home. The Chief Executive of Barrett
PLC, Syd, thinks it's a winner. In this slippery parallel place, Slipper
slip and slip and slip some more. Sam Dodson, who didn't play with The
Transmitters or lead Loop Guru for almost 10 years, is Slipper's computer
trickster. Linda Finger, who was also never a long-standing member of Loop
Guru, sings. Jym Darling was never Mad Jym of Loop Guru, Headbutt, and
Psychic TV. The line-up of the group is completed by two drummers, both
called Rat Scabies.
Slow Motorcade : Sex, Drags And Rock N' Roll
CD on Populist
Brand new mott the hoople meets the who meets the godfathers style
rock n’ roll. ‘sex, drags and rock n’ roll’ is the debut album from this
san diego based outfit featuring anthony castillo (spiders & snakes).
Includes the power pop classic ‘missing in action’.
Kelly Slusher : Rocks And Tears CD on Elefant
Rocks and Tears" is KELLY SLUSHER's debut album.
From California, Kelly writes and sings melancholic pop songs that have
been described as a cross between the sweetness of THE SOFTIES and the
ethereal moods of LUSH - reminiscent of JULEE CRUISE's underground pop
with a fragile dreamy touch. Kelly has had releases on Petset and Red Square
Records, and collaborates with Jason Corace (A BOY NAMED THOR) in BOOTHBY,
where Jason programs exciting electronic beats, and Kelly brings in her
suggestive vocals. The songs in "Rocks and Tears" were recorded in late
2000 by Dustin Ruske from ROCKETSHIP. Here the background music for Kelly's
voice is composed by her guitar, a shy beatbox and a delay pedal effect
that envelopes her vocals, creating a mesmerizing effect. Uncomplicated,
fragile songs that can bring to mind the best GALAXIE 500, CONFETTI, CAROUSEL
or SLUMBER
Smog : Accumulation None CD on Domino
‘Accumulation:None’ is your Smog singles compilation
companion - 10 of the 12 songs have appeared on 7” vinyl, six of the songs
have never been released in Smog’s native US. Two of the songs were broadcast
on UK radio, then released as b-sides and there’s a brand new song that
has never before been heard by anyone – except by Smog (naturally), and
the other people in the recording studio that day, and The Feds ...(!!?)Thus,
this is the sounds of Smog from his gold, silver and bronze ages, with
fresh life breathed into them once again, living under one roof for the
very first time. Old songs and new flowing together, creating a composite
viewpoint that accumulated over 10 years of time
Snailhouse : New Tradition CD on Snailhouse
New five tracker from Wooden Stars' Mike Feuerstack.
Sombre, haunting, contemplative, introspective low key home paintings.
Acoustic guitar, piano, cello and Feuerstack's plaintive, naked melancholy
voice. Previous split 7" with Julie Doiron, other records and CDs on Grand
Theft Autumn, Rhythm of Sickness, Sappy, etc. Recommended!!. For fans of:
Belle and Sebastian, Rheostatics, Wilco.
Snapcase : End Transmission CD on Victory
The previous SNAPCASE release, 2000's “Designs
for Automotion”, sold over 30,000 units sold outside the USA. And combined
SNAPCASE releases are in the top ten catalogue sellers in Victory’s history.
Over their 10+ year career they have established them-selves as a legendary
act in the hard-core genre, SNAPCASE appeal to fans of all groundbreaking
heavy rock bands ranging from TOOL and THURSDAY to the DEFTONES and NIRVANA
Snowblind : Falls. CD
Manchester duo Jane Murphy and multi-instrumentalist
Paul Williams, aka Snowblind (they took their name after a friend suggested
the title of a book about drug dealing he was reading - although Murphy
likes the nod to the Cocteau Twins' 'Sunburst And Snowblind'), make music
firmly routed in the 'kitchen sink' tradition of the North Of England.
Blending influences as rich and varied as early Postcard (Aztec Camera/Orange
Juice), vintage New Order and John Barry, their debut album, 'The Falls'skips
happily along amidst a chorus of acoustic guitars,Beach Boys harmonies
and Bacharach-style brass;suffused with an atmosphere reminiscent of Sixties
films like 'Saturday Night, Sunday Morning', 'A Taste Of Honey' and what
Murphy calls that 'glorious Manchester Ship Canal feeling'. Includes the
singles 'Cut' and 'Easy Girl'.
Sofandi : Ugly Demos.Cd on Thule Musik
A sophisticated album, gloomy and violent with
a touch of jazz and blues and an ARAB STRAP feel about it
Soft Boys : Nextdoorland LP on Matador
Not
a comeback, not a reunion and definitely not a retread, ‘Nextdoorland’
is pure and simply, the next Soft Boys album. After making a landmark album
like ‘Underwater Moonlight’, you don’t want to rush right into a follow-up.
So the Soft Boys took a little break. Alright, so it was more like 22 years,
but some things take time. From the start, ‘Nextdoorland’ is absolutely
the Soft Boys. The scathing Hitchcock/Rew guitar sound is all over the
place; so are the killer hooks and harmoniesThe band’s darker side is well
represented in the chaotic ‘Strings.’ But they’re no longer allergic to
slower tempos or warmer sentiments: ‘Pulse of My Heart’ and ‘La Cherite’
(which manages to quote T.S. Eliot and Elvis Costello in the same line)
are the kind of gorgeous, between-the-eyes pop songs they wouldn’t dare
play in the old days. Hitchcock says. “Whatever people may make of my lyrics,
the Soft Boys’ music belongs far more in 2002 than it did in 1980. For
once, we’re on time.” Vinyl include free bonus 7” inch. Live Uk shows in
October
SONIC YOUTH + ICP + THE EX : In The Fishtank
CD on Konkurrent/Touch And Go
A
number of years ago a certain cable music channel permitted Thurston Moore
to rule the airwaves for an hour. Well-known for a range of strange habits,
Moore played an eclectic collection including a homemade video of some
guy smashing glass over tin cans in front of a Tokyo audience. The camera
panned back to Moore, giddy as an eight-year old in a candy store, gleeful
under a shaggy mop of hair. This penchant for noise has always been a trademark
of Sonic Youth. The approach this time is minimalist, yet the end product
is probably less accessible than anything they’ve done in the past. Joined
by two Dutch bands, I.C.P. (the jazz trio, not a certain demented collection
of rapping clowns) and The Ex, Sonic Youth have constructed 29 minutes
of sparse, asymmetrical sounds. Recorded over a two-day period for Dutch
art project Konkurrent, the 10 musicians recorded eight songs each titled
as roman numbers. The record is silly, confusing and terribly amusing.
Yet, at the same time, like the best of instrumental records (regardless
of how experimental), startling and unrepentant in its demand that it be
listened to and not merely over heard as background ambience.
Sonna / Sybarite / Lilienthal : Make Shift Carousel
CD on Temp Residence
Flaunting just about every facet of sonna's dynamic
range, these four tracks glide from punchy, guitar-driven electronic pop
to dark, glitchy soundscapes. Acoustic guitars mingle with thumping drum
programs and every sound is twisted into a gorgeous new groove. This brilliant
collaboration with acclaimed electronic artists sybarite (4ad) and lilienthal
(zeal) has churned out some of the sweetest, most heartfelt tunes, in grand
sonna tradition. A must-have for fans of fennesz, nobukazu takemura and
yo la tengo.
Sotos : Platypus CD on Cuneiform
‘Platypus’ is the second album by this instrumental
chamber rock ensemble from Bordeaux, France. Sotos was formed in January
of 1996. From the beginning the line up has been the same five young musicians
on guitar, violin, cello, bass and drums, all of whom were students at
the French National School of Music when they formed the group. In 1999,
they recorded their first album which was released on the French Gazul
label and met with great response, such as this review from Exposé:
"... highly melodic and complex dark music...the best debut in a very,
very long time.". ‘Platypus’ was recorded by the noted engineer Bob Drake,
who has done fine work for 5uu's, Nebelnest, The Science Group, Thinking
Plague and others, and the nicely recorded and balanced sound allows you
to hear all the strong nuances of this rich and complex music. ‘Platypus’
is sure to be a 'best of the year' release to fans of Bela Bartok, Doctor
Nerve, King Crimson, Magma, Igor Stravinsky, Univers Zero, Zypressen and
other contemporary composers and ensembles.
Spoon : Kill The Moonlight CD on 12XU
Far
less linear than 'Girls Can Tell', 'Kill The Moonlight' is as sonically
advanced as it is lyrically daring; no longer rooted to a strict guitar-bass-drum
format, Spoon's increased use of keyboards, self-created samples and implementation
of studio effects is in stark contrast to the more traditionalist GCT.
That said, there is no killer gimmick at play, the weapon wielded most
often is Britt Daniel's brain. Always a master of melody, Daniel has veered
further and further from what could be identified as a signature sound
with each Spoon album --- there are few precedents for Daniel's channelling
of Alan Vega on the claustrophobic opener "Small Stakes", much as the falsetto
vocal w/ minimalist backing of "Stay Don't Go" sounds like nothing else
in the bands' oeuvre. From year to year Spoon have built an impressive,
fanatical international following. Despite some seriously lean years and
harsh circumstances (innumerable exploding bass players, being banned from
Wyoming until 2004, Daniel's recent brush with death via electrocution),the
band have succeeded in creating their own musical vocabulary and their
own creative identity
Squarepusher : Do You Know Squarepusher LP on
Warp
Squarepusher is one of the most enigmatic and
talented musicians in the world today. 2001’s ‘Go Plastic’ re-awoke the
UK press to the world of Tom Jenkinson, and where they had tried to gloss
over his more low key eps, they could not ignore a genius album driven
by his garage smash ‘My Red Hot Car’. At the very end of 2001 an untitled
Squarepusher 12” suddenly appeared in shops. The reaction to this 12” was
astonishing, its twisted vocoder vocals and true originality, ensured rave
reviews in all publications that review singles. This untitled track now
has a name and features as track 1 on this new album, and is available
on CD for the first time. As with ‘Go Plastic,’ more experimental mind
melting tracks are interspersed with up beat rave stompers and a special
treat; a respectful cover version of ‘Love Will Tear Us Apart’ .This cd
package also features an exclusive Live recording from Fuji Festival in
2001. For those who have not witnessed Squarepusher’s rare live shows,
this cd is a must.
Squire Of Somerton : Tranverberations CD on Memphis
Industries
MESMERIZING ALBUM FROM THE SQUIRE OF SOMERTON
WHICH SITS NICELY NEXT TO ALBUMS BY OTHER ECCENTRIC POP FREAKS SUCH AS
SIMIAN, THE CORAL, GORKY'S AND SFA. THE SQUIRE OF SOMERTON (aka Fort Lauderdale's
Toby Jenkins) presents us with an album of psychedelic fantasy tales, epic
transcendental journeys and cosmic vibrations topped off with several outlandish
and outrageous cock rock solos. Equipped with a Fender amp and a flame
coloured Charvel Model 6 guitar, the album is the result of a passionate
two year musical affair of the heart, begun during a west country summer
of love. *A wild trip through sound colours and atmospheric textures,'Transverberations'
is strewn with lyrics mainlining a subconscious troubled by love, loss
and evolution. *VINYL LIMITED TO 500.
Standard : August CD on Touch And Go
The standard formed in 1999 when drummer rob
duncan (pinehurst kids) approached singer/guitarist tim putnam to be in
the band he was starting up. Before long the standard had recorded their
debut album for seattle's barbaric records. The pacific northwest quickly
took notice of the standard and their inventive sound, which is highlighted
by tim putnam's fragile and unique vocal style layered over the band's
guitar and keyboard-laden tunes. August, recorded by jeff saltzman (stephen
malkmus, sunset valley), is a record that keeps you guessing, with songs
often traversing a broad sonic landscape of complex melodies, huge riffs,
and explosions of intensity. Two guitars, bass, drums, and keyboards create
a maze of textures for putnam's distinctive voice to work within, and the
standard is noted for their emotionally charged and flawlessly executed
live performances. This is a modern take on the post-rock phenomena,
Stateside : Twice As Gone CD on Fargo
A little dirty, a little sweet - Stateside populates
its debut disc with punchy rockers that bear a power pop influence while
retaining the Tennessee band's Southern roots. Frontman John Paul Keith
was the V-ROY's original lead guitarist (3 albums on Steve Earles E-Squared
label) and later led the more mod rockin' outfit, The Nevers (Sire Records).
Stateside tunes like "Little Black Dress" and "Salt In The Wound" burst
with urgency, while "No Such Thing As You" bears a roughed-up Marshall
Crenshaw sound and "You Were Made For Me" is simply a classic pop love
song. STATESIDE are currently touring as RYAN ADAMS backing band &
are also members of the Adams rock side project THE PINK HEARTS (album
due 2002 on Lost Highway).."Edgy Southern rock with a Britpop flair and
occasional punk rock abandon. Unquestionably one of Nashville's best rock
bands...the onstage swagger, the vocal ambidextrousness, and the spit-in-your-eye
songwriting that rock-and-roll history is made on." -Rage Magazine, Nashville
Featuring contributions from RYAN ADAMS and BUCKY BAXTER (Bob Dylan, Steve
Earle).
Rubin Steiner : Wunderbar Drei CD on Obsessive
Think the jazz of St. Germain, the loopyness
of Royksopp and the chill of Air… mix this with the vibe of Blue Note and
you come close to the music of Rubin Steiner. While Rubin’s previous album,
the dense and Dadaist ‘Lo-fi nu jazz vol.2,’ was made to fit the constraints
of his voracious sampler, ‘Wunderbar Drei’ proves that Rubin Steiner is
a talented musician and subtle arranger. His new pieces - such as Midi
Jazz, Tango, Guitarlandia, Wunderlande, New Bossa and An Interlude For
Charles Mingus - are no longer draped in borrowed finery, but fully orchestrated
in their own right. Their development, construction and pitch is based
on notes from physical instruments, providing a more panoramic range of
possibilities. It is this taste for the organic, a sense of imperfection
in construction, that will confirm his status as an electronic-scene outsider
like Flanger or Christian Fennesz, refusing to employ the well-oiled machinery
used by technicians who work with perfect loops and synthetic overlays.
From easy listening to creative effort, as hedonist Rubin Steiner establishes
his credentials, he still caters to the most eccentric of dance-floor clienteles.
His music is a delight for both heads and legs, so pump up the volume!
Stereolab - Abc Music: Radio One Sessions:
2cd
Stereolab
have been described in a number of ways: 'Avant Garde MOR' and 'Ambient
Boogie' are just two of the phrases coined by those who wish to pigeonhole
the band - no mean feat considering Stereolab are one of the most original
and indefinable bands of recent years. Their sound combines elements of
such experimental stalwarts as The Velvet Underground and Neu! with material
drawn from outside the conventional areas of rock - ranging from French
'60s girl pop groups to stereo-testingrecords (which is where the name
Stereolab comes from). Vocalist Laetitia Sadier's lyrics, meanwhile, contain
an array of cool yet barbed tirades against orthodoxy, usually mixed low
and/or sung in French, in subliminal contrast to the heady rush of buzzing
Moogs and one-note guitar solos.
In the absence of a Stereolab 'Best Of' album,
this release covers everything in the band's 10 year career, from their
first Radio 1 session in 1991, to their latest in 2001. Including alternative
versions of tracks from both their #26 album 'Emperor Tomato Ketchup' ('...their
best record yet...marries brilliantly their twin loves: the avant-garde
and pure pop - Q) and the #16 album 'Mars Audiac Quintet', 'The Complete
Radio 1 Recordings' is as definitive a collection of the band's work as
you could hope to find.
Streetwalkin Cheetahs : Quitars Guns And Gold
CD on Munster
No doubt, one of the best rock bands coming from
la in the last 5 years! This los angeles based detroit style four piece
plays a searing combination of old school american punk-rock and modern
high energy. This "new" swc record is made out of early gems, rarities,
and live cuts, packed with all the energy and power of ass kicking rock&roll
that the cheetahs know how to deliver. It´s a wild and impassioned
collection of rare recordings where the streetwalkin´ cheetahs´
high voltage glam punk reminds of the best dead boys, mc5 and new york
dolls. With special guests wayne kramer, bell-rays, etc.
Stuck Ups : Human Doll Express CD on Sympathy
For The Record Industry
Hey motor & doll heads! Screaming out of
seattle, smashing glass and breaking hearts, the stuck ups have unleashed
album number two just for you. The anti-mogul has given thumbs up to human
doll express, the stuck ups' sophomore release on sympathy for the record
industry. Human doll express is set to coincide with a blitzkrieg tour
of europe(london, paris, belgium...), including a throw down with the buff
medways in london. This is essential. Three girls (and one boy) kicking,
go-go'ing, screaming and fighting the righteous fight against the serious,
the square, the mundane. You call it punk; they call it a job well done.
For those about to rock, they'll abuse you. Fight the good fight.
Sugar Shack : Spinning Wheels CD on Estrus
Hey, punk! You still skatin and thrashin? Well,
heads up monkey grunt, sugar shack is back in the park With a brand new
round of full frontal lobe shattering texas ear trauma for ya! Entitled
"spinning Wheels", this 14 track shack attack will get your lazy, pretty-boy
new wave garage lovin ass off the Couch and twitching in no time flat,
dig?! "what does it sound like?" you ask, rubbing your swollen, err, Gland.
Raw, primal n dirty olde skool texan throw down laced with toxic traces
of late-80s aussie Punch, mid-60s uk beat freakism, early-70s stonesy raunch,
and good old fashioned, hair cut with a Broken bottle, bone snappin sugar
shack ass shake! Combine the shack's ace songwriting prowess andFearless,
no holds-barred live manuevers with the boneless production stylings of
mister tim kerr And the end result is nothing less than staggering.
Suicide : American Supreme (Limited) CD on Blast
First
Legendary
New York duo Suicide release a brand new album, their first for 10 years.
The first 1500 CD copies come with a previously unreleased, limited edition,
bonus disc of the entire show of the second night from Suicide's 1998 "comeback"
shows @ The Garage, in London. ‘American Supreme’, features 11 new tracks
recorded over the last 12 months in New York. The album carries the distinctive
Suicide sound, and is being received by fans & media alike as without
doubt one of the finest albums of their long career. Viewed as one of the
prime innovators of the current Electro-Clash scene, it seems, after a
lifetime of struggle, intercut with some long, long gaps, Suicide are finally
receiving their due respect. After already having the front cover of Wire
magazine and eager anticipation from radio and journalists alike, American
Extreme is the most accessible album to date and will not disappoint
Sunnshine : Engender CD on Game 2/ Underdogma
Virginia's SUNNSHINE (note double N reference
to the amplification) have been pummeling crowds for years with their thick
riffed walls of sound, topped with raw, emotive vocals and melodic riffs
to die for. Imagine fellow Confederates ALABAMA THUNDERPUSSY crossede with
CORROSION OF CONFORMITY & early SOUNDGARDEN. Excellent debut mini album..
Swayzak : Drty Dancing Cd on !K7
The third album from this collaborative dance
duo walks a fine line. On one hand, you have the minimalist synthy electro
sounds that belong in the goth clubs. On the other, you have this sorta
dancey stuff that tends to lurk in the same electroclash bars that Peaches
and company inhabit. The two aren’t so very different, but you’ll find
yourself torn between flying to some smoky Berlin nightclub and acting
like a sleazy tramp, or pulling out a long black dress and smoking clove
cigarettes while dancing all swoopy-like. Regardless, Dirty Dancing is
a darker and more interesting road than Swayzak’s previous work. And if
the next album is called Roadhouse, I’m jumping in front of a train
Sweep The Leg Johnny : Going Down Swingin CD
on Southern
Sweep The Leg Johnny is a rock and roll band
that tours incessantly and composes intricate songs that develop themes
and melodies over time. With the addition of Mitch Cheney (ex-Rumah Sakit),
there are now two guitars that toy with one another, coaxing each other
with fluid, yet precise lines that eventually meet at massive rhythms and
walls of sound. "Going Down Swingin'" is Sweep's fourth lp. Dynamically,
it has the power and the tightness of their live show and diligent touring,
while touching moments of patience and delicacy. The album hinges on two
15 minute pieces that move effortlessly within themselves and among the
diversity of the other tracks. It is engaging from start to finish... Avant-Rock
For Fans Of: King Crimson, Don Caballero, Zu, Shellac
Sweatmaster : Sharp Cut CD on Must Destroy
Following hot on the heels of their debut UK
single, ‘I Am A Demon And I Love Rock’n’Roll’, comes the debut album from
Finland’s Sweatmaster. Raised on a diet of AC/DC, Thin Lizzy, Otis Redding
and W.A.S.P, Sweatmaster’s stripped-down, loud and fun rock’n’roll has
quickly made them the darlings of the Scandinavian garage-rawk scene with
a couple of 7” releases and shows with bands such as The Flaming Sideburns
and The Hives. Sweatmaster will be coming to the UK in October to teach
it how to rock, Sweatstyle…Sunday 27th Oct - LIVERPOOL,Barfly, Tuesday
29th - LONDON, ‘Artrocker’ Rock’n’Roll Club, Wednesday 30th - LONDON, Thee
Acid Ranch, Thursday 31st - LONDON, Garage (with The Darkness), Friday
1st - MANCHESTER, University (with The Darkness) (more dates to be added)
Sybarite : Nonmument CD on 4AD
‘Nonument’ pulls Xian's talents as an arranger
and multi-instrumentalist sharply into focus. The ability to combine live
instruments and programmed parts into a free-breathing, organic whole has
always marked Sybarite apart from the electronica crowd, but ‘Nonument's
deftness and lightness of touch is revelatory. Acoustic guitars offer mellow
resonance, while string parts introduce tension and soft cadences by turns,
and live drums join and part with programmed rhythms. Sybarite's palette
is further widened by the introduction of trumpet (courtesy Matt Hilgenberg)
and, for the first time, vocals (courtesy Brooke Williams and Gregory Kenney).
Prior to this release, Xian has released 7” singles over the last couple
of years on the Emanate, Zealectronic and Static Caravan labels (the best
of which were compiled on the ‘Placement Issues’ album of last year) so
‘Nonument’ is, as good as, Xian’s first full album release. He also composed
the soundtrack to the film ‘Kill Me Tomorrow’, which was released in 2000
on Temporary Residence under the title, ‘musicforafilm’. Sybarite will
be playing live in Europe and America this Autumn
Ten And Tracer : Hour Brighter CD on U-cover
Ten and tracer's cd debut release is another
step further in his sensitive musical output. After his very well received
vinyl release on inc.us, this first work on u-cover contains 60 minutes
neatly divided into 22 emotional tracks full of melodic layers and subtle
idm rhythms that immediately find a Place in your mind and heart. As aleading
light in the ever-developing north american electronic scene, ten and tracer
seems to fit in as the perfect equivalent of uk acts like boards of canada
and plaid.
Tender Trap : Film Molecules CD on K Records
Amelia fletcher has been a vibrant center of
the k universe for over ten years now, with her many experiments in crashpop
propulsion: first the punkific talulah gosh, which melded into heavenly
and then the graceful marine research. She reemerges after a three year
hiatus with the stripped to the bone pop-perfect tender trap. A collaboration
with rob pursey (heavenly, marine research) and former marine research
drummer dj on the sequences and keyboards, this latest amalgamation takes
flight with resounding resiliency and speed. Tender trap songs are designed
to be as clear and as simple as possible. Short songs, stripped down and
with all the scaffolding removed to find out what lives inside. Discovering
that even when rooms are completely empty they still house ghosts. Recorded
mostly away from studios. Trying to understand the ways of sound molecules.
Film molecules is preceded by the 45 “face of ‘73”, included here as well,
it is just one of thirteen songs, each a cudgel of hooked-out popness.
One of the main differences between this and the earlier material by these
folks is the programming and sequencing by dj downfall, which, without
sacrificing any of the raw emotive power, calibrates the feelings expressed
to maximum effect.
Jennifer Terran : Musician
Natural
talent will out and the sheer determination that Jennifer Terran has demonstrated
for some time is now beginning to pay off as the world wakes up to her
vision. 'The Musician' is Jennifer's third independently produced and financed
release and is a distillation of lessons learnt from previous works and
ideas that have been long time in development. A solo singer-songwriter
very much in the enigmatic, ethereal and strongly feminine mould, Jennifer's
otherworldly approach to her arthasreadily drawn comparisons with the likes
of Ani DiFranco and Joni Mitchell.
Text : Text CD on Buddyhead
TEXT is a Swedish group featuring all members
of the late hardcore band REFUSED, minus one lead singer. David Sandstrom,
Kristofer Steen, and Jon Brannstrom have collorated with numerous musicians
to bring about what appears to be an experimental brand of sound that is
as far away from Refused as one can get. Although the sound is a departure
from Refused, this album was actually recorded before they broke up. The
result is a peek into the final creative gasps of one of the greatest punk
bands ever. ALL MUSIC GUIDE "Text has created the one of the most impressive,
bewildering, and genre-blending records of the late '90s/early 2000s. The
songs themselves are separate pieces, yet they are held together musically
through excellent production, bold instrumentation, and overall vibes.
This record contains songs that blend spoken word and jazz, hardcore rock
and reggae, and others. The standout track on this album is "Sound Is Compressed;
Words Rebel and Hiss." The 11-minute epic starts with a Euro-gospel/reggae
groove that is very beautiful. The track moves slowly into a something
darker. A somber male/female duet moves into a free jazz freakout that
is amazing, powerful, and important. "We Have Explosives! - Schmexplosives"
is an instrumental avant-garde piece that shockingly alternates from disarmingly
spare to disarmingly abrasive and loud. Some of the record could be seen
as pretentious, but with something as interesting as this record, pretense
is welcome. The only problem with this record is finding ways to describe
it. The only way to thoroughly describe the album is to listen to it. Fans
of hardcore music, avant-garde music, and certainly Refused fans will not
be disappointed."
The Birdwatcher : Afternoon Tales The Morning
Never Knew (Arena Rock/Outside)
While
his band Windsor For The Derby is so-indie-they're-barely-heard-of, Dan
Matz also records as The Birdwatcher, an outlet for music that is markedly
different than the art-school, indie jazz pop that he releases with WFTB.
Afternoon Tales is a folksy mix that weighs heavily on you. The first half
of the record is haunting, atmospheric and carries an inherent sadness.
The second half picks up a bit, but Matz whispers his way through songs,
trying to lull you to sleep. Like Beck's Sea Change, Afternoon Tales is
about how the simplicity of a song gives it strength and beauty.
The Crescent : The Crescent : CD on Hut records
The
Crescent - Wayne Whitfield (vocals/rhythm guitar),Karl Rowlands (lead guitar),
Sean Longworth (bass),Joey Harrison (drums) - aren't here to help us through
post-millennial tension, commiserate over the existential anxieties of
M.E. or campaign for the cancellation of global debt. Leave that to neurosis-riddled
rock stars. They're here to make the floorboards rumble, drive the neighbours
crazy and to give rock'n'roll back its adolescent snottiness. Tune in,
skin up,and don't stop till the going gets weird. Includesthe singles 'On
The Run', 'Test Of Time' and 'Spinnin' Wheels'.
The Devlins : The Devlins CD on Nettwerk /EMI
Someone
at Nettwerk Records must really like The Devlins. How else to explain the
Irish duo’s longevity in an industry that discounts artists the minute
they fail to sell a million copies? By that yardstick, the Devlin brothers
should have packed it in long ago, but this is their third album, one that
expands on (but doesn’t stray too far from) their established dreamy pop
sound. Echoes of U2
sound throughout Consent, but The Devlins never
really rock out, preferring to woo the listener with quieter charms. Producer
Pierre Marchand (Sarah McLachlan) lends his usual knack for creating acoustic-based
sound tapestries, setting sampled city sounds against a backdrop of strings
on first single, "Static In The Flow." The Devlins have a timeless, cinematic
sound that deserves to find more listeners. When Colin Devlin sings, "My
time is coming" on "In Seville," you’re inclined to hope that he’s right.
The Donnas : Spend The Night Cd on Atlantic/Warner
Former
teen punk princesses The Donnas make their jump to Atlantic with Spend
The Night, an above average foray into a more rockin' sound. While their
past releases have been chirpy and bouncy, Spend The Night is more along
the lines of their glam-rock, Suzi Quatro-inspired live show. But while
the sound is heavier, the lyrics remain along the get messed up, get laid,
rock 'n' roll, ditch the loser boy continuum. Titles include "Who Invited
You," "Dirty Denim" and "Too Bad About You Girl" — not exactly a far stretch
for the band whose former hits include "Hyperactive" and "Are You Gonna
Hit It?" As the cover suggests, this is an album to blast at slumber parties
or while applying lip-gloss on your way to a party. This ain't rocket science.
It doesn't have to be
The Eighties Matchbox B Line Disaster : Horse
Of The Dog CD on Universal Records
Bursting
into life from Brighton at the front of 2002, The Eighties Matchbox B-Line
Disaster's Incendiary, chaotic,and breathtaking live shows, alongside the
riveting debut single, 'Morning Has Broken', promised great things...so
now they keep their promises by presenting a mouth-tingling, spine-watering
taste of the 'Horse Of The Dog' that bit you. The first album (10 tracks,
26 minutes) to be released on the band's own 'No Death' records, 'Horse
Of TheDog' is vertically challenged and horizontally challenging. It powers
itself beyond excess, the sound of 1000 vehicles hurtling towards oblivion
and glory. They're turning poison into medicine like alchemists on absinthe,
so make like Van Gogh and lend it your ear. Includes the single 'Celebrate
Your Mother'.
'Iggy Pop, At The Drive In, Black Francis and
'65 era Jagger joyriding round Dead Man's Curve at midnight with the lights
off screaming " I WANNA F*CK YOUR MOTHER!!!" before ramming headlong into
a tree.F*cking incredible' - NME
'Effervescent ear-bleeding antidote to American
pop-rock. Very, very intense' - Sleaze nation
'Turbo-Nutter, Jugger-Pop Mayhem to vapourise
thecobwebs' - The Face
'If Playlouder were a band, it would be The Eighties
Matchbox B-Line Disaster, and there is no higher compliment we could offer'
- Playlouder
The Fairline Parkway : Same Cd on Lazyline
The
gorgeous sound of the Fairline Parkway’s self-titled album will hit you
as immediately as a Belle and Sebastian record does. That isn’t surprising,
as the Scottish pop machine’s influence is felt throughout this indie rock
gem. Soft, delicate vocals barely delivered above a whisper are common
here, sung over a multitude of noises. The hypnotic "Threadbare" is paced
by a steady beat and lifted by the jangle of bells and female backing vocals.
"Bores Me" has tender vocals sung over a light snare, loopy bassline and
pretty piano twinkling. Influenced by the best the indie world has to offer,
Fairline Parkway show an obvious talent for creating lush, ear-pleasing
sounds to make any music fan melt
The Fire Show : Saint The Fire Show.CD on Perishable
Saint The Fire Show" is the third release from
Chicago's THE FIRE SHOW. This album documents the band's progression from
the high-contrast art punk of their first two releases to a truly unclassifiable
hybrid of Birthday Party/PiL post-punk, startling prog-inspired harmonic
interplay, Tricky-esque textured beat interludes, forlorn ballads of raw-nerved
heartbreak and funereal New Orleans horn dirges. Joined by members of CALIFONE,
RED RED MEAT, VANDERMARK 5, WE RAGAZZI, ERIC ROTH TRIO
The Forty-Fives : Fight Dirty Cd on Yep Rock
The
title of this Atlanta four-piece’s latest pretty much says it all. The
band explode out of the garage with 12 soulful, guitar drenched tracks
that recklessly jump the rails like a narcoleptic at the wheel of a transport.
Fight Dirty is all sweat, dirt and bluesy rock at heart, but there’s also
a certain mod/punk-meets-AC/DC X-factor that makes this CD so much fun.
Songs like "The Devil Beats His Wife" and "My Kind Of Girl" hand out charging,
string bending hijinks, while swirling Hammond organ lines bubble in and
out of the mix. If you’re lookin’ for a screamin’ blues-rock album that’ll
keep your party jumpin’ then Fight Dirty ain’t a bad choice at all.
The Headstones : The Oracle Of Hi-Fi CD on Universal
With
a greatest hits compilation under their belts, The Headstones rock 'n'
roll franchise seems to be squarely locked in place. Album number five,
The Oracle Of Hi-Fi, is yet another collection of straight ahead hard rock
with touches of metal, focusing on tales of revenge, debauchery, freaks
and busted relationships. However, despite the band's notorious image as
partyers, most of this disc sounds safe and pedestrian. No chills, no thrills
— perfect fodder for the mindless loops of generic rock you hear in sports
bars. It may be loud and fast, but it won't take your mind off the game.
To quote the somewhat ironic track "Nothing Changes," for The Headstones,
"it's time to step up/no more passing the buck."
The Jeevas : 1234 : CD on EMI
'1-2-3-4!'
is the stunning debut album from The Jeevas, the new band formed in February
of this year by ex-Kula Shaker frontman Crispian Mills. The 3-piece band
are all in their mid-twenties and features Andy Nixon on drums/backing
vocals, Dan McKinna on bass and more b/v's alongside Crispian's lead vocals/guitar.
The band have been quietly warming-up throughout the year with out-of-the-way
dates and have now become a formidable live act, an essence captured on
1-2-3-4!'.Recorded and mixed in 4 weeks from start to finish at Napoleon
Road Studios in Crispian's home town of Richmond, these 10 tracks contain
all the spontaneity and excitement of that new-band rush of energy, taking
in the best of Bob Dylan, the Pixies and 'Pin-Ups'-era David Bowie. Includes
the single 'Virginia'.
The Reunion Show : Kill Your Television
Cd on Victory
Holy
crap these guys are ripping off Weezer. Okay, so it's not a carbon copy
of the much loved Rivers outfit, but the heavy synthesizer/organ sound
that The Reunion Show rock out with has a similarity to the "W" that can't
be ignored. With Matt Sharap era harmonies and an innocence that's endearing,
The Reunion Show are onto something. It's a pop-punk rock 'n' roll party
and this Long Island quartet will be sure to get the crowds jumping, dancing
and singing along with their infectious grooves (I challenge you to not
have at least one sung stuck in your head after a listen or two). This
band should only get better with age
The Sadies : Stories Often Told Cd on Bloodshot
/Outside
God
bless those Sadies for being so prolific. Even since making noise —and
a name —for themselves as Neko Case’s back-up band, the Toronto cowpunkadelic
quartet with the surf rock tendencies has released albums at a dizzying
rate. Stories Often Told marks the fifth release for the Sadies in four
years (if you count 1999’s Red Dirt, their collaboration record with Andre
Williams), and this is undoubtedly their finest effort yet. While the record
opens with standard Sadies fare — an instrumental spaghetti Western theme
song with rollicking rhythm section, it’s the darker moments that reveal
a pleasing maturation in the band’s songwriting. Softer melancholia and
tender vocals are found more often on Stories than any Sadies record before
it. Fans of the band’s swirlier tendencies will relish in their further
explorations into the psychedelic folk rock similar to that of their pals
Beachwood Sparks. These guys can really do no wrong.
The Stone Roses : Very Best Of (Ltd)
An
outstanding collection of music, 'The Very Best Of The Stone Roses' provides
the first truly comprehensive anthology of this incredible, generation-defining
Manchester band. Spanning the Roses' entire career, the tracklisting for
the first time unites songs from their eponymous Silvertone debut and the
Geffen-released 'The Second Coming' and has been fully approved by the
band (the first time Ian Brown, John Squire, Reni and Mani have collaborated
since Reni left the band in 1995). The album comes complete with exclusive
John Squire artwork and extensive sleeve notes from long-time Stone Roses
commentator John McCready. All tracks were remastered from the original
tapes at Abbey Road Studios by Chris Blair, overseen by John Leckie and
(for the 'Second Coming' tracks) Simon Dawson.
'We wanted to be the first band to play on the
moon" - Ian Brown
'The Stone Roses were the most legendary band of the late 1980s. They changed British pop byputting a cool street band back into the mainstream; they made pop and guitars cool again. They were part of their times, but they were also catalyst for the future. They took trad guitar music and breathed new life into it, and when they put out 'Fools Gold' they virtually invented the perfect 1990s pop record' - John Robb, 'The Stone Roses and the Resurrection of British Pop'
This limited edition comes in slipcase packaging
and features 4 artwork prints.
The Strokes : Is This It.(US edition) CD with
DVD on Rough Trade
King
of the Rumbling Spires, anyone? Mungo Jerry meeting MC5 at CB GBs whilst
Wire protest that they are, in fact, the fly in the ointment? One of the
many charms of the Strokes over-hyped and over here debut,'Is That It?',
is that it's hard to find anything to compare it with that's under twenty
years old. Altered Images circa 'Insects'? Nah, never heard of? Well that's
just downright unfair because all of the aforementioned are drenched in
impeachable timing, tune-smithery andoff-the-shoulder, drop-dead style.
As are The Strokes, whose unashamed plundering of punk attitood and the
three chord portmanteau lends their take on music a kind of sneering aplomb
safety-pinned to their own ear for the perfectly beguiling pop moment.
Both the 'Hard To Explain' and 'The Modern Age' singles are here, as are
'NYC Cops' - as performed on UK's 'Top of the Pops' - and a whole thriving
gang of skinny-ribbed masterpieces. This limited edition US edition
includes a bonus DVD containing uncensored video clips of the album's three
singles - 'Hard To Explain', 'Last Nite', and 'Someday' - plus 2 live audio
tracks recorded at an MTV show in Hollywood.
The Swallows : The Beauty Of Our Surroundings
Cd on Magnetic Angel
It’s not inappropriate that the cover of The
Swallows’ sophomore album was designed by Rick White. Like White’s band
Elevator, The Swallows live in that space between harsh and mellow, alternately
rockin’ the house and floating somewhere above it. Songwriter Glenn Milchem
(who moonlights as Blue Rodeo’s drummer) has created a thick piece of brainy,
sometimes psychedelic, rock that sets itself apart with unpredictable turns
and wordy lyrics. Fitting somewhere between the rockarolla of Blurtonia
(it was produced by Ian Blurton and features ‘Tonia drummer Randy Curnew)
and The Rheostatics, Surroundings is an interesting, formula-free album
that proves that Milchem has what it takes even when he’s standing in front
of the drum kit.
The Telescopes : Third Wave.CD on Double Agent
After a 10 year gap, The Telescopes finally follow
up their last album for Creation (1992's 'Untitled') with a brand new aural
adventure entitled 'Third Wave'. After signing to Creation in 1990, following
a succession of fine releases on Cheree and What Goes On Records, The Telescopes'
signature became celestial male/female harmonies lovingly spread over languorous
psychedelic pop grooves. This new album features experimental downbeat
electronica & full on headmusic from the legendary psych outfit. Warm
textured drones & sparce entranced melodics follow the freedom principles
of avant garde jazz thru spaciously organic song structures. From dark
introversion & beautifully stark minimalism to blissfull chaos &
confusion
Theoretical Girls : Theoretical Grils CD on Acute
The theoretical girls may just be the most influential
group you've never heard. This seminal late 70s new york no wave band created
a body of songs and sounds influential on many of their contemporaries,
yet external pressures and internal politics thwarted any official public
release of their music at the time.and his emergent vision was to combine
the raw energy of punk with his own classical compositions. To this end,
he recruited glenn branca (guitar, bass, vocals), margaret dewyss (organ,
bass, vocals) and wharton tiers (drums, vocals), and the theoretical girls
were born. In their day, no other band better combined the visceral accessibility
of punk, new wave and plain rock & roll with such avant garde takes
on classical composition and sheer noise, and the quartet quickly became
both a cutting edge assault on noise and an incredibly catchy rock band.
This cd contains over an hour of original material, all unreleased except
for one song which appeared on a ridiculously rare 45 over 20 years ago.
After their demise, lohn returned to composition and the visual arts, branca
found enduring fame as a creator of symphonic guitar music, wharton Tiers
forged a career as a grammy award winning producer, engineer and studio
owner, and dewyss recently returned to music with a vocal release on smells
like, the label owned by sonic youth drummer steve shelley.
Thin White Rope : Spoor CD on Frontier Records
Sort of a greatest hits record--if twr had any
hits! Obscure b-sides, cover versions from various tribute records, plus
the best version of "some velvet morning" you’ve ever heard. Bonus: genius
joe sacco album cover!
Kevin Tihista : Judo CD on Parasol
New album from chicago’s kevin tihista, a collection
of beguiling, lush-pop orchestrations, the follow up to “don’t breathe
a word”(blanco y negro). Utilizing an arsenal that includes sweetly sarcastic
vocals and electric guitars, string & horns, bass & drums, kevin
tihista has created a sophomore album of heartbreaking pop songs, richly
arranged, incorpoerating the very best of the last forty years of pop music.
For fans of webb brothers, the smiths, elliiot smith, todd rungren, big
star, eric matthews & nick drake
Tindersticks : Trouble Everyday CD on Beggars
Banquet
Tindersticks’ soundtrack to Claire Denis’ eagerly
awaited and rather infamous new film ‘Trouble Every Day’ (starring Vincent
Gallo and Beatrice Dalle) is released on Monday the 1st of October 2001
by Beggars Banquet. The film has been on release in France and other parts
of Europe since mid-July, following it’scontroversial screening at the
Cannes Film Festival, where it’s storyline featuring graphic sex andcannibalism
caused a furore.his is the second time Tindersticks have worked with Denis
(Nenette et Boni, 1996) and the film is herfollow up to the much-acclaimed
‘Beau Travail’. The album is an original score featuring the title theme,
‘Trouble Every Day’, which has already become a firm live favourite in
the bands’ set. The soundtrack wasrecorded in London last summer by the
band with a host of other musicians.‘Trouble Every Day’ will be available
on specially packaged CD and deluxe limited edition vinyl.
Amon Tobin : Out From Out Where CD on Ninja Tune
Amon Tobin continues his adventures with the
breakbeat on this, his fourth album. Darker, more complex, even more rhythmically
driving and intense than ever before, this huge record will cement Tobin's
reputation as one of the most innovative and important names in dance music
today. "Out From Out Where" differs from its predecessor in that "Permutation"
was made using only found sound (most of them generated by Amon himself)
while here he steps back to some slightly more traditional sources (displaying
in particular, a love of guitar licks). But when Tobin takes a sample source
he is never happy until he has warped, filtered and fucked with it until
it sounds like something straight from his head. And not just anywhere
in his head, but that dingy, cobwebbed corner where no one should go. In
fact, this has to be the most straight-up nasty album that Tobin has yet
made - music with the power to genuinely disturb. Looking to the future,
expect to see more whirlwind touring and an EP of collaborations with old
skool legend Steinski, Bonobo, and Kid Koala cohort P-LoveAmon Tobin is
the biggest selling act on Ninja having sold 300,000 albums worldwide.
Tocotronic : Tocotronic CD on L Age D Or
New from L'age D'or (home to Ascii.Disko, Golden
Boy, Spillsbury etc…..) TOCOTRONIC are an alt. rock group who take the
occasional detour into the electronic scene, both as TOCOTRONIC & in
their side project Phantom Ghost . The new single 'This Boy Is Tocotronic'
has something for everyone. Anthemic rock + electro + goth. "Excellent
icy electro-guitar-clash-pop….a meeting of movements that comes good on
the title track , landing somewhere between Grandaddy and New Order " NME
Tocotronic are: Dirk von Lowtzow (Vocals, Guitar), Jan Müller (Bass),
Arne Zank (Drums) - three twenty-somethings from Hamburg, Germany. A German
pop phenomena, Tocotronic are signed to the small but perfectly formed
L'AGE D'OR Records & have recently dented the top 10 National charts.
Their first, self-produced and self-released 7-inch in 1994 "Wir sind hier
nicht in Seattle, Dirk" (This isn't Seattle, Dirk) appealed to fans of
the lo fi / home-recording scene. Their debut album "Digital ist besser"
(Digital Is better) rocked with attitude. They have a way with angular
language: the rhymes sound simple but the lyrics, while not overtly political
express anti-nationalism, anti-censorship & a general mistrust of bourgeois
media. Tocotronic's words and music strike a chord with their audience.
They are playing pop music in the broadest sense of the word and their
brand of upbeat electro - punk-pop has become increasingly sophisticated,
without losing its instant hummability. More cool stuff from Germany
Jenny Toomey : Tempting CD on Misra
Backed by calexico: tempting is a record of 12
songs written by the fabulous franklin bruno and recorded by the world's
best musicians and sung by jenny toomey. You'll swoon to the calexico-fried
forms these songs took once we got joey burns and john convertino in the
room. Mr. Convertino in particular is all over the record, supplying the
classic backbeat to the one-woman supremes on "every little bit hurts,"
and digging out the perfect percussion instrument for the forays into calypso
and bossa nova territory. As for franklin, well, we convinced him to leave
the distortion pedal at home and tickle the keys, the vibes, the occasional
guitar...and the tiny, detuned banjo that was laying around our engineer
craig schumacher's wavelab hit factory. Franklin listened to jenny¹s
tales of woe, pulled some songs that fit the situation from his extra-large
piano bench, and wrote a passel of new ones just for jenny to sing, as
if she were judy garland to his harold arlen and e.y. harburg, or elaine
stritch to his stephen sondheim, or dionne to his burt and hal, or...you
get the point. After all this.
Trabant : Moment Of Truth CD on Thule Musik
NEXT POTENTIAL SUPERSTARS FROM ICELAND.RECENTLY
WON THE BEST DEBUT ALBUM OF THE YEAR AWARD AT THE ICELANDIC MUSIC AWARDS,
AN ACCOLADE PREVIOUSLY HELD BY GUS GUS, MUM and SIGUR ROS...........TRABANT
are MASSIVE FAVOURITES at MUZIK MAGAZINE, making the single 'Enter Spacebar'
(TMU06/cd) MAIN SINGLE OF THE MONTH - "CONTAINS MATERIAL THAT COULD GO
HEAD TO HEAD WITH MOBY, LEFTFIELD, ZERO 7 AND ALL THE OTHER CROSSOVER SORTS,
AND IS AS CHEEKILY FAR AHEAD OF ITS TIME AS 'PIPER AT THE GATES OF DAWN'
WAS DURING ITS OWN ERA". *Being collectors of strange/broken/old instruments
and electronic toys, Trabant's music is dynamic in texture and rich with
colourful sounds. The songs range from super corny power ballads to electronic
frenzies but inbetween youll find every possible musical aspect there is....
FILE NEXT TO: P-FUNK MEETS PIGBAG AND PERRY COMO WITH ON-U SOUND AT THE
CONTROLS
Transplants : Transplants
The
Transplants might not conform to the textbook definition of a punk rock
supergroup (or anyone else's come to that), but with a line-up that includes
Rancid's Tim Armstrong and Blink 182's Travis Barker you should at least
have a fair idea of what they sound like: fast, furious and very, VERY
loud. Featuring guest appearances from Brody Armstrong (The Distillers),
Davey Havok (AFI), Sun Doobie (Funkdoobiest) and Vic Ruggiero (The Slackers),
'The Transplants' showcases a highly original mix of stylistic influences,
but never strays too far from the home base of punk rock; managing to incorporate
such disparate elements as blistering hardcore guitars, hip-hop and dance
hall beats, rap rhymes, and an overall un-wavering dedication to the spirit
of Rock 'N' Roll.
"Transplants songs are over the top. We talk
about stuff I can't even mention. Some of it is as hard as you can possibly
get. It's so punk it's stupid. It's reallyinfluenced by old English Dogs
and G.B.H., that kind of stuff. Then some of it is really hardcore drum
and bass. It's weird" - Travis Barker
Tribute To Nothing : Act Without Words CD on
Lockjaw
With a new guitarist and a brand new album, TTN
exudes a new energy & vitality which has been captured on this their
fourth studio album. Guitarist Kris who joined the trio in February 2002,
has given the band a new zest for their music. The songs on ‘Act Without
Words’ have a maturity, melody and appeal that is of the moment.
Mick Turner : Moth Parts 1 - 19 CD on Drag City
A third album in the instrumental non-rock field
from this acclaimed member of the dirty three. Mick Turner has contributed
his composing and guitar playing to recent recordings by bonnie billy,
Bonneville, the dirty three and catpower. Cover artwork is a painting by
turner. The music itself is Stark and instantly recognisable as the work
of turner, drifting guitar, loops swaying, stark piano, And almost eerie
soundtrack.
Two Dollar Pistols : You Ruined Everything Cd
on Yep Roc
Tired
of alt.country, country swing, new country? A healthy dose of the Two Dollar
Pistols is what you need. They're the real deal, dishing out the kind of
country I remember from the days of my parents spinning Marty Robbins,
Merle Haggard and George Jones records. No pretensions, no soft rock masquerading
as country, and not one fuckin' ironic, "ain't we clever" bone exists in
this fine group of players. This is genuine twangy guitar trading off with
beautiful steel pedal stylings, a shuffle on the drums, lead singer John
Howie's perfect country baritone and a whole raft of songs about hurtin',
hurtin' and hurtin'. New Country is dead. Long Live the Two Dollar Pistols!
Ultramarine : Everyman And Woman Is A Star CD
on darla
absolutely essential, classic, electronic pop
record. In 1991 electronic duo ultramarine recorded their landmark laid-back
album "every man and woman is a star", released in this form by rough trade
in 1992 to great acclaim and eulogized by simon reynolds in his book energy
flash: "all sun-ripened, meandering lassitude and undulant dub-sway tempos…
like acid-house suffused with the folky-jazzy ambience of the canterbury
scene." as well as the sublime single cuts stella and saratoga, the album
offers a mesh of acoustic textures underpinned by a sometimes dubby, sometimes
upfront beat. It's a lavish mix of light yet infectious rhythms and mellow
vibes, recalling lazy afternoons and bright summer seascapes. Largely instrumental,
the album also features lyric snatches from kevin ayers and robert wyatt,
while on stella the found voice speaks to the "deepest part of the soul."
Unknown Ghosts : Transfer At Dub CD on Underground
Inc
The Unknown Ghosts is an ongoing collaboration
with WITCHMAN’S John Roome at the production helm. Heavy on the beats and
bass, Transfer at Dub features such artists as Alex Paterson (THE ORB)
as well as upcoming artists like LIVSTROMPET and BE-1NE. Over the previous
12 months John has been touring the globe as part of the ORB as well as
adding some flavour to the new ORB album. He has contributed 2 tracks to
the Ultra Chilled series. The last couple of years have seen John supply
Production work for the likes of Ian (THE CULT) Astbury, THE ORB and FINITRIBE
as well dropping highly touted remixes for artists as diverse as CORNERSHOP,
CURVE, GARY NUMAN, THE CREATURES and CLAWFINGER.
Ursula 1000 : Kinda Kinky .CD on 18th Street
Ladies and gentlemen, URSULA 1000 has done it
again! 'Kinda' Kinky', (the follow up to his critically acclaimed cult
debut), sees the king of superfunkyelectrodiscosambahousebigbeatbreaks
twisting our minds and senses with his latest long-player. From the sock-hop
at the Playboy mansion grooves of 'Kinda' Kinky' to the double bass laden
beats of 'Smokebomb', 'Kinda' Kinky' is romp through the mind of URSULA
1000's guilty musical pleasures. Tracklisting: Kinda Kinky, Boogaloop,
Beatbox Cha Cha, Jackie O, Smokebomb, That Hindu That You Do, Les Techniques
De L' Amour, Continental Break Feast, Mucho Tequila, Tigerbeat, Riviera
Rendezvous, Samba 1000, The Girl From Nowhere, Nightcap.
V Twin : Blues Is A Minefield CD on Domino
Domino misfits V-Twin return from their rock
hiatus with their stunning debut album ‘THE BLUES IS A MINEFIELD’. Ancient
& modern, dark, exotic, playful, violent & funny – these adjectives
only begin to describe what this holds in store. Geared to waking up tired
ears & blowing cobwebs away - the Twin are back!! Rocking like the
Stones’ ‘satanic’ era this album is indeed their call to arms. ‘THE BLUES
IS A MINEFIELD’ is a visionary album that melds electronic and organic
sounds seamlessly eschewing great rock n roll moments past, present and
future...from Bowie to Aerosmith to the Primals & the current garage
rock explosion from both sides of the Atlantic. V-Twin have walked through
the darkness and the blues is a minefield resounds with barbed laughter.
Va: Nme - One Love: War Child
Compiled
to celebrate the NME's 50th Birthday, and the anniversary of the world's
first ever singles chart (launched in the NME in 1952),'1 Love' celebrates
five decades of life-affirming music by combining the most exciting artists
of today with some of the greatest number one songs...ever! With a line-up
that reads like a 'who's who' of contemporary music, featured artists include
Starsailor ('All Or Nothing'), The Manic Street Preachers ('Out Of Time'),
The Stereophonics ('Nothing Compares 2 U'), Oasis ('Merry Christmas Everybody')
and Badly Drawn Boy Feat Jools Holland And His Rhythmn And Blues Orchestra
('Come On Eileen').
Va : Rise Above: Black Flag Tribute
Slayer's
Tom Araya, Slipknot's Corey Taylor, and QOTSA's Nick Oliveri are the among
the artists giving voice to 'Rise Above', an album benefiting the convicted
killers known as the West Memphis Three. Released through Henry Rollins'
2.13.61 label via Sanctuary Records, the LP was spearheaded by Rollins
and features guest vocalists singing tunes originally recorded by the hardcore
veteran's previous band, Black Flag. Other guest musicians include X's
Exene Cervenka, Motörheadfrontman Lemmy Kilmister, Hank Williams III,
Rancid's Tim Armstrong/Lars Fredriksen, and Black Flag bassist Chuck Dukowski.
"I became aware of the case like many people,
from watching the 'Paradise Lost' documentaries that HBO released. The
first one shocked me and made me upset. The second one made me mad. Damien,
Jessie, and Jason were found guilty of murdering three boys and sent to
prison. I didn't agree with the verdict. I figured that to do nothing about
that would be to align myself with the forces of injustice that got them
pulled into this horrible situation" - Henry Rollins
Josef Van Wissem : Narcissus Drowining CD on
Persephone
On 'Narcissus Drowning', Josef Van Wissem performs
repeats of palindromes (structures which sound the same backwards as forwards)
on lute, beats and electronics. The applied electronics make for a spooky
addition to the hypnotic serene sound of the lute. Special guest is Gary
Lucas (ex-Captain Beefheart, Jeff Buckley) on three tracks. 'The Mirror
Stage' is a haunting 'palindromic' version of Kraftwek's 'Hall Of Mirrors'
with Lucas on slide dobro, and on 'Tijuana Round' the suspense is enhanced
by the minimal but blunt bassdrum beats below the electronic medieval drone.
Press: "A perverted inversion" - The Wire, "Potentially dislocating" -
The New Yorker, "This medieval; sampling is darked atmospherically by the
sound of the lute and electronics. Remarkably un-ancient this record" -
Jazzthetik.
Velvet Crush : Soft Sounds CD on Action Musik
Soft-rock odes & tender ballads from revered-around-the-
world pop duo, ric menck & paul chastain, aka velvet crush, recorded
over the last two years with longtime associates matthew sweet, greg leisz,
jeffrey underhill, and matt lynch. 'Soft sounds' includes covers of the
box tops' "rollin' in my sleep", "save me a place" from fleetwood mac's
classic 'tusk', and a scott walker staple, "duchess". For fans of velvet
crush, matthew sweet, teenage fanclub, rundgren, byrds, beatles…
Vhs Or Beta : Le Funk CD on On Records
Lousiville, Kentucky's VHS OR BETA bridge the
gap between rock music and dance. 'Le Funk' is a glittzy mish mash of post
punk funk and raucous disco, it's house music played with the intensity
of Sonic Youth and the attitude of arena rockers Boston. In a thinly veiled
shout out to VHS' fave producers (Daft Punk, Dimitri) 'Le Funk' exists
at the intersection where nightclubs meet arenas. A live band at heart,
their breakdowns, climaxes and ecstatic wah-wahs come from real guitars,
bass and hi hat abusing drums.
Violents : Rebecca's Morning Voice CD on Mud
Records
Local female punkpop power-trio have been giving
the scene a righteous shake-up for over a year now, this is their debut
album… a musical blend the chainsaw, kill rock stars, k records aesthetic
with echoes of former champaign powerhouse sarge, the violents are the
power of grrrl power incarnate... From the strummy and smoldering opening
peals of "sledding" to the raucous riffs of combustible live favorite "pants
of flame", the violents have injected each song with a degree of angst
and intimacy that is confounding… for fans of totally rockin' chicks like
sleater-kinney, bratmobile, the butchies, team dresch, the breeders, corndolly,
sahara hotnights...
Viva Las Vegas : Viva Las Vegas CD on Acuarela
Viva las vegas is the new band formed by josé
luis aguado and frank rudow, singer and non-percussionist – respectively
– of spanish top indie band manta ray. On this project they benefit from
the possibilities of sonic experimentation, blending together mathematical
distance and deep emotion. They create songs that immediately could be
placed among the same musical boundaries inhabited by bands like royal
trux, come, libraness or modest mouse. Yet there’s an unmistakably european
twist to their music, bringing to mind that created by dominique a, yann
tiersen or experience’s more introspective moments..
Waco Brothers : New Deal CD on Bloodshot
Chicago/Leeds saviours of country and rock submit
their sixth record for widespread dismissal by the powers that be. Those
who have seen them know that the Wacos are the best live band on the planet.
Their shows are the stuff of legend and are boozy, sweaty affirmations
of the transformative powers of rock and roll. What often gets lost in
the steamy, sozzled aftermath of shows is that, over the course of the
past eight years, the Wacos have produced a body of work that is consistently
innovative and wildly entertaining, loud and literate, personal and political.
Few bands, if any, in today's landscape can so fearlessly embrace such
a broad range of influences, throw them into the Waco-izer, and emerge
with fresh ways to gleefully and despondently tell it like it is -- the
warts, the injustice, and the crushed dreams -- without batting an eye
or spilling a drop. The Waco Brothers are led by punk/roots rock l'homme
de renaissance Jon Langford (Mekons, Three Johns, Pine Valley Cosmonauts),
and supported by Deano Schlabowske, Steve Goulding (Mekons, Graham Park
and the Rumour), Mark Durante, Alan Doughty (Jesus Jones), and Tracey Dear.
In their rollicking career, they have been called everything from the flagship
act of the alternative country "movement" to pure butchery. Both are likely
to be correct. MOJO review (to run October issue) "Twelve scorching new
cuts from the best bar band on the planet. While the Mekons' Fear And Whiskey
established Jon Langford's interest in country and roots rock, his solo
career confirmed it. After relocating to Chicago, Langford formed the politically-bent
Waco Brothers in '95, fusing hard-rocking honky-tonk with a whiskey-drenched
country base, and headed straight to the road. Seven years - and some two
thousand shows later - the Waco Brothers recorded New Deal, their sixth
release. Langford's in perfect form here, taking on social ladders and
societal walls and crashing through every one. Alan Doughty, Steve Goulding,
Tracy Dear, and a cast of others provide a raucous backup that's part Drifting
Cowboys, part Clash - and even better than you'd expect. "Alcohol, freedom,
and a country song/I've been waiting way too long," Langford sings on AFC
Song. Consider it a rallying cry, folks: we'll meet you at the bar. Drinks
are on me - as long as the Waco Brothers
Walkabouts : Watermarks Selected Songs 1991 -
2002 CD on innerstate
This anthology brings the best of the walkabouts
many albums on virgin, glitterhouse, and innerstate together on one cd.
16 great songs, nearly 80 full minutes of classic walkabouts music featuring
guests like brian eno, peter buck and the warsaw symphony orchestra. All
in a beautiful 8-panel digipak with an 8 page booklet containing many unseen
photos and detailed liner notes by noted music critic jud cost. Fronted
by the dual singer/songwriter team of carla torgerson and chris eckman,
the walkabouts create some of the most achingly beautiful music to ever
come out of seattle.
Warlocks : Phoenix Ep CD on Birdman
One of the bands to watch in 2002, this limited
edition ep from the warlocks features 2 songs from the forthcoming (due
in october) "phoenix" full length, with 2 exclusive tracks on the vinyl
version, and a further 4 (8 in total) on the cd version (totalling 70 minutes)
major labels will snap these guys up by the end of the year, this ep is
the perfect stop gap between their debut on bomp from last year and the
new full length! Their psychedelic hurricane rock / pop mastery is created
by two drummers, four guitarists, bass and keyboards. Led by former brain
jonestown massacre member bobby hecksher. Amazing pop mixed with sonic
psychedelia, like spiritualized meets the high llamas meets pink floyd
meets spacemen 3, check this out!!!
Washdown : Washdown, The CD on Lookout!
Lookout! buzz band The Washdown's debut mini
album. The Washdown is another of the new Lookout! bands giving the US
underground a much needed shot in the arm. From Tampa, Florida, they've
crafted a truly original style of 60's informed modern punk. The Wasdown
mix the youthful intensity of bands like International Noise Conspiracy
& ATDI with the swagger of the Starlite Desperation and Jon Spencer.
Twangy, distorted guitar driven punk n'roll that's angular, intelligent
and compelling. The Washdown have already been the subject of a heated
major label A&R skirmish on the strength of their live show & demos,
but Lookout! snapped them up for this debut self titled release.... 6 track
mini
Waxwing : Nobody Can Take What Everybody Owns
CD on Second Nature
So
when exactly was it that rock ‘n’ roll got completely co-opted? Now, we're
not talking about major label businessmen giving bands shit deals or artists
selling out and such. Rock was always about girls, cars, money and the
like, so, truthfully, anything rock 'n' roll related should be about one-third
evil on principle. No, what we're talking about is that, somewhere along
the line, rock 'n' roll went from Chuck Berry singing "My Ding-A-Ling"
to Waxwing's "Everything's On Fire" or "The Worst Kind Of Liars." That's
not to say Waxwing and Chuck Berry sound similar in any way, but it's meant
to illustrate that where rock 'n' roll's soul was once dangerous it's now
controlled by heartbroken nancy-boys. Listen fella, there's other girls
out there. Or boys. Whatever. Get over it.
Weapon Of Choice : Illuminutty CD on Nuttsactor5
Sly meets monk meets agitprop funk. W.o.c. leader
appears on the perry farrell album and has recorded with macy gray, fishbone
and snoop dogg. ‘illuminutty’ features arick marshall (former red hot chilli
pepper). Tightly executed grooves and angry political lyrics.
Weirdos : Weirdos World Vol 1 CD on Frontier
Records
An absolutely essential collection that proves
why the weirdos are la's most important punk band. Every song is either
previously unreleased or a different mix even if it's from a 45 or ep.
Brilliant!
Wevie Stonder : Drawing On Other People's Heads.Cd
on Skam
IMAGINE LOCKING BOARDS OF CANADA,
WEEN AND A SHEET OF LSD IN A WHITE PADDED ROOM FOR 2 WEEKS.....THIS COULD
BE THE RESULT. Wevie Stonder combine electronic music, live instruments
and unpredictable narrative. "Never before have Skam sounded like this...and
it's brilliant, an album full of rediculous songs about chimps, barge dogs
and building your own house...a must"
Whitmore : Pack Of Three.CD on Moonska
Previously available on export only, this box
of three CD-EP’s includes the bands debut single "260" and their second
single "Nine Bar Blues". The box also includes the "Hat Club Presents"
CD EP exclusive to this package featuring the tracks "Hat Club", "Famous
Last Words", "The Last (Fuck That)" and a cover of EAST 17'S "Stay Another
Day". One of the UK’s top like ska punk bands!!
Who Is The Daddy Now : Live CD on wtdn
WHO'S THE DADDY NOW - live album ("the only Carter
USM tribute band to feature all the original members"). The official live
bootleg of Who's The Daddy Now? Tours I & II recorded in Sept and Dec
of 2001. Featuring live performances by Invisibles, Abdoujaparov, Jim's
Super Stereoworld and Who's The Daddy Now? Including WTDN? playing a bunch
of Carter USM classics, finishing with the traditional Carter USM encores
Tracklisting: THE INVISIBLES: 1.Dipsomaniac, 2. Hexical Head, ABDOUJAPAROV:
3.Aren't We All, 4. Shut Up, 5.Maria's Umbrella, JIM'S SUPER STEREOWORLD:
6. Big Flash Car, 7.Young & Dumb & Full Of Fun, 8. You're My Mate,
WHO'S THE DADDY NOW?: 9. Daddy Intro, 10. Surfin USM, 11. The Beeper Song,
12. Sealed With A Glasgow Kiss, 13. Daddy Christmas, 14. The Only Living
Boy In New Cross, 15. Sheriff Fatman, 16. Bloodsport For All, 17. G I Blues
Mans Wieslander : Yet CD on parasol records
The third album and stateside debut for swedish
songwriter måns wieslander, a collection of quietly intense and heartbreakingly
profound popsongs draped in lush, gilded sonic tapestries. At times intimate
and hushed with strummed guitars, at others cathartic with bombastic guitar
heorics, "yet" is a beautifully assembled and arranged, studio savvy album,
five years in the making, led by one of the richest voices in pop music
today… måns is: an accomplished songwriter and aural doppelganger
for pop icon adam schmitt. 'Yet' comes highly recommeded to fans of adam
as well as robert forster & grant mclennan from the go-betweens, mark
eitzel, folk implosion, robyn hitchcock, and robert pollard.
Kathryn Williams : Old Low Light
'Old
Low Light' is the beautiful third album from Mercury-nominated singer-songwriter
Kathryn Williams. Even more than its two predecessors, 'Old Low Light'
is a delicate, restrained record that tackles big, difficult themes with
a cool head. Standout tracks include the wonderful single 'No One Takes
You Home' ("You dress yourself to the top of your knickers"), the deceptively
simple 'Tradition' and the quietly spooked 'On For You'. "You've heard
of a 'wall of sound'? Well, what I do is more of a trellis" - Kathryn Williams
'The most satisfying album of the year so far'-
***** The Times
'A sly little fox of an album' - **** Q
'A magnificent third album' - ***** Marie Claire
'...anyone who opens their album with two minutes
of just voice and pulsing double bass, as she does here, has to have a
courageous confidence in her material. Recommended' - The Independent
Witches : On Parade CD on fall of rome
The detroit band with the supernatural sound.
How do you describe the witches? The rock band in a fassbinder/ sid &
marty kroft production? New wave basement blues? How about, songs that
lou reed and petula clark would pen after doing whippets and malt liqur
all night in the parking lot of a haunted carnival? However you describe
it, the witches are here to berighten up your world!! The motor city band’s
been around since 1996, this is their third and best album to date. Fronted
by troy gregory (don’t be put off by his stints in flotsam & jetsam
and prong) the witches’ sound is a dark, reverb heavy mix that can give
you the creeps but still make you feel warm and fuzzy all over. Recorded
/ produced at ghetto recorders with jim diamond.
Peter Wolf : Sleepless Cd on Artemis/Sony
The
way to see how far Peter Wolf has travelled since his days as the frontman
for the J. Geils Band to where he resides on Sleepless is simple; Compare
the version of Otis Rush's "Homework" on J Geils’ Full House with the rendition
on this new disc. The first is driven by a wild youngster and one hell
of a hot band, while this time it's an older, more sedate singer with a
bunch of session men. He doesn't come anywhere close to embarassing himself
like he did in the early ‘80s when the whole J Geils Band seemed to have
gone off the deep end, spewing shit like "Centerfold" and "Freeze Frame."
Classic rock fans will be happy to see cameos from Mick Jagger and Keith
Richards, as well as former J Geils harp player Magic Dick.
Woodstar : Time To Bleed CD on Regal
Woodstar’s music finds a way of transforming
the sad and mundane into music which is in turn melancholic and beautiful.
Woodstar formed in the Summer of 2000. They immediately began recording
three songs, ‘These Scars’, ‘Sorry Skin’ and ‘She Catches’, on the eight
track in their freshly built studio. Without even trying, they had found
their emotive, shimmering sound. By April 2001 they’d duly won the Bacardi/HotPress
Plugged Band Of The Year. ‘These Scars’ was nominated for HotPress Song
Of The Year, and began to get national airplay. Though not fully representative
of their ambition and sound, which also harbours a rough punkish quality,
it’s a stunning debut that serves as a wonderful introduction to Woodstar.
Woolworthy : Recycler CD on Boss Tuneage
Stunning 23 track compilation from Chicago's
hotly tipped indie rockers WOOLWORTHY. Though 'Recycler' kicks off with
three ace new tracks it also comprises the best tracks from Woolworthy's
first two out of print albums and all six from last years brilliant 'Blasted
Into Ashes' mini album that's also - yes you guessed it... out of rint.
After Woolworthy's first UK tour last year Punk bible Fracture saw fit
to award the band with ninth place in their end of year 'Best Punk Band
In The World' readers poll and described them thusly 'All the best bits
of THE REPLACEMENTS and mid-period GOO GOO DOLLS - but better!'. Other
great press the band got at the time read kinda like this... 'Not only
the best Boss Tuneage release so far, but the best pop-punk release heard
around these parts in a long, long time' 9 out of 10 - OX MAGAZINE, GERMANY.
And... 'The perfect solution to a bad hangover!' 4KKKK's - KERRANG!.
Wretch Like Me : I Am Become Death CD on Owned
And Operated
Wretch Like Me kicked off the New Millennium
in grand style as threefifths of its membership either quit, were arrested
or were kicked out. Remaining members Abe Brennan (vocals) and Trevor Lanigan
(guitar), no strangers to adversity having played together for years in
My Name (the Pacific Northwest’s answer to the Victims Family), began trolling
for a rhythm section. No sooner had one been unearthed, adversity (putting
it mildly) struck again in the form of a brain tumor inside Trevor’s head.
Two major surgeries and a year of chemotherapy and radiation treatments
later, Trevor strolled from a hospital back into the practice room. Resumption
of musical activities commenced, the result of which is the ‘I Am Become
Death’ full-length CD, an apt if somber title borrowed from the lips of
J. Robert Oppenheimer via an ancient Hindu text that he mouthed after the
first successful detonation of the atom bomb. ‘Atom Bomb’ is not an un-apt
description of Wretch Like Me’s sound, though, with the new four-piece
format, the band is exploring quiet dynamics and slower, heavier tempos
they had previously ignored. This resultant batch of tunes is ambitious
yet staid: too punk for the rock crowd, too rock for the punk crowd, and
the indie kids just shake their heads. This is a band that personifies
what ‘independent’ used to mean before the wholesale homogenization of
music as we know it today took place in the nineties. Fans of ALL, Strung
Out, Lagwagon, Armchair Martian and Good Riddance might just understand.
Wurzels : Never Mind The Bullocks Eres The Wurzels
Somerset's
very own Crop Idols present their own unique versions of chart toppers!
Yes, following the success with their take on the Oasis hit 'Don't Look
Back In Anger', which is included here, the lads unleash nine Scrumpy 'n'
Western covers of hits such as Gina G's '(Oo Ar) Just A Little Bit’, Blur's
'Country House', and Shaggy's 'It Wasn't Me', to name but a few. So drink
up thy zider once more and get ready to party on down with the Wurzels,
they're the bullocks!
Xhibit : Man Vs. Machine CD on Loud/Sony
Xzibit
hit pay dirt with Restless, his first release under the guidance of Dr.
Dre. Why mess with a good thing? Dre is back as executive producer on Man
Vs. Machine, ensuring this record is up to his standard. They certainly
are — check the Wendy Carlos-inspired "Symphony In X Major" and the electro-bump
groove on "Break Yourself" for proof. "Heart of Man" actually manages to
bite the melody from Toto’s saccharine hit, "Africa" and still sound respectable.
Too bad that X to the Z ain’t got nothin’ new to say. His prison story
on "Release Date" sounds like he’s been looking to C-Murder for lyrical
inspiration, and the usual thug tales reign supreme. He even gives the
obligatory shout-out to his late Momma, who "taught me the wrong from the
right", on "Missin‚ U." I’m sure Momma’s watching proudly from heaven as
her baby boy rhymes over songs like "Choke Me, Spank Me (Pull My Hair)."
Yardsale : Sweeta Pea CD on Grin Like A Dog
Produced by Flophouse Jr.’s John Wood, here is
the second album by this popular Vancouver alt/downer country outfit. Sharing
the same stages and similar fans as other odd-country/roots/big in the
UK studs Radiogram and Flophouse, Yardsale proudly name Gram Parsons as
their prime inspiration, so with all of these names dropped you can get
an idea of the good sounds found here.
Yearlings : Yearlings CD on Sonic Rendezvous
Formed in the fertile pop-climate of Utrecht
(The Netherlands), The Yearlings make catchy pop-songs with a twang. Inspired
by the American alternative country scene (Uncle Tupelo, Jayhawks, Slobberbone,
Whiskeytown/Ryan Adams) this six piece band tries to show that, within
the boundaries of crafted song-writing, rock and country cliches are far
from worn-out! Features Rene van Barneveld (ex-Urban Dance Squad) on pedal
steel.
Astrid Young : Matinee CD on Inbetweens
First solo record by Astrid young, sister of
NEIL YOUNG. Classically trained over many years, at the age of fourteen
Astrid picked up her first guitar, citing Ritchie Blackmore, Tony Iommi
and David Gilmour as primary influences, and began playing around in Toronto
bands 1979-85 when she moved to Los Angeles, singing lead for glam-metal
band Sacred Child, who went on to make two records which both charted in
ten countries. An unreleased solo album for Warner Brothers in 1993/94
was followed by a period recording and touring with brother Neil, starting
with 'Harvest Moon' and 'Unplugged', moving right into a world tour with
Booker T and the MG's backing up Neil. A move back to homeland Toronto
saw the forming of stoner rock power trio iST, with Toronto guitarist David
Kiner and drummer Dan Cornelius, which went on to conquer the Toronto rock
scene at the forefront of the heavy rock revival. Recent years have seen
Astrid through many tours and recordings with brother Neil and has brought
her back to California, and Astrid began playing solo acoustic shows around
the Bay area of San Francisco. Some of the songs she plays live are from
the iST CD, but many are more personal, and reflect her love of the twelve
string acoustic guitar sound and some interesting tuning configurations.
The album is appropriately titled "Matinee", after the title track, which
speaks of the escape that can only be provided by a great film, and many
of the songs have some reference to films.
Young Ideas : To Care For A Baby Bird Cd on Bobby
Dazzler/Outside
In
a matter of five songs, Young Ideas manage to stretch their pop music wings
as far as they possibly can, touching all the right influences along the
way. So while these may be young ideas, they’re hardly new. Still, none
of that matters, really, once the majestic piano and big, beefy beats kick
in on opener "Pet Song." Combined with wispy, Belle and Sebastian-like
group vocals, it soars on the strength of its old-school Elton John-ish
chorus. Meanwhile, the opening piano bars of "All About You" sound so familiar
that when the horns kick in you realize you’re listening to Chicago’s debut
album — and loving it. Much the same way Sloan used Chicago-like horns
on "Everything You’ve Done Wrong," Young Ideas take an old, friendly sound
and give it a fresh new vibe. At only five songs, you hope for this trio
to come up with more of their ideas.
Young People : Self Titled .CD on 5 Rue Chrisine
Young people immerse haunting country/folk/showtune-tinged
female vocals in a spacious, sometimes Abstract environment of electric
guitars, drums, amplified violin, and pump organ. Rod cervera (the For
carnation, weezer, polar goldie cats) recorded the album in los angeles,
where the band is from. Appeals to fans of sonic youth, low, and catpower
Will Young : From Now On
Will
Young needs no introduction. On ITV's 'Pop Idol' he was voted the nation's
favourite, and shot straight into the Guinness Book of Records with the
fastest selling debut single of all time. Now he's back with one of the
most anticipated and long awaited albums of the year. With input from some
of the most renowned songwriters in the world - including Cathy Dennis,
Burt Bacharach, and Biff and Jules (Spice Girls, S Club) - 'From Now On'
takes in a myriad of jazz and soul influences, sliding confidently between
low-slung, smoky rhythms and breezy pop jams. A great voice never goes
out of style and Young's trademark vocal prowess is both timeless and strikingly
ahead of his time. Includes the number one singles 'Evergreen/Anything
Is Possible', 'Light My Fire' and 'The Long And Winding Road'.
You're Pretty : Beautiful Accident .CD on Tolerance
Based in Milwaukee, You're pretty seem to be
the proverbial band on the verge of a breakthrough.Their music is a whirling
dervish of dark, emotive passion. Imagine Tori Amos being the front woman
for Disturbed or the Deftones.
James Yorkston : Moving Up Country .CD on Domino
James Yorkston is the newest signing to the Domino
label and one of the finest singer songwriters to emerge from these isles
in years. Comparisons range from Shane Macgowan to John Martyn, a mean
romantic folk sound, “the best thing out of the kingdom of fife since the
Jesus and Mary Chain” (The Scotsman). Live dates have included a UK tour
last year with John Martyn, plus prestigious guest dates with Beth Orton,
Kathryn Williams, Bert Jansch and Smog to date. Already confirmed are festival
appearances at the Big Chill, Glastonbury, Fleadh, Reading, and Summer
Sundae (Leicester). Debut single received single of the month in Ministry,
Muzik and Jockey Slut too - so plenty of appeal to left field dance fans.
Yoshinori Sunahara: Love Beat CD on Bungalow
YOSHINORI SUNAHARA started his music career heavily
influenced by electronic music pioneers the YELLOW MAGIC ORCHESTRA &
KRAFTWERK. He joined Japan's biggest selling techno act, DENKI GROOVE,
in 1992 & while earning nationwide fame and international recognition
with them, Yoshinoro pursued a solo career, debuting in 1995 with 'Crossover'
on Bungalow, followed by a series of LPs exploring his fascination with
flight 'Tokyo Underground Airport', 'Take Off and Landing', and 'Pan Am
- The Sound of 70s' The magnificence of Yoshinori's music is not only its
diversity of musical elements but also its grand conception. He's currently
working on various collaboration projects & has remixed the likes of
Coldcut, Cornelius, El-Malo, Towa Tei, Peter Thomas and Japanese Eighties
legend The Plastics. Cornelius mentioned in a recent interview with US
"Interview" magazine that "YOSHINORI SUNAHARA is definitely one of the
most promising Japanese musicians today".
Frank Zappa : Zappa Picks By Larry Lalonde Of
Primus And Jon Fishman Of Phish Cd on Outside
For
any serious Zappa junkie, as both Lalonde and Fishman are, the chance to
make your ultimate Zappa compilation is both a great delight and a tough
task. Zappa's musical scope was so broad that his fans all have their own
perspective on a career that was so prolific that shaving it down to one
CD seems like a heinous crime. Despite that, both guys rise to the challenge
with strong sets that show just how diverse Zappa's portfolio of rock,
jazz, funk and classical — mixed with raunchy humour and biting social
commentary — was. At the same time, these discs sound like sonic blueprints,
in many ways, for the bands that eventually became Phish and Primus. Fishman
loves the more funky and groove oriented stuff and he begins his comp with
"Excentrifugal Forz", one of the few times that Zappa, who was a master
controller and constructor, ever released a jam! LaLonde shows the source
of Primus’s sense of humour, as well as ways to work around Les Claypool's
never ending bass antics. As for the aformentioned Zappa junkies, there
is no doubt that these collections will inspire debate and surprise (both
guys included the version of "Dog Breath" that featured Flo & Eddie
on vocals)
Zodiac Mindwarp : I Am Rock CD on Cosmosodomistic
The first album of brand new material in 8 years
- zodiac mindwarp and the love reaction are back! I am rock is the band's
best recording to date, a sonic maelstrom of savage new rock anthems and
twisted pop metal guaranteed to outrage parents and shatter glass at twenty
paces.regulars zodiac mindwarp (voice) and cobalt stargazer (guitar) are
joined by the ex-crazyhead duo robbie vomm (drums), and kev reverb (bass).before
the strokes ,the hives and the white stripes - there was zodiac mindwarp
'80s apostles of guitar-driven, gutter level rock and roll.hailed by the
cult's ian astbury as "the biggest thing this century" when they exploded
into existence in 1986, zodiac mindwarp and the love reaction were the
most outrageous rock band on the planet, sex- and drug-driven metal mayhem
wrapped in leather, fur, and psychedelic swastika chic."zodiac mindwarp
is the greatest rock star in the history of western culture" -bill drummond
LATEST ADDITIONS IN BOLD WHITE
LAST UPDATED MONDAY 04 November 2002