May be reproduced this as long as this sentence is included.
454 Big Block: Your Jesus
Pretty fucking amazing gut-wrenching emo-metal. Almost
Tool-like in intensity and sound. Very dark, very personal, very
horrible without being so forced and overblown and so 'We're so
e-e-e-evviiiiiilll, we suf-f-f-f-ferrr so much!' like some of the
other titles sent to us from Century, or other purveyors of
lameass death metal. 454 Big Block is the real thing, full of
real emotions that you either want to purge as quickly as
possible, or hold onto because they're the only thing you have to
hold onto. What else can one do with a life full of pain and
betrayal, especially with the threat of having a genetic
imperative to hurt and betray? Call in Dr. Kevorkian and bleed
out those bad thoughts. "Pain sets me free."
to
Century Media, 1453-A 14th Street, #324 Santa Monica, CA 90404
(0 Pages/CD/JP)
No trades/no ads/
The Arm's Extent: Nascent Emergence
This is the first cassette compilation from the publishers of
*The Arm's Extent*, an odd Seattle-based litzine.
I'm not such a fan of the zine, so I didn't expect the tape to
impress me much. Of course, I was wrong again. The selections on
this tape cover some amazing ground -- everything from baseball
poetry and hot college bands that broke up prematurely to a
call-in radio show with live singing. The intro is a doozy. It's
a computerized announcement of the famous "This is a test" radio
spot, only it sounds like it was put together with the old SAM
program on the Commodore 64. Some great music intersperced with
Seattle's kookiest folks.
$6 Each to
C. Swaim, 1463 E. Republican St #112, Seattle, WA 98112
(0 Pages/-CS/CWB)
No trades/no ads/
The Auto Body Experience: Smash Hits
Definetely inspired by Frank Zappa (the disk is even dedicated to
the man) but they take all that wackyness and mix it with a 90's
pop sensibility. The lyrics are very upbeat, as is the music, but
they avoid sappyness by infusing the songs with plenty of
sophistication. You could just sit and read the liner notes, as
the lyrics are spiced with humorous background information, but
then the music grabs you with its multitude of influences,
spaning decades of inspiration. Recommended to people who enjoy
humor added to thier music.
$12 Each to
Scott Yoho, Dental Records, 1367 Palace Ave, St. Paul, MN
55105-2555
(0 Pages/-CD/RSF)
No trades/no ads/
Email:AutoBodyX@aol.com
Bailter Space: Wammo
Once upon a time, from a land far, far away (New Zealand), there
was a rock band. They were known in the early years as The
Gordons. They played lots of good music and put out several
releases on their own label (Gordon Records) and Flying Nun.
Then, their guitars got stolen and John stopped playing guitar
for a few years. Later, the band reemerges as Bailter Space, who
they are today. Now, three Matador albums later, they are still
thriving with their latest release, *Wammo*. Not to be confused
with other New Zealand bands like The Chills and The Bats,
Bailter Space has a bit more of an edge. Lotsa grinding
guitar... yeah.
to
Matador Records, 676 Broadway, New York, NY 10012
(0 Pages/-CD/KZ)
No trades/no ads/
Banco de Gaia: Last Train to Lhasa
I usually don't go in for techno/ambient, unless it's got
something interesting. The first disc of this two disc set is
really killer. Imagine, if you can, a slightly sparser than
usual African Headcharge remixed with a techno, instead of
predominately dub beat. That should give you an idea of what
Banco de Gaia's "Last Train to Lhasa" sounds like. Of course,
"sparse" AHC is rather rich and lush compared to many techno
works, and the first disc of "Last Train to Lhasa" offers a
richness and lushness I find lacking in the techno world. The
second disc is mostly more heavily techno remixes of a couple of
the songs on the first disc, the sort of stuff you'd mix in with
other pieces. At 60 minutes per disc, this is the buy of the
issue.
to
Mamoth Records, Carr Mill, 2nd Floor Carrboro, NC 27510
(0 Pages/CD/JP)
No trades/no ads/
The Beastie Boys: Root Down
Ya know I dig The Beaties so ya know I really love this new
release. It's kinda like a suppliment to the excellent *Ill
Communication* released last year. It starts off with "Root Down"
as it appeared on the album but then follows it up with two hot
remixes of the song. The rest of the 30-minute EP features seven
songs that were recorded live in Europe last winter. The
recording and performances of the songs are perfect, capturing
the high energy of a Beasties show with such songs as "Sabrosa"
and "Something's Got to Give."
to
Grand Royal, P.O. Box 26689, Los Angeles, CA 90026
(0 Pages/-CD/RSF)
No trades/no ads/
Bikermutt: The Tape
Yeah, it's the epitome of basement tapes, but I'd rather
listen to this than some dull overproduced CD. At least Bikermutt
gives me something sincere -- even if it's just sincere screwing
around.
Some tracks are filled with heavy, sludge guitar, while others
are whimsical keyboard and acoustic strumming. One definately
gets the feeling that this is a couple brothers and some friends
who got together one afternoon to jam and adlib some lyrics.
$4 + $1 Each to
Chesapeake and Ohio Records, P.O. Box 1023, Baltimore, MD 21203
(0 Pages/-CS/CWB)
No trades/no ads/
Black Grape: It's Great When You're Straight
Remember the Happy Mondays? Well, Shaun and Bez are back and
sober, ready to give it another go as Black Grape. They've got a
new drummer, Ged, a new guitarist, Wags, and something to prove.
Their first album, "It's Great When You're Straight" has all the
enthusiasm one might expect from a band that's been out of it for
awhile and estatic to get back into the swing of things. This
album spurns energetic hits left and right: "Reverend Black
Grape," "In the Name of the Father," and (my personal favorite)
"Shake Your Money." A fantastic little dance album... It must be
great to be straight!
to
Radioactive Records, , ,
(0 Pages/KZ)
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Blue in the Face: Music from the Miramax Motion Picture
I usually don't review movie sountracks -- heck I don't even
like to review *any* sort of compilation -- but I really loved
this film and after scaning the liner notes I noticed some
familar names.
I never really considered myself a fan of "latin" music but I
guess after living in New York City for six years, you just can't
help it. Just like New York, this album is a real hodge podge of
sounds and styles but if you're like me, that's just what get's
you going. You've heard of David Byrne and Lou Reed, right? Other
familar names include Arto Lindsay, John Lurie, and the great Kip
Hanrahan. While the CD doesn't really remind me of the movie, it
certainly takes me back to New York -- which I sure is the
producer's intention.
to
Jim Baltutis, Warner/Reprise Records, 3300 Warner Blvd, Burbank,
CA
91505-4694
(0 Pages/-CD/RSF)
No trades/no ads/
Bobb Trimble: Jupiter Transmission
It's not tough to see what period of music inspired Bobb's
songwriting. His disc is a mishmash from the '60s and '70s; here
a little Creem, there a little Beatles, then some Dylan.
"Night at the Asylum" is a swirling, ominous tune full of audio
clips from *The Wizard of Oz*, The Three Stooges, and Mae West.
It comes together to make an interesting collage, but the cheesy
keyboards and falsetto vocals detract from the effect. The other
twelve tracks are similarly endowed, and tend to bleed together
too much for my taste.
to
Parallel World, 332 Bleecker St #27D, New York, NY 10014
(0 Pages/-CD/CWB)
No trades/no ads/
The Breeders: Live in Stockholm
Essential for all fans of The Breeders, this release contains
much more than one might expect. Along with a between-songs
commentary revealing the recipe for Mudslides, there are seven
live versions of previously released album tracks including
"Hellbound" and "I Just Want To Get Along." Plus, a bonus,
included is a never before released cover version of a Guided By
Voices' tune, "Shocker in Gloomtown." This release was all made
possible, no, not by Elektra, but by The Breeders Digest, the
band's exclusive fan club. The Breeder's Digest publication,
subtitled "The World's Least Read Magazine," publishes every few
months and provides fans with the latest and upcoming news
concerning The Breeders and more. January 1995's issue sports a
personal interview with Kim and Kelly Deal's Mom, a critical
analysis of Mc Donald's restaurants in Europe, a Lollapalooza
Diary, and the guitar transcription for The Breeders' former hit
"Cannonball." Also, one can't leave out the opportunity to
peruse The Breeder's Digest's own Home Shopping Club. Here, one
may order the most unlikely band memorabilia, including pillow
cases and refrigerator magnets inscribed with The Breeders Logo.
Avid fans, subscribe today.
to
The Breeders Digest, PO Box 5090, Hoboken, NJ 07030
(0 Pages/-CD/KZ)
No trades/no ads/
The Charlatans UK: 92602-2
Organ based British pop band, The Charlatans UK, are back with
their fourth album, *92602-2*. After surviving the revolving
music scene for the past six years and other subtle drawbacks
(Rob's jail sentence, ex-guitarist Jon Baker's decision to leave
the band), Tim Burgess and the gang have managed to keep their
smart Manchester sound. Unlike most bands from the infamous
Manchester era, The Charlatans are still alive and thriving,
pollinating the British music scene with their influence. The
Charlatans have certainly managed to keep their style intact. I
can't get past "Just When You're Thinkin' Things Over" (repeat,
repeat, repeat... roomate complaining, "You aren't going to play
that damn song again, are you?".... repeat, repeat, repeat) But
then again, I'm a British pop maniac. If you are too, don't
hesitate on this one.
to
Beggars Banquet, 580 Broadway Suite 1004, new york, NY 10012
(0 Pages/-CD/KZ)
No trades/no ads/
CIV: Set Your Goals
An exciting slice of New York Hardcore. This new album from CIV
is tightly produced and full of high energy. Sixteen clear songs
that blast through the clutter with a tight arangement of bass,
guitar, drums, and Civ on vocals. These guys paid thier dues and
are now using their talents to produce some hard-hitting
songs.
to
Bobbie Gale, Atlantic Records, 9229 Sunset Blvd. 9th Floor, Los
Angeles, CA
90069
(0 Pages/-CD/RSF)
No trades/no ads/
Cocteau Twins: Twinlights
What can I say? More Cocteau Twins, more sweet melodic sounds on
this four song ep. Nothing new, no surprizing twists or
shifts... That's a good thing. Most would agree that the Cocteau
Twins are above improvement. Elizabeth Fraser's voice is
beautifully hypnotizing and that in conjunction with violin,
viola, and cello make this cd mesmerizing. Not recommended for
late night driving... Save it for your significant other on
Valentine's Day. Sounds cheesy, but that's exactly what the
melody lends itself for... However, it is only about fifteen
minutes long... You might want to stick a couple of extra albums
on the carousel (just in case).
to
Capitol Records, 1750 Vine Street, Hollywood, CA 90028
(0 Pages/KZ)
No trades/no ads/
The Crabs: Jackpot
Its a band with a guy and a girl. She plays drums and sings and
he plays guitar and sings. They sing about love and stuff. This
is a popular new line-up for bands and it is a good one. Like the
Spinnanes and Kicking Giant this band can come up with lots of
interesting textures and sounds by using only the two
instruments (some bass on three tracks). Those who buy K records
faithfully will not be disappointed. Neither should anyone else
for that matter.
to
K Records, PO Box 7154, Olympia, WA 98507
(0 Pages/-CD/KMH)
No trades/no ads/
Crawling With Tarts
With almost every recording that I put on for review, I
immediately get a mental image to go along with the music. I
rarely include it in the review as it's usually just my personal
association. This disc, however, brings up such a strong picture
that I'm sure it will help explain the music. The first of the
two pieces, the 47 minute "Grand Surface Noise Opera Nr. 3" makes
me think of walking through an abandoned but still functioning
exhibit of talking displays; something like the World's Fair or
an older version of The Epcot Center. You can hear the strained
whirring of all the machines in operation as they talk to you,
giving you the various details of modern life and trying to sell
their miracle products in vain. It's a work similar to something
Negativeland might produce but with less traditional music. The
followup piece "Nr. 4," is a noisy, brash collage of drums,
tinkling toy cymbals, and truck horns that sound make a bizarre
performance of experimental sound. A brilliant alternative to
almost everything else on the market.
to
ASP, P.O. Box 24908, Oakland, CA 94623
(0 Pages/-CD/CWB)
No trades/no ads/
Cutler - Dimuzio - Vrtacek: Preacher in Naked Chase Guilty
Every few months I recieve a CD that I am truly excited about
getting sent in for review. Usually it's from a band or performer
that I've been following for many years.
Chris Cutler have been very prolific over the years, and I
probably have close to everything that he's worked on -- from the
early Henry Cow to the recent experimental improv stuff -- I even
have his books and magazine articles. When I first put on this
new CD from Ponk Records it immediately reminded me of the
Cutler/Frith live album, but with three performers (C.W. Vrtacek
playing guitar and Thomas Dimuzio working on the sythesizers) it
has a much fuller, more varried sound. Recorded live at a 1993
performance in Connecticut, it was mixed down from 66 to 44
minuites. I carefully listened to this one as is the tradition
with *difficult music* and it wasn't until it played completely
through that I noticed it was divided up into 25 different
*cuts*. The liner notes explained how listeners are encorraged to
play this disk on "shuffle play" to create a new listening
experience each time. My player doesn't have that option but it's
great to find unique CDs like this that truly make us of this new
technology.
$15 Each to
Shawn and Bob Harper, Ponk Records, P.O. Box 3664, Bloomington,
IL 61702
(0 Pages/-CD/RSF)
No trades/no ads/
Email:PinkBob@aol.com
Cyclesonic Volume 2
From the publishers of *Motorcycho* comes this fun tape of
music from trashy 60's motocycle movies. It's a full hour of bad
biker music and great movie dialoge.
The songs aren't fimilar to me but I love 'em just the same.
Classic 60's rocknroll and neo-classic soundalikes -- all about
the love of ridin' bikes. I guess my favorate bit is the sound
from the trailer for that classic biker flick *Hell's Angels on
Wheels.*
Perfect for gearheads and B-movie fanatics. The sound quality is
kinda crappy but it's vintage recordings -- and besides, it's
only a buck.
$1 + 3 stamps Each to
Motocycho, P.O. Box 1564, Point Roberts, WA 98281-1564
(0 Pages/-CS/RSF)
No trades/no ads/
David Thiel: Bang
Among the ways to listen to this CD, David recommends
re-ordering all the tracks to compose your own story, much like a
"Choose Your Own Ending" book.
His music is full of atmospheric keyboards and soaring guitar
riffs that would be right at home in a futuristic SF opera. Lots
of moody, ambient sounds loaded with effects. His 27-minute "Keep
This Object Carefully" is a dreamy, almost mystical assortment of
sound that is a reinterpretation of the previous ten tracks.
$10 Each to
David Thiel, 175 Margaret Rd, Amherst, NY 14226
(0 Pages/-CD/CWB)
No trades/no ads/
DEAD HOT WORKSHOP: 1001
If Sugar, the Replacements and the Counting Crows hosted an orgy
for Eddie Vedder, and some groupie chick got knocked up, she'd
give birth to Dead Hot Workshop. These guys show a pop
sensibility which borders on the formulaic from time to time, but
makes for an extremely listenable recording. This sensibility
thinly veils a power and an energy which, after listening to the
disc, makes me want to see them live. As such "1001" is type of
sublime delight which is always welcome in my CD player. There's
a tension here that is always on the verge of exploding, and it
does on more than one occasion but never at the expense of
overpowering and drowning out the strength of the songs.
to
TAG Recordings, 14 E. 60th St., New York, NY 10022
(0 Pages/-CD/CJC)
No trades/no ads/
Delete the Elite
An absolutely hilarious 7" piece of vinyl. The folks at Eerie
got ahold of the famous "Lou Minati" Cabodian Refugee prank
phone call tape. These tapes feature a foreign-sounding solicitor
contacting random people, telling them their Cambodian Refugee
adopted child will be delivered next week. As to be expected,
most people don't take too kindly of the news and have a few
things to say in their defense. The best part is how they
transform these arguments into hilarious satirical songs. Don't
miss the tale of "Mr. Bartnett," sung to the tune of "The Beverly
Hillbillies."
Available as part of their new subscription service.
, Subs: $15.00 for 4 issues to
Troy , Eerie Materials, P.O. Box 420816, San Francisco, CA 94142
(0 Pages/7"/RSF)
No trades/no ads/
DFL: Proud to Be
A very lively punkrock album with a tight production and cool
songs. So cool that you get 20 of 'em on this CD. They've got all
the right hooks and all the right energy but it sounds very fresh
comming from the Los Angeles punk scene. Yes Dead Fucking Last
(DFL) are certainly proud to be, as explained in the title song
on this album. Other hits include "Club Stupid," "Free Haircut,"
and "Good Cop, Bad Cop."
to
Epitaph, 2798 Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90026
(0 Pages/-CD/RSF)
No trades/no ads/
Didjworks: Grand Central Live
Rhythmic natural drumming and didgeridoo recorded live at
Grand Central Station in New York.
The assortment of percussion and other instruments (Conga drums,
shakers, wood blocks, Bongos, and bull roarer) are the perfect
accompaniment to the didgeridoo, adding a smooth bed of sound to
offset its twangy gurgling. The occassional background crowd
noise and the sound of an inbound train complete the scene,
bridging the gap between the Australian outback and the
metropolis of New York. An extremely calming work.
$13 Each to
Nature Beat Music, P.O. Box 212, New York, NY 10014
(0 Pages/-CD/CWB)
No trades/no ads/
Drunken Boat: Dressy Hat
I had to get out my black turtle neck just to review this album.
Drunken Boat's *Dressy Hat* is the alternative answer to
artsy-fartsy with its way of putting funky poetry to noise music.
"Food Eating Grin" left me wide eyed and wondering, "Post Punk"
had me looking around for Kramer, and "I Love You" reminded me of
The Grifters. Not the kind of record you'd flip on for mindless
background dinner atmosphere, *Dressy Hat* is a force that
demands to be listened to. The drony, harsh guitar and sheer
bizarre nature of its intruding sound makes it hard to believe
that the lead singer, Todd Colby, plays pro football in his spare
time, but it's true. I guess that means that anything is
possible. This album is for those who like their music raw,
without any pretty condiments.
to
Yesha, Inc., PO Box 31725, Charlotte, NC 28231-1725
(0 Pages/-CD/KZ)
No trades/no ads/
Dunderhead: Songs of Dunder
A very amusing collection of songs that are very silly but
still retain their musical sensibility. For some reason I find
this musicality a bit disorienting as humorous songwriting is
often found accompanied by the off-the-wall arangements of Frank
Zappa or Doctor Demento's favorites.
Walter Sargent writes and sings songs about love, tragedy, and
the perceptions of reality. A recording that warrents repeat
listenings.
to
SkyDiver Records, P.O. Box 725, East Setauket, NY 11733
(0 Pages/-CD/RSF)
No trades/no ads/
Email:zerojack@aol.com
Endless 2
While techno music seems to have split off into the two
directions of industrial and ambient, this new series from
Manifold Records seems to buck that trend. They collected a
number of different artists that seem to combine the best that
industrial and ambient have to offer, all while completely
removing any traces of an techno dancehall beat.
Featured on this second collection of dark anbient music are such
stars as Bill Laswell, Nicky Skopelitis, Steve Roach, Robert
Rich, Controlled Bleeding, and Null. For the most part these
compostions are quiet, but with a dark rumbling underneath it
all. They really give you your money's worth, packing 80 minuites
of music onto this nine-track CD. Put it on for 80 minites and
it'll transform your consciousness.
$11.25 Each to
Vince Harringan, Manifold Records, P.O. Box 12266, Memphis, TN
38182
(0 Pages/-CD/RSF)
No trades/no ads/
Faction: Collection 1982 - 1985
This short lived band quickly became one of the leading skate
punk bands in the early 80's. They only survived three years but
durring that time they rocked Northern California, went on a
couple of tours, and released a bunch of vinyl that was compiled
for this 28- song collection. This is the complete collection,
including all the lyrics, recording session dates, and a list of
all their gigs. The music is fast and exciting, capturing the
spirit of the time, and thankfully, a bright production where you
can *hear* the music and lyrics.
to
Goldenrod Records, 377 Tansy St, San Diego, CA 92121
(0 Pages/RSF)
No trades/no ads/
The Fightsters: A Little Man's Love
I never got involved in the network of crank call tape
trading but that doesn't mean I don't love the stuff. Thanfully,
the recordings are finally making thier way onto CDs that you can
easily buy no matter who you know. I enjoyed the Jerky Boys album
but these two folks KICK THEIR ASS!
"Manual Manmen" and "Vivian Bagleigh" have been pranking for 20
years and mixed down 200 hours of the stuff into this long
73-minite best-of CD. You're just gonna love "Hang Up the Phone"
where they hold someone on the phone for a minuite and a half,
yelling at them to "hang up the phone motherfucker!" Or how about
how the woman they got so riled up she curses them "You have the
wrong number in the name of Jesus...I command you Devil get out!"
I like the added musical interlude between each piece -- breaking
up the continuity and adding a good ballance.
to
Faithbavitch Enterprises, 1709 S. Braddock Ave, Pittsburgh, PA
15218
(0 Pages/-CD/RSF)
No trades/no ads/
Foggy Notion: Mission
Supposedly their third cd, Foogy Notion, ala Boston, is a simple,
lively guitar band. The album's big claim to fame is the first
"official" cover of Camper Van Beethoven's "Take the Skinheads
Bowling." Surely, that's been done before, but never quite like
this (like it was meant to be done? I think they're serious). Try
"329" for guitar pop...
to
sudden records, 4501 Connecticut ave., washington dc, 20008
(0 Pages/CD/KZ)
No trades/no ads/
Folk Music at Newport Part 1
Newport hosted music festivals way before Woodstock or
Lollapalooza came on the scene and this compilation puts together
some of the best from 1965's lineup.
We get a full range of folk music from Bill Monroe's bluegrass
and Mississippi John Hurt's soulful blues to the more traditional
Joan Baez and Pete Seeger. Kingston Trio fans will love the rare
live version of MTA as well. Aside from the larger names, there
is a host of excellent musicians that play old-time folk; Cyprian
Landreneau plays authentic cajun, Eck Robertson gives us real
hillbilly fiddle, and The
Chambers Brothers deliver a lively gospel number that will
definately get the blood moving. The selection of material here
is simply amazing, and contains many tracks that have never
before been released.
to
Vanguard Records, 1299 Ocean Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90401
(0 Pages/-CD/CWB)
No trades/no ads/
Friends of Dean Martinez: The Shadow of Your Smile
Instrumental twangmeisters with the best of 'em, these cool
cats ride off into the sunset as often as they can, a total of
thirteen times on this disk. IfI had a car and somewhere to drive
it, I would probably find myself, driving to this. This music is
a slinky, languid take on the classic instrumental sixties sound.
They make excellent use of steel guitar to get that falling
asleep in the backseat Ry Cooder type of feel and the tempo
really doesn't ever heat up. A good one to sit on the porch
sipping gin and tonics to.
to
SubPop, 1932 First Ave., Ste. 1103, Seattle, WA 98101
(0 Pages/-CD/KMH)
No trades/no ads/
Fungus: b/w Alchemical Pursuits of the Dispossessed
A tape of free form musical works that make for quite a
lesson in deconstruction.
Alchemical Pursuits is a rambling progression of guitar chords,
offkilter horns, and noisy keyboards that sounds like a small
gang of kindergarteners loose in the music closet. The songs are
alternatively playful, depressing, and annoying and remind me of
the dada litzines with their avant garde approach. Fungus, a two
person collaboration of warbling clarinets and flacid guitar
strings is sparser, yet certainly no saner.
$4 Each to
Crunchy Food, 815-A Brazos #373, Austin, TX 78701
(0 Pages/-CS/CWB)
No trades/no ads/
Gabrielle Roth & The Mirrors: Tongues
A highly evocative disc of tribal/dance music with interesting
strains of jazz and music from the Middle East. This release
features a wide array of guest musicians, each lending their own
sound to the music. It's tough to pin down the material as each
piece is so unlike the otheres. "Suma" sounds like the music of
King Sunny Ade, while "Silver Desert Cafe" makes you feel like
you are in the open air marketplace in Istanbul. My favorite
track has to be the driving and eerie "Chatter" with its rythmic
beat and background wailing sound of what might as well be
ghosts.
to
Raven Recordings, 744 Broad St Rm 1815, Newark, NJ 07102
(0 Pages/-CD/CWB)
No trades/no ads/
The Gathering: Mandylion
While most *heavy* music relies on the deepest of male vocals.
Holland's The Gathering ignores the trademark growing with the
delicate (but very strong) vocal stylings of Ms. Anneke van
Giersbergen. That's not all that makes this one stand out.
Musically, it's very complex, weaving a textured web of guitar
riffs and synth lines. So complex it's almost atmospheric at
times. The result is a recording that's both bright and dark at
the same time.
$10 Each to
Rayshele Teig, Century Media, 1453-A 14th Street Suite 324,
Santa Monica, CA
90404
(0 Pages/-CD/RSF)
No trades/no ads/
Gold Sparkle Band: Earthmover
I never heard of these guys before but I'm glad I'm checking
'em out now. Formed just last year, but these five guys have
obviously been giging around a lot before then. They're from
Atlanta but I'm not fimilar enough to label this as an "Atlanta
Sound"
They play contemporary jazz (ala Zorn or Sun Ra) but with roots
hawking back to bebop. All the pieces are orginal, varying in
length from three to fourteen minuites. They're obviouslly
tightly orchestrated, but leaving enough room for improv that
gets wild but not out of control.
to
Third Eye Records, 1653-A McLendon Ave, Atlanta, GA 30307
(0 Pages/-CD/RSF)
No trades/no ads/
Email:thirdeye@atlanta.com
The Gone Tribe: The Hobo Project
This is a collection of spoken word hobo stories that
alternate with music from The Gone Tribe.
Patrick MacDevitt narrates each scene and does an excellent job
recreating the milieu of the rail-hoppers. The poppy, bluesy
tunes that follow each story retell the action in song form.
Along the way, we meet Gus the Gimp, Old Joe and The Alleycat,
and a host of other hobo characters. This would make an excellent
theatrical production between the spoken word and live music.
to
D.A.M Video Inc., 47-55 39th Place #2E, Long Island, NY 11104
(0 Pages/-CD/CWB)
No trades/no ads/
Email:damvideo@aol.com
Her Fault: Heritage
A collection of catch rock songs that borrows the best from
punk and pop without the pretentiousness or sappyness.
Just three guys jamming out and having fun. They come from
Washington state but avoid the trappings of the Seattle sound
while still rocking out. The playing is tight and the production
is clean and bright.
This is a record you can enjoy many times over.
to
Vinnie Segarra, Bittersweet Records, 920 Broadway Suite 1403,
New York, NY
10010
(0 Pages/-CD/RSF)
No trades/no ads/
Email:bittsweet@aol.com
Hoax: Fake Tape/Bogus Bootleg
There's a huge underground network of tape traders that
exchange everything from prank phone call recordings to homemade
techno. Slab-O-Concrete is distributing these two collections
that were assembled by *Hoax!* magazine. Highlights on these
jam-packed tapes included the mutitude regurditations of the
Negativland/U2/Casey Casem tapes, the insane prank phone calls,
the bizarre SubGenius rants, Johne Trubee's legendary *Blind
Man's Penis*, Robert Anton Wilson's lecture, and Karen Eliot's
interpretations of the Illumnati secrets (or something like
that).
So much stuff here that I don't any collector would have it all
but I'd particularly recommend it to people who are just starting
out in exploreing the underground audio network.
A couple of really fun tapes packed full of strageness. *Hoax*
magazine can be reached at BM Indefinite, London, WC1N 3XX, while
Slab's at P.O. Box 148, Hove, BN3 3DQ, U.K.
$8 Each to
Slab-o-Concrete Distribution, P.O. Box 821388-162, Dallas, TX
75382
(0 Pages/-CD/RSF)
No trades/no ads/
Holland/Skin/Tunnel
This plainly designed, unassuming disk packs an intense tidal
wave of sound and energy. With its raging harmonics of electric
guitars it brings to mind the music of Terry Riley or Glen
Branca, but this exciting disk is a very contemporary
interpretation of modern minimalist music.
There's a drummer keeping a rythim going but the operative word
here is "harmonics" -- and what impressive harmonics they are. As
compelling as this music is, it's difficult to find the right
mood because it demands so much from the listener. I wouldn't
even recommend it to anyone who doesn't have a system that can
fill a room with sound.
People talk about punk or metal being played loud. This disk
almost defines the concept of "loud." Recommended to all noise
adicts.
$12 cash Each to
J.M, 48 Eighth Ave Suite 118, New York, NY 10014
(0 Pages/-CD/RSF)
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Hurricane: The Hurra
With so many rap records coming out these days who do you
trust to help you find the good ones? Ask OGs like the Beastie
Boys who they like. Hurricane has been around for years, backing
up the Beasties on thier tours, but now has his own recording,
released by Capitol and Grand Royal.
It's hard core gansta rap but blended with the wit and vitality
of Mike D and crew.
to
Capitol Records, Creative Svcs., 1750 North Vine St, Hollywood,
CA 90028
(0 Pages/-CD/RSF)
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Jeffrey Lee Connelly: Pioneer
If you are familiar with Technocamp tapes, you'll have an idea
what kind of recording this is -- low fi, a bit scratchy and
muffled, but right from the heart. Jeffrey Connelly plays solo
acoustic guitar and sings these occasionally goofy, but more
often sentimental lyrics of lonely life, lost loves, and
reflections from the open road. Some of the tracks include
Jeffrey's fiddle playing which gives the music an extra level of
warmth.
$5.50 Each to
Jeff Anderson, 103 Woodland Ave, New Cumberland, PA 17070-2060
(0 Pages/-CS/CWB)
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Kirk Lake: So You Got Anything Else?
Bedtime stories anyone? If you like yours told by an intriguing
English bloke against a back drop of swarthy mood music, this is
the album for you. The music features the combined talents of
artists such as Martin Carr (The Boo Radleys), Sonic Boom, Zion
Train, and Knownothing. The spoken word has the flair of a
1940's detective story and conjures mental images of trench coats
and nameless faces smoking cigarettes. Just the thing for a
rainy night when you're in one of those kind of moods.
to
CHE, PO Box 853, London, E18 2NX U.K.
(0 Pages/-CD/KZ)
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Lip: Collection of spoken word to benefit the Women's Action
Coalition
Ruby Throat Productions put together this collection of women
spoken word performances to benifit the Women's Action Coaltion.
Excitingly, the results is one of the most vibrant collections of
spoken word performances I've heard. Much of the pieces are
political, but it's how they steer clear of traditional poetry
that makes this collection most successful. So many standouts
that I can't list 'em all, but Kate Bornstein's "Voice Lessons"
and Patricia Smith's "Skinhead" hit me like a bullet. Lots of
superstars make an appearance, like Anne Waldman, Exene Cervenka,
Eileen Myles, Wanda Coleman, and Anne Magnuson. Laurie Anderson
is absent but not forgotten, as Kate Bornstein explained how she
learned to speak like a woman not from her voice coach but from
Laurie Anderson's records.
$12 Each to
Ruby Throat Producitons, 3181 Mission St #8, San Francisco, CA
94110
(0 Pages/-CD/RSF)
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Manic Hispanic: The Menudo Incident
I really like this recent trend of producing compilations of
reinterpereted classic punk songs.
I still get a kick out of Black Velvet Flag [reviewed in *F5*
#55] and their cocktail lounge versions of "Institutionalized"
and "Group Sex," but I'm sure this one is gonna be getting a lot
of play on the office CD player. Manic Hispanic put a hilarious
Mexican-American spin on classic punk songs, but unlike Black
Velvet Flag, they turn down the camp and rev up the energy,
creating songs that are more honest tributes then satires. I
particularly like how the rework the lyrics as well as the
arrangements, creating songs like "Bario Land" out of The Clash's
"Garage Land," reworking "Cest Plan Por Moi" into "Jet Muchacho,"
and the title cut, "Manic Hispanic" created out of The Buzzcock's
"Orgasm Addict."
to
Doctor Dream Records, 841 W. Collins, Orange, CA 92667
(0 Pages/-CD/RSF)
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McClintic Sphere
It's seems like all of Reno's underground culture flows
through this P.O. box. While Sean Winchester does *Drop Forge*,
his brother Keil just started up this cool cassette compilation.
It features a variety of sounds, both musical and non-musical,
from many different people
It's quite experimental, in that dreamy sort of way, with sounds
from Sean and Keil, Ficus (*Transmog*) Stangulensis, and
others.
$5 Each to
Jonestown Press, P.O. Box 7237, Reno, NV 89510
(0 Pages/-CS/RSF)
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Menthol: Menthol
More stuff to come from the college music rich region of
Champaign, Illnois... Menthol is neither offensive nor
spectacular. However, this three piece is pleasantly consistent
and scores above your average, bland commercial radio hit.
Bassist Joel Spencer puts it best, "I guess we write pop songs,
but they're huge pop songs." Huge must be in reference to the
strong, three chord sequences they use over and over again...
Dinosaur Jr. without the raspy vocals? A watered-down Pavement?
Sometimes somewhere in between is better...
to
Capitol Records, 1750 Vine St., Hollywood, CA 90028
(0 Pages/-CD/KZ)
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Michael Perilstein: Soundtrack to Where Evil Lives
I've never heard of this film, but it had the great star Claude
Akins in it, so what more do you need to know? One can almost
piece the plot together by the titles of Perilstein's songs.
"Evil's in Her Pants, But will She Find Romance?" "He's at the
End of His Rope" and "Involuntary Organ Donor" give some tasty
clues. The music is a blend of dreamy organ tracks that sound
like they would go perfectly with a cheesy direct to video movie.
to
TEC Tones, P.O. Box 1477, Hoboken, NJ 07030
(0 Pages/-CD/CWB)
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Michael Stirling: Flying Snake Brain
There's not a whole lot that differentiates one solo
didgeridoo CD from another -- at least not to my ears. They all
seem to have the same range of sounds and the same unsettling,
jarring effect.
On Flying Snake Brain, Michael takes this unholy buzzing to its
outer reaches. The frenetic playing and mesmerizing drone sound
unlike anything you could imagine from this planet. Far from
conjuring up heavenly images, this recording would be the perfect
soundtrack for the Book of Revelations.
to
Tim/Kerr Records, P.O. Box 42423, Portland, OR 97242
(0 Pages/-CD/CWB)
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The Mike Gunn: Coduh - A collection of live and studio
recordings
This is a very limited edtion CD (ours is numbered 322 of
920) of the forerunners to the amazingly great Linus Pauling
Quartet. If you missed out on LPQ, or want to hear more of the
same baddrugpsychedlic weirdness, you *must* get this. Packed
with over 70 minutes of diseased neopaisley, leading in with a 14
minute jam that should give any self-respecting deadhead a bad
case of dry heaves, this disc is *way* high, and *way* high on my
personal rotation. "This would be better if I were more stoned."
Words to live by.
to
Worship Guitars Rcords, 1902 Silver Bank Ct., Houston, TX 77058
(0 Pages/CD/JP)
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Native Ground: Where Wild Salmon Run
The trio that makes up Native Ground play wonderful almost
hypnotic melodies using the natural sounds of acoustic guitar,
softly played drums, and the very unique Aboriginal instrument,
the didgeridoo. No dubbed-in New Age environmental sounds like a
babbling brook or whale song, this is pure yet gentle music that
I played many times at night to help me fall asleep. The music is
anything but dull though. Gary Thomas's excellent playing of the
didgeridoo adds a very mystical sense to the music that is hard
to come by elsewhere. A highly enjoyable work.
to
Raven Recordings, 744 Broad St Rm 1815, Newark, NJ 07102
(0 Pages/-CD/CWB)
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Noise From Oblivion
A few years back Jay was publishing his *Notes from
Oblivion*, documenting his worsening case of evironmental illness
(the disease featured in the film *Safe*). His worsening
blindness caused him to cease publicaion but you can still get
copies of his audio tape, *Noise from Oblivion*.
The first side is a unique experimental sound collage piece
utilizing found voices, tape experimentations, and weird sounds.
The second side, described as "1970s high school hilarity," is a
silly teenage comedy recording that people will either find
absolutely hilarious or childishly annoying.
Send for his tape and enclose one of your own.
$3 + L-SASE Each to
Jay Harber, 626 Paddock Lane, Libertyville, IL 60048
(0 Pages/-CS/RSF)
no ads/
Only a Mother: Feral Chickens
While the music of The Residents have changed and mutated
over the years it always has that distictive trademark sound.
That offbeat kilter that's makes it so compelling.
I've been a fan of theirs for years and watch how they've grown
and changed. While no one can ever duplicate them, Only A Mother
is the closest I've ever heard any band come to matching what The
Residents have to offer. If you never picked up on The Residents,
don't let this comparison phase you. These folks produced an
album that posesses the quirkyness of The Residents but adds
plenty of folksy melodies to create a full range of emotions.
I'll be damned if I'm gonna play my Henry Cow records at a party,
but Only a Mother will definety get played the next time my
friends come over for a poker game. If you think you share my
taste in music then look for this one.
If you're a fan of Pere Ubu, Zappa, or The Residents then you're
sure to love this album but more hesitant music lovers might
enjoy it to, opening up a whole world of musical
possibilities.
to
T.E.C. Tones, P.O. Box 1477, Hoboken, NJ 07030
(0 Pages/-CD/RSF)
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PENNYWISE: About Time
The first track on this disc, "Peaceful Day" opens up with a
funky jazz riff which is quickly shoved aside by a straight ahead
driving punk beat. The songs here are strong, hard and forgivably
melodious with an accent of cynicism which shows that these guys
were breast fed on a steady diet of the Circle Jerks. Nowhere is
this more evident than on "Perfect People". The hook of this
recording though is that each song packs at least one sucker
punch. On more than one occasion, they allow you to relax into
the groove of a song then slam you with a succession of rapid
fire power chords which stop only long enough for you to catch
your breath before they start slapping you around again. The
result is an interesting collection of tunes which demonstrate a
variety of styles, but which is still rooted in the spirit of
eighties hardcore.
to
Epitaph, 2798 Sunset Blvd, , CA 90026
(0 Pages/-CD/CJC)
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Pere Ubu: Ray Gun Suitcase
It's great to hear David Thomas and crew back in top form. I
guess it's been about three years since the last album, but it
seems way longer to me since I've been a bit disaponted with the
last few recordings. Sadly Chris Cutler doesn't appear on this
one [for more on Chris see review in this section] but we are
treated to the relative newcommers Scott Benedict (drums),
Michele Temple (bass), and Robert Wheeler (sythesizer and
*theremin*).
This album rocks, but not in the traditional sense. They get back
to their roots of Pere Ubu and make a rock album that's smart.
How's the singing? Thomas is up there in top form, giving it all
with a full range of confused emotions. How about the lyrics? I
can't tell you cuz "To print lyrics is a Bad Thing." If you're a
long-time Ubu fan like myself then you'll be surprised how both
original and true to its roots this album sounds.
to
Carl Hanni, Tim/Kerr, P.O. Box 42423, Portland, OR 97242
(0 Pages/-LP/RSF)
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Peter Grudzien: The Unicorn
This is a reissue of the rare 1974 recording of the same name.
After listening to this CD several times I understand why it is
so sought after. Peter Grudzien plays these very catchy and
oddball country western tunes with lyrics that rival Dylan's
wackiest. One of my favorites is the silly love ballad "White
Trash Hillbilly Trick" about a girl "with holes in her britches"
and "long hair parted in the middle." But much of the material
has a touching, sorrowful Leonard Cohen side that comes out
distinctly. If you think country music is on the same par as
infomercials, you really need to give it another chance and check
out Peter Grudzien. For more info, see the writeup in *Incredibly
Strange Music Volume II*.
to
Parallel World, 332 Bleecker St #27 D, New York, NY 10014
(0 Pages/-CD/CWB)
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The Raincoats: Fairytales
Of the many important things Kurt Cobain did, he had to power
to turn people's attention to otherwise unrecognized music. It
still seems so surreal but I remember reading the mainstream
music press and seeing an ad for reissues of the three original
Raincoats albums accompanied by quotes from Cobain -- and get
this, on David (fuckin') Geffen Records! I was anxous to buy them
but it seemed so strange, an ad in *Rolling Stone* for The
Raincoats?
Everything is back to normal now with Tim/Kerr releasing an LP
only greatest hits collection. Thirteen of their best songs, the
only hitch - ya gotta have a record player. A big colored vinyl
disk with lyrics printed on the inner sleve and everything.
Fifteen years seems like a long time. I'm not going to say this
stuff is timeless or anything but it's certainly a tremendous
record worthy of consideration in any decade.
to
Carl Hanni, Tim/Kerr, P.O. Box 42423, Portland, OR 97242
(0 Pages/-LP/RSF)
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Rancid: ...And Out Come The Wolves
Let's hear it for the locals! Rancid are from directly across the
bay in Berkeley, CA. You may have heard of their first band,
Operation Ivy... but alas, onto bigger and better things.
*...And Out Come The Wolves* is their second full length album.
What do they sould like? Apparently, that depends on who you ask.
Rancid have been compared to Green Day and Offspring. However,
such a comparison seems limiting to me. The hit, "Timebomb," has
a catchy quality to it that will leave you humming it under your
breath for weeks afterward and the rest of the album promises
much of the same.
to
Epitaph, 2798 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90026
(0 Pages/-CD/KZ)
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Richard Hell with Robert Quine: Go Now
Sometimes simplicity works best -- especially when it's two
powerhouses like Richard Hell and Robert Quine. If aren't fimilar
with Richard Hell, suficit to say he's an original punk rocker
who recently found his literary voice. Robert Quine is a master
of the guitar who's played with everyone from Lou Reed to Tom
Waits.
This short CD-EP features Hell reading the first two chapter from
his first novel, *Go Now*, backed by subtle guitar accompanyment
from Quine. Hell's words and performances propel this recording
foward and is strong enough to work even without the added music,
but the delicate mix doesn't overwhelm and instead just adds more
of a fullness. The story is great, full of gritty junky life and
and the angst of New York/East Village living -- something *not*
unfamilar to Mr. Hell.
to
Tim/Kerr Records, P.O. Box 42423, Portland, OR 97242
(0 Pages/-CD/RSF)
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Rockers Hi-Fi: Rockers to Rockers
This multicultural British band has produced an album of
Jamaican-style dub that capures the spirit of roots rock with the
production craft of modern house music. It's a very vibrant
recording that seems to transcend traditional music borders.
Though not quite as experimental as the stuff found in the
British underground in the early 80's, this stuff takes a modern
approach that's both nostagic and contemporary. This could easily
work on almost any dancefloor.
to
Island Records/Gee Street, 8920 Sunset Blvd 2nd Fl, Los Angeles,
CA 90069
(0 Pages/-CD/RSF)
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Run On: On/Off
Rick Brown and Sue Garner have been part of the East Village
music since before it even existed. Their last band, Fish and
Roses, was ledgendary (at least in my twisted mind) as they
combined socio-political lyrics with leading edge avant music
structures, and tied together with surprisingly poppy texture.
In this new band, joined by Alan Licht and David Newgarden, they
seem to have toned down the politics and mutated their sounds
into a softer texture with a deep complexity. The production is
impecable, capturing not the angst of urban life but the
universal oasis of sophisticated music. Only five songs on this
debut CDEP but I'm anxously awaiting the next chapter.
$12 Each to
Matador Records, 676 Broadway, New York, NY 10012
(0 Pages/-CD/RSF)
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RUSTY: Fluke
"Groovy Dead", the first song on this CD plows out of your stereo
like a bulldozer stuck in low gear, but it clears a road for the
rest of the record drive down. And drive it does steady, smooth
and at a variety of speeds -- from a rolling cruise on
"California" to high speed chases on "kd lang" and "Punk". The
whole journey is fueled by strong song writing, pointed lyrics
and a grinding guitar. This is a trip worth taking.
to
TAG Recordings, 14 E. 60th St., New York, NY 10022
(0 Pages/-CD/CJC)
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Serenity
Joseph Benzola started a label dedicated to his own brand of
psychedelic music. Serenity is his second release and it reminds
me a lot of the experimental electronics that were popular in the
early '80s. Parts of this cassette sound like children playing on
a giant synth keyboard; imagine an electronic version of *The
5000 Fingers of Doctor T* with seeminly random notes and spacey
melodies trailing off into odd sectors of the mind. Some tracks
have the trademark drug sound of over-echoed voices laid on top
of strange tones that sound like they are coming from inside a
fiber optic cable. A crisp recording that the experimentalist
will love.
to
Amanita Music, 54 Edgewood Ave, Oakdale, NY 11769
(0 Pages/-CS/CWB)
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Shashka: Prozak
Solo pop punk with a fast guitar and angry vocals about the
Russian political situation make this an intriguing release.
"Shashka" is a type of sabre used by the Cossacks and Altenburg
has a bit of that edge in her music, as well as drawing on the
Cossack culture for much of her material. In "Dovator," she sings
about the martyred Cossack commander who led his troops into
battle against the Nazis in 1941, riding on horseback against the
well-armed German invaders. She also tells us about her own life
with the Cossacks and frequently brings up the conflict in the
Chechen province. While the material can be simplistic at times,
the unique perspective that Martina brings to the punk world is
refreshing.
$8 Each to
M. von Altenburg, P.O. Box 2282, Carlsbad, CA 92018
(0 Pages/-CS/CWB)
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The Simple Chance of Life: by Dino DiMuro
A real pro job on this (nearly) one-man production. I
reviewed DiMuro's *Gower Street* back in issue #49, but I'm
liking this one even more. The Zappa/Mothers influences are still
there but with lots of guest musicians, it's got more of a
listenable rock/pop sound.
Fifteen songs, covering a wide range of musical territory. I
don't have any favorate songs but I do have favorate song titles
like "Al's Sadomasochistic Fantasy Solo III," "Anal Pre-Written
Solo," "Friends who Never Call Again," and "Old Bald Men Trying
to Start a Rock Band."
Recommended to fans of Zappa or twisted indie pop.
to
Dino Dimuro, Dimurotapes, 7652 Chimineas Ave, Reseda, CA
91335-2056
(0 Pages/-CD/RSF)
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Email:recordings@aol.com
Slop Hut Bonus Tape
Here's one of the most bizarre tapes to ever hit the trading
circuit. Steven (from *Slop Hut*) outdoes the rank and file prank
phone call crowd with a stolen 60 minute verbal diary of a
businessman who can't keep his pants on.
The guy has sex wherever he can find it and spares few details of
his conquests. This is far from erotica though. Most of the time
I felt like a paid therapist listening to this guy spill his
guts. He ponders his post-coital mood shifts, shares his doubts
about masterbating in the winter, and tells us all the fun that's
possible on amyl nitrate. The number of women he has sex with is
both astounding and silly. In one episode he gingerly says "I
wound up massaging her...and then she had her...mouth around my
penis." But a scant ten seconds later he's describing a Woody
Allenish encounter with a blonde French girl. The whole tape is
backed with this swanky strip club music to really emphasize what
a player this guy is. If you love oddball recordings, this will
be the prize of your collection.
$3 ??? Each to
Steven N., P.O. Box 85510, Seattle, WA 98145-1510
(0 Pages/-CS/CWB)
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The Softies: It's Love
Why do I want to say "Twee, twee, twee, and yes, more TWEE!"?
There's more weet candy chords here than you'd tend to find in
the land of Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. Ex-lead Tiger
Trap (from Sacremento), Rose Melberg and Jen Sbragia (ex-Pretty
Face of Santa Rosa) flourish on The Softies first full length
album, "It's Love." The Softies are aptly named, sporting
little-girl-love-songs like "I Love You More," "Charms Around
Your Wrist," and "Fragile, Don't Crush." For those of the
Heavenly/Tallulah Gosh persuasion...
to
K Records, P.O. Box 7154, Olympia, WA 98507
(0 Pages/-CD/KZ)
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Sonic Youth: Sonic Death #6 Issue 6
Number six for the Sonic fanclub rag, includes interviews with
Yoshimi from the Boredoms and Pavement's road manager. Also lots
of news about SY goings on and ads for their individual projects
and offers of SY merchandise. Just about everything a die-hard
fan could ask for. Oh, I almost forgot the ruling live CD of the
Youth wrecking eardrums and perspectives in Holland back in the
glory years (12-27-83 to be exact). This nifty little artifact
features killer versions of the kareoke standards "She's in a Bad
Mood" and "Kill Yr Idols". So even if you've just damned
Thurston's new one with faint praise in your45 review, secretly
in your heart of hearts you're glad their around.
to
Sonic Youth Fan Club, PO Box 1599, Hoboken, NJ 07030
(0 Pages/-CD/KMH)
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Southern Cuture on the Skids: Dirt Track Date
Will success spoil Southern Culture? From the sound of this
new release on Geffen, it seems unlikely. With this newfound (or
soon-to-be) major label sucess, there are sure to be some
changes.
It might be more crowded at their shows, making it harder to get
in the limbo line or snag a piece of flying fried chicken, but if
anyone deserves it, it's certainly these folks. And what about
the music, you ask? Just as fine as ever. While not as chotically
riotious as *Ditch Diggin'*, it has a brighter production and
tighter sound making the songs really shine. Fourteen great songs
on this 50-minute CD including the classic "8 Piece Box"
(orginally appearing on *Peckin' Party*) and lots of new stuff
that you're sure to hear them performing next time they come to
your town.
to
Publicity , Geffen Records/DGC Records, 9130 Sunset Blvd, West
Hollywood, CA
90069-6197
(0 Pages/-CD/RSF)
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Squonk Opera: Howandever
I haven't heard anything this funky in quite a while. Squonk
Opera (a title that describes the band well) is a dynamic force
of musical theatrics that blends spoken word with offkilter
playing.
Sometimes sounding like Laurie Anderson, but switching styles too
quickly to be pinned down, the compositions have a distinct artsy
character that would seem right at home with an experimental
stage performance. There's lots of piano, keyboards, operetic
vocals, and twangy bass. Some of the tracks are quite somber,
while others, like "The Unusual Mrs. Spitz," are hilarious. This
piece tells the story of an annoying old woman who's always
around -- on the bus, on the street, everywhere you look. Kate
Aronson's voice alternates between singing and spoken word for
the perfect comic effect. Twelve tracks of highly accomplished
playing that delights in odd time signatures.
to
Squonk Opera, P.O. Box 42283, Pittsburgh, PA 15203
(0 Pages/-CD/CWB)
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Stereolab: Refried Ectoplasm (Switched On Volume 2)
Ha-ha to all of you wankers out there hording your hard to find,
obscure Stereolab 7" singles and B sides. Here they are, laid
out and glorious on one magnificent compilation. *Refried
Ectoplasm* includes the hit single, "John Cage Bubblegum,"
previously released on Slumberland (don't worry, those of you
lucky enough to have the original 7," you still have one up on
the rest of us... "Refried" doesn't come with the stick of
bubblegum). Also included is the "Crumb Duck" material from a
rare 10" released on Clawfist records and the out of print SubPop
7" hit, "Lo Boob Oscillator." This double lp (pressed on amber
vinyl, a bonus!) is a must have for the Stereolab completeist and
those of you who have yet to be touched by their whirly, space
bubble, repetitive and compelling sound. If you don not yet know
Stereolab, get hip, get with it, get the album and the cd... you
are sure to wear out one or the other or both.
to
Flying Nun/Duophonic, 555 Kings Road, London, SWG 2EB
Canada
(0 Pages/-CD/KZ)
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Steven Jamesz Robson: Didgeridoo Daze
It wouldn't seem like you could squeeze a whole album out of one
instrument, especially one as seemingly limited as the
didgeridoo. But Steven Robson, who has played with folks as
diverse as Cecil Taylor and Morphine, pulls it off admirably. He
coaxes sounds out of that thing that would make upstanding
Christians blanch with a range of sounds that is truly amazing;
everything from frantic buzzing to the twanging noise of the Jews
Harp and even that trademark harsh screaming bark. At times the
music can be almost frightening, and I would hate to wake up in
the middle of a zombie resurrection hearing this at full
volume.
to
Camaraderie Music Co., 238 Austin St., Boston, MA 02136
(0 Pages/-CD/CWB)
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The Stinky Puffs: A Little Tiny Smelly Bit Of...
If you missed The Stinky Puffs on their last world tour
(well, they did play a show in San Francisco) you missed a really
fun concert. A quarted of musicians, fronted by very young Simon
Fair Tomony and backed by Sheena Fair on Drums. Perhaps you've
seen Sheena before, backing up Jad Fair in many of his recent
appearances.
This CD features two separate performances of five different
songs so I wasn't expecting too much variety at this show. I was
quite suprised as they blasted out about 20 songs including all
the ones from this album. My favorate is of course the finally "I
am Gross/No You're Not!" where Simon argues with the band about
how gross he is. He usually wins the argument. Also featured on
this disk is the rockin' "Pizza Break," the funny "Buddies Aren't
Butts," topical "Mendendez' Killed their Parents," and the sad "I
Love You Anyway," about Kurt Cobain.
If you hate kids you may want to skip this one but if you think
ten-year-old boys should be allowed to rock out as much as
Gen-X-ers, you're sure to enjoy this album.
$5 + $2 Each to
Sheenah Fair, T.E.C. Tones, P.O. Box 1477, Hoboken, NJ 07030
(0 Pages/-CD/RSF)
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Stock Footage: Music From the Films of Roger Corman
While I don't specifically remember any of the music from
Roger Corman's films I really dug this disk. Lots of great bands
doing their damndest to create songs that were inspired by
Corman's films and short bits of theme music.
It's got the Space Negros with a song based on the theme from
*The Wild Angels*, Plan 9 doin' the song "Bucket of Blood," Man
or Astro-Man with *It Conquered the World*, and leading the disk
is LMNOP (the creator of *Baby Sue*), with an orginal pop hit
derived from *The House of Usher*. See I told you they had great
bands. If you're obsessed with Roger Corman's films, you're sure
to love this disk.
$10 Each to
Worry Bird Disk, P.O. Box 95485, Atlanta, GA 30347
(0 Pages/-CD/RSF)
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Stranglmartin: For the Sake of Argument
This is the third album from Kentucky's Stranglemartin. They are
a fairly traditional sounding three piece. Although none of their
songs suck and the singer sings with passion, there's really
nothing that exciting going on here. Undoubtably he has some
personal demons which he is trying to exercise through this
music. He is aided by a rhythm section which is one guy playing
the bass and one guy playing a set of drums. I'm sure that many
people enjoy this music and great for them. I also hope that the
singer is making progress in his enjoyment of life by being in a
rock band. Sound familiar? Of course it does.
to
Safe House, PO Box 5349, W. Lebanon, NH 03784
(0 Pages/-CD/KMH)
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Super Deluxe: Famous
They come from Seattle? Inconceiveable. Super Deluxe is way too
coherent to be a Seattle band. *Famous* is this four piece's
first album. There are traces of a bit of a wanky pop sound (Big
Star?), but mostly it's just good rock n' roll. Upbeat and
spunky, Super Deluxe deserves a second play... a third... a
fourth? "She Came On" and "Holly's Dream Vacation" thrilled me.
I keep bopping my head from side to side despite myself. I'm
driving down the open highway in a galaxie 500...
to
Tim/Kerr Records, po box 42423, portland, OR 97214
(0 Pages/CD/KZ)
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Supergrass: I Should Coco
In honor of the catchy, three-minute pop song, Supergrass
releases their first full length album, "I Should Coco."
Reminiscent of early British pop bands like The Buzzcocks and The
Jam, Supergrass will make you want to pogo/air guitar out of your
mind. These three lads, hailing from Oxford, remember what was
simple and great and do it all over again. Solid drum beat and
punchy guitar won't leave adrenaline seekers dissapointed.
Simple, plain lyrics make it possible for even the really drunk
to sing along. Short attention spans? No worry here, most songs
clock in under three minutes. Looking for angry rock n' roll?
You won't find it here. Supergrass was designed to get you up
and moving. This album includes hits "Caught by the Fuzz" and
previously released SubPop seven-inch single, "Lose It." When it
comes to catchy British pop, Supergrass proves that there's no
such thing as too much of the same, good sound. Low energy,
wavy, ballad seekers need not apply.
to
Capitol Records, 1750 Vine St., Hollywood, CA 90028
(0 Pages/-CD/KZ)
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Sweet Diesel: The Kids Are Dead
I was in a local record shop earlier this summer in New York City
and I asked the guy at the counter for local band
recommendations. Sweet Diesel was the band he professed to be
the hip thing. Funny how a couple of months later, I finally get
to hear what they sound like. I could listen to this cd when I'm
really angry, I mean REALLY angry. The cd came with a note that
describes Sweet Diesel as "that feeling you get after your tenth
martini and your third pack of smokes. It does hurt a little." I
wouldn't know, but I gather it probably WOULD feel exactly like
that.
to
Engine, po box 1575, new york, NY 10009
(0 Pages/CD/KZ)
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Techno-Camp: Soundtrack
This new tape in the Techno-Camp series is a solo work of
piano, violin, and guitar by Jeff Anderson. Like Victor Banana's
soundtrack release to *Velvet Glove Cast in Iron*, *Soundtrack*
is based on a film that exists only in the mind of the musician
and listener.
It begins with the clicking of an old film projector and the
sound of a piano, perfectly setting the mood of an oldtime
theatre. Some of the songs are quite sad and the work as a whole
is highly original. Jeff manages a full blend of instruments, and
manages to pull off a highly evocative work. I'm left wondering
what the movie would be like -- maybe *Harold and Maude*? *Hair*?
*City Lights*?
$5.50 Each to
Jeff Anderson, 103 Woodland Ave, New Cumberland, PA 17070-2060
(0 Pages/-CS/CWB)
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TESTAMENT: Live at the Filmore
Throughout this CD, Testament shows a technical skill and talent
for forging interesting music from a pile of distorted bass
lines, guitar scale exercises, voices which sound like they
gargle with molten lava and whatever else they can find lying
around the altar when the black mass is over. The disc is an
excellent document of a live metal performance where the crowd's
energy fills in the gaps where the band's drops. Punctuated with
references to San Francisco as segues between numbers, this
recording puts you in the audience at the Filmore. So if that's
where you wanna be, this is what you wanna buy.
to
Burnt Offereings, , ,
(0 Pages/-CD/CJC)
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Thurston Moore: Psychic Hearts
No that isn't the proper title of the album. Far be it for our
man Thurston to pass up a chance to employ cute little heart or
star or anarchy symbols for that matter. Since it would be easy
to diss this as an obvious one for the Sassy crowd, I will. "Bow
down to the queen of noise, crayon eyes draw boys". Its
Thurston's pop album, and really pretty hard not to like, but I'm
willing to try. The noise factor is at an all time low and the
cutsyness factor at an all time high, yet still and all there are
touches of sonic goo to keep the faithfull hanging on and a great
picture of young Thurston and some sort of demonic bunny. Album
title typography to be appearing on a baby teed, Bonnie-Bell
twirlin hipster near you. What did you expect?
to
DGC, 9130 Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90069-6197
(0 Pages/-CD/KMH)
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Toxic Reasons: No Peace in our Time
Century Media and Toxic Reasons span and huge spectrum of
attitudes and ideas. Last September they re-released their 1982
debut album *Independence* with a bright new pressing.
Now less than a year later, this new album features a dozen
exciting new song that cover a broad spectrum of musical
territory from punk to metal and even ska. However, the most
exciting thing on the disk is the first track works with the
CD-ROM reader of your Mac or PC. Pop it in your computer and you
get a fully interactive multimedia plaything that features band
photos, album cover art, music clip, and videos. While it's loads
of fun to play with the full system, it's even more fun to poke
around the disk and play with all the individual components. Some
computer-savy zinesters could even capture stills from the videos
and print 'em in their zine. If you like the band and own a
computer CD-ROM thang, this is a must-have.
$10 + $2 Each to
Rayshele Teig, Century Media, 1453 A 14th Street, Suite 324 Santa
Monica, CA
90404
(0 Pages/-CD/RSF)
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Truly: Fast Stories...From Kid Coma
Playing favorite CDs over and over until I'm sick of them was
something I gave up many years ago, or so I thought. This CD was
too irresistable to let sit in its jewel case and I pulled it out
almost daily to hear its raw, driving, high energy rock. The
material here is extremely catchy without being fluffy radio
ditties or venturing over into silly glam metal. The trio turn
out powerful music with an amazingly sharp aggressive edge. Even
the slower tunes have a moody dark quality that evokes something
sinister, or at least distressing. I hate to resort to cliched
phrases from rock journalism, but this band makes a worthy
successor to the grunge scene, something I could never appreciate
until now.
to
Capitol Records, 1750 Vine St, Hollywood, CA 90028
(0 Pages/-CD/CWB)
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Various Artists: Thugs'n'Kisses: A synthcore compilation.
Fairly cool collection of synthcore. We've received most of
the tracks here on their original discs, but it's nice to have
them all in one place. Especially in cases where the track
presented here is the *one listenable track* from an otherwise
sucky CD, or a remix that completely salvages an otherwise
disposable work. Of course, sometimes the selections are from
CDs that totally rule, so you really must guide your life based
upon reviews in zines. Anyway, all killer, no filler sampler
from Re-Con/Cargo, and featuring artists from that label, 21st
Circuitry, Cleopatra, Fifth Colvmn and other fine labels;
includes works from 16 Volt, Vampire Rodents, Hate Department,
Chem Lab and SMP.
to
Re-Con/Cargo Records, 4901-906 Morena Blvd., San Diego, CA
92117-3432
(0 Pages/CD/JP)
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Various Artists: 500 Miles to Glory: The _Gearhead_
Compilation
It says so right on the cover: "Hi-octane rock'n'roll road
rally in startling hi-fidelity." They shit us not. This is
great white trash music for white trash people. Don't waste your
money on the new Tenderloin CD, which sucks rat piss, get this
instead. I knew it would be most excellent when I saw that Nine
Pound Hammer and New Bomb Turks were included. Fuckin'-A! Throw
in the Supersuckers, Girl Trouble, a buncha other raunchy bands,
and samples from some commerative album and hot-rod JD movies and
you have the working music for jacking up a muscle car on a hot
valley day to attach that nitrous oxide super charger.
to
Red Devil Records, PO Box 347376, San Francisco, CA 94134
(0 Pages/JP)
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Various Artists: Coldwave Breaks
A synthcore comp similar to "Thugs'n'Kisses". In fact a lot
of the same artists are here (Chemlab, 16 Volt, Hate Department),
and 16 Volt provides a different mix of the same song! Again
the artists are from a variety of happening synthcore labels, and
the artists provided some of their best pieces. Thinking about
it, these two discs are probably the only two you'll need to buy
to get this month's fix of industrial-style noise.
$16.00 Each to
21st Circuitry, PO Box 170100, San Francisco, CA 94117-0100
(0 Pages/CD/JP)
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Email:21st.circuitry@cyberden.com
Homepage:http://www.iuma.com/IUMA-2.0/ftp/volume5/
Various Artists: Half-Cocked, Original Motion Picture
Soundtrack
Rick Brown and Sue Garner have been part of the East Village
music since
*Spinal Tap* comes to mind, but a news article slipped to the cd
assures me that "this isn't." Somehow, I'm not so sure...
*Half-Cocked*, the motion picture is a fictional,
pseudo-documentary of life on the road indie style, starring real
members of real bands portraying... themselves? The soundtrack
itself features previously released material from several bands,
including Polvo, Unwound, Rodan, Sleepyhead, Helium, and others.
Plus new versions of older tunes by The Grifters ("The Want") and
Freakwater ("Drunk Friend"). Also, an added bonus, is never
released before material from Salmon Skin. New York Press deems
this "Indie-rock's cinematic event of the season." Somehow, I
have a feeling they have a reason to assume so... Surely, you
don't want to miss out.
to
Matador Records, 676 Broadway, New York, NY 10012
(0 Pages/-CD/KZ)
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Various Artists: Transmissions from the Planet Dog
This double disk, four band compilation released by renowned UK
dance label Planet Dog, is the Kellogg's variety pack of
ambient/techno dance music. Eat Static, voted best dance act of
1993 by *NME* readers, are Merv and Joie of Ozric Tentacles fame.
Their new release displays evidence of an obvious fascination
with alien abductions and spurns a spacey, sci-fi sound that
seems appropriate. Also featured is Banco De Gaia, a.k.a. one
Toby Marks, "a groove wizard with a heart." His use of African
Tribal chants, gourd rattlers, and snake pipes hints at his
preoccupation with ethnic cultures. Lesser known but not to be
overlooked, Timeshard shoots into the future with more of the
same, techno dance sound ala video game. Last but not least,
Children of the Bong makes music that suggests that they probably
live up to their name. More ambient than traditional techno
(thank god), more mixes and samples for your money!
to
Mammoth Records, Carr Mill 2nd Floor, Carrboro, NC 27510
(0 Pages/KZ)
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Various Artists: Space Out b/w Five Jerks with a Tape Deck
Anytime you find the name of Jeff Hansen (publisher of
*X-Magazine) on a project you know you're in for a treat. I knew
he and his pals were heavy into techno but I never realized they
dabbled in recording, or how much fun they had with it. This
compilation includes some excellent material like the sixteen
minute trancelike "Saturn" and the goofy intro piece with plenty
of sampled material. The flip side is even more fun with an
enviable sound collage of voice snippets, movie lines, and spoken
word collected from god knows where. I'm dying to find out where
the Burl Ives quotes came from but I imagine it's a trade secret.
Extremely entertaining.
to
X Magazine, Box 1077, Royal Oak, MI 48068
(0 Pages/-CS/CWB)
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Virginia Dare: Gone Again
A long time a comin' and worth the wait. Virginia Dare are a
combo built around the bittersweet tones of vocalist and autoharp
strummer Mary O'Neil and the bent Wrayesque fretwork of famous
cartoonist Brad Johnson. This is their second 10" release and
it's every bit as great as their first. Mary's voice is the star
of the show and she writes songs both sad and full of wonder.
Brad uses a screwdriver and a piece of string for a guitar sound
simple and unique. They are kept in line by a velvety rhythm
section. No frills because they don't need any. Buy two cause
your'e sure to wear the first one out. Hell, buy three.
to
Nuf Sed, PO Box 591075, San Francisco, CA 94159
(0 Pages/10"/KMH)
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Voodoo Glow Skuls: Firme
I don't know if I buy the label of "nerdcore" but I certainly
agree with Epitaph's description of "punk rock/sak/Latino hip-hop
blend." Very fast, frantic at times, with an exciting Latino
element that's gives 'em such a unique style. The best part is
the horn section (Sax, trumpet and "bone") that catapults the
songs into full-blast of chatoic frenzy.
Sixteen superfast songs including the appropriately titled
"Nicontine Fit". I am kinda curious over labeling the 50's pop
song "Charlie Brown" as "traditional." Sure it's old but has it
been around so long as to fall into the public domain.
These guys are a powerhouse and are sure to take America by a
storm.
to
Epitaph, 2798 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90026
(0 Pages/-CD/RSF)
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Wayne Butane: Postauricular Flap
The problems with most experimental home recordings is that
people hear 'em and think "I can do that" or just "yuck." The
most likely respoce after listening to this would be "wow!" or
just uncontrollable laughter.
Mr. "Wayne Butane" assembles these very listenable and hilarious
sound collage tape assembled from tiny snippit of pop songs, TV
shows, children's records, radio commercials, political speeches,
spoken word recordings, and whatever else he can get his hands
on. The amazing part is that actually flows from one snippit to
the next. An example is the sound bite "What do you like?"
interposed with Arlo Guthrie's "burnt dead bodies" or Oscar the
Grouch's ode to garbage. Imagine Firesign Theature, only
completely composed of found music and sound, triple the level of
sillyness, and you may come close to the work of Wayne Butane.
Highly recommended anyone who enjoys a good laugh.
$5 cash Each to
Flaming Canine Records, 603 N. Orange St, Mesa, AZ 85201
(0 Pages/-CS/RSF)
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