MUSIC REVIEWS:
RW#15-14
< 21-20 19-18 17-16 15-14 13-12 11-10 9-7 6-4 3-1 >
RW #15
(2001)
"The Reglar Wiglar's record reviews
are some of the most provocative, insightful, compelling and intelligently written
music criticism being produced today... in any medium!"–Reglar Wiglar
Magazine
AGAINST ALL AUTHORITY
24 Hour Roadside Resistance (Hopeless)
AAA
play good old fashioned hardcore with tinges of horn-ladden ska (just a tinge)
and they put the politics back into it at that. Pretty cool lyric booklet accompanies
this product. If you can take the snarling, nasally vocals throughout the whole
CD then you're punk rocker than my ass. Resistance is futile, say AAA, so don't
resist the urge to buy into the American Nightmare of those who oppose, not
some, but ALL authority—Joey
Germ
ALIEN CRIME SYNDICATE
From the Word Go (Will)
As
a pop rock, ready-for-the-radio band, Alien Crime Syndicate are going for broke.
Slick production by Joe Reinke (Foo Fighters, Counting Crows) make 'em sound
good in the studio but there's pretty much nothing on this CD that makes them
stand out from any other band trying to chart. Press kit says they're ready
to take over the world. I'm sure they're ready for the world but are we Earthlings
ready for them? I don't think so, but I was wrong about the Beatles too and
they're HUGE now—P.C.
Jones
THE ATARIS/USELESS ID
Let It Burn (Kung Fu)
This
is a split LP with the first eight tracks going to The Ataris. The Ataris play
the kind of pop punk rock that the friggin' kids gobble up in big, heaping,
slobbery spoonfuls and the kind of punk rock that drives me a little friggin'
nutty. If you're into this kinda thing, I'm sure these kids rank right up there
with your Blink 182s and your MxPxs and the like. This CD features some of The
Ataris unreleased stuff including a cover in which they take all the balls out
of the Crue's "On with the Show", and yes, I do understand that it's
a ballad, but still. Useless ID are a pop punk band from Israel which is the
only interesting thing about them because nothing about their sound would suggest
that they are from anywhere but beautiful (never been there) Santa Barbara,
CA—Joey
Germ
BIG, BIG FURNACE
Big, Big Furnace (Crustacean)
Heartfelt,
rootsy, indie rock from Wisconsin (pronounced 'Sconsin, the Wi is silent). Props for the cleaver, "Channel 7 Has One Less Viewer in Athens"
but I've never heard a bigger interstate ass-kissin' song that "Twin Cities"
(that being Minneapolis and St. Paul twin cities). I'm embarrassed for both
of those towns—Jayne Wayne
BIG BUBBA
American Trend (Smart Ass)
Badly
recorded hardcore from some po-dunk town in Minnesota. Unintelligible, dual
vocals and guitar mixed way up high, bad drumming and bass(?) mixed way down
low. E for effort though comin' from me that don't mean much. Sorry—Joey
Germ
BOY SETS FIRE
After the Eulogy (Victory)
Sociopolitical
hardcore from Delaware. Thought provoking, compelling lyrics. Punk rock activists.
A dying breed or the wave of the future? Yes, it's all true! Pretty cool lyric
booklet comes with. This is for the young radicals. Tear it up!—Joey
Germ
BURNING HEADS
Escape (Victory)
Burning
Heads play a mix of straight up punk and full-on hardcore with stops for a reggae
tune now and then complete with lyrical references to Babylon and the whole
nine. Kinda like the Bad Brains in that respect. These guys have been around
for about a dozen or so years and have released five albums and if you haven't
heard of them before it's because they're form Orleans. Yeah, Orleans, France–they're
punk rock Frenchies! But they've spent enough time in our evil country to let
Jack Endino record this CD which was a gesture of international good will by
both parties, I think—Joey
Germ
BY VIRTUE ALONE
Odds Against Tomorrow (Common
Ground)
Dig
it, these guys are GIs stationed in Japan who play in a hardcore band. Now I've
heard it all. It's not just rape and drunk driving our boys are up to over there.
That was perhaps a little unfair to BVA, but I don't exactly write for Stars
and Stripes in case you haven't noticed. Anyway, this is a state-side re-release
of a CD that was originally put out by the Japanese label, Out ta Bomb. It's
pretty heavy hardcore that borders on metal, I call it scary-core, 'cause it's
frightening. By the time you read this review BVA should be out of the military
and enlisted in the American hardcore scene. And oh yeah, they're looking for
you and they want to kick your ass!—Jayne Wayne
CALIBOS
Calibos (Arlington)
Indie
rock, slow jams, Sebadoh without the full-on punk rock songs. Three piece (two
guitars, drums–no bass; never a good idea) from Arlington, VA. Their drummer,
Nikhil, learned how to play drums specifically for this band. He makes some
interesting decisions, sounds like Mo Tucker at times—Muggsy
McMurphy
CATCH 22
Alone in a Crowd (Victory)
Ska,
ska, ska ain't dead. Here's the Catch-22 of the thing though, I don't really
like ska. Is that a Catch-22? I don't remember. Oh well—Joey
Germ
THE COLOUR BLUE/KILL DEVIL HILLS
Split CD (The Pirate Party
Record Co.)
First
up is the Colour Blue, an emo band from what I gather. And that's OK, I s'pose.
Kill Devil Hills are a little more straight ahead punk rock which means I like
them a little better. I'd split a cab with these guys, maybe even a six-pack
or a sandwich, but a whole CD?—Irresistible
Frank
CREASE
Vindication (Roadrunner)
To
give you an idea of what Crease is all about, let me name a few bands they've
opened for; Sponge, Our Lady Peace, Buckcherry, Dishwalla and the Goo Goo Dolls.
Yeah, Crease were the opening band for those guys. This record contains five
remixed songs from their unreleased 1997 EP, ...Six Pack Shy of Pretty which is a horrible song to write about your own mother—P.C.
Jones
CRISPUS ATTUCKS
Destroy the Teacher (Soda Jerk)
A
short bursting attack of hardcore punk from DC. At times the singer sounds like
Black Flag-era Hank Rollins. There's even a secret, hidden, heartfelt acoustic
track that may or may not be called "Suburban Pride" which pokes fun
of everybody's favorite target, Suburbia. Leave 'em alone already, you're making
them wanna move back to the city!—Joey
Germ
DAYCARE SWINDLERS
Testosterosa (Vile Beat)
A
little bit of Offspring style punk rock (I hate saying that just as much as
you hate readin' it). Pretty solid overall with influences ranging from the
Bad Brains (they're from DC you know) to Jane's Addiction. I'm not sure if I
endorse the swindling of daycares but I guess it's ok—Muggsy
McMurphy
DIGGER
Monte Carlo (Hopeless)
Melodic
pop punk that has its moments, that is if you like melodic punk rock songs about
girls, or written to a girl, or written for a a particular girl. Don't know
how Monte Carlo or gambling figure into it, but that seems to be the gist of
the CD title and the packaging. There's even a tiny pair of dice in the spine(?)
of the CD case. I rolled 'em and guess what? Yeah, you got it, I crapped out—P.C.
Jones
DILLINGER FOUR
Versus God (Hopeless)
Tight,
melodic, and smart punk rock from Minnesota, Hopeless Records, and the guys
who–judging from the CD booklet–like their hooch. Nice lyric book with plenty
of pictures ought to please the fans. Yeah, I can see what the hype is about,
these guys just don't lay it down they throw it down—Joey
Germ
THE DRAGS
5x3 (eMpTy)
This
is a collection of "everything the Drags recorded while Keith was in the
band, that didn't appear on the Estrus LPs." Keith being the Drags former
drummer. The Drag Triumvirate lay the nerve bare and the end result is a collection
of twenty-three raw, sloppy garage rock gems originally released as different
singles and compilations on ten different labels. It would cost you a fortune
to buy all those different records! Now you can get them all on one CD!—Joey
Germ
DRAG THE RIVER
Hobo's Demos (Upland)
This
is some bluesy, boozy, roots rock from Ft. Collins, CO. Little bit country,
little bit rock and roll. It's whiskey drinkin' music recorded over a two year
period ('96-'97) with a varying line-up. The current lineup features Karl Alvarez
and Chad of ALL doing something completely different. How that'll go over with
all those ALL nuts out there I don't know but it's worth a listen for sure—Irresistible
Frank
DROWNING MAN
Rock and Roll Killing Machine (Revelation)
These
guys are rock and roll killing machines which means they enjoy killing people.
Actually, they may have killed rock and roll with their bastardized brand of
metal meets math rock! It's like a way heavy algebra club, man. It's like this
fucking weird, twisted mess of noise that is absolutely schizo in nature. If
you are at all unstable this couldn't possibly help your situation. If you are
reasonably sane, put this down and walk away—Irresistible
Frank
EARTH CRISIS
Slither (Victory)
Slither
is the sixth release on Victory for Earth Crisis and it's a welcome back brick
to the skull after the band's brief stint at Roadrunner. EC is a hardcore/metal
hybrid with lyrics delivered in an alternating rasp/tuneful (actual) singing
that hints at a young Ozzy (press kit wuz right). And not only that, the band
wears its politics on its sleeve (made of 100 percent vegan clothing for sure).
Earth Crisis have been layin' down this shit when Slipknot was just a baby square
knot—Malcolm
Tent
ELLIOT
False Cathedral (Revelation)
Tears
are literally gushing down my face as I listen to this heart-wrenching musical
confession from Elliot. Actually, all kidding aside, it is very pretty—Muggsy
McMurphy
ENGINE
Engine (Metal Blade)
Good
old fashioned metal from Metal Blade. There ain't no rappin' knuckleheads dressed
in "scary" costumes and wearin' clown makeup in this band. Engine
sound alternately like Alice in Chains and Tool and sometimes lean toward the
cheesy side. Where are Alice and Chains and Tool these days? You could tell
me, "Hey Idiot, they both just released new records last month." and
I wouldn't know. Well, if that ain't true, this'll tide you over until the do,
or even if they did—Muggsy
McMurphy
THE EXPLOSION
Steal This (Revelation)
Steal
this? Oh yeah? Well, I did steal this, buddy. In fact I stole three fuckin'
cases of the things, man! So now ain't nobody gettin' paid! And it ain't on
me, it's on ya'll—Chris
P. Crunch
FIFTEEN
Survivor (Sub City)
Their
hearts are in the right place, there's no doubt. Although, just because I have
a job and pay my landlord rent every month, doesn't necessarily mean I'm a "puppet
living in fear, sedated and silenced by beer." Although it doesn't necessarily
meant I ain't. I just had a hard time sitting through this. It's pretty over
the top in its politics, but more than that, the vocals just really bugged me.
I guess in this case it was the medium and not the message that I couldn't get
with—Jayne Wayne
JOSH FREESE
The Notorious One Man Orgy (Kung Fu)
Who
the hell is Josh Freese? Oh, that drummer guy! The Vandals drummer, G'N'R's
official drummer, that guy who plays drums for DEVO and Nine Inch Nails and
A Perfect Circle. Yeah, that's all one guy. So what in the hell could a solo
album from that guy possibly sound like. Well, it's actually pretty good pop
punk tunes performed almost entirely by Josh himself (except for some guest
guitar soloing) including the heart rending plea to the TLC bad girl pyromaniac,
"Why Won't You Left Eye Get With Me?" and several humorous recorded
answering machine messages—Irresistible
Frank
GAME FACE
Always On (Revelation)
I
don't know about Gameface, they sound pretty top 40, Matchbox 20, "it's
2AM and I'm feeling lonely" for my tastes—Joey
Germ
GARRISON
A Mile in Cold Water (Revelation)
Sensitive,
poetic lyrics sung with angst-ridden emotion, set to distorted guitar chords
can only mean one thing and one thing only: EMOCORE!!! Well, it kinda is and
that usually sends me packing to the hills. However, most of this CD was tolerable
to my ears and my rock sensibilities and my tough guy image although I wish
I hadn't read the lyrics on the inside of the CD insert but it's too late for
that now. Oh yeah, and they didn't "record" this record like most
bands do. No, it was "dedicated to tape." I typically prefer bands
that "lay down tracks" myself but they done it they way the done it,
I guess—Joey
Germ
THE GO-NUTS
Dunk and Cover (Lookout!)
These
guys are total fucking Snack Rock, man! What else would you expect from a band
called the Go-Nuts? If you said nuttiness, you are correct. With songs like
"I See the Mona Lisa in My Pizza," "Donut Princess," and
"(Let's Bring) Cheese to Chine." Yeah, they do a "cover"
of Van Halen, "Hot for Twinkies." Yeah, they do a hell of a lot of
brand name dropping but if you like donuts or any snack for that matter, you'll
love the Go-Nuts—P.C.
Jones
GRANDPA'S GHOST
II Baccio (Upland)
Grandpa's
Ghost has been labled psychedelic, No Depression, roots rock, etc., and while
those labels certainly hold true in some respects, they weren't labels that
jumped to my mind when I first heard Il Baccio. That's not to say that
it defies categorization 'cause when people start putting that kiss-of-death
anti label label on music I usually hit the eject button and take a little nap.
When there are vocals in songs and everything comes together with some sort
of cohesion and structure, it does have an alt.country feel, but more often
than not, it's just loose, sonic, spectral noise in space and if I may borrow
a line from their press sheet: "If you can dig that, well fuck-a-doodle-doo—Irresistible
Frank
GROOVIE GHOULIES
Travels with My Amp (Lookout!)
Groovie
Ghoulies are a fun, cartoon kind of punk pop band that seem to owe a debt of
gratitude to The Ramones as well as garage rock, B-movies and other assorted
ghost and goblins. Travels with My Amp is a 30 song 14 minute journey
in an old jalopy with the grooviest of ghoulies, The Groovie Ghoulies!—P.C.
Jones
H. CHINASKY
Smaller-Sized Jar with an Idea (DPG)
H.
Chinasky have been playing together for ten years and they're from Wisconsin–no
small feat. What this record reminds me of almost immediately is the Grifters, One Sock Missing, in particular, which is one kick-ass fuckin' record
according to me. There's a similar feel with H. Chinasky. It's that melody and
groove buried under whatever else happens to be going on in the room at the
time and if you're willing to play it a few times, you'll find it without having
to try too hard—P.C.
Jones
IN MY EYES
Nothing to Hide (Relevation)
With
the goal of playing the kind of hardcore they grew up on, this straightedge
Boston hardcore band definitely succeed in paying tribute to the HC of yesteryear,
going so far as to name their band after a Minor Threat song. But where a band
like Fugazi, that IME no doubt admire more than a little, took hardcore and
turned it into something new and interesting, In My Eyes, at least in my eyes,
took hardcore, did nothing with it, and while it may be very earnest, it's also
very boring—Jayne Wayne
I SEE SPOTS
Cantilevered Heart (Arlington)
Oh
yeah, well I see dead people so don't complain. That aside, I See Spots is a
DC area duo of Sean O'Brien and Joel Rosenquist. With added instrumentation
provided by O'Brien and Peter Vidito this duo, or trio if you will (and I heard
you will) create mellow, jangly, sparse tunes that set a melancholy mood that
will provide further support to your already cantilevered heart—Jayne Wayne
JANIS FIGURE
Damage Control (O&O)
The
singer sounds like the dude from Kyuss only cheesier. This trio tries too hard
to be ROCK. Sometimes it does rock but there's really no subtlety in its unabashed
attempt to rock. This is just a little too bad-top-forty-rockish for my tastes,
but it may do well for the lads in the short run. Who knows? Most certainly
not me—P.C.
Jones
THE KILLINGTONS
The Killingtons (MEG)
Emocore
as performed by four young fellows from some such place. Sounds like Shudder
to Think without the dynamic guitar sound. And what do you get when you have
Shudder to Think without the dynamic guitar sound? That's right, one serious,
arty and pretentious vocalist. But despite my resistance to such pretty music,
it's OK I sat through it twice and I feel rather sullen and I'm ok—Joey
Germ
LAMB OF GOD
New American Gospel (Prosthetic)
This
is some seriously heavy music from the metal gospel according to Lamb of God.
Formerly Burn the Priest, this Richmond, VA team are hard, tight, and have relentless
attacking power and pounding machine gun double bass beats. It will restore
your faith in metal n case you lost it along the way somewhere—Muggsy
McMurphy
LORENZO MUSIC
Schematic (Crustacean)
Laid
back, loungy-type music that aspires to be Tom Waits but fails pretty miserably.
The lyrics are not as clever as they try very hard to be. I wouldn't call this
easy listening as it was actually very difficult—Jayne Wayne
THE MR. T EXPERIENCE
The Miracle of Shame (Lookout!)
MTX
have been cranking out the pop, pop, poppy punk rock for about 15 years and
although I am largely unfamiliar with their body of work as a whole, I do have
this EP in which to study. This would appear to be a slight departure for Dr.
Frank and company. In addition to the two full-on, straight ahead pop songs,
"Spy vs. Spy" and "Mr Ramones," which I don't care much
for, are "Leave the Thinking to the Smart People" and "Stephanies
of the World Unite" which the accompanying label propaganda likens to the
sounds of My Bloody Valentine or Sprititualized which is really pushing it,
however, it is an infinitely more interesting approach than, for example, the
last tune "I Don't Know Where Dan Treacy Lives," a mostly acoustic,
pretty self-indulgent chore to listen to. So I guess what I'm saying is; more
of one, less of the other—Jayne Wayne
THE MOTOR CITY BURGERS
Escape from Detroit (Talking
Trash)
A
blend of bad funk, metal and a dash of rap, peppered with sexual bravado and
what is probably intended to be sexy, a la Anthony Kiedis, lyrics from tough
actin' white boyz who are more than likely just frontin'. This could be a joke
but it ain't funny. It could be good but the recording sucks which does little
to help the mediocre musicianship. The real tragedy is that in spite of all
these things it still could be entertaining but it ain't—Muggsy
McMurphy
MOONEY SUZUKI
People Get Ready (Estrus)
(CD
and live and the Fireside Bowl). Totally competent rocking out in the en vogue
1963 via 1969 style, but we really need to put an end to the Preacher Man persona
that so many lead singers are adopting these days. Mark my words, if I hear
another singer address the audience as, "Brothers and Sisters," I
will kill him. Can I get a witness?—Mike
Dixon
THE MOVIE LIFE
This Time Next Year (Revelation)
From
the heartwrenching joyous track, "I Hope You Die," to the uplifting,
"It's Monday and Raining," The Movielife take you on a roller coaster
ride of emotions and by roller coaster ride of emotions I mean anger to angst
in ten seconds flat. This sounds like many an emo band I've heard in the last
three or so years. Nothing really elevates if from the pack, or the herd, as
it were. But the kids dig it, and who am I to judge the sounds of the new generation?
I am simply a bitter and jaded old fool whose time has sadly passed and all
I ask in return is for some innovation from these little crybaby punks. Is that
a lot to ask? Why yes, yes it is—Joey
G.
MUDHONEY
March to Fuzz (Sub Pop)
While
two hours may seem like a long time to spend with these guys, this career spanning
retrospective zips along quite nicely. It's divided evenly between greatest
hits and rarities, three sides each, revealing Mudhoney to be a relatively diverse
bunch. Will history be kind enough to crown them kings of Grunge? I think so.
While I can't imagine myself ever voluntarily listening to Nirvana again, I'm
looking forward to sharing March to Fuzz with my grandchildren—Al
Gore
THE NERVE AGENTS
Days of the White Owl (Revelations)
Make-up
wearing SF punk rockers playing that tight-ass, angry punk rock music which
I must admit all starts sounding the same after awhile. But it sounds good,
it looks good, and I bet they can lay it down live but I got a couple dozen
CDs already that sound like this. No matter. Just what does the White Owl do
during the day anyway? That's really the only unanswered question—Jayne Wayne
NO USE FOR A NAME
More Betterness (Fat Wreck Chords)
No
Use for a Name? No use for a band. More Betterness? No betterness. This
is pretty uninspired and bland punk rock and contrary to overwhelming public
opinion, I get no satisfaction in saying that—P.C.
Jones
OLD SCHOOL 101
Pura Vida (Victory)
This
is old school, man! Which is to say, don't worry about having to listen to any
fresh new sounds, concepts or ideas. This is punk like they played it back in
the day, only it's not as good as I remember it. Maybe 'cause that's when it
wasn't old school—Frank
the Irresistible
PARASITES
Compost (Go-Kart)
Parasites:
pop punk band that packs a punch. Problem is, I eat pop punk bands for lunch—Joey
Germ
THE PIETASTERS
Awesome Mix Tape #6 (Hellcat)
Not
just a ska band, The Pietasters start before, and finish much after so many
of the so-called ska bands that wiped out on the last wave of ska, They actually
seem to have an understanding of the music that goes beyond the Specials. Not
only that. The Pietasters can actually play reggae and ska that sound authentic,
they can toast, they can rock, their horns sound like they're played by guys
who have more experience with their instruments than high school pep band and they obviously love pie, as we all do—P.C.
Jones
PINHEAD CIRCUS
Everything Else is a Forgone
Conclusion (BYO)
Scooter,
Trevor and Brandon can serve up the three chord punk with the rest of them!—Joey
Germ
PLAN A PROJECT
Spirit of a Soldier (Go-Kart)
Pretty
basic, stripped down punk rock. It's decent, but for the sake of argument, gentlemen,
let's hear Plan B—Joey
Germ
PISTOL WHIPPED
Too Much Excitement (Beluga)
There's
no such thing as too much excitement but I'll tell you what I am (almost) too excited about (and I never get excited,
or so I've been told by people who appear more excited that I am about things)
is this CD! It's got more pop gems ("Friend of Mine") and some sad
country flavored tunes ("Plains of Nebraska") and some angry punk
songs ("Have a Nice Day") and if I sound like a pistol whipped geek,
you'll have to excuse me, I am a pistol whipped geek—Irresistible
Frank
PLASTIC
Spritual Kung Fu (Crustacean)
A
bit of a departure from what I've come to expect from Crustacean, which has
been pretty much straight-ahead rawk, but Plastic seems to be an attempt to
put all the chickens in one basket. From reading the biography of this Madison
quintet, it seems that this fresh, innovative group took the "psychotic
genius of Pink Floyd" and the brilliance of Smashing Pumpkins" and
somehow one-upped both of these million+ sellers with their own psychotic and
brilliant blend of psychedelic, pop and dance. But there's really no hooks,
groove or "phat" beats on this slooooow moving record and I don't
see how anybody could really dance to this–even white people!—Jayne Wayne
RIVER CITY REBELS
Racism, Religion and War (Victory)
Like
it or not, RCR reminds me of Rancid in the way that Rancid remind me of the
Clash. Therefore RCR remind me of the Clash and I am unapologetic in my love
for the Clash City Rockers. One difference, however, and there are several,
is the use of a horn section, giving it that ska angle without really sounding
ska. I am unapologetic in my lack of tolerance for the faux ska. The
Rebels sing songs about hate ("Hate"), religion ("Religion")
and Corporate America ("Corporate America"). Hell yeah—P.C.
Jones
SAMIAM
Astray (Hopeless)
Better
than average, melodic punk rock doing that loud/quiet, hard/soft arrangement
thing. Pretty catchy. The singer reminds me of Greg Duli at times. Sorry so
short on the review but the timer just went off on the oven. Pizza! S'later—Hungry
THE SELBY TIGERS
Charm City (Sub City)
I
like this St. Paul band, Selby Tigers. They've got a right-on rock sound with
the male/female vocal action. Yes, quite a charming little CD and don't let
'em fool yah, these are the droids you're looking for—Joey
Germ
SHELTER
When 20 Summers Pass (Victory)
Shelter
is a part of a musical genre that I didn't know existed until now, krishnacore and that's melodic hardcore with an "uplifting and optimistic perspective." Despite the invention of a new name for something that has been around for quite
some time, Shelter do indeed deliver on the promise of hook-ladden hardcore
with a positive, drug- and meatfree lifestyle, straight-edge I think they used
to call it. So if you're feeling weary, your troubles got you down–seek Shelter—Jayne Wayne
SHUTDOWN
Few and Far Between (Victory)
Aggressive,
angry, NY-style hardcore with some heavy (metal?) guitars eschewing a positive,
uplifting and inspirational message. I'm not a big fan of the vocals, they never
travel very far from the throat-ripping, unintelligible hardcore rants, but
that's the game, I guess—P.C.
Jones
THE SMUGGLERS
Rosie (Lookout!)
So
this record came out a year ago. Yes, it has probably been sitting on or under
some desk here at Wiglar HQ collecting dust while some burnout collected a paycheck
for supposedly reviewing this and others. Never mind all that, this CD by Vancouver
BC's Smuggler's will surely stand the test of time with their high energy, their
passion and their love for a girl (any girl) named Rosie. A cover of the Kinks
"I'll Remember" and Brownsville Station's "Kings of the Party,"
the Dr. Frank penned "Coffee, Tea or Me," make this an action-packed
power punch just in time for the new millennium which of course could be this
year or last year which would make this review really late or right on time—P.C.
Jones
SPOT
Unhalfbaking (Upland)
Spot,
whose name as engineer has appeared on some of the best fucking records to spurt
out of the 80s underground punk rock) or post punk) music scene (or movement
or whatever), passes his time now as somewhat of a wandering minstrel playing
a guitar or a mandolin or banjo, or etc. This CD is a collection of tunes, both
original and traditional, folk ditties and Irish jigs. Spot provides the greater
portion on the disc's instrumentation himself playing the heretofore mentioned
stringed instruments.
Joe Carducci summed it up best in what should probably have been the liner notes:
"Old school, hell! This is preschool!" alluding of course to the pre-rock
styles of music covered on this album—Joey
Germ
THE STOP & LISTEN BOYS
Monkey Junk (Upland)
This
is a collection of folk music that was recorded over a period of three years
in Colorado and Wyoming. Most are covers and of what I can only assume are folk
and bluegrass classics (or at least well-known songs, easily recognized by people
who know about such things). The 11-track CD also features a few originals by
S&L Boys, David Lightbourne and John Marz. Since I'm thoroughly unfamiliar
with folk music outside of legendary names like Pete Seger and Woodie Guthrie,
all I can really say is that this CD is a welcome departure from most of the
music that finds its way into the Reglar Wiglar POB. Nope, don't get much mandolin,
banjo, string, bass or banjitar 'round here. Maybe that'll change. I wouldn't
complain—P.C.
Jones
SUCKA PUNCH
Bustin' Roids (Fishbowl)
You
know, you can't always judge a CD by its cover. I say can't always because in
many, many instances, I have judged CDs by their cover and correctly. In the
case of Sucka Punch and their release Bustin' Roids I judged correctly.
Yes, as much as I hate the name of their band, the name of their CD, their poor
taste in cover art and their goofy face-making selves on the back, they play
passable ska music. (I was expecting it to be unpassable is my point)—P.C.
Jones
TOILET CREATURES
What Are You Staring At? (Smart
Ass)
The
Toilet Creatures? They stink! Of course that would be the obvious and easy route
to take; quick play off the band name. Actually, that sums it up pretty nicely.
Horrible recording of very basic punk rock songs (all you can really hear is
the guitar and drums), ridiculous song titles ("Corn Detassling"),
etc. But I think these guys are in high school up there in Minn-a-soda (that's
Minnesota for you people out there unfamiliar with the way those goofy bastards
talk) so I'm gonna cut them and their Cottage Grove Mushcore (and the godawful
cover art) some slack. Awwwww. Don't say the Germ don't have a heart—Joey
Germ
VANDALS
Look What I Almost Stepped
In (Nitro)
Look
what I almost listened to! Sorry, that was too good to pass up. Actually, I
like the Vandals, they're my favorite rock athletes; the way they leap over
the hurdles of good taste with such grace and aplomb, it's really fascinating.
They play good punk rock with the funny and clever lyrics like the jab at major
label sell-out band on "Behind the Music": "We're in it for the
art, but we'd like to see it chart.". Blink 182, that's for you, man!—P.C.
Jones
VARIOUS
0 to 60 in 73 Bands (No!No!)
The
idea behind this compilation is that most songs (radio-friendly or not) are
too damn long. So here's 73 bands that fire it up and crank it out and basically
get it done in under 60 seconds. The No!No! guys sent out a shitload of postcards
to bands listed in Book Your Own Fucking Life and what you have here
is those bands who responded from countries as far away as Brazil, France, UK,
Italy, Scotland, Lithuania, Israel, Mexico, Canada and Rhode Island. Songs by
Useless ID, Flesheating Creeps, Oi Polloi, and Team
Satan—B.S.
Brown
VARIOUS
Chica-go-go (Beluga)
As
the title suggests this CD is the soundtrack to Chicago's beloved Chic-a-go-go dance show extravaganza starring Ratso and Miss Mia. Included on the CD are
songs by Bobby Conn, Pansy Division, Kelly Hogan, and The Dishes and of course
the "Chic-a-go-go Theme" by the Goblins. There's also some soundbites
from Ratso's interviews with The Monks, Lemmy (Motorhead) and Jello Biafra—Jayne Wayne
VARIOUS
East Timor Benefit Album (Idols
of the Marketplace)
This
is a benefit release from Community Aid Abroad which is an Australian organization
that helps refugees of Indonesia's political turmoil. It's got some good songs
on it, most notably from Ramon & Beezus, Smoking Popes (yes, I'll admit
to liking it, tell no one!), The Mudkids, and a crazy rock opera from the now
defunct Idiot Flesh whom I've never heard of but wish I would have had a chance
to see live—Jayne Wayne
VARIOUS
Fall Asleep to This (Smart
Ass)
Thanks,
I will—Joey
Germ
VARIOUS
Go-Kart Records Vs The Corporate
Giant 2 (Go-Kart)
A
thoroughly delightful variety of punk rock gems compiled by your friends at
Go-Kart records. Anti-Flag, Buzzcocks and Lunachicks are the list toppers for
me. Also features those crazy fucking Candy Snatchers, The Unseen and Boris
the Sprinkler and a few previously unreleased songs from Anti-Flag and Down
by Law making this a pretty freakin' solid and enjoyable compilation—Irresistible
Frank
VARIOUS
The "Gone with the Wind"
of Punk Rock Samplers (Kung Fu)
Actually,
I was thinking this was more of the Thornbirds of punk rock samplers
but since I don't know what that means I'll move on. This has got some good
stuff on it, including various Vandal's tracks (always entertaining, as well
as Josh Freese who I am now a fan of), Apocalypse Hoboken with "Little
Finger" which is probably the best song from Microstars, three songs
from Assorted Jelly Beans that sound a lot better than I remember the Beans
sounding. Of course, there's a godawful song on there by MxPx which I suspect
is only there to sell a couple more copies but I'll let it slide since it's
only one song out of nineteen—Joey
Germ
VARIOUS
Victory Style 4 (Victory)
All
twenty-three of your favorite Victory bands are on this twenty-three song CD
sampler: Earth Crisis, River City Rebels, Hatebreed, Electric
Frankenstein, Boy
Sets Fire... have I mentioned your favorite band yet? Snapcase, Catch 22, Reach
the Sky... well have I or haven't I, 'cause there's fifteen more and I ain't
got all fuckin' day—Joey
Germ
THE VICTORIA PRINCIPLE
Mis en Scens (Ruido Union)
Raise
your hand if you're tired of clever play-on-a-famous-person's-name band names?
Holy shit, there's a lot of you out there. Anyway, since this is not three chord
power pop punk, I will let it slide. Yes, much to my surprise this is a much
slower, more intricate–I will dare say, more arty by far.
It's somber, mostly instrumental guitar music from Richmond, VA where there
really is no straight ahead anything, everything teeters on math rock—P.C.
Jones
THE WEIRD LOVEMAKERS
Live–Bigger Than a Cookie,
Better Than a Cake (eMpTy)
A
new live CD from the Lovemakers that does
a dandiful (not a word) job of capturing the spirit of a band I've never seen
live. This CD sounds just like I imagine they would sound if I did seen 'em
live. does this make any friggin' sense? Recorded in 1999 at the Breakroom in
Seattle, this is a limited release and I already got one of 'em so run you freak!—Joey
Germ
WINTHROPES
You Mean to Tell Me That All
We Got is a SIX PACK! (Rare)
Pour yourself a glass of warm milk and grab a pillow, kiddies, we got a Winthropes
CD! Just remember, a review from Joey Germ is like a review from no one at all—Joey
Germ
ZE COMPULSIVE GAMBLERS
Crystal Gazing, Luck Amazing (Sympathy for the Record Industry)
I
can not even begin to explain how good this is. Five–no six stars. Go buy two
copies now. I SAID NOW!!!—Mike
Dixon
RW #14
2000
Now you're
really going to get it!
AGAINST ALL AUTHORITY/THE CRIMINALS
Exchange split CD (Sub City)
It's a split! AAA and The Criminals (hardly the kind of role models we want
for our children) but these two deviant musical factions are uniting...for charity?
What the ffff? No, it's true, the proceeds for this CD benefit a free needle
exchange in the Bay Area (NEED). I spent a little time in SF this past winter
and let me tell you, if there's one thing those junkies need in the Tenderloin
District is more needles, for chrissake.
It's all part of Sub City's plan to put the politics back into
punk and that's a good thing especially if you're walking around with a DK logo
drawn or stitched anywhere on your clothing As far as the music; I really couldn't
tell one band from the other. They're both aggressive angry punk bands, which
is fine with me—Joey
Germ
APOCALYPSE HOBOKEN
Microstars (Kung Fu)
You know what Microstars drink doncha'? Microbrews, dude!
Yeah, they do, dude! Anyway, sorry for that. God, I can see why some people
just hate the music reviews in this magazine; they are absolutely no help to
anybody, but they're easy to write and I get $250 for every one I do. Shit,
that ain't a bad deal at all!—Irresistible
Frank
BABYLON WHORES
King Fear as performed by Babylon
Whores (Necropolis)
Man, the frontman
for this band is fuggin' scary with a capital Holy Shit, know what I'm sayin'?
So you'll have to excuse me if I mind my Ps & Qs here and tiptoe around
this review 'cause old boy looks like he would come right straight after my
ass with a switchblade and gut me like a pig if I said the wrong thing about
this CD. As it is, and this is purely coincidence, this is absolutely brilliant—P.C.
Jones
BIG ANGRY FISH
The 13 Electric Turn-ons (Beluga)
The Fish
are back and they're still big but they don't seem to posses the same anger
that used to fuel them when they were younger, you know? That anger that made
them give a shit and want to change things and kick some ass and make someone
pay. Now they just seem more bitter and angry–whoops, I wasn't talking about
Big Angry Fish, I was talking about myself. Sorry, I get confused sometimes.
Big
Angry Fish are a pretty solid rock band with a pop edge or a solid pop band
with a rock edge... really, however you want to slice it and whatever you want
to call it is fine with me. I don't give a shit (see above)—P.C.
Jones
BIGWIG
Stay Asleep (Kung Fu)
Stay
Asleep? Keep on playin' that shit you call music and that won't be no problem,
pard—Otis E. Lee
BOXCAR SATAN
Days Before the Flood (Compulsive)
From
the Satanic underbelly of the nation, Texas, and from the capitol of that aforementioned
Satanic underbelly, San Antonio, comes Boxcar Satan armed to the teeth with
a just as spastic as fantastic brand of devil rock. (Whew! Now that was a
fucked up sentence-Ed) I must apologize to the Lone Star State for calling
the "underbelly of the nation". She don't like that and she's a real
firecracker when she gets mad—Goey Jerm
BOLT THROWER
Who Dares Wins (Earache)
I
dared. I won! No wait, fuck, I lost. Wait, no, I did win after all. Bolt Thrower,
Ladies and Gentlemen!—Irresistible
Frank
CANDIRA
Process of Self-Development (MIA)
"Massive
stylistic shifts and peerless musical virtuosity." "Jarring, inventive...brilliant
grooves." "The most adventurous album that the hard music scene has
ever witnessed." And
these quotes ain't even from the music press. They're from the band's own press
kit! That's just what the band's own label thinks of them. Why do I even have a job? Well, actually, I really don't have a job? WHY AM I YELLING?—Joey T. Germ
THE CATHETERS
The Catheters (eMpTy)
Ahhhh,
the Catheters. Not quite as painful as the real thing I would imagine, but not
knowing I can not say. These guys play that garage-style punk rock. The singers
got a great voice and they've got the energy and the attitude and since it seems
like every review and article in their press kit mentions how young they are
I'm going to as well ('cause that' show it's done in this business); they're
young. They rock and they're young! Who woulda thunk it?—Joey T. Germ
CATS & JAMMERS
After School Special (Beluga)
Cats
& Jammers are committed to pop music. It's in their hearts and it's in their
minds. They make no apologies for the sweet hooks, the syrupy vocals and the
funny/corny lyrics. With songs like "Cuddle Song" and Lollipop Lies"
you pretty much know you're not getting Marilyn Manson, right? C&J play
a cleaner, better version of what those silly pop punk bands try to do. My favorite
line on the record is from "White People Can't Dance" and it goes
"White people can't dance but they take a chance." It's true!—Irresistible
Frank
THE COMAS
Wave to Make Friends (Plastique)
There
is something appealing about this CD, not unlike a good long coma. It's relaxin'
like a good whiskey bender. The Commas were started as a joke country band but
changed gears and got serious not long after, which is good 'cause there ain't
nuthin' funny about country. We already got one Ray Stevens, we don't need another—Otis
E. Lee
BOBBY CONN
Lovessongs (Thrill Jockey)
Bobby
Conn usually leaves me puzzled yet entertained. Llovesssongs is no exception.
My emotions toggle between barely contained laughter to utter bemusement–I'm
bemused by the man actually, and intrigued, and hopelessly, hopelessly in love—Jayne Wayne
JEFF DAHL
All Trashed Up (Triple X)
I
gotta get something off me puny, scrawny, absolutely no muscle tone chest. This
woman from Triple X, who shall remain nameless (can't remember her name) called
our offices here and asked if anyone wanted to be on the friggin' guest list
to the freakin' Jeff Dahl/Trash Brat shows at Thurston's, a bar I don't particularly
like if for no other reason than the last time I went there (alone, which is
pathetic enough) I walked up to the bar where this very fine bartender was kinda
wiping down the bar, you know kind of bored, so anyway I go up to her like the
suave motherfucker you know I am and I casually lean my elbow against a bar
stool that apparently wasn't actually there, I and hit the floor.... hard. Needless
to say, I had to get the heck out of the area and I don't like going back there.
Back to my previous pathetic story; so yeah, within a week Triple X sent press
info and this Jeff Dahl CD and all that shit so I figured "it's on",
you know, no problem. The night of the show I took two frickin' buses to get
to the bar and when I got there, to my surprise (even though I shouldn't have
been surprised 'cause this wasn't the first time I'd been duped by flaky label
people) I wasn'tevenonthefuckingguestlist. That made me triple pissed at Triple
X. That shit hasn't happened to me since Bruce Dickinson played the House of Blues (see RW#12).
The
show was good and all but I was very angry and that's all anybody's gettin'
out of me as far as a review of a CD on Triple X is concerned—Joey T. Germ
DALTONIC
Chattanooga (Antietam)
It
is often a complaint amongst rock groups that rock critics don't really even
listen to the CDs before we review them. This assertion–this myth, makes musicians
feel better when they receive a trashing from the press. The reality of the
situation, and it's a cold, harsh reality I know, is that some people put a
lot of time and effort into music that, in the end, just isn't that original,
memorable or in the least bit good and therein lies the rub, as they say—P.C.
Jones
DAYGLOW ABORTIONS
Death Race 2000 (God)
My
mother is a man
She is the head of a Nazi training camp
When I am bad she threatens to take me
To the lab and use me for scientific research
Those
lyrics are from the haunting "My Mother Was A Man." Other heart wrenching
tracks are "Drink Beer, Smoke Pot, Play Music" and the unabashedly
anti-anti-drug song, "I Just Can't Say No to Drugs." The Dayglow Abortions
are pretty much don't-give-a-toss Canadian punk rockers who, even though they
seem to be in favor of euthanizing Bill Gates and Stephen Hawking for being
geeks (I think that's a bit rash myself), they seem to be able to make fun of
themselves first and foremost. Nothing you haven't heard a million times before
but it's still good to know that someone out there still doesn't give a fuck
about being PC or hip or even being good for that matter—Joey
T. Germ
DEAD MOON
Destination X (eMpTy)
Saw
the Dead Moon play here a couple moons back.. I don't really like to use the
word awesome but sometimes a situation occurs and the only word to describe
it is awesome or perhaps rad, but enough about that. These guys play rock like
they've been playing rock together every night for the past ten years which
they probably have. They also play like they live together in the same cramped
one bedroom apartment in the seediest part of the wrong side of the tracks,
which they might. Guitarist Fred Cole is married to bass player Toody and I
bet their drummer Andrew sleeps on a straw matt on the floor of their candle-lit
bedroom and every night before they go to sleep they pass around a bottle of
whisky. Anyway, it's just a theory I have–a very bizarre, slightly twisted
theory/fantasy—P.C.
Jones
DENVER ZEST
Denver Zest (no label)
Great
cover art on this 24 track CD of nonstop, unapologetic musical tomfoolery. (Damn,
how would you like that line in your press kit? You'd have it made! Don't worry,
I gotta million of 'em.) Similar to The Dead Milkmen before they played themselves
out, Denver Zest put the novelty band in novelty
band and they don't
care! "Will You Be My Girl for the Summer," "Mom Cooks Inside,
Dad Cooks Outside" and "I Wanna Be Your Snooze Alarm" are a few
of the amusing gems that await you courtesy of the Zest who aren't even from
Denver—Joey
T. Germ
THE DERITA SISTERS
The Derita Sisters Ain't Street (To the Left)
I'll
never forget what a student asked me one day in class, he said, "Professor,
do you actually listen to the CDs you review or do you just get high and write
whatever comes into your head?" I've been struggling with that question
ever since, and I still don't know the answer—Professor
Germ
THE DISHES
The Dishes (89)
Not
your mother's fine china, mind you. More like your basic, no frills, stripped
down dinner plate. I know I have my favorite plate that I like to eat my macaroni
and cheese on. But when you're a dish, you get scraped, scrubbed, rinsed, dried,
sometimes broke and then the process just repeats itself. People feed off you!
Is that any kind of life? They cover a Urinal's song, "I'm a Bug."
That's cool. Comic book maven, Jessica "Artbabe" Abel provides the
comic portrayal of the Dishes for the cover. That's cool too—P.C.
Jones
SARAH DOUGHER
Day One (K)
This
is kind of folky, sad music. Dougher has got a good voice and I was able to
listen to this much longer than I had first anticipated. You see, I'm somewhat
of a tough guy, but I got a sensitive side that shows through only in my weakest
moments. So yeah, anyway, Sara Dougher, I think she has a Phd or somethin' so
she's real smart too—Irresistible
Frank
FUNERAL ORATION
Discography 1983-1998 (Hopeless)
As
I'd never heard of Funeral Oration prior to receiving this CD for review I obviously
had no inkling as to what their music was about, their history as a band and
the extent of their influence on, well, anybody. These Dutch emo-rockers have
been around for awhile and this is Hopeless Records attempt to turn more people
onto FO. The packaging looks great making this a must have for fans. As for
myself, seeing as how this is very sensitive music and what with me being a
big, strong, hulking man (see above review), I seldom express my feelings and
ask that others do the same, singers in particular—Irresistible
Frank
HANGNAIL
Ten Days Before (TMC)
If
I had never heard of Monster Magnet, Kyuss or Queens of the Stone Age, I might
think this was new, different, maybe even original, but as it is, it ain't—Muggsy
McMurphy
HIMSA
Groundbreaking Ceremony (Revelation)
Politically
aware, hard/extreme music, what we used to lovingly call "metal".
And I may be just another asshole music critic but that doesn't stop this from
sucking—Muggsy
McMurphy
LEATHERFACE/HOT WATER MUSIC
BYO Split Series Vol. 1 (BYO)
Lord
have I heard more than a little hype about Hot Water Music and how they are
the be-all, end-all band, but I just don't hear it. That emo shit is played
as far as I'm concerned. Of course, this is coming from a guy who wears a Rush
T-shirt four out of seven days a week. I don't know from emo! What I do know
is, as far as music goes, you can't trust anyone's opinion ever. This is unless
it's mine and emo just ain't my bag, but before I end this thing in typical
anticlimactic poo-pissery (I think I just invented that word) Leatherface might
just save their side of this split CD by being a little tougher. I know tough
and I am more than willing to prove it anytime, anyplace and since I don't actually
exist, I did your momma–no, no, scratch that–me and you momma made sweet love—Malcolm
Tent
THE LOVE OF EVERYTHING
The Love of Everything (no
label)
Oh,
for the love of everything! Grammy used to say that, God bless her soul. I'm
sorry, that was kind of an embarrassing revelation of my personal past. Just
when you thought indie rock was dead, killed by Eve 6 and Third Eye Blind (I
actually heard in an interview with that dude from Third Eye Blind say that
the name Third Eye Blind contained "punk rock irony," whatever the
fuck that means). Quite to the contrary, the indie rock spirit lives on in The
Love of Everything and their self-titled CD-R proves it. God bless them CD burners!—Joy
Germ
MAKE UP
Save Yourself (K)
You
know, I'm just as PC as the next guy but sometimes Ian Svenonius sounds like
he just got himself bitch-slapped...by Prince! But seriously, The Make Up has
been described as gospel punk and I think that sums it up pretty well: Gospel
is what they're going for (I think) and punk rock is the way they go for it. Save Yourself and buy this record. Yeah!—Jayne Wayne
MISFITS
Famous Monsters (Roadrunner)
The
Misfits were always pretty scary looking but now they're like, wrestler, ex-football
player looking scary–which is still totally scary, don't get me wrong. The
music is pretty much the standard punk/metal hybrid which they do pretty well
and well they should, these guys are icons with or without that other beefy,
muscle guy. (No, not Rollins, silly)—P.C.
Jones
SLINK MOSS WITH THE FLYING ACES
1995-1999 Legend (Rattlesnake)
What
we got here with this CD is some old out-takes of Slink Moss and Company. Slink
is a dabbler in all manner of American music from country to pop rock. The CD
was recorded by several different people famous in underground music. Slink
also created the spectacular cover art which readers of Roctober zine are sure to recognize as being from the slow moving comic, "The Rockin'
Ave." All in all, quite a catchy lil' pop record that Slink fans are sure
to enjoy heartily—Irresistible
Frank
NERVES
New Animal (Thrill Jockey)
I
wasn't really sure what the Nerves would be comin' up with next, I only hoped
that it would be different than their debut and it is. Not that I didn't like
their first record, on the contrary, I did, but I was hoping they would evolve
and they have. New Animal is indeed a new animal, the songs are better,
more interesting (unlike this review) and it has dogs on the cover—I. Frank
OLD TIME RELIJUN
Uterus & Fire (K)
Goddman,
this makes my uterus hurt! What is a uterus anyway? Do I even have one? Never
mind. That's not my point. My point is this; Old Time Relijun is exactly what
is friggin' hell-in-a-handbasket cuntry needs to soothe its soul. This sounds
like it was recorded in a living room full of writhing, tongue-speaking snake
handlers drunk on sacra-mental whine (get it?). It's frantic, it's frantastic
and I'll say this; if I didn't know for a fact that the world was not going
to end, this band would change my mind... and my diaper—P.C.
Jones
REAGAN
NATIONAL CRASH DIET
Vote for RNCD (RoosterCow)
Vote
for a band called Reagan National Crash Diet? What are you kidding me? Of course
I will. I don't care if they're commies or card carrying NRA freaks!—J.G.
RETARDS
Grown Up, Fucked Up (eMpTy)
Yeah,
well part of my job as a big shot record reviewer is doing research and checkin'
facts and shit like that, so check this out; I did some diggin' around on this
band you know what? They ain't even retarded. Nope. They rock like sonsabitches
though—P.C.
Jones
SEVEN SECONDS
Good to Go (Side One Dummy)
I
used to listen to 7 Seconds in high school and I'm like, totally 21 now! Isn't
that weird? Actually, I used to listen to 7 Seconds in high school and I'm 54!!
No, but seriously, I did listen to 7 Seconds in high school and that was a long
time ago. Not much has changed, 7 Seconds still seem to be playing the same
music with the same subject matter and you know what? It still sounds pretty
good, but don't tell anyone I said that 'cause I got a rep as a hardass—Joey
Germ
SNAPCASE
Design for Automation (Victory)
Snapcase
is some pretty hard rockin' shit it must be said. It's not your grandma's hardcore
that's for sure. It's tight, loud, aggressive music, momma. Another victory
for Victory, jack. That's all I gotta say 'cause I fucked off this review until
way too late, mate. Now there's hell to pay and here's to it. Screw it!—I. Frank
SOMEDAY I ...
Look up and Live (O&O)
Someday
I..., Someday
I..., Someday
I..., Someday
I..., Someday
I... might actually get around to reviewing this record but who am I kidding?
This is the kind of hard-edged melodic punk rock (notice I didn't say pop punk,
please respect that distinction) that reflects the sound of a lot of O&O
bands. They seem to have studied from the Descendents School of thought on the
subject. Which is good school, I know 'cause I went there too—Joey
Germ
SONS OF HERCULES
Get Lost (Get Hip)
Hercules
killed all three of his sons (and their mother) with his bare hands in a fit
of mad rage inflicted upon him by the jealous Hera, wife of Zeus, who would
never forgive Hercules for being the illegitimate son of the aforementioned
God (who was in everybody's pants anyway which was hardly Hercules' fault),
but I digress. I mean, I'm really digressing on this one. And then there is this matter of a Texas quintuplet making the claim to be the
Sons of Hercules. They don't look like the songs of Hercules. These must be
the sons that play in that 60s style garage rock band. I read about them—Muggsy
McMurphy
STARPOINT ELECTRIC
Bad Directions (Plastique)
Some
of this really rocks and some is a tad cheesy and overdone. If a few of these
songs could be shorter I wouldn't complain any. But when it does rock it rocks
in a garage—Muggsy
McMurphy
JASON TRAEGER
My Religion is Love (K)
You
don't (I don't) hear a lot of singers out there that sound like Jason Traeger.
At first I admit this CD was a little off-putting. The opening track is titled,
"Health, Personal Growth and Positive Living." Not exactly words you'd
find in my dictionary, but upon repeated listening (which is something I try
to do when reviewing music) it kind of grew on me. Traeger has been compared
to Jonathan Richmond which I can see, it has the unselfconscious heart-on-a-sleeve
quality, which you need when you write a song called, "Love Fairies"—Jayne Wayne
TODAYS MY SUPER SPACEOUT DAY
Stars Made from Scars (Beluga)
This
would be some passable indie rock on the spaceout tip but the vocals just fall
a little flat for me, which make the songs seem oh so long and tedious, but
I like their band name—Irresistible
Frank
TRUNK FEDERATION
Lay the Hip (Plastique)
Trunk
Federation is one of your more sophisticated pop bands who're not quite content
with verse-chorus-verse, three chord drudgery which makes Lay the Hip that
much more interesting. They have a Sgt. Peppers psychedelic bent to their music which also reminds me of the Flaming Lips at
times. There's a lot of instrumentation: sax, cello, viola and the violin (I
know I heard a tuba in there) and vocal effects going to work as well. Pretty
solid. Solid gold? With some airplay, sure—Jayne Wayne
WRETCH LIKE ME
Calling All Cars... (O&O)
Wretches
like me, that's my problem. No they like me, but like I said, that's
my problem so don't worry about it. Hard-edged yet melodic punk rock from Fort
Collins. Fort Collins is to punk rockers like Boulder is to hippies. I think,
I've never been to Boulder but I have been to Fort Collins and there's a lot
of punk rockers there, lots of ink and a few good punk bands like these aforementioned
Wretches, like yourself—I. Frank
< 20-21 19-18 17-16 15-14 13-12 11-10 9-7 6-4 3-1 >
