Reviews by Mark E. Waterbury

Canned Heat - Friends in the Can
Fuel 2000 Records - 302 061 306 2
With "Friends in the Can," Canned Heat's signature marriage of country, blues and rock is intact, and the music has a solid amount of energy coming from the balls and the souls of the band members. "Same Old Games" has a toe tapping country quality with sweet guitar and harmonica solos and vocals eerily reminiscent of the late founding member Alan Wilson. "Bad Trouble" and "Home to You" are great examples of smoky, barrelhouse blues rockers. One of the best tunes is "Never Get Out of These Blues Alive," a muddy grinder that features Taj Mahal and has a narrative by the late great John Lee Hooker. It is meant as a tribute to all those who have gone before, and with Canned Heat's tenacity and uncanny ability to record killer music, that in itself is a high form of tribute. With "Friends in the Can" as well as previous recordings, this band proves their talents and passions and deserves their due from those who have unkindly ignored them for so many years. URL: http://www.cannedheatmusic.com

John Masino Band - Out Of This World
Rock Central Productions - RCP2001
First full collection of songs on CD by one of the Midwest's hottest rock guitarists John Masino is a wonderful display of his prolific talents. Influences from Satriani, Hendrix and Santana meld with John's own signature stylings producing a stellar guitar feast. His songwriting versatility shines as well, from the gritty metallic drive of "Mankind" to the Cheap trick vibe of "Come On" and the funkified "A Long Time Ago." A great showcase for a hard working talented musician/songwriter who deserves wider spread notice URL: http://www.livebands.net/JohnMasinoBand E-mail: ROKCENTRAL@aol.com

Driver 13 - Until the End of Time
Gutsy heavy rock from Madison, Wisconsin with elements of bands like Godsmack, Fuel and Faith No More. Chunky guitar riffs tempered by emotive vocals that ring melodic but intense. The sonic grooving "Driver," the brutal thunder of "Alignment" and the seething power of "Yin Yang" present songs as solid as anything out there these days. A reasonably fresh songwriting approach understandable vocals gives them an edge over the typical growlers in modern metal. URL: http://www.driver13.com

Lolett - 3 song EP
Interesting taste from this NYC outfit combining rock, alt folk and a bit of psychedelia as a vehicle for vocals that sound a bit like Joan Baez. "Infatuation" has a slyly brooding power to it, and "Our Days are Done" is a sweet ballad also with that underlying intensity. "Thinking Too Much" has a bit of a sexy groove weaved with an innocently lilting chorus. Perks up your ears so you want to hear more. URL: http://www.lolett.com E-mail: elisakorenne@yahoo.com

The Painkillers - State of Mind
Shine Records - R-03
SoCal's The Painkillers kick in some nasty guitar powered rock with vocals to the shade of Babe's in Toyland's Kat Bjelland on the title track, following it with the more balladic "Intoxication of Life" with a more luscious but still emotive vocal take. This heralds a great mix of alt rock intensity, solid rhythmic hooks and melodic passages providing extra fuel for Cherish Alexander's spectacular vocals. Inventive song and lyric writing provides a further welcome dimension. URL: http://www.thepainkillers.com E-mail: Fanmail@thePainkillers.com

Now S... - Illumine
Zdjarko
Now S... uses tasty electronica to breath extra life into the songs which range from the kicked-back vibe of "Untitled Now" to the ethereal title track and the ambient cyber punk "Love My Tape Recorder." The music pulses with backdrops of rock, groove and new wave pop with avant garde vocal work. A truly unique effort from this Oakland group with modern flair and a dose of early 80's roots. URL: http://www.nowsensation.com E-mail: contact@nowsensation.com

Bent-Til-Broken - Reverse Blow Show
This three song glimpse from Champaign, Illinois is a bit metal, a bit alt and a bit punk. It's kind of a bare bones approach, but there is a dimension of slyly unique songwriting that make you sit up and take notice. The lyrics have intelligence and also go for the throat, and the music has comfortable power hooks without being too common. There is solid potential here. URL: http://www.bent-til-broken.com E-mail: matt@bent-til-broken.com

Spyder - Cigarette Ashes
Singer/songwriter Spyder from the Pittsburgh has a wonderful voice, with songs that range from folk to Americana to more rock oriented. His obvious prowess is in his lyrics, which can be anything from darkly humorous to passionately honest, obviously written from the heart. A great storyteller, the music he weaves around his words keeps you locked on what he is saying and enjoying how he is saying it. URL: http://www.spyder-rock.com E-mail: spyder@spyder-rock.com

Olio - Colour of Music
AD4 Records - 31165-2
L.A.'s Olio cooks up a heady stew of poppish music with dashes of R&B and groove oriented but stripped down rock. Strong vocals with potent harmonies and a soulful feel help provide a big sound that is produced by just two musicians. Their talents from the wicked guitar licks to throbbing rhythms and jazzy interludes helps make this particular Colour of Music a vibrant musical palate. URL: http://www.oliomusic.com E-mail: de@oliomusic.com

Tee-m - You Go On
Cakemaster Music
Tee-M is an alt rock singer/songwriter from L.A. with influences from John Lennon to Billy Bragg. Born in Pakistan, the lead track "Aao, Aao, Aao" takes a jam band slant on his cultural influences. "Hallucination" is aptly psychedelic in a really cool way, and "Watch Your Step" has a sort of folksy intensity provided by Tee-m's emotive but unique vocal work. Fresh and inventive in a laid back way. URL: http://www.geocites.com/tmgig E-mail: tmgig@yahoo.com