Reviews by Mark E. Waterbury

Sloth - Dead Generation
SoCal's hard working foursome Sloth gives hope to the somewhat stale metal scene with their latest effort. Although elements of bands like Tool and the Deftones are present, there is an underlying respect for roots like The Beatles, particularly in the very radio friendly but still intensely heavy "Someday." The opening track "All We Know" mixes melodic hooks with explosive ejaculations. For those who like the more fierce rock you will find that adeptly handled as well on songs like the title track and "Broken Crutch," which also has a slight U2 feel. This band could be a very hot item. URL: http://www.slothmusic.com E-mail: cori.sommers@disney.com

Polemic - Plastic on the Mouth Hole
Athens, Georgia's latest musical ear opener is a trio that takes unique slants on alt rock and weaves it with an old school punk soul in the vein of Souixsie & the Banshees, The Cramps and maybe a waft of Husker Du. Led by the potent vocals of McKenna Mackie that range from tortured tough chick snarl to melodic little girl innocence, the thought-provoking lyrics are driven into you with crunchy guitar bursts and rumbling rhythms. Fresh music drawing from unexpected roots of the punk tree that also manages to bring about a particular comfort level with its honesty. URL: http://www.polemicmusic.net

Johnny A - Get Inside
Favored Nations - FN2290
Instrumental guitarist Johnny A lets you inside his musical soul with his newest effort. You see many facets of Johnny's talents here, from the jazzy "Hip Bone" to the funky blues of "Sing Singin'" and the supreme country picking on "Bundle of Joy." Another treat is a jazzed up treatment of "The Wind Cried Mary" that I'm sure would make Jimi smile. With the usual laid back intensity, Johnny proves again that he is one of the more inventive masters of the six string out there. URL: http://www.johnnya.com E-mail: melissa@marketingfactory.com

The Destroyed - Outta Control
Bert Switzer and J.D. Jackson know you're never to old to rock. Original members of this late 70's punk act reformed after nearly a quarter of a century and came up with new music that makes you want to throw a brick at the House of Parliament. Rowdy, raw and laden with f**k you attitude, this music is what punk really was by guys who really did it, not the poser music we hear too much these days. If that's not enough for you, the CD also has ten songs from their early days as a bonus. URL: http://www.thedestroyed.com E-mail: bert@bertswitzer.com

Epigene - 5 Song Sampler
This latest glimpse of Seattle's Epigene proves that there is still great music to be found in the Pacific Northwest. The music has a somewhat retro prog/alt rock feel, with a heavy dose of the Police and even a touch of Rush in some of the rhythm work. In spite of those blockbuster references the music is unique enough to perk up your ears, from the reggae fueled turned rocker "Hero Become the Enemy" to the prog grunge of "Twilight 21st Century." URL: http://www.epigenemusic.com E-mail: epigene@msn.com

Will Derryberry Band - Demonstration
wdb-030502
This northern California trio proves that it's one of today's top purveyors of blues based rock. This collection of WDB originals and covers from the likes of Elmore James, Ray Charles and Big Bill Broonzy is a feast for blues lovers, especially those who enjoy Will's earthy vocals and traditional based but wicked guitar licks. For ample proof that they deserve to play songs form the masters listen to the killer original "Upstanding Man" and then their gutsy take on Robert Johnson's "Malted Milk." URL: http://www.willderryberry.com E-mail: will@willderryberry.com

Ho Ho Ho Spice - A Hospice Awareness & Benefit Project
Volunteer Records - VolRec 001
From a great cause that helps terminally ill people in the final phase of their lives comes a benefit CD with a huge collection of mostly uplifting and often humorous songs. There is something here to please nearly everyone's tastes, from passionate folk of "Christmas Day," to the toe-tapping rocker "Christmas Time" and the tongue in cheek blues of "Christmas With Fat Aunt Belle." A great multitude of talented artists and bands donated their time to this album, including Stewart Copeland, NRBQ, Big Fish Ensemble and Better Than Ezra. It is fantastic that not only is this a good cause but there is so much good music here as well. URL: http://www.hohohospice.com E-mail: volrecords@aol.com

Wassail! Wassail! Early American Christmas Music
Revels Records - CD 1082
This wonderful collection has songs from all corners of the nation and the various ethnic backgrounds that have created our melting pot country. Including poems, carols, Bible verse readings and dramatic choir powered hymns, this is a great change of pace from the typified yuletide music but still fills your spirit with the joy of the season and its true meanings. It is obvious that a multitude of talents from passionate vocalists and musicians went into this delicious holiday feast. URL: http://www.revels.org

Pork Chop - White Trash Christmas
Big Tree Records - 111A
Well you do have some kind of good bluegrassy music here, especially in the instrumental version of this single. Of course that is the perfect vehicle for the humorous lyrics speaking of chicken fried steak, trailer parks and Elvis as the angel on top of the tree. The vocalist even sounds a bit like Pat Butram (you know, Mr. Haney from "Green Acres?"). It's fun and yes, they are some pretty dern good musicians, too. URL: http://www.bigtreerecords.com

Bigger Than Plastic - Santa Sucks
You gotta get a couple songs like this every year, and this one is wickedly funny with music a touch like Rage adding in a naughty narration and even a slight a jam band passage. They throw in a wild punked of version of the Doors' "Hello I Love You" for some extra mulling spice. These guys will probably get a lump of coal under the tree, but the money they rake in for CD sales may distract them from that gift from Santa. URL: http://www.biggerthanplastic.com E-mail: apantal@comcast.net