January 2007
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January 2007 |
| ALBUM CAPSULES by Mark Waterbury |
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The Bad Hand - This Is No Time For Modesty Daly City Records - DCR117 Although they are from San Francisco, The Bad Hand seem more influenced by the Twin Cities scene in the late 80’s. Avant garde fuzz heavy punk licks with frenetic rhythms and sudden jazzy ejaculations fuel the mosaic. Mostly instrumental with occasional bizarre vocal passages, songs like “Then He Tried To Kiss Me,” “South Door” and “Grand Theft Bravo” reminds one of the unbridled brashness of true underground music. URL: http://www.thebadhandmusic.com Email: thebadhand@gmail.com |
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The Bang Bang - Brothers of the Head Milan Records - M2-36172 This previously unreleased CD of music from the 70’s punk outfit featuring conjoined twins Harry and Barry Howe stacks up with anything from previous or current eras. Reminiscent of bands like the Stooges and Dead Boys, the music is flagrantly brash and vulgar but with surprising musical prowess. With their own songs mixed with covers from Gary Newman, The Kinks, Captain Beefheart and others, you can actually feel that these guys live, breath, and excrete punk. URL: http://www.brothersofthehead-film.com Email: rcosta@costacomm.com |
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Matt Bar - Lying In Chalk Renaissance Entertainment - 0286 Iowa City’s Matt Bar dubs his music “folk rap” and you may wonder what that entail until you hear his wildly unique Eminem meets Guy Clark style. His subjects range from scatological to street smart to soul bearing, rapped with a backdrop of haunting acoustic guitars and a tempered rhythm section. His musical integrity shines throughout and exemplifies that he does this style because he feels it, not as a gimmick. URL: www.mattbar.com Email: ramblinmc@yahoo.com |
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Belladonna - Metaphysical Attraction Belladonna Records - BR-001 The American alt rock crowd may be looking to the ancient city of Rome soon for their next darling. Belladonna has light influences from Evanescence (girl singer, loud guitars) but strives more for edginess than hooky riffs. Fat cords, power beats and a haunting piano embellishment are the perfect vehicle for Luana’s robust, sultry vocals and cerebral lyrics. Songs like “Resurrect My Soul” and “Houdini” have enough subtle pop sensibilities to break into the U.S. market. URL: http://www.belladonna.tv Email: info@belladonna.tv |
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Between Two Lions - Put This City On My Shoulders BTL02 Maybe if the Velvet Underground grew up in small town Indiana instead of New York they would have sounded like this New Albany group. The music is edgy in a retro, avant garde way intertwined with more tempered and simplistic applications of alt folk and country. The lyrics are thought provoking and delivered in clear, emotive fashion. Predominately mellow, the music still has an underlying intensity that snares you. URL: http://www.betweentwolions.com Email: mgmt@betweentwolions.com |
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The Bootleggers - Roadhouse Recipe More and more bands are creating the oxymoron genre “new classic rock.” This Twin Cities fivesome could lead that movement, perhaps because their diverse influences work so well together. The nastiness of Motley Crue, bluesy twang of the Allman Brothers and edginess of Audioslave crank out a rock machine that will flatten you like a nuclear-fueled Mack truck. The songs are uniquely non-commercial, contributing to the intrigue. URL: http://www.thebootleggersband.com Email: lloyd@thebootleggerband.com |
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BTA Boyz - Town Material The Oakland based trio of Yungsta, Chuck Nasty and Bee Dee continue the revolution of rappers channeling roots from all previous generations. With the street smart brashness of N.W.A., and the stylistic flair of Jay-Z, these guys carve their own name into the music with razor sharp harmonic rapping. The beats and sampling throb and pulse around the words, augmenting the grab-you-by-the-throat stories. If the Raiders had this kind of intensity, they would be in the Superbowl. URL: http://www.get-rich-ent.com Email: getrichentertainment@excite.com |
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The Buzzerds - self titled You can call it rock with and R&B soul, or R&B with a rock soul; either way, this new brand of dance music blends both worlds in superb fashion. Snarling guitar work and driving riffs counterbalance the funky vibe and soulful edge. Another complimentary facet is the host of back up vocals augmenting former HellCats lead singer Jimmy Newton. A perfect example of how to use contrasting styles in creation of enjoyable music. URL: http://www.myspace.com/thebuzzerds Email: booking@thebuzzerds.com |
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Rich Cohen & the Blues Prescription - Sour Mash Stonetone Records - ST06-004 Although it is hard to be truly innovative with blues, Rich Cohen finds a way. Sure a lot of the riffing is comfortably familiar, but Rich provides interesting twists and turns to the songwriting, fueled with his distinct guitar personality. The title track smokes with a deep groove. “2.19” has a raw, swampy feel, and flaunts the talents of guest harmonica player Jason Ricci. Strong roots, a rocking soul and gritty vocals further strengthen the music. URL: http://www.richcohenmusic.com Email: richcohenmusic@aol.com |
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Kristen Cothron - Love Letter From a Fool The lead track on this CD is called “Dangerous” and that may aptly describe this Nashville singer/songwriter. Her hauntingly sultry voice meshes wondrously with fresh lyrical approaches and a knack for creating edgy pop songs with blues subtleties. Intelligence, passion, and pure talent dominate the disc from the infectious groove with gritty touches in “Last Chance Girl” to the moody, sensuous ballad “Rsvp” and folk driven “Slow Down.” URL: http://www.kristencothron.com Email: drreamin@aol.com |
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Steven Dillon - Radio Flyer CD-002 The second CD from Virginia-based instrumental guitarist Steven Dillon shows further explorations of his talents. Tilting towards the style of a more bare-bones Leo Kottke, Steven weaves intricate fingerstyle plucking into ear friendly rhythms. From the World flavored “Mauna Loa” to the folkish “A Walk In the Park” and the uplifting joy of the title track, Steven proves again that he can funnel his emotions through his fingers in subtly stunning fashion. URL: http://www.stevendillon.com Email: steven@stevendillon.com |
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Kelly Lee Evans - Fight or Flight? Enliven! Media - ENLIV 001 Progressive jazz vocalist Kelly Lee Evans shows even more facets of her capabilities with her sophomore effort. With an atmospheric voice that has a touch of operatic inflection, her stylings mirror that of the smooth and delectable musical backdrops. Kelly Lee also adds World influences to tracks like “Rapunzel” and the title track. Her lyrical stories are gripping, allowing the listener to further experience this fine music. URL: http://www.kellyleeevans.com Email: info@kellyleeevans.com |
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Cady Finlayson - Harp And Shamrock The immense talents of Irish fiddler Cady Finlayson are obvious from note one on this, her second CD. One welcome aspect is Cady does not sound like every fiddler out there. Her innovative techniques enhance traditionally influenced songs like “Paddy Fahey’s,” “Blind Mary,” and “O’Dowd’s Favorite.” Adding just the right touches of backing instrumentation, the music is enchanting and vivacious, whether you have any Irish blood in you or not. URL: http://www.violincaddy.com Email: violincaddy@aol.com |
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Triciana Graves - Songs of a Prodigal Daughter Emancipation Entertainment Harlem born but raised in France, Triciana Graves may be one of the most innovative singer/songwriters around. Her blend of world stylings, diva flourishes, excellent guitar work and adept song crafting makes her a stand out. Emotional but provocative vocals, like a more soulful Stevie Nicks paint luscious brush strokes across this vibrant musical landscape. The music has such a stunning beauty that even the more pop songs convey musical prowess. URL: http://www.tracianagraves.com Email: traciana@hotmail.com |
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Honest D and the Steel Reserve - Oklahoma City Guarantee HDR-32606 Like Hank the third, this band plays honky tonk country that has an unintentional punk edge to it. The music is as dusty as the Oklahoma plains and as country as a weather beaten John Deere hat, but there is this undeniable crunchy backdrop that makes you think there was an Iggy Pop fan somewhere in the woodpile. That being said, fans of foot-stomping, whiskey-fueled music entrenched in roots should crank this up and get ready to bop. URL: http://www.honestd.com Email: honestdandsteelreserve@hotmail.com |
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Inner Frequency - Lemontree Project Dallas’ Inner Frequency creates folk fueled pop rock that has a delicate intensity with the emotive vocals of Cara Young. A mostly acoustic guitar back drop which still flaunts some wonderful fingerstyle plucking is driven by a tight rhythmic groove. “Inner Frequency” and “Yeah Yeah” pulse with diva pop vibes and haunting melodies. This is a very innovative five song taste leaving you yearning for a full fledged CD. URL: http://www.innerfrequency.com Email: innerfrequencyband@yahoo.com |
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The Interest Kills - Capital Flight Stem and Leaf Records - STEM062 Austin bands need to have something special to get noticed in the glutted music mecca. The Interest Kills have that, blending an 80’s edge midground between the Police and the Clash, with a tempered modern edge nodding to Taking Back Sunday. Sprinkled with intelligent lyrics, songs like “In Truth,” “All These Alternatives” and “Everyone’s Equivalent” are as good if not better than anything out there. Despite the influences this is very fresh music, watch out for this band. URL: http://www.theinterestkills.com Email: inquiry@stemandleafrecords.com |
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Jimmy “Junebug” Jackson - On My Way Home Blue Candle Records - BC1026 This veteran jazz drummer/vocalist who is now a band leader provides a sparkling debut with this tribute to Cannonball Adderley and Nancy Wilson. The grooves on songs like “J Lude,” “Unit 7” and “Little Unhappy Boy” are lively and danceable. “Old Country” is like savoring a mellow Port, with Jackson’s captivating vocal croon at the forefront. A delectable feast for fans of modern jazz with traditional touches and wonderful players. URL: http://www.bluecanoerecords.com/jimmyjackson.html Email: info@bluecanoerecords.com |
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JMK - self titled Dontos Records British Columbia’s Jason Matthew Kirschner invokes the ghost of Frank Zappa and takes it on more of a psychedelic trip with his wildly inventive debut. “Here We Are” has a frenetic jazz rock feel, while the seething “The Fire Is Burning” feels like it came out of an early John Waters movie. Weaving other influences as diverse as Primus, the Doors and Middle Eastern traditional folk, fans of music that is bizarre but interesting and created with talent will love this. URL: http://www.jmkdontos.com Email: info@jmkdontos.com |
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Lana Lane - Gemini Think Tank Media - TTMD-1051 This wonderful cover collection of mostly classic rock staples shines a bright spotlight on the melodic, subtly powerful vocal stylings of prog diva Lana Lane. With a host of talented players including Vinny Appice, George Lynch, Tony Franklin and of course Erik Norlander, interesting twists enhance songs like “White Room,” “White Rabbit” and “Starrider.” Often vocally compared to Ann Wilson, Lana’s take on Heart’s “Dream of the Archer” will touch your soul. Including a melange of songs from Pink Floyd’s “Dark Side Of the Moon.” fans of Lana’s more intricate, progressive music will greatly enjoy her versions of more commercial music. URL: http://www.thetank.com |
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The Lava Province - Strangeway Writing, singing, and playing all instruments except the drums, SoCal’s Laurens Vernot proves to be multi-talented on his debut. This is an excellent effort featuring acoustic-driven music with just the right amount of electric energy. With roots in classic rock but a strong modern alt feel, their is a comfortable vibe and distinct edginess. His varied guitar personalities, and smooth, fervent vocal presentation delectably flavor the songs. URL: http://www.lavaprovince.com Email: vernot@verizon.net |
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Lifelike - self titled This debut from Chicago indie pop rockers Lifelike is bound to wake people up beyond the shores of Lake Michigan. Hooky, ear friendly songs like “One More Time” and “Queen of them All” nod in the direction of All American Rejects. Lifelike is more unique, sensing when they have to be brasher as in “Remember the Good Times,” or retro flavored in “One Way.” A heady balance of familiar vibes backed with strong, cutting edge songwriting. URL: http://www.lifelike.us Email: brandonbee13@yahoo.com |
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Magenta - Home F2 Music - 200606A In the often misunderstood genre of prog rock, Rob Reed’s latest creation Magenta provides a pleasurable ear opening experience with their latest CD. With light brush stroke influences from Yes, Kansas and Gentle Giant, vocalist Christina adds an atmospheric touch ala Tori Amos. The compositions tend to be lush rather than bombastic, more subtly flaunting the technical expertise of the players. URL: http://www.magenta-web.com Email: talk@magenta-web.com |
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Erik Norlander - Hommage Symphonique Think Tank Media - TTMD-1052 Prog keyboard maestro Erik Norlander tributes his influences in unique and intense fashion. Erik’s versions of songs from Yes, King Crimson and ELP among others are very well-crafted. Spectacular things are done with nuggets like Procol Harem’s “Conquistador,” Wakeman’s “Sir Lancelot and the Black Night” and dynamic jazz of Chuck Mangione’s “Children of Sanchez.” Augmenting his own talents with those of Kelly Keeling, Don Schiff and Greg Bissonnette, Erik once again enthralls the listener with technique and flair. URL: http://www.thetank.com |
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Quiet Riot - Rehab Chavis Records - CR0011 With original members Kevin DuBrow and Frankie Banali carrying the torch, the band that helped launch “hair metal” turns up the heavy a notch while keeping their signature sound intact. With help from guitarist Neil Citron and bassists Tony Franklin and Glenn Hughes, this may be the most powerful Quiet Riot CD since “Metal Health.” “Free,” “Black Reign” and “In Harms Way” are just a few of the tracks that will tear your head off. This is music for people who love to rock hard, FROM people who love to rock hard. No cheese, but plenty of meat. URL: http://www.chavisrecords.net |
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Ras Jammie - Hungry Lion RoV Records You may want to call this fresh perspective on roots reggae “desert reggae” since its creator is from Tucson. Wherever he is from, the music has a vibe straight from Jamaica with interesting touches in dub beats and instrumentation. Vocally sounding almost like a mellowed out rastafied Chuck D, the lyrics come from the heart. The music pulses in unique but undeniably catchy ways. URL: http://cdbaby.com/cd/rasjammie2 |
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Scar’d Sanity - A Way To Hide Gotham Records This SoCal heavy rocking combo avoids modern metal stereotypes by paying attention to melody, both musically and vocally, while keeping the power at an extreme level. Songs like “Bleed” and “Edge of The World” have a more alt edge; think Tool meets Matchbox 20. The seething “Stop to Pretend” has radio written all over it. This band proves you don’t have to be too loud or sing like barking dogs to be intense. URL: http://www.scardsanity.com Email: theband@scardsanity.com |
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Rich Schroder - Your Kind Words Anova Recording Company - 0385 Boston singer/songwriter Rich Schroder harkens stylistically towards Springsteen, with a gritty vocal style ala John Mayer. Whether rocking out in “Never Happen Again,” kicking up a little country in “Repo Man” or toning it down on the folkier side in the title track, Rich is comfortable with his varied personalities, The lyrics also switch from humorous to emotive to flat out good storytelling. URL: http://www.richschroder.com Email: richardmschroder@aol.com |
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Ricky Lee Shattuck - My Destiny Flatwater Music - FMW001 Ricky Lee Shattuck takes radio friendly country compositions, and infuses them with traditional roots, bluesy vocals and honesty. You feel that this guy is doing the music because he loves it, not because he wants to be in the corporate country miasma. Songs like the rollicking “Square Dancin’,” heart rending “On Her Own” and gutsy “Middle Of the Road” exemplify this. This CD will snare you with hooks and reel you in with the musical integrity. URL: http://www.rickyleeshattuck.com Email: sotep2@aol.com |
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Skidmore Fountain - 3 song EP Triple R Records Three songs are all it takes to let you know that this Brooklyn foursome has something special happening. With slight influences as diverse as U2, the B-52s and Billy Bragg, it is hard not to call this retro except that these guys do enough fresh things with the songwriting that it nails you. “Audio Broken Glass” has a near epic song quality, as the intensity creeps up on you. “Virginia” starts out moody and then tromps on the accelerator. Look out for these guys when they get a full CD out there. URL: http://www.skidmorefountain.com Email: dylan@triplerrecords.com |
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Slow Car Crash - The Trip We Planned The fourth CD from this intriguing L.A. trio should really put them on the map. Resembling a folkier Keane with wafts of jazz and Hispanic flavorings, there is a catchy undercurrent with a unique overall vibe. Songs like “Never You, Never You” and “Note To Self” seem more rooted in Americana, where “Nowhere to Go” has subtle Motown inflections. The band weaves all this together to create music that grabs you with sincerity and talent. URL: http://www.slowcarcrash.com Email: slowcarcrash@hotmail.com |
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Super No One - Food For Coral Blending the ethereal backdrop of Coldplay, the jangly pop sense of U2 and a gritty guitar power reminiscent of Midnight Oil, this Chicago foursome strikes a perfect balance between catchy and edgy. Melancholy vocals, a tight grove and thoughtful vocals add further fuel. “Loquacious,” “Killing Time” and the slyly retro “Evil Eye” are some of the stronger tracks. Proof that if you use your influences properly you can still sound unique. URL: http://www.supernoone.com Email: supernoone@supernoone.com |
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Warmachine - The Beginning of the End Nightmare Records - NMR-258 Glad to see some metal bands still pay attention to harmonic vocals. Toronto quartet Warmachine hearken back to roots such as Iron Maiden and Sacred Reich, also tilting in the prog direction at times. Songs like “Empty,” “Safe Haven” and “Forgotten Demise” unleash a wickedly powerful energy that still allows the musical intensity to shine. Another band out to prove that metal can still be loud and intense while paying attention to melody and integrity. URL: http://www.nightmarerecords.com Email: info@nightmarerecords.com |
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Sonja G. Whitmore and the High Praise Chorale Ensemble - Praise On My Lips Perhaps most Christians and assumedly most non Christians have never been to a free Gospel service where music dominates the praise. This group from the Chicago area will bring you as close a possible to that experience with their lively, Spirit driven music. Angelic choral voices backed by excellent jazz/R&B musicians, this exuberant music is pure enjoyment for believers, and music that can get non-believers to think a bit. And maybe that is the point here. URL: http://www.sgwhpce.com Email: bdiamond809@yahoo.com | |
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Diana Williamson - Deer In the Headlights L.A. singer/songwriter Diana Williamson brushes an organic feel over folksy, pop driven music weaved with a touch of retro stylings. Breathy ballads like “Somethin’ Catchin’” and “November in June” take you back to the Joan Baez/Joni Mitchell heydays. The title track has a sultry, quasi-electronic beat over mellow guitar passages. The lyrics are passionate and from the soul, adding the final dimension to the catchy, luscious music. URL: http://www.dianawilliamson.com Email: honecatunes@hotmail.com |
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