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reviews section is done by Tom Schmidlin. The opinions expressed are his and are
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Posted 3/10/04 |
| Limbeck
- Hi, Everything's Great (Doghouse)
I'll try not to gush too much, but
I have to say it: this record blew me away. Something about the way this band
blends overdriven pop rock with punk sensibilities and just a hint of country
really strikes a chord, so to speak. Songs about highways, states, and front porches
never sounded so good. Maybe it's because I live in Ohio, and where I grew up,
there are some steps (see track 9). Maybe it's because this band has evolved from
a lousy skate punk cliché into a dignified rock band. Does it matter? Give
a listen and let me know. Recommended If You Like: Weakerthans, Fountains
of Wayne, Jets to Brazil | | Ee
- Ramadan (Asian Man)
I seem to remember a time when I could count on most
any indie rock record I picked up to be at least reasonably good. Things are a
bit different now, but among those acres of blurry albums Ee's Ramadan shines
clear and bright. Calm, tasteful not-quite-pop songs with soothing vocals and
invitingly quirky instrumentation. This album was originally released on Curry
Records by Soo Young Park of Bitch Magnet and Seam fame, so you know it's got
promise. Recommended If You Like: Red House Painters, Seam, Versus, Papa
M |
Posted 3/9/04 |
| Duvall
- Volume & Intensity (Asian Man)
I'm happy to report that two-thirds
of the Smoking Popes are still writing excellent power-pop songs with a subtle
yet highly-digestible spirituality blended in. I'm not a religious person, but
when Josh Caterer sings "Jesus Never Leaves Me," I can't help singing
along. Am I allowing myself to be manipulated by a subversive hard-line religious
sect bent on world takeover, or am I simply enjoying well-written and well-played
rock songs crooned by one of the sweetest singers this side of paradise? Buy the
record, and make up your own damned mind. Recommended If You Like: Smoking
Popes (because, frankly, they sound just about the same) |
| Helicopter
Helicopter - Wild Dogs With X-Ray Eyes (Initial)
Every once in a while
I come across a cd that I love from the very first listen, and here's one of 'em.
Big guitar fuzzrock power-pop ecstasy. Sweet as taffy male/female vocal harmonies
with the kind of catchy melodies that make you grin so big your cavities show.
If you're a fan of pop rock, I dare you to listen to "Talented Socialites"
and not want to sing along. In fact, I triple wild dogs with x-ray eyes dare you.
Recommended If You Like: The Rentals, Ultimate Fakebook, The Posies, Promise
Ring (pre-Wood/Water) | | Theraphosa
- Blondi (Save Your Servant) 
Members
of the late greats Autumn Rising and Feasts of Merit have joined forces to create
the powerhouse of experimental rock that is Theraphosa. Though the band's sound
contains lingering hints of Autumn Rising's angular, pulsating math-rock, the
songwriting has matured into something far more complex: the rhythm section is
tight, efficient, and perhaps a little angry. The haunting vocals weave in and
out, often colored with flanges and various other effects. Guitars are brittle
and shimmering, like animated glass figurines of bizarre little creatures who
crawl up on your shoulder while you're at work and whisper accusations. Like the
poisonous spider I take to be their namesake, Theraphosa are at once beautiful,
terrifying, and absolutely fascinating. Recommended If You Like: early
Genesis (the Peter Gabriel era), Autumn Rising, Shellac |
Posted 2/29/04 |
| Elvis
Costello - North (Universal)
The real Elvis appears to be mellowing with
age. This album isn't so much a collection of songs as one long, gentle lament
on lost love, divided into eleven parts. Sparse piano and subtle strings are held
together by an upright bass and brushed drums. Horns drift in and out, managing
to sound soothing without a hint of Kenny G degradation. Guitar makes an appearance
only once, or so the liner notes claim. I couldn't pick it out. If you're looking
for that hyperactive Attractions bounce, stick with the classic early stuff, but
if you're looking for something sad and soothing, here it is. On a technical note,
the CD is now available in SACD format for those of you lucky enough to own an
SACD player. Recommended If You Like: Van Morrison, Frank Sinatra, Billie
Holiday (when they're singing a slow tune) |
| Off
The Record - Nothing New (New School)
Like your Christian pop punk with
a healthy dose of metal riffs? Me neither. But if there is someone out there reading
this who does, then maybe this band's for you. The disc does feature some crystal-clear
production, thanks to Ryan Greene of Fat fame, but one of the unfortunate results
is that you get to hear an incredibly thin and raspy bass sound that is totally
sans balls. Sans balls…hmm…that's what's wrong with this record. I knew
it would dawn on me sooner or later. Recommended If You Like: Christian
pop punk with a healthy dose of metal riffs |
| Lost
In Translation Soundtrack (Emperor Norton)
For those of you who have seen
this excellent movie, you know that the soundtrack is essential to its emotional
impact (sadly, a rarity amongst the genre). For those of you who haven't seen
the film: imagine you are taking a drive out of a city at twilight. You are sipping
warm arabica coffee to ward off early evening drowsiness. There is someone riding
with you, a lover perhaps, and as you set down your cup, they reach over and caress
your hand. At that very moment, the streetlights come on. This album is the soundtrack
of that drive. Recommended If You Like: any Kranky artist, Mogwai, American
Analog Set | | The
Lawrence Arms - Greatest Story Ever Told (FAT)
Thank whatever happens to
be in charge of these things that the Lawrence Arms exist and are continuing to
put out exciting and gutsy melodic punk with (gasp!) intelligent lyrics and sincere
sentiments. They are the rightful heirs to the Jawbreaker throne, and they have
done everything to deserve it. This album gets an A+ for songwriting, production,
and artwork, and special bonus points for the hilarious lyrical annotations included
in the booklet, which features material that ranges from the literary heights
of Mikhail Bulgakov to the colloquial slumming of phrases like "take a chill
pill." Genius. Recommended If You Like: Jawbreaker, Blueline Medic |
Reviews
Archive
A Faith Called Chaos - Forgive
Nothing
Against Me! - as The Eternal Cowboy
Bagheera - Twelves
Brazil
- A Hostage and the Meaning of Life
Court Date Monday
- The Half-Life EP
Cross, David - It's Not Funny
Down
To Earth Approach - Another Intervention
Dynamite
Boy - S/T
Duvall - Volume & Intensity
Days
Like These - Charity Burns Green
Ee - Ramadan
Elvis Costello - North
Gamits,
The - Antidote
Get
Up Kids, The - Guilt Show
Helicopter
Helicopter - Wild Dogs With X-Ray Eyes
Jawbreaker
- Dear You re-issue
Lawrence
Arms, The - Greatest Story Ever Told
Light
Wires, The - S/T
Limbeck - Hi, Everything's Great
Lost
In Translation soundtrack
Nada
Surf - Let Go
Off
The Record - Nothing New
Punchline
- Action
Soviettes, The - LPII
Theraphosa
- Blondi
Yeah Yeah Yeahs - Fever To Tell
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