EXPOSING YOU TO MORE NEW MUSIC
ISSUE 27
NEW MUSIC REVIEWS
98 DEGREES - This Christmas
(Universal)
You probably shopped to this crap at the mall. Not bad as a Christmas CD but so what. These guys are, and always will be awful stuff.***RB
ADRIANNE - Say Em Strong
(BRN2PLAJAZ@aol.com)
Adrianne can sing. Its what she’s singing is the problem. It made me think of Judy Collins, Joni Mitchell and the whole lot of them. The last cut “1492” is one Columbus might have liked. it made me wish she was stuck in 1492 swabbing the deck or cleaning the galley or better even walking the plank, matey.***RB
The AFGAN WHIGS - Historectomy
(Columbia)
Purveyors of the alternative rock school are at it again with a new CD 1965. This CD on the other hand one covers all before rather well. You get 8 killer cuts including “Something Hot” and “Uptown Again” off 1965 . “Debonair” and “Blame Ere” highlight the rest.***DB
AGATHODAIMON - Higher Art Of Rebellion
(Nuclear Blast)
This 2nd release was recorded in Romania due to the fact that vocalist Vlad wasn't allowed back in Germany. The music is epic black death with an emphasis on dark art. Not unlike DIMMU BORGIR, this release has more of a symphonic feel to it than the debut "Blacken The Angel". Quite a departure from their original sound in that it is both melodic and extremely heavy as well. "Tongue Of Thorns", "Body Of Clay" and "When She's Mute" are the killer tracks.***MH
ALIEN SEX FIEND - Fiend At The Controls
(Cleopatra)
A collection of deleted B-sides and remixes from the weird one. The ALIEN SEX FIEND sound is a mix of BOWIE meets BAUHAUS and is different from other Goth stuff in that it is basically fun music.***MH
ALL SYSTEMS GO!
(Coldfront)
A punk pop act in the realm of the bands that spurned them Big Drill Car & The Doughboys. Cool tunes like “Vodka Sonic” and “Can’t Stop Getting High” are representative of the whole thing.***RB
GG ALLIN - You’ll Never Tame Me
(Black & Blue)
This guy has put more stuff out since he died than he did when he was alive. This one has classic Scumfucs material all recorded in one session. You get the controversial “Kill The Children Save The Food” tune which was GG’s answer to “Live Aid” back in the 80’s. You get my favorite GG tune “Bite It You Scum” and many more. Essential for GG’s fans for sure, the rest of us can steer clear as its more of his signature vulgarity not suited for the family hour.***RB
AMON AMARTH - The Avenger
(Metalblade)
Tremendous Viking death metal from Sweden. This was recorded in the Abyss studio and is even better than their first release. This is serious metal with violent ancestral overtones in the pagan tradition. If you don't believe in folklore and mythology you may after hearing this. Killer cuts are "Bleed For The Ancient Gods", "Avenger" and "Metalwrath".***MH
ANCIENT - The Halls Of Eternity
(Metalblade)
This release by ANCIENT is just OK. The guitar work doesn't change much from song to song making it feel like these songs don't hold up on their own. There are too many acoustic interludes used as filler and the female vocals are almost non-existent. A disappointment.***MH
ANTHRAX - Return of The Killer A’s
(Beyond)
You got 16 tracks but only need about 5 to do a BEST of these guys. That being said it has a good overall arranging of the tunes and its a nice signature of the band. On tour again, look for them its always fun.***RB
APPLESAUCER
(Toadophile)
Sounds like a new age of Chad and Jeremy or oh no Peter and Gordon not The Beatles they think they sound like. Sweet cute stuff that can hook you if you listen too many times.***RB
APPLIANCE MANUAL
(Mute Records)
Some very original and exciting stuff to check out here. A mechanical sound that has a singer who is a cross between Frank Tovey and Jim Morrison in a Velvet Underground style of knowing how cool it is. Groove to this one.***DB
ARMORED SAINT - Revelation
(Metal Blade)
An album that is more like Dokken or early Dio than today’s mainstream metal stylings. They are back but, they sound trapped in yesterdays sound. Well executed and for the old schoolers.***RB
ASH- Nu - Clear Sound
(Dreamworks Records)
Upbeat and catchy pop rock fun led by singer/guitarists Tim Wheeler and Charlotte Hatherley. Yet another Irish band for us to follow.***KZ
AUNT BEAPH - 2000 AB
(Crustacean Records)
Its pronounced Aunt Beef and it is strange but ambitious stuff. Like a poor mans version of Frank Zappa’s Mothers Of Invention meets Eddie Van Halen. It’s more mainstream than FZ and more bizarre than Van Halen would ever be. If you like interesting lyrics and diverse music interludes that change from track to track, then pick this up.***KZ
THE BAR FEEDERS - Pour For Four, Por Favor!
(Fast Music)
Fast out of control punk that reminded me of The Germs or White Flag. Screaming out of his mind vocals and frantic guitars that is a non stop ride.***RB
BAL-SAGOTH - The Power Cosmic
(Nuclear Blast)
This band used to play Viking type stuff but have become more atmospheric and epic while still sounding harsh. The musicianship on this is excellent with heavy guitar interwoven with synths creating a sound for the new millennium. "Of Carnage And A Gathering Of The Wolves", "The Scourge Of The Fourth Celestial Host" and "Behold, The Armies Of War Descend Screaming From The Heavens'" will give you some idea of where this band is coming from.***MH
BECK - Midnite Vultures
(Geffen Records)
Beck has been really really busy since “Mellow Gold”. His funky word jumbles continue, enhanced with increasingly creative instrumentation. “Get Real Paid” features electronically altered female vocals that really kick it. I liked “Mixed Bizness” a lot, and the sinuous melodies on “Nicotine and Gravy” - hey wait a minute, How old is Beck now, like 20? Old enough to vote and smoke but not drink? Yikes.***KH
BIG BAD VOO DOO DADDY - This Beautiful Life
(Interscope)
Its Woody Herman arisen from the past. Just another swinging release from the genre’s top act. Everyone’s diggin “I Wanna Be Like You” Its like music from any Pink Panther film. If you love this nostalgic band of performers you need this.***RB
BILLIONAIRE - Ascension
(London)
Hard rockin mainstream metal that may be the next Aerosmith. Wake up now, they aren’t billionaires yet. This stuff is very commercial though. Look for “Someday , I’ll Leave It All” , it sounds like a hit.***RB
BLONDIE - Blondie Live
(Beyond)
With the reforming of this 80’s superband makes this live performance an interesting balance of new material and the old hits. From the punk classic “Rip Her To Shreds” to the disco “Atomic” and of course the radio hits “Heart Of Glass”, “One Way Or Another” and “Rapture” contrasted by songs from “No Exit” including the title cut and “Maria”. Recommended.***DB
BLOODY & THE VAYNES - Black Little Heart
(Black & Blue)
Here’s the single off their self titled release.You get alternative mixes of “Empty” and “Black Little Heart” as well as a new tune “Unclog Your Drain” that is really cool. I can see this getting these punks some serious airplay. Rumor is they are coming out east for a tour in June as they continue to play around the midwest. Unclog it!!***RB
BOTCH - We Are The Romans
(Hydra Head)
Massive heavymetalcore in the realm of PYREXIA meets BURIED ALIVE. This is the way hardcore should be played, with power, intensity and conviction. This is groove laden also with the heaviness of TODAY IS THE DAY and that is some mighty company.***MH
BOURBON JONES & The SMOKES - Tamano Del Rey
(Last Chance Records)
Not enough too soon. This 6 song CD makes Root Boy Slim seem like a genius. Youy’ll need more than bourbon to get me to go for this tired platter of blues pablum pretense.***RB
BREAKBEAT ERA - Ultra Obscene
(1500 Records / XL)
This release features drum 'n' bass giants Roni Size and DJ Die teaming up with Leonie Laws on vocals. The music is drum 'n' bass with dub techno and the voice of Leonie Laws compliments the sounds by adding a rich texture for techno fans.***MH
BROKEN HOPE - Grotesque Blessings
(Martyr Music Group)
An intense offering of apocalyptic gore metal. Led by Brian Griffin on guitar and production and Jeremy Wagner on guitar and lyrics this release will bludgeon you, then take you on a journey to the seven levels of hell,( but you will never make it back to earth). The vocal delivery of Joe Ptacek is absolutely brutal thru-out. Musically, vocally and lyrically this band is now to be taken seriously. Devastating.***MH
THE BUCKNERS
(3 song demo)
Here we have a 3 tune CD from a fairly busy Boston based band. This trio plays upbeat happy garage pop. Exciting.***JV
CANDIRIA - Process Of Self Development
(MIA)
A curious compendium of music styles on this add up to a sound of urban metal. There's a little hip-hop, some jazz passages and a metal groove running through it. This Brooklyn based band has stumbled on a sound that may make them a lot of money.***MH
CANNIBAL CORPSE - Bloodthirst
(Metalblade)
Ultra heavy gore metal and the best thing that this band has ever done. CANNIBAL CORPSE have finally gone nuclear and that puts them in the same class as SINISTER and DEICIDE. The best thing they've ever done musically and the vocals by Corpesgrinder are unbelievable (Chris who?).***MH
CATCH 22 - Washed Up!
(Victory)
Too easy to say Hey they said it all in the title but you get some hoppy Ska tunes worth checkin out. Only 4 of them but the punky lyrics and ska pop beat works well together on this.***DB
CANNED HEAT - Boogie 2000
(Ruf Records)
Remember Canned Heat, no I can understand. Most of our readers were not even alive in 1969. That being said I was and can truly say that Canned Heat was more of a live jam band than the creators of great tunes or albums. The band that gave birth to the Tyla Gang sound, in fact if you like Tyla you’ll love this. But 30 years later and its not too different than in 1969. A tired blues effort with great execution. If you loved these guys you still will. With songs like “I Got Loaded” and “Y2K Blues” you can count me out. Now if they come live that’s another story as the jamming slide guitar of Robert Lucas is still great to “boogie” to.***DB
CAVE IN - Creative Eclipses
(Hydrahead)
A heavy sound that is more hard rock than metal. An undercurrent of hardcore remains throughout the Sleep meets Christdriver sound that they display on this debut.***RB
CHRISTIAN DEATH - Pornographic Messiah
(Cleopatra Records)
Here we have Valor and Maitri with a 3 part sacrilegious gothic rock opera. Sure to give you an entry point into the dark side of music. They just finished up a tour with Mortis that got lots of press. Hypnotic at times but always brutally profane lyrics that can turn one off or on. In small doses I might like this but as a piece its too much Satan for me.***DB
JIMMY CLIFF - Ultimate Collection
(Hip-O)
This is a very nice CD to have in ones collection. Especially if one claims to like Reggae. A compilation of Jimmy’s hits whether his signature tunes like “The Harder They Come” or his classic covers like “Wild World” this one has the feel of island magic. Essential.***RB
CLIP
(members.aol.com/clipband)
An interesting mix of electronics that is reminiscent of early Gong. Sultry female vocals ala Debbie Harry without any disco crap. Worth checking out, really. Four tracks of which “I Am” is the best.***MH
COLEPITZ
(Wonderdrug)
A very heavy rock band from Portland, not Oregon, Maine. They are the nucleus of that scene for sure because there is no scene there. Portland , my goodness a town more known for squalls than music. Anyway the boys grind it out almost as hard and relentless as labelmate Tree. The band is named after their friend Chris Colepitz who died in 1999.***DB
CONTROL DENIED - Fragile Art Of Existence
(Nuclear Blast)
This band is led by exceptional lead guitarist Chuck Schuldiner (DEATH) and is much like The Sound Of Perseverance in that it is extreme heavy metal. Mixing the sounds of SLAYER, DEATH and IN FLAMES this is killer from start to finish. It's easy to hear why Chuck Schuldiner is considered to be one of the 20 best guitarists in the world. Devastating.***MH
The Best Of CONTROLLED BLEEDING - Rest In Peace
(Cleopatra)
Dark industrial death that is bone chilling. You get 30 songs on this double CD of ZOTH AMOG type music. Very interesting and disturbing at the same time(just what art should be). Electronic music from the grave.***MH
CHRIS CORNELL - Euphoria Morning
(A&M Records)
Former Soundgarden frontman has got a very good song in his single “Can’t Change Me” which starts this CD off. He follows it up with a solid sound throughout this collection of rock ballads. A more mellow sound than in his early days. He is defining himself as a singer with this release and you’re either with him or not on this.***KZ
HUGH CORNWELL - Solo
(HIS Records)
If you have seen Hugh on his unplugged tour and enjoyed it you will want to get to his website hughcornwell.com and order this up. He does a combination of material covering his solo years and Stranglers hits. Recorded in Norway in front of a lively audience complete with Hugh’s banter to his fans, its a very nice piece.***KZ
HUGH CORNWELL - Mayday
(HIS Records)
Like Solo this is a internet exclusive release and it features the band he is recording his upcoming album and full band tour. They do material from Nosferatu and Black Hair, Black Eyes, Black Suit only and its great live stuff. He starts with “Irate Caterpillar” into “White Room” and away it goes into a great set complete with Hugh’s adept commentary. Recommended.***KZ
COUNTING CROWS - This Desert Life
(Interscope)
A countrified Bruce Springsteen or is it The Allman Brothers playing pop? Nope its another Counting Crows album.***KZ
SHANNON CURFMAN - Loud Guitars, Big Suspicions
(Arista)
I had the benefit of seeing Shannon (see live reviews) before listening to close to this and I’ll be honest I might not have given it as strong a second listen if I wasen’t impressed with her show. A very bluesy rockin debut from this 14 year old guitarist / singer. She has a great voice and quite a career ahead if this keeps up. Great originals like “Love Me Like That” , “True Friends” and “Few And Far Between” and a cool cover of The Band’s “The Weight” calmed my suspicions, Shannon is the real deal.***DB
CYPRESS HILL - Los Grandes Exitos En Espanol
(Ruffhouse)
Sure to be a favorite amongst wannabe Spanish gangbangers. Actually its a bunch of the Hill’s best stuff redone in Spanish. Maybe it will help more people understand another language. Yeah that’s it , help people learn Spanish, “Stoned Raiders” is “Marijuano Locos” see how you are learning too? How cultural, and fun, hip hoppin and getting down.***DB
CRAZY TOWN - The Gift Of Game
(Columbia)
Combining Hip Hop with a raging rock style isn’t as new as it was 4 years ago but this band of 7 from LA are a good addition to the flock. They make it focused on the hip hop instead of trying to be metal. I like the tunes “Butterfly” and “Little Black Cloud” which combine pop with Hip Hop in a cool mix. Too crazy for Boys’ Town, too much of a boy for Crazy Town? Fast paced hip hop metal from South Central. All the scratchin is makin me itch. Get off you ass and dance to this one.***DB
The ROBERT CRAY BAND - Heavy Picks Collection
(Mercury)
This is as good a blues album as Eric Clapton could ever do. Robert Cray brings the blues alive and with this being a kind of best of thing it really cooks. A great place to start for new fans as all 14 tracks are solid stuff, no filler. From “Forecast (Calls For Rain)” to “Too Many Cooks” this CD combines solid vocals and smooth guitar licks throughout. Recommended for all blues lovers.***KZ
CRO-MAGS - Revenge
(www.Cro-mags.com)
High charged energy driven by youthful angst. Fast paced punk from Harley and Parris who are this 2 man wonder act from Village Station NY. I like “Pressure Drop” and “Can You Feel” as picks to check out.***RB
SHERYL CROW & Friends - Live From Central Park
(A&M)
This is from her live show on September 14, 1999 which includes guests like Eric Clapton, Keith Richards, Stevie Nicks and The Dixie Chicks to name a few. You get all of her best tunes performed and recorded well. If you love Crow you need this.***RB
CRITTERS BUGGIN - Amoeba
(Loosegroove Records)
Another really cool album by these guys, I think its the 3rd one. Ambiance and psychedelia are combined on this effort. More mechanical than before, this one grows on you.***RB
DEAL’S GONE BAD - Overboard
(Jump Up/Victory)
Here you get me to prove my point that Ska is not punk with horns. It is more like what these guys do. Its a cousin of reggae like The Skatelites sound instead of Mustard Plug. Hey I love the pluggers but they ain’t ska. That being said its like Prince Buster meets an Elvis impersonator. This deal ain’t misrepresented.***RB
DISMEMBER - Hate Campaign
(Nuclear Blast)
The kings of death thrash are back and more brutal than ever. This sounds like UNLEASHED meets SINISTER and is unrelenting in it's ferocity. This is by far the best release by DISMEMBER that I’ve ever heard. I really don't know how much harsher this band can get. "Mutual Animosity", "Thanatology" and "Beyond Good And Evil" are the killers.***MH
THE DIVINE COMEDY - A Secret History
(Red Ink)
The disc looked promising with tracks like “Generation Sex” and “Gin Soaked Boy” but it’s VH-1 styled pop spooge that is neither divine or a comedy. a tragedy sums up the pretension emitted by Neil Hannon’s vocals and lyrics. Ouch!***RB
DIVIT - Low Speed Chase
(Coldfront)
Another release for the skateboard crowd. Damm skippy they are and all that shite. High energy delivery in the realm of The Vindictives or Anti Seen.***DB
DOCTORMANETTE -
The Same Thing Over & Over
(Victory / Jump Up!)
Fast fun Ska punk stuff from these Chicago veterans. From “Paper Fish” the great opener to “Under Over” to the last cut “Something I’ve Been Meaning To Say” this one rocks. They are better than Reel Big Fish and this CD proves it.***RB
DR DRE - Dr. Dre 2001
(Aftermath/Interscope)
A much anticipated event for sure. The album does live up to the hype. Guest stars galore and great groovin tracks help Dre look like the genius/mastermind he claims to be throughout the CD. In a uninhibited style of Kim Fowley but with R&B rhythms, Dr. Dre takes us on a tour of respect for him. Funny at times and outrageous or disturbing at others. It really makes a very interesting listen despite the almost numbing overuse of the “N” word. Recommended.***DB
DROPZONE - Pint Size Punks
(Skate-Key Records)
Its a bunch of kids about 16 years old playing the punk ska as well as those older farts playing it. They sound cool cause the voices haven’t reached puberty, once they do they will sound much like Mustard Plug, or The Pietasters. Oh yeah its true and the cover art proves its juvenile sound.***RB
THE ELECTRIC HELLFIRE CLUB - Empathy For The Devil
(Cleopatra Records)
This 2 CD set was a Halloween special holiday collection of new and old material by EHC that includes all the Satanism you come to expect from these Devil worshipers. The tunes start with cool industrial covers and end in band originals, but as in previous releases by this band it’s just too much Satan in your face attitude for me.***RB
ELECTRIC WIZARD - Supercoven
(MIA)
This band takes the sound of BLACK SABBATH and mixes it with stoner grind for a more doom like sound. It is very heavy but there is only so much stoner grind that I can stomach. It quickly fizzles into an atonal sludgefest of total boredom.***MH
EQUAL RITES - Lucia
(Lions Eye)
EQUAL RITES is led by Lon Plynton (founding member of MYSTIC JAMMERS) on guitar and vocals and Keli Garrett on vocals, with a decent supporting cast including Mackie Burnett on steel drum and percussion. For the most part this is pop calypso with the exception of the 4th song "When I Dream" with it's slight reggae feel. The keyboards on this dominate the sound but only because they seem so out of place(it's the keys that give this a pop sound). Contemporary world music with a light VH-1 sound.***MH
EYEHATEGOD - Southern Discomfort
(Century Media)
This is a collection of 7" recordings and rarities that were intended to be a posthumous release, but the band decided that they did not want to break up just yet. The sound is BLACK SABBATH meets NEUROSIS giving it a deathcore feel, replete with hopelessness and negativity.***MH
FIFTY TONS OF BLACK TERROR - My Idle Hands
(Beggars Banquet)
These guys are known as Penthouse outside North America and the music is what they call subterranean sick blues. OK its a little bluesy but its a lot more noisy and not very good. Avoid this tripe.***DB
THE FOLK IMPLOSION - One Part Lullaby
(Interscope)
A fairly interesting mix of tunes that although they are light they go from rock to folk and back. I love the song “Free To Go” and “Merry-Go-Down” is a keeper too. As cool as The Lemonheads were in 1996.***DB
FONDA - The Invisible Girl
(Top Quality)
High energy indie-pop and it's pretty well done. The vocals of Emily Cook have a distinct edge and the production is decent. You'll be dancing to this after a beer or two, so you may want to check this band out when they come to your area.***MH
FOREVERS' FALLEN GRACE - Trilogy Of Woe
(Self Produced)
ELECTRIC WIZARD meets ANATHEMA but the lyrics have absolutely no substance. This bands hardcore roots can't help but ruin what they're trying to achieve. This plods along lifelessly from song to song without much diversity except for the lame acoustic interludes that are boring me to hell.***MH
THE FROWNIES
(Fastmusic)
A 3 piece angry group of boys from South Carolina crank out the punk rock with a lot of flair. My favorite is “Summers Over, Go Home” it rules.***RB
FULL DEVIL JACKET - A Wax Box
(The Enclave/Mercury)
In the realm of Coal Chamber and Soulfly comes this Tennessee band bent on rockin. Led by Mississippi born Josh Brown on vocals this stuff can rock. These 5 cuts left me wanting more.***RB
FUNNY LOOKING KIDS - Picture Day
(Fastmusic)
For just learning to play instruments last week, this band is the single most whiny thing I've ever had the displeasure to listen too. Give us all a break and do something constructive with your daddy's money.***MH
FUNERAL ORATION - F*O
(Hopeless)
This 2 CD set has everything and more than you need from these Dutch icons of punk. 48 count em tracks that go from 16 years ago to the present. A very nice comprehensive compilation full of the punk anthems these guys are known for.***RB
THE GADJITS - Wish We Never Met
(Hellcat Records)
A band that sounds like Sublime doing SKA on most of the songs. Very skanky stuff with cool tunes “Bad Gadjit” that sounds like Elvis Costello doing garage-ska is my favorite. Upbeat and fun stuff. Get up and shake that ass music.***DB
GARDENIAN - Soulburner
(Nuclear Blast)
Evolving as one of the worlds foremost death metal bands, GARDENIAN have managed to elevate their already brutal sound to another level. They have added a nuclear foundation and at the same time they are more melodic giving this release some great diversity. One of the best metal releases this year and by joining Nuclear Blast they may finally get their due.***MH
GAY DAD - Lesuire Noise
(London)
They start out sounding a little like Gus Gus but eventually it grew into a pop punk effort and lost me.***RB
GOOSEFLESH - Chemical Garden
(Digital Dimension)
This band hails from Sweden and they play nuclear alternative death metal that sounds like GRAVE meets MESHUGGAH. For some reason the Swedish bands blow away their American competition in this genre, and GOOSEFLESH is no exception. This release is positively unnerving so listen at your own risk.***MH
GORKY’S ZYGOTIC MYNCI - Spanish Dance Troupe
(Mantra/Beggars Banquet)
A very disturbing listen as the first song was like Pete Hammil meets The Flying Burrito Brothers. The next 2 tunes are like The Kinks meet Robet Wyatt and its a British pop clusterfuck. Why?***RB
GROUNDSWELL - Corrode
(Gig Records)
The title cut seems to be about falling on ones ass. The songs on this EP are fairly interesting alternative rock that might garner some CMJ airplay.***DB
GUNS AND ROSES - Live Era 87-93
(Geffen)
Here you have a 2 CD set with everthing you could ever want from these guys. Welcome back to the jungle boys and girls its Axl and Slash giving it up on this soundtrack from the upcoming live video.***DB
HANGNAIL - Ten Days Before Summer
(The Music Cartel)
Bass player Paul Elphick says “We drank together so we decided to play together” I do feel the party influence of AC/DC come to mind on a few cuts. Then you hear “Keep On” and its a very traditional Britain folk that transforms into a solid rocker. A standout track on this debut album. Creative mainstream metal.***RB
HEFNER - The Fidelity Wars
(Beggars Banquet)
Its like David Bowie’s Ziggy vocal style singing mindless 90’s pop like Oasis or Blur. The hymns for Alcohol and Cigarettes are very warped and melencolly tunes. You also get the classic “Don’t Flake Out On Me” Hard to judge on one listen but most won’t give it one.***DB
HELLCHILD - Bareskin
(Howling Bull)
Japanese death metal that has intensity but this sound is definitely outdated. JUNGLE ROT meets PYREXIA and if it were 8 years ago this would be mega.***MH
HOT STOVE JIMMY - Theme For A Major Hit
(Jump Up/ Victory)
Based in Chicago since 1996 of punk with horns style ska. Vocalist Matt Irie has a raspy Joe Strummer type voice. It’s fairly lame letting someone else to get away with it, but they do. You can feel the energy on each track. This must have em hopping like pogo sticks.***RB
ICARUS LINE - Red And Black Attack
(New American Dream)
Very angry vocalist leading this LA based punk rock band. Weak lyrics are the Achilles heel. The execution and hate at premium levels might be all they need.***DB
INDECISION - Release The Cure
(MIA)
Brutal and heavy pummelcore in the realm of PISSING RAZORS and PYREXIA. Sonic bludgeoning hardcore not for the weak. I even hear a little LUNGBRUSH meets CRIMINAL and the throat of Artie Philie will annihilate your sense of hearing. "Release The Cure", "Through The Wasteland Go Searching We" and "End Of A Short Rope" are the killer tracks.***MH
JERSEY - The Battles Just Begun
(Fueled By Ramen)
Fast and distorted punky oi styled stuff that is not named for Newark. No its a hip Canadian group with ex-members of Grade. The killer tune is “Sweet Redemption” its like an anthem.***RB
KARMA TO BURN - Wild Wonderful Purgatory
(MIA Records)
This is the 2nd disc by this trio and they have grown. More emphasis on the music and very little on vocals. So little there are almost completely instrumental except the woman’s voice that starts the CD by saying “We’re all ready for tonight, how about you shithead?” and a few assorted comments. Hard driving get off your ass and move kind of stuff. Its like a combination of Lynard Skynard and alternative heavy metal. Cool Shit!***MH
KOVENANT - Animatronic
(Nuclear Blast)
A big change from their black metal offerings past. This CD is more towards the mainstream but still is not anywhere close to it. A more industrial and gothic offering this time and I’m all for it. It has more energy yet retains its sinister roots. Kind of like Electric Hellfire Club with less devil material.***RB
LAND OF THIN DIMES
(Toadophile Records)
You get 14 sick offerings from this psychotic pair of Brothers from Houston TX and their San Francisco bandmates have got cooked up here. Jazzy at times insane always, you want different? This band delivers in an amusing yet disturbing debut.***DB
LEADFOOT - Take A Look
(The Music Cartel)
Two former “Corrosion Of Conformity” members get back together for their long awaited sophomore release. After the first CD “Bring It On” with songs from 93 and released in 97. Kind of like a poor mans Aerosmith meets KISS. Tit photos on CD.***DB
LES SAVY FAV - The Cat & The Cobra
(Frenchkiss Records)
The cover art is very cool on this CD. The music is not as hard as it needs to be. Since their target is “Not For The Faint Of Heart” like it says in press kit. More like for those with appreciation for faint production values.***RB
LIBERATOR - Worldwide Delivery
(Burning Heart/Epitaph)
Here ya got another ska act with a more traditional island sound as opposed to punk with horns. They are Swedish in fact from Malmo. Influenced by the 70’s ska of The Specials and others making them one of Europe top new acts. The lyrics are dark at times but the music is true. Get up and dance.***RB
LONG BEACH DUB ALL-STARS - Right Back
(DreamWorks Records)
LA Reggae with a heavy Sublime influence. HR from Bad Brains does a vocal stint on “New Sun” a very rastafied rocker. More reggae dub and that’s all these 7 guys play. Praise Jah., pass the spleef, c’mon load it up you can spare it, I deserve that.***RB
LOCK UP - Pleasures Pave Sewers
(Nuclear Blast)
This sounds a lot like the 1st HYPOCRISY release and I was expecting something with more creativity. Peter Tagtgren is on vocals, Shane Embury on bass, Jesse Pintado on guitar and DIMMU BORGIR drummer Nick Barker. With this lineup I was expecting some ground breaking material but it's just death metal. Boring.***MH
LYNCH MOB - Smoke This
(Koch)
The music on this is killer but the vocals aren't. If this band gets themselves a legitimate vocalist they may just make it, if they don't I suspect that they will disappear and fall off the map.***MH
MADISON’s BATTERY
(Jiffy Boy Records)
A album full of poppy garage rock. Songwriting and production are both strengths and weaknesses.***RB
MARCY PLAYGROUND - Shapeshifter
(Capitol)
A sophomore release says a lot about a band. Marcy Playground have got another winner here with tunes like “It’s Saturday” and “Pigeon Farm” that prove they are not one hit wonders. This CD also has 4 videos on it as well. Cool stuff worth checking out.***DB
BOB MARLEY - Songs Of Freedom
(Tuff Gong/Island)
It’s back !!! The definitive collection of the man who is best known for bringing Reggae to the world. Although his career is well represented on this 4 CD set, this is not a collection for casual fans who only know the Legend best of album. You get 2 CD’s that cover his early years of more spiritual music then 2 more that cover his more popular years from Natty Dread album to his final hit “Is This Love” . Of course you get the song that began his exposure in the UK “Punky Reggae Party” and all other songs that you hear on the radio like “Jammin” , “I Shot The Sheriff” , “Stir It Up” , “No Woman No Cry” and all the rest. U must have this unless you have all or most of his albums. Great!***KZ
MATTS ALTAR - Long Walks On The Sanity Highwire
(Innovative Media)
Matts Altar sounds a little like Human Drama with a overall dark pop sound. A cool foursome that doesn’t play enough in New England to get the notoriety they could merit. The material is simple and appealing enough to gain decent airplay.***DB
MEGA SUPER ULTRA - Power Pop Art
(Victory/ Jump Up!)
First of all power pop is not a form of art, thank you. But it does describe the sound well. Kind of a Ray Davies of Kinks fame vocal style is embraced by Tom Shover on a few tracks like “Crazy”. On the rest he gives us a good delivery of this punky stuff like Stiv Bators solo stuff. Not a bad debut.***RB
METAL CHURCH - Masterpeace
(Nuclear Blast)
All fans of heavy metal will love this. They remain true to old school metal and haven’t changed their sound since their early days. If you like MANOWAR or IRON MAIDEN then you'll love this.***MH
METHODS OF MAYHEM
(MCA)
Tommy Lee is out of jail and he is quick to point that out to open this hip hop metal offering. The rock comes off very credible but the rap is no cooler than Kid Rock or Rick Rebel. The music is and that’s why this is a fun listen. I laughed my ass off on the tune “Proposition Fuck You” it rules.***RB
MINDLESS SELF INDULGENCE - Frankenstien Girls Will Seem Strangely Sexy
(Elektra)
Spazz meets The Suicide Commandos and Atari Teenage Riot for a high energy, frenzic debut. They use a lot of sampling and they sound like they are on a caffeine rush. I had to take a sedative to calm down after 4 of the 30 tracks here. Not for the faint of heart.***DB
MOLLYS YES - Wonderworld
(Republic/Universal)
The opening cut “Fall Down”starts with bagpipes and then ends up sounding like U2. So you might think they were from across the pond, nope Oklahoma. Very very commercial stuff.***DB
MONDII 1:p
(Hefty Records)
A very interesting assortment of notes noise and voice all put together in an electronic melage of 8 tracks on this here CD. Experimental would be an understatement. Many would ask what is this. Many.***DB
MOTLEY CRUE - Live
(Motley/Beyond)
For the first time ever is The CRUE LIVE. Ohhh wow man , get ready for some head banging. This 2 CD collection has them all. From “Smokin in The Boys Room” to “Shout At The Devil” with all the stuff in-between. Kind of like a big shit sandwich.***RB
MXPX - Christmas Only Comes Once A Year
(A&M)
It nothing more than a punk rock Christmas song that you can sneak in on a tape. If you get it cool but don’t knock yourself out looking for one.***RB
NAIVE - Post Alcoholic Anxieties
(Kool Arrow)
Punk rock from the USSR or whatever you call it today. Taking pride in how drunk they were when recording this is a testament to the music’s simplicity and raw energy. All the tunes are in Russian with translation on the web or in publicity kit I got. Interesting .***DB
NEW AMERICAN SHAME
(Lava / Atlantic)
Seattle’s answer to AC/DC are captured on their debut CD with anthems of rock. Fans of Whitesnake and Dokken will be digging the tunes here too. No grunge here just straight ahead rockin. Just like they say on “Broken Bones” I’m ass-deep in rock n roll again. And I wanted to sit down.***DB
NINE INCH NAILS - The Fragile
(Nothing/Interscope)
I must admit that the lyrical content of this release is outstanding ... but... the vocal delivery is an aura of total self absorption that makes this a boring listen. The CD doesn't really kick in until the 6th song the title cut "The Fragile" (finally he stops whispering and mumbling). The song "Just Like You Imagined is one of the few that has any real energy. Speaking of energy, Trent wasted it all on the songwriting and that’s why he doesn't do it for me.***MH
NITRO ENTERTAINMENT - Hustlin Pays
(Columbia)
Some groovin tracks full of real hip hoppin. The lyrics are strong and real world, you know what I’m saying. I’m not sure if the message of hustlin rings true rings after getting into this album. This will get them props tho.***DB
NOFX - The Decline
(FatWreckChords)
If you want to hear real punk then look no further than this release. Maniacal and insane riffs with killer vocals thrown in for good measure. The intensity level of this band went up 10 notches from their previous releases.***MH
NO USE FOR A NAME - More Betterness
(Fat Wreck Chords)
Fresh off a tour with Dance Hall Crashers (review in this issue) this is the stuff they’ll be doing from January to Spring touring. Cool tunes with cool titles like “Why Doesn’t Anybody Like Me?” and “Not Your Savior”. Real cool tunes to party to. It is more betterness.***RB
THE OBSESSED - Incarnate
(MIA)
Another BLACK SABBATH wannabe band. If I want to hear BLACK SABBATH I will play BLACK SABBATH and not this tripe.***MH
EVAN OLSON - One Room
(Universal)
A pretty face and a sub sub Bono meets Bill Nelson sound start this one off on “So Much Better” the opening and best cut on this pop oriented disc. The 4th song “Tin Man” the old America hit was enough to make me want to puke. I hate this.***KZ
ANDREA PARKER - Kiss My Arp
(Beggars Banquet)
Excellent electronic pop in the realm of OLIVE. The music is dark and foreboding and the voice is so good it goes right through me. A touch of FORTUNATO AND MONTRESSOR that’s in here as well. Andrea is a DJ also and it shows as this mix is great. There are strings in the 2nd song "Clutching At Straws" and it has an OAKENFOLD feel to it. This is one of the best CD's I've heard this year.***MH
PEGAZUS - Breaking The Chains
(Nuclear Blast)
This is their 2nd release and it sounds more like thrash than the 1st one. Sonic power metal for fans of PRIMAL FEAR and FLOTSAM AND JETSON. Much too 70's sounding for me.***MH
PENNY”S PET DRAGONFLY - In A Frail Daydream
(Orange Peal Records)
This Las Vegas band play their own brand of Radiohead meets Jars Of Clay type music. Very full of themselves and their music that lacks its own identity.***RB
PJ OLSSON - Words For Living
(C2Records)
Some are calling this futuristic folk. Well well...maybe it is? The stuff is as innocent as Leadbelly. The arrangements are more pop and sound like acoustic Joe Walsh. Bottom Line, a decent bunch of tunes this album’s a keeper.***DB
PRIMUS - Antipop
(Prawnsong/Interscope)
This has got to be the best yet from Les Claypool to date. The sound is actually more pop oriented than the usual Primus sound which borders on experimental at times. This one has killer tunes like “Electric Uncle Sam” the single from this. You also get lots of guest help from RATM’s Tom Morello on the single to South Parks Matt Stone drumming on “Natural Joe”. You get Stewart Copeland producing “Dirty Drowning Man” that also has vocals by Martina Topley-Bird of Tricky fame. This one rocks.***DB
POD - The Fundamental Elements Of Southtown
(Atlantic)
If you are into the urban white metal hip hop genre you will be groovin fast and hard to this shite. Stuck Mojo and Austin’s Dead will look back to see where these guys have left them. It jams and slams 11 times on this CD with “Lie Down” and “Tribal” being my favorites.***DB
JOHN POPPER - Zygote
(A&M Records)
A very mainstream blues release I found to be between boring and pretentious. Blues Traveler never has been one of my favorites and this poor mans Little Feat sound doesn’t change my mind. DB
RADFORD
(RCA)
Once Jonny Mead was a fish gutter in Oxford England. He then came to America and put together this band of alternative rock that lacks the guts most of Jonny’s fish did. Lots of catchy moments like the hit “Closer To Myself” are on this, so if you like mainstream alternative pop Buy this, its crying out for you.***KZ
RADIUM - Burn
(Mad Queen Records)
This CD had a plastic horsefly taped to the jewel case. The music is an interesting mix of dark alternative mood psychedelia and a little metal. Teamed with the haunting vocals of Tabitha Predovich ( member of England’s Elysium). Cool.***DB
RATE OF DECAY - Dead America
(Self Produced)
Extremely heavy pummelcore in the realm of MERAUDER meets PISSING RAZORS and MESHUGGAH. Every track is full of aggression and hateful animosity. The demons will not go away , so stand up and face them. The best tracks are "Chloroform", "McViegh" and "Exhumed".***MH
RAVEN - Raw Tracks
(Metalblade)
A weird mixture of SODOM meets SUICIDE COMMANDOS. The music is metal with a thrash influence and the vocals sound like old school punk. Kind of a metal version of THE DICTATORS. If you like fun music then this collection of Live tracks and studio outtakes is for you.***MH
RED GIANT - Ultra Magnetic Glowing Sound
(MIA Records)
Psychedelic mania metal that swirls around without direction. Round and round she goes where it stops nobody knows.***RB
SAMAEL - Eternal
(Century Media)
This is an essential release of atmospheric black metal. SAMAEL is progressing musically and adding much more synths, spreading evil to the outer cosmos and beyond. The future of severe metal and a pathway to the new millennium.***MH
SAVATH & SAVALAS - Folk Songs For Trains Trees and Honey
(Hefty Records)
If Savath & Savalas fall in the forest do trees hear it? That in itself says a lot about this experimental CD. Very minimal music with lots of ambient noise. Lots of pride in their starts and stops, not to be confused with intros and endings.***RB
THE SCOLDEES - My Pathetic Life
(Off Hours Rockers)
A new kind of folk music that employs all modern production tools with a great voice via Nancy Sirianni to make a nice debut CD. After getting exposure on cyberspace they are trying to keep the buzz up till they get signed to a big label. Till then look for this one its very good and worth the search.***DB
SICKFM - At Night
(Eurotrash)
Drug oriented punk offering with a distinctive glam vocal that’s hard to get used to. They try to be a Dead Boys for the next century but fall short. I like the song “Cheetah Chrome” the most because the lyrics are fairly amusing. The tunes tend to sound very much alike and that tells me this would have been better as an EP.***KZ
SIX BY SEVEN - 10 Places To Die / England & A Broken Radio
(Beggars Banquet)
This 2 song CD single has 4 tracks of which the 4th David Bowie’s “Heroes” is the most forgettable. It just drones on and on and on from the opening cut to the cover. Boring. 6x7 no way more like a 2x4.***RB
SIXTEEN DELUXE - The Moonman Is Blue EP
(Sugar Fix Recordings)
After a debut that received many glowing reviews from major publications the sales shorchanged Warner Bros. and 16 Deluxe’s moons were cut loose. The bands guitarists/vocalists Carrie Clark and Chris Smith take us on this new alternative psychedelic pop trip with 4 interesting tracks. Very progressive music from Austin TX, now that’s a hoot.***RB
SKINNY TEE
(mwales@bu.edu)
Here you got 4 young men that sound like Dylan Fence meets The Dandy Warhols. They have very nice use of harmonies on all 4 tracks of pop garage rock. And me without my maple syrup.***KZ
SKY CRIES MARY - Seeds
(World Domination)
Here we have a few new songs from one of the coolest Seattle bands ever. After Warner dumped them and the departure of their guitarist it looked like they were defunct as they released a CD of rarities and outakes and then reissued their first CD which Anissa isn’t even on. This CD’s got an enhanced video for your PC of the best track of the lot “Chickaboom Cocktail”. It demonstrates Roderick’s flair for filming. SCM is back and this CD I hope is just a tease for a full release in 2000.***KZ
SNAPCASE - Designs For Automotion
(Victory)
Yet another release by this veteran Punk Metal outfit with megaphone vocals. More wedgiecore that is designed for teenage testosterone release.***MH
SODOM - Code Red
(Pavement Music)
The album takes its name from the US Marines penal code. The music is punishing as well led by bass player/vocalist Tom Angelripper and the guitars of Bernemann. This veteran extreme metal band has been toiling for 20 years now. From their beginning in Columbia to their worldwide success this band had not mellowed out one bit.***DB
SOLE’ - Skin Deep
(Dreamworks Records)
Well this rapper ain’t afraid to show some flesh in fact her publicity kit looked like a celebrity spread in Playboy circa 1980. But her lyrics on “Spell My Name Right” emphasize she’s a “Look But Don’t Touch Ho”. A more appropriate title for this CD might be “Mo’ Songs About Niggas, Bitches, Muthafukas, and Ho’s”. I lost count of each word by the 4th track. Nice groove oriented house offering , but Miss Manners hopes she doesn’t kiss her mama with that mouth’. No redeeming social value(s).***KH
SOMEDAY I - Look Up And Live
(Owned & Operated)
Sorry Abe but if this is Armageddon then the world has nothing to worry about. Nothing more than wimpcore that masquerades as punk or "hardcore". It probably took a day or two to get the lyrics down and another fifteen minutes to set them to "music". Whiny pabulum for the semi-harsh.***MH
THE SOUVENIRS - King Of Heartache
(Will Records)
They remind me of BR-549 doing country swing in the spirit of Marty Robbins. I liked “1000 Miles Away” which was about Samson & Delilah and “Shades Of Blue” the best, but its a solid listen on all 13 songs.
SOULWAX - Much Against Everyone’s Advice
(Almo)
More like Asshole Wax. This goes from a electric Momus to psychedelic Beatles wannabe material that I advise you to avoid. Everyone’s advice must have been not to record this.***DB
SPIV - By Definition
(Pop Sweatshop)
Harmonies on top of a basic garage punk music style that is upbeat and somewhat creative. Led by singer/guitarist Chris Barber and brother Jeremy on Violin its kinda different, its very different, and interesting stuff.***DB
SPLENDER - Halfway Down The Sky
(Columbia)
An album that is full of catchy radio type tuneage. What will be the hits? “Special” sure sounds like the one. As pop as you can take it with a little rock edge.***DB
STING - Brand New Day
(A&M Records)
While its a stretch from his Police days it does not break new ground either. A very melodic and almost traditional sound, kind of like Sting meets Clannad. It falls way short of the brilliance of Jah Wobble he so desperately tries to capture. More daring than John Tesh. Mediocre.***RB
STEPPENWOLF - All Time Greatest Hits
(MCA)
John Kay and company ruled the early 70’s and this CD is a tribute to their lasting material and some stuff unique to its place in time. You even get the full version of “Monster” for the first time on a album other than Monster. All the best “Rock Me”, “Magic Carpet Ride”, “Born To Be Wild”, “The Pusher” and all the rest of the best. Essential.***DB
MIKE STONE - Clear Nights & Cloudy Days
(Omnipotent)
Bluesy guitar offering with all the stolen licks I could take. The second cut “Obvious” is a blatant rip off of the chorus of The Beatles “Come Together”. Man does it hurt when they end it with the chant Smoke Pot. The 3rd song sounds like a wannabe Aerosmith tune. Awful. His promo has him sitting under a Get Stoned sign, You had better if you plan on groovin to this tripe.***RB
JOE STRUMMER And The MESCALAROS - Rock Art & The X-Ray Style
(Epitaph Records)
I truly feel the energy is back for former frontman for The Clash. This album has a Sandinista feel to it. With song like “Yalla Yalla” which is strange as it was a chant that would be shouted during satanic rituals before men disrobed and frolicked in homosexual actions. Oh I don’t think the song is about that. A collection of new tunes with the band as well as other Joe has amassed since Earthquake Weather. I really liked it.***KZ
SUGAR SPUN - Hollywood & Vine
(Orange Peal)
It took me a while to realize vocalist Nino is a guy. The CD is full of sugary pop tunes with all the appropriate hooks. Brush your teeth or you’ll get a cavity.***RB
THE SUICIDE MACHINES
(Hollywood Records)
If you love Wreckless Eric then you need this CD. Old 70’s punk where the music had some pop sensibility. Their 1st 2 albums sold over 250,000 units. Probably due more to suicide prospects who use this as a way to express themselves.***DB
SWANK - The Think For Yourself Movement
(Fueled By Ramen)
Grungy garage rock that has a little taste of horns that are neiher swing nor ska. It seems like the whole idea is to avoid any certain scene’s sound. To that they succeed but whats the point. Attitude over ambition.***RB
SWITCHBLADE SYMPHONY - The Three Calamities
(Cleopatra Records)
Brilliant effort once again by one of the best gothic bands today. Susan’s songwriting along with Tina’s lyrics are continuing to develop and the result is worth checking out. A modern day alternative to Siouxie and The Banshees. I caught them last summer at The Middle East where they played about 6 songs off this disc along with all you wanted from the first 2 albums. “Naked Birthday” and “Fear” make it worth getting by themselves. Reccomended.***RB
TEENAGE FRAMES - 1% Faster
(Jump Up)
Its like Mick Jagger singing punk tunes that revolve around topics of drugs and teenage disappointment. “Dopesville”, “Living It Up” and “Drug Power” . The music can not be easily dismissed as very fast punk riffs. Its more like the “Let It Bleed” album by The Rolling Stones with a modern punk style and lots of Geritol.***DB
TLC - Fanmail
(LaFace Records)
After listening to Fanmail there is no doubt why this trio of lovely ladies are one of the hottest performance groups of 99 and why this album garnered so many Grammy nominations. They have defined the soul of a woman as we ended the century with such lyrics as "I ain't no silly ho" and their mega hit "No Scrubs". Time and experience have aged these women like a fine wine and it shows in their work. These woman have been able to cross the barriers of rap, R&B and pop and have given their music a classification of simply TLC. On a personal note, T-Boz, I just want to sop you up with a biscuit.***X
TONIC - Sugar
(Universal)
Mainstream pop rock made for radioplay. As good as you want to tell yourself this is. The simple songs are catchy and well executed. It’s sugar allright, crystallized sweetness, love songs, with a bullet.***KZ
TOTAL CHAOS - In God We Kill
(Cleopatra)
Old school Oi ala 1977 and Cock Sparrer sure to keep this genre alive for another year. Lots of angst and testosterone focused against Christianity. They also do an Exploited song “I Believe In Anarchy”.***RB
TOTAL CHAOS - Electric Lady
(Cleopatra)
The most modern song from their new CD reviewed above in 7 different mixes. Hip Hop Rap meets Oi, what a concept. My favorites are the instrumental versions.***DB
TRIUMPHATOR - Wings Of Antichrist
(Necropolis)
WAR meets MARDUK and the best black metal release I’ve ever heard. This is nuclear and at the same time very much old school. This features Fredrik of MARDUK on drums and Arioch of FUNERAL MYST on guitar and throat. This will shred you into little pieces and spit you out to the hellfire, you have been warned.***MH
The DEREK TRUCKS BAND - Out Of The Madness
(House of Blues)
Another young guitar player that is getting lots of attention you got right here. Derek has been playing his slide with The Allman Brothers, bob Dylan, Blues Traveler, Phish, Bare Naked Ladies and lots more since he was 11. This album you get to hear what he is all about. He is on tour in 2000 with this band and his style of country rock/blues and jazz fusion are worth checking out.***DB
TWO DOLLAR GUITAR - Weak Beats And Lame-Ass Rhymes
(Smells Like Records)
Oh yeah the title is right on, 10 cuts that are as billed. It’s like if Evan Danko from Lemonheads fame recorded some lame-ass stuff this would be it. Depressing and emotionless. I did like the last cut “Everybody’s In A Band” as its sarcasm is somewhat true, but not enough to like this as a whole.***DB
TYPE O NEGATIVE - World Coming Down
(Roadrunner)
This release is far more sorrowful than anything they've done in the past. The lyrics are about battling the personal demons in our heads and about the deaths of the band's friends over the last few years. Powerful dark gothic metal that is this band's best release to date. The killer tracks are "White Slavery', "Save The Sane?" and "Everything Dies".***MH
UNBORN - Dignity Stripped
(Self Produced)
Hardmetalcore in the same vein as MADBALL or PYREXIA. The music on this is heavy but the lyrics lack substance and the entire disc has an overall lack of creativity which is probably why this is boring me to no end.***MH
UNITED - Distorted Vision
(Howling Bull)
Extreme deathcore that pummels and leaves you in the street dying. They shout about the inner workings of the mind and how we are prisoners to our thoughts, however dark they may be. "Trust Yourself", "Locked Inside" and "So Damn Low" are the tracks of note.***MH
RICKY VALENTE - A Place In My Dreams
(RiVal Records)
Ricky seemed like a promising listen. He as a 17 year old won the Northeast US Jimi Hendrix Guitar Contest. The music on this disc is disappointing lifeless and boring blues guitar spooge.***RB
VIOLENT FEMMES - Viva Wisconsin
(Beyond Music)
The new VF release is a big hit with me. 20 songs, 18 by Gordon Gano and he co-wrote one of the other two. Almost 1/2 are new, including “Dahmer is Dead”, a short short like “Old Mother Reagan”. (Dahmer was also from Wisconsin.) Between them, Brian Ritchie and Guy Hoffman play bass, drums, and at least 3 instruments I never heard of. They’re all live recordings from the Oct. ‘98 acoustic tour of Wisconsin. Faves like “Blister In The Sun” are actually more intelligible than previous recordings. The CD cover boasts “no overdubbing, no electronics”. In that case, what took ya so long?***KH
VISION OF DISORDER - For The Bleeders
(Go-Kart)
I have to give this band some credit. They play hardcore but have dropped the whiny vocals and they are now in the same vein as old INTEGRITY, BURIED ALIVE and BOTCH. The music has more of a metal edge than their previous efforts and there are no rap vocals to bring it down.***MH
DAVIS WAITS - The Evolution Of
(Underhill Recordings)
Another Gordon Lightfoot or David Gray waiting to happen. Its like a timebomb just waiting to go off. An evolution of predictable pop rock ramblings. Very painful stuff.***RB
GROVER WASHINGTON - Ultimate Collection
(Hip-O)
For the past 30 years there’s been a lot more history for Grover, but he is still in the shadows of Kenny G in most people’s minds. This album shows his versatility and a good argument of why he might be the better. Great light rhythm and jazz stylings and commercial hits like “Just The Two Of Us” to the smooth vocals of Patti Labelle on “The Best Is Yet To Come” this one is a smooth listen. Relax and get into the groove.***DB
THE WEAKERTHANS - Fallow
(Sub City)
The first cut is so awful I can not even try to describe it. The rest is fairly weak pop punk spooge that lives up to the bands name.***RB
WAYOUTZ - Something Now
(Psyrcus Records)
I remember these guys they were on The Flintstones , nope, it can’t be these guys. I kinda liked the original Wayouts. The promo says it took 17 years to record this CD. Just think of how much money they could of made doing anything else. It also says they are from another planet, maybe they should go back. Weak weak weak stuff.***RB
THE WEAPON - Where Fear And Weapons Meet
(Revelation)
Heavy hardmetalcore in the realm of old INTEGRITY meets BLACK FLAG. Killer high energy madness designed to obliterate your pent up aggression and bring it out in the open. Face your worst fears when you listen to this.***MH
WHITE SKULL - Tales From The North
(Nuclear Blast)
This five piece band from Italy plays old school heavy metal with Viking overtones. Kind of a curious combination from an Italian band but they pull it off. A little like MALMSTEEN meets BATHORY. The songs center around ancient battles and Nordic darkness. The best tracks are "Tales From The North", "Gods Of The Sea" and "Fighting And Feasting".***MH
WILD COLONIALS - Reel Life
Vol. 1 Music From Hollywood
(Chromatic Records)
You get guest appearances by Dr. John, Cindi Lauper and others on this compilation of movie songs by these wild ones. Very mellow VH-1 genre of tunes of which the first “Its Not Unusual” (the Tom Jones TV show opener) really hurt me badly. The rest was much better but I was so scarred I did not enjoy them as much as I should of. Nice relaxing music but skip the opening track. You have been warned!***KZ
WOMEN OF THE CALABASH -
The Kwanzaa Album
(Bermuda Reefs Records)
As an African – American who has been celebrating the seven principals of the holiday of Kwanzaa, which is celebrated from December 26th – January 1st, I found this album to be both enlightening and inspirational. The Women of the Calabash remind me of the works of the a cappella singing, socially conscious, Sweet Honey in the Rock. It is a blend of sweet but powerful harmonies that is uplifting and enriching to the soul. Rich in traditional African folk song along with spoken narrative, this album is recommended listening to all those celebrating or wishing to discover more about the African - American holiday of Kwanzaa. I hope that this album finds it’s market and is followed up with others that express more of the American side of our heritage, after all Kwanzaa is not an African celebration but an African – American one.***X
WRETCH LIKE ME - Calling All Cars..
(Owned & Operated)
Adolescent , juvenile, phony hardcore with no substance at all. It's too bad that hardcore has come to this. Another band to drink Shirley Temple's to and act tuff. Triple git.***MH
YELLOW MACHINEGUN - Spot Remover
(Howling Bull)
Fast paced hardcore punk by 3 Japanese Girls full of angst. This ain’t no Shonen Knife cutesy song album. Songs like “Shut Your Mouth” and “Something Enormous” are right on. They will either strike a nerve in you or miss your spot. Different.***RB
MIKE YOUNGER - Somethin’ In The Air
(Beyond)
So don’t tell me, Mike the elder was a hippie who fed you Bob Zimmerman every day and John Cougar every night I’m sure we can guess what was in the air. Decent storyteller folk stuff that may be your bag of tea. Steve knows what I mean.***KH
ROB ZOMBIE - American Made Music To Strip By
(Geffen Records)
Remixes of Rob stuff makes him sound more like My Life With The Thrill Kill Cult or KMFDM than his usual metal offerings and I for one prefer it. The packaging is as satanic as anything Thomas Thorn would have come up with. His best CD.***DB
COMPILATIONS SOUNDTRACKS
Split CD - THE CRIMINALS / AGAINST ALL AUTHORITY - Exchange
(Sub City)
Fast paced high energy punk from 2 bands that are trying to raise funds and awareness of a needle exchange program in Berkeley CA. All 7 cuts are played as if there was speed in their veins.***KZ
Split CD - CONVERGE / AGORAPHOBIC NOSEBLEED
(Relapse)
Imagine yourself getting run over by a steamroller and this what this music will do to your mind. Break out the body bags when these bands are on tour, there will be no survivors and they take no prisoners. Lock up the house and baton down the hatches, Armageddon is here.***MH
AMERICAN BEAUTY
(Dreamworks)
An interesting mix of sounds that don’t necessarily go together for an album that clashes with itself. Lots of good stuff like The Folk Implosion or Eels and save me from the Bobby Darin and Peggy Lee puh-leese.***DB
The Blair Witch Project - Josh's Blair Witch Mix
(Chapter III)
A killer mix of dark music for night people. LYDIA LUNCH starts things off with "Gloomy Sunday" and it's pretty weird. The SKINNY PUPPY song "Draining Faces" also stands out along with PIL doing an instrumental titled "The Order Of Death". You also get mega stuff by THE CREATURES, BAUHAUS, LAIBACH, TYPE O NEGATIVE, FRONT LINE ASSEMBLY, TONES ON TAIL, MEAT BEAT MANIFESTO and AFGHAN WHIGS.***MH
CELEBRITY DEATHMATCH
(Interscope/MTV)
A collection of heavy acts both from the harder flavors of rock and hip-hop gangsta rap doing their more commercial songs. From the new Marilyn Manson tune “Astonishing Panorama of The Endtimes” to “Lets Go All The Way” by The Wondergirls this one is fast paced slap you up kind of aggression that is lots of fun. Perfect for the show I guess. I think its a great assortment of good stuff.***RB
CINEMA BEER BELLY
(Hopeless)
Here it goes a 4th in a series of punk rock compilations from Hopeless. What’s cool is not all bands are on their label or are punk like OC Supertones, Man Or Astroman and The Melvins. You do get a great bunch of tunes and as a whole a great fun listen. Enhanced CD and why not they have a video of this available too. Best cuts are by Mustard Plug, Sick Of It All, and Scared Of Chaka. Get one.***DB
CLEANING HOUSE
Devil In The Woods)
You get 11 tracks from 11 of the bands on this truly underground label. Led by veteran act Half Film as well as Snowmen and Fiver this one has some neat music. Mostly alternative rock give this one a shot.***KZ
END OF DAYS Movie Soundtrack
(Geffen)
A very heavy assortment of tunes from some of the top acts today. Korn, Everlast, Limp Bizkit, Rob Zombie, Creed, Eminem, Powerman 5000 and the new band Professional Murder Music. You also get a new song by Guns and Roses “Oh My God” which is their first since 1993. A solid soundtrack worth picking up.***DB
THE INSIDER - Motion Picture Score
(Columbia/Sony)
Although you get Massive Attack doing “Safe From Harm” the majority of the music on this CD is by 2 artists. Graeme Revell does 3 tracks and the duo of former Dead Can Dance founder Lisa Gerrard & Pieter Bourke do 10. The music is classical influenced stuff with a world sound to it. a very experimental feel as a complete piece.***DB
Mr. HANKEY’S CHRISTMAS CLASSICS
(American/Columbia)
According to legend, the TV show South Park was originally was to have Mr. Hankey as a main character. The network said they could not have a show about a talking piece of shit. STOP! Many pieces of shit have and have had their own shows. Don’t make me name them, you might be offended. I could take up a column without effort. Almost all the songs from the South Park episode where it’s Mr. Hankey’s Christmas Special and other holiday offerings from previous Christmas shows. The first 2 cuts make it worth it for me “Mr. Hankey” and “Merry F**king Christmas”. I tell you this much, I like all this stuff but not all in a row. Great tunes to spread out on a holiday assortment tape. Many of the shows characters sing like Satan, Cartman and Hitler to name 3. The song by Mr. Hankey and Kenny is as billed “The Most Offensive Song Ever”. Here’s a sad but true statement , This is the best holiday CD in quite some time.***KZ
MUSIC TO LISTEN TO MUSIC BY
(Coldfront Records)
A sampler of punk pop offerings from the label’s stable and other punks like Limp, Bracket and Tilt all join up to make it a nice assortment of late 90’s punk acts.***DB
PSPYCHED
(Beggars Banquet)
The CD insert says this is a compilation of 14 radically different artists. The 1st is Darkside who give us an instrumental offering “Guitar VooDoo” which has licks from CCR, Spencer Davis Group and 3 Dog Night good grief, and its the best of the first 5 cuts. The 2nd track is by Ripe and it certainly is. About 7 in you get Mercury Rev and the CD picks up from there as it evolves to the mixture of psychedelia they intended. It needed to.***DB
RISE 13 - Magic Rock Vol. 1
(The Music Cartel)
The sticker on CD says its Stoner rock bands. The tunes are not a bunch of Stoner songs. Its more of a variety of heavy rock bands that include Hangnail, Drag Pack, and a cool tune by Orange Goblin. My favorite cut was the stoner cut, Goatsnake doing “Hot Rodwith its funny introduction story. ” A lot of new metal sounds you can sample on this one.***KH
SNL 25 Vol. 1
(DreamWorks)
All your favorite artists caught on Saturday Night Live. You get ERIC CLAPTON and his hit "Wonderful Tonight", STING does "If I Ever Lose My Faith In You", The GRATEFUL DEAD are on this doing "Casey Jones", Elvis COSTELLO does "Radio,Radio" and you also get songs by PAUL SIMON, COUNTING CROWS, ANNIE LENNOX, TOM PETTY, BILLY JOEL, JEWEL, LENNY KRAVITZ and JAMES TAYLOR.***MH
SNL 25 Vol. 2
(DreamWorks)
Yet more live stuff from SNL with DR. DRE doing "Been There Done That", BEASTIE BOYS do "Sabotage", NEIL YOUNG sings "No More" (and I wish it were true), R.E.M. does they're big hit "Losing My Religion", The PRETENDERS do "I'll Stand By You", you also get songs by NIRVANA, HOLE, OASIS, GREEN DAY, BECK, ALANIS MORISSETTE, MARY J. BLIGE, TLC, and JANET.***MH
SOUTH PARK - Bigger Longer & Uncut
(Atlantic)
The movie soundtrack and more on this disc. All the songs from the movie sound like a musical just as they did in the movie. Terrance & Philip rule with the tune from their movie “Asses Of Fire” that is my favorite. As a bonus you get a few popular artists covering the movies tunes or expanding them. Guests include Violent Femmes, Ru Paul, and Nappy Roots to name a few. I learned something today, I like this CD.***RB
