MUSIC REVIEWS

Tape Releases:

ROLL 'N' PINZ II

SOUND CHOICE #15

ROLL 'N' PINZ: II

This is what I imagine the Red Hot Chili Peppers might've sounded like five years ago, late at night, with spikes sticking in all of their arms, with a drunk Jimmy Page sitting in for a few sloppy solos. Yeah, they're THAT good! These 19 tunes were recorded by various combinations of players during 1980, 1981 and 1987, with the only consistent member being Steve Hoffman ("vocals, lyrics, songwriter"). Got elements of hardcore, funk, thrash, U.S. punk, and lotsa lotsa basement. The 1980 version turns Hendrix's 'Purple Haze' inside-out by the nostrils, and the 1987 grouping (w-Dimthingshine; drums) rip Springsteen and Tommy James new bungs with their cover of "Fire" and "Mony Mony". For those who like their cassette-culture thorny and loud. -- B.H. Hart (editors note: Dimthingshine was the drummer in all the different line-ups..just used name James Garcia instead)

Insert:

ROLL 'N' PINZ - II C60 CASSETTE With: STEVE HOFFMAN, MANUEL FRANCO, JAMES GARCIA?, RON LINTON (formally of K.T.H.- Kill The Hostages) ETC...

HAZARD PROFILE

SONGS FROM THE WOOD

"This group has cerebral effects on listeners. Prerequisite: You must be a listener. This music and its execution is not for the meek! It takes balls to play it and it takes balls to 'hear' it. All new compositions by various members of this band roll on and on with thunderous bravado throughout the complete set of live performances. Each piece seems difficulty carved out of a solid block of exotic metal into a shining stainless rocket engine soaring to an exact destination. Well planned arrangements feature each group member, so the ensemble sounds like four solos being played simultaneously." -- R. Reid

Insert:

HAZARD PROFILE - HAZARD PROFILE C60 CASSETTE A fusion of rock, jazz, and experimental edge to this 1981/82 band. Similar To the later KING CRIMSON. With: JEAN CHAINE, TAGGART REID, MANUEL FRANCO, DIMTHINGS.

THE WILD ONES & FLUXUS

PHOTO STATIC magazine # 35

THE WILD ONES & FLUXUS (Thingsflux Music) C60–19 tracks

This is noise-music, free form and apparently improvised, that is pounding, fast moving and energetic. The sounds used include feedback, beating on things, and tape overload; it's like rock and roll, though less tyrannicly beat-based. Pitch sweeps play havoc on the listener's dynamic perception of spacetime. This cassette has a BIG sound, rich in creative distortion and as resonant as thunder. Also: the Lps by the Dimthings "Dis-ci-plined 2 a Spontaneous Way of Life", "In Spite of What They Say", and "A World of Segregation". More big sound. ---Id

ULTERIOR LUX - THE AWAKENING OF INTELLIGENCE

SOUND CHOICE #13

ULTERIOR LUX: Awakening of Intelligence

Where were you in 82? Well if you were in Florida and went to the right places you might have gotten to hear Dimthings and Ulterior Lux play some of the most interesting free improvised coliseum rock ever to energize an air molecule. If however, you, like I, weren't, we have to settle for this compilation of live and home recordings from what seems to have been a real era of discovery for this trio. On this tape, Dimthings, displays sensitivity and power at the drums set while the other two members make intelligent noises with guitars, keyboards, saxophone, and percussion. The improvisations seem to have a real cohesiveness and dedication to them with organic and interesting transitions between contrasting sections. Although not all the tracks are amazing, there are enough great ones to keep most of the free noise fans I know entertained for quite some time. (Thingsflux Music) -- Fred Lonberg-Holm

ULTERIOR LUX - IN THE MIDDLE OF INTERSECTIONS

PHOTO STATIC #36, June 1989

In the Middle of Intersections by Ulterior Lux (Thingsflux Music)

Free form performance-based music that shows the influence of both punk and harmolodics. Documentation of 1983 jam sessions. --Id

SONGS FROM HOME

SOUND CHOICE #12

DIMTHINGS: Songs From Home

On the cassette insert Dimthingshine thanks himself for all his time and effort. I'm kinda glad he did it, too. A worthwhile addition to any cassette collection, Sons From Home is an eclectic bunch o' toonz, including simple pop ditties, free-improv instrumentals, spacey atmospherics, synth excursions, some Miles Davis-type fusion, postmodern surf muzick, twisted pop, some jazz instrumentals, and some Latin numbers, too. Neato covers o' Louis Armstrong's "Ten Feet Off the Ground" and Kraftwerk's "The Model"." Excellent guest appearance by Keshavan Maslak on alto sax, plus the Cuban Tree Frog Symphony on "Rain Song (Frog Opera)". The latter really makes this tape. (Thingsflux Music) -- Dan Fioretti

SOUND CHOICE #17

DIMTHINGSHINE: Songs From Home

There are enough different styles on this cassette to defy any and all attempts at categorization. It also prevents boredom and causes frustration. Tone poems, jazz of several eras, pop, rock, hispanic, industrial, etc. Enough talent to be really good. But I had trouble staying interested. And then there's the never-ending drum solo on Side Two....egad! Even a cover of Lynch's "In Heaven" for cryin' out loud! Aahh, well, a so-so work that you might like a great deal more than I did. (Thingsflux Music) --Charlie Newman

A MESSAGE...

PHOTO STATIC #36, June 1989

A Message... by Dimthingshine

Collaboration includes John M. Bennett's odd body-obsessed poetry reading on top of atmospheric electric guitar and drumset improvs. This audio is as theatrical, really, as it is musical.

GAJOOB #6

Dimthingshine - A Message...

The title is based on lyrics I wrote which are recited on this tape on two tunes, "Preamble" and "A Message..." Also there are a several collaboration pieces where I play the music and Poet, John M. Bennett recites his poetry. There are a few collaboration pieces with Jean Chaine, Big Ed and some performances by Steve Hodges, who talks about his own outlook on a life of Blues. Now... there are several pieces where I just play and sing all on my own. There is a drum solo piece dedicated to Max Roach. Music ranges from improvisation, electronic, humorous and an alternative outlook on Life. It is strange as a whole. Some of this material even dates back a few years. Most of it was recorded around 1988, 1989. Gajoob: This one has a lot of the same flavor as "Funky....." but there's a few cuts here that pull everything all together and cook in an albeit demented fashion. More lunacy and stuff, some experimentation -- the stuff of delusion ya' know. And Bennett is very good at using words in an unusual juxtaposition. Always a surprise.

THE FUNKY MYSTERY RHYTHM PROJECT

GAJOOB #6

Dimthingshine - The Funky Mystery Rhythm Project

This tape for the most part deals with a compilation of artists who sent a piece of music based on their reaction to the 12" single "The Funky Mystery Rhythm," released back in the beginning of 1985 by (me) Dimthings.... now known as DIMTHINGSHINE. All these pieces were sent between 1985 and early 1986.. and a compilation tape was supposed to take place, but never happened; or was delayed 'til 1989. Since there was extra space on a 90-minute tape, I also included duet collaborations. A few with poet, John M. Bennett and one long piece collaboration with eccentric figure, E. Kaplan. Of course, these two collaborations were done with (me) DIMTHINGSHINE. OK? GAJOOB: Some really wild acoustic (non-synth sound sources mostly) craziness here. Kitchen sink sort of instrumentation. A little to directionless for my taste, but many people like that; and if your one of those you'll probably dig this 'un! SOUND: good.

H23 Magazine

The Funky Mystery Rhythm Project, Dimthingshine (Thingsflux Music)

D.T.S. had sent me only parts of this one before. It's much earlier release, circa 1989, with parts hat go back to '81. Having listened to MANY different things/.styles by D.T.S., I'm already used to Mystery... vocal loops on top of real instruments (guitar, drums, keys - even D.T.S. on Chapman Stick) that have both energy and direction. The thing that always strikes me about his tapes/records is the quality of sound and musicianship. While there are some sections that have the dreaded PATTERNS, they will be only long enough to lull you into thinking all is O.K.; then, they'll RIP you from yer reverie & bring you back to the reality of life. Some of the piano sections (beautiful interludes, by the way), even have STRONG jazz influence & show both skill and dexterity. This release has numerous folks, to many to mention, except to say that poet extraordinaire John M. Bennett even makes an appearance. As with most other D.T.S. projects, this avoids classification. Which says a lot in it's favor, at least for this reviewer! For all of you stuck in law & orderland, seek elsewhere... but if you're in to challenge and mental stimulation, GET this tape - it's a winner! Rotcod Zzaj

Insert:

THE FUNKY MYSTERY RHYTHM PROJECT ... A COMPILATION ...PLUS 2 COLLABORATIONS...w/DIMTHINGSHINE C90 CASSETTE COLLABORATIONS With: JOHN M BENNETT & E. KAPLAN COMPILATION With: AMK, JEAN CHAINE, JOHN EBERLY ETC...

FACE VALUE II

GAJOOB #6

Dimthingshine - Face Value II (Thingsflux Music)

Breathing free improv with definite 60's progressive rock influences. The drums are loud and exploding very often. Some voice samples and such are thrown in to further confuse the proceedings. And it works! This one rarely stagnates in its tracks, but just keeps moving. Very alive. Recommended.

H23 Magazine

Face Value II, Dimthingshine (Thingsflux Music)

Most of this is much more laid back than other D.T.S. efforts I've listened to. Not that that's bad -- not at ALL! A much more balanced effort that displays a range of musical skills that must be unlimited. Guests are far too many to list here -- you'll have to buy the tape. There is a very interesting radio talk-show theme on one of the tunes that has the announcer outlining some rather unique thoughts on why God's been in business for so long - thoughts you certainly wouldn't hear on your local station. The neat thing about D.T.S.'s production in this area is that it's CLEAR. So many of these cheapo productions with answering machines & such lose me right away, 'cause the guts of what their trying to express is buried in static hiss from, the answering machine, effects box, etc.., add nauseum. NOT hear! The sax solos by Keshavan Maslak are superb! Those who said jazz is dead haven' t listened to D.T.S. lately. Overall, he & friends provide a completely integrated listen with experimental style/influence across the soundscape.... HIGHLY recommended! Rotcod Zzaj

Insert:

DIMTHINGSHINE - FACE VALUE II C90 CASSETTE With: ANIMATION FESTIVAL, JEAN CHAINE ETC...

DIM STAIN

ONE NATION UNDERGROUND : O-Town Orlando, Florida - May 1, 1991

Our final blast of noisy joy is a recent Dimthingshine cassette, Dim Stain, on which Dim is joined by several multi-instrumentalist friends for many improv/industrial/jazz/psych/pop tunes. Despite such lame critical pigeonholing, the music's packed with movement, good ideas, and humor. Overall, the bizarre sense of rhythm and odd accretion of musical particles coalescing into eerily pulsing pop tunes make for wonderfully alinear constructions and an active listening experience. Songs range from the odd and improvised cut-up of Is Zappa Dead?, to the moving sound of loop, drums and echoed vocals of Take Sin to the Bar, to the heavy thump and an innocent girl voice loop You Don't Have to Worry About Anything. Plus, the songs with the strange manipulated vocals, i.e. Is This the Way We'll Go and Fish Out of Water, are a beautiful surprise. (Thingsflux Music) -- Jeff Bagato

Insert:

DIMTHINGSHINE - DIM STAIN C90 CASSETTE This one is all collaborations. Music runs the gamut of the experimental edge. Rock, electronic, concrete, jazz..it's all here! DIMTHINGSHINE does collaborations with: TOM FURGAS, MIKE SHANNON, JEAN CHAINE !!!

LEFTOVER ROACHES ON THE MENU...

With Bad Boy Butch Batson, Drake Scott and others. Sorry, no reviews obtainable for this one.

DIMTHINGSHINE - LEFT OVER ROACHES ON THE MENU C90 CASSETTE

This one has collaborations with such artists as: BAD BOY BUTCH BATSON, DRAKE SCOTT, JOHN M BENNETT, T. DIEZ along with solo tunes/pieces by DIMTHINGSHINE. He also does a few covers from artists like DESI ARNEZ, PRINCE & BEATLES. Don't miss it!!

INSIDE LOOK AT AN ARSHOLE

A compilation of songs and pieces composed by other artists. All performed and rearranged by Dimthinghine. Several pieces were previously released on other DTS tapes & LPS. Sorry, no reviews obtainable for this one.

These documentations span from 1980-1990..so some may seem a bit old..offbeat..childish. They are random home recordings flaunting the cheez whiz and silliness I once spewed in tribute to other artists and musical traditions.