Jeff "The Record" Webb - Greenville Avenue Store

07/27/05 JEFF 'THE RECORD' WEBB
Foetus - Love
J.G. Thirlwell finally takes some time off from his day job, scoring Venture Brothers for the Cartoon Network, to revive his Foetus moniker with a new CD, Love, his first in four years.
He's still using that dark orchestration, melding a lot of different styles such as classical, big band, industrial, and heavy rock into a unique style all of his own. It's like a soundtrack to a sci-fi or horror film as a backdrop for Thirlwell's twisted tales. And the use of harpsichord is always a nice touch for extra creepiness. It's his most melodic release (in spots),but don't worry, no less evil. Also included is a full length DVD with videos (including one by Karen O. of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs), live footage and more. He's been doing this for almost 25 years now. Hear why Trent Reznor, Al Jourgensen, and Mike Patton cite Foetus as a major influence.

07/12/05 name='Jeff "The Record" Webb,
Eels - Electro-Shock Blues Show
This is a great live document of an Eels opening slot in England circa December 1998. Trying to win new fans, they chose more uptempo stuff, mostly from the just released sophomore CD Electro-Shock Blues (natch). Some of the versions are even better than their studio counterparts like the opener 'Cancer for the Cure' sounding more sinister, and 'Not Ready Yet' from Beautiful Freak throws in the 'Satisfaction' riff to great effect. There are also some surprises with an early take on 'Souljacker Part 1', 3 years before release, and Stevie Wonder's 'Fingertips Part III'. Not so surprising is obliging a fan who had been yelling for the hit 'Novacaine for the Soul', and closing with a Christmas tune. The disc also boasts five bonus tracks of the more acoustic side of the Eels recorded in various cities during the same tour. Of course, this is a must for any fan, and it's only available in select indie shops, like your friendly CD World.

06/29/05 JEFF 'THE RECORD' WEBB
Electrelane - Axes
Electrelane is another band worshipping at the altar of Krautrock. Think Stereolab with occasional bursts of Sonic Youth guitar with no side trips to France and you've got the picture. Axes is their third album, second for the great Too Pure label. It was recorded mostly live in the studio with Steve Albini. It's more improv and instrumental than last years poppier The Power Out, but still has plenty of soaring melodies and hypnotic grooves. If you're a fan of the early 'lab, check these gals out.

06/15/05 Jeff "The Record" Webb
The Fall - The Complete Peel Sessions 1978 - 2004
Over the years, we Fall fans have been teased with a few snippets of their vast library of John Peel sessions. There‘s been a B side here, a 12 inch there, and a couple of compilations more recently. But what about the 60 or so tracks left? It's been rumored over the last few years that a box set was being compiled, and at long last the Holy Grail is here. The Fall, being Peel's favorite band, recorded more sessions than any other, 24 to be exact. 97 tracks that represent most of the incarnations of the band (and there have been many!). It's a great capsule history, of this most influential of bands closing in on 30 years. Most of their albums are represented, with the majority of songs being aired in their early form, months, even years before official release, with some different lyrics, tempo changes, and retitles. Every Fall fan will buy this, but what about those that just bought 50,000 Fall Fans Can't Be Wrong? That's a great 2 disc compilation, but with only about 1 song per album, your appetite was wetted for more. This box set is perfect because a lot of The Fall's best songs are here, along with unreleased tracks, and even a couple of Christmas tunes! There's also a great booklet with full track annotation and lots of great photos. Sadly, with the passing of the great man last fall, there won't be any more of these sessions, but let me just say thanks John for helping make The Fall 'The band to which all others must be judged'.

06/02/05 Jeff "The Record" Webb
Sleater Kinney - The Woods
Album number 7 finds the Olympia, WA. based trio on a new label (Sub Pop), and working with new producer Dave Fridmann (Flaming Lips, Mercury Rev). They were born out of the riot grrrl movement of the early 90's (is that still around?). The Woods leaves that tag behind, being their most mature effort to date. That doesn't mean it doesn't rock, as you find out immediately with opener "The Fox" with its onslaught of rumbling, angry guitars, pounding drums, and Corin Tucker's inimitable wailing vocals. "What's Mine Is Yours" has a slight Zeppelin feel until the feedback laden Hendrixy solo at the end. I can almost smell the lighter fluid! Another great one is "Let's Call It Love" with its sexy beat and Tucker sounding like Janis if she was in a punk band. It ebbs and flows (at 11 minutes, it has a few of those), the second half featuring Sonic Youth-like guitar interplay between Tucker and Sleater-Kinney's other founder Carrie Brownstein. Lest you think it's all hard, "Jumpers" is an almost pop take on suicide, melodic, but still intense, and "Night Light"closes the CD on a spooky, but hopeful note. Buy it quick, because the first pressing comes with a DVD with 5 live tracks.

05/10/05 Jeff "The Record" Webb
The Go-Betweens - Oceans Apart
Robert Forster and Grant McLennan have been plying their craft of classic songwriting for over 25 years since their beginnings in Brisbane Australia. Oceans Apart is their third album since reforming after a 12 year hiatus. While the first two had some great songs on each, Oceans Apart deserves to stand with the best of their 80's classics. They've still got that great jangle-pop sound; equal parts Lou Reed and Brian Wilson with the poetic lyric style of Dylan. The opener Here Comes a City is a superb Forster rocker with a riff that sounds like a nod to the Talking Heads' Life During Wartime. The 6 minute Darlinghurst Nights, with its shimmering blend of acoustic and electric guitars contains some of his most moving lyrics. McLennan isn't usually as dark as his partner and the beautiful Finding You and the dream-pop of No Reason to Cry rank among his best. The first pressing has a bonus live disc with some of their old favorites including Streets of Your Town. This is music with class, and Oceans Apart is classic Go-Betweens.

05/06/05 Jeff "The Record" Webb
Heavy Trash - Heavy Trash

This is a collaboration between Jon Spencer (of Blues Explosion fame), and Matt Verta-Ray, leader of Speedball Baby and member of Madder Rose. Instead of the punk-blues they're known for, Heavy Trash is an homage to early rock and roll and fifties rockabilly. They've recreated that vintage sound: raw and dirty guitars and lots of heavy echo. All the songs are originals by the duo with plenty of hooks throughout. "Dark Hair'd Rider" and "The Loveless" recall Gene Vincent. "The Hump"and "Justine Alright"are crazy handclapping rockers. "Under the Waves" is a great moody murder ballad. Doo Wop is also referenced in some of the background vocals. Of course, you still get Spencer's trademark yelping, half-spoken vocals. At least he's not hollering "Blues Explosion"! every five minutes! If they keep making CDs this good, I'll be shoutin' Heavy Trash! in no time.

04/21/05 JEFF "THE RECORD" WEBB
The Kills - No Wow
If you like stripped down rock n roll, look no further than bluesy punk duo The Kills. And their new second LP No Wow might even be rawer than Keep On Your Mean Side. Hotel's guitar crackles and spits out the dirtiest sound since Jon Spencer's in Pussy Galore. He doesn't sing much at all this time leaving partner VV and her sexy PJ Harvey moan to tell the tales. Most of No Wow has a mean, menacing tone. Gone are most of the poppier elements from the 1st LP, but "Rodeo Town" is perhaps the best gritty ballad the band has recorded. No sophomore slump here, No Wow is one of my favorite CDs of the year.

04/14/05 JEFF ³THE RECORD² WEBB -
Garbage - Bleed Like Me
Let me preface by saying that the debut from Garbage was my favorite album of 1995. It was a great blend of grunge, electronica, and pop with the added bonus of sexy vocalist Shirley Manson. Famed producer Butch Vig was also a member so the record sounds great. After the by-the-numbers Version 2.0, and a disappointing attempt at a more slick pop sound on Beautiful Garbage, I was apprehensive about the new CD coming 3 years later.
Bleed Like Me is a return to form. The guitars are beefed up especially on tracks like the great opener Bad Boyfriend whose lyrics suggest, along with several others, that Shirley has had a painful breakup recently. Maybe I still have a chance? I digress. The electronica elements are still there, just a little more subtle. While mainly harkening back to their first album, other bands/sounds are referenced also. "Sex Is Not the Enemy" could be a Breeders outtake, and "Why Don‘t You Come Over" is Blondie-style punk.
Even though no new ground is covered, fans (like me) will be glad they‘re back.

04/05/05 JEFF “THE RECORD“ WEBB
Stereophonics - Language. Sex. Violence. Other?
Stereophonics showed some promise with their punk inspired debut Word Gets Around in 1977. Albums 2 through 4 had moments but lacked cohesiveness. This brings us to the new CD, number 5. This is the record they‘ve been trying to make all these years! Leader Kelly Jones has never sounded more confident, albeit raspier, having to sing over the raucous riffage. They‘re equal parts punk and classic rock with hooks galore especially the Oasis like “Dakota“, which deserves ‘hit‘ status. With a little luck, this Welsh trio might be ready to break through in the U.S.. Can‘t wait for the tour!

03/23/05 JEFF “THE RECORD“ WEBB
Bloc Party - Silent Alarm
What hath Franz wrought? It‘s another British invasion! What is it now, the seventh or eighth? This time it‘s danceable post-punk. All the usual elements are here: the Gang of Four angular guitar, the quirkiness of XTC, and what sounds like a close relative of Robert Smith on vocals. Throw in some Brit-Pop and a little new wave (on the slow ones), and you‘ve got Bloc Party. I‘m a sucker for this sort of thing and this is one of the better albums to come out of this movement. There‘s a lot of great hooks throughout. I‘m sure most of these bands won‘t make it past a couple of albums, but for now, keep ‘em comin‘!

03/15/05 JEFF “THE RECORD“ WEBB
The Saints - Nothing Is Strange In My House
Australia‘s pioneer punk band, The Saints return with their first album in four years. These days (since 1980) it‘s been vocalist Chris Bailey and a revolving door of different members. This time there‘s a notable addition-Marty Willson Piper of The Church on guitar. His outstanding work transforms this latest batch of Bailey tunes into the best Saints LP since All Fools Day in 1986. It‘s the usual mixture of 1977 era punk, hard rock, and blues we‘ve come to expect, but Chris seems almost reborn. It‘s good to see these veterans still delivering the goods.

03/01/05 JEFF “THE RECORD“ WEBB
The Waterboys - This is the Sea (2CD Deluxe Version)
1985 saw the release of the third album from Mike Scott‘s Waterboys. To me, it‘s his finest hour, where the “big music“ he had been striving for, became fully realized. In addition to Scott‘s guitar and piano, he was greatly helped out by Anthony Thistlethwaite on sax and Karl Wallinger (World Party) as a veritable one man orchestra. Scott‘s political, spiritual, and inspirational lyrics are among his best. 3 of my personal favorites of his are on here. The uplifting “The Whole of the Moon“ (his biggest UK hit), the pounding piano led rocker “Medicine Bow“, expanded on the 2nd disc with an insane 2 ½ minute solo, recalling the best of Mike Garson on Aladdin Sane, and the over the top anthemic title track.
Disc 2 has 14 more tracks including the aforementioned “Medicine Bow“. In addition to some b-sides, a Van Morrison cover (Astral Weeks is a big influence), and a great live version of “This is the Sea“, you get an albums worth of unreleased songs, many of which could have been worthy of inclusion on the original release. There are also fascinating liner notes from the man himself. Fans probably have this (it was released last spring), but if you‘re interested in one of the best songwriters to come out of the middle 80‘s, look no further than This is the Sea.

02/24/05 JEFF “THE RECORD“ WEBB
Low - The Great Destroyer
Low is an acquired taste. As pioneers of the “slowcore“ movement of the mid 90‘s, Low were a little too slow for me. I could appreciate what they were going for but I rarely played them. You had to be in the right mood for their sparse sound.
This new album changes everything. The Great Destroyer is Low‘s most accessible album to date. While it‘s a rock record in every sense of the word, the various styles still sound like the old Low is still in there. For one thing, the subtle harmonies of guitarist Alan Sparhawk and drummer Mimi Parker are still there, but when they do start off a song slowly or quietly, it usually builds to a full-on climax with distorted guitars or a choirlike chorus. You‘ve got dream pop, distorted guitar rock, gorgeous epics and even pop on here, something for everyone. The opening track “Monkey“ is my favorite with its distorted drums, organ, and guitar. Man, those lower frequencies make me wish I had a sub woofer! It‘s a long way until December, and records released in January tend to get forgotten, but I see a potential Top 10 in its future.

02/16/05 JEFF “THE RECORD“ WEBB
The Wedding Present - Take Fountain
David Gedge has resurrected the Wedding Present after 8 years; the majority of those spent fronting Cinerama. I for one couldn‘t be happier. The Weddoes were one of my favorite bands of the late 80‘s-early 90‘s with their distinctive brand of guitar pop.
Every kind of fan will find something to like here. There‘s poppier tracks like those on Saturnalia, and more aggressive like those on Seamonsters. Some feature the more American indie sound of Watusi (whose Steve Fisk returns to produce the new CD). “Ringway to Seatac“ even harkens back to the hyperspeed strumming of the George Best era. To show a new side, terrific 8 minute opener “Interstate 5“ slowly builds in power before abruptly morphing into what sounds like an outtake from a Morricone score. Dave‘s still having problems in the love department, and his conversational lovelorn lyrics are a highlight as usual. Take Fountain is a triumphant return, and hopefully there‘ll be a tour stop in Dallas!

02/08/05 JEFF “THE RECORD“ WEBB
The Fall - Hex Enduction Hour (Expanded Edition)
It‘s March 1982. The Fall, recently expanded to a 6 piece with a 2 drum attack, release perhaps their greatest album, Hex Enduction Hour. They had been building up to this, their fourth album. It‘s dark and dense (the extra drums only add to the cacophony). The production was the best they had had up to that point. Richard Mazda did a great job in capturing the din. This never came out in the original vinyl, as with any record that has 30 minutes per side. The remastered CD brings out a lot of stuff I don‘t remember hearing all those years ago.
Some of these songs are all-time Fall classics. The awesome opening groove of “The Classical“, a great Smith rail against the ‘New Romantic“ movement has, gasp, a bass solo from the much missed Steve Hanley. “Hip Priest“, a part of their live set for a year previous, ends up years later in Silence of the Lambs. “Mere Pseud Mag Ed“, a rant against the music press was in their live set last year. The relentless closer, “And This Day“ takes a Beefheartian riff and stretches it past the 10 minute mark.
The second disc has the usual abundance of Peel sessions, b-sides, and assorted live tracks. If you‘re a recent convert and haven‘t gotten any of the early stuff, look no further. This is the shit.

01/26/05 JEFF “THE RECORD“ WEBB
Young Marble Giants - Colossal Youth
In 1980 the sub-genre now known as ‘post-punk‘ was beginning to spawn countless new and exciting bands. Only one still sounds unique-Young Marble Giants. They stripped their songs and instrumentation to its essence. Start with a softly clicking drum machine, add a funky bass and either choppy guitar (not abrasive) or a simple organ. Top it off with Alison Statton‘s coolly plaintive vocals. The sound is very sparse and spacious, almost sounding like demos. Make no mistake, these are fully realized songs; the catchy melodies and that voice will suck you in. The best way to describe them is ‘pop minimalism‘. This CD contains all 25 songs YMG recorded in their brief career. Principal song writer Stuart Moxham went on to record under his own name and as The Gist. Alison Statton joined the pop-jazz group Weekend and released stuff under her own name. Young Marble Giants were one-of-a-kind and Colossal Youth was one of my favorite albums of the 80‘s.

01/19/05 JEFF “THE RECORD“ WEBB
Pavement - Crooked Rain Crooked Rain (L.A.‘s Desert Origins)
These guys do reissues right. After the landmark expanded “Slanted & Enchanted“ in 2002 (the first indie band to really open up the vaults like this), album number two gets the deluxe treatment on its 10th anniversary. 37 bonus tracks are added to the original 12 including all the b-sides and compilation tracks from that time period. Gathering all those together is nice, but a die hard fan (like me) wants more. Disc 2 has, count ‘em, 25 previously unreleased tunes, including a Peel session from when the album came out. The first 8 are early shelved demos with original drummer Gary Young including a hard rockin‘ “Flux=Rad“ that wouldn‘t show up until “Wowee Zowee“. The next 13 are outtakes from the New York sessions for the album. Some, like “Hands Off the Bayou“ would have been great b-sides. Others are interesting early versions of songs from the album as well as “Wowee Zowee“. There‘s a few instrumental noodlings, but hey, 37 ‘gems‘ might be asking too much. The booklet is great too; lots of pictures and reminisces about the sessions. The price is the same as a single disc. What a great deal! I can‘t wait for “Wowee Zowee“!

12/15/04 Jeff “The Record“ Webb
Luna - Rendevous
One of my favorite bands born in the 90‘s is calling it quits. Dean Wareham says that “Rendevous“, Luna‘s seventh studio album will be their last. Their atmospheric dream pop, equal parts Lou Reed, Tom Verlaine, Yo La Tengo, and The Feelies was the perfect soundtrack for many a late night drive, or early morning hangover.
“Rendevous“ still has their trademark hypnotic guitar sound, but not as many uptempo tracks. Other than the excellent “Malibu Love Nest“ and the rollicking “Speedbumps“, the mood is pretty reflective throughout. A couple of tracks also continue their recent experiments in alt-country. It‘s still a solid final chapter in a great career. First timers should check out “Bewitched“ and “Penthouse“, Luna‘s fine mid 90‘s releases.

12/08/04 Jeff “Record“ Webb
Foetus - (Not Adam) E.P.
J.G. Thirwell returns with a taste of his forthcoming album “Love“ to be released in early 2005. It shows a new side to the man who would be Foetus.
(Not Adam), the only track lifted straight from the album has, a slowly building keyboard intro accented with sinister classical-style strings. It finally bursts into Foetus‘ trademark wall of sound with him wanting to “Help relieve your suffering“.
“Miracle“ adds horns to the strings in the track that most closely resembles his past work. “Not in your Hands“ sounds like an outtake from Outkast‘s “The Love Below“, and “Time Marches On“ is Aphex Twin hitching a ride with Man or Astroman? into the future.
Keeping his 4 letter titles going with “Love“ doesn‘t mean Thirwell has softened his image. After a few listens the dark side began to show through, and all was well with this Foetus fan.

11/30/04 Jeff “The Record“ Webb
Lydia Lunch - Smoke In the Shadows
Original no-waver Lydia Lunch returns with her first “music“ album of the millennium. “Smoke in the Shadows“ is “night music“, a soundtrack to a long-lost film noir B-movie.
She‘s got a killer band featuring Nels and Alex Cline, Tommy Grenas, Len Del Rio, Adele Bertei (Contortions), and Carla Bozulich (Geraldine Fibbers). They keep the jazz very intimate with occasional sax and horn flourishes. Lydia‘s spoken/sung narratives never overshadow the music or vice versa. Her tales of broken love, drugs, car crashes, and murder show Lunch at the top of her lyrical game. A couple of tracks, “Blame“ and “Touch My Evil“ have minimal hip hop backing tracks with layered loops and drum lines.“Smoke in the Shadows“ is a great listen from start to finish. Turn out the lights and let Lydia Lunch take you on a trip through her world.

11/16/04 Jeff “The Record“ Webb
The Fall - Live at the Hacienda 1983-1985 DVD
The great Cherry Red label out of England has been responsible for great music since the early years of punk. Recently, they‘ve been reissuing a lot of influential early to mid 80‘s bands on CD. Now they‘re turning their focus to DVD‘s.
The Fall has one other DVD, “Perverted By Language“ that features a live show from 1981. This release showcases footage recorded at 4 shows at the famous Hacienda club in Manchester. The then Mrs. Smith, Brix, injects her ‘pop‘ influence to cuts mainly from the albums “Wonderful and Frightening World of“ and This Nation‘s Saving Grace“. 1984 also saw The Fall experiment with 2 drummers which gave them a powerful driving sound. It‘s shot mostly with 2 hand-held cameras right on the stage, so you get a lot of great close-ups. The sound is good, even better of you have 5.1 surround.
The enigmatic Mark E. Smith is in fine form, prowling the stage. In the intro to “Gut of the Quantifier“, Smith proclaims “This is a Cool Group“. “Live at the Hacienda“ will show you why.

11/09/04 Jeff “The Record“ Webb
Camper Van Beethoven - New Roman Times
There‘s been a flurry of activity around Camper Van Beethoven in the last couple of years. A box set of their indie years, individual remasters of the same 4 albums with bonus tracks; not to mention their song-by-song cover of Fleetwood Mac‘s “Tusk“, all have hit the shelves since 2002. Even though they did a U.S. tour during this, I had no idea they were going to record a new CD. To top it off, it ranks up there with some of their finest work.“New Roman Times“ is sort of a rock opera about a teenager from Texas who enlists in the military after a 9-11 type tragedy. He becomes disillusioned and joins an anti-government militia. While political in nature, singer David Lowery still manages a number of his trademark funny one liners.
The usual smorgasboard of musical styles is still in effect. It opens with a “Lark‘s Tongue“ era King Crimson anthem, to the psychedelia of “I Hate This Part of Texas“, and of course, a lot of tracks featuring CVB‘s own take on Americana. Also, having 20 years to hone their chops, this is their best sounding album. Here‘s to hoping a tour is in the works!

11/02/04 Jeff Webb
American Music Club - Love Songs For Patriots
You may ask; Jeff why do you review so many review so many reunion CD‘s? Well, I do it because most of these bands didn‘t get the exposure the first time around, and a lot of people missed out on some great music.
American Music Club broke up about 10 years ago, and vocalist/songwriter Mark Eitzel was supposed to have a promising solo career. Even with his impressive voice, it never happened. Perhaps he needed sympathetic collaborators. So he rounded up ¾ of the band that recorded their last release “San Francisco“. Most important was Vudi, whose guitar soundscapes both jagged and pastoral, were the perfect compliment to Eitzel‘s melancholy lyrics. The tunes themselves range from John Lennon style acoustic ballads to Nick Cave dirges. AMC‘s music has been called “sensuous depression“. So, come on in the wallows‘ fine.

10/25/04 Jeff
The Cramps - How to Make a Monster
The Cramps are true innovators. Their concoction of rockabilly, 60‘s garage, R&B, and a whole lotta late night TV sounded like nothing else in the late 70‘s. Not much had been heard from the bands formative years. “How to Make a Monster“ rectifies that with 2 CD‘s of rehearsals, demos and live stuff, mostly from 1976-78. Bare in mind, some of the 1976 tracks are rather primitive, but you can hear that they knew what sound they were looking for that early on. The two live shows on disc 2 are fascinating. One features a brand new band in Jan. 1977, that is polarizing the crowd into equal parts acceptance and heckling; while a year later, after opening for the Ramones and other up and coming New York bands, the audience is totally into them.
Fans should also note the booklet with lots of great photos, flyers, and liner notes from Lux and Ivy. There would be no “psychobilly“ without them. Check out how it all began.

10/18/04 Jeff
The Fall - Slates (Remaster)
1981 was a golden year for post-punk, and the year I really became a Fall fan. I saw them live at Club Foot in Austin, and bought the 10“ Slates. It wasn‘t an album or an E.P.. It was though, 6 tracks and 24 minutes of the best stuff I had heard by Mark E. Smith and crew. I had the first 2 albums (I hadn‘t bought Grotesque yet), and while liking songs on both, I wasn‘t knocked out by them.
Slates was the first Fall record that had good (for them) production, and noticeably tighter musicianship. Most importantly, the songs were great! Although a casual fan might not be able to tell the difference, the band sounded confident and upbeat for the first time. The trio on what was side 2 would still be in my Fall top 20. The country-blues of “Fit and Working Again“; the two-chord attack on the competition that is “Slates, Slags, etc.“; and the fantastic “Leave the Capitol“ about the band departing Rough Trade were the tunes that won me over.
This new expanded edition includes a Peel Session with an early version of “Hip Priest“, the “Lie Dream of a Casino Soul“ single and an outtake. Check out Mark E Smith at his early angry best.

10/11/04 Jeff
The Bevis Frond - Hit Squad
Nick Saloman marches on with album number 20-something of his own style of psychedelic pop. Let me rephrase that: his own ‘styles‘ of psych-pop. “Hit Squad“ runs the gamut from the heavy Sabbath-Hawkwind sounding “Dragons“ and “Tou‘re Little Point“ to “It‘s a Gut Thing“ that recalls XTC. “High Point“ has ‘Neil Young‘ style harmonica, and the opener “All Set“ is very Beatlesque with its ‘Penny Lane‘ trumpet. The title cut sounds like the “Batman“ theme morphed with Blue Cheer grunge. And there is no shortage of great guitar solos on the soaring “Through the Hedge“ and the Hendrix sounding “Mission Completed“.
I‘ve never heard a Bevis Frond CD that was anything less than good. Saloman‘s consistency is amazing and “Hit Squad“ is sure-fire.

10/04/04 Jeff
Blues Explosion - Damage
Don‘t worry, Jon Spencer is still there; I guess they‘re trying to show that they are a genuine band now. Damage is Spencer and co‘s first for Sanctuary and it‘s their best for years. ‘Damage‘ finds the Blues Explosion trying out different sounds, and with that you need different producers. Six in all grace the twelve tracks including electronica stars Dan the Automator, DJ Shadow, and David Holmes. Other notable guests are Chuck D and Martina Topley-Bird (worked with Tricky) who lend their vocal talents and no-wave‘s James Chance is featured on sax. Make no mistake, this is still a Blues Explosion record, just a more adventurous one. Jon Spencer still hollers “Blues Explosion“ about 20 times, and they still rock as hard as ever. Can‘t wait to see ‘em pull it off live!

09/27/04 Jeff
Giant Sand - Is All Over…the Map
Howe Gelb has been with us for over 20 years, releasing stuff under his own name, The Band of Blacky Ranchette, OP8, and his main vehicle, Giant Sand. It‘s been 4 years since their last album of new material and it appears Joey Burns and John Covertino have made Calexico their full-time gig. Even with some new members, it‘s still the same Giant Sand sound: atmospheric hushed tones, raw acoustic guitars, occasional intense distortion, a little rock and roll, and always Gelb‘s almost whispered vocals on top.
“Classico“ would fit on Wilco‘s A Ghost is Born. “NYC of Time“ sounds like a long lost shambolic Neil Young tune. Other songs recall “Beggars Banquet“ era Stones, and the piano led pieces bring to mind Tom Waits. The topper is a Sex Pistols/Waylon Jennings medley “Anarchistic Bolshevistic Cowboy Bundle“, a country-punk car crash with some funny lyrical alterations.
The most important thing is that Howe Gelb is a good songwriter. I‘ll bet Jeff Tweedy knows this, and if you‘re a fan of his, Giant Sand could be for you.

09/13/04 Jeff
End - The Sounds of Disaster
Mike Patton‘s Ipecac label has come up with another interesting discovery in 1-man wrecking crew Charles Peirce (aka End.) The Sounds of Disaster is an exciting mix of spliced up electronics and samples that recalls the amped up hard techno of Aphex Twin, the big band stylings of Foetus and the genre-splitting chaos of Mr. Bungle. It kind of sounds like a meltdown of music as we know it and with titles like “Countdown to the End“, “World Went Down“, and “Fit to Die“, you can see why. What sets this CD apart from others in this vein is that it has structure and melodies that pop up amidst the chaos. A rockabilly line will meld into a techno-hyper synth, that morphs into a trumpet from the 40‘s, and then percussive synth.
It‘s challenging stuff, yet I still found it accessible. I couldn‘t wait to hear what was coming next, because I had no idea what that would be. Doesn‘t that make some of the best music?

09/06/04 Jeff
Talking Heads - The Name of This Band is Talking Heads
Finally, the good folks at Warner Brothers have put out this great live document of the history (up to that point) of the Talking Heads circa 1977-81. The first half chronicles 77 and More Songs About Buildings and Food with just the original quartet.
The rest features the expanded 9 piece lineup touring to support Remain In Light and features revamped tracks from Fear of Music. Notables in the touring band were Adrian Belew on guitar, Bernie Worrell on keyboards, and Busta Cherry Jones on bass. The excitement of these shows is bursting out of the speakers on these remasters. It‘s the next best thing to being there (I saw this lineup twice and there wasn‘t a better live band around at this time). The original 17 tracks have ballooned to a whopping 33 with the new ones fairly evenly split between both eras. Even if you have Stop Making Sense, you need this much better live collection. I hope this means an overhaul of the catalog is just around the corner!

09/06/04 Jeff
Stan Ridgway-Snakebite - Blacktop Ballads & Fugitive Songs
One of rock‘s best storytellers returns after a five year hiatus with a 16 song, 68 minute set in 3 “acts“. I can‘t see a real thread connecting the tunes, but there is a recurring theme about traveling, and tales of outlaws and loners throughout. The music falls between acoustic blues, somewhat akin to what Dylan has done recently, twisted carnival tunes like a more upbeat Tom Waits, and Bo Diddley style rockers. His lyrics, some of his best ever, are as offbeat and funny as always. The CD‘s highlight is the candid tale of his first band, “Talkin‘ Wall of Voodoo Blues Pt.1“. It rails against the record industry and having to play ‘that radio song‘, as well as remembering two members who have passed. If you‘re a fan, you‘ll love this; it‘s arguably his best album. Newcomers, check him out and you will discover an American treasure.

08/30/04 Jeff
Mike Watt - The Secondman‘s Middle Stand
Mike Watt almost joined D. Boon, his best friend from the long missed Minutemen, recently. He had a near death experience involving a massive abscess that burst in his perineum. So upon recovery, it made sense that he would write about it.
On this new CD, his first in almost 7 years, he gives a first -person account of his illness and recuperation. Watt, one of the best bass players in music period, is joined by Pete Mazich on organ and Jerry Trebotic on drums. You‘ll notice I didn‘t mention guitar, which gives the sound a majestic, almost prog-rock feel to many of the tunes, with Watt‘s thick punk-jazz bass on top. It‘s not what you would expect from a punk rock hero. It‘s harrowing, funny, moving stuff, and I‘m glad he made it, in more ways than one.

08/23/04 Jeff
Guided By Voices - Half Smiles of the Decomposed
How often does a band announce to the world that their next album (not due for 4 months) would be their last? But that‘s what Bob Pollard did and finally the wait is over. The final installment of one of the most important bands to emerge in the 90‘s hits shelves this week. And you know what; it sounds like a last album. The first track fades in like we‘re tuning in to Bob‘s wavelength one last time, while the last fades out into the distance, us wondering of his next destination. In between are 14 more gems to add to the massive catalog, 6 or 7 of which are as good as any from the vaults. The usual mixture of British invasion, jangle pop, and post-punk is joined by a prog-rock element that occasionally appeared before. The epic quality of several of the songs, ( if a 3 minute song can be ‘epic‘), reminds me of the Who circa Who‘s Next, or Quadrophenia.
Fans won‘t be disappointed, however newcomers should check out Bee Thousand, Alien Lanes, or Isolation Drills first. With a recurring aviation theme running throughout their career, the last track is “Huffman Prairie Flying Field“. Haven taken us on a fantastic journey these last 20 years, I can‘t wait for the next one.

08/09/04 Jeff
T.S.O.L. - Divided We Stand
I knew the Offspring were good for something. Mainly letting the reunited original T.S.O.L. release perhaps their finest album on their Nitro label. Divided We Stand is actually their second release on Nitro after the solid Disappear in 2001. Disappear recalled the breakneck pace of their earliest recordings circa 1981. Now late 2003 brings us an even better follow up. Divided We Stand builds on the classic punk pace with Ron Emory‘s neo-psychedelic guitar, and a goth touch (in a Damned way) courtesy of guest Greg Kuehn‘s keyboards. He was a member of the band on 1982‘s Beneath the Shadows. But it wouldn‘t really be T.S.O.L. without the great Jack Grisham. Vocally, he has never sounded better, and his lyrics, whether political or personal are the usual top notch. About 8 of these tunes are running through my head on a regular basis, with the other 5 trying to worm their way in. Jack Grisham wrote “Abolish Government“ in 1981 and “Love Your Country, Hate Your Government“ in 2003. He backed it up by running for governor of California last year, trying to make a difference. The only good thing about him not winning is he‘ll still be making music, hopefully as fantastic as this.

08/02/04 Jeff
The Briefs - Sex Objects
I say: Do you like 70‘s British punk?
You say: You mean like the Damned, UK Subs, and Buzzcocks?
I say: I‘ve got the band for you, and they‘re from Seattle!
You say: Do they have those catchy shout-along chorus‘s?
I say: Yeah, and they‘re tight, too. This is their 3rd CD.
You say: But are they posers?
I say: No, they‘ve got a good sense of humor and don‘t take themselves too seriously.
You say: I‘ll buy it!

07/19/04 Jeff
The Hives - Tyrannosaurus Hives
Finally, the long awaited return of Sweden‘s Hives. It‘s been four years since their great second LP Veni Vidi Vicious(two years since “Hate To Say I Told You So“ and ‘Main Offender“ were all over the radio and MTV). After a big bidding war, Tyrannosaurus Hives has arrived on Interscope.
Every so often a band comes along that even though they‘re playing a style that we‘re all familiar with, (in this case, Nuggets-Stooges inspired garage punk), they put their own spin on it to still sound fresh. They‘ve got a charismatic, energetic singer that‘s like a pinball on stage, and a tight yet raw sounding band. Thank God they still have the same producer, who keeps every buzz and crackle of the twin lead guitars up in the mix. To top it off, they have a great sense of humor. With titles like “Abra Cadaver“, “SEE Through Head“, and “Dead Quote Olympics“ that‘s obvious, not to mention their matching outfits.
In short, if you liked the last CD, you‘ll love this one (I kinda think this one‘s even better!). If you‘re looking for some extremely catchy garage punk (I can‘t get the single “Walk Idiot Walk“ outta my head), you don‘t have to go back to the prehistoric 70‘s to find it. Tyrannosaurus Hives are alive at CD World!

07/12/04 Jeff
Alice Donut - Three Sisters
“Did You Miss Me?“ That is the opening line of Three Sisters, the reunion CD by New York‘s psychedelic grunge punkers, Alice Donut. The four key members that recorded their last CD Pure Acid Park in 1995 are back on board.
These guys (and gal) always reminded me of the east coast‘s answer to the Butthole Surfers with their brand of noisy-artsy hardcore punk. Not to mention the wacky, often hilarious lyrics of Tomas Antona and his Perry Farrellesque vocal ‘stylings‘. The opener “Kiss Me“ and a couple of others have that Janes Addiction groove. And back to the Surfers, “Mr. Pinkus“ is about their former bass player.
Is the album a success? Yeah, it‘s slightly more “in control“ than their late 80‘s- early 90‘s classics. But hey, aren‘t we all? 4 out of 5 stars.

07/05/04 Jeff
50 Foot Wave - 50 Foot Wave
Kristin Hersh sure is busy! Since Feb. 2003 she has released a folky solo album (her fifth), reformed Throwing Muses with a killer CD, did some touring, gave birth to her fourth son, and still found time to start this new band 50 Foot Wave. She‘s joined by Muses bassist Bernard Georges, and pounding drummer Rob Ahlers. And the bands‘ name is perfect, a wall of sound, crashing furiously all around; you unable, but not wanting to get out of the way. If you liked last years reunion Muses CD, this 6 song mini LP is all that with a more frenetic pace, 5th gear all the way. Kristin‘s guitar playing is more fast strumming with thick jagged shards, rather than the swirling sound of the Muses. A couple of tracks, “Lavender“ and Clara Bow“ recall recent Buzzcocks. I can just picture Pete Shelley repeating the latter‘s chorus “This is just another stupid summer“. Don‘t let me forget Kristin‘s vocals which are at her manic, howling, caterwauling best. She put this out herself, and another EP will follow every 9 months. She also plans to tour over 100 dates this year. Sure hope Dallas is on the schedule. Long may she wave! The Record

06/21/04 Jeff
The Fall - The Real New Fall LP
HEY FALL FANS !!
Now that I‘ve gotten your attention, I can proceed. I don‘t have to tell you how great this new Fall CD is. You bought it late last year when it came out as an import. And you thought it was one of the finest of their 27 year career, as well as a top 10 release of 2003. Well, you‘ve got to buy it again! The U.S. version just out has 2 new songs added, as well as different versions of 3 others, not to mention a totally different cover. Highlights include the totally rerecorded football commentary “Sparta 2“, slightly faster with more up front vocals and guitar, the acerbic “Mod Mock Goth“, a different version from the X-mas single, and the new song “Portugal Tour“. To top it all off, Mark E Smith says it sounds ‘punchier‘ than its British counterpart.
So if you‘re a FFFL (Fall Fan For Life) like me (I‘ve got three 30 count boxes of CD‘s to prove it), you‘ll meet me down at the store. Hey, at least it‘s not another live CD!

06/14/04 Jeff
Swell - Whenever You‘re Ready
If you‘re going to be doing any highway driving this summer, this 7th release from Swell is the perfect CD for you. Though the sound of cars, trains, and planes connects most of the tracks, it‘s their music that works great for driving, especially if you are cruising through the Southwest. The foundation is singer David Freel‘s loudly strummed fuzzed-out acoustic guitar, slide guitar that darts in and out, and the occasional keyboard underneath. Some might call Swell “dream pop“ as on the Pixies-like “Say Goodbye“. “Convince Us“ wouldn‘t sound out of place on a latter-day Pavement CD. Others might recall REM or early Grandaddy. But even if you‘re not leaving the comfort of your LazyBoy, you can still take a trip through the Southwest on “Sunny Sun Son“, hang out in the desert with “Word Gifts“ or go racing down the road to God knows where on “California, Arizona“. So next time you take a road trip or want to feel like you‘re on one, take Swell along for the ride.

06/07/04 Jeff
Franz Ferdinand - Franz Ferdinand
The post-punk nostalgia craze continues on with the debut from Glasgow‘s Franz Ferdinand, joining Interpol, the Strokes, the Rapture, and numerous others. As with all the others, it‘s spot the influences. This time out, early XTC, Talking Heads, Devo, Gang of Four, and fellow countrymen Orange Juice get the nod.
You can say they‘re unoriginal (what new band in the last 10 years is?). Unlike Elastica, you can borrow a style without stealing riffs. And what riffs they are! The sheer exuberance in their playing and singing is infectious enough, but these guys have the tunes, too. Every song is a keeper (what was the last CD you could say that about?).
Lest you think there‘s no variety, you‘ve got the dancy art punk of “Cheating On You“,
offbeat pop ala XTC/Talking Heads on “Tell Her Tonight“, and the moody synth-strings of “Auf Ausche“. You‘ll find a different favorite each time you play it, and you‘ll find Franz Ferdinand near the top of my best of 2004.

06/07/04 Jeff
Antietam - Victory Park
Another forgotten band comes back to life! From New York via Louisville, Antietam released 5 studio albums from 1985-1994. While critically acclaimed, sales were minimal, and after their best album “Rope-a-Dope“, the 3 piece packed it in. Guitarist Tara Key released a solo album, but until now that was pretty much it. “Victory Park“ is a welcome return. Along with Tara,longtime partner and bass player Tim Harris returns with Josh Madell, their drummer since 1991. Their sound evokes the urban coolness of Yo La Tengo(Georgia and Ira produced 1990‘s “Burgoo“), with Tara‘s Neil Young-like guitar bursting out at any opportunity. “The Annunciation“ and “Wish Factor“ have soaring solos that wouldn‘t sound out of place on “Rust Never Sleeps“. The real star of the show is Tara‘s out of control feedback and distortion that permeates through most of the songs, especially the grungy “The Hold“ and the riff-rocker “Stowaway“. Robert Christgau of the Village Voice called Tara “The best female guitarist this side of the Atlantic“. Well said Bob, I‘d have to agree. Antietam, welcome back!!

05/31/04 Jeff
Crispy Ambulance - The Powder Blind Dream
You talk about unlikely reunions that make you shake your head and wonder why! Here is a band that was on Factory in the early 80‘s and only released one studio album with a handful of singles (it didn‘t help that they were compared to Joy Division so soon after that bands existence), and that they were mostly remembered for their goofy name. Now fast forward to the turn of the century and after a successful one-off reunion gig, a new studio album “Scissorgun“ was recorded and released in 2002. It proved to be a worthy effort that stood up to previous work. Now comes “The Powder Blind Dream“ which is where they have put it all together.
Produced once again by good friend Graham Massey of 808 State, this album has a good live sound, great post-punk guitar work, washes of feedback that connect the songs on the second half, a powerful rhythm section, and the dreamlike wail of vocalist Alan Hempsall. Though more energetic, Joy Division is still the first influence that comes to mind with traces of Magazine, early Echo and the Bunnymen, Can, and gasp,even some prog rock thrown in. Even though I find it a bit curious as to why an obscure band would reform 20 years after their demise(only to still be unknown), I‘m sure glad they did if only for the fact that I now only need 9 more for my Top 10 of 2004.

05/3/04 Jeff
Nomeansno - The Peoples Choice
This is a collection of 15 songs spanning the 20+ year history of
this often overlooked Canadian band. For those not familiar, their
unique sound is a mash up of punk, jazz, prog, and a touch of metal,
blasted out by a power trio of men around 50. There‘s lots of
stop-start rhythms, weird breaks in the middle of songs, the
occasional thrashing, not to mention the lyrics which range from the
chilling “Dad“ to the almost silly “Rags and Bones“.
Other than the open-minded punk listener, I think fans of Zappa and
bands like Primus could find something to like here. Always remember,
old punkers do it better!

05/17/04 Jeff
Robert Pollard - Fiction Man
If you‘re a Guided By Voices fan and haven‘t heard, their next album in August “Half Smiles of the Decomposed“, will be their last. But Robert Pollard‘s voice will not be silenced that easily. I‘ll bet we‘ll still have atleast 3 releases a year to entertain us with solo stuff as well as his many side projects including Circus Devils and Airport 5.
This new solo CD has Bob working with Todd Tobias of the aforementioned Circus Devils and sometime GBV producer. Pollard wrote and sings the songs with Tobias providing the instrumentation. “Fiction Man“ is very similar to a GBV album with the same Who, Cheap Trick style rockers, lo-fi acoustics, and Beatlesque pop. One track that stood out was “Trial of Affliction“ and “Light Sleeping“, with its avant-rock that wouldn‘t sound out of place on a Mission of Burma LP.
All in all, one of his stronger works outside of the Guided By Voices moniker. And what‘s great if you‘re a follower is that you don‘t have to wait very long for the next chapter. See ya in a few months!

05/17/04 Jeff
Patti Smith - Trampin‘
Patti Smith‘s first album in four years is also her debut for Columbia after the preceding 29 years with Arista. After the mostly electric rock of Gung Ho, this new album is a varied affair. You‘ve got the anthem opener “Jubilee“, mid tempo countrified tunes like “Trespasses“, “Cash“, and “MotherRose“ which with the right luck and video could be a hit on VH1. “My Blakean Year“ has a nice touch of strings, and before you think the album is all acoustic, there‘s the great garage rock of “Stride of the Mind“. The real standouts are the improvisational pieces “Ghandi“, and the epic “Radio Baghdad“ with lyrics “Rob the cradle of civilization.......shock and awe like some TV show“. Her crack band creates a great groove that ebbs and flows with power and chaos. All in all, this is an album that doesn‘t grab you on first listen, but give it a couple more spins and I think you‘ll rank it among the best in her catalog. Don‘t miss her at the Gypsy Tea Room on June 19.

05/10/04 Jeff
The Sound - The BBC Recording
Talk about criminally overlooked and ahead of their time! The Sound had the perfect “sound“. They had the riffs of the Stooges, the intensity of Joy Division, the classic melodies of U2, and a great lyricist and front man in Adrian Borland. Unfortunatly, of the seven albums that they released in their lifetime (1979-87), only one came out in the US. They played a whopping 7 shows over here,total. For those already familiar, this is a double CD with 1 featuring 2
studio sessions in 1980 and ‘81 which to me sound even better than the originals with more up front bass and drums. The other disc is 2-30 minute live shows from 1980 and 1985 in front of enthusiastic crowds. Man, I wish I had been there!
If you haven‘t heard The Sound before, and you like any of the bands mentioned, you owe it to yourself to experience them. Check out their first two releases Jeopardy and From the Lion‘s Mouth. You‘ll probably join several people at the Greenville store , and be nuts about them!!

04/5/04 Jeff
Laika - Wherever I Am, I Am What Is Missing
Why isn‘t this band more well-known? Maybe it‘s because they don‘t fit into any one category. They‘re not really rock, but they play guitars. They don‘t really fall into electronica, yet they use samples. There is elements of trip hop, Stereolab, and Can in the mix. It‘s kind of ‘avant-funk‘. Whatever it is, it‘s unique.
They started about 11 years ago after the band Moonshake split in half. Vocalist Margaret Fiedler and bassist John Frenett formed Laika with producer Guy Fixsen.. This is their fifth CD including a compilation. The new one is great, but check out any of ‘em. They‘re all good. I just wish they would tour more. Hmmm, maybe that‘s why…?

04/12/04 Jeff
The Undertones - Get What You Need
I‘m always skeptical when I hear of an old favorite band reuniting. Rarely does the album live up to the anticipation, especially after 20 years and with a new vocalist to boot. No, Feargul Sharkey isn‘t here, but Paul McLoone is an adequate replacement sounding similar to Feargul Sharkey minus the vibrato. The rest of the band is in tact with John O‘Neill and Michael Bradley writing as well as ever. 13 Tunes with infectious melodies and hooks galore. This is high gear pop-punk/new wave of the highest order. There is
also enough variety and edge to keep your interest throughout too. This is one of those albums where you‘ll have a new favorite song with each listen. This was in my Top 10 last year and if you heard it, I feel confident it would have been in yours.

03/9/04 Jeff
Preston School of Industry - Monsoon
The second album from Pavement co-founder Spiral Stairs is a more focused affair than 2001‘s “All This Sounds Gas“. It‘s a collection of melancholy pop songs that recalls the Go-Betweens, Wilco, and Spiral‘s old band circa Crooked Rain, Crooked Rain, speaking of Wilco, they play on “Escalation Breeds Escalation“, Scott McCaughey (Young Fresh Fellows, Minus 5) also appears. A pedal steel is added to several songs to good effect. The catchy “Caught In the Rain“ deserves to be a hit, with its infectious chorus. There is still enough of the old Pavement sound (“Get Your Crayons Out“) to keep things interesting. What would make Spiral the happiest, is “Monsoon“ is a lot better than Stephen Malkmus‘ last effort!

03/29/04 Jeff
Urinals - What Is Real and What Is Not
After 25 years, L.A.‘s Urinals finally release their first LP. In their lifetime, 1978-1981, only 11 tracks saw the light of day. Amphetamine Reptile compiled these with 20 other unreleased live and studio cuts on CD in 1997, unfortunately now out of print.
This new CD came completely out of the blue! I hadn‘t heard of any activity by any member in 10 years. Original bassist-vocalist John Talley-Jones, and drummer Kevin Barrett are joined by new guitarist Roderick Barker. Whereas, the early material was heavily influenced by Pink Flag era Wire, the new stuff sounds more like the Chairs Missing period. It‘s a little new wavier in parts-“Cartophilia“; but the fierceness still comes through on the opener-“Teach Me To Crawl“. The Minutemen were followers (They covered “Ack Ack Ack Ack“, and Mike Watt is quoted on a sticker on the cover). They‘re still a thinking man‘s punk band. Pull up a stall and listen.

03/29/04 Jeff
The Fall - Live at the Witch Trials (Expanded Edition)
The Fall‘s first album gets the 2CD “Expanded Edition“ treatment, and what an awesome collection it is! The original LP sounds better than it ever has, finally remastered from the original tapes, not an old vinyl copy (the original CD even had a skip on one track). Recorded in one day in December 1978 and released the following March, this sounded fresh in its abrasiveness in a time when new wave was taking over the charts. Although they had been together for a year and a half, the band sounds primitive, save for guitarist Martin Bramah. Bramah, who left shortly after this was released to form Blue Orchids sends shards of jagged noise in and around the post punk songs with Una Baines primitive keyboard trying to keep up. Of course, the main ‘instrument‘ in The Fall‘s sound is vocalist Mark E. Smith. His deadpan rants on socio-political topics are the only constant in the band‘s 28 year history. Also included in the set are the first two singles from 1978, demos and live tracks from 1977, 2 John Peel sessions (The Fall are his favorite band), and a live show from Liverpool Aug. 1978. Not to mention the great liner notes on their early history. Whew! All in all, about two and a half hours of one of the most important post punk bands of all time. They‘re still going strong today, 26 studio albums plus over 30 compilations and live CDs later. No band sounds like them. They‘ve never sold out. Check out this legendary band with Blonde Redhead at Trees on April 30.

02/16/04 Jeff
Mekons - Punk Rock
For their 25th Anniversary in 2002, the Mekons revisited some of their late 70‘s material for a series of live dates. They recorded those, and went into the studio to rework some more. The result is 15 tracks that showcase a band that hasn‘t lost any of it‘s spirit or disorder but now knows how to play it‘s instruments. This is true punk rock, not the stuff that jumps on the corporate bandwagon of the day. How about a 27th anniversary trip to
Dallas?