Archive for the 'Album Reviews' Category
MySBLT Vol. 2: Alberta Cross, Real Estate, Jack White and more!
Author: Taylor Roberts
In this issue of Music You Should Be Listening To:
We’ll take a wondrous musical journey with New York based band, Alberta Cross. I’ll discuss their September release Broken Side of Time, as well as their recent set in the Daytrotter studios. In one word… Amazing!
We’ve also got some big news this week including not one but two upcoming releases from New Jerseys own, Real Estate. In the next 30 days the band will release their highly anticipated debut album as well as a brand new EP. Jack White is also making headlines as he gears up for a new project featuring one very unlikely pairing. He’ll put his producing skills to the test as he once again teams up with a rock and roll icon.
Finally, I’ll let you in on the upcoming schedule for MySBLT. On the docket we have the first in a series of interviews with up-and-coming bands as well as a few concert reviews. Big things, they are a-coming! Read the rest of this entry »
read comments (0)Parallax Project “I Hate Girls”
Author: Beverly Paterson
Music You Should Be Listening To: Vol. 1
Author: Taylor Roberts
Hello, and welcome to the first installment of Music You Should Be Listening To. This blog is your one stop shop for all things indie rock including album reviews, concert highlights and the latest news on the bands that no one has heard of… yet.
I had all intentions of using my first entry to review some great new album that is dropping in November, however, I encountered a bit of a problem… I’m still stuck on the early fall releases that are continuing to blow me away. So instead I’ll let you in on what I’ve been digging since September. I’ll also hit you with some news that will definitely help you get through those cold winter months (hint: January is going to be chalk full of new releases from some of the superstars in Indie!) Read the rest of this entry »
The Beat Rats “A Cellar Full Of Rats!”
Author: Beverly Paterson
Meet The Beat Rats, a four piece band from New York City, who recreate the sound, style and attitude of an early sixties British combo with utter perfection. The best rock and roll has always been built upon a skeletal foundation of a few basic chords, trashy drumming and impassioned vocals, and “A Cellar Full Of Rats!” trembles and shakes on such ground. Energy and enthusiasm are doled out in spades, making for a collection of highly infectious songs.
A happening hybrid of peppy Mersey pop inspired melodies, surf slanted guitar licks and rugged garage rock overtones inhabits each and every corner of the album. Having studied and adopted the finest points of the masters, The Beat Rats are today’s version of The Big Three, The Pretty Things and John, Paul, George and Ringo wrapped in one explosive package. “Only 16,” “She’s Twisted,” Mine All Mine” and “The Beat Rats Theme” are executed so convincingly that you can’t help but be blown away by the band’s undying devotion to the music they play. But “A Cellar Full Of Rats!’ is no cheesy nostalgia type effort, as the delivery is fresh and vital. Scruffy, raw and teeming with danceable grooves, here’s a record guaranteed to warrant repeated listenings.
Todd Rundgren poses as master of disguise during his time travel back to 1973. Photo by Lynn Vala
On the two and a half hour drive from my home base in the fascist surrounds of Salisbury Township, Pennsylvania to Stamford CT, all I kept saying to myself is “This better be worth it, I am too damn old to be doing this!!!” There were extenuating circumstances this time. I had first volunteered to assist in the production, working concession organization the night before. This was when the show was not yet a minor tour, and only happening in Akron OH on the sixth. I had even been contacted by my former band mate from The Goodz, Marc Blanc, and he had proposed my best thing to ever happen to me and I join him and his cousin Jaime to venture first to Penn State, then to the Rock and Roll hall of fame in Cleveland.
Their proposition had become pricey, and times, as you know and can well verify for yourselves, are tough.
I had decided as temping as this was, I had to decline. This is where the volunteerism had come into play. I made sure to contact one of the promoters, someone who I must interview, with his partner Cruiser Mel, as they are most fascinating topics, yet the nicest, down to earth people you will meet, Doug Ford and let him know I could not attend but would lend assistance in anyway possible, promoting it in the blog, etc. Did I mention they were nice? Mr. Ford then suggests that if my best thing to ever happen to me and I were interested, we could work concessions, sorting merchandise by size, type etc. the night before the show. This was when the show was in Akron OH and was a one-off. Interest became so great that a second show was added. Then a show in Stamford CT., then Bethesda MD, London, and more. I had contacted Mr. Ford and asked could the arrangements be switched, and while the opportunity to sell merchandise was occupied, the spots available were assisting in the ticket sales, Will Call and reserved V.I.P. tickets.
Follow me through an adventurous, enlightening and needless to say entertaining evening, an evening I like to call 999 (09-09-2009).
Rundgren takes the mic back from Sulton for the ever popular 'Soul Medley'. Photo by Lynn Vala
Rundgren reemerges with an Orange suit on, much like the one worn during the Liars tour. This medley is obviously what they rehearsed the most, or it at least sounded that way as apart from some errant Theremin notes (and those things were hair-trigger at best) this was as tight as it gets.
Jeremy “Journey to the Center of the Heart”
Author: Beverly Paterson
Paul Revere and The Raiders “Here They Come!” “Midnight Ride”
Author: Beverly Paterson
At the height of their career, Paul Revere & The Raiders were a serious threat to The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, The Kinks and all those other shaggy-haired British combos troubling the charts at the time. Born in the Pacific Northwest, the band not only harvested a heap of hit singles, but they were also regulars on Dick Clark’s “Where The Action Is!” television show, which naturally provided them with a double dip of exposure. The group’s faces further adorned the covers and pages of teen magazines, transpiring them into genuine superstars. Decked out in colonial war uniforms, Paul Revere & The Raiders were additionally recognized for their wild and crazy live performances. Synchronized dance steps, coupled with goofy jokes were always part of the program. Read the rest of this entry »
TORI AMOS ABNORMALLY ATTRACTED TO SIN ATTRACTS ABNORMALS OF ALL KINDS
Author: Jeff Boule
On the outskirts of town, there is a scarlet mansion. Well maintained, and heavily visited. The police know what goes on there, and they look away. Those who enjoy visiting the scarlet mansion come and go frequently. Each bringing in their cares and woes and after an hour or so visit, they leave without them. What is the attraction? The girls.
Anyone who knows Tori Amos, knows that she refers to her songs as girls. When the girls want to come out and play, Amos inserts them into the song list, records them, or just pals around with them. If there was ever an appropriate allegory for a Tori Amos album, the above seems to fit. On the outskirts of town? Definitely a fringe artist, Amos only enjoyed minor success at the beginning of her career. As she became more established, her sales numbers leveled off until she was unceremoniously dumped by Atlantic Records. She did sign a short-lived deal with Epic, and they released some very interesting if not earnestly successful records. My most notable is “Strange Little Girls” which was an album of covers done in her own inimitable style. A scarlet mansion? Come on, look at her.
I’m not about to call one of music’s smartest redheads a blonde-wood bungalow.
With Brand New’s New Album to Hit Stores September 22nd, Here’s a Look At Their Last Album
Author: Theo Siggelakis
Many people probably wondered how Brand New was to follow up there 2003 Emo Rock masterpiece Deja Entendu. The album’s success was unheard of for a band of their genre, as the band landed the cover of Seventeen magazine, air time on TRL, and even the approval of veteran rock critic Rolling Stone magazine. To top this fairytale of an album release, they got a record deal with DreamWorks Entertainment, estimated at a worth of one million dollars. So come November 6th, 2005 the release date of The Devil In and God Raging Inside of Me, a lot was resting on the shoulder’s of Brand New.
Five Man Electrical Band “The Best Of Five Man Electrical Band”
Author: Beverly Paterson
The genesis of Five Man Electrical Band goes all the way back to 1964, when they came to be as The Staccatos. During the next several years, the Canadian band was regularly heard on local airwaves, earning them a gold star as one of the region’s most respected acts. Personnel shifts occurred, and in 1969 The Staccatos changed their name to Five Man Electrical Band. Read the rest of this entry »
Sea Sew Suds
Author: HJ Mills
The first thought that pops into my head when I think of Lisa Hannigan’s “I Don’t Know” is a pink, sparkling bubble bath because that’s what it sounds like – an audio bubble bath. Singing with a smile that can be heard through any speakers, Hannigan proudly sings “I don’t know if you write letters or you panic on the phone/I’d like to call you all the same/If you want to/I am game.” Though the music video lacks the suds, the paper cut-outs work out nicely. As her second single, it’s lovely as a single rose to pluck or biting into a ripe mango – so sweet. Read the rest of this entry »
The Young Person’s Guide To Fripp & Eno
Author: Jeff Boule
Again, we have a reissued blog from a time lost to the digital gremlins:
Mr. Billingsworth,
Upon bringing in the email, I found your exchange with my Mrs. from earlier today regarding Fripp & Eno. I have a few points of interest and we can also discuss Prog matters in general.
The A’s “The A’s”/”A Woman’s Got The Power”
Author: Beverly Paterson
Does anyone remember The A’s? I somehow missed them when they were around, but became acquainted with them several years ago in the form of “Godfathers of Power Pop” and “The History of Power Pop” collections, which include a couple of their songs. A Philadelphia, Pennsylvania band, The A’s recorded two albums for the Arista label before crawling into oblivion. Read the rest of this entry »
Last Of Last Of The New-Wave Riders – Utopia Storm Tokyo, 1979
Author: Jeff Boule
Utopia bid adieu after a night on stage. Photo by Coming Age.
It is painfully; finally time to wrap up the on-going series of reviews tackling the Utopia box set Last Of The New Wave Riders. This set features Utopia playing to the American-culture-starved Japanese inquisitive yet reserved audiences. Japanese audiences were the most accepting of the some-time obscure and were willing to hear out the overtly obscure. No better place to play Utopia’s material. Unless you are Todd Rundgren and in your enthusiasm to entertain you do something that mortifies the people in the first few rows.
Piper “Piper”/”Can’t Wait” (American Beat)
Author: Beverly Paterson
Prior to seizing the airwaves with prickly pop metal prizes like “Stroke Me,” “In The Dark” and “Everybody Wants You,” Billy Squier fronted a Boston, Massachusetts band called Piper. Signed to A&M Records, the group bore an image akin to something of a cross between Raspberries and Aerosmith. Despite the fact Piper received loads of promotion and press, they fell through the potholes and have largely been forgotten after all this time. Together for a few years, they cut two albums, which have been coupled onto one disc. Read the rest of this entry »
LAST OF THE NEW WAVE RIDERS, UTOPIA LAND ON THE WRONG PLANET
Author: Jeff Boule
Roger Powell from Utopia Photo by Coming Age
For those of you following my blogs, you know that some of my earlier posts were eradicated through the magic of ones and zeros. The reason I am bothering to repost them is that some are referred to in other blogs. Then when the hapless reader looks for those blogs they aren’t even there! This blog is BRAND NEW!!! This section of the box set Last Of The New Wave Riders never made it to press as concerts came first. I won’t be making that mistake this time. We will finish the box set and THEN begin an onslaught of new reviews. Upcoming will be The Tubes from B.B. Kings in NYC and then the Nine Inch Nails FAREWELL TOUR. Yup, you heard it right, Trenty is hangin’ up Nails. At least for a while. New Tori Amos album Abnormally Attracted To Sin will soon be reviewed here, and hopefully some new releases as well, as well as dipping our toes in some literary territory.
It ain’t all about Utopia, but we are going to review two more discs from the box set then we have all new events and music to sink our teeth into.
Various Artists “Off The Wall Volumes One & Two”
Author: Beverly Paterson
These albums, which are now available on compact disc, initially arrived on the shelves in the early eighties. Pressed in limited quantities via the Wreckord Wrack label, “Off The Wall Volumes One & Two” are nearly as rare and pricey as original copies of the featured singles, which were cut by sixties bands. Read the rest of this entry »
Brothers of the Southland “Brothers of the Southland” (ZOHO Music 200906)
Author: Beverly Paterson
Are you ready for a new supergroup? If so, cordially cock your ears towards the Brothers of the Southland. Composed of Bo Bice from “American Idol,” along with members of Wet Willie, The Outlaws, The Allman Brothers and The Black Crowes, here’s a band highly educated in the fine art of southern rock, and plays the music in the manner it was intended to be played. Read the rest of this entry »
The mere mention of U.S.A. and Destination Records causes obsessive collectors of sixties music, such as myself, to go weak in the knees and turn to mush. Run by Jim Golden, both these Chicago, Illinois based labels (located at 2131 South Michigan Avenue) produced some of the coolest singles of its genre. A generous sampling of these tunes can be heard right here, on this double disc set, which also entails a lengthy history of the operations, an interview with Jim Golden, swarms of photos and profiles on the featured bands. Read the rest of this entry »