American Alternative music reviews

Having heard and read stories about Gun Club for years, I was somewhat disappointed the first time I actually went and listened to one of their albums, Fire of Love. They seemed so universally respected and yet enigmatic, that I'd expected great fireworks which never really appeared. Then one day I downloaded songs off the JLP solo album, Wildweed. A used copy of Mother Juno found its way into my hands soon after. By this point, something had clicked. I'm not sure what it is about Jeffrey Lee Pierce's songwriting that grabbed me, but all of a sudden I was hooked. Maybe its the way his personality seems to burst out of every song, I don't know. Mother Juno is probably the best example of this among all of the Gun Club material I've listened to to date. While the music never seems revolutionary or extraordinary, the singing and lyricism are first rate. My personal favorite track on the album is Breaking Hands, but I've grown to embrace the album as a whole now. It still mystifies me the way their songs have struck a chord in me, but I no longer wonder what all the fuss was about. Yay for Gun Club.

The best Gun Club album ever! Listen to "Hearts" where Jeffrey Lee Pierce's lyrics will make you cry! A pity that such a musician died so young and so much ignored by the music system. One of the best albuns i have ever heard.

More than the other Gun Club albums, "Mother Juno" is an amazing crash between punk rock, blues, country and pure rock'n'roll. Produced in Berlin by Robin Guthrie (from the Cocteau Twins) the fourth Gun Club album shows a much mature Jeffrey Lee Pierce. The violent and raw sides of "Fire Of Love" are over and the readings of american musics history from "Miami" and "Las Vegas Story" are behind him, so now the leader of the Gun Club can be more focus on his own way of thinking the music. Here, the songs are intense, sad and beautiful. It could be the soundtrack of a Cormac McCarthy novel written by Chet Baker (why not?). Actually, it's may be just a great rock'n'roll album, a buried treasure that make us understand why Jeffrey Lee Pierce was a charcater for people like Henry Rollins, 16 Horsepower, Nick Cave, Paul Westerberg, Peter Case, Mark Lanegan, Steve Wynn, Chuck Prophet, or Flea and Kiedis from the Chili Peppers.

Having heard and read stories about Gun Club for years, I was somewhat disappointed the first time I actually went and listened to one of their albums, Fire of Love. They seemed so universally respected and yet enigmatic, that I'd expected great fireworks which never really appeared. Then one day I downloaded songs off the JLP solo album, Wildweed. A used copy of Mother Juno found its way into my hands soon after. By this point, something had clicked. I'm not sure what it is about Jeffrey Lee Pierce's songwriting that grabbed me, but all of a sudden I was hooked. Maybe its the way his personality seems to burst out of every song, I don't know. Mother Juno is probably the best example of this among all of the Gun Club material I've listened to to date. While the music never seems revolutionary or extraordinary, the singing and lyricism are first rate. My personal favorite track on the album is Breaking Hands, but I've grown to embrace the album as a whole now. It still mystifies me the way their songs have struck a chord in me, but I no longer wonder what all the fuss was about. Yay for Gun Club.

The best Gun Club album ever! Listen to "Hearts" where Jeffrey Lee Pierce's lyrics will make you cry! A pity that such a musician died so young and so much ignored by the music system. One of the best albuns i have ever heard.

More than the other Gun Club albums, "Mother Juno" is an amazing crash between punk rock, blues, country and pure rock'n'roll. Produced in Berlin by Robin Guthrie (from the Cocteau Twins) the fourth Gun Club album shows a much mature Jeffrey Lee Pierce. The violent and raw sides of "Fire Of Love" are over and the readings of american musics history from "Miami" and "Las Vegas Story" are behind him, so now the leader of the Gun Club can be more focus on his own way of thinking the music. Here, the songs are intense, sad and beautiful. It could be the soundtrack of a Cormac McCarthy novel written by Chet Baker (why not?). Actually, it's may be just a great rock'n'roll album, a buried treasure that make us understand why Jeffrey Lee Pierce was a charcater for people like Henry Rollins, 16 Horsepower, Nick Cave, Paul Westerberg, Peter Case, Mark Lanegan, Steve Wynn, Chuck Prophet, or Flea and Kiedis from the Chili Peppers.

...As a neophyte to MS's self-described "heavy soul" style, I picked up this album and was instantly knocked flat by the wild, exciting guitar work of Jim Wilson, the driving and almost vicous drumming of Jason Mackenroth, and the funky bass stylings of Marcus Blake. There's something for everyone on this album, no matter what your taste. For the hardcore rockers, check out tracks like "Whore" and "Zero's Back in Town." If you like a little easy listening, we've got the lowdown, ZZTop style sound of "Fell For You Like A Child" and the soulful, heartfelt "Follow Me Home." For those of you who gotta have a little blues in your aural diet, "Doghouse" is the only word I have for you. And of course, for the rebel in all of us we have the anthem protesting the sorry state of the airwaves, "Radio Sucks," and the Thin Lizzy-esque "Such a Worthless thing."
With hard rock legend Henry Rollins producing, this record is given the glossy, professional sound it deserves, and yet still manages to stay true to the exciting "live" sound that can be found on all of the band's previous releases. In short, MOTHER SUPERIOR is a must for everyone who wants to rock.
For all those who believed that gutsy, adrenalized rock was dead, I have only two words for you: MOTHER SUPERIOR.

Mother Superior are the tightest, best, most rocking, only important band to come out in the 90's. They have been playing music for 20 years or more. Their latest self titled album is their best, and the best to come out in a long while. Also check out this band as they tour with Henry Rollins. These boys have the midas touch. Checkout all of their stuff.

This is an amazing album by an amazing band. There's not a bad song on here! That's rare in today's music. ALL of Mother Superior's albums are great! Excellent musicians, great lyrics, you name it they got it. I'm amazed when I see their albums at the used record store. I think to myself "Who in their right minds would sell this?" Whoever you are I'm sure you listen to the Gin Blossoms, or the Counting Crows!! Whatever floats your boat man. Buy ALL of their albums. You probably won't find them in the record store, so order them at Amazon. NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Seeing Cowboy Mouth live is a religious experience. This CD really does not do their amazing shows justice, of course, but it is excellent. As a rule I am suspicious of live albums, which often are neither as good as a bands live shows nor their studio albums. This is true even of this album, but because CM start at such a high level the album is still excellent. This album was originally released in the early 90s (as Mouthin Off) and was actually CMs first release, and they sound righteously raw and energetic. It's a great addition to any fans catalogue, especially since it includes a number of songs unavailable elsewhere, including two tracks (Don't Come Home A Drinkin' (With Lovin' On Your Mind) and Listen To What I Say) that are actually studio recordings that are available nowhere else. There is an expanded version of the album that was released in 97 and is even better, but best to buy this sucker now while it's available, you won't regret it. Additional standouts include 'Down By The Riverside' and 'Light It On Fire'.

Fred is the kid who was always running in the halls and never grew up. A Cowboy Mouth concert is a little like discovering a Buffett show before it was cool to be a parrothead. their studio albums to me are a severe disappointment. but their LIVE albums are amazing. a good old fashioned rock and roll band. no attitudes (except a go lucky one), no overdubs, no pouty lips or makeup, no one trying to be on the cover of "Cosmo" or "In Style". this is an INCREDIBLE band. for musicians, THIS is the grand poobah of garage bands you dreamed of starting.

This Connecticut Yankee caught them at House of Blues in New Orleans and was BLOWN AWAY. I went home and immediately bought all their CDs. (Not easy in CT before the Internet) I'd give most of their CDs 3 to 5 stars. But live, they are TOTALLY different. Fred LeBlanc is a nut. Just great music played the way it is supposed to be played.

The 1970s are back. . . again, and dammit, we sure had fun back then, didn't we? Redd Kross's PHASESHIFTER is homage to those daze gone bye bye. Cross the Partridge Family with Kiss and the Beatles and you'll have Red Kross. . . kind of. "Lady In The Front Row" steals the lead from "Ticket To Ride" and then shifts to arena rock mode with a background harmony chorus that'll have you searching the room for Laurie and Mrs. Partridge, if not David Cassidy. "Monolith" is simple Beatlesesque and epic at the same time. Red Kross also rip off (with gleeful pleasure, I might add) some lines from an Air Supply song. Sickly, the whole package works wonderfully. Oh, happy days!

I had the unique opportunity to visit Ocean Way studios on a mixing day for this CD. The sound coming off the board astonished me. I had recently become acquainted with Red Krosses new guitarist Eddie Kurdziel. He invited me to stop by. Now, I had heard early mix-downs, but nothing could have prepared me for the final product. These guys HAD IT!!! A hit record that showed not only the depth of there abilities as writers and players, but also that they had a group formula that jived (how many lineups the McDonald brothes had backing them up???? I think this is rhetorical). They backed up STP on tour for 2 years. Then, Phaseshifter faded into obscure oblivion. And that is just wrong, man.

You must get this record.

(Eddie Kurdziel RIP)

This cd is one of the greatest ever made. I can't believe it's out of print! I can't help but to think that if more people had gotten wind of this cd, it'd still be selling tons of copies.

it just sort of pales. that is in contrast to the band's awesome debut lp on new disorder records. i would rank this as one of my all time favorite discs had it not been for owning the self titled one...that one just blows this and 'jagged thoughts' out of the water. the songs here are less varied then on the first, but 'every new morning,' 'rogue's march,' 'got a backbeat,' 'insurrection avenue,' and 'loaded gun' are ones i never tire of. if you've never heard of these guys you're really missing out. i saw them play last week and they were amazing and are also really nice guys and played 'trust' off of the first album for me. thanks!!

Absolutely incredible, the best punk cd I've ever heard. I've owned it for 2 years and it still sounds fresh after listening to it almost daily... these songs simply do not get old, they get better - buy this today!!!

This CD is just great! I love every song on it except There Could Be More. The lyrics could stand on their own in a book of poetry. Truly a CD everyone must own whether they dig punk or not. One of the best voices I've ever heard. If you like this CD you must get the Self-Titled CD, even better lyrics.

"Broken heart and broken spirit. Break the glass till there's no glass left. Baby while you're young, drink until your heart's numb. Look at all the broken folks; wonder if they've ever tried..." - Decycling

An easy listening recording. Well crafted songs, well produced and well performed. We play it often.

Melanie's voice is a cross between Sarah Mclachlan and Tara Mclean; her voice is closer to Tara, but her singing techniques more in tune with Sarah. Almost every single song on this album is fun to listen to. Its got a hint of folk, a hint of contemporary adult, a hint of country(very little). Very clean guitar playing, and nice bouncy beats and drum in the background. The music sounds realistic, and not over produced at all.

Melanie's voice is on par with the music; her voice bounces up and down with the beat. The tunes are written beautifully. The lyrics are simple but fits the overall tone perfectly. This is one of those album you can play over and over again. If you want to get a taste of the album to see whether you like it or not, try the following songs:

01 - Tell Your Stories
02 - All of Sunday
03 - Never Doubt I Love
04 - Forgive Me

Okay, nevermind, I just realize, I'm about to list every song on the album. But do listen to the first 4 songs to see if it fits your bill. Overall, this album is definitely worth purchasing.

This is by far one of the best CD's in my collection. I highly recommend it to everyone.

This collection of live performances really showcases the talent of this band. The energy level is high and always makes me feel like I am back on the Carolina coast sipping "Sweet Tea" on a hot summer night.

Sheer talent! This live CD by Cravin' Melon makes me wonder why more people have not heard of this talented group. The lead singer has a voice that can make any heart melt. The guitar player is one the most talented individuals I have ever heard. Add a bass that puts you into gear and a drummer that kicks you in the rear :-) and Cravin' Melon is what you get. Having this live CD in your collection gives you the dose of Melon that you need when you need it. One can clearly see that this group has the music in their hearts and in their souls. I will recommend this CD to anyone who loves music and talent.

I got to see a Cravin' Melon show, and this CD is as close as it gets to the real thing. It was a great concert, and Squeeze Me is just like it. Each song is great. They've included some crowd favs, such as Sweet Tea, and aslo some great new stuff (my personal favorite is Running).

There are eight songs on this EP and atleast four of them are really good. Those four being the first half. The second half isn't bad, but the songs seem kind of worthless compared to the first half. The first song, "Hammering so hard", is the EP's best track. It sounds like The Replacements meets Nirvana briefly introduced to Minor Threat. That pretty much goes for the entire EP. The vocalist, Peter Searcy, sounds like Kurt Cobain, Paul Westerberg, and Rick Froberg mixed into one. There is also a little Husker Du influence in some of the songwriting. I'm sure many of you looking at these reviews are fans of Slint, but I warn you not to expect anything like Slint from this band here. The guitar work shows a tiny little bit of the Slint sound, but it's not obvious. Remember Brian McMahan (Slint's vocalist/second guitarist) is only on guitar, not on vocals (and thankfully, because Searcy is a much better vocalist for this band). Also, Britt Wilford (Slint's drummer) is on drums. I may as well take time to note that the other members of Squirrel Bait, bassist Ethan Buckler and second guitarist David Grubbs, do a fine job on this recording.

In conclusion, I haven't got the Squirrel Bait full-length (Skag Heaven) yet, but this EP is just begging me to. A really good listen, and yes the Nirvana/Husker Du comparisons are completely true.

There are eight songs on this EP and atleast four of them are really good. Those four being the first half. The second half isn't bad, but the songs seem kind of worthless compared to the first half. The first song, "Hammering so hard", is the EP's best track. It sounds like The Replacements meets Nirvana briefly introduced to Minor Threat. That pretty much goes for the entire EP. The vocalist, Peter Searcy, sounds like Kurt Cobain, Paul Westerberg, and Rick Froberg mixed into one. There is also a little Husker Du influence in some of the songwriting. I'm sure many of you looking at these reviews are fans of Slint, but I warn you not to expect anything like Slint from this band here. The guitar work shows a tiny little bit of the Slint sound, but it's not obvious. Remember Brian McMahan (Slint's vocalist/second guitarist) is only on guitar, not on vocals (and thankfully, because Searcy is a much better vocalist for this band). Also, Britt Wilford (Slint's drummer) is on drums. I may as well take time to note that the other members of Squirrel Bait, bassist Ethan Buckler and second guitarist David Grubbs, do a fine job on this recording.

In conclusion, I haven't got the Squirrel Bait full-length (Skag Heaven) yet, but this EP is just begging me to. A really good listen, and yes the Nirvana/Husker Du comparisons are completely true.

There are eight songs on this EP and atleast four of them are really good. Those four being the first half. The second half isn't bad, but the songs seem kind of worthless compared to the first half. The first song, "Hammering so hard", is the EP's best track. It sounds like The Replacements meets Nirvana briefly introduced to Minor Threat. That pretty much goes for the entire EP. The vocalist, Peter Searcy, sounds like Kurt Cobain, Paul Westerberg, and Rick Froberg mixed into one. There is also a little Husker Du influence in some of the songwriting. I'm sure many of you looking at these reviews are fans of Slint, but I warn you not to expect anything like Slint from this band here. The guitar work shows a tiny little bit of the Slint sound, but it's not obvious. Remember Brian McMahan (Slint's vocalist/second guitarist) is only on guitar, not on vocals (and thankfully, because Searcy is a much better vocalist for this band). I may as well take time to note that the other members of Squirrel Bait, Ben Daughtrey on drums, bassist Ethan Buckler and second guitarist David Grubbs, do a fine job on this recording.

In conclusion, I haven't got the Squirrel Bait full-length (Skag Heaven) yet, but this EP is just begging me to. A really good listen, and yes the Nirvana/Husker Du comparisons are completely true.

This is a typical Cramps album of rockabilly-influenced punk. (or is it punk-influenced rockabilly?) Featuring the usual off-color originals and obscure covers. One of their better albums, and their fans should love it.

This album is incredible. It rocks hard and its hilarious. It is unbeleivably catchy, with great songs like "creature from the black leather lagoon" and "daisies up your butterfly" that you will listen to over and over again. I can't stop putting this one back in my stereo. buy it now!

This album has the essential Cramps songs. This album will make you want to dance your heart out. This album has original studio tracks and bonus live tracks. This album is full of sex, violence, monsters, beautiful girls, and muscle cars. There is also a cover of Elvis Presley's Jailhouse Rock. For the beginner Cramps listener, this is the album to start with.

Such hits as "Bikini girls with machine guns" is a playful song that talks about beautiful tough girls on drugs. "Mama oo pow pow" talks about bondage sex and devilish womenising men. These hits are a playful imagination into lead singer Lux's surrealest mind. This deals with adult content, so adults only. You will not know if you are in the 1950s or the 1980s. Buy this album.