American Alternative music reviews

Very refreshing down to earth sounds with lyrics you can understand. Easy on your ears with Neil Young and Van Morrison style. These guys sound just as good Live. Very enjoyable and addictive!

Now I won't have to go sleepless at night worrying that the world is missing one of the most beautifully sincere albums ever! I normally detest country music, but picked this cd up out of curiosity during my weekly stalking of the local music section, (I live in Hamilton County, where the group is from). It is smooth, pure, and catchy. And I fell in love with it so quickly that I began buying copies as gifts for my 17-year old hip-hop obsessed friends, who ended up loving it equally as much. Occasionally now I have to borrow their copies because my mom is constantly "borrowing" mine along with their other self-titled cd. BUY IT!

I saw these guys Live and bought their CD. I've been listening to it ever since. Very addictive stuff with Roots Rock/Pop flavorings of Van Morrison and the Stones!

Like all Cowboy Mouth albums, this one smokes. It's surprisingly consistent, and consistently excellent. Any fan of the band must have it. Cowboy Mouth, as good as they are in the studio, must be seen live to really be appreciated, the frantic antics of wildman/drummer/frontman Fred LaBlanc will make converts of any but the most hardened anti-rock zealot. The band is basically a rocking bar band in the tradition of Rockpile or Tom Petty. Fans of mainstream alt bands like the Barenaked Ladies and Matchbox 20 will also be pleased, as will fans of alt country bands like the Jayhawks and Wilco. Stand Out Tracks include 'Son Of An Engineer' 'Another Cup Of Coffee' and 'Any Little Bit', though all the tracks are excellent. Buy it, and buy the other albums too.

Bring out the beer and lets start singing. If you own just one Cowboy Mouth cd, this should be it!

This is how they sounded when they started, and it is the same as they are today!! A must for your collections

You Turn Me On is Beat Happening's masterpiece, a surprisingly accomplished, pretty, and restrained record that remains one of the definative indie-pop records of all-time. This time around, the guitars are clean, the songs are all hits, the cuteness is still high, and Heather Lewis' lush vocals are given more time along with Calvin Johnson's awful-yet-charming baritone. It would be easy to write off Beat Happening as amaturish or "cutesy," but there's something rather refreshing in their simplicity. The innocence of the lyrics and the hypnotic guitars are so passionate and joyful that it proves this band utilized their strengths to maximum effect and truly believed in their art. Sometimes passion is a stronger tool than the conventionial definitions of "talent." In my mind, Beat Happening were immensely talented, and this record is ample evidence. Be sure to pick this up when it is re-released, or go all-out and purchase the box-set.

Although not as lo-fi (relatively speaking, of course) as previous releases, this nevertheless retains the raw minimalism of the past. Still strumming guitars and not pounding them there is an almost shoegazer sheen to the music that fills the speakers and makes the lack of a heavy bottom a non-entity. The real surprise here,though, is not the playful tunefullness, dare we say, of some of the tracks but the almost wistful girly vocals of Heather Lewis, whose contributions make Beat Happening sound like the countless overseas bands they have influenced. But this is not to sell the rest of the tracks short. The best of the bunch is the 9 minute "Godsend", with its riff repeated ad infinitum, (but what a riff it is)and with its aforementioned vocals from Heather Lewis. Other standouts are "Sleepy Head", the opening, oozing "Tiger Trap", "Pinebox Derby" and the title track. Buy this...if you can find it....

This album, though lo-fi purists(?) might disagree, is remarkable...Whilst it IS the most polished of the band's releases, it still has a raw, aggressive cuteness that few cuddle- core bands can ever hope to equal...Godsend is five or six long minutes of the same few notes o'er and over, but lovely...Hey Day is Calvin sounding almost serious, yet amazing still...buy this you fool! Can't you see how cheap it is? Admit it, you were trying to decide between this and the new Belle and Sebastian...do the right thing...

Because you either adore or detest the Kings of Leon, and because the band has not only made it but is obviously going to be a major voice in rock, I see no point in the host of reviews that are either cheerleading or dissing them. I've not seen a band generate so much love/hate since the Stones broke in way back in 1964 (and I'm old enough to remember that very clearly).

Personally, I'm convinced KOL will be one of the greatest bands ever (and I can count the number of bands I've said that about over the last 40 years on one hand)....and yes, I've seen them live more than once.

For those of you who don't want to miss a moment of the bliss as it arrives, here is a comprehensive list of what KOL has released. Here is a key to the notations so you won't miss any of their releases:

* tracks that have not been released on albums
# different version
@ live track
$ video

Holy Roller Novocaine - EP (2003 Feb 18)
Molly's Chambers
Wasted Time
#California Waiting (different version from Youth & Young Manhood LP)
*Wicker Chair
Holy Roller Novocaine

Molly's Chambers - UK Import (2003 Sep 23)
Molly's Chambers
@Wasted Time (Live)
@Spiral Staircase (Live)

Red Morning Light - Import (2003 Jul 15)
Red Morning Light
*Wicker Chair
Talihina Sky

Molly's Chambers - Import (2003 Oct 27)
Molly's Chambers
@Molly's Chambers (Live at Birmingham Academy)
@Red Morning Light (Live at Birmingham Academy)

Wasted Time - EP Import (2003 Nov 25)
Wasted Time
*Mollys Hangover (Previously Unreleased)
@Joes Head (Live From LA)
$Wasted Time (Enhanced Video)

Youth & Young Manhood - LP (2003 Aug 19)
Red Morning Light
Happy Alone
Wasted Time
Joe's Head
Trani
California Waiting
Spiral Staircase
Molly's Chambers
Genius
Dusty
Holy Roller Novocaine
Talihina Sky (hidden track 8 min after end of last track)

California Waiting (2004 Mar 4)
California Waiting
@Joe's Head (Live at Brixton Academy)

The Bucket - UK Import (2004 October 25)
Bucket
*Where Nobody Knows

The Bucket Part 1 - German Import (2004 Dec 14)
Bucket
Slow Night, So Long
*Wicker Chair

The Bucket Part 2 - German Import (2005 Jan 18)
Bucket
*Where Nobody Knows

Youth & Young Manhood - Japanese Import LP (2005 Feb 1)
Red Morning Light
Happy Alone
Wasted Time
Joe's Head
Trani
California Waiting
Spiral Staircase
Molly's Chambers
Genius
Dusty
Holy Roller Novocaine
*Wicker Chair

Aha Shake Heartbreak - Japanese LP (2005 Feb 1)
Slow Night, So Long
King Of The Rodeo
Taper Jean Girl
Pistol Of Fire
Milk
Bucket
Soft
Razz
Day Old Blues
Four Kicks
Velvet Snow
Rememo
*Where Nobody Knows

Aha Shake Heartbreak - LP (2005 Feb 22)
Slow Night, So Long
King Of The Rodeo
Taper Jean Girl
Pistol Of Fire
Milk
Bucket
Soft
Razz
Day Old Blues
Four Kicks
Velvet Snow
Rememo

4 Kicks - Import (2005 Mar 1)
4 Kicks
*Head To Toe

King Of The Rodeo - Import (2005 May 24)
King of the Rodeo
@Taper Jean Girl (Live in Belgium)
@Molly's Chambers (Live in Belgium)
$King of the Rodeo (Video)

Kings of Leon - Good old southern boy's from the home of porn - a delightful deluge of cross dressing, easy women and yarns from the murky subculture of their transient youth. So the obvious question in this day and age to ask is who are they ripping off? Lynard Skynard? Yes a little. Credence Clearwater? Yes a touch here and there, there's also a touch of the Velvet underground in the subject matter but they swagger with an exuberance and an effervescence that makes this a refreshing and vital recording. I can sense the sniggers, the chuckle as you point out the obvious clichéd reference points. But that just goes to prove even further what a triumph this debut album is, so here comes another cliché 'better to have people talking about you (good or bad) than not talking about you at all, ahhhhhh, yes, the kings are in the spotlight, they are again being lauded by the fickle music press you say and next month it'll be the hiss, or the rapture, or some other band named after a forgotten part of the human anatomy. Yes, a highly likely assessment but forget all that and just listen to the music. I then challenge you not to break out in an all over, foot stomping smile, that has you coming back for more and more of the same. In all their seedy glorious moment the Kings of Leon are just trying to get out, and get on, don't deny them their story. Those who thought American youth was all about sports jackets, candy floss, cheese burgers, red convertibles, Budweiser, coca-cola, Florida, Venice beach, surfing, Molly Ringwald, the Yankees, Joe Montana, cheer leaders and thickshakes - well think again. Like a David Lynch movie these guy's allow you to take a peek behind the glossy post cards and cheap 'college style' movies to a much different world populated by perverts, paedophile priests and drunken louts. It won't be to everyone's liking but hey, by the bands own admission 'we just tell it how it is'.

Take opening track 'Red morning light' it sets the scene and provides the tempo for what is about to follow "hey hey another dirty bird giving out a taste" sings Caleb. Then there's 'Joe's Head' where the protagonist murders the guy who's shagging his wife. Then murders his wife. Then has a fag afterwards to celebrate. 'Happy Alone' where you'll find Caleb at the local whorehouse "prancing around in my high heels/And your cherry red lipstick". Then there's the sleazy 'tranny' - it involves Caleb doing coke, "cheap trick hookers" and being "tied to a chair" - but then how could any song titled simply 'tranny' be anything other than brilliant - it's also the greatest song about cross-dressing since Lou Reed sung 'Take a walk on the wild side'.

It's been a while since such a remarkably fresh and unconscious album was released on the general public in such an unassuming way. 'Youth and Young manhood' is quite an achievment. It is one of the debut album since 'definitley maybe' and is odds on for album of the year. Ignore the hype that surronds them and enjoy the moment - they are, in the immortal words of Noel Gallagher "My new favourite f*****g band".

Rock music has taken a turn for the worst in the past 10 years and there are not many bands that really get the rocker in me too excited.

This album however, is FANTASTIC! It's so nice to see a band that plays music that comes straight from the hip. With bluesy hooks and tons of thinly vieled sexual references this album screams of the good old days when rock'n'roll meant something and expressed our deepest desires. If you secretly think that "The Joker" by Steve Miller Band is one of the top rocks songs of all time, this record will blow you away. If you like your rock straight up and unrefined (no ice please), hold on to your hat when you pick up this album!

Moore has a great voice and is a good song writer. I've recommended this CD to all my friends. This is a MUST HAVE CD!!!

Hey, what can I say? It's good music! ... JDM

What can I say? He can pick the bands. This is a great album.

it sounds different from any other ska i've herd. woulden mind hearing more of it. put more albums out.they know how to do that ska thing.

With this CD, ANGRY TEARS have delivered an absolute masterpiece. Powerful, melodic rock with its roots in the US-Hardrock of the 80's. It is presented here in an updated and refreshing outfit, that makes listening an absolute pleasure. Go get the CD and you'll be thrilled!

A GREAT MELODIC ROCK CD,SMOKIN GUITARS AND SOARING VOCALS

ROIR, the tape only label that began about 1981, originally released this as one of their tape only releases. Tape format, just by itself, dooms any release to be less consumed and recognized by the general public, though ROIR is almost certainly the biggest selling tape label in the punk/indie world. It wasn't till years later that it was finally released onto LP and years after that onto CD.

Every punk I ever knew from day one when this thing came out recognized this release as an automatic classic, possibly the finest punk release of all time. It's not long, I think in the 39 minute range. It's got total blazing HC tunes, like 4 in a row with the one of the finest vocals of all time in punk and super strong and fun and musical git work. Those HC songs just shoot into the next song and are not very long, both classic punk rock format.

However, BAD BRAINS is also one of the very very few bands to also then suddenly shift into total reggae. Ska and punk were brothers/related to each other from the beginning of punk. It was common for say 1 in 5 punk bands to have at least one song on their LP where they slowed down and did a skaified punk song. The whole Two-Tone SPECIALS/ENGLISH BEAT/BAD MANNERS/SELECTOR/MADNESS thing was generated in England from within the punk musical/social movement of the late 70's/early 80's. Ya ever notice how JIMI HENDRIX was and is the greatest guitarist in rock? How many other African Americans are at the top in rock aside from the 50's? Straight rock (i.e. not 50's)? Not many at all. JIMI was at the top man. Still is. Who's a better guitarist than him? Same thing happened with BAD BRAINS.

Every punk I ever knew felt, with their ears and punk spirit, that BAD BRAINS were one of the very top blazing punk bands of all time, particularly with this release. Everything they did after it went steadily downhill, slightly but down, tho not out. And here's the same thing. Four African Americans from D.C. who apparently had some kinda jazz band (?) and then switched into bein' in reggae, full time and punk and that's what their records reflected and their mighty shows. I saw them live in L.A. in 1981 and it was note for note this release. Pure heaven. Funny thing is, the reggae numbers were sort of like a little break, a cool off, and enjoyin' it. Particuarly as it's not the sleep reggae, it's got a good jumpin' to it, along the general lines of STEEL PULSE. I think that's all the differance.

Actually, the band is also one of the few who made clear their religious beliefs on record and in live shows with, from my experience, I been lucky enough to see 'em about 7 times, has always been embraced by the mainly punx in the audience. Not that anyone converted that I'm aware of. But it was not put down either. Just, like, accepted, 'hay, that's their thing'. Besides, their shows, generally, are so tight, the vocals, git, drums and bass are usually spectacular. In fact, I'd say HR is the best vocalist in punk along with IGGY and the original screamer in RAW POWER. chrisbct@hotmail.com

Attitude is the same album as Bad Brains. Minus the bonus track. These are the performances that are on Bad Brains. I'm not sure if the mastering is the same though--I haven't listened to both together.

I stumbled upon this CD somewhere years and years ago. Imagine an album recorded around 1980, during the heyday of Bad Brains, but with much better sound quality than the two "yellow" albums. While many of the tracks are on Rock for Light and Bad Brains, the performances are better. Too bad this is so hard to find.

This is a tribute album to Roky Erickson. Erickson was the lead singer of the 13th Floor Elevator and later performed solo. Roky was (and is) a mentally disturbed individual, who wrote very strange songs. Here, 19 artists perform 18 of his songs ("Reverberation" is covered twice). Most of the performances are good and this album will hopefully bring attention to this cult hero.

I hate to admit this but this was my first exposure the width of Roky Erickson's talent. To hear these songs done by bands/musicians that I liked, was to open a whole new door of music to me. Roky deserves better than he has gotten. Hopefully people will keep finding this and going on the discover Roky and other unsung heroes of music.

Probably because of the GREAT material. Yes, Roky was the mad (? -- he was put in a mental institution for a while) genius behind the Thirteenth Floor Elevators. Most of the covers here are exceptional and come from a variety of folks (ZZ Top, Jesus & Mary Chain, REM, Lou Ann Barton, etc.). I was lucky enough to see Roky soon after he was released from the hospital in the mid-70s (completely weird, he and Willie Nelson showed up unannounced and jammed at a free gig outside of Austin). I'm just pleased that so many artists did such a great job for a somewhat troubled soul.

Melanie Doane's first record, Shakespearean Fish, was a fairly erratic record, sounding uncertain of its own identity. But with sophomore album Adam's Rib, Doane had crafted an outright pop classic -- an album which mixes her violin skills, robust voice, and rock sensibilities into a coherent and unique whole, greatly helped by producer Rick Neigher's clean pop production.

After time off to have a baby, Doane came back with a good live record (Melvin Live) and this studio album, and unfortunately, the songwriting is not quite up to the par of Adam's Rib. As with Tanya Donelly, Doane's songwriting got less concise, with overlong verses and less satisfying builds. And the soundscape is also weaker, with less of an organic band sound. Adam's Rib sounded like the organic sound of a six-to-seven-piece band playing together; You Are What You Love sounds more like individual musicians playing in separate rooms in separate sessions, plugging direct into ProTools. Most of this record makes a good case for the warmth of analog tape recording as championed by musicians like Neil Young and Jack White.

The bottom line is still songwriting. "Still Desire You" has a weird but interesting acoustic-guitar hook, but the structure meanders, with a not-so-great verse leading to an unsatisfying chorus. Doane's multitracked harmonies sound great on "As I Am", but the melody isn't that memorable. "Wilma or a Betty Man" especially sounds synthetic; while the arrangement is interesting (with a breakdown that sounds like synthesized horn), the overall sound lacks the killer vibe of past songs like "Happy Homemaker" and "Waiting for the Tide". Doane still cooks up some great violin lines on "Mayor of Melonville", though, and "Bionic"'s Matthew Sweet guitar chug fits the cheeky lyrics well and carves a unique sonic position for itself.

I feel bad about my low-ish rating on this record, but I have to be honest. Adam's Rib was a fantastic discovery for me back around 1998, and easily my favourite record of that year (over equally worthy releases like Babacar's debut record, and Gillian Welch's Hell among the Yearlings). You Are What You Love just doesn't do it for me. Doane is still an artist to watch for and discover; I just don't think this record is one of her highlights, though it's also far from a nadir. Newcomers should start with Adam's Rib first and then decide whether the import price of this album is worth it.

One of the most beatuiful songs I've heard in a long time. "You Are What You Love" Spoke to me on a personal level. I am glad to have discovered this artist whom I had not heard of before.

It's true, she deserves way more credit than oh "Chingy" and other rappers deameaning songs about women, and R&B diva's who always sing about the pain of a relationship, or how their going to please their guy

Melanie is all about the meaning behind the song

Still Desire You: A song about staying in a relationship that isn't quite perfect, but you know you love the person anyways.

As I am: A song dedicated to Mel's husband, this song basically tells you everything she loves about him. By the sounds of it, he's a lucky and nice guy :) She picked well!

Wilma or a Betty man: one of her peppiest songs yet, in my opinion this song covers the questions in the start of a wonderful loving relationship.

Way Past Blue: Ah, this is one of her saddest songs ever... She doesn't get this deep she says at concerts. Obviously something wrong in the relationship of the two people she sings about has gone blam! *nononono not Mel & Ted's relationship!*

First Love: This song says everything you feel when you first know your in love, a poem in song format!

You are what you love: Decribed as being the song she only wrote so she could have Wayne Gretzky in (what a gal) this song covers all your favorite things regardless of anyones opinion!
You do the math: Ah, a song with math involved :) This is the perfect song for a relationship ender *your a fraction of the man you used to beeee everythin I thought you were was what I wanted to see* definetly my favorite.

Temporary: Covers a relationship that they love each other, but know it won't last much longer, kind of like junior high relationships...

Bionic: I'm bionic, i'm supppeerrrrrrrr sonic... The power song of the centuary!!

Here I am: About all your little imperfections, in my opinion. lyrics such as:

I am smart and I am hopeful
I am strong and I am soft

that fast speed up to

I am selfish, I am empty
I am boring, I am lost

Ah, who can't love this singer!!