Indie and Lo-Fi music reviews

A great collection of artists to create a fitting tribute to the Minutemen and the brilliant D. Boon. I think a good addition would be the Uncle Tupelo song D. Boon. Though not a cover, the song would have been a fitting song to wind down this tribute album with an original tribute song.

This guy's whole repertoire is insipid, sloppy three-chord garage-band tripe, with juvenile, offensive, smart-alecky jibberish for lyrics. It almost sounds as though he makes this stuff up as he goes along. In other words, it's everything that rock 'n' roll should be!

I have been sceptical of the popular notion that James Kochalka is the reincarnation of Leonardo da Vinci. It's true they are both artists who favor full frontal nudity and If da Vinci was around today he MIGHT want to live in Vermont, but what other proof is there? Then I listened to Kochalka's compilation album plus music video Our Most Beloved. I mean, I'm from the Woodstock generation and although I mourned John Lennon I never really felt the loss of Curt Cobain. But now, after listening to "Put Down the Gun" for the 20th time I find I have been infected by Kochalka's passion for post-punk rock and roll. Or at least Kochalka's version of it. Wait, you say, that's all well and good but da Vinci designed war machines. What does Kochalka have to match that? Hey, his work is chock full of robots and spaceships that Leonardo WISHES he had thought of. And the album's longest cut "Sleighride to Heck" is the best evocation of a cheerfully nihilistic armageddon since Tom Lehr's "We'll all Go Together When We Go". (Sorry, wrong era again). Anyway, Leonardo and Kochalka - maybe not such a crazy idea after all.

Not only is this a fine album to introduce the unenlightened to the music of James Kochalka, but even if you've already collected his entire discography and played them more times than is probably healthy- this collection will still sound fresh. All the songs included have been remastered, including an entirely new recording of 'P*ssy Gangster' and a breif, poignant introduction to the classic 'Hockey Monkey'. Most of these songs are way too catchy for your own good, chances are you'll learn all the words and have them stuck in your head for weeks.
A DVD is also included with several videos all worth checking out- 'Monkey vs. Robot' has been a hit at festivals and both 'Pizza Rocket' and 'Hockey Monkey' have appeared on Nickelodeon. Keep an eye out for James behind the goalie mask- his mere image was deemed unsuitable for children.

However, it's been about 4 years since any new material from the band was released. A new album 'Spread Your Evil Wings and Fly' was recorded ages ago and apparently Rycodisc is just sitting on it. Let's hope they come to their senses soon...

Listening to this, I am reminded of the best work of Elliott Smith. And that is saying something.

Amazing songs, well constructed, different, mixed instrumentation, great use of drums and guitar and voice. Ranks with Hose Gonzalez as Album of 2006. Enjoy.

Davo

Joseph Arthur has been quietly gaining a deservedly fine reputation for his emotionally raw, yet very well crafted songs. Breaking away from the RealWorld label, where he released the excellent 'Come to Where I'm From' and 'Redemption's Son' amongst others, he has added a richer more polished layer to his honest lyrics and affecting music.

None of the tracks reached me as immediately as favourites, such as 'In the Sun', 'September Baby' or the beautiful 'Honey and the Moon' but soon enough a few gems appear. 'Echo Park' and 'A Smile that Explodes' are standout tracks in an album that rewards the listener throughout. His vocals focus on the higher register more than past outings, which is refreshing, but this is as characteristic and interesting as ever. Some tracks may be more geared towards an American audience, such as 'Leave Us Alone' but there is plenty to keep the British listener entertained, too.

Appearing on lauded soundtracks such as the OC and Shrek 2, and supporting REM, his unique style and gravely voice have already won him quite a few fans but this new album should see that growth continue. Recommended.

When I saw this in stores I thought this was an actual Feist album, new tracks and all. Sadly I was wrong - looks like I'll have to wait for that - although this is certainly not a bad way to kill the time. For the most part Feist shows off her indie roots by creating a playlist of quirky ambient remixes (plus a few new songs) of tracks from her 'Let It Die' LP. I am a huge fan of Feist and love virtually anything she has ever touched. The feeling is mutual on 'Open Season' although like any remix album there are flaws. Remixing the same song over and over again, for example, doesn't sit well with me. 'One Evening' and 'Gatekeeper' are remixed twice, while 'Mushaboom' is remixed FOUR TIMES. I mean, I love that song too but I don't need to hear four versions of it in one sitting. Plus, some of the remixes sound a little rushed, as if the label said 'guys we need to get this out as soon as possible... wrap it up', so DJ throws together some generic house beat and walks away. Do Right's mix of 'Gatekeeper' isn't very strong, neither is VV's 'When I Was A Young Girl'.

That being said this album is still worth a listen, and makes for great music while you're, say, entertaining guests or doing housework. And I'd much rather hear this in some clothing store than some eurotrash Bob Sinclair knock-off. It's background music at its best. VV's take on 'One Evening' is perhaps the best remix on the album, while the acoustic live version of 'Inside+Out' melts in your ears. k-os' appearance isn't memorable but it's an interesting beatbox-generated loop. The new tracks probably just didn't make the cut from 'Die' but 'Snow Lion', 'Tout Doucement', 'The Simple Story' and 'Lovertits' are still gold compared to most of the garbage in circulation these days.

One thing that I hope this album accomplishes is more exposure for Gonzales. The two tracks he features on are money and, of course, he is the brain behind 'Let It Die' so he deserves some cred. The man is genius and having heard rave reviews about his performance at the Montreal Jazz Festival, and with a songstress like Feist to compliment his studio work, we can only assume great things are in his future.

although i am not a huge remix fan, this album is lovely

and to correct the review below, this is her third album. her debut was Monarch (which is fabulous if you can find a copy...)

As a huge Feist fan, I was pleased to see this at the music store I work at (I only paid $9!) and picked it up immediately. I am a bit disappointed by Amazon.com's price, but I may have picked up some sort of reissue that came out last week. I had heard two of the remixes at a clothing store, where I also work, so it was great to find them on CD. While I agree it's a bit of overkill to have multiple remixes, such as four for Mushaboom, I enjoyed each one. I think Let It Die is a pretty mellow album, so it's a treat to see her turn it up live, and hear others mix up the beat in these remixes. I was also ecstatic to see a Peaches cover, nonetheless one of my favorite songs, Lovertits. Fans of the indepedent music scene in Canada and Feist's social circles will appreciate that gem as well as a remix by the Apostles of Hustle, which features members of Broken Social Scene. I don't think Feist needs to follow any major label formula, as she has contributed to many albums and projects over the years and has self released a few pieces. Although not all fans will want to dish out the money for remixes, I'm satisfied with my purchase. I'll eat up anything this woman releases.

Well, it's not every day you stumble across not only on an artist such as Childish but an album such as this. Billy Childish (1959-) has left an obscure and weathered footprint on the face of culture. Besides this recording has done many full-length records, books, and produced a great many paintings. This album highlights aspects of 40s era blues and timeless folk. Its opening track also resounds free-form jazz (with an accordian seconded to none.) Childish gives all he has into everything he does, and this is a fine example, though I now realize credit must be given where it is due, and this record is not by Childish exclusively but with his group The Black Hands. The only other records I know of by the black hands is one entitled "Captain Calypo's Hoodoo Party" and "Live in the Netherlands" but he has a vast catacomb of works with groups including Thee Milkshakes, Thee Headcoats, The Mighty Ceasers, recordings with fellow musican/poet Sexton Ming, and a lucrative solo career.