Vomit Launch - Dogeared

Name: Vomit Launch
Album: Dogeared
Year: 1992
Style: Punk, Indie, Jangle Rock
Similar Bands: L7, 4 Non Blondes, Popguns, Happy Family, Co-Ed, Taulah Gosh, Heavenly, Beat Happening
"One-Word" Review: Bite-Free Jangley Folk-Punk
Based Out Of: Chico, CA
Label: Teen Beat, Mad Rover Records

Cover, Back

Liner Notes, CD Back, CD

Dogeared (1992)

1. Hence the Box 2:57
2. Smokebreak 3:21
3. Story of My Life 3:15
4. Smile 2:50
5. Old Peculiar 3:40
6. Curl Up and Dye 5:22
7. Unsafe With Fewer Drinks 4:29
8. Oh, That One 3:48
9. Spinach 3:25
10. Virtual Oblivion 3:09
11. Flies 4:27
12. All Fouled Up 3:05
13. Harry Monk in the Boatrace 0:50
14. Stillness 4:48

Album Rating (1-10): 8.0

Members & Other Bands:

• Lawrence Crane - Bass, Guitar (Chucklehead, Elephant Factory, Idler Arms, Sunbirds, Chris Eckman, Welcome, Sleater-Kinney, Christine Darling's All-Gurlesque, Sean Croghan, Sophie Lux, J. Hell, Jenny lewis & the Watson Twins, Crack City Rockers, Dew, Andi Starr, Brent Lewiis Ensemble, BOAT, Portland Cello Project, Elliot Smith)
• Patricia Rowland - Vox (Chucklehead)
• Steve Bragg - Drums (Severance Package, Special Forces)
• Lindsey Thrasher - Guitar, Vox  (Sun Supreme) 
• John McKinley - Lead guitar ( Bait, These Days)
• John Baccigaluppi - Keys, Engineer, Producer (Sea of Bees, VC & the Saucers, Fool Killers, Seed, Calexico) 
• EJ Bellocq - Cover Photo
• Montana Swisher - Band, Trish Photos
• TeenBeat Graphica - Graphics & Layout
• Holly Hodge - Drawing

Unknown-ness: never heard of this band, but I liked the name, and i was familiar with the label, so i figured i was getting into some facet of punk...whether that is Riot Grrl, crust or folksy punk, i am not sure. But i am going to guess it leans more melodically than angry noise.

Album Review: There is definitely an angsty edge to the vocals, but the production has a folky feel to it. Like 4 Non Blondes playing L7. There is jangly production that is hard torn between the college radio style popular at the time, and trying to maintain a rougher edge. Curl Up & Dye drives with punk drumming at the start, but it mellows out into a trippy alt rock song.

The band was formed in 1985 as "an excuse to drink beer," released seven albums and toured primarily on the West Coast. They lasted until 1992, and most  members have continued ties to the music industry through magazines, art, and record store ownership.

Stand Out Track: Hence the Box

Links:
Wiki

Discogs

Allmusic

website

Teenbeat

Rate your Music

Sputnik Music

Severance Package bandcamp

VL covers

ViV - s/t

Name: ViV
Album: s/t
Year: 2000
Style: American Rock
Similar Bands: TPOT USA, Fastball, Semisonic, Better Than Ezra, Third Eye Blind
"One-Word" Review: Sedated Radio Rock
Based Out Of: San Francisco
Label: Ten Toes Over

Booklet Cover & Back

Lyrics, CD, CD Tray

Lyrics Case Back

Lyrics

ViV (2000)

1. Life Preserver 4:08
2. Too Good To Be True  3:09
3. Crooked Smile 5:08
4. Waiting 4:57
5. Green 4:32
6. Say Goodbye 4:40
7. Smiles Like a Maniac 3:23
8. Floating on a Cracker 3:54
9. Funny How You Wear Your Heart 4:58
10. I'm So Tired of You 3:25
11. Shawn 2:52

Album Rating (1-10): 8.0

Members & Other Bands:

• Matt Ostrander - Producer, Vox (Blue October)
• Erik Semo - Bass (Highwater Rising)
• Mike "Pie" Fiorintino - Guitar, Violin (Somos, Meltdown)
• Matt Lucich - Drums (Shaolin Temple of Boom, Bonfire Madigan, Alice, John Bobek, Carolina Liar, Late Pierson, The Gitas, Calico the Band)
• Eamonn Flynn - Keys (Liz Kennedy, Rob Strong, The Commitments, Michael Franti & Spearhead, Evelyn Champagne King, Darryl Anders Agapesoul, Lea Mcintosh, The Cinders Blues Band)
• Justin Dobrin - Keys
• Dawn Richardson (4 Non Blondes, Loud Family, Pussy Tourette, Martinis, Kindness, Penelope Houston, Jenifer McKitrick, Go Go market, Lillix, Trinkit, Holly & The Italians, Kitty Rose!, Wild Stares, Toby, Kandur, Zoe Fitzgerald Carter)
• Kathryn Chase
• Tia Label
• Karen Rose
• Jeffrey Wood - Producer (Housemartinis, Elisa Waut, Luka Bloom, Penelope Houston, Katherine Chase Band, Todd Herfinfdal, Irina Mikhailova, Zoe Fitzgerald Carter, Foreign Affair)
• Lisa Keating - Photography
• Steve Dorian Minor - Photography
• Stuart Locklear - Photography
• Kelly Sweet - Photography
• Jen Greenhalgh - Photography
• Acedesign - Album Design

Unknown-ness: Never heard of this band, and not sure where I picked up this CD. From the looks of the film strip images of the band, it seems like they were trying to fit into that comfy radio friendly 2000's pub rock taps into power pop vein. A little hard garage-y, a little in your face, but not really: typically not my favorite, repetitive, nothing sticks out schlock.

Album Review: They have a catchy, streamlined rock-pop sound, with non-aggressive pop-punk chord changes, harmonies and some power-pop elements. At points it feels like they could launch into a n OTP rocking section, but often they fall back to let the harmonies breathe. As the album progresses, the influences increase, and alt-country is added into "Crooked Smile." There is a bit of a silent break on the last track, before a short violin + hand clap performance of Turkey in the Straw

Starting in San Fran, they worked out a Monday night ritual into a road show, where they showed independent short films between sets, not to mention a visual show behind them when they performed.

Stand Out Track: Too Good To Be True

Links:

Discogs

Allmusic

Broadjam

LastFM

Vail Daily

Viv photos - Jessica Brandi Lifland / Flickr

Youtube album playlist

Tiva Tiva - Music for Interior Castles

Name:Tiva Tiva
Album: Music for Interior Castles
Year: 2011
Style: Chamber Rock, Indie Rock
Similar Bands: Rusted Root, Muse, Ours, Jeff Buckley, Decemberists, Arcade Fire, Starlight Mints
"One-Word" Review: Hipster Chamber Music
Based Out Of: Philadelphia, PA
Label: Sonic Cat Records, Furry Candy Music, Cedar Street

 

Cover, Back, Interior, CD

Lyric Sheet & Liner Notes

Music for Interior Castles(2011)

1. Brother 2:54
2. Sincerely Yours 3:16
3. Divine Rapture 3:19
4. Woe My Wicked Life 4:03
5. Sister 3:02
6. I Greet the Nothing 2:50
7. The Token 2:31
8. The Vision 2:55
9. Re-Call 2:49
10. The Happening 3:34
11. Endless Mercy 3:38

Album Rating (1-10): 8.0

Members & Other Bands:

• Ted Richardson - Producer, Recording, Mixing, Mastering, Guitar, Keys, Bass
• Daniel de Jesus - Cello, Vox (Dejesus, Rasputina, Melora Creager, Lasst Full Measure, Smoke Fairies)
• Darren Keith - Drums, Percussion (Irena Jarocka, Last Full Measure, Lovecartel)

Unknown-ness: Never heard of this band. Like the packaging: 100% post-consumer material and its a unique envelope. Lots of religious art work on the liner notes, and perhaps a Spanish theme mixed in with new-agey folk, based on the album artwork and name. Overall, i'm guessing it will be light indie fare, complete with strings and a breezy, sweeping feel.

Album Review: The songs are bombastic, catchy, and powerful, using the strings as soaring, emo elements to accompany the strong, soaring vocals, which are similar at times to Jimmy Gnecco or Muse...almost reaching Jeff Buckley. But at their base they are pop songs performed with a hipster baroque affect

Not much out there about them. They funded this record via Kickstarter, which boasts that this is a concept album of sorts, interpreting the life of 16th century mystic Saint Teresa of Avila. Ted has produced and engineered some other popular bands (Portugal. The Man, The Joy Formidable). Daniel was in Rasputina previously. But it looks like this was a once and done project...perhaps under the time and energy to produce such an ambitious record

Stand Out Track: Sister, Brother

Links:

Discogs

Kickstarter

Ted on Soundbetter

Sparklers - Fall Apart Heart

Name: Sparklers
Album: Fall Apart Heart
Year: 2001
Style: Pub Rock, Americana Rock, 
Similar Bands: Replacements, Superchunk, GBV, Gin Blossoms, Cracker, Soul Asylum
"One-Word" Review: Smoky Dive Bar Rock
Based Out Of: Philadelphia, PA
Label: Radioball Records

Cover - sealed

Back - sealed

Fall Apart Heart (2001)

1. Forever and a Day 2:11
2. Midnight All the Time 2:45
3. Goodmorning, Etc. 4:02
4. Heart in Advance 2:51
5. Highball 2:37
6. Home Away from Away 3:13

Album Rating (1-10): 8.0

Members & Other Bands:

• Brian McCracken - Vox, Guitar (454)
• Joel Breen - Bass (Labia)
• Frank - Drums
• Chris DiPinto - Mandolin, Violin (Creem Circus, O Mighty Isis, Jim & Jennie & the Pine Barons, The Three 4 Tens)
• Andy Shahan - Backing Vox (Hogan's Goat)
• Paul Smith - Recording, Production, Engineer
• John Douglas Smith - Cover Design, Layout

Unknown-ness: Never heard of this band, outside of somehow, at sometime, getting this CD, BUT, never listening to it. I'm just guessing it's going to be some good old early aughts garage/indie rock, maybe leaning away from gritty to the lighter power pop side, just based on the artwork. The band name adds energy, while the album, or EP title adds a depth of darkness, sadness and emo.

Album Review: Raspy vocals and driving, blue collar pub rock categorize this album as Punk Americana. Power pop leanings and jangley guitar support driving tempos. But there are a couple softer, calculate mellow tracks showing their full array,

Proudly based out of South Philly, the trio has evolved as a band, with McCracken at the helm the whole time, away from their blue collar rock, adding more elements of Alt-Country and twang into their later albums (3 total). Their band website is still active (2021) so i assume they are still together putting material together, still out of South Philly.

Stand Out Track: Forever and a Day

Links:

Spotify

Website
Bandcamp

Discogs

Reverb Nation
Facebook
Adobe & Teardrops review
Nine Bullets

Skyline Drive (the) - Get It Together

Name: The Skyline Drive
Album: Get It Together
Year: 2003
Style: Emo Pop-Punk
Similar Bands: Jimmy Eat World, The Fray, Nirvana, Foo Fighters, blink-182, 
"One-Word" Review: derivative spikey-haired, shiny shirt, chain dangling pop-punk
Based Out Of: Reading, PA
Label: Kadns, DRP Records

Cover & Tray Photo

Liner Notes, Back & CD

Get It Together (2003)

1. Now 2:47
2. This Is 3:07
3. Beautiful Disaster 3:21
4. Coming Around Again 3:34
5. Gimme Something 2:36
6. Alrite, Tonite 3:57
7. Delusions of Brando 3:11
8. Cool 3:59
9. Prittykill 2:56
10. A Day in the Death of...5:13

Album Rating (1-10): 8.0

Members & Other Bands:

• Jared Piccone - Drums (Thirteen Over Eight. Innerpartysystem, Since the Fall, Black Caviar)
• Justin Judd Brunda - Bass, Vox (Dysphoria)
• Hans Schloesser - Guitar (Mushmouth, Out To Win)
• Dave Lord - Vox, Guitar, Mixing (Tidewater Gain)
• Eric - Drums
• Mike Radka - Recording
• Tom Volpicelli - Mastering
• Jim Altieri - Artwork
• Dave Causa - Tray Photo
• Steve Lord - Group Photo 

Unknown-ness: never heard of this band, but i'm guessing they're from Central PA  and play a specific brand of Emo Pop-Punk.

Album Review: The content of the album sounds like basic pop-punk, with a few powerpop harmonies and some dual harmonic melody/ emo scream vocalists on a couple tracks. The main vocals are never really aggressive, but they are driving, as is the music: mostly three-chord fuzzed out progression. The song Prittykill sounds like Blink-182 covering Nirvana. This band made efficient, easy to swallow, catchy songs.

Not much out there about them, save the stereokiller site that explains how the members came from different bands to form The Skyline Drive. Unusually difficult to look up, it seems there are multiple bands with the same name or slight variations. But a defunct Myspace page at least offers Reading PA as their hometown. I assume they got local opening slots for bands like Jimmy Eat World, Lit, blink-182 or any one of those carbon copy bands.

Stand Out Track: Prittykill

Links:

spotify

Allmusic

stereokiller
Powerpop Overdose

Myspace

Phoids (The) - Marianne Doesn't Know Yet

Name: The Phoids
Album: Marianne Doesn't Know Yet
Year: 1997
Style: Pub Rock, Power Pop
Similar Bands: Smithereens, Track Star, Let's Active, Jayhawks, Uncle Tupelo, Replacements, The Forty Fives
"One-Word" Review: Urban Cowboy Rock Variants.
Based Out Of: NYC, NY
Label: Ng Records, BMG, 

Cover & Back photo

Liner Notes, CD, CD Tray Back

Marianne Doesn't Know Yet (1997)

1. The Great American Farmer 3:01
2. Baby Menthol 2:47
3. I'll Smash Anyone 3:39
4. M 3:25
5. You Know 3:58
6. Godel 4:48
7. Cop Out 4:13
8. Walk Away 2:37 (single)
9. Can't Go Back 4:04
10. Merkle's Boner 2:46
11. No Good 2:56
12. Driveway 3:40
13. Johnny's On Time 1:45
14. I Never liked you Much 6:12

Album Rating (1-10): 8.0

Members & Other Bands:

• Greg Bass - Bass, Vox (Erica Wylie, Jason Spiewak)
• Matt Chaiaravalle - Guitar, Vox (Forty Fives, Jill Cunniff, Ernie Halter)
• Jac Calabro - Vox, Guitar
• Michael Chambers - Drums, Percussion (Cantinero), 
• Tammy Lynn - Backing Vox (Battershell, Lenny McDaniel, Sevendust, Total Praise)
• Andy Kingston - Piano, Organ (Alex Dolan)
• Roger Lian - Mastering
• Jeff Gattens - Recording, Mixing
• Tom Doxanas - Art Direction (DOC Designs)
• John H Moore - Cover Photo
• Mick Rock - Liner Photos

Unknown-ness: Never heard of them, but from the photos, they look like they were on the tail end of alt-grunge, just as the tide was turning to a clean cut, smooth rock persona. I'm going to guess they are of their era, and will be similar to New Radicals or Fastball.

Album Review: The Phoids reignite the 80'sAmericana pub rock sound of the 80's with straight forward rock songs that try to keep one toe in a working class country pool. Sometimes they play gruff, driving tracks like the juvenile "Merkle's Boner" that steals a cue out of the Nirvana playbook at the end, as does "I'll Smash Anyone." "Cop Out" is a solid pop song with some shoegazing guitar, and a quick shuffling beat. Overall, this is a immensely palatable album of songs with slight variances on rock extending to the outer tiers of niche genres.

With a total of 3 albums that increased in quality along they way, the NYC based band gained minimal recognition as an opener and CMJ festival performer. But even with an accomplished producer on their 3rd record, they ended up disappearing from the spot light altogether.

Stand Out Track: Cop Out, Merkle's Boner

Links:
Wiki

Discogs

Allmusic
IMDB
Facebook
Rate Your Music
Jaxsta

Myspace
Sterling Sound

Kitten Forever - Pressure

Name: Kitten Forever
Album: Pressure
Year: 2013
Style: Punk, Riot Grrl, Post-Punk
Similar Bands: Bikini Kill, Gauche, French Vanilla, Miss Pussycat, Mika Miko
"One-Word" Review: empowering schoolyard punk
Based Out Of: Minneapolis, MN
Label: Guilt Ridden Pop

Cover & Back

Lyrics, Liner Notes, CD

Pressure (2013)

1. Get Loud 0:43
2. Cry Baby 1:44
3. Little Beasts 1:27
4. Rat Queen 1:50
5. Mission Statement 2:06
6. Blood Song 1:50
7. Famous Friends 1:31 (single)
8. Double Disco 1:28
9. Black Ice 2:20
10. Dirt Nap 2:08
11. Diamond Ring 1:20
12. Prey On 2:16
13. Pressure 2:00

Album Rating (1-10): 8.0

Members & Other Bands:

• Liz Elton - Bass, Vox
• Corrie Harrigan - Drum, Bass, Vox
• Laura Larson - Drum, Bass, Vox (Scrunchies, Baby Guts, Fetus Farm, Daisy's Compact Mice, Cadette, Regal Treats)
• Ali Jaafar - Recording, Mixing, Mastering

Unknown-ness: I've never heard of this band, but there are a lot of things going for it. There is a nice chaotic juxtaposition of the name Kitten Forever, with monster hand on the cover, holding a bouquet of flowers over a pink backdrop...seems like this will be some sunny pop-punk with a hard, biting edge. And with track lengths averaging 1:40, i fully expect some driving, harmonized cutesy punk.

Album Review: The tracks are pretty in your face, while embracing reverse sexist stereotypes to render them powerless. Lots of heavy bass and driving melodies with playful sing song chants, a little like Miss Pussycat. it is a short album, but even on repeat, it doesn't grow old or repetitive. Simple drum and bass instrumentation make the minimal punk songs sound thick.

Everything about this band should make them an easy 10 in my honestly flawed rating system. Three women playing feminist punk, knowledgeable about and consciously honoring the past that has opened the doors for them, while writing and playing short punk songs with a messages and view point that shouldn't be, but are still so important to share. The three leads take turns playing the bass drums and vocals, as their live shows report them to often trade during their sets. They've performed a full set of Beyoncé covers in their instrument trading punk style for a night of tributes to inspirational women . They even employ the use of a telephone as a microphone- one of the things that makes Mika Miko (the inspiration for their use) one of my all time favorite bands. I love the fuzzed feedback vocals and raw sound they play, so why can't i give it a 10? I guess the melodies are somewhat same-y so nothing jumps out as uniquely memorable. And I'd love to hear a sax added to their compositions. I do hope I get to see them some day when shows return, as i believe they are still together, and have read their live shows are very empowering and fun. 

Stand Out Track: Dirt Nap

Links:
Wiki

Discogs

bandcamp
facebook
first ave
Soundcloud
Imperfect Fifth
Rebellious Mag
Legacy NPR

Nylon

Reviler

Bulgogi - Juan Dissed the Cyclops Baby

Name: Bulgogi
Album: Juan Dissed the Cyclops Baby
Year:2016
Style: Emo, Metal, Prog, Hardcore
Similar Bands: Mr. Bungle, Mr. Big, Gwar, Dillinger Escape Plan, Majin Buu (the DBZ character), Braniac, Blink 182
"One-Word" Review: Terrified Chamber Prog Punk 
Based Out Of: Asheville, NC
Label: none

Insert Cover & Back, Sleeve Cover & Back

CD & Lyrics / Liner Notes

Juan Dissed the Cyclops Baby (2016)

1. School 4:46
2. Hymn 5:30
3. The Drill 6:51
4. Rotten 7:10

Album Rating (1-10): 8.0

Members & Other Bands:

• Nick Jones - Producer, Mixing
• Drew Hall - Artwork
• Tim Tsurutani - Guitar, Vox, Lyrics (Forks of Ivy, Tam Tsu, CAW! CAW!)
• Galen Dotson - Bass (Antique Firearms)
• Ryan Comer - Guitar
• Hugh Huffstutler - Drums

Unknown-ness: Never heard of this band, and from first appearance, i wouldn't have thought they were american until i saw the back of the insert that said Asheville NC. The artwork and color scheme is gothic creepy & earthy, but they seem like a real band with media/arty backgrounds at their live shows from the inner picts. I'm going to guess it's a brand of sludgy dark metal / prog.

Album Review: Overall, there is more falsetto shrieky hair metal sounding vocals that sore over the sometimes prog, chamber or sometimes driving pop-punk. But often, the tone switches to dark, deep hard core grunting...a nice juxtaposition of styles, drawing comparison to the frantic work from Mike Patton and Dillinger Escape Plan. It is very arty and intriguing as the range of vocal pitch is vast. I kinda really like it, but would not be quick/proud to share it with others

This is their third album, but first as a four piece who set out to write a rock opera. With this 4 song ep, they nailed the operatic part of opera, and it is quite theatrical, so it qualifies as a Rock Opera Short. They've quoted influences from Queen, Ween, System of a Down...no surprises there. But Tim moved to Chicago in 2017, so the idea of the band making more music is at least on hiatus as of now.

Stand Out Track: School

Links:

Bandcamp

Broadway World

DMME let it Rock

Spotify
Keys and Chord

Rock Times
Musicguy 247
Music Street Journal

Midwest Record

Galen on Reverbnation
Reverb Nation
Asheville Punk Scene

Velvet Crush - Teenage Symphonies to God

Name: Velvet Crush
Album: Teenage Symphonies to God
Year: 1994
Style: Power Pop
Similar Bands: Posies, Redd Kross, Matthew Sweet, Teenage Fanclub, Raspberries, Big Star, Cliff Hillis, Connells, Ass Ponys, Young Guv, Soul Asylum, Fig Dish
"One-Word" Review: Streamlined Power Pop
Based Out Of: Providence, Rhode Island
Label: Sony Music Entertainment, Sony 550 Music, Creation Records, Epic

Tape & Cover

Tape

Teenage Symphonies to God (1994)

1. Hold Me Up 2:58 (single)
2. My Blank Pages 3:29
3. Why Not Your Baby 4:48 (Gene Clark, single)
4. Time Wraps Around You 4:12 (single)
5. Atmosphere 3:52
6. #10 2:22 /
7. Faster Days 4:36 (Stephen Duffy)
8. Something's Gotta Give 5:50 (Matthew Sweet)
9. This Life is Killing Me 2:49 (single)
10. Weird Summer 3:51
11. Star Trip 4:17
12. Keep On Lingerin' 2:29

Album Rating (1-10): 8.0

Members & Other Bands:

• Ric Menck - Drums (Choo Choo Train, Bag-O-Shells, Springfields, Reverbs, Paint Set, Pop the Balloon, Liz Phair, Marianne Faithful, Tyde, Matthew Sweet, Drats!, Big Maybe, Beatnik Filmstars, Eleventh Day Dream, Shoes, Matt Allison, Gigolo Aunts, Duffy, Kyle Vinvent, Aimee Mann, Two Lips, Dan Castellaneta, Andrew Sandocal, Angie Heaton, Mia Doi Todd, Pernice Brothers, Lori Meyers, Novenas, Quarter After, Stupid Cupids, Tommy Keene,  )
• Paul Chastain - Vox, Bass (Choo Choo Train, Bag-O-Shells, Springfields, Nines, Stupid Cupids, Matthew Sweet, New Ruins, Big Maybe, Tomy Keene, Beowulf Umbrella, Eleventh Dream Day, Matt Allison, Duffy, Unbunny, Shalini, Three Hour Tour, Wicked Walls)
• Jeffery Borchardt/Underhill - Guitar (Honeybunch, White Sisters, Springfields)
• Mitch Easter - Producer
• Stephen Duffy - Writer, Harmony Vox (Duran Duran, Lilac Time, Dr. Calculus, Me Me Me, The Devils, Hawks, Subterranean hawks, Vanity Project, Tin Tin, Idha, Saint Etienne, SW9, Robbie Williams, Michele Stodart, Diane Tell, Slingbacks, Nigel Kennedy, many)
• Lloyd Puckitt - Engineer
• Greg Leisz - Pedal Steel Guitar, Dobro (Charles Lloyd, Marvels, Funky Kings, All Star Band, Watkins Family Hour, Works Progress Administration, Rosie Flores, Jack Tempchin, Linda Ronstadt, Emmylou Harris, Todd Snider, Lucinda Williams, Dwight Yoakam, Syd Straw, k.d. Lang, Marshall Crenshaw, Matthew Sweet, Crash Test Dummies, Shawn Colvin, John Wesley Harding, Roxette, Chuck Prophet, Bash & Pop, Bad Religion, Percy Sledge, Pam Tillis, Julia Fordham, Bruce Cockburn, Joni Mitchell, Grant lee Buffalo, Jayhawks, Ricky Martin, Smashing Pumpkins, Susanna Hoffs, Joe Cocker, Beach Boys, Wilco, Dave Koz, Paula Cole, Fiona Apple, Gillian Welch, Beck, Lincoln, Murmurs, Whiskeytown, Adam Sandler, Vonda Shepard, Sheryl Crow, Randy newman, Tiger Army, Meshell Ndegeocello, Melissa Ethridge, Tonio K, Ventures, Brian McKnight, Wallflowers many
• John Chumbris - Harmony Vox (Glory Fountain, Pinetops, Slickee Boys, Alaska, Jolene, Stratocrusier, Coronet Blue, Holden Richards, Peter Holsapple, Chris Stamey)
• Lynn Blakey - Harmony Vox (Glory Fountain, Holiday, Tres Chicas, Someloves, Pinetops, Caitlin Cary, Greg Hawks, Tremblers, Alejandro Escovedo, Chatham County Line, Evil Wiener, Holden Richards, Two Dollar Pistols, Jeff Hart, American Aquarium, Kenny Roby, Jeffrey Dean Foster, Chris Stamley, Stratocruiser, 
• Mike Denneen - Flute, Strings, Chamberlin (Busload of Nuns, True Confessions, Big Dapper, Pat on the Back, Til' Tuesday, Lord Boy, Walkers, Blackwells, Letters to Cleo, Aimee Mann, Gigolo Aunts, Gus, Expanding Man, Jen Trynin, Talking to Animals, Buddy Judge, Merrie Amsterburg, Shelia Divine, Averi, Mighty Mighty Bosstones, Loveless, Senor Hapy, Click Five many)
• Wes Lachot - (Choo Choo Train, Flat Duo Jets, Swamis, Chris Stamey, Flying Pigs, PJ O[Connell, Fan Modine, Matt Barrett, Springfields, Gladhands, Holden Richards, Peter Holsapple, American Aquarium, Stars Explode, Jon Shain)
• Greg Calbi - Mastering
• Scott Litt - Mixing

Unknown-ness: I got this advanced cassette copy for a dollar back in the mid-late 90's, probably based on hearing their named dropped on MTV or read about them in CMJ Music Monthly, but i don't recall what the band sounds like. From the name & cover art, i imagine they are a pop band with garage and psych tendencies, as there is a 60's indie vibe to the art work, and velvet crush could be seen as either a clothing type worn in the psych world, or as appreciation of the Velvet Underground. On the other hand, with the album name mentioning god, and their small label name Creation, they might have underlying (or even outwardly) religious messages in the tracks. Is this Christian Rock?

Album Review: From the first couple of notes, they put out a strong garage power pop band vibe, with a little extra fuzz and feedback to keep one foot in the marketable alternative genre. They prove their versatility, with big Urge Overkill guitars on some tracks and alt-country slide guitar on others. My Blank Pages has a jangley electric hook that sounds like Michael Jackson's "Black or White."

Velvet Crush was formed in the Chicago-Champlain region as Menck & Chastain we friends between other bands and a few projects of their own. They moved to Rhode Island, where Velvet Crush was eventually formed. On the strength of a Teenage Fanclub cover, they found success with their first record, produced by Matthew Sweet, in the UK. This is their second record, first break-through for the US and first of two produced by Mitch Easter (named for Brian Wilson's description of SMiLe). They recorded up through 2004, but continue to perform reunion shows on occasion.

Stand Out Track: This Life is Killing Me, Weird Summer

Links:

Spotify
Wiki

Discogs

Allmusic

Omnivore Recordings - demo/bsides to this record
Trouser Press

Chicago Reader

In the Presence of Greatness Bandcamp

Rate Your Music
Somerville Times 2019 reunion show

Underground (the) - Psychedelic Visions

Name: The Underground
Album: Psychedelic Visions
Year: 1967
Style: Psych, Garage Rock, Surf
Similar Bands: Led Zeppelin, Rolling Stones, Blue Cheer, Zappa, Blue Magoos, Count Five
"One-Word" Review: Anonymous SurfPsychGarageBlues freakouts
Based Out Of: a recording studio in the US
Label: Berkshire, Stereo Tape Corp

Cover, Cassette

Cassette

Psychedelic Visions (1967)

1. Turn On Your Love Light 2:31 (Bobby Bland cover)
   
2. (We Ain't Got) Nothin' Yet 2:20 (Blue Magoos cover)
3. Psychedelic Visions 2:15 (surf version of Greensleeves)
4. Mind Jammer 3:00
5. The Warper 2:44 (St. James Infirmary instrumental) /
6. Psychotic Reaction 2:54 (Count Five cover)
7. Shout 2:55 (Isley Brothers cover)
8. Psychedelic Dream 2:13
9. Psychotic Vibrations 2:15
10. Tobacco Road 2:05 (John D Loudermilk cover)

Album Rating (1-10): 8.0

Members & Other Bands:

• Merk Currie - Writer, Arranger
• Jerry Kennedy - Producer
• Roy Dea - Producer

Unknown-ness: Never heard of this band, but it has all the right words & imagery to be a hippy psych band from the 60's. Usually these sorts of bands that went under the radar, never getting main stream attention came off lighter and not at all like what their packaging was trying to sell. This may or may not be the case. 

Album Review: The album is a great blend of echoey psych garage rock with some surf elements and heavy reliance on the Hammond organ. Five original instrumentals and five covers make up the record. The vocals could be compared to James Brown or a gospel preacher at times. The info of the actual band is hazy and nearly impossible to pin down, and minimal internet help with the bulk being reseller websites. The writer & arranger name Merk Currie is possibly fabricated to avoid listing any real credits (thus royalties), which classifies this as an exploitation album: exploiting the session players as well as the genre. From everything I've seen, this cassette has the track listing backwards...side 1 is side B on the record, and vice versa.

Stand Out Track: We Ain't Got Nothing Yet

Links:

Youtube Full Album

Discogs

Surfadelic

Soundohm

rate your music
deejay

Steve Hoffman Forum

Second Hand Songs

Tee Set - Ma Belle Amie

Name: Tee Set
Album: Ma Belle Amie
Year: 1970
Style: Oldies, Baroque Pop
Similar Bands: Box Tops, Kinks, Tom Jones, Association
"One-Word" Review: Wispy Jovial Pop
Based Out Of: Delft, Netherlands
Label: Colossus Record Corp.

Cover, Back, Record

Inner Gatefold, Record

Ma Belle Amie (1970)

1. Ma Belle Amie 3:10 (single)
2. What Can I Do 1:55
3. Walk On By My Door 2:27
4. I Don't Want to Know 2:10
5. Charmaine 3:23
6. Finally In Love Again 3:20 /
7. If You Do Believe in Love 2:47 (single)
8. Since i Lost Your Love 2:17
9. Long Ago 2:41
10. Here in My House 3:05
11. Bring a Little Sunshine 2:45
12. Magic Lantern 4:30

Album Rating (1-10): 8.0

Members & Other Bands:

• Peter Tetteroo - Vox, Producer (Tinus Plotseling, Defenders, The Shats, The Delft Blues, Musicians Union Band)
• Franklin Madjid - Bass (James Mean)
• Joop Blom - Drums
• Dill Bennink - Guitar (Black Albinos)
• Hans Van Eijck - Organ, Guitar, Composer, Arranger (Rattles, Spencer Davis Group, After Tee, Abdul Hassan Orch, Jumping Pop-In, Carmen Sars, Lee Towers, Musicians Union Band, Bart Kaell, Helmut Lotti)
• David Krieger - Art Direction
• Cover Art - Tim Lewis
• Jerry Ross - American Representative

Unknown-ness: I never heard of the Tee Set. No date on the record, but it felt like a 60's psych band, which can really be hit or miss...original or packaged to piggy backed to mimic and rip off another band. But even those bands are not always terrible. So it was a gamble of quality, but i am pretty sure it is going to be wispy psych pop.

Album Review: With an undertone of blues on occasion, this is an upbeat collection of sunny pop reminds me an awful lot of the Box Tops, but occasionally spills over from a band effort into lounge/vocalist production ala Tom Jones ("Magic Lantern" & "If You Do Believe In Love"). But the more bluesy stuff, like "What Can I Do" is really good. And part of the verse and piano work of "Finally In Love Again" reminds me of Elvis Costello's lighter work.

They are a Dutch band, and broke out in the US with this record and title track reaching #5 on the Billboard chart. They lasted about 10 years, 1966 - 1975, with occasional reunions. They were the first Dutch band to start their own record label (Tee-Set Records). "She Likes Weeds" was a hit in NZ, but because it was suspected to be a drug reference (it was not: was a reference to 1965's Michael Caine film "The Ipcress File") it was banned in the US. Singer Tetteroo passed away from liver cancer in 2002 (55).

Stand Out Track: What Can I Do

Links:

Spotify extended album
Wiki

Discogs

Allmusic

All but forgotten oldies

Bad Cat Records

imdb

Second Hand Songs

Rate Your Music

Band Name Explained

Swinging Pistons - I Love the Sound of Machines

Name: Swinging Pistons
Album: I Love the Sound of Machines
Year: 1986
Style: Punk, No Wave, Industrial Techno
Similar Bands: Quintron & Miss Pussycat, Gang of Four, Crash Course in Science, En Vogue, B-52s
"One-Word" Review: Dance-Funk-Industrial-Punk in Synergy
Based Out Of: New Jersey
Label: RD3 Records

Cover, Record

Back, Record

I Love the Sound of Machines (1986)

1. (ever since i was young) I Love the Sound of Machines 3:21 /
2. (ever since i was young) I Love the Sound of Machines (Mechanized Mix) 4:28

Album Rating (1-10): 8.0

Members & Other Bands:

• E. William Tucker - Vox, Guitar, Bass, Writer (Ministry, My Life With Thrill Kill Kult, Pigface, Chemlab, Chris Connelly, Regressive Aid, KMFDM, Revolting Cocks, Foetus, Darling Kandie, Hyperhead, Scornflakes, Thanatos, Final Cut, 16 Volt, Everplastic, Chainsuck, Illegal Teenage Bikini,  )
• Andy Gomory - Backign Vox, Keys, Programmer, Engineer, Writer (Groceries, Dennis Young)
• Judy Jones - Vox (Soul Train Gang, Mandrill, Charles Jackson, Pattie Brooks, Munich Machine, Brooklyn Dreams, Jeff Kutash & Dancin' Machine, Twennynine w/ Lenny White, Stacey Lattisaw, Allan Anthony, Lou Rawls, Najee, Paulinho Da Costa, Earth Wind & Fire)
• Greg Frey - Engineer

Unknown-ness: Never heard of this band, but I got this because i liked the homemade nature of the cover. I didn't realize when i bought it that this was only a one song single with a remix on the back, but I was interested to see what this record, with the industrial sounding name and song title, would be like.

Album Review: Barely an album review, as it is just one song, but there is a lot of depth to the song. It is part kitchen sink-industrial  with a cold wave dance beat that comes off a punk, but more approachable, perhaps because the chorus is a soulful & sexy woman singing the title (think En Vogue). Maybe a little playfulness too like B-52's minus the surf aspect as well.

There is not much out there about this record/band, except for the information surrounding William Tucker. After this release, Ministry's Al Hourgensen picked him up to play on tour. He's from Jersey, so he has ties with Ween where he was in a band with their early producer/bass/keyboard player Andrew Weiss, and he gave guitar lessons to Deaner, AKA Mickey Melchiondo. He unfortunately took his own life in 1999.

Stand Out Track: (ever since i was young) I Love the Sound of Machines

Links:
Spotify
Wiki- William Tucker

Discogs

Allmusic - William Tucker

FB page
rate your music

elvis pelvis obit

Sunshine Company (the) - s/t

 Name: The Sunshine Company
Album: S/T
Year: 1968
Style: Oldies, Pop, Psych
Similar Bands: Essex Green, Camera Obscura, Easybeats, Monkees, Bee Gees, Belle & Sebastian, Harpers Bizzare, Mamas & Papas, Association
"One-Word" Review: Hippy Loungey Pop
Based Out Of: Los Angeles, CA
Label: Imperial Records, Liberty Records

Cover, Sleeve Advert, Record

Back, Sleeve Advert, Record

The Sunshine Company (1968)

1. Look Here Comes the Sun 2:53 (John and Terence Boylan) (Single)
2. Reflections on an Angel 2:38  (single b-side)
3. Love, That's Where It Is 2:09 (T.Kaye, B. Schwartz, J.Fine)
4. Sunday Brought the Rain 2:41 (Gregg Allman)
5. I Can't Help But Wonder 2:11(Tony Michaels, Vinny Gormann)
6. I, To We, and Back Again 3:33 /
7. It's Sunday 2:15 (single) (Les Baxter)
8. You Don't Know Her Like I Do 3:10 (Steve Gillette)
9. Your Heart is Free, Just Like the Wind 2:27 (Chevallier-Thomas-Rivat-Shakespeare)
10. If You Only Knew 2:50 (Curt Boettcher)
11. Darcy Farrow 2:35 (Ian & Sylvia, Steve Gillette) (b-side single)
12. Without Really Thinking 3:36

Album Rating (1-10): 8.0

Members & Other Bands:

• Joe Saraceno - Producer
• George Tipton - Arrangements
• Maury Mandeau - Arrangements (John Bettis, Malina Reynolds, Steve Gillette, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Sevrin Browne, Mary Catharine Lunsford, Steve Martin Brothers)
• Larry Sims - Arrangements
• Lanky Linstrot - Engineer
• Woody Woodward - Art Direction
• John L. Eastman - Illustration
• Linda Graham - Poem
• William E McEuen - Mgmt (Nitty Gritty Dirt Band)
• Mary Nance - Vox
• Larry Sims - Bass (Loggins & Messina, Feather, Chris Hillman)
• Merel Bregante - Drums (Loggins & Messina, Feather, The Dirt Band, Chris Wall, Don McCalister, Eric Hanke, Sarah Pierce, Severin Browne, Chris Hillman, Steve martin, Gertrude Bradley,  Robert Jetton, Michael Brewer, Rich Rodgers, Cliff Sarde, John McEuen, Austin Lounge Lizards, Volunteer Fire Ants, Dale Watson, Jeff Hughes, James Durst, Bret Graham, Paul Cotton, Mandolin Bros, Regan Brown, Kelly & Ellis, Mike & Pam Martin)
• Douglas Mark - Guitar (Redeye)
• Dave Hodgkins - Guitar (Grains of Sand, Redeye)

Unknown-ness: Never heard of this band, but they look like your typical late 60's hippy, happy, shiny love band, so i'm guessing this will be upbeat bubblegum pop...maybe a little psych, too?

Album Review: So the album doesn't deviate much from it's cover image and genre. It will sometimes fall backwards on the ultra light bachelors vocal bands or loungey elements. Their name alone puts them solidly in the niche genre built around similar sounding bands, "sunshine pop." Their name was actually taken from the brand of snacks/crackers that shares the same name, and only materialized once they had a nationally charting single (Happy). They only lasted about 2 years recording 3 and a half albums, perhaps because the label greatly forced their creative hand in a different direction than what the band wanted. 

Stand Out Track: I Can't Help But Wonder, Love, That's Where it Is

Links:

Youtube album
Wiki

Discogs

Allmusic

Best Of Liner notes

all but forgotten oldies

rate your music

Rex Smith - Rex

Name: Rex Smith
Album: Rex
Year: 1976
Style: Glam, Power Pop, Hard Rock
Similar Bands: T. Rex, Alice Cooper, Rick Springfield, Leif Garrett, ZZ Top
"One-Word" Review: 70's Pretty-Glam-Boy Power Rocker
Based Out Of: Jacksonville Florida
Label: Columbia, CBS

Cover, Sleeve, Record

Back, Sleeve, Record

Rex (1976)

1. Trouble 4:11 (Single)
2. Ten Seconds of Love 4:02
3. Feeling Better 4:27
4. Stay With Me 4:41 (Lorraine Ellison cover)/
5. Call Her "Easy" 4:20
6. Dead End Kids 3:35
7. I Can't Explain 2:59 (Who cover, single B-Side)
8. Rock & Roll Dream 2:40
9. Violent Playground 3:21

Album Rating (1-10): 8.0

Members & Other Bands:

• Orville Davis - Bass (Hydra, Starz)
• Lars Hanson - Guitar, Backing Vox (Genya Ravan, Ronnie Spector, Rudolf's Nightmare, Benny Mardones)
• Mike Ratti - Drums, Percussion (Heavy Balloon, Morgen, The Nails, Shorud of Lowell)
• Rex Smith - Vox (Phaedra, Rachel Sweet, Frank Wildhorn )
• Lou Vandora - Guitar, backing Vox (Lou's Blues Revue)
• Eddie Leonetti - Producer
• Lee De Carlo - Engineer
• Jay Krugman - Asst. Engineer
• Rod O'Brein - Asst. Engineer
• David Krebs - Direction

Unknown-ness: Never heard of Rex, but that could be short for, or have changed for a number of acts. The cover and band photo make him look to be a typical power pop with a prog edge, with a touch of androgyny.

Album Review: The album is def power pop, but leans heavy on hard rock and glam. Many songs sound like they are going to transition into ZZ Top's "Tush." Vocals take cues from Robert Plant. But the album sounds good with talented musicians and a solid, thick, heavy rock feel, typical of the mid-70's era. The album is attributed to a band named "Rex" but most cataloging databases file this as a Rex Smith album, and i'm following suit. His pretty-boy looks made him a teen idol in the late 70's and early 80s. Rex was just as poplar as an actor as a music. This album came 2 years before he made his debut on broadway in Grease. He was also in the tv series Street Hawk, and is the Quizzo answer to "Who is the first live action actor to portray Marvel Comic's Daredevil." He has had two  top 40 singles with "You Take My Breath Away" (#10 and was on his soundtrack to the film he also starred in Sooner or Later) in 1979, and "Everlasting Love" (#32) as a duet with Rachel Sweet. You can get a personal message made from Rex for $75 bucks on Cameo.

Stand Out Track: Trouble

Links:

Spotify Full Album
Wiki

Discogs

Allmusic

IMDB

Facebook

Website

West Coast Music Blue Desert

On Cameo

Broadway World

Shotmaker - Mouse Ear (Forget-Me-Not)

Name: Shotmaker
Album: Mouse Ear (Forget-Me-Not)
Year: 1996
Style: Hard Core, Scream-o, Math Rock
Similar Bands: Drive Like Jehu, Shellac, Helmet, Dillinger Escape Plan
"One-Word" Review: Melodic Driving Shout-Core
Based Out Of: Ottowa & Belleville, Ontario, Canada
Label: Troubleman Unlimited

Record - A-side

Cover, Back Lyrics (taken from Perte & Fracas)

Record Side B

Mouse Ear (Forget-Me-Not) (1996)

1. Sky 3:09
2. Short Wave Radio 4:54
3. Uninhibited 5:25
4. Untitled 2:41
5. Bailer 4:17 /
6. Now and Then 4:14
7. Failure 6:22
8. Reconstructing Barriers 3:04
9. Controller.Controler 3:52
10. Driver 3:17

Album Rating (1-10): 8.0

Members & Other Bands:

• Matt Deline - Drums (30 Second Motion Picture, Dark Plains, The Grey, Three Penny Opera, Herbal Scream, )
• Nick Pye - Bass, Vox (2 Line Filler)
• Tim McKeough - Guitar, Vox, Design (Herbal Scream, Fiction Dog)
• Rachel - Artwork
• Daryl Smith - Recording

Unknown-ness: Never heard of this band. In fact, all i found of it was the record, without a cover or sleeve. So all the info i cobble together will be from the internets. From the record label that lacks the actual label's name, just comes the band name in lowercase, an illustration of a fencer, and the side determinate: prime & seconde. Not much to go on, but i gather the album is from the 1990's or 2000's

Album Review: The album is fool of melodic hardcore, sometimes driving, sometimes grooving with a math rock precision. The vocals pick and choose their battles becoming shouty or scream-o as the music gets heavier and more intense, and then relax into casual speech patterns to match musically. It is quite calculated, complex and purposeful, reminding me of the Patton./Dillinger Escape Plan recordings at times (I don't have a huge knowledge of this genre). Other than drummer Deline, the members have not previously, or gone on to do many other things, at least as recorded by the interwebs, but they did release a retrospective with all album, single, and compilation tracks records (minus their demos, apparently) back in 2000 as a double CD.

Stand Out Track: Driver 

Links:

Youtube full album
Wiki

Discogs

Allmusic

open mind saturated brain

Sophie's floorboard

Rate Your Music

Perte & Fracas

Saga - Worlds Apart

Name: Saga
Album: Worlds Apart
Year: 1982
Style: Prog, New Wave
Similar Bands: Prism, Genesis, Yes, Rush, Styx, Triumph, Toto, Marillion,
"One-Word" Review: Fun Driving Melodic Pop-Prog
Based Out Of: Oakville, Ontario, Canada
Label: Portrait, CBS

Cover, Sleeve, Record

Back, Lyrics, Record

Worlds Apart (1982)

1. On the Loose 4:12 (Single US #26)
2. Wind Him Up 5:48 (Single Canada #22)
3. Amnesia 3:29 (Single)
4. Framed 5:42
5. Time's Up 4:08 /
6. The Interview 3:51
7. No Regrets (Chapter V) 4:44
8. Conversations 4:44
9. No Stranger (Chapter VIII) 7:05

Album Rating (1-10): 8.0

Members & Other Bands:

• Rupert Hine - Producer
• Stephen W. Tayler - Recording Engineer
• Ian Morris - Asst Engineer
• David Rolfe - Asst. Engineer
• Clive Corcoran - Mgmt
• Zoran Busic - Mgmt
• John Berg - Design
• David Kennedy - Cover Photo
• Shostal Associates - Star Photo
• Bob Ludwig - Mastering
• Michael Sadler - Lead Vox, Keys (Pockets, Voices with Heart, Ozzy Osbourne, Emmanuel, Magnum, No Sweat, Lovetrick, Boby Kimball, Frankfurt Rock Orch, Toss 'n' Turn, Sheela, Rudy's Journey, Chain, Frameshift, Henning Pauly, Amaran's Plight, Jeff Jones, Transmission, Roswell Six, Lisa LaRue, David Barrett, Rock Sympnoy Orch ORSO, Karibow, Alan Simon, Dissociative Identity Disorder, Jonah Kihlberg;s Impera, In Continuum, Chardeau)
• Jim Crichton - Bass, Keys (Pockets, Fludd, magnum, No Sweat, Yes, Wet Paint)
• Jim Gilmour - Lead Keys, Vox, Clarinet (GNP, Phil Henry, Terry Crawford, James Gerrard Gilmour, Spookey Ruben, Henning Pauly, Negus, Glen Drover, ACT, Karibow, Mike Thorne)
• Ian Crichton - Guitars (Pockets, H30+, Any Day Now, Asia, The Alchemist, Herring Pauly, John Payne, Phenomena, Michael Sadler, Rob Moratti)
• Steve Negus - Drums, Percussion, Simmons Electronic Drums (Pockets, Fludd, GNP, Fullerton Dam, Chris de Burgh, Rupert Hine, Nylons, One to One, Lunch At Allen's)

Unknown-ness: Never heard of Saga, but i bet this sounds like Yes or Genesis, or any other Prog band of the 70's, even if this is dated 81/82. No doubt about it: from the fonts, to the name, to the world map on the back: definitely  conceptual prog.

Album Review: The songs are definite Prog: Meandering, energetic complex riffs that paint a picture all their own, with passionate vocals. The songs are very lively, catchy, and I feel like there is very little self-masturbatory jam sessioning here. I'm really enjoying the album more so than normal prog bands. This is their fourth - and first with American break out songs - of their 21 album catalogue. The core group of members have come, gone, and returned over the years, with a couple You Tube auditions for replacements. Every time a milestone was set, the fans pulled them right back in (including a strong following in Germany), including calling it quits in 2017 after 40 years, only to play final shows in 2018 and a reunion tour in 2020. Interestingly, they have a concept album scavenger hunt across seven records between 1978 - 2003, where some tracks- not in any particular order, are scattered and numbered as individual chapters: 16 in all. Upon completion, a live compilation of the chapters was released in 2005 to unveil a conceptual sci-fi story line about Einsteins brain, alien interest in humanity's self-destruction, and technological resurrection of the dead. Chapters 5 and 8 are here.

Stand Out Track: Amnesia, On The Loose

Links:

spotify album
Wiki

Discogs

Allmusic

Ultimate Classic Rock 2017 Split

prog archives

facebook

saga radio

canadian Classic Rock

prog gnosis

noise creep

Globe & Mail Europe

pop rock bands

Red 7 - s/t

Name:Red 7
Album: s/t
Year:1985
Style: Power Pop, New Wave

Similar Bands: Journey, Code Blue, Police
"One-Word" Review: Futuristic Radio Power Pop
Based Out Of: San Fran, CA
Label: MCA 

Cover, Record

Back, Lyrics, Record

Red 7 (1985)

1. Relentless 3:58 (single)
2. Heartbeat 4:17 (single)
3. No Sorry 3:24 (single)
4. Less Than Perfect 4:12
5. The Way 5:09 (single) /
6. This Dark Hour 4:37
7. Questions and Answers 4:09
8. Let Me Use You 3:35
9. Shades of Grey 4:12
10. Can't Much Anymore 5:02

Album Rating (1-10): 8.0

Members & Other Bands:

• Mike Rutherford - Producer, Bass, Choir (Genesis, Mike + The Mechanics, Anon all credits)
• Don Gehman - Co-Producer, Mixing, Engineer
• Andy Prieboy - Music, Lyrics (Wall of Voodoo)
• Michael Becker - Music, Keys Backing Vox (Eye Protection, Stevan Pasero, Christopher Bock)
• Gene Stashuk - Music, Lyrics, Guitar, Lead Vox (euGENE WENDELL, Mike + the Mechanics, Ronnie Montrose, Isley Brothers, Toni Childs, The Unspoken Word, Bonnie Raitt)
• Paul Revelli - Drums, Backing Vox (Elvis Costello, Chuck Prophet, Bey Paule Band, Joe Lewis Walker, RX, Markus James, Anthony Paule, Cat McLean, Rusty Zinn, Sista Monicam Red House Painters, Chris Michie, Maria Muldaur, Go Go Market, Mark Hummel, John Vanderslice, Tom Heyman, Angela Strehli, Bill Cutler, Elvin Bishop, Might Mike Schermer Band, Blues Broads, Frank Bey, Anthony Paule, Sammy Hagar, Bill Kirchen, Austin De Lone, Nancy Wright )
• Bonnie Spark - Lyrics
• David Tickle - Engineer, Fairlight Programming, Choir (U2, Eric Johnson, Lost At Last)
• Geoff Callingham - Asst Engineer, Choir (Genesis)
• Ian Morace - Asst Engineer
• Peter Smith - Asst Engineer
• Greg Edward - Engineer
• Greg Dorman - Asst Engineer
• Julian Stoll - Asst Engineer
• Greg Fulgintini - Mastering
• Anne Wenzel-Banks - Choir
• Samantha Clayden - Choir
• Clare Newman - Choir
• Caroline Garnett - Choir
• Andy Barclay - Choir
• Dale Newman - Choir (Anthony Phillips, Mike Rutherford, Steve Hackett)
• Jeff Adamoff - Art Direction
• Marty Cohen - Direction, MGMT

Unknown-ness: Never heard of this band. This was one of the first TSM albums i got, so finally getting to the later letters. Per the promo sticker four of the first five tracks were potential singles. I like the sleek logoed "7," looking like a racing stripe, pasted on the black background. Simple, clean design, futuristic and mysterious with a little dangerous intensity. The band photo on the back, layered over the same logo gives a cold, archaic feel. I'm hoping the music taps into the future electronic aspects of the artwork, and this is a fun synth heavy new wave album.

Album Review: This is a very weird album. On one hand, there are a lot of fun time signatures and driving songs with keys and cold war synth effects. But on the other hand, the guitar and vocals are like a typical greasy, back alley Miami Vice power pop band of the 80's. Point in fact, their single "Heartbeat" found its way to be on Miami Vice (as well as 1986's film Manhunter).  And "Less Than Perfect" is featured in one of my favorite childhood films, Explorers. But back to the band: imagine Steve Perry fronting the Residents on the song "No Sorry" or occasionally sounding like Devo on "Let Me Use You" - but i would not classify that as their overall sound. "This Dark Hour" has a strong Police vibe. Mike Rutherford was a big help to the band on their first record, and he would have produced their second if it were not for his touring schedule with Genesis- a decision forced by MCA that ultimately led to the demise of the band under the forced misguided pressure from the label and production team. 

Stand Out Track: No Sorry, Let Me Use You

Links:

spotify full album

Youtube Full Album
Wiki

Discogs

Allmusic

Miami Vice Fandom

Steve Hoffman Music Forum

Tampa Bay news site

nickels & Dimes Music Interview Stashuk

Panther - 14 kt. God

Name: Panther
Album: 14 kt. God
Year: 2008
Style: Indie, Alternative, Math Rock
Similar Bands: Man Man, Polyphonic Spree, Walkmen, Battles, Yacht, !!!
"One-Word" Review: Lighthearted Nuanced Kitchen Sink Lo-Fi 
Based Out Of: Portland, OR
Label: Marriage Records

Cover, Liner Insert, Record

Back, Record

14 kt. God (2008)

1. Puerto Rican Jukebox 3:02
2. Her Past Are the Trees 2:25
3. Decisions, Decisions 2:21
4. On The Lam 2:25
5. Violence, Diamonds 2:14
6. These Two Trees 2:47 /
7. Worn Moments 2:03
8. Glamorous War 2:26
9. Take Yr Cane 2:13
10. Beautiful Condo 3:09
11. 14 Kt. God 3:00
12. Total Sexy Church 3:59
13. What You Hear 2:58

Album Rating (1-10): 8.0

Members & Other Bands:

• Charles Byron Salas-Humara - Vox, Cello, Guitar, Recording (Regular Music, Sun Angle, Grapefruit, The Planet The, Escare, The Silos, Walter Salas-Humana )
• Joe Faustin Kelly - Percussion, Drums, Recording (31 Knots, Pseudosix)
• Molly Griffith-Blanchard - Cello (Birch Book)
• Caroline Buchalter - Viola (Spooky Dance Band, Kristin Hersh, Caethua)
• Christina Files - Mixing
• Ben Parrish - Layout

Unknown-ness: Although I may have heard of this band, from actively going to shows in the early 00's, i have no idea what they sound like. From the record label, i know this is an indie release. From the artwork and name, it seems if it will be a little mystical, or organic in nature...perhaps a little tribal.

Album Review: Panther is basically a duo on this record, but was originally just Salas-Humara's project. Adding in permanent drummer, they create layered sounds and songs that feel bigger than the sum of their parts. But still there is a very math rock, lo fi quality about the songs, and they've layered in kitchen-sink effects to support the driving, calculated beats and melodies. "Violence, Diamonds" is by far the most accessible track, and it is a good one & their chosen single. Although he (as Panther)/they have not released anything in 11 years officially, they were set to open for a reunited Gossip in June'20.

Stand Out Track: Puerto Rican Jukebox, Violence, Diamonds

Links:

Bandcamp album page

Discogs

Allmusic

Kill Rock Stars

2020 cancelled show

needle drop

2008 Interview- Stranger

2008 Interview Washington Post

Material Issue - Destination Universe

Name: Material Issue
Album: Destination Universe
Year: 1992
Style: Power Pop, Alternative
Similar Bands: Teenage Fanclub, Velocity Girl, Young Guv, Gin Blossoms, Jellyfish, Tragically Hip, Big Star, Replacements, Smithereens
"One-Word" Review:
Based Out Of: Chicago, IL
Label: Mercury. BMI, Polygram

Cover, Liner Notes, Lyrics, Tape

Lyrics, Tape

Destination Universe (1992)

1. What Girls Want 3:55 (single)
2. When I Get This Way (Over You) 4:09
3. Next Big Thing 3:12
4. Who Needs Love 2:52
5. Destination You 2:49
6. Everything 3:48
7. Ballad of a Lonely Man 3:27 /
8. Girl From Out of This World 3:56 (cover of their own song, Crazy)
9. So Easy to Love Somebody 2:49
10. Don't You Think I Know 3:47
11. The Loneliest Heart 2:38
12. Whole Lotta You 2:52
13. If Ever You Should Fall 2:41

Album Rating (1-10): 8.0

Members & Other Bands:

• Ted Ansani - Bass, Vox (Bradburys, Teenage Frames)
• Jim Ellison - Guitar, Lead Vox, Writing (Green, Slink Moss & the Flying Aces, Ides of March)
• Mike Zelenko - Drums (Green, the Darlings, The Ladies & Gentlemen, Shoes, Specula, Starball, Local H)
• Jeff Murphy - Production, Engineer, Mixing
• Ron Staley - 2nd Engineer
• Andy Wallace - Mixing
• Howie Weinberg - Mastering
• Bob Skoro - A&R Direction
• Michael Bays - Art Direction
• Michael Klotz - Design
• Jeffrey Evan Kwatinetz - Mgmt
• Caroline Greyshock - Photos

Unknown-ness: I got this tape some time back in the mid 90's, but have no recollection what Material Issue sounds like. From the font and era, i imagine it is some psych grungy appropriation of classic rock, just updated. I probably saw them on 120 minutes or heard them on post modern PST radio and then saw the album in a discount or cut out bin and took a chance. And despite having a tape player for many years, this never made the rotation, and i don't know the songs at all.

Album Review: So it is exactly what fits the early 90's jangley garage rock with classic rock and psychedelic tenancies, but in their special case, smooth & clear power pop vocals, i hear hints of the Bee Gees, Jellyfish, and especially Gin Blossoms in the vocals. Singer Ellison committed suicide in June 1996. They have reformed under popular demand as Material Reissue, even once with Marshall Crenshaw as guest vocalist, and there is a documentary in the works slated for 2021.

Stand Out Track: Who Needs Love, Destination You

Links:

Wiki

Trouser Press

discogs

2021 doc kickstarter

2021 doc website

wilson & Alroys record reviews
spotify album

pop dose

allmusic

rate your music

jim ellison obit reflection in 2018