Van Hunt - s/t

Name:Van Hunt
Album: s/t
Year: 2003
Style: R&B, Funk, Soul
Similar Bands: Maxwell, Codu ChesnuTT, D'Angelo, Erykah Badu, Chocolate Genius
"One-Word" Review: Funky, Slick Bedroom Eyes
Based Out Of: Dayton OH
Label: Capitol, EMI

Cover, Liner Notes

Lyrics, CD, CD Tray

Poster CD Back

Van Hunt (2003)

1. Dust 4:14 (Single)
2. Seconds of Pleasure 5:40 (Single)
3. Hello, Goodbye 4:25
4. Down Here in Hell (With You) 4:49 (Single)
5. What Can I Say (For Millicent) 4:46
6. Anything (To Get Your Attention) 3:28
7. Highlights 5:35
8. Precious 4:29
9. Her December 4:16
10. Hold My Hand 3:50
11. Who Will Love Me in Winter 4:15
12. Out of the Sky 5:10

Album Rating (1-10): 6.0

Members & Other Bands:

• Andrew Slater - Exec Producer, Additional Production
• Randy Jackson - Exec Producer, Mgmt
• Van Hunt - Exec Producer & Producer, Writer, Arranger, Performer (Royalty, Dionne Farris, Cree Summer, Sam Moore, Nikka Costa, Rahsaan Patterson, Joi, Count BassD, Sam Moore, The Decoders, Nate Smith, Billy Lawrence, Afghan Wigs)
• Howard Willing - Additional Producing, A&R, Recording
• Curtis Whitehead - Writing, Rhythm & Acoustic Guitar, Bass (Count BassD, Curtis Harding)
• Mary Fagot - Creative Director
• Tait Hawes - Art Direction, Design
• Chris James - Recording
• Bill Malina - Recording
• Dave Way - Mixing
• Creed - Backing Vox (Kenny Dope, Karizma)
• Ro - Backing Vox (Kenny Dope, Karizma)
• Amy White - Backing Vox (Douglas, Linus and Amy, Controversy, Purple Mixed Adult Choir, West Indian Girl, Kenny Dope, Karizma, M83, Mononoid, David Wilcox)
• Matt Chamberlain - Drums (Many, Pearl Jam, Edie Brikell & New Bohemians, Tori Amos, Bruce Springsteen, Mike Gordon, Brad Mehldau, Wild Colonials, Aaron Neville, WallFlowers, Fiona Apple, Critters Buggin, Corrs, Chris isaak, Bruce Hornsby, Melissa Ethridge, Macy Gray, Willy Porter, DC Talk, Lisa Loeb...)
• Patrick Warren - Melotron (Many, Michael Penn, Vic Chestnutt, Madeline Peyroux, Charlie Sexton, X, Aimee Mann, Fiona Apple, Wallflowers, Chris Isaak, Phantom Planet, Remy Zero, Hootie & the Blowfish, Bijou Phillips, Macy Gray, Melissa Ethridge...)
• Isaac Curtis - Trombone
• Nolan Smith - Trumpet (Baya, Count Baise Orch, Buddy Collette Big Band, Al Williams Quintet, Blackbyrds, DJ Rogers, Jimmy Smith, les McCann, Karen Pree, Carrie Lucas, Carole King, Willie Bobo, Norman Connors, Bill Quateman, John Mayall, Freddie Hubbard, Marvin Gaye, Brotherhood, Natalie Cole, Diana Ross, Phil Collins, Anita Baker, Stevie Wonder, more)
• Daryl Richards - Alto Sax (Kirk Whalum, Norman Connors)
• Daniel Solomon - Tenor Sax, Horns Arrangement (Rick Margitza)
• Annie Stela - Backing Vox (Third Eye Blind)
• Truth - Backing Vox, Moog, Wurlitzer 
• Tim Leblanc - Mixing
• Dwight Farrell - Celeste (Count BassD)
• Larry James - Percussion, Drums (Avery Sunshine)
• Kevin Guarnieri - Recording
• Kevin Ricard - Percussion (Kenny Loggins, East West Band, Flamenco Dura, Tonight Show Band, East West Band, Johnson & Branson, Matt Bianco, Herb Alpert, MVP, Starr Parodi, Juan Carlos Quintero, Susie Hansen, Ciro Hurtado, Rie Akagi, Marc Russo, Robi Kahakalau, Wayne Shorter, Masayoshi Takanaka, Larry Steen, BB Shawn, Bobby Lyle, Zero Ted, Nils, Everette Harp, Venice, Kleber Jorge, Speak, Rob Mullins, Eric Gulliom, Gloria Loring, Rickie Byars, Daniel Indart Project, Wayne Jones, Kevin Toney, Chris Bennett, Take 6, George Kahn, Rhian Benson, Elan, Impromp2, Shelby Lynne, Ann Nesby, Pat Longo, Kids of Widney High, Queen Latifah, Oskar Cartaya, Gerald Albright, Will Downing, Christina Aguilera, Everette Harp, LaToya London, Kurt Carr, George Benson, Corey Clark, Dave Rodgers, Natalie Cole, Lynne Fiddmont, Faramarz Assef, LA Guitar Quartet, Everlife, Jill Scott, Marek Niedzwiecki, SMV, Stephen Bishop, Paul Jackson Jr, James Ingram, Bill Fulton, Amanda McBroom, Carol Welsman, Dorian Holley, Norman Brown, Christian Dupree, Christophe Beck, Dan Fornero, Toni Reed, Dave Koz, Tina Campbell, Orgone, Clair Fischer Latin Jazz Band, Jazz Funk Soul, Paul Brown, David Garfield)
• David Campbell - String Arrangement (Campbell-Kurban String Section, Clockwork Angles String Ensemble, James Taylor, Cher, Linda Ronstandt, Neil Diamond, Billy Joel, Carole King, James Brown, Many Many More)
• Melissa Mattey - Recording, Mixing
• Ray Brown - Trumpet (Count Baise Orch, Earth Wind & Fire, Madagascar, Horns of Fire, Donald Byrd, Hubert Laws, Con Funk Shun, SOS Band, More)
• Ta Ta - Backing Vox
• Wendy Melvoin - Rhythm Guitar (Girl Bros, Peace Choir, Prince & the Revolution, The Flesh, Wendy & Lisa, Andre Cymone, Joni Mitchell, Seal, BB KIng, Eric Clapton, Latin Playboys, Neil Finn, Melba Moore many more)
• Paul Franklin - Pedal Steel (Dicie Pearls, The Time Jumpers, Dire Straits, Lyle Lovett, Gary Parker, Parliament, Slim Whitman, Charlie McCoy, Mel Tillis, Jerry Reed, Chicken String Band, BJ Thomas, George Strait, Tammy Wynette, Lyle Lovett, Randy Travis, Barbara Mandrell  Many Many More)
• Peter Mokran - Mixing
• Lenny Castro - Percussion (Jazz Express, Karizma, Larsen-Feiten Band, Los Lobotomys, Steve Vai's Monsters, Toto, Melissa Manchester, Rita Coolidge, Leo Sayer, Diana Ross, Pointer Sisters, Paul Anka, Dusty Springfield, Robert Palmer, Kiss, Olivia Newton-John, Gary Wright, Shotgun, Wet Willie much more)
• Jermaine Rand - Acoustic Guitar (The Rand Experiment, Jahallah, Playa G, Blackperl, MC Divinity, Steve Joz)
• Terry McMillen - Harmonica (The Players, Michael McDonald, Bobby Charles, Ronnie Milsap, Jerry Reed, Chet Atkins, Frank Sinatra Jr, Ray Stevens, Dolly Parton, Barbara Mandrell, Bobby Bare, Burl Ives, Crystal Gayle, many more)
• Dionne Farris - Backing Vox (Arrested Development, Charlie Hunter, Immature, TLC, Xscape, El Debarge, Count Bass D, Guru's Jazzmatazz)
• Jeff Wright - Asst Recording
• Kevin Paige - Asst Recording
• Adam Deane - Asst Recording
• Tony High - Asst Recording
• Kevin Pickle - Asst Recording
• David Streit - Asst Recording
• Charlie Paakkarl - Asst Recording
• Steve Genewick - Asst Recording
• Jimmy Hoyson - Asst Recording
• Chris Reynolds- Asst Recording
• Kevin Deane - Asst Recording
• Aaron Kessel - Asst Recording
• Jesse Gorman - Asst Recording
• Cesar Ramirez- Asst Recording
• Jennifer Young - Asst Recording
• Ari Famila - Asst Recording
• Aaron Familia - Asst Recording

Unknown-ness: I remember hearing about Van Hunt when he first came out, but never paid much attention past that. Assuming he's similar to Maxwell or Jamiroquai, with more of a 60's psych influence, perhaps closer to the Black Eye Peas, who I honestly don't know much about in the first place. But i imagine smooth, slightly psychedelic, sexy bedroom vibe R&B tracks

Album Review: The album kicks off with a great slice of catchy pop. And then it settles into a nice smooth R&B groove for the rest of the record, with a little funk added, but mostly mod-setting jams.

Van Hunt has grown up around musical roots, and can play nearly any instrument. He's floated around between labels and self-releasing for years, and even won a grammy for a collaboration for a Sly & Family Stone tribute with John Legend & Joss Stone. He's been in a relationship with Halle Berry since 2020.

Stand Out Track: Dust

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Undertones (the) - Listening In Radio Sessions 1978-1982

Name: The Undertones
Album: Listening In Radio Sessions 1978-1982
Year: 2004
Style: Punk
Similar Bands: Clash, The Jam, Buzzcocks, The Adverts, Monkees
"One-Word" Review: Standard Punks Who Became Musicians

Based Out Of: Derry, Northern Ireland
Label: Sanctuary Records Group, BBC Music, BMG 

Cover, Sleeve Back

Liner Notes, CD Back

Liner Photo, CD, CD Tray

Liner Notes

Liner Notes

Liner Notes, Song Details

Listening In Radio Sessions 1978-1982 (2004)

1. Get Over You 2:54
2. Top 20 1:59
3. She Can Only Say No 0:36
4. Male Model 1:52
5. Listening In 2:15
6. Family Entertainment 2:35
7. Billy's Third 1:51
8. Here Comes The Summer 2:01
9. Nine Times Out of Ten 2:34
10. The Way Girls Talk 2:42
11. Whiz Kids 2:38
12. Top 20 2:02
13. Girls That Don't Talk 2:22
14. Tear Proof 2:17
15. What's With Terry 3:17
16. Rock n Roll 3:07
17. The Positive Touch 1:55
18. You're Welcome 2:11
19. When Saturday Comes 2:47
20. Like That 2:57
21. Bye Bye Baby Blue 3:23
22. Beautiful Friend 3:05
23. (Just Like) Romeo and Juliet 2:03
24. Untouchable 3:16
25. The Love Parade 4:11
26. Luxury 2:35
27. The Sin of Pride 3:45

Album Rating (1-10): 9.0

Members & Other Bands:

• Michael Bradley - Bass, Vox (The Wesleys, Bernard Lenoir, Ash)
• Damian O'Neill - Guitar, Vox (The Wesleys, That Petrol Emotion, The Monotones, Everlasting Yeahm Wavewalkers, A Quiet Revolution, Tommy Tate & the Torpedoes, X-Valdez, Bernard Leonoir, Qu4tre, Ash, Rare, Mimi, Aujord'hui Madame, Die Toten Hosen, 5 Billion in Diamonds, Eileen Gogan & the Instructions, Baby Shakes)
• John O'Neill - Guitar, Vox (That Petrol Emotion, Rare, Bernard Lenoir, Wasp Factory, Blink)
• Feargal Sharkey - Vox (The Assembly, Peace Together, Kiki Dee, Bernard Lenoir)
• Bill Doherty - Drums (Bernard Lenoir, Baby Shakes)
• Vincent O'Neill  -Backing Vox
• Steve Hammonds - Release Coordination
• Joe Smith - Release Coordination
• Hugh Gilmour - Artwork & Design
• Larry Doherty - Photos
• LFI - Photos
• Jill Furmanovsky - Photos
• Andy Ferguson - Mgmt (Cracks 90 Ltd.)
• Dave Richings - Recording
• Mick Houghton - Liner Notes
• Bob Sargeant - Producer, Engineer
• Dale Griffin - Producer, Engineer
• Dave Dade - Producer, Engineer
• Mike Engles - Producer, Engineer
• Stephen Nelson - Producer, Engineer

Unknown-ness: This album is one of the more recognizable bands i'm "reviewing"...i probably could take it off the list, but i did not know who they were when i bought this album used back in the mid 00s, a couple years before I started this blog. Figured they were a Clash/Jam style band from the clothes and years this compilation represented. And yeah, spot on.

Album Review: This is a nice compilation that travels the evolution of the Undertones, one of the biggest bands from Northern Ireland's, sound. Starting with their first John Peel session in 1978, where Peel had to foot the 70 pound studio bill for the broke band, through to their final (7th) session in 1982, which apparently the band barely remembers doing. It shows the band's growth from a three chord angsty punk band, the standard first origins step for any punk band. The wavering and harmonized vocals took the Beatles sound, sped it up, and overlaid aggressive guitars over the generally catchy hooks and backing beat. Again, I'm not discovering anything new here, it is a stereotypic start for the genre. Over the sessions, the songs got longer, and more intricate and added in more themes of 60's Psychedelia, Motown and Gary Glitter.

Although this is an Undertones compilation, it lacks their most popular track, Teenage Kicks, missing because, as the band states, they recorded it as well as they could have hoped, and felt no need to replicate it (even if Top 20 is on here twice). They broke up after their fourth album in 1983, but reunited in 1999 for Derry reunion gigs, minus Sharkey, who decided against rejoining. They are still an active band (as of 2021) and i would have seen them last year for the first time, it it weren't for that meddling covid.

Stand Out Track: 78 Peel Session (Get Over You / Top 20 / She Can Only Say No / Male Model)

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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

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This Perfect Day - s/t

Name: This Perfect Day
Album: s/t
Year: 1995
Style: Power Pop, 
Similar Bands: Journey, Gin Blossoms, Foreigner, OK-Go, Toad the Wet Sprocket, Matthew Sweet, Sloan, Ash, Keane
"One-Word" Review: Overproduced Alt-Pop Radio.
Based Out Of: Skelleftea, Sweden

Label: Orchard Lane Music, Soap Records

Lyrics & Liner Notes

CD Back, CD, Lyrics

Back & Liner Photos

Cover & Liner Photo

This Perfect Day (1995)

1. Teenage Monster 3:11 (single)
2. Can't You See 4:12 (Single)
3. Headache 3:45
4. I'm In Love 4:04 (Single)
5. Revolution 4:33 (Single)
6. Jesus On Your Side 3:19
7. In My Bed 4:18 (Single)
8. December Snow 3:40
9. Sandra 3:33
10. Drinks & Dreams 3:40
11. Everybody Knows 6:03

Album Rating (1-10): 6.5 

Members & Other Bands:

• Mats Erikson - Vox
• Ove Markstrom Guitar, Harmonica, Backing Vox (The Kuikkos, A Brewer)
• Ralph Tjarnlund - Drums
• Johan Nilsson - Keys, Guitar, Percussion, Backing Vox, Mixing (Takida, Marc & Ploids, The Wannadies, Shape Shifter)
• Peter Fahlgren - Bass (Holger Danske)
• Rickard Johansson - Guitar, Backing Vox, Mixing (Two Piece Puzzle)
• Adam Kviman - Recording, Producer, Mixing 
• Bobby Z - Mixing, Exec Producer
• Tom Garneau - Engineer
• Waldemar Kaaling - Recording, Mixing
• Chris Bellman - Mastering
• Sabastian Oberg - Strings (Algarnas Tradgard, Flaskkvartetten, Fleshquartert, Kofia, PITT, Stadion Der Jugend, Tant Strul, Demian D, Obobo Goateatern, Reeperbahn, Johan Lindell, Anne-Lie Ryde, Imperiet, TV-Piraterna, Di Leva, First Cab, Bark, Pushtwangers, Marie & Wildwood Flowers, Riki Sorsa, Ulf Lundell, Underland, Kajsa Grytt, Malena Jonsson, Moondog, Mercury Motors, Martin Rossel, Freddie W, Monica Tornell, Thastrom, Marty Willson-Piper, Fred Asp, Stonecake, LPC, Clawfinger, Nymphet Noodlers, Dicte, Tobias Sjogren, Drain, Landberk, Twice A Man, Eagle Eye Cherry, Monostar, Backyard Babies, Yoga, Christian Walz, Algarnas Tradagard, Pusjkins, Anne Sofie Von Otter, Nils Landgren, Flasket Brinner, Niels Jensen, Sophia Hardig, Beezewax, Kerli, Fatboy, Freddie Wadling, Promise and the Monster, 
• Orjan Hobberg - Strings (Anima, Flaskkvartetten, Fleshquarter, Vasteras Sinfonietta, Kjell Hansson, Stadion, Tant Strul, Pushtwangers, Kajsa Grytt, Malena Jonsson, Moondog, Thomas Lindahl, Imperiet, Thastrom, Mercury Motors, Dicte, Tobias Sjogren, Christer Bothen, Testuo Furudate, Christian Walz, Thomas Rusiak, Anne Sofie Von Otter, Nils Landgren, Robyn, Jeanette Lindsrom, Abba, Beezewax, Promise and the Monster, Kerli, Fatboy, Beatundercontrol, Jessica pilnas, Stupidity, Freddie Wadling, Jay-Jay Johanson, Lars Demian)
• Mattias Hellden - Strings (Bitter Funeral Beer Band, Flaskkcartetten, Fleshquartet, Rattan Frittz, Cyndee Peters, Tore Berger, Bengt Berger, Stadion, Tant Strul, Christer Bothen, Taller Chile, Mariela, Bolon Bata, Pushtwangers, Kajsa Grytt, Malena Jonsson, Moondog, Imperiet, Mercury Motors, Thastrom, Stonecake, Dicte, Tobias Sjogren, Thomas Rusiak, Anne Sofie Von Otter, Nils Landgren, Tomas Mera Gartz, jeanette Lindstrom, Robyn, Kin, Bitter Funeral beer Band, Kerli, Jessica Pilnas, Jukka Rintamaki, Agamon)
• Lars Tengroth - Exec Producer
• Stress Lab - Design
• Maria Linden - Assistant
• Cissi Gronberg - Assistant
• Engso Castle - Archive Photo
• Hacks Backstrom - Accountant

Unknown-ness: I don't think i've heard of them? Maybe i have, as they sounds like a pop punk or emo band, but i may be just thinking of Saves the Day. Either way, a bunch of young white kids with Norwegian sounding names is probably, based on their picture, fast paced pop punk with perhaps a slow song to show their emo soft side. 

Album Review:  The band is not either Blink 182 pop-punk or Sunny Day emo...they are a blender of styles that feels built for radio, with catchy hooks lyrically and musically, harmonies, and an all around non threatening steady beat. "December Snow," the jesus song, and album ender "Everybody Knows" have authentic 80's Journey-like arena-pop base and buzzing Pop-Punk guitars. And "I'm In Love" has a nice Brit Pop / Suede guitar hook that is unfortunately mixed a bit far to the back. "Revolution" sounds a little like the Life Of Agony song "My Mind is Dangerous."

This is the second of five albums from the Swedish band, spanning 1987 - 2006, and the first in the US. Because it was made for the US market, some of the songs were remixed, but not to everyone's liking.

Stand Out Track: I'm In Love

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Super Friendz (the) - Mock Up, Scale Down

Name: The Super Friendz
Album: Mock Up, Scale Down
Year: 1995
Style: Jangly Pop
Similar Bands: Sloan, Gin Blossoms, Replacements, Thrush Hermit, Posies, Big Star, Bicycles, Young Guv
"One-Word" Review: Preppy-Rock
Based Out Of: Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
Label: Murderecords, MCA

Cover & Back

Liner Notes, CD Back, CD

Mock Up, Scale Down (1995)

1. 10 Lbs 3:41 (single)
2. Karate Man 3:05 (single)
3. Undertow 3:06
4. Down In Flames 3:20
5. Dear Old Ireland 3:13
6. Restricted 3:18
7. Come Clean 2:39
8. Rescue Us From Boredom 4:09 (single)
9. Fireflies 3:10
10. Kiss the Land 4:21
11. Stone Alone 2:57
12. Better Call 2:33
13. When They Paid Me 3:38
14. One Day 3:22
15. Length of Heart (bonus track) 3:37

Album Rating (1-10): 8.5

Members & Other Bands:

• Brenndan McGuire - Producer (Jale, Thrush Hermit, Sloan)
• Drew Yamada - Guitar, Vox (Neuseiland, Mike O'Neill, Rhinoplasty, Yoneda)
• Charles Austin - Bass, Vox (Neuseiland, Buck 65, Matt Mays, Joel Plaskett, Garrett Mason, Rhinoplasty, Al Tuck, Aqua Alta, Fantasy Eye, Iron Egg, Psychic Fair, Savant Garde, Skreech, The Entity, The Lodge, Menotti, Matt Reid, Play Guitar, David R. Elliot, Tanya Davis, Leonard Conan, Mike O'Neill, Jean Schwarz, Graven, Bontempi, General Electrics, Jon Epworth, David Myles, Norma MacDonald,  Jenny MacDonald, Ruth Minnikin, Jenn Grant, Jim Cameron, Isador, Walrus, Dennis Ellsworth, Matthew Grimson)
• Matt Murphy - Guitar, Vox (The Flashing Lights, City Field, Cookie Duster, TUNS, Deluxe Boys. Ink Stains, Blackpool, Al Tuck, All Good Children, City Field, Leonard Conan, Certain Someones, The Forum, To The Power of Three, Snob Shop, Neko Case & Her Boyfriends, Mike O'Neill, The Heat, Matt Murphy, Dave Marsh, Matthew Grimson, Skreech, Inbreds, The Vees, The American Flag, Hershel Savage, Jonathan Andrews, David Myles)
• Dave Marsh - Drums (No Damn Fears, Blackpool, Joel Plaskett, True love Rules, Cheticamp, The Flashing Lights, Matt Mays, Matt Murphy, Erin Costelo, Graven, Yoneda, Mo Kenney, Dennis Ellsworth, Leanne Hoffman)
• Catherine Stockhausen - Artwork, Photos
• Chris Mueller - Artwork
• Colin Mackenzie - Mgmt

Unknown-ness: Not sure why i picked up this CD from the discount bin back in the late 90s...don't specifically remember the name or any of the songs. But it looks like something i'd be into... it has a poppy rock, DIY feel to it, including the band photo. So i'm going to guess it's along the lines of The Rentals or Fountains of Wayne.

Album Review: The music is on the lighter, jangly pop side, like the Posies, but it is catchy with clean hooks. Most of the songs bound forth with a happy bouncy demeanor, with a tinge of slacker delivery. "Rescue Us From Boredom" has a little of a Dismemberment Plan feel to its driving progression. "Stone Alone" has some slide guitar, giving it a little of an alt-country rock sound. "One Day" has a twee, jangly power pop sound, with a little psych.

This record was nominated for Juno's Alt record of the year up in Canada in 96, and was released on Sloan's murderecords label. The album was apparently re-released in the US as "Sticktoitiveness," so i'm guessing this is the original Canadian version. They did not remain a band for very long, only recording from 1994 - 1997, releasing a couple other EPs and a follow-up full length in that time. The band reformed a bunch of times in 2002, 2006, 2009, 2012, and made a third record in 2003. 

Stand Out Track: Karate Man

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Shapes and Sizes - s/t

Name: Shapes and Sizes
Album: s/t
Year: 2006
Style: Indie
Similar Bands: Shins, Mates of State, Deerhoof, Immaculate Machine, Aldous Harding, High Llamas, Pavement, Mirah
"One-Word" Review: gently jagged soundscape pop
Based Out Of: Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
Label: Asthmatic Kitty Records

Cover, Tray Artwork

Liner Notes, CD, Promo Sticker, Back

Shapes and Sizes (2006)

1. Island's Gone Bad 4:44
2. Weekends at a Time 4:13
3. I Am Cold 4:34
4. Northern Lights 3:51
5. Wilderness 3:29
6. Goldenhead 3:39
7. Topsy Turvey 3:38
8. Oh, No, Oh Boy 3:46
9. Rory's Bleeding 3:34
10. Boy, You Shouldn't Have 5:32

Album Rating (1-10): 6.0

Members & Other Bands:

• Rory Seydel - Guitar, Ukelele, Vox (the Weird Weeds, Project Pablo)
• Caila Thompson-Hannant - Guitar, Keys, Piano, Vox (Miracle Fortress, Parakeets, Think About Life, The Weird Weeds, TOPS)
• Nathan Gage - Bass, Keys, Vox (Elfin Saddle, Lee Hutzulak, Clues, Bry Webb, Hidden Words, Michae; Feuerstack)
• Jon Crellin - Drums, Vibes (Galen Hartley, Tamara Sandor)
• Caity Gallupel - Artwork
• Darren Bennett - Layouts
• Tolan McNeil - Recording, Pedal, Lap Steel Guitars (Onionhouse, Carolyn Mark, Hank Pine, Lily Fawn, Himalayan Bear, Dayglo Abortions, Daddy's Hands, Amy Honey, Eugene Chadbourne, Dave Lang, Frog Eyes, Tom Holliston, Leeroy Stagger, Pink Mountaintops, Budokan)
• Brooke Maxwell - Tenor Sax (Rachelle Van Zanten, Lester Quitzau)
• Mike Mazza - Trumpet, Flugelhorn
• Mieka Kohut - Viola

Unknown-ness: Never heard of this band, but with their artwork + duct tape, it is definitely going to be some Indie music with experimental tendencies and intriguing melodies, perhaps organic and naturally inspired +  noise...i'm thinking Need New Body / Man Man, perhaps (hoping). 

Album Review: Overall, the album has a light, quiet soundscape feel to it, although there are some broken moments, beeps and brass peppered in throughout. If there is any way to *feel* like a band who typifies the Canadian landscape, they feel it. But for a group with two sets of distinct vocals and a handful of instruments, the album does not resonate with anything very memorable.

Three albums decorate the band's discography, as do three locations, including Vancouver and Montreal. They signed to Sufjan Stevens' label based on a demo sent his way & a breakfast that followed.

Stand Out Track: Island's Gone Bad

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Sardina - Presents

Name: Sardina 
Album: Presents
Year: 1995
Style: Indie Pop, Psych Rock, 
Similar Bands: Spinanes, Ass Ponys, Velocity Girl, Edie Brickell, Shins, Of Montreal (early)
"One-Word" Review: incense and underground coffee house pop
Based Out Of: Indianapolis, IN
Label: HitIt! Recordings

Cover & Back, Promo Sticker

CD, CD Back, Liner Notes

Presents (1995)

1. Ding Dong, The Liberty Horse 2:45
2. I'll Be Around 2:49
3. Pickled Frogs 4:08
4. He's On Drugs Again 4:26
5. Cockadoodledoo 4:29
6. The Formula 2:09
7. Hey 3:32
8. Travel And Tourism 3:17
9. Big Man 4:57
10. Antelopes 5:15
11. Wagon Wheel 5:02
12. Messy Moe 4:52

Album Rating (1-10): 7.0

Members & Other Bands:

• Michelle Marchesseault - Vox, Guitar (the Gerunds)
• Marty Green - Guitar, Vox, Organ, Clarinet, Clavioline, Casiotone, Piano, Percussion, Record Player, Water Bottle
• P.J. Christine - Bass, Organ, Trumpet, Vox, Percussion (The Gerunds)
• Lonpaul Ellrich - Drums, Vox, Piano, Harmonica, Concertmate, DX7, Loops, Percussion, Record Player, Water Bottle (The Gerunds, Marmoset, United States Three)
• Vess Ruhtenberg - Slide Guitar (United States Three)
• Kent Jolly - Guitar
• George Sarikos - Accordion
• Ken Waagner - Producer
• Chris Shepard - Recording, Mixing
• Gus Mossler - Recording
• Dan Stout - Editing
• Roger Seibel - Mastering
• Bob Plant - Cover Concept
• Al Brandtner - Realization
• Gary Hannabarger - Photography
  

Unknown-ness: Never heard of this band, but will it be classic rock, like the obvious cover & album name riffing on Led Zeppelin's Presence,  even going so far as to credit "Bob" Plant with the cover concept in the liner notes. Probably not. I'm guessing from the creative tribute and the band members, (assuming they are in the cover photo), it will be solid indie pop with a touch of punk sensibility. The promo sticker on the cover, claims hooks, chanting and psychedelia, and the members cover a bunch of instruments, per the liner notes, so this should/could be a complex sonic sound.

Album Review: The album starts out strong, with great pop tracks with hints of garage psych, and even a smattering of country- these are songs that could have been recorded today, and still sound as relevant, fresh, and not dated. But the album slows down as it reaches the conclusion, piling on the slow 4-5 minute methodical foot draggers to put you to bed. While Marchesseault is the focused singer, everyone contributes their voice to the album, giving it a depth of diversity that continues to keep it interesting. The opening track has a Ween meets Mosquitos quality to it. Pickled Frogs has a little bit of a New Pornographers sound. But I wouldn't say any of those bands typifies this band.

From the ashes of The Gerunds, most of the members came back together, auditioned friend & guitarist Marty Green, and founded Sardina. They were on the verge of big things, as evident by the competence and clear sound on their one and only album,  moved to Chicago to pursue stardom, only to have Green quit, leading to the rest band's collapse; all over a 4 year span. Their parody/tribute cover & name even got them an article in People mag, which may have been as much a negative type-cast critique of the band as it could have been a benefit from big-time press.

Stand Out Track: Pickled Frogs

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Sandwiches (the) - Rock On Scubatron

Name: The Sandwiches
Album: Rock On, Scubatron
Year: 1998
Style: Twee Pop, Indie Pop, Geek Pop
Similar Bands: Belle & Sebastian, Ed's Redeeming Qualities, Mosquitoes, Imperial Teen, Soul Coughing, Rentals, Lincoln, Bicycle, They Might Be Giants
"One-Word" Review: Cutsey Juvenile Care Free Pop
Based Out Of: Minneapolis, MN
Label: Edible Records

Cover, Fold Our & Tray

Back, CD, Phots & Liner Notes

Rock On, Scubatron (1998)

1. Good Morning (Alright) 3:25
2. Get Down 3:32
3. Lucy Vittucci 4:19
4. Mermaid 4:51
5. Panic Girls 2:42
6. G-Spot Lamar 4:54
7. Horizontal 3:51
8. To Be Mine 1:52
9. Sonnet 29 3:41
10. Big Mouth 2:25
11. Get With You '98 3:42
12. Rockstar Sportscar 7:43 (Bonus tracks: Sandwiches / Glen the Ape)

Album Rating (1-10): 7.0

Members & Other Bands:

• Lord Ludicrous (Bryan Loften) - Vox, Guitar, Trombone
• D, - Trombone, Emcee
• Lila Karash Guitar, Guiboard, Vox (Chinch Bugs, 13 Hertz)
• Abraham Lincoln - Trumpet
• The Sexman (Jim Sexton) - Drums, Vox, Coronet (Chinch Bugs)
• Flavia Medeiros - Vox, Percussion 
• Louise (Sherman) Rocks - Bass, Vox (Chinch Bugs)
• Joey Molland - Guitar (Badfinger, Natural Gas, John Palumbo, John & Mary, John Lennon Plastic Ono Band, George Harrison, Chinch Bugs, Alias Smith & Jones, Eric Clapton)
• Bob Davis - Shakespeare
• DJ Scubatron (Christian Fritz) - Skratching
• Amy Olinger - Flute
• Jenny Loop (Loupe) - Oboe (Chinch Bugs)
• Abers - Sandwich Security
• Terry - Honz the Clown
• Glenn - Glenn the Ape
• Jeff - Chicken Man
• Bahama Donna - Sugar Momma
• Pak - Webmaster
• Eck - Loan Shark
• Mar(k)s Healey - Engineering, Mixing
• Doug Wild - Mastering
• Steve La Bore - Design, Illustration, Lay-Out
• Chris Hansen  - Design, Illustration, Lay-Out
• Jeff L Johnson - Design, Illustration, Lay-Out
• Amy Winning - Manufacturing Consultant

Unknown-ness: Never heard of this band, but they look like a bunch of fun, lovable goofs, from the costumed headshots and names in the liner notes. From the name and artwork, i'm guessing it will be nerdy, Beatle-y pop. The notes suggest there can be big production with non-standard instruments and the band photos number 7, so as much as I feel it will be stripped down and personal lo-fi, i have to imagine the sound is bigger & catchier.

Album Review: They are a diverse band within the catchy pop genre, where the first track has a Belle & Sebastian sound, the second track has a Soul Coughing / Rentals vibe. Overall it's a quite nerdy, happy-go-lucky pop style of music (with some record scratching), in a dad-jokes, cleverly embarrassing way. Best comparison I can get is something between Imperial Teen and They Might Be Giants. But with some teenage-like sexual frustration/exploration.

They apparently had a fun, entertaining and randomly chaotic live show, where they wore costumes and would hand out sandwiches to the audience. 

Stand Out Track: Good Morning (Alright)

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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

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Band Name Explained

Crazy Joe and the Variable Speed Band - Eugene

Name: Crazy Joe and the Variable Speed Band
Album: Eugene
Year: 1981
Style: Humor, Disco, Novelty
Similar Bands: Ween (in a bad way), Was (Not Was), MECO, Ray Stevens, Rick Dees
"One-Word" Review: problematic novelty island disco rock
Based Out Of: NYC
Label: Polygram, Casablanca Records & Filmworks

Cover, Record

Record, Back

Eugene (1981)

1. Eugene 4:11 (single)
2. Buzz Me 2:47
3. Gay Ranchero 4:10
4. You 3:23
5. Ugga Ugga Boo 4:25/
6. Little Puffies 4:21
7. Ice Cream 2:58 (single)
8. Stranded in the Jungle 3:26
9. Madam Palm 3:11
10. Blow Up 1:40

Album Rating (1-10): 4.0

Members & Other Bands:

• "Crazy Joe" Renda - Vox, Keys, Producer (Country Cousins, Sherwoods, Alex Parche, Chip Taylor, Stoney Edwards, Bum Bar Bastards)
• Kat McCord - Vox (Fabulour Rhinestones, David Sanborn Band, Guy & Pipp Gillette)
• John Regan - Bass, Musical Arrangement (Frehly's Comet, Ace Frehly, Peter Frampton, Chip Taylor, Wendy Waldman, Lisa bade, Diane Richards, Bowie & Jagger, Rolling Stones, Billy Idol, John Waite, Bonnie Tyler, Michael Monroe, Robin Trower, David Lee Roth, Brad Absher, John Phillips, Rob Arthur, Four by Fate, High Priest, Henning Hallqvist)
• Ed Monteleone - Guitars, Musical Arrangement (Peter Frampton)
• Claude Lehenaff - Drums, Percussion (Frankie & The Knockouts)
• Rob Sabino - Organ, Piano, Synth (Frehly's Comet, Joined Forces, Simms Bros Band, Nile Rodgers, Ace Frehly, Robert Cotter, Ashford & Simpson, Chic, Norma Jean, Sister Sledge, Peter Frampton, Debbie Harry, Odyssey, Blotto, Fonzi Thornton, Michael Gregory, Bernard Edwards, Paul Simon, Bowie, Diane Richards, Madonna, Bryan Adams, Richie Scarlet, Cartoons, Rosanne Cash, Power Station, EG Daily, Mick Jagger, Jeff Beck, Rodney Crowell, Matthew Sweet, Laurie Anderson, Michael Monroe, Terri Gonzalez, Larry Neil, Art Garfunkel, Mick Jones, Todd Rundgren, Carly Simon, Johnny Mathis)
• Diane Scanlon - Backing Vox (Univ of Bridgeport Jazz Rock Ensemble, Felix Cavaliere, Guy & Pipp Gillette, Siji)
• Ace Frehley - Syndrum, Co-Producer (Frehly's Comet, Kiss, For Love Not Lisa, Gene Simmons, Wendy O Williams, Criss, ESP, Still Wicked, Richie Scarlet, Kathy Valentine, Jam Pain Society, Ken Sharp)
• John Platania - Guitar Effects (Prof. Louie & the Crowmatrix, Caledonia Soul Orch, Giants, Chip Taylor, John Prine, Van Morrison, Gary Kuper, Don Cooper, Genya Ravan, Sam Leopold, Randy Newman, Stony Edwards, Gary Windo, Martha Velez, Dean Batstone, Gathering Field, Children of Earth, Greg Kroll, Guy Davis, MJ Nelson, Kendel Carson, Billy Vera, Evie Sands)
• Chris Cassone - Backing Vox, Talk Box, Engineer 
• Mike Hunt - Sax (Billy Blacktooth)
• Gary Axelbank - Radio Announcer
• Dennis Kaplan - Mgmt
• John Nagy - Mixing
• Greg Calbi - Mastering
• Richard Wexler - Photo
• Stephanie Zuras - Design
• Bob Heimall - Art Direction

Unknown-ness: Never heard of this band. Looks like a basic power pop or pub rock band who likes to have a good time (see: guy tugging pizza out of a dog's mouth with his mouth)

Album Review: This entire album is absolutely horrible. Musically, it is OK, mostly leans toward disco,  and when the female vocals are isolated, it can be enjoyable. But each song employs comical vocals or effects, some of which are not very PC sounding, and most of the time, not very musical...take the immigrant, for whom, English is not his first language on "Eugene," or the alien rock band obsessed with underaged girls on "Little Puffies," or the homosexual vocal inflection in "Gay Ranchero." Even on the best track "Ice Cream," which starts out like a nice female r&b pop number with some fun synth energy. It is hampered by the sedated, monotone male speaking voice placed jarringly over some verse and backing the lead chorus. This vocal is the main vocal across the whole record, most of the time seeming more like a failed sketch comedy skit than a musical endeavor. 

The only pop appeal is that Ace Frehley had a hand in this band & it's "popularity." This is his first official work non related to Kiss. He co-produced and is featured on the single "Eugene." Other than that, Joe Renda made a name for himself as a producer more than a performer.

Stand Out Track: Ice Cream

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Loz Netto - s/t

Name: Loz Netto
Album: s/t
Year: 1986
Style: Synth Pop/Rock
Similar Bands: Taco, David Bowie, ABC, Thomas Dolby, INXS
"One-Word" Review: Overproduced smooth synthetic back alley
Based Out Of: Brighton / Coventry UK
Label: Atlantic, Warner

Cover, Record

Record, Back

Loz Netto (1986)

1. Walking in the Dark 4:15 (single)
2. We Touch 4:45 (Single, on Miami Vice)
3. Dance to the Music 5:05 (single)
4. No Reaction 3:22
5. Silent Movie 4:48 /
6. Fat City 3:13
7. Do What You Want 5:27
8. One Night Out 3:46
9. Substitute 3:58

Album Rating (1-10): 6.5

Members & Other Bands:

• Loz Netto - Vox, B. Box, Guitar (Moon, Sniff N' The Tears, Los Pacaminos, Tasmin Archer, Sharpeez, Ben E King, Thomas Dolby, Lene Lovich, Paul Young, Eye Talk, Brian Copsey & the Commotions, )
• Tessa Niles - B. Vox (George's Band, OPbsession, Sharpe & Niles, Strictly Unreasonable Zang Tuum Tum Big Beat Colossus, ABC, Morrissey Mullen, Tik & Tok, Caroline Munro, Higsons, Gary Numan, Flesh For Lulu, Tina Turner, Shakin' Stevens, Bowie & Jagger, Grace Jones, Explorers, Gloria Gaynor, The The, Everything But the Girl, Eric Clapton, Paul Hardcastle, Duran Duran, Berlin, Julian Cope, Cabaret Voltaire, Marillion, Pet Shop Boys, Escape Club, Steve Winwood, Sad Cafe, Spandau Ballet, Tears for Fears, Liza Minnelli, Rolling Stones, Dusty Springfield more)
• Steve Butler - B. Vox (Kartoon, Russ Abbot, Martyn Lacey, Party Boppers, Silver Screen Orch, The Law, Wendy James, London Theater Orch, Newton. High Jinx, Andrew Lloyd Webber, Don Estelle, Enlightenment, russell Watson, kevin Kennedy, Nigel Stonier, Barclay James Harvest, Thea Gilmore, Keith Hopwood, Malcolm Rowe)
• Paul Young - B. Vox (Gyro, Mike & the Mechanics, Sad Cafe, Measles, Toggery (5), Young Bros, Young & Renshaw, Roger Cook, Mandalaband, Union, Sir John Betjeman, SAS band, Streetband)
• Ian Wilson - B. Vox (Barclay James Harvest, Greasy Bear, Gyro, Mandalaband, Sad Cafe, Ramones, Kartoon, Sign System, Jon Astley, Martyn Lacey, The Law, Chippendales, Wendy James, Deborah Harry, Newton, Don Estelle, Kevin Kennedy, House of Saints, Keith Hopwood, Malcolm Rowe, Oleta Adams, Bunk Dogger, Paul Young, Casey Abrams, Johann Sebastian Bach, Joanna Eden)
• Richie Close - Keys (Annette, Both Hands Free, Frequency 9, Masters of Acid, T-Coy, Mainstream, Mike Harding, Maddy prior. Mandalaband, Heebeegeebees, Corey Hart, Allan Taylor, Camel, Tracey Carmen, Kartoon, Hombres G, Michael Chapman, Icicle Works, Jon Astley, Marilyn Martin, Jim Capaldi, Shadowland, Texido, ABC, Roger Spencer, Houghton Weavers, Danza Invisible, M People, Big Country, Thomas Lang, Barclay James Harvest, Keith Hopwood, Malcolm Rowe, 2AM, David Alexander)
• Jon Carin - Keys (Industry, Fishermen, Pink Floyd, Pete Towsend, David Gilmour, Bryan Ferry, Corey Hart, Psychedelic Furs, Escape Club, Dream Academy, Roger Daltry, Live, Love Spit Love, Soul Asylum, Gipsy Kings, NWO, Who, Richard Butler more)
• Phil Palmer - Guitar (Bob Geldof & Vegetarians of Love, Dragonfly, K Wallis B and the Dark Shades of Night, Legacy, Spin 1ne 2wo, Symphnoica Band, Bliss Band, House Band, Troll, Dire Straits, David Gilmour, Chris de Burgh, Shakin' Stevens, Joan Armatrading, Frank Zappa, Ian Matthews, Joe Egan, David Essex, Sheena Easton, Tears for Fears, Murray Head, Scott Walker, Toyah, Howard Jones, Alphaville, Swing Out Sister, Sam brown, Eric Clapton, Tina Turner, George Michael, Dusty Springfield, Celine Dion, Tasmin Archer, Pete Townshend, Katy Sagal, Milla, Take That, Bryan Adams, Robbie Williams  more)
• Mike Hehir - Guitar (Barclay James Harvest, Sad Cafe, Sneaky Pierre, Corey Hart, Jon Astley, Greenway, Jim Capaldi, The Law, Marie Claire, Deborah Harry, Alan Simon, Paul Young)
• Ashley Mulford - Guitar, Producer (Champion, Mandalaband, Sad Cafe, Chilliwack, Therapy, Tim Hart, Mark Haines, Candi, Michael Learns to Rock, Tears For Jeanie, Jascha Richter, Paul Young, Riversea, Last Knight)
• Dave Irving - Drums Overdubs (Dianno, Eddie Cave & the Fyx, Sad Cafe, Supercharge, Paul Young)
• Jon Astley - Fairlight, Producer (Virginia Astley, Corey Hart, Tori Amos, Heavy Metal Kids, Gary Shearston, Sandy mcLelland & the Backline, Sad Cafe, The Law, Deborah Harry, Wendy James, The Who,  more)
• Steve Piggot - Keys (10cc, Living In A Box, Dogs D'Amour. Jon Astley, Ian Thomas, Brother Beyond, Escape Club, Gary Moore, Sad Cafe, Mark V, Vicki Morgan, Celine Dion, The Law, Mike & the Mechanics, Phillip Boa & the Voodooclub, Mikel Erentxun, Cliff Richard, Deborah Harry. Mitch Malloy, Jaki Graham, Sheena Easton, Zazie, Edyta Gorniak, Julien Clerc, Gipsy Kings, Joe Cocker, Jennifer Rush, Loreena McKennitt, Russell Watson, Preacher Boy, Rod Stewart, Barclay James Harvest, Kevin Kennedy, Dzal Martin, Nazareth, Keith Hopwood, Malcolm Rowe)
• Snake Davis - Sax (James Brown, Smokey Robinson, Chaka Khan, Eutythmics, Massive Attack, M People, B*Witched, Lisa Stansfield, Blue Shoes, Was (not Was), Sad Cafe, Swing Out Sister, Paul McCartney, Dusty Springfield, Shirley Bassey, OMD, Robert Palmer, Soul II Soul, Dionne Warwick, Pet Shop Boys, Denise Williams, Tina Turner, George Michael, Spice Girls, Paul Hardcastle more)
• Andy "Heavy" Macpherson - Producer, Recording, Guitar
• Phil Chapman - Asst Producer
• Michael Hoppen - Photos, Concept
• C-More Tone Studios - Graphics, Design
• Bob Defrin - Art Direction
• Robert Raymond - Mgmt

Unknown-ness: Never heard of this artist. And i'm not sure what to make of the prediction. From the name Loz and the dude on the motorcycle i presume is Netto, i first thought this may have a Hispanic / Latin influence. The year makes it hard to deduce what will be on it...86 was a year without one popular guessable style.  

Album Review: The album sounds like there is not one real instrument on it, which was popular at the time. So it is pretty smooth in production, and the vocal style is smooth as well and relaxed, and a little Bowie + Michael Hutchence-like. Fat City shares a very similar intro as Prince's 1999.

Loz was a nickname acquired back in elementary school growing up in the UK by Netto. He grew up in a variety of bands but first made it big in Sniff N' the Tears until a motorcycle accident put him in a cast and caused his departure. This only led to a recovery time full of songwriting, which in turn, catapulted his solo career. He's produced and created his own studio and recorded with many artists which all links back to his past connections. Still making music today, he never gained notable popularity, especially not in the US.

Stand Out Track: Fat City

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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

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Shadows (the) - Jigsaw

Name: The Shadows
Album: Jigsaw
Year: 1967
Style: Instrumental, Surf, Pop, Psych
Similar Bands: Ventures, Beatles, Peter Frampton, Rick Nelson, Bobby Fuller Four, Association
"One-Word" Review: Surf Skiffle
Based Out Of: London England
Label: EMI, Gramophone, Columbia

Cover, Record

Record, Back

Jigsaw (1967)

1. Jigsaw 2:33
2. Tennessee Waltz 2:50 (Pee Wee King / Redd Stewart cover)
3. Prelude in E Major 2:42
4. Cathy's Clown 2:27 (Everly Brothers Cover)
5. Stardust 3:06 (Hoagy Carmichael cover) (Single)
6. Semidetached Suburban Mr. James 2:48 (Mannfred Mann cover) (Single)
7. Trains and Boats and Planes 2:15 (Bacharach cover)/
8. Friday on my Mind 2:47 (Easybeats cover)
9. Winchester Cathedral 2:49 (New Vaudeville Band cover)(Single)
10. Waiting for Rosie 2:14
11. Chelsea Boot 1:52
12. Maria Elena 3:07 (Lorenzo Barcelata cover)
13. With a Hmm-Hmm on My Knee 1:57
14. Green Eyes 3:05 (Nilo Menendez cover)

Album Rating (1-10): 7.5

Members & Other Bands:

• David Steen - Cover Photo
• Jim Goff - Cover Design
• Norrie Paramor - Producer
• Peter Vince - Engineer, Writing
• John Rostill - Bass (Tom Jones, Ritchie Francis)
• Cliff Richard (Harry Webb) - Writing (Drifters, Band Aid II, Mit Chor Und Orch, Anti-Heroin Project, And Strings, Pat Carroll, Aleksander John, Dave Pope, Garth Hewitt, Olivia Newton John, Network 3, BA Ronertson, Craig Pruess, Shelia Walsh, Janet Jackson, Phil Everly, Mike Batt, Elton John, Dave Clark, Van Morrison, Andrew Lloyd Webber, Claudia Jung, Darren Day, Tim Rice, Sir John Betjemen, Lulu, Helen Shapiro, Helmut Lotti, Cilla, many)
• Hank Marvin (Brian Rankin) - Guitar (Drifters, Chesternuts, And Strings, Vipers Skiffle Group, Marvin-Welsh-Farrar, Flair, Dennis Waterman, Des O'Connor, Andrew Lloyd Webber, Wings, BEF, Shakin' Stevens, Jean-Michel Jarre, Alan Jones, Darren Day, Jane McDonald, Jet Harris, Dire Straits, Peter Frampton, Jay-Z, Leo Sayer, Jason Donovan, more )
• Bruce Welch (Bruce Cripps) - Guitar (Drifters, Chesternuts, And Strings, Marvin-Welsh-Farrar, Olivia Newton-John,  more )
• Brian Bennett - Drums (Oh Boy! House band, Marty Wilde, Tommy Steele, And Strings, Collage, Heat Exchange, James Aldenham, Les Play Boys, Krew Kats, Thunder Company, Wally Asp, Wasp, Mark Wirtz, Al Stewart, Gunhill, Marvin-Welsh-Farrar, Olivia Newton-John, Labi Siffre, Georgie Fame, Alan Hawkshaw, The Gentle Rain, Michael de Albuquerque, Nick Ingram, Camilo Sesto, Garth Hewitt, Sassafras, Alvin Stardust, Bruce Forsyth, Glenn Cardier, Dennis Waterman, Flair, Chris Spedding, Walker Bros, Sutherland Brothers, Allan Heiding, Eddie Cochran, Roger Whittaker, The Players, Darren Day, Local Heroes, Robin Beck, Survivors, East Tennessee State Univ. Bluegrass Band, Vibratos, Mohawks  more )

Unknown-ness: Never heard of the Shadows. Picked this up while on honyemoon in London, so this is a Great Britian pressing. I liked the simple layout of the name & logo & font, plus the play on the album name and puzzled together photo. See one member has buddy holly glasses, so i'm guessing it is a pop vocal band from the 60's

Album Review: So this is a very popular instrumental (mainly) band, at least in the UK, as they are the fifth sellingist band over there, right behind Presley, Beatles, Madonna & the gentleman they are also the backing band for, Cliff Richard (who was the British answer to Presley). Their peak popularity was just before the Beatles, (whom were greatly influenced by them), and they have pioneered some of rock's greatest assets, from instrumentation and band set (lead, rhythm, bass & drums) up to live performance choreography. They were forced to change their name from the Drifters to Shadows in 1959 thanks to a single released in the states, clashing with the vocal group of the same name.  They have also performed in many films and tv shows: even in pantomime and marionette forms. Musically, they combined and spotlight elements of pop, rock, surf, ballads, and jazz. This collection of songs are mostly covers, with all the aforementioned genres added in together; jazziness particularly on their originals, and some country as well. The title track is just a masterpiece ahead of its time.

Stand Out Track: Jigsaw

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Road (the) - s/t

Name: The Road
Album: s/t
Year: 1970
Style: Psych Oldies & Bubblegum Pop, Funk, R&B
Similar Bands: Bee Gees, Stones, Beatles, Tom Jones, Zombies, Hollies, 
"One-Word" Review: 60's Wedding Cover Band on drugs
Based Out Of: Buffalo, NY
Label: Kama Sutra, Buddah Records , Viewlex Inc

Cover, Promo Sleeve, Record

Back, Promo Sleeve, Record

The Road (1970)

1. She's Not There 3:43 (single, Zombies Cover)
2. Love Is All 3:21
3. Love It Is 4:42 (J. Geils cover)
4. A Taste of Honey 2:32 (Ric Marlow cover)
5. I Can Only Give You Everything 2:47 (single b-side, Them cover)/
6. Dance To The Music 5:29 (Sly & Family Stone cover)
7. Never Gonna Give You Up 3:11 (Jerry Butler cover)
8. Mr. Soul 2:40 (single, Neil Young cover)
9. In Love 1:55 (single b-side)
10. See You There 2:12
11. Rock N Roll Woman 2:52 (Stephen Stills cover) 
12. The Grass Looks Greener on the Other Side 2:31 (single)

Album Rating (1-10): 7.0

Members & Other Bands:

• Hal Wheeler - Arrange, Conducted
• Bill Radice - Engineer
• J. Pinto / Joey Reynolds / Rencore - Producer
• Jerry Hudson -Lead Vox (Madmen, 6 Pact, Mellow Brick Rode)
• Phil Hudson - Lead Vox (6 Pact, Mellow Brick Rode)
• Joseph Hesse - Bass (Mellow Brick Rode, Just Us 5)
• Jim Hesse - Organ (Mellow Brick Rode, Just Us Five, Caesar & The Romans)
• Ralph Parker - Lead Guitar (Madmen, 6 Pact, Mellow Brick Rode)
• Nick Distefano - Drums (Mellow Brick Road, Just Us 5, Marie Osmond, Billy Joe Royal, Janie Frickie, Johnny Rodriguez, David Loggins, Marshall Chapman, Wheetstone Bridge)
• James S. Bush Jr - Cover Photo
• Silver & Morris - Prepared
• Frank Iannello - Album Design
• Gordon James - Photography

Unknown-ness: Never heard of this band, but from the logo/font, hairstyles and their clothes, plus being on Buddah Records, I imagine it will be some Psych/Bublegum Pop

Album Review: The Road, as shortened / updated form of their previous name Mellow Brick Rode, was a band of solid musicians who made their own arrangements on other people's songs for the most part (3 tracks are written by band members). Their arrangement of the Zombie's "She's Not There" was their biggest hit, making top 40 lists in and around their home of Buffalo NY. They never toured further than Massachusetts, per direction from their management, but their reach was across the country. The were comfortable being an ever-present act in the Buffalo area. They had one more album after this one for Kama Sutra records, and after that were then were not a band for many years like an on/off light switch with a revolving door of members. There is brass present on this record, but no mention of who played on it with a credit(s).

Stand Out Track: She's Not There

Links:

Spotify full album
Wiki

Discogs

Rate Your Music

top shelf oldies

Buffalo Music HoF

Jerry Hudson 2019 obit

Listening Post song of the day

Western NY Music

Jeannie C. Riley - The Generation Gap

Name: Jeannie C. Riley
Album: The Generation Gap
Year: 1970
Style: Country Pop, Southern Bluesy Rock
Similar Bands: Tammy Wynette, Brenda Lee, Dolly Parton, Dusty Springfield, Lorletta Lynn, Connie Smith
"One-Word" Review: Spunky Country Oldies
Based Out Of: Stamford, TX
Label: Plantation Records, Shelby Singleton Corp.

Cover, Record

Back, Record

The Generation Gap (1969)

1. The Generation Gap 2:44 (single B-side)
2. Fine Feathered Friend 3:25
3. Words, Names, Faces 2:03
4. My Man 2:58 (single)
5. He Made A Woman Out Of Me 2:15 /
6. Duty Not Desire 2:26 (single)
7. Games People Play 2:54
8. Darkness Falls 2:49
9. Holdin' On 2:02
10. Okie From Muskogee 2:35
11. To the Other Woman 2:45

Album Rating (1-10): 6.0

Members & Other Bands:

• Southern Graphics Industry - Design & packaging
• The Belmont Agency - Cover Photo
• Jeannie C. Riley - Vox
• Shelby Singleton Jr - Producer

Unknown-ness: Never heard of this singer. But it looks really mod, and hippie with a strong foothold in the Dollywood country south. So oldie, catchy country pop is my guess.

Album Review: There is a lot of pop, catchy melodies, and slightly psych production to fit into the 60's mod sound, but there is also the same amount of country/gospel bluesy swagger to the songs, and Riley's vocals are versatile enough to easily handle both sounds. In 1968, she won the Grammy award for best female country vocal performance on Harper Valley PTA, which held the #1 Billboard spot for both pop & country and spawned movies and tv series, along with a major network variety show for her. Due to the content of the song: a widowed mother who dated and dressed in the 60's mini skit and go go boots style responded to a hypocritical PTA who judged her style negatively, she herself was pressured to match that style against her personal comfort. In the late 70's she became born-again and focused her recordings on gospel music. The songs on here were written by an array of people from Margaret Lewis & Myra Smith (4 tracks), Merle Haggard "Okie From Muskogee" and even Gary US Bonds + Swamp Dogg: Jerry Williams Jr "To The Other Woman," which is kind of a companion piece to her Harper Valley PTA single. Before she moved to Nashville, just out of high school, her four year marriage produced a daughter, Kim, in 1966, who later would accompany her on stage, singing back up, touring with her, and trying out her own career as Riley Coyle.

Stand Out Track: The Generation Gap

Links:

Spotify full album
Wiki

Discogs

Allmusic

Sun Records bio

IMDB

classic country

KXRB what happened to?

unofficial Facebook

Cocaine & Rhinestones

KRFO Kat Kountry 1-hit wonder

TX Music

Grammy page