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Showing posts with label 1T. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 1T. Show all posts

Wednesday, December 22, 2021

Two Hundred Pounds of Swingin' Hound - s/t

Name: 200 lbs. of Swingin' Hound
Album: s/t
Year: 1995
Style: Rockabilly
Similar Bands: Stray Cats
"One-Word" Review: Country Pub Raw Swing Band.
Based Out Of: Philadelphia, PA
Label: Apple-Z Productions,
Cover, Back
CD, Sleeve Back

200 lbs. of Swinging Hound (1995)
  1. When Your Baby's Got the Blues 3:45
  2. Nearly Perfect 4:23
  3. 30 Lovesick Days 5:47
  4. Rock 'n' Roll Party 2:56
  5. Hot Lips! 4:03
  6. The Cold Bed Blues 2:48
  7. Single Again 3:34
  8. Lies 4:33
  9. Lifetime Guarantee 5:32
  10. I'm A' Gonna Get Ya 2:43
Album Rating (1-10): 5.5

Members & Other Bands:
  • Ace Filipini - Vox (Reach Around Rodeo Clowns, Kingpins)
  • Joe Gallo - Guitars
  • Wally Wollet - Drums, Backing Vox, Piano
  • Trey LaRue - Standup Bass
  • Mike Lampe - Standup Bass (Steve Guyger)
  • Bob Williams - Engineer
  • Rick Stranix - Logos, Art Direction (Apple-Z Graphix)
  • Ken Hinchey - Cover Photo
Unknown-ness: Never heard of this band. When I bought the record, my mind was infected with the late 90's swing movement, and i thought this might have been right in that swing/rockabilly sweet spot, but i don't actually ever remember listening to the album. I reckon this is a small pub band version of the rockabilly-big band sound.

Album Review: Straight up swing & rockabilly, predating the revival of the late 90's. A couple of the songs rock out a little more, but it leans toward the country vibe at it's heart. It seems like it is pretty good for what it is. "Lies" has a slightly more aggressive punk tone to it.

Not much out there on this band based out of the Philly area, just based on their phone and mailing address contacts. "Hot Lips" appears on a compilation of Ace Filipini songs that's on Spotify (Songs That Made Him Infamous) , but is not playable.

Stand Out Track: Lies

Links:
Discogs - wrong name

Tuesday - Freewheelin

Name: Tuesday
Album: Freewheelin
Year: 1997
Style: Pop Punk, Emo
Similar Bands: Jawbreaker, Sunny Day Real Estate, Promise Ring, Get Up Kids
"One-Word" Review: Harmless Emotive Alt-Power-Pop
Based Out Of: Chicago
Label: Asian Man Records, Mordam
Cover, Back, Liner Notes
Lyrics, CD Back, CD
Lyrics
Lyrics

Freewheelin' (1997)
  1. Goodbyes Have Been Said 1:54
  2. Sixty Eight 3:41
  3. My Mess 3:29
  4. Everything Left Out 5:01
  5. Please Come Home 3:14
  6. Another Disco Party 2:20
  7. Disappear 2:40
  8. So Awake 2:31
  9. Too Much of Today 2:56
  10. Let the Starts Play 2:36
Album Rating (1-10): 6.5

Members & Other Bands:
  • Daniel Andriano - Bass, Vox (Slapstick, Chinkees, Dulcet Tone, Alkaline Trio, Ben Weasel and his Iron String Quarter, Bygones, In the Emergency Room, Flowers, The Damned Things, The Falcon, Common Rider, Mike Felumlee, New Found Glory, 7 degrees of Stephen Egerton, Ogikubo Station, Dave Hause)
  • Matthew Stamps - Guitar, Art (Slapstick, Chinkees, Slugbug)
  • Robert Kellenberger - Drums, Vox, Photos (Slapstick, Chinkees, Duvall, Smoking Popes, Colossal, Slugbug, Lord, Mike Felumee, Mike Park, Lawrence Arms, Firebird Band, Rapids)
  • Jamie Noga - Photos
  • Trevor K - Photos
  • Karin McCarthy-Lange - Art
  • Robert Barry - Recording & Producer
  • Thom Duell - Recording
Unknown-ness: Never heard of this band, but I'm near sure this will be a combination of pop-punk and emo, based on their Weezer-y look and the year. Maybe I'm giving them a comparison to the emo band Thursday, based on name choice and music styles produced at that time.

Album Review: Nasally vocals and a delightful mix of power pop chords and the lighter side of punk make up the general sound of Tuesday. They throw a couple folksy-punk songs in there too with calculated melodic hooks, above and beyond three-chord pop. There's a little Gin Blossoms in there, too. The instrumental track "So Awake" sounds like Collective Soul. And "Too Much of Today" has vocal attributes and a driving punk beat that feels like a Green Day cover. 

The band was born of the ashes of the Chicago ska band Slapstick, who decided to go in a different direction. A pair of eps and a full length, things drifted apart before they got momentum going, as this is their only full-length. Andriano had the most fruitful career, by joining Alkaline Trio after Tuesday. 

Stand Out Track: Please Come Home

Links:
Wiki

Monday, November 1, 2021

Think of One - Trafico

Name: Think of One
Album: Trafico
Year: 2006
Style: Afro Beat, Funk, Samba, Jazz
Similar Bands: Stereolab, Kid Creole & the Coconuts, Sergio Mendez
"One-Word" Review: Energetic Jazzy Big World Band
Based Out Of: Antwerp, Belgium
Label: Crammed Discs, Ryko
Cover, Back & Fold Out
Inner Pics, CD Tray, CD, Liner Notes, Booklet Cover and Back
Lyrics
Lyrics
Lyrics
Lyrics
Lyrics
Trafico (2006)
  1. Essa Mesa 4:55 (single)
  2. Samba Belga 4:47
  3. Tirar Onda 3:35
  4. Trafico 4:08
  5. Tahina 4:39
  6. Aai 4:59 (single)
  7. Maria Chegou 4:39
  8. Flor d'Agua 4:13
  9. Feira de Mangaio 4:17
  10. Maracatu Misterioso 6:10
  11. Coracao de Papel 4:16
  12. Tirar Onda (Chorinho) 3:14
Album Rating (1-10): 7.5

Members & Other Bands:
  • David Bovee - Guitar, Vox, Keys, Producer, Photos (Flat Earth Society, SWAN, Ansatz Der Maschine, DAAU, Fes, Josse De Pauw, Orquestra Frevo do Mundo)
  • Eric Morel - Sax (Flat Earth Society, Shakara United, Virginia Woolf, D'Stephanie, Zita Swoon, Arno, Fes, Josse De Pauw, Arno, Crayon Sun, Rise & Fall of an Individual, DJ Aldolino)
  • Roel Poriau - Trumpet, Bugle, Producer, Recording Engineer, Recording, Editing, Mixing (Antwerp Gipsy Ska Orkesrtra, Flat Earth Society, Flowers for Breakfast, Flemming, Daau, Myrddin, Lady Angelina, Les Blauw, Rum Baristas, Gansan)
  • Tomas De Smet - Bass, Keys, Photos (Front Cafe Band, King Dalton, Les Blauw, Moondog Jr, Zita Swoon, Broken Circle Breakdown Bluegrass Band, Kiss My Jazz, Magnus, Myrddin, dEUS, Het Zesde Metaal, Birds that Change Colour, Crayon Sun, 
  • Dona Cils do Coco - Vox
  • Hugo Carranca - Drums, Percussion (Sheik Tosado)
  • Peter Vanderberg - Hammond Organ (Alain Cupper Quartet, Caca, Flat Earth Society, Monsoon, Orchestra Exotica, Shakara United, Too Noisy Fish, Universe Zero, X-Legged Sally, nAncy, Sharko, Pierre Vervloesem, FES, Payskens & Van Hoeck, Josse De Pauw, Katja Vandl, My TV is Dead, Bruno Vansina, Goudi, Das Kapital, 
  • Bruno Van Sina - Baritone Sax
  • Marc Meeuwissen - Trombone (Flat Earth Society, Monza, Marie Dauine, FES, Belgian Afro beat Association, Peter Vermeersch, The National, Shakara United)
  • Stefaan Blancke - Trombone  (Bar8, Capsule, Flat Earth Society, Sharaka United, Chitlin Fooks, Arno, Josse De Pauw, Jempy En Bongo, Franco Saint De Bakker, Antwerp Gipsy Ska Orkestra)
  • Michael Weilacher - Marimba, Vibraphone (Ictus, MDuo, Karel Goeyvaerts, Paulo Chagas, Champ D'Action, Volker Staub, Bherman, Vanishing Pictures, Guy De Bievre, Dirk Wachtelaer, COIN, Kris Dane, Heaven And, Riccardo Nova, Luciano Berio, Mike PattonJonathan Harvey, Mark Andre, Automat, Warble, Somnambulist)
  • Ricardo Lourenco - Violao 
  • Sergio Lemos - Cuica (Linda Martini)
  • Fernanda Boechat - Vox 
  • Sheyla Vidal - Vox
  • Ale Oliviera - Vox, Photos 
  • Carolina de Renesse - Vox
  • Lucie de Renesse - Vox
  • Pitcho Bovee - Sounds
  • Bert Van Roy - Recording Engineer, Mixing
  • Yann Arnaud - Mixing
  • Chris Harrison - Mixing
  • Andre Oliveira - Mixing
  • Vincent Kenis - Mixing, Mastering
  • Karel De Backer - Mastering
  • Tom Hautekiet - Artwork
  • Rob Walbers - Photos
  • Mary Gatis - Photos
  • Hannah Gorjaczkowska - Art Direction
Unknown-ness: Never heard of them when i got this, and i'm not even that sure when i got it...it might have been at a Tower Records listening booth and i liked it, but i don't remember the circumstances. For the longest time, i thought the band name & album title were reversed, and that they were a Hispanic / Mexican band from So Cal. But based on the liner notes, i don't think that's true at all.

Album Review: Apparently they are a nomad-like band, who travel to different places and cultures to absorb the music and work with musicians of that area to create multi-cultural albums, in this case, Brasil. Other cultures they studied were Moroccan, Inuit, and Congolese. They even toured around Europe in a van that could convert into a sound stage for outdoor or spurt-of-the-moment shows, and have won awards for best World / Boundary Crossing Music.

The songs contain a large amount of brass and jazzy swing. Most are very energetic songs to make you move, like a Samba. One quieter songs add a little reggae vibe, and another adds a jazzy french Stereolab sort of song (Aai)

Stand Out Track: Aai

Links:

Friday, August 20, 2021

Todos Tus Muertos - s/t

Name:Todod Tus Muertos
Album: s/t
Year: 1997
Style: Punk, Hardcore, Reggae
Similar Bands: Misfits, Bad Brains, Rage Against the Machine, The Clash
"One-Word" Review: Dark Angry Dub-Core
Based Out Of: Buenos Aires, Argentina
Label: Universal, DBN
Cover, Liner Notes, Pics
Lyrics, CD Back, CD

Todos Tus Muertos (1997)
  1. El Feretro 2:20
  2. Demasiados Revueltos 3:38
  3. Diez Segundos De Masacre 1:53
  4. Turbulentas Tinieblas 1:41
  5. !A Combatir! 2:25
  6. Dieciocho Horas 4:51
  7. Dias De Escuela 2:38
  8. Gente Que No 2:38 (single)
  9. Armas (Para La Paz) 5:01
  10. No Mas Apartheid 3:21
  11. Viejos De Mierda 1:23
  12. Mas Bajo Que Tu Status 3:19
  13. Tango Traidor 3:35
Album Rating (1-10): 7.5

Members & Other Bands:
  • Cristian Ruiz - Bateria [drums] (Linda Valori, Malrecetado)
  • Felixx Gutierrez - Bajo, Coros, Collage Sobre Interno [bass & vox] (Los Laxantes, Los Muertos, Fermin Muguruza, Las Plantas De Shiva, El Fuego Del Amor)
  • Fidel Nadal - Voz, Kalimba, Foto Sobre Interno [vox] (Lumumba, Los Intocables, Tijuana No, Negu Gorriak, Mano Negra, Anouk, Fermin Muguruza, Desorden Publico, Alerta, Mancha de Rolando, Joxe Ripiau)
  • Horacio "Gamexane" Villafane - Guitarra, Vox, [guitar & vox]Produccion Artistica, Teclados, Tipografia (Los Laxantes, Los Muertos, Los 7 Delfines, Sobrecarga, Los Fabulosos Cadillacs, Cienfuegos, Fermin Muguruza, El Fuego Del Amor, Los Sedantes)
  • David Wrocklavsky - Teclados [Keys] (Sobrecarga)
  • Sergio Rotman - Saxo Alto (Los Fabulosos Cadillacs, Cienfuegos, Mimi Maura, El Fuego Del Amor, El Siempreterno, Los Sedantes, Pez, Leon Gieco, A77aque, Fidel, Los Telepatas, Futbol, El Mundo, Los Cafres, Santana, Lulu Lewis, Diente Perro, Los Pepiniyoz)
  • Naco Goldfinger Saxo Tenor (Los Fabulosos Cadillacs, Leon Gieco)
  • Dany Lozano - Trompeta (Los Fabulosos Cadillacs, Leon Gieco, A77aque, The Tories, Federico Aubele, Santana Los Cafres)
  • David Gomez - Percision
  • Mundy Epifanio - Produccion Ejecutiva
  • Poppy Manzanedo - Coordinacion General
  • Walter Chacon - Tecnico de Grabacion
  • Andy Cherniavsky - Foto de Tapa
Unknown-ness: Never heard of this band, but came across this CD in a box of leftover CDs from someone's move. I have a strong idea that, based on the dark & death artwork, not to mention a cover that reminds me of the Misfits, i'm guessing this is punk with a dark subject matter. Based on the address and lyrics, the Argentinian band performs in Spanish, but i'm really excited to see how the horns are used, if the sheer speed of the songs pushed them into Ska territory, or they just play HC punk with horns.

Album Review: They definitely have a darker edge with their punk rock, very similar to the Misfits. It is not pop punk on the surface, although some of the songs do use a catchy three chord structure (and their "single Gente Que No does reach ska-pop status), it is a deeper, dark tone with fast, driving guitars at times. They also mix it up with some reggae influence, which still carries a dark, unsettling tone...as the listens progress, the reggae style shares equal stage with the Hardcore Punk.

This copy is a reissue of their sophomore 1988 album, that sings about political oppression, racism, immigration abuse, and land reform. The name translates to All Your Dead, and is a reference to the people killed in Argentina during the "Dirty War" under the dictatorship of Jorge Rafael Videla in the late 70's. "Gamexane" passed away in 2011, but they have done occasional reunion shows

Stand Out Track: Gente Que No

Links:
Wiki

Thursday, August 19, 2021

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:

Tuesday, August 17, 2021

Tinfed - Synaptic Hardware~, Hypersonic Hyperphonic*, Tried+True^

Name: Tinfed
Album: Synaptic Hardware~, Hypersonic Hyperphonic*, Tried+True^
Year: 1993~, 1996*, 2000^
Style: Industrial, Electronic, Nu Metal
Similar Bands: NIN, Fuel, System of a Down, Smashing Pumpkins, God Lives Underwater, Filter, Gravity Kills, Stabbing Westward, Cop Shoot Cop, Bush^, OK Go^
"One-Word" Review: Electro-Clash Industrial Dentistry~* Snotty Alt-Rock^
Based Out Of: Sacramento, Ca
Label: Primitech Releases~, Cargo Music*, Re-Construction*, Hollywood Records^, Third Rail Records^
Cover & Fold out~
Liner Notes & Lyrics, CD, CD Case Back~
Cover & Back*
Liner Notes, CD & CD Tray*
Cover & CD Back^
CD, CD Tray, Lyrics and Liner Notes^
Center Photo^
Synaptic Hardware (1993)~
  1. Blood 4:39 (single)
  2. Burning 4:01
  3. Dominion 4:39
  4. Turned Off 4:41
  5. Interjector 5:51
  6. Reverse Encryption 4:15
  7. Cleansed 5:03
  8. Mannerism Project 4:55
Hypersonic Hyperphonic (1996)*
  1. Thinwall Turmoil 4:27
  2. Whatever 4:13
  3. Wait Suspension 4:26
  4. Dis-jointed 4:20
  5. Insulin 5:16
  6. Elliv Noir Am 4:09
  7. Doubtless 3:10
  8. Unfamiliar 5:06
  9. Dis-jungle 4:32
Tried + True (2000)^
  1. Arrange 3:04
  2. Way Thru 3:14
  3. Immune 3:48
  4. Drop 3:58
  5. Never Was Sure 4:17
  6. Always/Never 2:45
  7. Halo 3:22
  8. Mouth As Sharp 3:41
  9. Idol 3:44
  10. Overrated 3:02
  11. Dangergirl 3:50
  12. It's Late 4:16
Album Rating (1-10):
~ 5.5
* 5.0
^ 6.0

Members & Other Bands:
  • Eric Stenman - Guitar, Bass, Programming, Engineer, Construction~*Writer^ (Elegy, Bureau of the Glorious, Skinny Puppy, Death Valley High)
  • Victor Krag - Mixing~
  • Paul Stubblebine - Mastering~
  • Trevor Henthorn*
  • Rey Osburn - Vox, Guitar, Programming Construction~*Writer^ (Elegy, Ghostride, Death Valley High, Platypus Scourge, Deathline International, Vampire Rodents, Deftones, Slave Unit 
  • Giovanni Mercado - Construction, Drums~ (Exhale)
  • Chino Moreno - Vox^ (Deftones, Palms, Saudade, Team Sleep, Korn, Strife, Far, Soulfly, Skinny Puppy, Hersher, Cypress Hill, Tommy Lee, Handsome Boy Modeling School, Dead Poetic, Norma Jean, Dance Gavin Dance, Zach Hill, Methods of Mayhem, Whitechapel, Lamb of God, Como Asesinar A Felipes, +++, Ray Ramos Y La Sonora)
  • Chandler Broggs - Electronic Art & Graphic Production~
  • Matt Bassett - Artwork*
  • Angi Kelly Lewis - Photography~*
  • Scott Torguson - Photography~
  • Nick Dickerson Frederick - Bass* (Bureau of the Glorious, Exhale, Pitchfork, Thornucopia, Wet the Rope)
  • Rick Verrett - Bass^ (Team Sleep)
  • Matthew McCord- Beats, Deprogramming*^ (Elegy, Death Valley High, Bureau of the Glorious, Drop Acid, Platypus Scourge, Cake, Fleeting Joys)
  • Ed Buller - Mixing Producer, Engineer^
  • Enrique Gonzales - Producer, Mixing, Engineer^
  • Howie Weinburg - Mastering^
  • Jeff Gros - Photography^
  • P.R. Brown - Design^
  • Tom Osborn - PR Direction^
  • Seth Lichtenstein - Legal^
  • Demetre Arges - Web Design^
Unknown-ness: I've never heard of Tinfed, but somehow, probably through a friend ridding himself of some unwanted CDs, I got 3 of their discography. It shows growth from album to album in design and procedure of liner notes, but i still don't know what they sound like, except they apparently all program instruments, on top of the basic guitar drums and bass. From the design, i get the impression that they are sorta like Fuel, with a more tech-centric approach. Nu Metal and pop is my guess based on the last album's band photo.

Album Review: The first album takes a page of NIN's playbook with emotive, screaming vocals in parts and an electro-techno-industrial rock sound with dialogue snippets imbedded in the music. It would be easy to imagine this being on the Crow soundtrack. Hypersonic continues the seemingly experimental industrial-via-electro-clash style and adds to it with dentistry noise. even with a creepy, cavernous ambient instrumental "Unfamiliar," followed by a remix of Disjointed called "Dis-Jungle." which doubles down on the clanging and industrial Stomp. Throw in a song titled Insulin- an unrepresented subject within pop music, and "Wait Suspension," which has a similar base line to Bjork's "Army of Me," and you have a building, dark-techno-wave follow-up.

The third album, from the first note is more straight forward radio alternative produced. The vocals are melodic, not shouty, and the guitars are more prevalent, and the industrial tek is missing. It sounds a bit like Bush with a whiny, Jamiroquai vocal set. Although there is the song Halo, which employs a very NIN style synth and similar vocals. It seems to be an homage/tribute/ripoff of them.

Their height came right before their 2000 major label debut, as they got their single "Immune" on the Mission Impossible 2 soundtrack. Many critics at the time felt they may have had their best years in front of them when they were at the end of their career. 


Stand Out Track:~ Turned Off
^Halo

Links:

Tuesday, July 20, 2021

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

Links:

Tasties (The) - Shy Down Girl

Name: The Tasties
Album: Shy Down Girl
Year: 1999
Style: Pub Rock, Power Pop
Similar Bands: Ween, GBV, Redd Kross, Posies, Lemonheads, Ramones, Pixies, Dramarama
"One-Word" Review: Brashy In Your Face Catchy Jams
Based Out Of: Dayton, OH
Label: Rockathon Records
Cover & Back
Lyrics, CD Back, CD
Shy Girl Down (1999)
  1. Shy Girl Down 2:38
  2. Lotuc House 2:14
  3. It's the Love 2:23
  4. Face 2:54
  5. Over and Over 2:28
  6. Mystery of Life 2:05
  7. Laura 2:22
  8. Bag 1:51
  9. Mary Go Round 2:41
  10. Porcelain Green 2:08
  11. Collision 2:22
  12. Just Like a Briar 1:08
  13. Tits on Fire 2:08
  14. Ooh 1:53
  15. Just Call Me Crazy 2:25
  16. You Against Me 3:04
Album Rating (1-10): 8.5

Members & Other Bands:
  • Nate Farley - Producer
  • John Shough - Producer, Engineer
  • Todd Prenat - Exec Producer
  • Bob Pollard - Sequencing (Guided By Voices)
  • Tere Lerma - Lyrics, Vox, Bass, Guitar (Lexo & the Leapers)
  • Gale Bonham - Guitar, Bass (Lexo & the Leapers, Robert Pollard)
  • Luis Lerma - Drums (Rockafellas, Team Void, The Amps, Pleasures Pale, The Dates, The Breeders, Venus Love Circut, New Creatures)
  • Brett Owsley - Keys (Robert Pollard)
  • Randy Prenat - Photos
  • Greg Holsten - Photos
  • Bill Mathews - Cover Art
  • Nick Kizirnis - Layout
Unknown-ness: Never heard of this band. When i picked it out of the dollar bin, i was assuming it was a girl-indie pop or edgy punky rock band. Like Softies or Bratmobile. And if it weren't for the pics inside and the name drop of Bob Pollard of GBV, i'd have still thought that. But i think this record is going to be more in the short, drunk rock (only 1 / 16 songs is over 3 min @ 3:04) genre. 

Album Review: The music is basically distortion heavy, fuzzy pub pop that comes off as very catchy. Plenty of influence with, of, and by Robert Pollard, as they are all from the Dayton area. Gale & Tere also back Robert Pollard in an outfit called Lexo & The Leapers. Most of the info about this record is tied to Pollard & the Lexo band, but there are some real good classic late 80's barroom rock grunge.

Stand Out Track: It's the Love (live), Porcelain Green (as used in a commercial)

Links:

Monday, July 19, 2021

T's (the) - Capital T

Name: The T's
Album: Capital T
Year: 2008
Style: Garage Rock, Power Pop
Similar Bands: Electric Six, Replacements, X, Soul Asylum, Urge Overkill, Cheap Trick
"One-Word" Review: Raw, unrefined rock
Based Out Of: Raleigh, NC
Label: Doublenaught Records
Cover & Back
CD, Liner Notes & CD tray
Capital T (2008)
  1. Buy My Tape 2:50
  2. How It's Done 3:46
  3. Come My Way 2:43
  4. Big Girl Pants 3:31
  5. The Code 2:27
  6. Get it Right 2:41
  7. The Police 4:00
  8. Goin' Nowhere 2:40
  9. Make Me Pretty 4:03
  10. Mr. Rebel 3:21
Album Rating (1-10): 7.5

Members & Other Bands:
  • Andy Kerr - Guitar (Static Minds) 
  • Stephen Gardner - Guitar (Reese McHenry & The Fox, Cartridge Family, Camping)
  • Lutie Cain - Bass (Maldora, MSRP, Semantics, Snake & Plisskins, Venus Flies)
  • Gary Poole - Drums (Shy FX / T-Power, Candi Station)
  • Dave Bartholomew - Producer, Engineer, Mixing
  • Brent Lambert - Mastering
  • Michael Spence - Photos
  • Sarah Blackmon - Design
Unknown-ness: Never heard of this band. I think a friend gave it to me as part of his discards. Not much to go on with a simple name and play on that name, album title. I'm guessing it will be moderately energetic "Detroit" garage rock that was popularized in the Aughts, and is also based on the 4 band photos.

Album Review: The style is a grungy rock with the gritty Detroit energy. They do mix it up with some female vocals on How It's Done, which gives the band a bit of Riot Grrl attitude. Due to the unfortunate name, there is not much searchable info out there on them. Even the band members' before or since projects don't deliver many hits.

Stand Out Track: Mr. Rebel, How It's Done

Links:

Wednesday, December 23, 2020

Tymes (the) - Tymes Up

Name: The Tymes
Album: Tymes Up
Year: 1976
Style: Soul, Gospel, Funk
Similar Bands: Stylistics, TSOP, Philly Cream, Tavaras, Spinners, Delfonics, Chi-Lites, Five Stairsteps
"One-Word" Review: pimped out gospel soul
Based Out Of: Philadelphia, PA
Label: RCA, Victor
Cover, Record
Record, Back
Tymes Up (1976)
  1. Only Your Love 5:01
  2. It's Cool 3:38 (single)
  3. If I Can't Make You Smile 3:54
  4. God's Gonna Punish You 4:44/
  5. Hypnotized 3:48
  6. Goin' Through the Motions 3:40
  7. To the Max 4:49
  8. Good Morning Dear Lord 5:54
Album Rating (1-10): 6.0

Members & Other Bands:
  • Billy Jackson - Producer, Director, Percussion, Backing Vox/Rap (The Citizens' Band, Daddy Kae Trio, Soiree, The Re-Vels, Lifestyle, Beverley Craven)
  • Richie Rome - Arrangements, Keys (African Suite, Patti LaBelle, Terry Knight, Cheltenham Orch, Carol Stivers, Jimmy Ruffin, Dianne Steinberg, Persuaders, Horseshoe, Willis Jackson, Archie Bell & Drells, Chi-Lites, Ritchie Family, many)
  • George Williams - Lead Vox, Backing Vox/Rap 
  • Albert Berry Tenor 1st, 2nd (Latineers)
  • Norman Burnett - Tenor, Baritone (Latineers)
  • Wade Davis - Baritone (Ferguson, Davis & Jones, Lifestyle, Davis & Lee)
  • Jerry Ferguson - Tenor (Ferguson, Davis & Jones, Lifestyle, Davis & Lee)
  • Donald Banks - Bass (Latineers)
  • Bernard Purdie - The Sounds of NY Band Leader, Drums (Harlem River Drive, Hummingbirg, New Pulse Jazz Band, Pretty Purdie & Playboys, Profile, Rhythmstick, Roy Ayers Ubiquity, Godfathers of Groove, Leon Thomas Blues Band, Mac Chrupcala Trio, Liv Warfield, Bruce Arnold, Nina Simone, Jimmy Smith, Phil Upchurch, Charlie Byrd more)
  • Karl Chambers - Drums (MFSB, Ronald & Karl, The Producers, The Romeos, Toomorrow, Yellow Sunshine, Barbara Mason, Don Covay, Teddy Pendergrass, Intruders, The Three Degrees, O'Jays, Orlons)
  • George Devins - Percussion, Vibes (Dizzy Gillespie, Harris-Leigh +3, Lew Davis, Ninapinta & his Bongos & Congas, Brassmates, Brothers, Jerry Ross, Don Costa, Irving Joseph, Don Arnone, Al Caiola more)
  • Ray Barretto - Congas, Timbales (Art Farmer, Artists United Against Apartheid, Cannonball Adderley, Fania All Stara, Lou Donaldson, Oliver Nelson, Quincy Jones, New World Spirit, Charanga Band, Charanga Moderna, Al Grey, Billy Mitchell, Blackout Allstars, Herbie Mann, Ray Bryant, Tito Puente, Wild Bill Moore, Woody Herman, Thundering Herd, more)
  • Paul Griffith - Keys (Aretha Franklin, Tim Carroll) 
  • Larry Bongo Washington - Percussion, Congas (Anglo Saxon Brown, Black Light Orch, Eddie Drennon & BBS unlimited, John Davis & Monster Orch, MFSB, Salsoul Orch, Stylistics, Laura Nyro, Good God, Harold Melvin, more)
  • Carl Lynch - Guitar (Dayton Selby Sound, Brownie McGhee, Cootie Williams, Will Holt, Preston McKinnon, Casey Anderson, Rose Murphy, The Orioles, Joan Toliver, Curtis Amy, Les McCann, Johnny Hodges, Jerome Richardson, Hank Crawford, George Benson, Jimmy Smith, Circle of Music, Melvin Van Peebles, King Curtis, James Brown, Dizzy Gillespie, Fugs, Peter Allen, Sharon Ridley, Charles McPherson, Carol Hall, Percy Mayfield, Van McCoy, Gerri Granger, Teresa Brewer, Marlena Shaw. Joneses, Bo Diddley, Webster Lewis, Jimmy Owens, Bunky Green, James Moody, Coasters, Herman Chittison, Ruth Brown, James Brown, Nina Simone, Clyde McPhatter, Rita Pavone, Bobby Byrd, JJ Johnson, Carla Thomas, Johnny Hodges, LaVern Baker, Diane Destry, Lee Castle, Sam Taylor, Leo Stephenson)
  • Cornell Dupree - Guitar (Harlem River Drive, King Curtis & the Kingpins, Rainbow, Snooky Young, Stuff, Gadd Gang, The RH Factor, Donny Hathaway, Lulu, Aretha Franklin, Laura Nyro, Freddie King, Herbie Mann, Jerry Williams, more)
  • Wilbur Bascombe - Bass (New Pulse Jazz Band, Players Assoc. The Zodiac, Willie Collins, Marion Williams, Buddy Terry, Lightnin' Rod, Billy Butler, Bo Diddley, Martin Mull, Roy Ayers, Michael Bolotin, Chuck Berry, Jeff Beck, Frankie Valli, Grace Jones more)
  • Don Renaldo - The Sound of Philadelphia Band Leader (Horns & Strings, John Davis & Monster Orch, MFSB, Salsoul Orch, Delfonics, Barbara Mason, Stylistics, Grady Tate, Billy Paul, Charles Mann, Spinners, First Choice, Manhattans, Dick Jensen, Ecstasy-Passion-Pain, Major Harris, Persuaders, William DeVaughn, BB King, Modulations, Blue Magic, Gwen & Bruce, Eddie Kendricks, Universe City, Loleatta Holloway, Double Exposure, Arthur Prysock, Carol Williams, Ritchie Family, Eddie Drennon, Chi-Lites, Johnny Mathis, Harold Melvin, Archie Bell, Grace Jones, Lou Rawls, Billy Paul, Charo, Eddie Holman, Gaz, Metropolis, Ellen McIlwaine, Gary Criss, Jerry Butler, Montana, Dexter Wansel, Silver Convention, Trammps, Karen Young, Love Committee, The Futures, Gabriel, Ruth Waters, Jean Carn, Jones Girls, Bonnie Boyer, Cindy & Roy, Jackie Moore, Michael Pedicin Jr, Chuck brown, McFadden & Whitehead, Philly Cream, Fania All Stars, Strange Affair, OC Smith, Mizz, Sal Barbieri & Royal Company, Kat Mandu, Teddy Pendergrass, Dee Dee Sharp, Deniece Williams, Cashmere, Spinners, Flower, The Three Degrees, Laura Nyro, Exodus)
  • Richie Genovese - Bass Trombone (Salsoul Orch, Stylistics, Delfonics, JJ Barnes, First Choice, Spinners, Loleattsa Holloway, Doulbe Exposure, Eddie Holman, Charo, Gloria Gaynor, Montana, Arthur Prysock, Ahsa Puthli, Bonnie Boyer, Michael Pedicin Jr, William Bolcom, Arnold Weinstein, Lulu Santos, Nuyorican Soul, Exodus)
  • Roger DeLillo - Trombone, Euphonium (Dan McMillion, Jazz in the Classroom, Salsoul Orch, Woody Herman, Herman & Puemte, Carol Williams, Arthur Prysock, Loleatta Holloway, Paul Williams, First Choice, Eddie Holman, Charo, Gloria Gaynor, Montana, Karen Young, Michael Pedicin Jr, Bonnie Boyer, Mizz)
  • Rocco Bene - Trumpet (Salsoul Orch, Stylistics, Delfonics, JJ Barnes, First Choice, Spinners, Loleattsa Holloway, Doulbe Exposure, Willis Jackson, Eddie Holman, Charo, Kool & the Gang,  Arthur Prysock, Ahsa Puthli, Touch of Class, Bonnie Boyer, Michael Pedicin Jr, Montana, FLB, Mizz, Abstract Truth, Nuyorican Soul, Joe Sgro, Exodus)
  • Bob Hartzell - Trumpet (Salsoul Orch, Stylistics, Delfonics, JJ Barnes, First Choice, Spinners, Loleatta Holloway, Double Exposure, University City, Willis Jackson, Eddie Holman, Arthur Prysock, Ahsa Puthli, Cindy & Roy, Touch of Class, Bonnie Boyer, Michael Pedicin Jr, Montana, Karen Young, Mizz, Moana, Exodus)
  • Christine P Reeves - Strings (Salsoul Orch, Frist Choice, Loleatta Holloway, Carol Williams, Double Exposure, Charo, Eddie Holman, Gloria Gaynor, Montana, Karen Young, Bonnie Boyer, Cinry & Roy, Mizz, Was (Not Was), Jean Carne, Men At Large, Gerald Levert, Eddie Levert, Incognito, Braxtons, Lulu Santos, O'Jays, Nuyorican Soul, Phyllis Hyman, Men of Vizion, Delfonics, Fantastic Plastic Machine)
  • Charles A Apollonia - Strings (Salsoul Orch, Stylistics, Delfonics, Carol Williams, First Choice, Loleatta Holloway, Double Exposure, Eddie Holman, Gloria Gaynor, Montana, Karen Young, Bonnie Boyer, Cindy & Roy)
  • Davis A Barnett - Strings (Philly Sound Orch, Salsoul Orch, Stylistics, Delfonics, First Choice, Loleatta Holloway, Double Exposure, Eddie Holman, Gloria Gaynor, Montana, Karen Young, Cinry & Roy, Mizz, Bonnie Boyer, Men At Large, Gerald Levert, Eddie Levert, Nuyorican Soul O'Jays, Backstreet Boys, Kelly Price, Nicole Ray, Jermaine Duprie, Men of Vizion, Jazzyfatnastees. Eric Benet, Will Smith, Martha Clancy, Jill Scott, Will Downing, eryKah Badu, Jagged Edge, Jaguar Wright, Vivian Green, Glenn Lewis, Darious Rucker, Floetry, Kindered The Family Soul, Curse, Javier, Ruben Studdard, Funk Bros, Patti LaBelle, Bonnie McKee, Southside Johnny & Asbury Jukes, Vivian, Anthony Hamilton, Margarets, Joy Denalane, Sleepy Brown, Roots, Justin Timberlake, Ron Hall & Muthafunkaz, Carol Riddick, Macy Gray, John Legend, Kanye West, Ne-Yo, NERD, Alexandra Burke, Paul Van Dyk, Rihanna, Esmee Denters, Black Eyed Peas, Fun, Daughtry, Michael Jackson, Aretha Franklin, Troye Sivan, Kelly Clarkson, 
  • Vincent Pignotti - Strings (MFSB, Gamble & Huff, Salsoul Orch)
  • Anthony Singagoga - Strings (Salsoul Orch, Stylistics, Delfonics, Carol Williams, First Choice, Loleatta Holloway, Double Exposure, Eddie Holman, Gloria Gaynor, Charo, Montana, Karen Young, Bonnie Boyer, Cindy & Roy)
  • Rudolph Malizia - Strings (Salsoul Orch, Stylistics, Delfonics, Carol Williams, First Choice, Loleatta Holloway, Double Exposure, Eddie Holman, Gloria Gaynor, Charo, Montana, Karen Young, Bonnie Boyer, Cindy & Roy, Mizz)
  • Albert Barone - Strings (Salsoul Orch, Stylistics, Delfonics, First Choice)
  • J Chudnow - Strings
  • Larry Gold - Strings (Good News, NFSB, Salsoul Orch, Woody's Truck Stop, Emile Haynie, Michael Bacon, Carol Williams, First Choice, Double Exposure, Eddie Holman, Charo, Karen Young, Bonnie Boyer, Mark Child & Cottage St Gang, Mizz, Montana, Lorenzo Smith, Bruce Saunders, Good 2 Go, Brue Cohen, John Rose, Rodney Mannsfield, Men At Large, Whitehead Bros, Gerald Levert, 2 Aces & a Jack, Gustav Mahler, Uri Caine, Nicole Renee, Nicole Ray, Kelly Price, Jermaine Dupri, Jazzyfatnastees, Roots, Shaboom, Will Smith, Eric Benet, Will Downing, Common, Jill Scott, Changing Faces, Dice Raw, eryKah Badu, Jagged Edge, Bubba Sparxxx, Bebel Giberto, Jay-Z, Philadelphia Experiment, Jaguar, Wright, Jennifer Lopez, Glenn Lewis, Darius Rucker, Floetry, Ms Jade, Erro, Brandy, Christina Aguilera, Donell Jones, Ms Jade, Justin Timberlake, Kindered the Family Soul, King Britt, Bacon Brothers, Ruben Studdard, LSG, Murphy lee, Joe, Jeff Bradshaw, Zap Mama, Osunlade, R. Kelly, Charlie Wilson, Amos Lee, V, Raheem DeVaughn, Syleena Johnson, Thomas Dutronc, Low Cut Connie, Grace Carter, Michael Jackson, Troye Sivan, Fleeting Ends, Paloma Faith, Kelly Clarkson, Lana Del Ray, Ne-Yo, Caine, Joy Denalane, Natalie, Carol Riddick, Ween, Macy Gray, Al gerween, TI, LL Cool J, John Hill, Kid Cudi, Pleasure P, Bedouin Soundclash)
  • Jack Faith - Flute, Strings (Stylistics, Swamp Dogg, Delfonics, Moonglows, Spinners, Salsoul Orch, Blue Magic, Carol Williams, Willis Jackson, LTG Exchange, Charo, Johny Mathis, Montana, First Choice, Asha, Gloria Gaynor, Mizz, Leon Huff, Futures, MFSB, Rose Royce, O'Jays, Patti LaBelle more)
  • Romeo DiStephans - Strings (Salsoul Orch, Stylistics, Delfonics, First Choice, Loleatta Holloway, Double Exposure, Charo, Montana)
  • J D'Onofrio - Strings
  • Isabel Coles - Backing Vox (Kleer, Joey Negro)
  • Edna Holt - Backing Vox (Holt '45, Starluv, Ritchie Family, Mongo Santamaria, Michael Boothman, harold Ousley, Fatback Band, Black Renaissance, Stormin' Norman & Suzy, Angela Bofill, OC Smith, Keith Silverfish Ferguson, Fonzi Thornton, Talking Heads, Chickenshack, Kim Ryder, James Freud, Bryan Ferry, Rocking Chairs, David J)
  • Barbara Ingram - Backing Vox (School for Arts Singers, Ingram, John Davis & the Monster Orch, New York City, Slick, Spinners, Alpha Angels, Intruders, Philadelphia Angels, Salsoul Hustlers, Sweethearts, Sweeties, Stylistics, Barbara Mason, Detroit Spinners, Dick Jensen, Soul Survivors, Billy Paul, Harold Melvin, Ecstasy-Passion-Pain, MFSB, Archie Bell, Dee Dee Sharp, Blue Magic, Trammps, Dionne Warwick, Manhattans, Major Harris, Bunny Sigler, more)
  • Deborah Stockton - Backing Vox (Force of Nature, MFSB)
  • Evette L. Benton - Backing Vox (John Davis & the Monster Orch, MFSB, New York City, Spinners, Alpha Angels, Intruders, Philadelphia Angels, Salsoul Hustlers, Sweethearts, Sweeties,  Barbara Mason, Detroit Spinners, Dick Jensen, Soul Survivors, Billy Paul, Harold Melvin, Ecstasy-Passion-Pain, Ritchie Family, Archie Bell, Dee Dee Sharp, Blue Magic, Dionne Warwick, more)
  • Carla L Benson - Backing Vox & Special Vox Effect (John Davis & the Monster Orch, New York City, Michael Pedicin Jr, Spinners, Alpha Angels, Intruders, Philadelphia Angels, Salsoul Hustlers, Sweethearts, Sweeties, Barbara Mason, Detroit Spinners, Dick Jensen, Soul Survivors, Billy Paul, Harold Melvin, Ecstasy-Passion-Pain, Ritchie Family, MFSB, Archie Bell, Dee Dee Sharp, Blue Magic, Trammps, Dionne Warwick, more)
  • Luz Rivera - Backing Vox Rap (Miguel de Leon)
  • Joe Tarsia - Recording Engineer, Remix Engineer
  • Jay Marks - Recording Engineer
  • Kenny Present - Recording Engineer
  • Don Murray - Recording Engineer, Remix Engineer
  • Carl Parulo - Recording Engineer
  • Vivian Abbott  - Recording Engineer Special Thanks
  • Harry Chipetz - Recording Engineer Special Thanks
  • Dick Baxter - RCA Recording Engineer
  • Tom Brown - RCA Recording Engineer Assistant
  • Shelly Yakus - Recording Engineer Record Plant
  • Jay Messina - Recording Engineer Record Plant
  • Tom Moulton - Mixing
  • Nick Sangiamo - Photos
  • Design - JJ Stelmach
Unknown-ness: I've never heard of this band, but my mind automatically goes toward associating it with Morris Day And the Time. With the silly misspelled name and the play on words with Tymes Up parking meter photo in the graveyard, i get a sense that they think of themselves as a fun band. But looking at the immense list of musicians who went into the production of this record, i wonder if it will be more choir-like or operatic...especially with two tracks referencing god. I'm going to suggest that this will be soulful R&B, perhaps with a foot in disco, just due to the instruments listed and the year.

Album Review: This is a collection of soulful R&B with some fear of god gospel. Lots of smooth sexy sections coupled with the upbeat soul and cheery gods gonna punish you if you break my heart and sermon filled good morning dear lord. "It's Cool" is a fun, empowering story song where a woman gets hit on at a restaurant and has to cool down her jealous man. The strings do swirl around, hinting at disco on occasion, but it is much firmer placed in the vocal soul group category.

This album comes 20 years into their career (16 as The Tymes). Their two biggest hits in came in 1963 in the US (So Much Love, which beat the Beatles in the #1 spot) and then in 1975 in the UK (Ms Grace). They bounced around from label to label and had minor alterations to their sound trying to find a place to capture the initial first album success. Williams and Banks have both passed away in 2004 & 20011 respectively. But surviving members still play out as The Tymes to this day (2020). They were part of Dick Clark's 1963 American Bandstand tour, which was supposed to play Dallas the day JFK was shot.

Stand Out Track: Only Your Love

Links:
Wiki

Friday, December 18, 2020

20/20 - Lookout!

Name: 20/20
Album: Look Out!
Year: 1981
Style: Power Pop
Similar Bands: Records, Pezband, Strokes, The Tubes, The Knack
"One-Word" Review: power-less powerpop
Based Out Of: Tulsa, Oklahoma / Los Angeles, CA
Label: Portrait, CBS

Cover, Record
Back, Record

(1981)

  1. Nuclear Boy 3:20 (single)
  2. Out of My Head 3:49
  3. Strange Side of Love 3:37 (single)
  4. Alien 3:39
  5. A Girl Like you 2:29 /
  6. Life in the USA 2:37
  7. The Night I Heard a Scream 3:14
  8. Beat City 3:02
  9. Mobile Unit 245 4:10
  10. American Dream 4:50

Album Rating (1-10): 7.5

Members & Other Bands:

  • Richard Podolor - Producer
  • Christopher Silagyi - Guitar, Synth, Piano, Vox (Ex Teens)
  • Steve Allen - Lead Guitar, Keys, Vox (Long Players Band)
  • Joel Turrisi - Drums
  • Ron Flynt - Bass, Keys, Vox
  • Tony Lane - Art Direction
  • Nobru Tarui - Design
  • Tim Guyer - Design
  • Bill Cooper - Engineer
  • Pat Foley - Engineer
  • Shelly Heber - Mgmt
  • Johnnie Randels - Photos

Unknown-ness: Never heard of 20/20. Not a fan of the font or overall color scheme of the album art, but they do look like a bunch of power pop rockers from the cover photo. The back darkly lit alley photo gives them a grittier, pub band feel, so I'm, not sure if it will be more in line with bands like Journey and Foreigner than Big Star or the Flaming Groovies.

Album Review: The album is pretty straightforward clean cut power pop, not much darkness or mysterious elements to their music, if any. I feel like the album is inspired by Star Wars with some of their lyrics on "Alien" and "Mobile Unit 245," or perhaps the pride (actually, sarcastic critique) in the US with "Nuclear Boy," "Life in the USA," and "American Dream". Either way, the album seems to capture the time in which it was recorded. "Out of My Head" feels a little Strokes-y (or the Strokes feel like this). And there is a slight tinge of psychedelia on "A Girl Like You." John Mellencamp's ROCK in the USA sounds a little like their "Life in the USA."

The nucleus of the band formed in Tulsa Oklahoma back in grade school. Inspired or challenged by cross town success of the Dwight Twilley band in LA, Allen and Flynt moved where they eventually came together with a fully formed idea of 20/20 by Mike Gallo, who departed before this record. Their first album was considered a power pop masterpiece, and this one a somewhat disappointing follow up. Like most bands, the writing was on the wall, and a third, final album followed as sales/promotion/ waned and frustration increased. Flynt & Allen regrouped in the 90's following album reissues and ended up putting a new pair of albums out in 95,98. Coincidentally, all members of 20/20 own or work in different recording studios.


Stand Out Track: Alien

Links:
Wiki
Discogs
Allmusic
Best Classic bands Top 10 power pop songs
Fredpopdom
Power Pop HOF
Pop Matters

Thursday, December 17, 2020

Truth (the) - Playground

Name: The Truth
Album: Playground
Year: 1985
Style: Jangly Pop
Similar Bands: Hall & Oates, Dire Straits, ABC, Tears for Fears, China Crisis, Howard Jones, Spandau Ballet, Style Council, JoBoxer
"One-Word" Review: pub rock with a smooth new car smell facelift
Based Out Of: UK
Label: IRS, MCA
Cover, Record
Back, Record
Playground (1985)
  1. Spread A Little Sunshine 3:35
  2. Exception of Love 3:07 (single)
  3. So Many Things 2:52
  4. Always On My Mind 4:02
  5. I'm In Tune 2:44 /
  6. Playground 3:22 (single)
  7. Solution 3:25
  8. It's A Miracle 5:18
  9. Thursday Club 3:35
  10. You Play With My Emotions 4:15
Album Rating (1-10): 7.5

Members & Other Bands:
  • Dennis Greaves - Guitar, Vox (Nine Below Zero, NHS Voices, The Co-Operative, Perfect Crime, Gwyn Ashton, Steve Marriott, Squeeze, Glenn Tilbrook & the Fluffers)
  • Mick Lister - Guitar, Vox (The Stowaways, Perfect Crime, Moody Marsden, Jamai, The Beat, Tony Hadley)
  • Chris Skornia - Keys (Fabulous Poodles, The Boyfriends, The Cane, The Planets, Billy Ray Cyrus, The Overtures)
  • Allan Fielder - Drums (The Climb)
  • Richard Parfitt - Bass (60ft Dolls, Blood Brothers, McAlmont & Butler, Lene Marlin, Duffy, David Sinclair Trio, Martin Carr)
  • Carolyn Lovell - Cello (Flesh For Lulu)
  • Dennis Weinreich - Producer
  • Hein Hoven - Producer
  • Trevor Hallesy - Engineer
  • Dave Powell - Thanks @ Konk Studios
  • H.T Murkowski - Photos
Unknown-ness: I had never heard of this band. I found 2 of their records in a dollar box, but decided on this one after simply reading it was a better / more popular record...but did not hear it at all. With a 1985 date, I assume this is smoothly produced pop with a bunch of synth effects in place of typical instruments.

Album Review: It is one part jangly pop, but also has a bit of a blue-collar pub rock edge, if only a small bit, underneath the mid-80's overproduction sheen. They possess standard nasally British vocals, and some Blue-Eyed, Mod-revival pop experimentation on a couple of the tracks with synthesized horns.

This is their first album, three years after Greaves and Lister formed the band and a handful of non-album singles. Two more albums followed, with the middle one being the big hit in the US (Weapons of Love), with some songs being featured in the 1987 sci-fi film The Hidden. They were on track to follow in the Jam's footsteps, but ended up coming off without their power and drive, and ended up succumbing to the era's Miami Vice soundtrack bands in the states, and never recovered back home. You can hear it quite clearly on the track "Is There a Solution," which is musically great until the Phil Collins like vocals and chorus hit.

Stand Out Track: Exception of Love

Links:
Wiki

Treepeople - Just Kidding

Name: Treepeople
Album: Just Kidding
Year: 1993
Style: Alternative, Grunge, Punk
Similar Bands: Fretblanket, Superchunk, Built to Spill, Poster Children, Archers of Loaf
"One-Word" Review: vague-fuzz-covered-speedy-melodies
Based Out Of: Boise, Idaho / Seattle, WA
Label: C/Z Records
Cover, Record
Back, Record
Just Kidding (1993)
  1. Today 4:33
  2. In C 3:13
  3. Cartoon Brew 1:40
  4. Ballard Bitter 3:07
  5. Clouds and Faces 3:19
  6. House of Pain 3:42/
  7. Fishblanket 2:25
  8. Nod & Blink 4:06
  9. Anything's Impossible 2:09
  10. Neil's Down 3:29
  11. Outside In 6:42
Album Rating (1-10): 7.5

Members & Other Bands:
  • Scott Schmaljohn - Guitar, Vox (State of Confusion, Stuntman, The Hand, The Treatment, Built to Spill, Kill Sybil)
  • Dug Martsch - Guitar, Vox (Farm Days, Built to Spill, Halo Benders, The Hand, All Smiles, Boise Cover Band, Caustic Resin, Butterfly Train, The Prids, Electronic Anthology Project, Clarke and the Himselfs)
  • Tony Dallas Reed - Bass, Guitar (Constance Tomb, Goodbye Harry, Green13, Heavypink, Hot Spring Water, Mos Generatory, Stone Axe, Twelve Thirty Dreamtime, Woodrot, Seedy Jeezus, Big Scenic Nowhere, Kane Hodder, Rotten Apples, Doublestone, Witch Charmer, Black Road, 
  • Eric Akre - Drums, Vox (Christ on a Crutch, Citizens' Utilities, Diddly Squat, Galleons Lap, Juno, Kill Sybil, Built to Spill, Goodness, Stuntmen, Heather Duby, Minus the Bear, Old Friendly, Carrie Akre)
  • John Goodmanson - Producer
  • Todd Dunnigan - Engineer
  • Stuart Hallerman - Engineer
  • Michael Scheer - Artwork
  • Lisa Johnson - Band Photo
Unknown-ness: Never heard of them, and honestly don't know how i came across this in my collection...perhaps gifted to me when a friend moved away, and it sat on my shelf until i started this project. The plastic intact on the cover says pre- Built to Spill, so i imagine that, combined with the artwork and year, and Seattle base for the record label, this will be some alt-grunge

Album Review: The album straddles that jangly-grunge boarder, where the guitars ring out, but there are driving beats and lots of feedback fuzz layered on top. The vocals are often harmonized but layered down behind the sound, occasionally surfacing when becoming shouty. I like the Martsch's whiny vocals on "Neil's Down" & "Clouds & Faces" as they remind me of Kyle Gilbride's voice from Swearin' (so maybe i should listen to more Built to Spill).

The band started in Boise, ID as State of Confusion, and moved to Seattle to join the underground scene there. Martsch was a fan of the band, and ended up joining them en route, so they became Treepeople. The band lasted 2 eps and 4 albums, this being the third, and final one with Martsch, who left to return to Boise due to a number of reasons: touring burn out, a girl, wanting to leave the Seattle scene, where he started Built to Spill. After playing some Treepeople songs with Schmaljohn's band The Hand as an opener for Built to Spill, they decided to reunite the old lineup and did a set of reunion shows in 2018 out west. Tony Reed Founded Music Abuse Records and run Temple & Heavy Head Sound.

Stand Out Track: Neil's Down, Clouds and Faces

Links:
Wiki

Tuesday, December 15, 2020

Translator - Heartbeats and Triggers

Name: Translator
Album: Heartbeats & Triggers
Year: 1982
Style: Post Punk, New Wave
Similar Bands: Alarm, Jonathan Richman, Clash, Jam, Rifles, The dB's, Wire Train
"One-Word" Review: Solid Punky Art Rock
Based Out Of: San Francisco, Los Angeles
Label: 415 Records, Columbia, CBS

Cover, Record
Record, Back

Heartbeats and Triggers (1982)

  1. Everywhere That I'm Not 4:03 (single)
  2. Necessary Spinning 3:41
  3. Everything You See 3:35
  4. When I Am With You 3:06 (single b-side)
  5. Nothing is Saving Me 5:16 /
  6. Sleeping Snakes 3:37
  7. Favorite Drug 3:32
  8. Everywhere 3:19
  9. Dark Region 2:31
  10. My Heart, Your Hear 3:43

Album Rating (1-10): 10.0

Members & Other Bands:

  • Steve Barton - Guitar, Vox (The Oblivion Click, Present Tense, Blow Up, Waking Bartonomous)
  • Robert Darlington - Guitar, Vox (The Lies)
  • David Scheff - Drums (Teatro ZinZanni, Dead Kennedys, Bang Bang Men, Half True, Winter Hours, Wilma, Bounty, Slow Children, American Music Club, Sachiko, Ramona The Pest, Flying Color, Billy & Dolly)
  • Larry Dekker - Bass (Bang Bang Men, Map of Wyoming, Sachiko)
  • David Kahne - Producer, Engineer
  • Philip De Lancie - Remote Assistant
  • Paul Stubblebine - Mastering
  • Robin A. Spear - Cover Concept & Design
  • Trudy Fisher - Photos

Unknown-ness: Never heard of this band. While the date is 1982, the cover looks like a millennial angular pop-punk offering. The bleak two tone color scheme give them a darkness to the music, potentially. But i really don't know what's going to be on here...based on their pics, they look like a new wave band, so let's go with that.

Album Review: This record is really great. Two vocal styles from two vocalists round out the good with a Jonathan Richmond style voice, and a Peter Weller style vocal, with music to complement both styles. The songs can be a little jangly like the Alarm, but a good recent comparison would be to the UK band, the Rifles. It feels like the third or fourth catalogue offering of a previously raucous punk band who has aged well and lost a bit of their driving, angsty edge, yet this is their debut.

This record received substantial airplay for college and underground radio stations via the record label's connection to CBS/Columbia, particularly their anthem "Everywhere That I'm Not." They release 4 albums in the 80's then quit, and reformed 26 years later to release another album, two best-ofs and a handful of new singles. One of their biggest inspirations was the Beatles, and they sounded so much like them, that many Beatles fan thought their 1983 cover of "Cry for a Shadow" was a new recording by the living members in time for the Beatles Anthology release in 1995.

Stand Out Track: Everywhere That I'm Not, Necessary Spinning, Everywhere


Links:
Wiki
Discogs
Allmusic
Steve Barton Music
Music Alternatives
Facebook Friends & Fans
Furious: Darlington Interview
Washington Times
Unrated Magazine 2018 Barton's solo albums interview
Cryptic Rock Barton Interview 2018
Alchetron
Stereo Embers Barton's 2018 release review/stream
Songfacts 2012 Barton Interview