I love the joke in the Blue Brothers movie: So what kind of music do you guys have here normally? “Both Kinds. Country & Western.” Well the answer around here is about the same but I thought it would be a good idea to focus on some pop music for a change. So here’s a cover by Clair Reilly-Roe doing “New Years Day”. Some pop can really gets under your skin mainly because you hear it too much or it all sounds the same, etc. Easy to be a hater for sure but every once in awhile there is some music that is pretty pleasant and you find yourself humming along because it’s just a good song or they actually do have taste. I literally pictured some Rastafarians jamin’ behind her in my mind when I hear her cover this song in her style and I’m then suddenly transported to a fancy beach front bar in the Hamptons or Cape Cod maybe. You get the picture. This music will help you escape your miserable winter doldrums. Also helps if the singer has some flammable assets and the music is recorded really well so there you go. Clair’s voice will burn right through with a blink of eyelash so check it out.
Back story short and full disclosure. I met Clair on a video shoot for the Create or Else documentary series that I’ve been working on for awhile. She is one of the many independent artists being produced by Tony Black’s music production umbrella and is a featured artist in the mini-doc. She spiritedly says about her tunes:
“…girls say that it’s good make out music!“
As is appropriate around these parts stalk her on twitter @ClairReillyRoe She’s got a city soul but you can check her out for yourself at The Bitter End Thursday Jan 20th 7pm
“a great pop song walks the fine line between charming and annoying“ – Tony Black
Clair hamming it up with Review Stalker Editor on set Somehow I get around.
Case in point here’s another very hotish indie pop singer Nicole Atkins from the Jersey Shore (not that dirty Jerzy Shore) doing a great Can cover.
MP3 Vitamin C (Cover) Nicole Atkins From a recent 7″ B side on Razor & Tie.
MP3 Vultures is the A side from the 7″ and also single on her new record Mondo Amore. Sort of a haunting track reminds me of a darker bluesy Tiny Lights with the same jam band pop country feel. [Buy]
BONUS:
MP3 Song of the Weak by Tiny Lights from their stellar record Prayer For the Halcyon Fear (1985). Features the bass playing of my old pal Dave Dreiwitz (Ween). Everything always comes full-circle.
We love the Archers of Loaf around these parts. I’m not sure if Indie Rock as I knew it would have any real meaning without Icky Mettle. Seriously, the record is wholesome college noisy indie rock with just the right amount of grit and sing-along to make it a true college radio break-out. They got weirder as they went breaking boundries staying under the radar from major airplay. Meaning no top 40 hit but all hits on every record in their own right. So it’s about time they did a reunion show. Don’t get me wrong big fan of Eric Bachman’s post AOL band Crooked Fingers which was more neuvo folk with a huge following all on his own but there is no denying the Loaf. I’ll have to find out more about this show and if there are any more shows planned? The past year there has been a bonanza of reunions…
Archers Of Loaf Live Maxwells -IckyMettle Tour
Here’s a live show from 1998 that Captain’s Dead posted last year. The pic above was 1994 or so I think. I don’t remember that era as it was a total blur of some amazing music coming out every month that it was hard to keep up. Also, nice live review of the show on Sunset in the Rearview; apparently some nut from Jersey traveled down to North Carolina based solely on a rumor AOL was going to be playing.
Cue up the tape to the right spot as I remember playing a Sunday night show at the old Brownies around 2000 in the loweast side with Aviso’Hara and for some odd reason (really fucking stupid actually) I left my bass at the front of the stage so I had to return the next night to pick it up right before the Monday night show. The door guy let me in and thank g*d it was there hiding in the shadows. I think we actually got the club a noise pollution ticket and then they became a old hipster disco. Anyway, Then on my way out I run into Joe from Plug Spark Sanjay and a couple other Hoboken friends who had shown up to see Mr. Backman play a solo set with just him and his guitar with a bunch of effects. So I stayed and was blown away and have been a fan ever since hearing and seeing this reimagined style of folkish indie rock. Music is about accidental discovery sometimes and that night was one of those instances. [Get some back catalog Archers]
Crooked Fingers Live Shows:
Jan 21st The Grey Eagle, Asheville NC
Feb 19th The Bell House, Brooklyn, NY
SUPER EXTRA JUICY BONUS:
3. Hit it nowMP3 by Plug Spark Sanjay from Regular Pinto (1999). We’ll have to revisit this record and band properly very soon (actually I think I lost this record so need to get a burn from somebody – help!?) but if there is anything new you’ve never heard of and this is it; you should download this right now. Don’t pause for even a second. It’s the opening track to their debut and it’s a #1 hit and it’s catchy as all get out.
4. Accidental (Moron) MP3 by Aviso’Hara from Our Lady of The Highway. Recorded at The Pigeon Club in Hoboken, NJ by Wayne Dorell. More Our Lady by Aviso’ this way »
Welcome to 7″ Friday again! A little late today as I was distracted by the new 13th sign (see last post) but anyway here’s Elvis Costello And The Atractions Live at Hollywood High recorded in 1978. I found this EP at Vintage Vinyl in Fords, NJ the other day. I think its from a recent Record Store day goody but I don’t know. I got the last copy and that is all that matters. The whole show is available if you’d like to hear the master of pop in his prime.
Here’s a bootleg of some mostly untitled Descendents songs from a 7″ EP called I Don’t Want To Get Bootlegged (1994) put out by some of their fans -parts unknown. This is a pretty rare release that turned up in NJ so I have no clue who printed or pressed it but I own one. The only song on here that has a known title is the 4th track called “3 Red” which is around the “Enjoy” sessions era. Their pop-punk blend is unmistakable in particular with vocal styles of Milo Aukerman.
1. Song 1
2. Song 2
3. Song 3
4. Song 3 Red
Is Ophiuchus the 13th Zodiac Sign? Let me see if I can figure this out. The issue has been debunked by some astrology experts in order to save their books and mythical practice because the zodiac is moon based per The Babylonians, but what the scientists are saying is that the constellation and earth’s axis moved for sure making “alignment” off by 30 or so days. Also, the earth, sun and constellation does not align like it did 3,000 years ago but this you all knew right? You see there is nothing “new” perse that was uncovered but seems like the shift is real science and astrology is what it is. I was reading that there were originally 13 signs even as far as the Babylonians recognized but because it did not fit as a nice and even number with the seasons and their calendar they had created way back in A.D. they let serpent man go (AKA Ophiuchus or Serpentarius interpreter of dreams, healer and a misunderstood leader see more »). The Romans were making mythology all up as they went along too and Julius Caesar created Libras for some time to signify justice and for political reasons. The scales represented Justice for Scorpios for the Greeks. It’s all convoluted huey but according to this Nasa article all constellations reside on this imaginary line — which has moved! The thirteenth one is Ophiuchus and this constellation aligns with sun and earth for about 18 days a year! This very simple star finder explanation for kids helped explain it all to me. So in reality scientifically speaking I’m a Virgo not a Libra. Um what? So just remember Astrology is not a science like Astronomy it’s mythical entertainment to help us figure people out and any Ophiuchuses(Nov 30 – Dec 17) out there. DOWNLOAD:
1. Zodiac by the Melvins from their Chinese Pinyin: gong1 niu2 based record Bullhead
2. Zodiac Lung by Monster Magnet from the stellar record Spin of God. Which also has bull on the cover. What gives? What other Zodiac songs are out there?
MUSIC REVIEW: Putting hair on a band based out of Brooklyn that sounds like a real rock band is not so difficult. I’m personally tired of bands with headbands and mustaches. That’s so 2010 on the bad breath-o-meter. Give me regular dudes who make music with a tight rythem section and a singer who has some British swagger although from North America and can hit some notes alla Robin Zander (Cheap Trick) on vocals any day and we’re in good shape. A sense of humor is optional at that point but sticking with any carny’s breakfast heroes storyline protects the Mojo community pretty well. Add some milk and Jack Pot, Chocferatu, Anton Tigrrre, Admiral Munch and Tweaks Bunny will tell you a story that will go on in infamy. So, here’s a concept video that came about after Jim the guitarist for Midnight Spin saw a mural in Williamsburg of cereal mascots decked out like murderous villains (You know like serial killers with a itchy trigger finger) with some help from Model Citizen Productions; whoala a rock crime caper video right of the box for their debut EP Through the Mojo Wire. Nice start for a new band as they prepare for their first tour and figure out how to keep gas in the van. The bass riffs on “Brooklyn’s Weary” and “Mr. Slate” have this cool distorted thing going on too as John Paul Jones is my witness. In fact the whole EP has charms that are worth chewing on. The Rivers Cuomo rock-n-roll mojo fan club is proud.
The band formed around 07 with some parts Boston and DC to solidify the line-up and your usual craig’s list nightmare auditions. It’s short and sweet and not a clunker to be had. Thus a EP you can take for a drive. Who wants filler anyway unless it’s in a donut? File under: Alternative rock with just enough grit and bounce to make the girls dance. Check them out! DOWNLOAD & LISTEN:Trigger Finger Itch MP3 by Midnight Spin.
Other songs about 12 0’Clock: Joe Strummer’s Midnight Dream by Angeldust (formerly Challenger) features Chris Hartford. Recorded at the Zion House of Flesh by Andrew Weiss At Midnight by The Mighty Lemon Drops from the CD Laughter (1989) Automatic Midnight by Hot Snakes s/t Midnight Cowboy by Cows from Cunning Stunts(2000)
Numerology is one of those real weirdo sciences based on some sort of mathematical religion I won’t even begin to understand. What does interest me though is that our time on this giant landfill is limited so when there is a awesome calendar that ends on 2012 you have to begin to wonder what the Mayans knew? What is going to happen from a year from now? Obviously their civilization did not stick around or maybe they just got on the good ship, put on their sneakers and got out of Dodge. Whatever the reason when ever there are songs that include some sort of integer it gives the song some meaning that we attach to it I like them usually. Here’s a few odd songs with numbers in their titles. I left out some of the obvious ones and just went in order of what has randomly come-up on a search in my music library then filtered on time, years or when something is counted. Whatever came first you could probably rationalize this post all freaking day!
Repo Man(1984) Directed by Alex Cox (Straight to Hell, Sid & Nancy) is probably one of the most quotable movies involving punk and sci-fi you’ll ever see. The flick self mocks the punk aesthetic as much as it embraces the scene eventhough the soundtrack compilation is not 100% complete it’s pretty awesome. The Plugz a mexican-american punk band composed the original instrumental score for the film, and performed “Hombre Secreto,” a Spanish version of Johnny Rivers’ “Secret Agent Man” plus a few other classics. Emilio (Sheen) Estevez, Dick Rude, Harry Dean Stanton, Sy Richardson, a ensemble eclectic cast and Fox Harris driving the melting aliens around all say some pretty funny shit. Here’s just a few tracks for sampling. If you’ve never seen or paid attention to this very notable conspiracy flick about UFO’s you should netflick it or whatever. Just be careful what you hide in your trunk. For the rest of these tracks you’ll either have to hunt them down or you can friend the Review Stalker Music Blog on facebook and we’ll give you the link to the whole zip. Cut down on all that silly hunting because the life of a Repo Man is always intense.
DOWNLOAD SOUNDTRACK:
1. Repo Man by Iggy Pop [Buy Music]
2. T.V. Party by Black Flag [Buy]
3. Institutionalized by Suicidal Tendencies [Buy]
4. Coup D’Etat by Circle Jerks [Buy]
5. El Clavo Y La Cruz by The Plugz
6. Pablo Picasso(Jonathan Richmond cover) by Burning Sensations
7. Let’s Have A War by Fear
8. When The Shit Hits The Fan by Circle Jerks – “Can’t believe i used to like these guys…”
9. Hombre Secreto (Secret Agent Man) by The Plugz
10. Bad Man by Juicy Bananas
11. Reel Ten by The Plugz
Hundreds of bands have sprung from the very ripe boon-dock known as the New Brunswick N.J. Hub City/Rock City scene, even though some of is straight-up emo basement level variety hardcore. ExVegas was one of the more promising urban alternative legends that morphed into another band called Prosolar Mechanics. EV had a double guitar storm featuring Alex(Saville) the sonic reducer and T.Sands on the V2 Rocket which were more Chicago sounding than anything from Chicagoland(you know jesus lizard, rapeman, etc) Their guitar combo was as serious as a trailer truck on biodiesel fuel injected with amphetamines with a starfire voice led by Amy (now married with children to the sonic reducer). This 7″ cover artwork was illustrated by the very talented and sorely missed E.Gun Aka Eric Gundry (RIP) who used to book The Court Tavern in New Brunswick NJ after Tom Crow for awhile in the early 90’s. This music was recorded at Trax East by Steve Evetts (Supultura, deadguy, Nudeswirl, buzzkill) and was pretty damn close to what they sounded like live. Everything is thick and messy sometimes like rock should be.
Fast forward the time continuum and put the date below in your rock calendar in advance because I’m emailing your from the future. Their next show is gonna be spacey if their latest tune that I have “Primer” is any indication of your coming future. Prosolar Mechanics Live March 12, 2011 Maxwells! BONUS MP3’s: The Future of Sex from Kitra Vol 2 Impact Primer from the web release Last song of the Month – Orchestra of distorted noise meets angry mountain of insects yelling and crawling on your skin like a jungle of mites on your scalp is the best way I could describe it with a electronic infusion of something ecstasy like.
DAISYCUTTER SHITHAMMER 45 Rockville
It’s not a secret around these parts were big on the grunge psychedelic scene. In particular when it about the home grown NJ Variety. So here’s Daisycutter from the Jersey Shore noise scene from back in the day when drug references were still cool on the Rockville label. These folks were more big black tribal jam rock. So if your’re a Monster Magnet fan you’ll like it but more than likely if your a Jersey MM fan you know this schwagg already since at one time it featured Ed Mundel on guitar and of course Reg Hogan on drums and Jim Hogan on the slithering bass. Drop in, dope out & do some crimes with the Shithammer. Download MP3s: Pull Glutton (5 mg) Glutton (10 mg)
Who knew that so many great songs start with the word “Hey” in the title of it. Total excuse for a quickie playlist but here’s a few attention getters to fill your brainspace when you’re trying to make a point or can’t remember the words you were trying to put together — Hey buys you time while you’re try figure out what you are going to say. When you feel you’ve been cheated out of something you deserved. When somebody steps on your toe and you scream “Hey mother F’er!”. When somebody cuts you off in traffic and you also scream “Hey Mother F’fer…” but the window is closed and nobody hears you mutter the words. When you see somebody at a office party and you don’t remember their name and you just say “…Hey you”. Um it’s me did you meet immediate person to your left or right and then they tell you their name (works everytime). You should know my name you bastard but hey here’s a list of songs. Hey, I know I’m a fuckin’ genius. DOWNLOAD MP3s: Hey Joe (Hendrix Cover) by The Creation from We are Painterman. Best alt 60’s record ever. Hey Cowboy, The Phone’s For Youby Grandaddy from Now It’s on CD (demo). Weirdo keyboard rock from Madesto, CA. Hey Julie by Fountains of Wayne from Welcome Interstate Managers Pop till you drop. Hey Man by True Love from their first record. Great Jersey Power Pop. [Buy] Hey Man (Backup Plan) by The Young Leaves from Mass off their first EP. Tremendous power rock trio. Hey! Luciani by The Fall from 458489 A Sides. Hey Sexy by Eddie Spaghetti from the CD Old No. 2 One man rocknroll band. [BUY]
ALBUM REVIEW: Please meet Sam Forrest’s 3rd solo effort No Imagination which finds him moving away from the straight up acoustic/folksy guy in the back shed to the do-it all himself rockband (including drums). This North Yorkshire creator/guitarist has added some noise on rediscovery of the sonic youth adding some nice layers of feedback to the palette of man vs songs and is at the top of his craft. No Imagination will give purveyors of sounds a couple subtle winterly chills that creeps in various textures along the way but even that would not do this release any justice. The music throughout seem to be telling us something; like on the song “The things you need” on the piano before it blares out into this lost episodic wall of feedback or some Jason Lytle(grandaddy) like dream in “Homesick Lullaby”. The problem is these are Sam’s dream-scapes and he’s owning them all like “silent actors with broken tongues” there is a great escape in the mindscape. Connecting the dots organically like the steps one makes along a venerated decision tree wrapped in the plain old frustrations of making music you like,etc. Slightly maddening for sure and then what would it be like if you had no thoughts to build on?
Somehow musicians like Sam get to the sweet spot. Some of the vocals remind me of the recorded style of Elliot Smith and the gospel harmonization of David Crosby from If I Could Only Remember My Name…. all this mixed together like a kids water color painting –a little bury at times but the choices of color seem just right in these portraits. These obfuscations and strong song sensibilities are not unlike The Posies with a Revolveresque influence beening called into the outbuilding where this music was recorded somehow but I’m not sure which song voodoo is more prevalent other than to say it’s spread out keenly with no drudgery on any given instrument. NI fires on all song cylinders not afraid to take risks in it’s travels.
I don’t think the journey to this point has been an easy one having his band Nine Black Alps being dropped by Island/Interscope Records for lack of sales (Happens a lot) and it obviously seems to have encouraged him to keep at it having had a taste of a band on the road to just keep making music with future releases planned out already. This is artist survival and I’ll say the instinct has enabled something really great. If that were not enough he also has project with his girlfriend Hayley Hutchinson called Sorry Kisses. OK, I’ll admit I never heard of either or Sam for that matter until literally 48 hrs ago but just goes to prove a point around the RSHQ. I still don’t know anything. The world has been flattened by the internet and anything can happen or maybe not but one thing is for certain it’s great listening to music that is the fruit of somebody else’s labor of love. Enjoy.
LISTEN & DOWNLOAD:Echo Godless MP3 by Sam Forrest from No Imagination [BUY]
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