(E. Grizzly) It's a good thing I am hearing less and less of American hip-hop, because, quite frankly, it has gotten to the point where it's just lame and kinda embarasing even. The title of this album hits it right on the head then, when claiming that hip hop is dead, right? It sure does, but why is this album just as boring as all the other crap coming out then? These rappers need to do something new, man - or simply just get back to the roots, that's what I am saying!
-- Hans Mutant (2007)
Steve Earle - The Definitive Collection 1983-1997 - CD
(Universal
Records) I love Steve Earl. I don't often like stuff that's easily
describable as being "country", but his songs are amazing stories of redemption
that mostly fly in the face of contemporary redneck culture and politics.
There are no NASCAR anthems or songs about pointlessly getting rowdy or
fake melodrama here. Every little bit of this incredible collection of Earl's
early-to-middle period music is just fantastic stuff. He goes from John
Prine-wannabe to some mutated beast of the alt.country/Americana variety.
This, of course, is all from his pre- "John Walker's Blues" era, when he
was less weird (listen to Transcendental Blues for sonic contrast). But
to hear a country boy crying "come back to us Malcolm X and Martin Luther
King" is to hear someone defiantly blazing their own damned path. His confidence
never wavers, and each and every song on this collection is worth listening
to, over and over again.
-- Jeremy Mutant (2006)
Earwig - Perfect Past Tense - CD
(Lizard Family Music)
Earwig is one of the best bands out of Ohio and released Mayfeeder,
one of my favorite albums of the 90's. After a several years absence, Lizard
McGee and crew are back with a batch of new songs and one older one
done live. The music is along the same lines as their previous one, however
it doesn't hit me the same. There are the same great melodies and insightful
lyrics, but some of the passion seems to have gone away. Still Earwig
blows away most bands out there and begs to be heard. My suggestion is to
pick up this disk and then buy Mayfeeder if you don't already have
a copy.
-- Grog Mutant (2001)
The East Bay Chasers - Johnny is a Junkie - CD
(Cheetah's Records) Garage punk - straight and simple. Lots of energy and
lots of power, but not much else. This is the type of band that's really
fun to see at a show and get plastered, they make you want to jump around
and get crazy. But here while I'm supposed to be working they just make
me want to destroy my office...which really isn't a bad idea.
-- Grog Mutant (2002)
EasternBlok - Folk Tales - CD
(EasternBlok) This
is the latest from the band once known as the Goran Ivanovic Group.
This release is similar to the previous one with excellent Balkin influenced
songs. EasternBlok's songs have a wonderful Middle Eastern flavor
and a blending or Eastern and Western influences. The songs are all festive
sounding and are wonderful for a party or just while you go about your everyday
life. Still there is a depth to the musicians skill which when focused on
comes through that they are all amazing.
-- Grog Mutant (2007)
Theo Eastwind - The O - CD
(Theo Eastwind)
Armed with an acoustic guitar and a raspy yet smooth voice, Theo belts out
rockin' singer-songwriter songs with relish. Every time I put this CD in
(which is often) I can't help but think that his vocals are that of a former
reggae singer who's now belting out catchy pop folk tunes. This is the type
of performer who I would bet stops people in their tracks whenever he's
playing. This is one good release.
-- Mite Mutant (2006)
Eat Static - Crash and Burn! - CD
(Eat Static Records
/ Cyber Octave) Groovin' worldbeat induced electronica with a smooth
beats throughout makes this CD a top-notch find. When I put this CD into
the player I felt like I was being magically transported to a exotic lounge
filled with fezz sporting lizards. They were spilling their martinis as
they did the rumba on the pink shag carpet that lined the walls.
-- Mite Mutant (2001)
Eat Sugar - Eat Sugar - CD
(Eat Sugar) What
do you get when you combine the synth spaziness of Brainiac with
the poppy jerkiness of The Hives? You get a too short sampling of
great music on this 4-song EP from the band Eat Sugar. I loved every
song on this release which left me wanting to hear more. I'm eagerly anticipating
the next release from this band. My only request for the next CD is more
songs.
-- Mite Mutant (2008)
Echoing August - Who We Are - CD
(RoHo Records)
The bad thing about reviewing so many CD's (around 400 a year) on top of
normal music listening is that quite a few of the bands start to sound the
same. This isn't to say the band is bad. I actually loved the first two
tunes on this release. "Father" and "Stand Down" start this release by Echoing
August with a one-two punch that knocks you on your rear. "Stand Down"
with its catchy chorus is definitely a hit in the making. The problem is
that most of this release sounds like so many bands that they play on the
alternative radio stations, and that sameness just bores me. Still not a
bad release.
-- Mite Mutant (2007)
Effi - Sovereign Soul - CD
(Centurion Records)
Interesting, seductive mixture of in the vein of Lauren Hoffman,
Nora Jones and Fiona Apple, with a bit of the elegant darkness
found in Ilya. It does get a bit longwinded though; by the fifth
song I'm ready to skip ahead. "Happy Boy" is my favorite song, even if the
title is misleading, Effi's voice is perfect for this song and the
bouncy folk music compliments it all so well. Most of the songs are a light
mixture of folk, smooth jazz and blues done in a rock style. She even sings
part of one song in Greek, which is a seductive treat. I could easily see
Effi playing at Canal Street Tavern if she was local to Dayton.
Overall a great seductive treat, that is just a bit too much.
-- Grog Mutant (2006)
Eisenhower Field Day - Let's Not Tell Lies - CD
(Lesser Note Records)
What a great release! It's almost like they made it for me. Excellent indie,
punk pop, geekcore with boi / grrl vocals, driving drum beats and melodic
bass lines along with interesting guitar rhythms. Easily one of the best
releases of the year with many songs getting put into my MP3's standard
rotation. Eisenhower Field Day is one of those bands that make me
smile while I listen to them and give me hope for the future of music.
-- Grog Mutant (2007)
Elika - Trying Got Us Nowhere - CD
(Fiercely Indie)
This is an interesting release that flows between light airy trance / electronica
music to full out industrial within the same song. The vocalist, Evagelia,
is well suited to the music, but her voice feels forced into the beats on
the heavier parts. It's a shame, because I think she could add another layer
if she flowed over the beats instead having her vocals chopped up to fit
the underlying rhythm The overall feel of the band is excellent, kind of
a cross between Halou, Ilya and Portishead. Some of
the transitions from the softer trance bits to the heavy fury could be better
executed, but overall the sound is excellent.
-- Grog Mutant (2008)
Brittney Elizabeth - Breathe In - CD
(Two Day Reign
Records) "In Review"
-- (2008)
Ellen Degenerate - Modern Girl - CD
(Glass Manacle
Records) What you have here is basic snotty punk rock music with weak
lyrics and vocals. That's it. The songs are short, so I guess that's a plus.
-- Mite Mutant (2007)
Elmer - Inside - CD
(ELMERecords) With
a name like Elmer I was expecting some alternative quirkiness. Instead
I got Van Halen/Sammy Hagar-esc rock without the bite. Sorry, but
I'm more of a Van Halen/David Lee Roth person.
-- Mite Mutant (2001)
Tim Emmerick & Cold Front Country - North - CD
(Tim Emmerick)
Tim Emmerick & Cold Front Country sure do know how to crank out rockin’
America. The opening tune “Black River Bridge” has such a catchy groove
that it keeps echoing in my head long after I turn off the CD player. The
only time the CD really faulters is on the lackluster song “Twenty Five
Years” which just falls flat. Considering that every other song on this
11-song CD will get your toes tappin’, this is one release you can’t go
wrong with.
-- Mite Mutant (2007)
Val Emmich - Slow Down Kid - CD
(Child Like Records)
If you are in the mood for some good quality emo with lyrics that are too
damn catchy, Val Emmich is your man. Every time I've listen to this
CD, I've had songs from it stuck in my head for the next 2 days. Some of
the tunes have a pissed off Ben Folds sound. This release is definitely
worth buying.
-- Simi Mutant (2002)
Emulsion - Blue Sky Objective - CD
(Lens Records)
This is a release full of synth-computer instrumentals. There's really not
much more to it. The songs consist of percussive electronic sounds over
droning synthesized notes. That's about it. It's the soundtrack for alien
robot love.
-- Mite Mutant (2006)
Endgames - Keep On Running - CD
(Gossett! Records)
This band has an alternative sound with a folk twist. Think tinges of Ben
Folds, but with whiny vocals. This disc is filled with songs on the
slower end of the tempo scale. The more memorable tunes contained calming
piano, however the other songs had qualities that made them well worth the
listen.
-- Simi Mutant (2002)
Endo - Evolve - CD
(Columbia Records)
Heavy post-industrial music. It's OK, but tends to get boring after a bit.
They just don't do anything for me.
-- Grog Mutant (2001)
Cheryl B. Engelhardt - Craving the Second - CD
(CBE Music) Cheryl
has a great voice and has talent, but her songwriting just isn't strong
enough to carry this release. It's nice and mellow, adult contemporary piano
based soft rock. Her lyrics rely too much on the standard AA-BB rhyming
scheme and the song structures are fairly predictable. I think if she teamed
up with another writer she'd really have something worth searching for,
but as it is she's just a pleasant voice over some pretty music.
-- Grog Mutant (2008)
Lisle Engle - California Miles - CD
(TFK Records) The
first thing that comes to mind while listening to the release is a blend
of the Eagles, Melissa Etheridge and Richard Marx.
One thing that sets Lisle Engle apart is the use of violin in all
the songs a la Wild Colonials, but more in a background capacity
and not nearly as masterfully. Really the only problem I'm having is with
the lyrics. They are adequate, but are the weak link in this band which
does have a lot of potential. Overall they play solid folk rock and flirt
a bit with country while putting together a sound that would be right at
home on a lot of radio stations.
-- Grog Mutant (2008)
Aaron English - The Marriage of the Sun and the Moon - CD
(Aaron English)
"In Review"
-- (2008)
The Ernies - Menson Ray - CD
(Mojo Records)
The first thing that entered my mind when first listening to this CD is
that it reminded me of a more melodic combination of Rage Against the
Machine and Faith No More with turntables. I love this CD; it's
definitely one that I won't be giving back to Grog. The lyrics seem to delve
into the subatomic level of a deeper reality. A great release that keeps
you movin'.
-- Mite Mutant (2001)
Escapade - Rule #3 - CD
(Submergence Records
/ MotherWest) The release is totally instrumental, mostly using the
traditional band set-up (guitar, bass, drums) with synth and some other
instruments thrown in here and there. I use to play this kind of music on
a radio show I had in the mid '90s, and it really didn't bother me this.
However, I found the music on this release to be long-winded and just drawn
out too much. But, at the same time it does seem like it would serve as
good medicine for those with insomnia.
-- Mite Mutant (2002)
Eternal Descent - Losing Faith - CD
(Eternal Descent)
The cover art for this release has a uber cool goth feel to it, so I knew
I was gonna be on the fence from this one from the get go. When I started
listening to the music I was pushed off. It's like the band is trying to
be like Evanescence hopped up on an overdose of Britney Spears
pop. The guitar playing is the equivalent to the verbal acrobatics that
too many R&B pop female over use. It's all showy and lacks any artistic
creativeness.
-- Stig (2007)
Euclid - The Wind Blew all the Fires Out - CD
(Second-Nature)
The CD package itself looks very slick. The production quality is very slick
as well. The music sounds like you're in a blender while it's turned on
to puree. I do have problems with the vocals. I actually feel that I would
like this band if it weren't for the frantic vocal styling. I feel a smooth
delivery would play off well with the chaotic sound of the instruments.
-- Mite Mutant (2001)
Eux Autres - Cold City - CD
(HHBTM) This is a sweet
little disc from Eux Autres (pronounced in American as "ooze - out
- tra"), the Portland bro-and-sis team, Heather and Nicholas Larimer. At
the core, the songwriting is very good, combining the best of Fran Healy,
Kori Gardner, and a sort of Belle-and-Sebastian-sensibility.
While there are a few of us who can resist the Bonnie and Clyde duo arrangement,
I certainly cannot. Let's face it, artwork and album composition are not
essential, but they never seem to be lacking in bands that are the real
thing. These guys have a great Aura in general. The songs are well mixed,
preserving the edginess that makes them stand out. Some of the songs done
very differently could pass you by as POP, but that just isn't the case
here. I love the Lo-Fi recording on this album, as it really fits. While
the lyrics are somewhat vague and nebulous, it doesn't come across as pretentious
or esoteric. I completely believe these guys, whether they want me to understand
their songs or not. In short, if you like Mates of State, and you
want to hear a band that you haven't heard before, buy Eux Autres'
Cold City. Then you can play it for your friends and grab the kudos as they
rain down on you, unless I beat you to it. Here's my quote - "Eux Autres
are one of my new favorite indie bands". Now I just have to make a name
for myself, so that it means something.
-- Sitcom Serf (2007)
Falkner Evans - ARC - CD
(Consolidated Artists
Productions) Another classy jazz CD. Falkner Evans is a gifted pianist
and songwriter and he shows his skills on this Nine track disc. The band
is a very talented jazz trio who play jazz that is meant for dancing and
a good time. Nothing too fast, just nice and swingin'.
-- Grog Mutant (2007)
Kelly Lee Evans - Fight Or Flight? - CD
(Enliven Media)
Kelly Lee’s vocals are amazing. Her smooth as milk jazz vocal style
set over a light rhythmic jazz rhythm is a mix that is so incredible that
it just begs to be heard. Everything about this release is fantastic. The
musicians are top notch, the mix is spot on and the song composition and
lyrics are ideal. I just got lost in the melodies while listening to this
release. I see great things in Kelly Lee’s future in the music biz.
This is an artist to be on the lookout for.
-- Mite Mutant (2006)
Rhonda Everitt (RHE) - Fairy Tales & Happy Endings - CD
(Reach for the Sky Records)
This CD has had constant rotation in my CD player since I got a pre-release
copy of it. I love this CD and think it is one of the best of the year.
I've always loved Rhonda's music since Mite introduced me to her
about two years ago. I have been waiting for this release and am so happy
to see it. OK, let me get to the music now. Rhonda is primarily a solo artist
who sings, plays piano and guitar. These songs have a combination along
with some backing from a band. Her sound is somewhere in the realm of Tori
Amos, Ani Difranco, Aimee Mann and Sarah Mclaughlin,
but always unique. Her lyrics can be some of the most emotionally intense
words I've heard sung, and at other times they can be playful. Rhonda
is truly an artist to be aware of and experienced.
-- Grog Mutant (2002)
EvolutioNow - The Beginning - CD
(Flacid Rock Music)The
music on this release is typical of so many hard rock bar bands. It has
all of the elements; typical distorted guitar, typical drumming, typical
vocals and typical lyrics. And you know what? Typical is such a boring word.
Exit Clov - Respond Respond - CD
(Live Wire Recordings)
This release starts off with the tune “DIY” which has vocals and guitar
that have a slight hint of The Smithereens mixed with a poppy alternative
sound. Cut number two “Beast Simone” reminded me a bit of the band Fastball
mixed with a light Red Hot Chili Peppers groove. Exit Clov
sound best on the final tune “Communist BBQ”, which is as good as the title
of the song implies.
-- Mite Mutant (2006)
The Explosion - Steal This - CD
(Revelation Records)
Here's a five song EP from a band that likes to play typical three chord
street punk. I've been hearing similar things for fifteen years and while
it is fun at a show it gets old after a while on disc. They are good at
what they do and come close to a Blanks 77 style. I'm just bored.
-- Grog Mutant (2001)
Extreme - The Best of Extreme - CD
(Universal
Records) Yes, that Extreme. This really surprised me because
all I could recall from them was their lame acoustic hit "More Than Words".
However, I was shocked to find out how many songs on here I actually remembered
such as "Kid Ego", "Decadence Dance", "Get the Funk Out" and my favorite
on here "Hole Hearted". For a long haired metal band they do have great
range and real talent. I especially liked the Living Colour sounding
"Get the Funk Out", and the fact that the singer went on to become the least
know Van Halen singer. So overall this was a pleasant surprise and
a nice trip back to the late 80's.
-- Grog Mutant (2002)