F**bomb - Self titled - CD
(Groundswell
Records) The one thing I loved about this disc is that no two songs
sound the same. Each track has it's own uniqueness, in other words they
didn't just pick a sound and run with it. From rockabilly to modern alternative
mainstream, these guys have definitely figured out the trick to writing
songs that scream originality. And even though they can boast top-notch
musicianship, I found the vocals to be weak and on some tracks almost annoying.
The bottom line is there a few songs that make it worth a listen; only these
guys would be unstoppable with a different lead singer.
-- Mite Mutant (2001)
F**bomb - El Diablo Dinner Theatre - CD
(Ground Swell
Records) I know I've heard of this band numerous times and think I heard
a few songs on various comps but they never really stuck in my head. I think
the reason can be found on this recording. The first two tracks were fairly
forgettable alt rock / punk songs. The third was annoying and a bit whiny
which I kept hoping would end soon. The fourth track "Afraid of the Spotlight"
sounded almost like Dashboard Confessional, but not as polished.
The next song "Radiator" sounded like something from Camper Van Beethoven.
The rest just didn't seem to stuck in my mind well at all. Overall a decent
release.
-- Grog Mutant (2003)
Fabian Zone Trio - The Masters Return! - CD
(Jazz Beat) Another
trio of competent jazz musicians playing the jazz they love. A few originals
along with covers of Dizzy Gillespie, Herbie Hancock, Charlie
Parker, Miles Davis and others. Nothing too exciting, just three
guys playing the music they love.
-- Grog Mutant (2007)
Fabonacci - The Exits - CD
(Fabonacci) This
four track disc starts of slow with the cautiously restrained song "Projected
Thoughts" which in the vein of Yo La Tengo. Fabonacci starts
to take off on the next two tracks which have a very Coldplay feel
to them, but different enough to make them not sound like clones. Their
final track "Too Late" reminds me of Radiohead mixed with Sponge.
It's hard to really tell where they stand with only four songs, but Fabonacci
seem to be off to a great start.
-- Grog Mutant (2007)
Face to Face - Standards & Practices - CD
(Vagrant Records) This
is one awesome CD. When the first song kicked in I was thinking to myself
that they sounded a bit like the Smiths. Then I did some things and
came back and they sounded like Bob Mould. So I'm wondering what
gives, pick up the CD and realize that it's all covers. There are a few
cool things about this are: 1. The diversity of the bands covered (The
Smiths, Fugazi, INXS, The Ramones, The Jam);
2. While each song has elements of the original version, Face to Face puts
it's own stamp of originally on each song; 3. There are 11 tunes here and
every last one of them is great.
-- Mite Mutant (2001)
Jad Fair and Jason Willett - Superfine - CD
(Public Eyesore
Records)
(2004)
Fairmont Girls - Fairmont Girls - Cassette
(E-Mail Fairmont Girls) Four
songs of catchy pop punk are what you get with this release. I found the
overall sound enjoyable, however some factors, such as poor production,
made this just another punk-pop band. I am looking forward to the next release
because I feel that this band is going to be doing some great things. This
also seems like a band that one would definitely want to see live.
-- Mite Mutant (2001)
Fairport Convention - The Best of Fairport Convention - CD
(Universal
Records) Some people call their sound "British Folk". I call it "In
the Wilderness Hippie Music". While this band has always been around in
one form or another, they really made their name in the early '70s. Sandy
Denny and Richard Thompson are just a couple of the many folk
legends who have been part of the band. The song that I am most familiar
with is "Come All Ye" and it still remains my favorite tune from this group.
However, the other nine tunes on this release are just as wonderful. Think
of modern day traveling minstrels and you're thinking of Fairport Convention.
-- Mite Mutant (2002)
Fairweather - If They Move. Kill Them - CD
(Equal Vision Records)
Okay, this will be my second reference to The Barnhills in this issue.
The tunes on this release are beautiful pop punk gems with catchy rhythms
and killer changes. And yes, I liken their sound to The Barnhills.
This is just an overall strong CD. Hopefully I'll get to see them live soon.
-- Mite Mutant (2001)
Fake Brain - Department of our Ways - CD
(Fake Brain)
The lyrics are fun. The music is fun. The CD cover is fun. Fake Brain
has a pop alternative sound with a dash of quirkiness, which equates a refreshing
fun release at a time where many bands take things too seriously. With titles
such as "A Mudflap", "Jesus Pamphlets", "Punk Rock Star", "Dork" and "Letmeadjustyourknobs",
you get what you expect... fun, fun, fun!
-- Mite Mutant (2001)
Farces Wanna Mo - If Not Why Not? EP - CD
(My Ex-Lover's Records)
This is simply an experimental release where a group of friends gathered
around a 4-track and acted stupid while playing instruments. A CD that will
barely make it though one play through, much less repeated listening. And
the pealing up label on the disc itself almost guarantees that this will
get stuck in your CD player and fuck it up.
-- Mite Mutant (2003)
The Scott Farkus Affair - We Will Become Destination & Sorrows Learn
to Swim - CD
(Ambiguous City Records)
This is one of the bands that I saw at WE2K this past year and this powerful
CD is a good representation on what you can expect when you see them live.
The music and vocals are rock solid, and the lyrics are great. This is one
of those bands that has me wondering why they aren't signed to a major label
yet. Both of these CD's are going to be part of my permanent CD collection.
If I had to recommend just one of these releases, (it would be a hard choice)
I would say start with their latest release "We Will Become Destination".
After you listen to it I'm sure that you will want to go out and get "Sorrows
Lean to Swim", which was released in 1997.
-- Mite Mutant (2001)
Fast Eddie - Teen Sensation Sampler - CD
(Skinlifter Records)
With the hard rockin' sound, with quirky change ups, Fast Eddie sounds
like they are aiming for a quirky Faith No More/Mr. Bungle
sound. The problem is that their songs rely too much on quirk and they come
off as sounding like an annoying novelty band. Since this release is just
a sampling of what is to come, I'll have to pass on the full length.
-- Mite Mutant (2006)
Federation X - American Folk Horror - CD
(Estrus Records) The
first couple of songs were okay, but there is only so many times you can
hear the same riff in a song before you want to stab your eyes out.
-- Simi Mutant (2002)
Robert Rolfe Feddersen - Leaving Indiana - CD
(Music
by Fed) "In Review"
-- (2008)
Michael Feinstein - Livingston and Evans Songbook - CD
(Concord Records)
Just about everyone is familiar with the song "Silver Bells" and the themes
for Bonanza and Mr. Ed. And for cult movie people, you might
remember the tune "Whatever Will Be, Will Be ("Que Sera, Sera") from
Heathers. Well the fellows responsible for these tunes as well as
twenty-three other songs, all of which are 1 million sellers, are Jay
Livingston and Ray Evans. Their career as songwriting partners
lasted 67-years with many of the tunes being memorable silver screen gems.
While I would have preferred someone like Harry Connick Jr. singing
these songs, Michael Fienstein does a decent job of presenting this
dynamic duo's work. This is great "stuck inside reading a book on a cold
winter day" CD.
-- Mite Mutant (2002)
Christine Fellows - Paper Anniversary - CD
(Six Shooter
Records) Christine Fellows is a piano playing singer-songwriter
who’s playing style is a combo on Tori Amos and Ben Folds,
while her singing and songwriting is a combination of the former two, plus
Susanne Vega, Kate Bush and Eddie Brickel. The Kate
Bush part of the mix is most evident on “Vertebrae” when she brokenheartenly
sings the lyrics “Why, when you know you should go, is it so hard to leave?”
While my faves include “Paper Anniversary”, “Face Down, Feet First” and
“Migrations”, the whole release is wonderful. I love when we get CD’s like
this in.
-- Mite Mutant (2006)
Los Femurs - Modern Mexico - CD
(Homespun Records)
The music on this release is very catchy. This is in part due to the drummer
who drives the songs on with simple but very effective beats. The guitar
playing isn't bogged down with distortion, which helps give the tunes a
clean feel. The duo male vocals do well on most of the songs, but do become
a bit overwhelming after a bit, but not too much. Songs to check out include
"Vitamins", "Crazy Girl" and "Peter Wolf".
-- Mite Mutant (2007)
The Fenians - Band of Rogues- CD
(The Fenians) This
is actually a live recording from 1999, but it's new to me. The Fenians
are a celtic influenced rock band but instead of a fiddle or bagpipe they
have a saxophone and a flute...along with a gaggle penny whistles. They
play a mixture of traditional Irish tunes done their way and bunch of original
songs. The Fenians all take turns singing, however I'd say the best
tunes are sung by the lead vocalist and the guitarist. My favorites on this
disc are on the more heartfelt traditional Irish, you can't beat us down
songs. The only song I don't really like on the disc is "Danny Boy" in a
cheesy Vegas Elvis way. Overall, I would call them a great live band that
is irresistible and worthy of your time. They blend together a lot of rock,
with plenty of Celtic influence and a dose of blues, worldbeat, folk and
bluegrass. If you are a fan of Great Big Sea or Carbon Leaf
you should give these guys a listen or better yet, see them live.
-- (2006)
Fernando - Enter to Exit - CD
(In Music We Trust
Records) Fernando has a '70s pychadelica-pop, introspective singer-songwriter
meets modern day mello-alternative pop thing going on. The combination may
sound strange, but you know what, this band pulls it off and this disc full
of great catchy tunes proves it. The CD opens up with "Howard Hughs", which
is a nice little pop-song with slide guitar, which helps to give it a slight
honky-tonk feel. "Mariana" has a jazzy film noir feel to it, while "Everybody
Knows" is a '70s Beatles retro sounding tune. These are just a few
of the catchy tunes you will find when you too discover the goodness that
is Fernando.
-- Mite Mutant (2006)
Melissa Ferrick - Everything I Need - CD
(What Are Records?) Melissa's
music is folksy-acoustic with a dash of alternative sound. This CD is really
lacking. With hard-hitters like Jewel and Ani Difranco putting
out top quality tunes, Melissa seems to be just barely hanging on with this
lack-luster release.
-- Mite Mutant (2001)
Ferro Lad - Shuddering Waste Of Our Happening Selves - CD
(Dean Wells Box 208 Lyndonville, VT 05851) I have some friends who have
never been able to get their shit together enough to start a band but they
write songs so they invariably buy a 4 track and torture their friends with
little song snippets and ramblings. The conversation goes something like
this "So what do you think?" "uhhh it's pretty good" " No really I want
your honest opinion" Take my word for it they never really want your honest
opinion. Two guitars, one singer, a bunch of crap! This guy has some good
ideas but they are never sustained or seem to be in full song form. It's
on CDR I might add. There was however a small high point, the excellent
song title "Crotch Shot Epiphany"
-- Mite Mutant (2001)
Mike Ferry - A Feather - CD
(Mike Ferry)
"In Review"
-- (2008)
Mike Ferry - Songs for Quirky - CD
(Mike Ferry)
Armed with a cheap sounding synthesizer, Mike Ferry belts out quirky
tunes about hic-err...hacker golfers "Golf in the Sticks", dog love "Brown
Eyed Lady (from the S.P.C.A.)" and weak coffee "Weak Coffee." His vocals
can be likened to a cross between Weird Al and They Might Be Giants.
The quirkiness of his songs and the synth remind me a bit of The Torch
Marauder. While I liked the groove and lyrics of the opening tune "Feathers"
the lyrics on the other songs need quite a bit of work.
-- Mite Mutant (2008)
Fickle - The Natural Order Of Things - CD
(Orchard Records) Fickle has a sound that reminds me of a band that
one of the guys who was a 'rocker' on American Idol might sound like.
This includes Chris Daughtry since the best song on this release
"Atropos" does sound like something he would do. The music is not bad and
either are the vocals. The songs have a hard rock meets commercial pop feel
to them. While this ventures too much in the commercial radio range for
my taste, I feel that the general listener would definitely be into this
band.
-- Mite Mutant (2007)
Fifteen - Hush - CD
(Sub City) This CD
benefits the Purple Berets, which is a group, dedicated to bringing changes
to law enforcement treatment of women. Why did I mention this first? Because
Fifteen is a very political band and even though they play great
punk, they are foremost a soci-political mouthpiece for front man Jeff Ott.
I love their music, but sometimes the message gets too self-righteous and
gets on my nerves. This is a three song EP with one song about being abused,
one about MaximumRocknRoll not doing anything constructive and one
about living and dying on the streets. I think Jeff has some good ideas,
but most of the time he is just preaching to the choir or stating problems,
but no real solutions. I like hearing of the things that he has overcome
and others like him that came from terrible situations, but that is only
the first step.
-- Grog Mutant (2001)
Fighting Jacks - Fighting Jacks - CD
(Sound Management)
This is one of those bands that it's hard for me to review. I like them
and was into their music when I was listening to it, but five minutes later
I have no clue what they were about. They are a good alternative rock band
bordering on melodic punk but nothing really sticks. A good band for the
background or to see live, but other than that...wait what was I talking
about?
-- Grog Mutant (2002)
Filthy Thieving Bastards - Our Fathers Send Us -CD
(TKO / Flat Records)
Okay, I just listened to the first two tunes and was really getting into
the Irish sounding alternative ditties, then track three kicked in with
straight up punk rock (later the same thing happens with track 8.) I freakin'
love it. The folkish tunes have a great feel about them and put you in a
happening mood, then the rocked out tunes come out of nowhere and give you
whiplash. This is a band that is a perfect match for Canal Street Tavern.
-- Mite Mutant (2001)
Filthy Thieving Bastards - A Melody of Retreads and Broken Quills
- CD
(BYO Records) It's
a streetpunk hoedown! Get some talented street punks and mellow them out
a bit (get them stoned?) and throw in a mandolin, pedal steel, accordion,
violin, piano, organ and this is what you get. And what is that you ask?
Well since you asked so politely I shall enlighten you young one. You get
that British accented street punk voice to work on back water Appalachia
styled rockabilly. It's an interesting mix and done very well. This has
to be one of the best releases of 2001. Get this you will not be disappointed
if you are adventurous in your musical taste.
-- Grog Mutant (2001)
Finch - What it is to Burn - CD
(Drive Thru Records)
Finch is billed as a blend of punk-pop and modern hard rock, which
I guess is accurate. It would also be accurate to say that they are a good
punk-pop band that throws in screaming vocals at times. Overall they are
a decent band and I will even go along with their promo sticker which said
that Finch is for fans of Jimmy Eat World and Thursday.
However, they are fairly typical sounding and none of their songs really
hooked me. Final word: A bit better than average punk-pop, but nothing to
go apeshit over.
-- Grog Mutant (2002)
Fine China - The Jaws Of Life - CD
(You Make Me
Hate Music) The bass lines recall New Order and with a bit of
keyboard I find myself hopeful. However, the vocals seem a bit out of place,
closer to a Morrisey sound, but weak. I really like a majority of
the music, but the vocals just throw it off for me. Their fourth track "The
Cells Divide" is the perfect example. The music has a great feel and groove,
but the vocals seem to fall flat throughout most of the song. I found myself
waiting until the singing stopped so I could enjoy the band. Maybe his voice
is something that can grow on you, but I'm ready to trash the whole damn
thing.
-- Grog Mutant (2006)
First Night on Earth - No One Knows Anything for Sure... - CD
(Liquilab Records)
First Night On Earth sounds like a lethargic Depeche Mode.
They have a lot of good ideas, but they don't mesh, as each song sounds
alike. The music is done well, but the singer slowly forces a melody into
the mix with little variation from the last song and dampens his effectiveness
as an artist. This is something one would find in the dollar bin at the
mall that isn't worth even that.
-- Chavez Trepas (2006)
Fishboy - With the Power of Rock and Roll - CD
(HHBTM Records) Fishboy
is geek rock through and through, shown especially well on this concept
album. Based on the story of “How We Failed to Save the Lone Star State
with the Powers of Rock and Roll”. It follows our hero from the beginning
lyrics “in 1981 I was age –2” to the ending of the song “Albatross”. It’s
an interesting and goofy mix of indie rock for fans of Adam & His Package,
Baby Calendar and even Frenzel Rhomb. The lyrics are fun and
Fishboy’s slightly whiny voice just makes the whole release an excellent
adventure whether it’s “Halftime at the Proper Name Spelling Bee” or “(Using
the Ghost of Buddy Holly as a) Parachute”. If you are a fan of geekcore
or just great indie rock, Fishboy is the latest catch.
-- Grog Mutant (2008)
Fisher - True North - CD
(Farmclub / Interscope Records)
I would place Fisher somewhere between Alanis Morrisette and
Sarah Mclaughlin. She has that soft sweet voice full of passion that
Sarah possesses, but it explodes at times into restrained angst similar
to what you hear in Alanis. Most of Fisher's songs are about
love and many have a very depressed ambiance to them. Sometimes the lyrics
tend to get a bit melodramatic almost to the point of being humorous to
me. Overall it is a good disc for kicking back and chilling.
-- Grog Mutant (2001)
Jeffrey Fisher - Fairy Tales - Music from the ballet "Hans Christian
Andersen" - CD
I certainly like the fairy tales of Hans Christian Andersen, but
that doesn't mean that I like the music from a ballet titled, yes you guessed
it, "Hans Christian Andersen"!!! This is contemporary classical music of
the worst kind. Next.
-- Hans Mutant (2007)
Jeffrey Fisher - Triumph of the Spirit - CD
(Healing
Music of the Southwest) This is the new age music you hear when you
hear while watching a cheesy nature special. I like some new age, but this
is so fluffy and bright it makes me gag.
-- Grog Mutant (2007)
Fjord Rowboat - Saved The Compliments For Morning - CD
(Fjord Rowboat)
This indie shoegaze Canadian band makes a good effort for a debut album.
The CD is light and mellow with the vocals too far back into the mix. Nothing
about this album really makes it anything more than ordinary. Fjord Rowboat
has room to grow; if they embrace their talents their second album may
be something to talk about.
-- Simi Mutant (2007)
And Now Grog's take on the same release...
Fjord Rowboat has a great sound that is a cross between shoegazer
and straight emo. The songs have plenty of haunting guitar chords hanging
over vocal and keyboard harmonies with bass and drums bringing it all to
a restrained boil. A few of the songs take on a Coldplay quality
such as the wonderful "Shootin' the Breeze". On songs like "Paragon" they
crank up the tempo and move into a move flowing indie rock sound. Throughout
the album I hear elements of some great 90s bands like Hum, Swervedriver
and American Football in their songs, which is a welcome revival
in my opinion. Fjord Rowboat is one of those bands that gives me
hope for the future of music. With bands like this around I'm happy to wade
through the tripe we primarily get to hear a great release like Saved
the Compliments for Morning.
-- Grog Mutant (2007)
Flaming Fire - When The High Bell Rings - CD
(Silly Bird Records)
This CD starts off with a steady bass line that reminded me on the opening
of “Psycho Killer” by The Talking Heads. However, the harsh male
vocals which and the stinging female vocal remind me more of Ethyl Meatplow.
It was about the point when the banjo kicked in that I knew I was in for
something unusually different with this band.
On the tune “Shout” Flaming Tree takes the conflicting vocal styles and transform them into a bizarre world Franciscan monk chant. We get a similarly bizarre history lesson that comes to fruition in the song “Lemon Isis” which connect love, incest, Egypt and France. The get full into world chant on “Khar Shabi” which reminds me very much on the band Dead Can Dance.
While I would have to admit that this CD isn’t for everyone. I also want
to say that if you are interested in a band willing to go to the edge and
present music that outside the norm, then you should give this one a try.
-- Mite Mutant (2006)
The Flaming Lips - The Soft Bulletin - CD
(Warner Bros. Records)
The first album (this was a time when CD's were just starting to catch on)
I heard by The Flaming Lips was "In a Priest Driven Ambulance", was
so freaky-weird that I just loved it. This album in freaky-weird in a way
that it almost sounds normal. Not a normal-normal but a weird-normal. For
the most part this release is classic Flaming Lips, but at times
it sounds like a warped Sting influenced Flaming Lips doing
covers of 70's songs written by a gentle Alice Cooper and Pink
Floyd. These soft and strange little ballads by the Lips aren't something
one would expect on a major record label, but with acts such as Laurie
Anderson on it's roster, Warner Bros. tends to go out on a limb
sometimes and present bands that are willing to dance on the edge.
-- Mite Mutant (2001)
Flashington Astonishers,The - The Star Off Machine - CD
(Koala Records)
Considering that some of this was recorded on a 4-track, it sounds great.
It's power pop, nothing to write home about, except the song, "No News",
an instrumental with several different news broadcasts weaving in and out.
-- Regan (2001)
Flashpoint - On the Verge. - CD
(Atomic Pop Records P.O. Box 7639 Santa Monica, CA 90406) Hard rockin',
heavy hittin' alternative music with an Afghan Whigs meets Korn
feel. This one kickin' Christian band. Yup, that's right, Flashpoint
is a Christian band that rocks with the best of them. I mean really rocks.
The lyrics have a good message to them without being overly preachy, and
the music is just right on. This release is a must get, trust me.
-- Mite Mutant (2001)
Flatt & Scruggs - The Millennium Collection - CD
(Universal Music) Many
know Flatt & Scruggs as the duo who did the theme song to "The Beverly
Hillbillies". Oh, but these boys are so much more. This is one of the coolest
albums I have ever heard. It just jams to no end. The stares I get while
coming to a stoplight and people see me singing and rocking out to "Roll
In My Sweet Baby's Arms," you don't get more punk rock than that. Get this
CD and hear why these guys are such bluegrass and musical legends.
-- Mite Mutant (2001)
Flattbush - Smash the Octopus! - CD
(Kool Arrow
Records) I thought up some great lyrics for this band. Maybe they can
use them for their theme song. Here goes: "We can play our instruments fast
and scream real loud, We can play our instruments fast and scream real loud,
We can play our instruments fast and scream real loud, However, we have
no talent and we suck"
-- Mite Mutant (2003)
Flattbush - Seize The Time! - CD
(Kool Arrow Records)
What the hell is this band trying to prove with this mutha' fuckin' shit?
How fast they can play their instruments? How low and incomprehensively
they can scream? How shitty they can sound? I'll pick door #3 Monty. If
you set out to make a political CD, make sure people can understand the
whole mutha' fucka', not just bits of it. You manage to do it on a few of
the tunes, but your need to be all Vinnie Vincent with all of your
instruments on every mutha' fuckin' song made me hate this shit. The only
exceptions were the foreign language worker folk song "Awit Ng Pag-asa",
and the prerequisite hidden track "I Don't Give a Fuck." However, they're
not enough for me to wanna' shell out my hard earn cash on a CD where I'm
only gonna' listen to two fuckin' songs.
-- Nunchucka' Muthafucka' (2006)
Fleming & John - The Way We Are - CD
(Universal Music) The
female vocals of Fleming are a mixture of the female vocals of Daisy
Chainsaw and No Doubt. The songs on this release are jammin'
(the P.J. Harvey sounding "I'm So Small"), full of angst ("Sssh!"
Alanis Morissette feel), lamenting (the Paul McCartneyesc'
"Suppressed Emotions"), dancie ("Radiate") and fun (the Cardigans
flavored "Ugly Girl"). The songwriting is diverse (as you can tell) and
nothing short of sensational. This release is guaranteed a heavy rotation
spot on my CD player.
-- Mite Mutant (2001)
Flipping Hades - Tell Peaches Lula Called - CD
(Derailleur Records)
College rock, similar to early era R.E.M. circa "South Central Rain",
at least the music is that way. The vocals are quite different almost like
geek rock with some points sounding like David Byrne. Flipping
Hades have a very early '80s college rock sound that takes me back to
when I was first getting into all of this crap. The only bad thing I can
say is that most of their songs are too similar and I find myself wanting
to skip a few tracks...however, the best thing is overall they make it sound
fresh and fun instead of dated.
-- Grog Mutant (2002)
Floater - Stone By Stone - CD
(Elemental Records)
This first thing that popped into my mind when I was listening to the release
is that the flow of the songs reminded me of a hard rocking Marillion
with Celtic infused vocals. Floater has a free flowing big rock sound
with good lyrics. The CD starts off great and continues on the same path
until the end. With a release full of great songs such as this, it’s hard
to pick a favorite.
The DVD part of this release lets you see all the “behind the scenes” stuff
with the bands members of Floater like the recording studio and backstage.
You also get to see concert shots of the band as well as hear them wax poetic
about music, fans and such. It’s a nice little addition to the package.
-- Mite Mutant (2007)
Flobots - Fight With Tools - CD
(Flobots) The lyrics
and presentation of the songs on this release brought immediate comparisons
to Rage Against the Machine to mind. The biggest difference is that
Flobots have more of a beat to their music as well as horns and violin.
And while their music may lack the intensity of Rage Against the Machine,
the volume of the message is just as clear. Topic's include the media, government,
the Civil Rights movement, etc.
The CD gets started off wonderfully with "There's a War Going on in Your
Mind" which has poetry slam delivery overtop of building violin. Other standout
tracks include "Mayday!", "Anne Brandon" (I think there's actually a movie
in the works about her as well), and "Handlebars". This is something you
should check out.
-- Mite Mutant (2007)
Flogging Molly - Drunken Lullabies - CD
(Side One Dummy Records)
This is great rocking Celtic influenced music in the tradition of the
Pogues. This arrived the week before St. Patrick's Day and had me in
the mood to drink Guinness pints. True barroom, hard-drinking music for
the Irish in all of us. Great lyrics and a great sound that is celtic, punk
and alternative all at the same time. One of my favorite bands of all time.
-- Grog Mutant (2002)
Patrick Flynn - Good News - CD
(Silverado Records)
My take on this disc is that Patrick has been writing and playing
the blues for decades. He put together a group of very talented musicians
and brought them into the studio to play his creations. The songs are very
polished and the production is top notch, some tracks even have a later
day Eric Clapton feel to them. However, I'm left empty after listening
to the release. Blues isn't one of my top genres, but regardless I just
don't get the passion or feel the spark here. Everything is fine, it just
feels more like a band you have to hear live to appreciate.
-- Grog Mutant (2007)
Flys,The - Outta My Way - CD
(Trauma Records)
This CD sure doesn't sound like the "Got You Where I Want You" song that
was constantly played on top-40 alternative radio last year. This CD rocks.
From the opening beat of "No Sad Story" to the melodic "My Day" to the churning
"Helluva Time", this release just kicks all the way through. I was pleasantly
surprised when I first listened to this disc, and I have been listening
to it many times since. Once again, for those of you who are apt to stay
away from this because of the bands over played hit, just give this CD a
chance and I'm sure that you are gonna dig as much as I.
-- Mite Mutant (2001)
Fockewolf - Die Toten Weg - CD
(ADSR Musicwerks) An excellent
up-and-coming Goth / Darkwave / EBM act, Fockewolf is the Siamese
twin sister of label mates Noxious Emotion out of Seattle. Both bands
share members, and I had the pleasure of meeting them all when they performed
in Cleveland with soon to be label mates, ThouShaltNot in late 1999.
Fockewolf has a great vocalist, the morbidly luscious Severina Sol,
who emulates Siouxsie Sioux and her sublime soaring voice. At times
she also sounds like Tina Root of Switchblade Symphony, which makes
sense since they are descendants of the royal Gothic Queen Mother. R. Wilhelm
is the alternate vocalist, and he has that classic Bill Leeb / Front
Line Assembly-esque Industrial growl. The music itself is danceable
as a motherfucker! It blends elements of so many genres and sub-genres so
masterfully. This is one of those CDs that once I get it in the mail, it
doesn't leave my CD player for weeks! And I can't neglect to mention the
percussionist, Andru Craver, who lends his full-force primal drumming skills
and creates an unparalleled live performance. Track nine, "Crematoria" starts
out sounding like it could have been taken from the FLA album "Millennium"
on its first track, "Vigilante", but then it shifts into a cold and fluttering
Severina vocal barrage. Damn, I am overwhelmed by this disc! It delivers
so much solid hard-hitting moodiness, but it's the kind that makes me happy.
-- Tom CoreKill (2001)
Dan Fogel - 15 West - CD
(Laughing Waters Records)
What I like best about this jazz instrumental release is that it's not overbearing.
Many jazz releases for some reason like to ram the instrumental that's taking
the lead on a particular song right in your face. The music on this release
has a subtleness to it that is a refreshing break from many of the jazz
releases we have received lately. Whether it's the guitar, piano, drum.
etc taking the lead on the song, the effect is laid back and cool. This
is just a great laid-back relaxing release
-- Mite Mutant (2007)
Foetus - Blow Remix - CD
(Thirsty Ear Records)
This is a disk of remixes of the songs on their Blow release. I'm
not familiar with the original versions of the songs, but I do like what
the DJ's have done with these remixes. Some of the DJ's included are Kidney
Thieves, DJ Food, Ursula 1000, Panacea and Franz
Treichler.
-- Grog Mutant (2001)
Fontain's M.U.S.E. - Mystic Kiss - CD
(Massive Music)
I really had high hopes for this CD. Very Exotic looking packaging and musicians
and a hint of genre blending world music. They bring together Indian, electronica
and pop into one sound, but it just isn't as well written as it needs to
be. I feel the weakest point is the lyrics, which are a bit simplistic and
just make me cringe at points. On a few songs such as "Tatu" and
the french "Le Miroir” the songs shine through and the lyrics
fit right in. Overall, I think they need to gel more as a band and a new
lyricist needs to be employed. Lots of potential, but right now that’s
all it is right now.
-- Grog Mutant (2006)
Kristin Forbes - NeighboorHOOD - CD
(Kristin Forbes)
I've know Kristin for a while since she is a fellow WEFester. However,
the only time I've heard her sing or play was a few years ago at WE when
she and a few other festers went onstage playing covers...add to this the
fact that I was wasted and I can truely say that I really didn't know what
she sounded like. This is a short five song EP featuring the divine Ms.
Forbes fronting a three piece band. I was first struck by how the songs
have a Replacements type sound, but with female vocals in the vein
of Ami Mann and even a bit like Julianna Hatfield. At times
her voice sounds a bit off, but it gives the songs an quirky endearing type
quality. The lyrics tend to deal primarily with relationships and how Kristin
sees the world. Personally I was very impressed with the disc and am looking
forward to hearing Kristin on stage somewhere, be it in Ohio or at
this years WE Fest.
-- Grog Mutant (2003)
ForceField On - Llipspill - CD
(ForceField On)
"In Review"
-- (2008)
Form - Dymaxion - Symbiotic - CD
(E-Mail e/x Records) Form
is the newest electro/industrial act to come out of the Gem City, Dayton,
Ohio. A duo consisting of Charles An and Paul Rueger, Form is in
the midst of breaking through the boundaries of electronic, techno, industrial,
and jungle, to create a monster that is theirs and theirs alone. Their first
release, 1999's Dymaxion, provides seven tracks of overlapping noise,
80's influenced synth lines, break beats, and generally interesting sounds.
The album flows into one continual body, and tracks such as 'Continuum',
'House of Ex', and the title track of 'Dymaxion' show that Form's intelligent,
Zen-like stylings belong on the dance floor as well as the stereo. Highlighting
what's to be expected on the new album, Symbiotic includes 'Phage',
quite possibly one of the most danceable electro tracks to come out in recent
years. If Symbiosis is to be anything like Form's current releases,
then ears all over should prepare themselves for a well calculated, modest
but fiercely talented wake up call. All in all, Form is quickly building
itself up to be the new age of dark electro. With its cerebral, intricately
textured pattern of sound, Form is right on the cusp of breaking
through to a higher level of musical expression and consciousness.
-- Lizi BratBabyMonkey' (2001)
Jerry Forney - Hard to Catch - CD
(Flying Coyote
Records) Fairly standard blues rock fronted by the capable Jerry
Forney who sang, played guitar, produced and arranged the songs. He
actually did better than most people do when they produce their own project
and he kept the mix decent, focusing on the overall sound instead of making
it all ego. Jerry Forney plays better than average blues rock and
the band he has accompanying him hits all the right chords both literally
and figuratively. I’m sure they pack the place when they play at the local
clubs. Sure there are plenty of bands like this throughout the States, but
these guys stand out as what I’m sure is the best in their area.
-- Grog Mutant (2008)
Fortune 500 - Fly to the Sun - CD
(Fortune 500)
"In Review"
-- (2008)
Angel Foss - The Olive Collection V. 2.0 - CD
(Angel Foss) "In
Review"
-- (2008)
Found Dead Hanging - Found Dead Hanging - CD
(Black Market
Activities) Yeah, this one sucks ass.
-- Simi Mutant (2003)
Foundation - Foundation - CD
(E-Mail Foundation) Wonderful acoustic
driven alternative rock. The vocals remind me of Mr. Billy from Greenday
without the slick production. The basic production is one of the things
that I really like about this release. What needs to be there is there,
which makes for a solid CD that's worth your dollar.
-- Mite Mutant (2001)
The Fource - HitchHikin' Thru Life - CD
(The Fource) Oh my
god, it's the bastard sons of the Traveling Wilbury's. This band
has a late '60s/early '70s acoustic lite-rock sound. Most of the tunes on
this release come off as watered down versions of songs like Van Morrison's
"Brown Eyed Girl". And let's face it this is what it is, a group of friends
(I would guess in their late 40's or early 50's) who are being nostalgic
about the music of their youth. They're not looking to make it big, they're
just having a fun time doing what they love. This music just would be better
enjoyed live while drunk. It just doesn't feel the same listening to it
in your car.
-- Mite Mutant (2006)
FourWayFree - FourWayFree - CD
(FourWayFree) This
CD starts off with the tune "Done" which is a Southern rock tune with white
guy blues vocals. It gets your toes a-tappin'. Then FourWayFree get
mellow and wimpy. While I can handle the final tune on this release "Opposite
of Empty", these songs aren't something I would want to hear over and over
again.
-- Mite Mutant (2008)
Pete Francis - Iron Sea and the Cavalry - CD
(Scrapper Records)
"In Review"
-- (2008)
Freddy & the Four Gone Conclusions - Wigged OUT Sounds - CD
(Get Hip Records) If
this band were in the movies they would be the house band for Austin
Powers. The sound is similar to that of the Beatles (or the
Monkees) songs where they dance around like the Keystone Cops in their
videos. Fun, upbeat and just plain groovy, this cd is the perfect sunny
day driving music. This is the album that Ming Tea would have released if
they had actually existed in the real world.
-- Mite Mutant (2003)
Free - The Best of Free - CD
(Universal
Records) Free is best known for their hit "All Right Now", which
is in regular rotation on every classic rock station throughout the country.
The influence of their blues infused rock sound can be heard in the music
of groups such as the Black Crows. The one thing I have to keep reminding
myself while listening to this disk is that while similar influencing bands
of the era like Cream and Led Zeppelin were made up of seasoned
musicians, Free was just a bunch of unknown teenagers when they started.
With 11 tunes in all, this CD will make a nice addition to anyone's music
collection.
-- Mite Mutant (2002)
Freezepop - Fancy Ultra-Fresh - CD
(The Archenemy Record
Company) I've been enjoying this disc for quite some time now and I
must say, Liz Enthusiasm has warmed my heart.or maybe frozen is a better
word. Regardless, this Boston synthpop band takes me back to the early/mid
80's. With their plastic sound and day glow colors, how can a person not
have fun? Between Liz singing in French on "Parlez-Vous Freezepop" or singing
"You get inside my head, I want you in my bed" on "Stakeout" I don't know
how anybody could resist her. Put it together with the stylings of the Duke
of Pannekoeken and the other Sean t. Drinkwater, plus an excellent website
with videos and I don't see how this could be wrong. Especailly when it
feels so right.
-- Grog Mutant (2004)
Frog Holler - Haywire - CD
(Frog Holler) Frog
Holler has a sound that is very Americana. Sometimes the songs are closer
to the rockin’ edge on the spectrum, other times I could hear country
and bluegrass-folk in the mix. While most of the CD was just okay, Frog
Holler really kick it on the last three tunes. The playing and vocals
are stronger and the songs are something you can really get into.
-- Mite Mutant (2006)
From Zero - One Nation Under - CD
(Arista Records) Question:
What do you get when you put Ministry, Nine Inch Nails, Marilyn
Manson and Faith No More into a giant blender and hit puree?
Answer: A huge bloody mess. However, if you combined their musical styling
into one band, then you would get From Zero. This is one of at least
three CD's we got in to review by bands that have Zero in their name. This
is by far the best one out of the bunch.
-- Mite Mutant (2001)
Melvin G. Fromm Jr. - Country Music #1 - CD
(Melvin G. Fromm Jr.) This CD just goes to show you that not everyone is
born to be a country star. I can visualize the singers on this homemade
release singing karaoke every week at their local bar feeling like stars
as they perform in front of a drunken crowd. Actually, listening to this
reminded me of an outing me and my fellow Mutants took quite a few years
back where a couple of yeehoos were videotaping people singing karaoke and
making them pay for the promise that the video would be shown on TV. It
was a scam, so needless to say when it came time for open karaoke (where
you didn't have to pay and it wasn't being videotaped) we caused a bit of
a ruckus while singing Cheap Tricks "Surrender". This was after they
kept skipping over us when we wanted to sing the theme song to the Jeffersons.
I believe that Grog might have broken a mic that night. It seems like Rednecks
like to boo you when you do things like that. Now where were we?... ah yes,
don't quit your day job.
-- Mite Mutant (2008)
The Frontier Brothers - Solar Power Struggle - CD
(The Frontier
Brothers) "In Review"
-- (2008)
Frontline Assembly - Epitaph - CD
(Metropolis Records P.O. Box 54307 Philadelphia, PA 19105) Frontline
Assembly is a great industrial / goth band who make me want to dance
around. Ok, that's a scary image; try to wipe it from your mind if you can.
Anyway, they are great and in my opinion are one of the best out there.
-- Grog Mutant (2001)
Frown - Wallghost - CD
(Stateless Records P.O. Box 40734 Providence, RI 02940) A blank CD in a
blank white case, yeah that's marketing genius. This one track release is
just guitar and drum noise with no real impact.
-- Mite Mutant (2001)
Freestylers - We Rock Hard & B-Boy Stance - CD
(Mammoth Records) The
Freestylers' sound in a sweet mixture of rap and club music with a hint
of reggae thrown in here and there for flavor. The CD "We Rock Hard" is
nothing short of terrific. Dump a hunk of dry ice in a bucket of water,
turn on a strobe light, and crank this bad boy up on your stereo, and you
can have your own little party that's your friends will refer to as killer.
For all you remix fans the "B-Boy Stance" contains 6 re-mixes of the song
that's reached into the Top 20 UK single list. The second dancier club mixes
by Dub Pistol was my fave on this disc. Also be sure to check out
"Don't Stop", the extra song that always seems to show up on remix CD's
to help sell them.
-- Mite Mutant (2001)
John Frusciante - Niandra LaDes and Usually Just A T-Shirt - CD
(Universal
Records) With stories about how record companies have scrapped a bands
recording because they weren't good enough to be released, it amazes me
how something like this could be put out at all. Originally released in
1994, this collection of crap from Red Hot Chili Pepper's guitar
slinger rivals the release by Smashing Pumpkins' James Iha is terms
of suckiness. I guess that the record company decided to give it another
try to see if it would catch on as a "cult" release to all the people who
must have everything RHCP related.
-- Mite Mutant (2003)
Full Service - Recess - CD
(Mashup Records)
Have you ever heard the joke that goes "What did the Deadheads say when
the drugs wore off?" - "Man, this music sucks." While I don't know if this
group of hippy types were deadheads, their music has the same effect. The
mix of stinky hippy folk and reggae actually hurt my ears, and it's not
because it was loud. Funny that I use the description "stinky hippy" because
the name of the drummer in the band just happens to be Smell. Anywho, this
release is just not my cup-o-hackysack.
-- Mite Mutant (2007)
Funeral Crashers - Funeral Crashers -
CD
(Funeral Crashers)
I hear an obvious Joy Division influence in their songs along with
a bit of Bauhaus and even some Rozz Williams era Christian
Death in the vocals. Great classic goth sound that could use a little
bit of tightening up, but still very powerful and dark. This is just a quick
five songs demo, I'd like to hear what they can do on a full release. The
best new goth album I've heard in years.
-- Grog Mutant (2006)
Fuzz Beloved - Fuzz Beloved - CD
(Intrepid Sound
Recordings) Fuzz Beloved seems to take a laid back approach to
their music. While the music is guitar driven, the overall sound is soft,
including the hushed vocals. There's also repetitiveness to the music that
makes the songs feel like they go on forever. This quickly make me bored
with the band overall and has me proclaiming this CD nothing more than a
snoozefest.
-- Mite Mutant (2007)
F.Y.P. - Toys That Kill - CD
(Recess Records)
This is actually supposed to be the last F.Y.P. or the first Toys
That Kill release. Whichever it is, it is classic punk at it's best.
The CD actually starts off with a tune I like to call pub-punk. From there
they offer up a slew of melodic punk tunes that'll have you bopping and
slamming.
-- Mite Mutant (2001)