Mike G. - Sugar Daddy - CD
(See Thru Broadcasting)
Mike G is Acoustic rockin' sugar daddy wacky in a Beckish
sort of way. '60s acid washed sounds will fill your brain when you listen
to this CD.
-- Mite Mutant (2001)
G.T. Arpe - Drum and Drum - CD
(Tape & CD
Records) Home recorded noise mixture that I guess tries to be artsy,
but comes off as nothing more than annoying.
-- Mite Mutant (2001)
GFK - If Liberty Isn't Given, It Should Be Taken - CD
(G7 Welcoming
Committee Records) It amazes me how a band could actually put out such
crap and actually think that people are going to like it. I would rather
listen to a Celine Dion box set than this sub-par waste of time.
-- Mite Mutant (2004)
Dave Gahan - Dave Gahan - CD
(Capitol Records)
"In Review"
-- (2008)
Mike Gaito - Beard of Bees - CD
(Gaitoplexicon Records)
Mike Gaito has a light acoustic sound that has be thinking that he
likes to attend renaissance fairs for some reason. I guess there's something
to his style that sounds hippy troubadorish to me, especially "Asparagus
and Glass." Now would I recommend this to my friends to listen to? No.
-- Mite Mutant (2007)
Galloping Coroners - Dancing with the Sun - CD
(Neurot Recordings)
This CD has its good points and bad points. Too bad the bad outweighs the
good. It attempts to be a fusion of world and rock, but most of it comes
across as sounding like a cheesy musical. The parts I did like were the
instrumentals that leaned more toward the world music sound. However, when
vocals are added or they try to rock out, I want to hurl this CD out the
window.
-- Mite Mutant (2001)
Gameface - Always On - CD
(Revelation Records)
This is really good, bouncy pop-punk with decent lyrics primarily about
relationships. The only problem is that I've heard so many other bands that
sound like Gameface. They are one of the better ones out there but not quite
the best in my opinion. Still if you love pop-punk or any of the slew of
alternative tinged pop bands currently out there like Sum 41 then you should
love Gameface.
-- Grog Mutant (2001)
The Gamits - Endorsed by You - CD
(Suburban Home)
Another punk-pop band. Nothing really special and nothing that sticks in
my head. A decent band, but there are quite a few of those out.
-- Grog Mutant (2001)
Thoth Ganesh - Pagan Passion - CD
(Thoth Ganesh)
I could tell that this was going to be a folky new-age hippy release just
by the title. I just didn't know it was going to be so bad. The playing
in bad. The singing is bad. The lyrics are bad. The production is bad. They
mixing is bad. It's as if no effort was put into anything with this release.
Thoth just figured that since he is supposedly in touch with the pagan gods
and goddesses, then whatever he did would be blessed. I have to say that
the only redeeming thing about this release is that I think Thoth Ganesh
would be a great name for a deth metal band.
-- Mite Mutant (2007)
Gangster Folk - Gangster Folk - CD
(Pipeline Records)
I was prepared to hear something that was out of the ordinary from the name
of the band. I just wasn't prepared to how much out of the ordinary this
CD would be. The song lyrics and presentation are mellow and quirky. &ss
the closest I could come to finding a comparison for this band is Ween.
You know, entrancing and annoying at the same time. It's one of those releases
that words can't describe.
-- Mite Mutant (2003)
The Gap Band - Gold - 2CD
(Universal
Records) You can go twenty years without hearing the Gap Band,
and then you remember how GOOD that Eighties-ified funk was. I can't do
this one justice. You just have to run out and buy this greatest-hits release.
Better yet, pick up their first four albums post-haste. Although some of
their grooves were cookie-cutter and percolated with cheesy Eighties keyboards
and drum machines, the appeal of the songs and the grooves can not be denied.
The brothers Wilson were on a level with Morris Day and the Time,
Prince, Kool and the Gang, and Zapp. You might think,
"oh, well, that's nice and all, but I'm not really into cheesy 80s funk,"
but you'd be WRONG, WRONG, WRONG. You love it, and with massive verve, as
do I. This is worth a play a day (I'd recommend it for those last few minutes
of work, the drive home, and up until about dinnertime - better yet, go
out to a club where the DJ has no problem playing The Gap Band III in its
entirety). One million glittery little stars for this fine anthology.
-- Jeremy Mutant (2006)
Garage Fuzz - The Season Is Changing - CD
(Devil Doll Records)
When I grabbed this one I was really expecting some sixties "Nuggets" styled
damage, which just goes to show me I gotta quit picking stuff because of
the name! Upon further examination I found that these guys were more Zen
Arcade era Husker Du. I mean really, really a lot like that.
A little lighter than Mr. X prefers but these guys have a good thing going
on. Fans of the Du take notice.
-- Howard X (2001)
Garbage - Absolute Garbage - CD
(Universal Music
Company) Garbage is one of my favorite bands from the 90s. Between
Shirley Manson's powerful, sultry voice and the amazing skills of
Butch Vig, Garbage shines over most bands. They are at once
radio friendly, but have enough originality and edge that they stand apart
from most other bands. This release is basically one disc of their most
popular songs and one disc of remixes by the likes of Massive Attack,
The Crystal Method, Fun Lovin' Crimals, U.N.K.L.E and
many more. My favorite Garbage songs are represented such as "#1
Crush", "Only Happy When It Rains", "Queer", "Only Happy When It Rains"
plus eleven more from their career. The remixes are really well done while
they retain the base of the original they do a great job of mutating the
song into their own style.
-- Grog Mutant (2007)
Richard Gardzina - Where Words Do Not Go - CD
(Sound Experience) While there's nothing groundbreaking about this mostly
tenor sax focused Jazz release, it does contain some nice easy listening
tunes. This is the type of jazz that makes great background music in a high
end restaurant. It gives great atmosphere, but won't take away from a conversation.
-- Mite Mutant (2006)
Garner, Larry - Once Upon The Blues - CD
(Ruf Records) I like
the Blues, but I'm not a huge fan. I do know enough to know that this is
some watered-down shit. There are a few decent tracks on this disc, but
it's mostly regurgitated BB King style guitar work and Randy Newman
type vocals. Larry goes mostly for cheesy humor in his writing. Even if
you're a dedicated Blues fan, I'd let this "Juke Joint" hack remain undiscovered
if I were you.
-- Tom CoreKill (2001)
Dyan Garris - Release - CD
(New Age CD)
I used to host a Sunday night radio show where the format was new
age, electronic and experimental music, with most of the focus being on
new age. Now while the music on this release might get played on other new
age programs, it wouldn't make it on mine. The reason being is that I like
my music to stand out a bit, no matter what the genre. The music on this
release just doesn't meet that criterion. It's just your basic synth-piano
based new age cliché. It has nothing that makes it stand out from the millions
of other new age releases out there.
-- Mite Mutant (2007)
Garth Melvin - Garth Melvin - CD
(Garth Melvin)
Slow, slightly bluesy rock with painful vocals and a really lo-fi sound.
This was evidently done all live in the studio and while at times that's
a plus in my book, I think these songs could have used more polish. While
it isn't horrible, I think they could use a lot more work.
-- Grog Mutant (2007)
The Gasoline Angels - The Gasoline Angels - CD
(The Gasoline
Angels) I like everything about this release. The cover reminds me of
Marillion's album covers, just a bit darker. The singer has a voice
which has a Bob Pollard of Guided By Voices with an Ozzy
Osbourne lilt to it. But the most amazing thing is that the each song
in all its richness is produced by only two people. "Cold Address", which
sounds very much like a Guided By Voices song is by far my favorite
release on this disc. Another great tune "The Fallen" could easily be converted
to an Ozzy song. This is one of those disc that starts out good and
gets better with each listen.
-- Mite Mutant (2007)
Steve Gattermeyer - Stockholm Sin Drone - CD
(SoniCraft Records)
I had friends in high school that had a band and dreamed of hard rock stardom.
While they could play their instruments fairly well, they just didn't have
the artistic talent that would have made them stand out among all of the
other high school rock bands dreaming of stardom. And when they did originals
the lyrics were always weak. The music on this release reminds me of those
bands. If you had to listen to one song on this release is would be "If
It Ever Comes Back" which is mostly an instrumental.
-- Mite Mutant (2008)
Mark Geary - Opium - CD
(Sona Blast Records)
The second track on this disc, "Not on Your Life", is an excellent song
with a driving rhythm and a catchy as hell chorus. It is the best on a release
full of decent mellow rock songs. And while they are all decent none of
them stick in my mind like that track. If they had the ability to pen a
whole disc with that same feeling and emotion Mark Geary would be
a hit.
-- Grog Mutant (2008)
Gee Davey - She Sells Smiles - CD
(Gee Davey) I will
have to say that by listening to the songs on this release it seems that
Gee Davey is an enthusiastic rocker. The songs aren’t bad, but they
aren’t great either. I would say that I would listen to this band if I stumbled
upon them in a bar, but I probably wouldn’t purposely go see them.
-- Mite Mutant (2009)
Gemini Five - Babylon Rockets - CD
(Cleopatra Records)
The sticker on the CD cover read "A Must Have for Fans of Backyard Babies,
Motley Crue, and Hanoi Rocks." I would have put down White
Lion, Bullet Boys and cheese instead. While this band is going
for that hair metal sound, they aren't even close to the likes of Hanoi
Rocks or Motley Crue, except that the line-up has a blond singer
backed by three guys with black hair. I'm sure this band would be something
to see live, but with just music and lyrics like "I'm a Rocket" on "Babylon
Rockets" or "This is what I bleed, This is what I cry, This is what I swear,
This is Hardcore", the whole thing comes off as cartoonish as the cd cover.
-- Mite Mutant (2005)
Gemini Soul - The Liquid Soul Tour - CD
(Gemini Soul) Gemini
Soul is a three piece jazz / soul band that I swear sounds like they
are straight out of the 70's. However, they are modern and masters at their
respective instruments; bass, keyboard and percussion. The bass playing
is smooth and graceful weaving intricate melodies with nimble key work of
the keyboardist. Keeping it all together and supplying a nice smooth base
is the percussionist. I really enjoyed listening to them after I had an
especially hard day at work. Just chilling out at my computer and accompanying
them on my own keyboard.
-- Grog Mutant (2008)
Gemini Soul - Dark Skin Babies: The Movement - 2CD
(Pearl Jazz Recordings)
"In Review"
-- (2009)
Vicki Genfan - Up Close & Personal - 2 CD
(Harmonic Touch Records)
Vicki Genfan is a singer/songwriter with superb guitar playing ability.
The same can’t really be said for her singing, which is why disc 1 on this
two CD set is by far the superior of the two. Vicki’s guitar playing style
is both jazzy and percussive. The songs have a relaxing quality to them
as they float through the air on ribbons of silk. Where Vicki runs into
problems is when she chooses to lend her vocals to the songs. Her singing
takes away from her guitar playing, and ends up making the songs sound nothing
more than boring fluff.
-- Mite Mutant (2006)
Paul Geng - Modern Day Pygmalion - CD
(Paul Geng Music)
The music on this disc is pretty good, now if Paul would just keep his mouth
shut. He has that soft “caring” tone that so many people find annoying,
plus his lyrics are very predictable. I know he means well and seems like
a nice person, but I swear if I have to listen to him sing again I’ll [*]
be forced to put my fingers in my ears and go "la-la-la-la-la".
(*Original comment removed due to people not having a sense of humour.)
-- Grog Mutant (2008)
James Geralden - Tender and Blue - CD
(James Geralden) James tries his best to cover lounge standards such as
"I Gotta Be Me", "Caravan", "What a Wonderful World", etc. But truth be
told, he just doesn't have the pipes for it.
-- Mite Mutant (2008)
German Cars vs. American Homes - One in A Million - CD
(Mishap Productions)
File under bizarre indie music. I do like the scratch and win lottery ticket
theme going on with the artwork for this release. They even have the silver
scratch off squares. Each of the songs seemed to have multiple layers buried
in the mix. It ended up giving me a headache more than anything else. It's
as if the songs worked some kind of subliminal sensory overload on me. One
of the vocalists reminds me of David Byrne at his quirkiness. I kept
waiting for them to start screaming "Same as it ever was! Same as it ever
was!" This was an interesting album that failed to keep my interest.
-- Mite Mutant (2003)
Faith Gibson - Big Moon - CD
(Capricorn Records)
"In Review"
-- (2009)
Janine Gilbert-Carter - A Song for You - CD
(Janine Gilbert-Carter)
Big soulful jazz, sang by the amazing Janine Gilbert-Carter at the
15th annual FMJS jazz Festival. Janine's voice is pure silk backed up with
a soulful power that emanates class and passion. I'm not that big on this
genre, however I cannot deny the talent on this disc and the pure passionate
fire, which burns within.
-- (2007)
Doug Gillard - Salamander - CD
(Big Takeover Records)
Doug is one of the rotating guitarist who was in the Dayton, Ohio
band Guided By Voices. He follows in the footsteps of another GBV
guitarist Tobin Sprout in the release of a surprisingly good solo
CD. However, while Tobin's release had the obvious signature GBV
sound, Doug has a style that more British singer-songwriter feel
about them. "Going Back (to you)" is my choice for the stand out track on
this release filled with stand out songs. Even though GBV is soon
to be disbanded, it looks like Doug Gillard will be on the scene
for many years to come.
-- Mite Mutant (2004)
Jenny Gillespie - Light Year - CD
(Jenny
Gillespie) "In Review"
-- (2009)
David Gilmour - On An Island - CD
(Columbia Records)
I was very excited to see this release since I was a big Pink Floyd
fan in my teens and own both of David Gilmour's previous solo albums.
But many things have changed in the 22 years since his last solo record.
He is now in his 60s, very happily married (which is evident by his wife
having co-wrote half the songs) and in a reflective stage in his life. The
songs are very mellow and restrained but still have that trademark Gilmour
guitar sound. Everything is well written and the playing is top notch thanks
to all the help of his friends: David Crosby, Graham Nash,
Richard Wright, Willie Wilson and many others. The more I
read about David the more I respect him, but this new album simply
isn't my cup of tea.
-- Grog Mutant (2006)
Gingerjake - How To Kiss The Devil Goodbye - CD
(Gingerjake) The
lead singer has an early Gwen Stephanie vocal style, but with more
grit. The music, which is hard punk-alternative, has punch as well. Just
about all of the well produced tunes have a certain rawness to them, but
are catchy enough to make you want to dance. The verge a bit into the pop
end of the spectrum on the tune "Concrete, but get back into the gut on
the final tune on the release, "Alphabetacaine".
-- Mite Mutant (2007)
The Gits - Enter: The Conquering Chicken - CD
(Broken Rekids)
The first thing that goes through ones head when first listening to this
release is that it sounds like Courtney Love, with an edge. I know
it's hard to imagine, but the power and grit that Mia Zapata put
into the vocals is the thing that true punk singers hope to achieve in their
own music. There's no doubt about it, this music is true punk.
-- Mite Mutant (2003)
Ola Gjeilo - Stone Rose - CD
(2L) Ola wrote most of this
album as a reflection of how he feels while in New York City. While I'm
no expert on NYC, I can definitely hear and feel the inspiration. I am also
drawn to very Christmas like feel this release has to it. All of the songs
are played on piano with a mixture of classical, jazz and pop styles accompanied
on some tracks by Flugelhorn, Violin and Cello. This is an excellent work
of emotional music by an amazing pianist and songwriter. If you are looking
for a nice disc to unwind to or put on at a holiday dinner than this should
be high on your list.
-- Grog Mutant (2008)
Gladhander - One Against Three - CD
(Demille Productions)
Gladhander has a heavy punk sound with the bass leading most of the
songs. The songs have that young band roughness that I heard many times
at all ages shows during my college days. The music is nothing really revolutionary,
but is the kind that great for getting out your angst, especially in a live
show setting. They go mellow on the tune “Space” which contrasts with their
overall sound, but then again they do seem like a group of musicians who
are still at the point of emulating their favorite bands and finding their
own voice.
-- Mite Mutant (2009)
Glasseater - 7YEARSBADLUCK - CD
(Fearless Records)
What we have here is a punk-pop band that's a little bit more on the harder
edge. You have strong playing, solid tunes and a great lead singer. The
problem? You have another singer that has to scream his part on every song.
This ends up making every song sound the same and ends up ruining the groove
of what otherwise is a terrific band. My advice is for this band to dump
the screaming and focus on playing the straight ahead kick ass music. Then
you will be a force to reckon with.
-- Mite Mutant (2001)
Mike Glendinning - Random Acts of Jazz Grunge - CD
(Mike Glendinning)
The music on this release is best described as a combination of lounge-jazz
and rock instrumental. Throughout many of the songs Mike sings with a lounge
style vocals. There are a couple of instrumentals on this &se. I listened
to this release 3 times and nothing really stood out apart from the instrumental
covers of "I Left My Heart in San Francisco" and "Somewhere Over the Rainbow"
and that's just because they are well known songs.
-- Mite Mutant (2008)
(AI Recordings) "In Review"
-- (2008)
Gloriovs Dead - Explosio - CD
(Monstaar Records) Those of you who've read some of my other Monstaar
Records reviews probably know that I haven't found their releases very
pleasant. Fortunately Gloriovs Dead's "Explosio" album is a lot better.
It has a lot of that experimental noise some of the other Monstaar
albums have, but it features a lot more drum beats, which is utimately what
makes their industrial noisebeat a lot more interesting listening to. After
a while, however, things tend to get a little repetitive, which is a shame,
because the first half of this album is actually quite enjoyable.
-- Hans Mutant (2007)
God Fires Man - A Billion Balconies Facing the Sun - CD
(In De Goot
Recordings) God Fires Man sound like many of the bands you hear
on the alternative metal stations, but they are better. They blend bands
like Breaking Benjamin, Korn, Crossfade and Taproot
into a sound that doesn't sound too produced and retains a bit of its essential
rawness. Their vocals are a bit smooth and processed, but that's fine and
gives them a polished feel. This isn't a band I'd seek out, but given the
music on most alt metal stations God Fires Man would be a welcome
change and still fit their format. If you are a bit fan of the aforementioned
bands then do yourself a favor and check out this disc.
-- Grog Mutant (2008)
Ben Godwin - Skin And Bone - CD
(Ben Godwin) Ben
Godwin has a Tom Waits honky-tonk piano show tune feel to his
songs on this release. The opening tunes on this release by Ben Godwin,
"Drinking Gasoline" and "New World City" remind me of the guy who sang many
of the Skoolhouse Rock songs. The track "Constantly Reminded" reminded
me of "A Whiter Shade of Pale" by Procol Harum with a blues piano
spin to it. If anything, you owe it to yourself to listen to the title track
of this release, especially if you are indeed a Tom Waits fan.
-- Mite Mutant (2007)
Goldblade - Rebel Songs - CD
(Anarchy Music 11041 Santa Monica Blvd #703 LA, CA 90025) This release starts
off with one of the best Oi! Songs that I have ever heard. "Psycho"
has it all. It's angry. It's fun. It has an infectious chorus that just
begs you to sing along. Where Goldblade outshines other
Oi! Bands is that they try to expand on the basic Oi! Sound. For the most
part it works out great, like the bit of reggae I could hear on "Psycho".
"Stereo Gangsta" is another song where it works out wonderfully.
Other times it falls flat, like on "Cops and Robbers", where the
bridge came off as a bit cheesy.
There's also a couple of bonus video's on this release. The in concert
video of "Black Sheep Rebel" is good enough, but the video for
"Psycho" has the band looking a bit dorky, like an Oi! version
of the Monkees. Still, the videos are a nice bonus to this
fun CD.
-- Mite Mutant (2006)
Golden - Night Reminds the Day - CD
(Golden)"In
Review"
-- (2009)
The Golden Chariots of Mars - Tales of Talos... - CD
(Magnetic Sea)
For some reason this band reminds me of a late '80s early '90s female fronted
punk alternative rock band along the lines of Insane Jane. The music
and vocals are good and I would go see them play live. However, their sound
is just a bit generic, there's nothing there that makes them stand out.
-- Mite Mutant (2008)
Golden Death Music - Shemera Blues - CD
(Beta-Lactam Ring Records)
Spacey bass lead rock music that brings to mind post Syd Barrett
era Pink Floyd. Kind of tripey music, with softly sung vocals and
a vauge undercurrent of synth and ambient noise. The guitar, bass, keyboards
and percussion lend structure to the free flowing sound of the songs and
vocals. I do enjoy this and think it's really well done ambient rock, but
on songs like "True Beauty Is Emptiness" the delay on the vocals just gets
annoying. I'm sure if somebody were stoned listening to this it would make
for a nice sensation, but in the end it is a bit lax for me. Like a lot
of music, this disc is good in small doses.
-- Grog Mutant (2008)
Nicki Gonzalez - Moron Love - CD
(Paxil Rose Records) Nicki sings in a very standard pop R&B style that would
be right at home on American Idol. A couple of her songs really stand
out like the fun salsa influenced "Leave" and the pop hit "After Tonight",
but the rest fade out just as quickly as they came. If you like standard
R&B then Nicki will fill you up, but if you're looking for something a bit
more substantial you'll be left feeling a bit hungry.
-- Grog Mutant (2009)
The Good Graces - Sunset Over Saxapahaw - CD
(Eskimo Kiss
Records) "In Review"
-- (2008)
J Goodin - Don't Come Out of the Hills, Boys - CD
(Canon Records)
This is one of those bands that is perfect as a bar band, but other than
that, not so much. J Goodin has a rock sound that can range from
'70s rock (I was waiting for that big '70s synth sound to kick in on "Big,
Like Me") to a more laid back acoustical rock (the pleasant sounding "Northgate").
"Northgate" is actually one of the few songs on this release where I enjoyed
the vocals. This is a band that goes great with beer drinkin'.
-- Mite Mutant (2008)
Goodnight Star - Goodnight Star - CD
(Tooth & Nail Records)
This Christian synth-pop ensemble has the Holy Spirit helping out on this
CD With it's Soft-synth sound coupled with a steady rhythm and quiet vocals
this band reminds me of a mellow Depech Mode / Erasure combo.
Goodnight Star just seems to lack the punch that would have made
this a top rate release.
-- Mite Mutant (2001)
Leah-Carla Gordone - Phoenix from the Ashes: Rise - CD
(Leah Carla Gordone)
I was very intrigued when I first set eyes on the cover for this release,
where the person looks like a cross between Bjork and Macy Gray.
However, while listening to this CD Leah-Carla's vocals remind me
at times of a cross between Ani DiFranco and Patti Smith but
lacking the singing strength and depth of the two. The lyrics are actually
really good and I believe that with better production I would have liked
this CD more. But with the way it is most of the songs sound singer-songwriter
generic.
-- Mite Mutant (2008)
Craig Gore - Ten Year Sleep - CD
(Craig Gore) Craig Gore’s vocals are eerily similar to Dave Olney,
one of my favorite laid back singer-songwriters. His music has an acoustic
singer-songwriter feel with a hint of rock underpinning. The CD came in
plain wrapping so I can't let you know what individual songs that I liked
the most, but I can say that I've have listened to this release repetitively
and it gets better each time. This is definitely worth checking out.
-- Mite Mutant (2008)
Got THC? - Got THC? - CD
(?)"In Review"
-- (2009)
B.D. Gottfried - The Element of Left - CD
(B.D. Gottfried)
"In Review"
-- (2008)
Fanny Grace - Rise & Shine - CD
(Fanny Grace) I
wasn't sure how I would like this release when the first song kicked in.
This is very much a country CD and the first tune started out with a more
modern country feel to it, which I'm not a big fan of. However, I quickly
grew to love the song and liked the little wink to the Meat Loaf classic
"Paradise by the Dashboard Light." The wonderful slightly twangy vocals
of Carmen Mejia combined with strong lyrics and great playing help
to make this CD solid throughout. I feel the songs that shine brightest
are the ones with the more traditional country feel to them, with a few
of my favorites being "Rise & Shine", "My Cowboy's Last Ride" and "Till
the Wheels Fall Off" with its Doobie Brothers "Black Water" lick
helping to drive it along. But by far my favorite tune on the release is
"The Storms are on the Ocean", which reminded me a lot of June Carter
and got me researching. That's when I found out that the producer of the
CD is John Carter Cash, the son of Johnny Cash and June
Carter, and that "The Storms are on the Ocean" was actually a June
Carter song. Great CD.
-- Mite Mutant (2008)
Morgan Grace - The Sound Of Something Breaking - CD
(Lady Lush
Records) I was rooting for this release when I first put it in because
I could hear tints of early Concrete Blond in the music and vocals.
However, it soon all fell apart. What the sound quickly morphed into is
late '80s hard rock bar band with dime-a-dozen female vocals. The singer's
need to emphasize words like "Fuck!" and "Shit!" and phrases like "I just
fuckin' might too" sound like a young girl's lame attempt to be tough.
-- Mite Mutant (2006)
Grand Champeen - Dial T For This - CD
(Grand Champeen)
I've been holding onto this one for awhile, with the reason being is...
Well you see, when a CD sucks it's really easy to come up with something,
but when an album is good it's much more difficult. Then there's this release
by the band Grand Champeen, which is just so plain great that nothing
that I can conjure with my meager writing skills could convey just how good
it is. Maybe part of the band's appeal to me is that they have a nice poppy
sound that I would compare to a modern day Beatles, which I have
to say is my all time favorite band. Another thing with this release is
that I can listen to it repeatedly form start to finish and bop right along
with every tune. I'm hard put on picking a favorite tune, but the ones that
really stood out are "What It Beats", "Wounded Eye", "Rottweiler Hair" and
the Guided by Voices sounding "Can I See You Again?" Do yourself
a favor and check this band out. They don't deserve to go unnoticed. You
will be happy you did.
-- Mite Mutant (2008)
Grand Tourism - Grand Tourism - CD
(Cyber Octave)
The tunes on this release have such different feels to them that this seems
more like a ethereal/trance/dance/new age compilation disk. The songs are
great. One tune will have a dance groove, while another will be subtle with
Bowie-ish vocals, and still there will be one with a delicate new
age feel that lulls you into another world.
-- Mite Mutant (2001)
Randy Granger - A Place Called Peace - CD
(Randy Granger)
"In Review"
-- (2009)
Graphite - Reversion to the Mean - CD
(Graphite)
"In Review"
-- (2009)
Grayceon - Grayceon - CD
(Vendlus Records) Grayceon
has a heavy band sound with string instruments which add and orchestral
touch to the songs and therefore giving them a bit of a goth metal feel.
The songs are instrumentals, but they do manage to work a few vocals into
the mix to each songs detriment. If the female vocals were stronger or the
male vocals were deeper it would have worked great, but the way they are
now they just seem to water down the songs. I would love to hear more from
this band, because I do hear potential, but I believe they need to add a
strong vocalist.
-- Mite Mutant (2007)
The Great Unwashed - EP - CD
(The Great
Unwashed) "In Review"
-- (2009)
Green Carnation - Light of Day, Day of Darkness - CD
(The End Records)
Did King Diamond make a comeback and join this band? This is one
60 minute composition in the vein of King Diamond but without the
operatic voice that gets very annoying. Is this the face of new classical
or is it just a bunch of goths with too much musical training who wish to
emulate Beethoven and Mozart in a contemporary context? You
be the judge...
-- Grog Mutant (2001)
Green Carnation - A Blessing in Disguise - CD
(Season of Mist)
These fellows took a page from the Queensryche book of songwriting.
The music is epic hard rock heavy metal with vocals telling a grandiose
story. There is even a bit of The Damned element to the songs, especially
on the tune "Writings on the Wall." A grand release from a grand band.
-- Mite Mutant (2003)
Green Rode Shotgun - Bang - CD
(8 Ohm Records)
I just put on this CD and already I'm hooked. What's doing it is the opening
tune "All the Same" which is a one hell of a catchy pop-flavored ditty.
And then there's the song "Let It Show" which is an ultra-cool Pixies
sounding gem. This release reminded me of the early '90s in that the music
was so good and so diverse. This is one of those bands that years down the
road other people will think you're cool when you wear one of their earlier
T-shirts.
-- Mite Mutant (2003)
Grey Does Matter - Your Job Will Kill You - CD
(Pop Rally! Records)
Cool indie rock / pop-punk ala All American Rejects and my favs The
New Pornographers. The singer reminds me of the guy from the Meices
(great 90's band). I love all the songs except one that is a bit of a problem,
"so easy" is a disturbing song about homicide and the music is very fitting
of topic being dark instead of poppish like the others. Lots of great stuff
though and a very worthwhile album.
-- Grog Mutant (2006)
Grim, DJ Matthew - Hypnotic Journey - CD
(Hypnotic Records)
Another CD that relies more on the mixing ability and song selection by
the DJ who's mixing it, as opposed to the songs themselves. While sticking
to a Progressive House and Trance theme, DJ Grim manages to put together
a release that is just as interesting to listen to as it is to dance to.
It's no wonder that his services have carried him around the world. A skilled
individual indeed.
-- Mite Mutant (2001)
Larkin Grimm - Parplar - CD
(Young God Records)
"In Review"
-- (2008)
Sparky Grinstead & Eric Kampman - Winter Comes and Goes - CD
(Eric Kampman) "In
Review"
-- (2009)
Groop Dogdrill - Lovely Skin Us - CD
(Mantra Recordings / Beggars
Banquet) Very reminiscent of the great Rev. Heat, Groop Dogdrill
has that rockabilly/hard rock sound pioneered by the aforementioned
Rev. Have I ever told you gentle readers that I, Howard X am in fact an
ordained minister in the Universal Life Church? I can legally marry people
and am planning a move to Dayton here in the near future so remember me
for all your nuptial needs!
-- Howard X (2001)
Groopoloops - Imperfect I - CD
(Gery Tinkeleberg) Not
what I was expecting at all. I guess I mistook Groop in Groopoloops
as Groove. Still, an excellent CD, not but for everyone. The music is acoustical-electronica
with a bit of experimental thrown in at times. What I like about it is that
it's so relaxing. I now know what CD I need to put on when I have trouble
sleeping. It actually reminds me of a self hypnotism CD I listened to one
time. The fellow who did it had worked with his son and developed a drone
noise which helped get a person into a hypnotic state. You could actually
feel the pulse of the drone lulling you to sleep. The music on this release
had a similar effect. In fact, I had to turn it off and put on some AC/DC
to slap me back to the real world since I was listening to this while at
work.
-- Mite Mutant (2008)
Groove Foundation - Leaving Home - CD
(1st Stone Records)
Heavy on the bass and full of top-notch jam, the music on this release is
great. I did find the lyrics and vocals to be lacking at times, but when
they worked out, they worked out great. "Don't Wanna Talk About It" (my
pick for fave song on this release) is an example of where they just rock
out. "Beginnings" is an example where they flop.
-- Mite Mutant (2001)
Groove Manifest - The Etiquette of Predudice - CD
(Groove Manifest)
The sound of Groove Manifest can best be described at guitar-based
experimental electronica. There are a few tunes that have vocals, but they
are layered underneath so much echo and distortion that it becomes a pain
to listen to them. This is too bad because there does seem to be some sort
of message or story that this band it trying to get across with this release,
but it's just lost on me. I do like the cover art though.
-- Mite Mutant (2007)
Groovie Ghoulies - Fun in the Dark - CD
(Lookout Records)
A slower Ramones-esc backbeat with nasally vocals is a good description
of this bands sound. The songs are pure punk fun. I feel that this is what
punk might have sounded like in the 50's.
-- Mite Mutant (2001)
Gryp - Left Behind - CD
(W Recordings)
Not great but not horrible rock music that is currently permeating the airwaves
on those pseudo alternative rock stations.
-- Grog Mutant (2001)
Devon Guarde - Flock State - CD
(Devon Guarde)
The release spans the gap between electronica and experimental soundscapes.
Several of the tracks are standard building block repetitive soundscapes
with a typical electronica dance beat. Others lack this element and are
just repetitive noises that build upon one another until a whole picture
is formed of the finished piece. I prefer the songs that include the electronica
beat which I feel grounds the whole song and pushes along the build. Great
release if you like repetitive trace inducing music that is heavier than
most.
-- Grog Mutant (2008)
Id Guinness - Cure for the Common Crush - CD
(Id Guinness) Id
Guinness makes me think of a sonic rock band from the '70s but thrown
into modern times due to the loops and synth bass. By the second track "The
One That Got Away" I have heard elements of Supertramp, Pink Floyd
and Kansas. Not that this is just a total throwback to to the prog-rock
bands of three decades ago, but it does sound heavily influenced by the
period. They are all good musicians and the vocals are even decent, but
this has too much guitar wanking for my tastes. If you like any older prog
rock then this would be the disc for you.
-- Grog Mutant (2008)
The Gunshy - No Man's Blues - CD
(Latest Flame)
The first thing I noticed when listening to this release was the unique
vocals, which are a cross between Bruce Springsteen and Tom Waits.
The further into the disc, the more the song style and vocals start to gravitate
to the Tom Waits end of the spectrum. After the first tune the song
quality drops a bit, but it starts to build again on each progressive tune.
While this release starts off well with the catchy acoustic rock tune "Reason
to Retreat," it really gets started once you hit the almost Celtic rock
upbeat song "Stories."
-- Mite Mutant (2006)
Jeff Gutman - No Way Back - CD
Bela Fleck playing style moving them along with
"The Secret" being one of the best songs on this release.
-- Mite Mutant (2007)
GWAR - Violence Has Arrived - CD
(Metal Blade)
I've never really thought of Gwar as much of a band, more like a
twisted metal musical. If you're unaware of Gwar then you need to
be educated. Gwar is the one and only band from Antarctica and their
goal is to eliminate human suffering, by putting humans out of their misery.
At a Gwar show you will leave covered in blood among other things
and have a fuckin' blast.
-- Grog Mutant (2001)