(EMI Music) This six song EP features songs from LCD Soundsystem including one done by Franz Ferdinand, four remixes and a live performance on a radio show. The music is fairly standard, but catchy, electronica / techo / trance. Nothing really groundbreaking, but it is decent for the style. My favorite is the Franz Ferdinand track, "All My Friends", but that's because it is turned into a rock song.
-- Grog Mutant (2007)
Lab Partners - Daystar - CD
(Big Beef Records)
A swirling landscape of aural guitar is what this CD is all about. The vocal
and some of the songs have visions of Adrian Belew popping into my
head. I can't see why the opening tune "Gold" didn't become a hit for these
guys. It's simply outstanding. It's as if the Lab Partners took the
psychedelic sound of The Beatles and John Lennon's solo work
and evolved it. Simply outstanding.
-- Mite Mutant (2002)
The Lab Rats - Start Thinking - CD
(New Disorder Records)
Really good but typical hardcore from today's youth. I remember seeing quite
a few bands like this back in my time. While no new ground is being covered
I think bands like this need to be around in every scene. Fast, angry, angst
ridden songs being belted out by sweaty teens for sweaty teens.
-- Grog Mutant (2002)
Lacona - 35/Half of 70 - CD
(Lacona Music)
"In Review"
-- (2007)
Lacona - President's Day - CD
(Lacona Music)
My main thought with this release is why they chose to only put so much
effort and money into the CD package itself for only two songs. The acoustical
music is wonderful in its quiet subtleness. The bands weakness is the lyrics
and vocals, "Wet Snow" is a bit better than "Presidents Day", but both are
still lacking. I believe a well seasoned female vocalist and better lyrics
would be a great fit for this band.
-- Mite Mutant (2007)
Lady Bianca - Rollin' - CD
(Rooster Blues Records)
Maybe I shouldn't have listened to the Etta James CD and the Koko
Taylor CD before I listened to this. While this release is good, it's
no comparison to the greats. I'll know better next time.
-- Mite Mutant (2001)
LadyCop - Ladycop - CD
(Ladycop) With their unique drum signatures, distorted guitar and intense
female vocals, Ladycop comes across as a combination of the Yeah
Yeah Yeah’s, PJ Harvey and Bjork (just for strange experimental
feel of the songs). As you can imagine, the sound is pretty cool. While
the casual listener might have problems listening to this release, the more
adventurous music-phial will love it.
-- Mite Mutant (2007)
Dawn Lambeth - Let's Get Lost - CD
(Spanish Shawl Music)
Dawn is a wonderful jazz vocalist that any bandleader from the heyday
would love to have. She has assembled an excellent eight piece band who
give her covers of old standards weight and authority. Her release is heavy
on the Gershwin with three tracks, but you also get Irving Berlin,
Cole Porter and many others from back in the day. Dawn does
a great job of being true to the original songs while still injecting her
own personality into them. One of the most interesting and provocative songs
on the disc is the great "I Wish I Were Twins" with the provocative lines
"I wish I were twins, so I could love you twice as much. Four arms to hold
you and two sets of lips to kiss you." Anyway, this is easily one of the
best new recordings of old jazz standards I have ever heard.
-- Grog Mutant (2008)
Lame-O - Lame-O - CD
(4020 Fitch St. Toledo, OH 43613) Fairly humorous fast paced punk rock.
I saw these guys a few weeks ago opening for Legbone and they had
that great small show, punk rock feel...plus one of the guys was wearing
a dress. Plain and simple; fast, funny and somewhat pissed off punk from
Ohio.
-- Grog Mutant (2002)
Lanahan, Maery - Live Underwater - CD
(Not My Fault Records)
Maery Lanahan is one of those local artists who never fails to amaze
me with her talents. Her emotional, angelic voice is the focal point of
every song. It draws me in like a siren song and keeps me captivated until
she is finished with my ears and mind, then she leaves me and sends me on
my way. That doesn't even take into account her guitar playing and songwriting
abilities. There is also Alessandro Cortez, who is an excellent bassist
and adds such a boost to every song as he intertwines his melodies in with
Maery's vocal harmonies. On drums is Brian DeWeese, who plays lightly and
makes every beat count.
My two favorite songs are "The Yearning" and "The Promise" which highlight
every aspect of the band, especially the range of Maery's voice. To finish
off the release Maery may have just written the best love song ever "Two
Silhouettes" which truly captures her feelings for her lover. I've seen
them play live a few times and it was great to hear them on disc, especially
with the addition of a violinist, Megan Palmer. They have one of those very
unique sounds, which blends many styles and areas together such as rock,
jazz, worldbeat, classical, folk, and singer-songwriter, so comparisons
are useless. If you love music that has depth and feeling and is played
by accomplished musicians then you'll love Maery.
-- Grog Mutant (2003)
Land of Loops - Puttering About a Small Land - CD
(Up Records) Land
of the Loops is a perfect name for this band. It says it all, but I'll
say it again. This beat is fueled with music loops and sound bites that
swirl around soft fun-ky synthesizer. There are female vocals on a few tunes
that help give the songs a breathy, almost ethereal feel. At times the sound
is experimental and fun, which can be seen quite clearly with song titles
such as "How to Feed a Sea Monkey", "Drive Safely (and hurry back)" and
"Marshmallow Pillows". At other times it's just relaxing and trippy. This
one's a keeper.
-- Mite Mutant (2001)
The Landing - The Landing - CD
(The Landing)
This three song CD is of the short but sweet variety. The female vocals
are a combination of Natalie Merchant, Rhonda Everett of Pale
Beneath the Blue and Holly McFarland. The songs are piano and
guitar driven and the up tempo sound goes perfectly with the vocals. This
is a purely enjoyable CD that ended with me wanting to hear more.
-- Mite Mutant (2007)
Alycia Lang - She Do That - CD
(Yatra Media) After
listening to this release I came to the same conclusion for the music of
Alycia Lang and I do for Celine Dion. She has a great voice
and I respect her music. And while there are a couple of tunes that I do
like, including her take on "While My Guitar Gently Weeps," overall I find
the music artistically boring. It's as if she focuses too much on technique
and not enough on raw emotion. Her soulful vocals give each tune a "religious
song" feel, which I'm just not into.
-- Mite Mutant (2007)
Lard - 70's Rock Must Die - CD
(Alternative
Tentacles Records) It's hard. It's heavy. It's Jello, in all
his glory. Three songs are on this latest Alternative Tentacles release.
While all songs on this EP rock, the title cut is ass kickin', especially
with Jellos' AC/DC cover band vocals. This short little CD has me
itching for a full-length release.
-- Mite Mutant (2001)
Last American Buffalo - Marquis For The Debutante - CD
(Last American
Buffalo) Last American Buffalo plays extremely catchy indie rock
with a dark edge and lo-fi underpinnings. This album grows on me with each
successive listen. I keep noticing more subtle melody lines within the music
and find myself focusing on a different instrument with each song. Last
American Buffalo is at once comfortable and captivating, sounding like
so many bands, but none of them in particular. I'm amazed that I've never
heard of these guys before. Easily one of the best releases of 2007 and
one band you should get acquainted with if you're not already hip.
-- Grog Mutant (2007)
The Last Goodnight - Poison Kiss - CD
(Capitol Records)
My first thought is Joe Jackson in one of those overblown late '70s
bands like ELO or Toto but updated a bit for the '00s. Catchy,
poppy and saccharin sweet. Decent to listen to, but things like this really
make me think that popular rock music is about to implode again like it
does every 10-15 years. Things get too stale and overblown then something
pops up from the underground to make things exciting again. I use bands
like The Last Goodnight as proof that we are on the cusp of a new
explosion...since they seem to have that souless sound that brings on apathy
and real change. I really can't wait to see which of the styles brewing
underground will rise up to wipe this nonsense out of the way.
-- Grog Mutant (2007)
Charles Laster II / Silvia Pratesi - Journey of Life - CD
(Charles
Laster) This is a spiritual soul release featuring music composed by
Silvia and lyrics written by Charles. Silvia fought
a battle with cancer and this release was her therapy. The music is decent
gospel, but really isn’t my arena so I can’t give an in depth appraisal.
If you like inspiration music and stories then this might be one to check
out.
-- Grog Mutant (2008)
Late Model Humans - War of the Worlds - CD
(Late Model Humans) This is one of those CD's I take for what it is, which
is a bunch of middle age friends getting together and forming a band just
for the fun of it. The music has a '80s feel to it, with the opening tune
"That Texas Girl" even having hand claps. This is a CD for the band's hometown,
but not much outside of that. While the singing and playing isn't the greatest,
I'm sure they had fun making this release and their friends and family enjoy
listening to it.
-- Mite Mutant (2008)
Angelo LaTona - Unveiled - CD
(Angelo LaTona)
When one thinks of religiously inspired music, rarely does one think about
guitar instrumentals, but that's what you get when you listen to this wonderful
CD from Angelo LaTona. Not satisfied with sticking to one guitar
sound, LaTona changes up his style of playing throughout the six
songs on this release. He gets the electric out for an 11-minute jam on
the tune "Unveiled" which reminded me of the kind of instrumentals that
were part of the "Beyond the Minds Eye" videos, when new advances in computer
animation were all the rage. He ventures into the jazz realm on "In His
Presence" where his playing is accompanied by sax. He puts a little of the
blues into "What Eyes Have Not Seen." However it's his subtle playing on
the three part "Trinity Suite", where his truly inspired style really stands
out.
-- Mite Mutant (2006)
Elsie Law (The Rap Starlet) - Fly Or Die! - CD
(Legal Eagles Entertainment)
I had high hopes for this release after Elsie contacted me; I liked
her writing style and the CD packaging. When I put on the disc I was not
disappointed. This is what rap is all about to me. Poems set to music and
beats, full of angst, anger and social observations...with some humour thrown
in for good measure. Elsie starts it off with an intro that is affirming,
but a bit cheesy. The first track "Those Little Piggies" is what you'd expect
from old style rappers like Public Enemy and Run D.M.C. or
N.W.A. without the posturing. Elsie sets herself apart from
the majority of her contemporaries by rapping about social issues and trying
to make the world a better place by sharing experiences and wanting to right
the wrongs in the world. Looking at her website was just as impressive due
to her book reviews, business tips and journal. The overall production is
lo-fi, but the power and talent shine right through. Elsie Law you
have my respect, keep on flyin'.
-- Grog Mutant (2006)
The Lawn Jockeys - Amazing Sounds of Shock Theatre! - CD
(Big Beef Records)
Dr. Creep is a legendary horror host of Shock Theatre from
the '70s & '80s in the Dayton area. I had my photo taken with him when I
was just seven years old. Now over 25 years later, the Creep is back on
local cable and with the release of his very own CD. All the tunes on this
release were improvised and are absolutely superb. Sound bytes from classic
horror movies as well as the distinctive laugh of Dr. Creep interlaced
throughout the tunes add to the beauty. My favorite tracks on the release
have to be the ones that have a groove to them and are more dance-orientated,
with my absolute favorite being "Creep 303". Also the tunes that include
the takes on the Henry Mancini composition "Peter Gunn", such as
"Peter Shock", just help with making my childhood memories of Shock Theatre
resurface. You should do yourself a favor and definitely check out this
CD.
-- Mite Mutant (2001)
Leatherface - The Last - CD
(BYO Records) With
vocals that are rough as leather and a sound that's like a punch in the
face, I would say that this band is adequately named. This release is filled
with solid punk rock angst that would do any mama proud
-- Mite Mutant (2001)
Left Arm Over - Left Arm Over - CD
(E-Mail Left Arm
Over) One thing can be said of this band, the music and vocal are definitely
heavy and intense. The lyrics leave a bit to be desired though. At times
it seems that the words were just written in a stream of consciousness exercise.
And there is something in the way a song sounds where one can tell that
the angst is a bit forced and thus the whole thing loses its full impact.
Still this isn't a bad demo. Hopefully this band with hone things up a bit
and turn out a pretty decent release in the future.
-- Mite Mutant (2006)
Legbone - Beer:30 - CD
(T-NEK Records) Rude,
obnoxious and a great load of fun. Punk, thrash or however you refer to
it, Legbone has put together a disc that has been fine tuned to mosh
pit perfection. The first track "Shit or Get Off the Pot" throws up technical
tempo changes that must have fans head butting the walls trying to figure
out which way to go next, but then undoubtedly screaming for more. If you
love your stuff fast and furious with a lot of lyrical shock factor, this
one is just for you.
-- Mite Mutant (2001)
Legend of Dutch Savage - Dirt Fist Feet - CD
(www.legendofdutchsavage.com)
The thing I like about bands like Legend of Dutch Savage
is that while they may not be the greatest band in the world, their music
is honest and solid. There’s a grown up punk attitude in their guitar
driven smoky bar band sound. The vocals on the tune “Joe’s Riff”
reminds me a bit of Dayton, OH band Haunting Souls. So
have a drink, play some pool and listen to the Legend of Dutch Savage
and you’re sure to have a good time.
-- Mite Mutant (2006)
Legend Of Dutch Savage - All Will Be Good When I'm Gone - CD
(Legend Of
Dutch Savage) This outing by The Legend of Dutch Savage is filled
with 6-tracks of pop-punk goodness. With their rough guitar sound and catchy
hooks, the tunes remind me of late '80s college rock with a little bit of
jam band thrown in. This is most apparent on "Leaving Tonight" which morphs
from pop-punk to smoky bar band guitar to close out the disc.
-- Mite Mutant (2007)
The Legendary Pink Dots - Plutonium Blonde - CD
(ROIR) I find this
mind numbingly boring. I found the music drone-ish overall. I did like the
haunting Robyn Hitchcock like vocals, but the music turned me off
to this release.
-- Mite Mutant (2008)
Jerry Leggett - Peace Signs - CD
(Peace Bubble)
A batch of mellow folk songs done up by Jerry Leggett to promote
peace on his peace bubble tour. Everything is decent, but the lyrics get
a bit cheesy and I find myself wanting to get this hippie to stop it, violently
if necessary. I’m all for peace and getting along, but songs like this are
what brought about punk in the first place.
-- Grog Mutant (2008)
Leiana - No Going Back - CD
(Page Records) I was
going to start this review off by saying how awesome this rockin' female
band is, but then I looked at the liner notes and saw that not only was
it not a chick band, but the band consisted of only two people, vocalist
Leiana (female) and writer, arranger, producer and multi-talented musician
Chuck Treece (male). Reading that only made me appreciate and love this
release even more.
Every song on this release has an in-your-face catchiness that you just
can't ignore. Chuck Treece's playing is tight and production is top notch.
Leiana's vocals are powerful and melodic. There's not one bad track on this
release, and as far as standouts go I loved them all. Don't let this band
get away. You will kick yourself for not picking up this release. One of
the most solid CDs through and through that I have heard in quite a while.
-- Mite Mutant (2008)
Lemming - Dandelions - CD
(Lemming)
"In Review"
-- (2009)
Lemonade - Lemonade - CD
(Lemonade)
"In Review"
-- (2009)
Lennon - 5:30 Saturday Morning - CD
(Arista Records)
Lennon had the unfortunate distinction of having an album released on
9/11/01. What happened on 9/11 made music look like such a meaningless distraction.
Now a while later I finally listened to the CD, which is hyped as the first
teen performer in some time who isn't blonde and actually can do more than
shake her butt onstage and chirp to pop, since she writes her own music
and plays instruments. Her first track is "Property of Goatfucker" sets
the tone and lets you know that she's not innocent at all. Most of the music
is fairly dark and walks a line near industrial, but doesn't cross over,
instead languishing somewhere between hard rock and pop. The closest comparison
that comes to mind is a hard rock minded Fiona Apple. Lennon
is a step in a better direction away from the bubblegum, I can't wait to
see what happens when she really gets her shit together.
-- Grog Mutant (2001)
Daniel Lenz - Stuck in a Dream - CD
(Daniel Lenz) If
you like such bands as Chemical Brothers or Daft Punk, then
you must pick up this killer electronic dance release by Daniel Lenz.
“Push the Tempo” has a hip hop groove to the mix, “I Do it Again” reminds
me of the Chemical Brothers tune “Block Rockin’ Beats” while “Give
Me More” has more of a Prodigy feel to it. All of the songs on this
disc are excellent to both dance and listen to, and while they are all within
the realm of dance electronic the songs themselves are diverse enough that
you don’t get tired from listening to the disc over and over. I wouldn’t
be surprised to see Daniel Lenz hitting the same level of notoriety
as the other bands I mentioned, that’s just how good this release is.
-- Mite Mutant (2009)
Techno music is alive and well even into 2009. It also hasn't appeared
to have changed all that much, and Daniel Lenz isn't adding anything
new to the genre. That said, die-hard dance music fans will love this; and
if I were to encounter his music at a local club, I would no doubt enthusiastically
shake my own bootie. Other than that, there isn't much I can say here. He
employs the usual 4/4 time, sampling, the occasional rap ("Check It Out"),
and the breathy pop-soul singer ("Turn It Around"). He also relies far too
heavily on lyric repetition. Then again, when most people are on the dance
floor, they don't usually care about the lyrics very much (except for me,
but I'm weird that way). Unfortunately, Mr. Lenz just doesn't impress me
with this album because he isn't attempting to break any new ground here.
It isn't that the music is bad, and, as I said before, I would dance to
it at a club . . . I just find it boring to sit and listen to.
-- Fonda Mutant (2009)
Less - Cover, Protective, Individual - CD
(Fire Code Core Records)
Less is dark depressing kind of band in a Tool sort of way.
With the music being very reminiscent of Godsmack. Now, I am not
a big fan of Godsmack, but I like this. So if you don't like Godsmack,
don't immediately rule Less out, they are definitely their own band.
-- Lola (2006)
Less Than Jake - Greased - CD
(No Idea Records)
Grease is back once again and this time it's being done skapunk style.
Less Than Jake belt out your favorite Grease songs done their
way such as the classics "Greased Lightning", "Look at me, I'm Sandra Dee"
and "Summer Nights". If you like Grease than you should like this,
if you like Less Than Jake you should like this...if you get a kick
out of fun music you should like this...
-- Grog Mutant (2001)
Letters - In Case We Lose What We Have - CD
(Letters
Makes Music) "In Review"
-- (2009)
Levinhurst - Perfect Life - CD
(Full Contact Records)
James Iha of the Smashing Pumpkins did it, so did John
Frusciante of the Red Hot Chili Peppers. Hell the list goes on
of sidemen of a popular group going out and releasing a solo album that
just completely sucks. Why shouldn't Lol Tolhurst of The Cure
be any different. While listening to this release, I was reminded on a Dead
Milkmen song called "You'll Dance to Anything". This comes off as an
amateur attempt at doing dance club songs. I get a feeling that with the
right remix, you just might hear one of the songs on this release in a dance
club. It doesn't matter which one, because all dance club music sounds generic
anyway. Boring.
-- Mite Mutant (2004)
Levinhurst - House by the Sea - CD
(What Are Records?)
Vocals remind me of Combustible Edison meets Moorcheeba meets
Portishead. The music is soft and ethereal, very atmospheric and
is a lighter mixture of the bands above plus a tint of Dead Can Dance.
The delicate and subtle vocals meld wonderfully with the music. The bridge
to the song "Beautiful Lie" made me think of the Siouxsie & the Banshees
cover of "Dear Prudence." Other tunes to check out include "Never Going
to Dream Again", "Heart and Soul" and "House By The Sea". I liked this one
quite a lot.
-- Mite Mutant (2007)
Crystal Lewis - Fearless - CD
(Metro 1 Music / Universal)
Crystal Lewis writes and sings Christian music that is mainly easy
listening, but at times makes forays into dance music. I find this to be
an interesting combination because you don't hear it often. The dance songs
are actually pretty good. This is a good disk even if you aren't into Christian
music since it isn't overbearing. However if you're into Christian music
you'll love this.
-- Grog Mutant (2001)
Jerry Lee Lewis - The Definitive Collection - CD
(Universal
Chronicles) With his first hit "Whole Lot of Shakin' Going On" in 1957,
Jerry Lee Lewis came on the scene as one of the hottest new acts.
Marrying his 13-year-old cousin (his third marriage when he was only 22)
established him as the premiere bad boy of rock-n-roll. Throughout his long
career and chaotic life, Lee not only established himself as a rock legend,
but a country artist as well. While it's hard to respect the man, you have
to acknowledge his influence and impact on rock and country music, and his
ability to belt out some rip roaring songs.
From his rock beginnings ("Great Balls of Fire", "High School Confidential")
to his country styling ("What's Made Milwaukee Famous (Has Mad a Loser Our
of Me)", "She Still Comes Around (To Love What's Left of Me")) to his covers
of standards ("What'd I Say", "Over the Rainbow"), this release helps to
show Jerry Lee's ability to take on a conquer diverse musical styles. Twenty-Four
of "The Killers" hits can be found on yet another great definitive collection
put out by the folks at Hip-o Records.
-- Mite Mutant (2006)
Liberty 37 - The Greatest Gift - CD
(Beggars Banquet) An
alternative band that plays for God. The music, lyrics and vocals all scream
"Christian Rock Band". Not that there's anything wrong with that, but the
sound is so cliché, that it's just there and nothing more. Oh, how I long
for the days of Stryper...NOT!
-- Mite Mutant (2001)
The Librarians - The Pathetic Aesthetic - CD
(Pandacide Records)
This is one of those releases that has its good points and bad points. I
really liked the quirkiness of the songs and the lyrics on some of the tunes.
I found the music to be wonderfully poppy in its punkishnesh. However, the
vocals just annoyed me. And the deeper I got into this CD, the more annoyed
I became. This might be why my favorite tune on this release, "Peace & Quiet",
also happens to be the opening tune.
-- Mite Mutant (2002)
Ottmar Liebert - Luna Negra - CD
(Spiral Subwave Records)
This CD contain 10 new recordings of songs that have appeared on other various
albums release between 1990 and 1995 plus 2 new compositions. And for those
of you who expect the reworked songs to sound very similar to the original,
you are in for a surprise. The reworked songs reflect the growth of Ottmar
as he has matured as a musician over the years. Another musician that comes
to mind in presenting their old songs this way is Ani Difranco. Ottmar's
sound is smooth and subtle guitar magnificence supported by a dancing South
American groove. The compositions on this release are magical in that they
ease your mind and body into total relaxation, while beckoning you to get
up and dance at the same time. I think there's a reason that the first track
on this CD is called "Snakecharmer"
-- Mite Mutant (2003)
The Lilas - The Lilas - CD
(Free Union Records)
After a several year absence from music, the lovely and talented Lauren
Hoffman is back and with a full band. The sound and style are similar
to her solo records, but fuller and more developed. If you're unfamiliar
with her solo releases, imagine something along the lines of the rock side
of Amiee Mann or local favorite Rhonda Everitt sans piano.
This release is a three song EP with an additional acoustic version of
the first song, "Out of the Sky, Into the Sea". My favorite track is "Something
Better Than This", which has a great driving beat, dual female vocals and
Lauren's usual heartfelt lyrics. The third track "Solipsist" has great dual
vocals which intertwine nicely and a subtle dark undercurrent shining through
the subdued instrumentation. I'm thrilled to see Lauren playing out again
and with a full band making it even better. I hope that they make it out
to Ohio sometime soon.
-- Grog Mutant (2004)
The Lilys - Everything Wrong is Imaginary - CD
(Manifesto Records)
Whoever mixed this CD turned a potentially great album into an unlistenable
muddled mess. The melodious alternative sound is wonderful, while the vocal
styling lies somewhere in the middle of Bob Geldof, David Bowie
and Bob Pollard of Guided by Voices. The problem is that everything
is up so high in the mix that it becomes a hassle to listen to. There are
a few songs that start off terrific, but they too disentigrate into a jumble
of noise. One shouldn't have to stuggle trying to hear they vocals on a
song. Too bad, because I really think this band had something.
-- Mite Mutant (2006)
Lillingtons,The - The Backchannel Broadcast - CD
(Panic Button)
Steady Ramonic beats and song structure underlay every song on this release.
The sound is more on the pop punk side. This is a solid release from start
to finish.
-- Mite Mutant (2001)
The Lindsay Diaries - Remember the Memories - CD
(The Militia Group P.O. Box 18A129 LA, CA 90007) This appears to be the
songs of some heartbroken guy. The music is rather emo, but done in an acoustic
way. I'm sure this guy's heart was broken, but after the second song it
gets really old. Get over it and move on dude. Wah!
-- Grog Mutant (2001)
The Line - Muscles And Fancy Cars - CD
(The
Line) The music is sub-par and the singing horrible. This is one
weak and runny CD. If my dog did something like this, I would rub his nose
in it.
-- Mite Mutant (2006)
The Lions Rampant - Play Rock n Roll! - CD
(The Lions
Rampant) This is good old straight garage rock going full bore. Lo-fi,
gruff and full of energy. They are part grunge (Mudhoney, Tad)
and part Jon Spencer Blues Explosion thrown into the late '00s. It's
always great to have bands like this around that are just fun and pure energy.
Nothing really magical, but it's always a great feeling.
-- Grog Mutant (2008)
Liquid Jungle - Tiny Heaven - CD
(Liquid Jungle)
Liquid Jungle has a funk-prog rock thing going on, with a bit of
a Faith No More-ish feel to the songs that kick off this release,
especially on the song “Eyetomaton”. However, the deeper into the CD I got
the more prog it got and it just kind of lost me. I actually listened to
this at least 5 times and the same thing happened every time. I was into
it at first and then quickly lost interest.
-- Mite Mutant (2009)
The Liquid Kids - Random Acts of Silence - CD
(Zero Age Media)
"In Review"
-- (2009)
Litterbug - Speaking Through The Gaps - CD
(Just
Say No To Government Music) The music of Litterbug is a
combination of the bands the Adverts "Gary Gilmore's Eyes" and X
"Los Angeles". The male vocals channel the essence of early '80s new wave/punk,
while the female vocals have a sweet Excene Cervanka quality about
them. For the most part the male vocals take the lead on the songs, which
is too bad because I really enjoyed the first tune with its catchy beat
and feathery female vocals doing la-la-la's. Still a nice listen overall.
-- Mite Mutant (2006)
Little Beirut - High Dive - CD
(Little Beirut) This
is a great indie rock band that brings together elements of some of my favorite
bands from the early 90's like The Replacements, Soul Asylum
and Concrete Blonde. Then mutates them with an overall feel of some
more recent bands like Coldplay or Modest Mouse. I think "The
Lottery" has college radio hit written all over it, with its great piling
on chorus contrasting with the tension just below the surface verses. All
the tracks are catchy as hell with loads of hooks and memorable lyrics.
Little Beirut is a band to watch out for and catch if you get the
chance.
-- (2008)
Little Cat - Little Cat - CD
(Pandacide Records)
The tunes on this release contain ethereal synth mixed with groovin' beats.
The music paints an aural landscape that is very relaxing. This is the perfect
winters nap soundtrack for your dreams.
-- Mite Mutant (2002)
Little Feat - Kickin' It At the Barn- CD
(Hot Tomato Records)
Little Feat has been making music as a band since the early seventies.
They rode the same wave as southern rock giants Lynyrd Skynyrd, The
Allman Brothers and Molly Hatchet, but quickly fell by the wayside
as the masses devoured commercial radio's southern rock pop hits. Little
Feat has always been about their own brand of greasy southern tunes,
enough so that they’ve garnered themselves a cult following and released
a ton of full length studio albums as well as live ones.
Having said that, as the title of this release suggests this disc is like
a ‘jam’ session, as several of these songs clock in at over 7 minutes long,
with the guys trying on some Margaritaville like rhythms with a splash of
polka. Yes, I said polka, and people, it works. I particularly enjoyed the
wonderfully gospel “Heaven Forsaken” along with the opening cut of “Night
on the Town” which leans toward a bluesy Mississippi sound with a twist
of New Orleans. This release is pure unadulterated musical goodness.
-- Chavez Trepas (2006)
Live! - Live - CD
(Gemini Sun Records)
Live! features 4 musicians (most notably David Arkenstone) as they
perform their brand of world music live before an audience. The music is
decent enough and is to world music what Kenny G. is to jazz. It's
world music lite. What annoyed me to no end is that the musicians choose
to chat over top all of the songs. It seemed as if I was listening to the
commentary track on a live DVD. I thought that maybe it was a screw-up with
the disc, until I watched the DVD. They did the exact same thing, except
you can see them talking over the music. This is a poorly thought out release.
It would have been great if the talking about the music was on a separate
commentary track. I would have loved this release. But as it is, it just
sucks.
-- Mite Mutant (2008)
Howard Livingston and Mile Marker 24 - Blame it on the Margaritas -
CD
(Mile Marker 24)
Immediately playing this album brought a smile to my face. There is no mistake
that I've heard this before (well, not exactly this but something pretty
darn close), but I still like it. If you feel like saying FTW while blending
some adult beverages…this album is for you. Saying these guys sound like
Jimmy Buffet, in this case, is a complement.
-- Thundercrap (2008)
Jimmy Lloyd - Jimmy Lloyd - CD
(Jimmy Lloyd)
Jimmy is a singer-songwriter of the sad (not sad as in opposite of happy,
but sad as in somewhat pathetic) psychotic variety.
-- Stig (2008)
Logs in the Mainstream - The Ridiculous and the Sublime - CD
(Logs in the
Mainstream) "In Review"
-- (2008)
The Lolligags - Out of Perversity Join Hands - CD
(HHBTM Records) If you
are a freak for synthy cheesy new wave ‘80s music with female vocals then
this is your CD. While I am a fan of ‘80s tuneage, this just isn’t a style
I was really into then or now. I do hear potential in the vocals, which
could easily morph into a Siouxsie Sioux purr especially on the tune
“All the Deer Daughters” but the music is just a bit much for me.
-- Mite Mutant (2009)
Lone Wolf James - Prey - CD
(Bad Moon Productions)
If I saw this band live, I would walk out after the second song. Sorry,
but I would.
-- Mite Mutant (2001)
The Lonely Forest - We Sing the Body Electric! - CD
(Burning Building Records)
"In Review"
-- (2009)
The Lonely H - Hair - CD
(The Control Group)
This is one of those CDs that I've had for awhile, listened to many times,
but find it hard to write a review because it's original and good. This
is a rarity for many of the releases we get in. "Hair" starts off fair enough
with the British band sounding "Just Don't Know". They then kick it up a
notch with the Danny Elfman meets Queen 8-plus minute tune
"The Drought", by far my favorite tune on this release. "Yeah Yeah" another
favorite of mine reminds me a bit of Franz Ferdinand. This is overall
a great release that you definitely want for your collection just to show
everybody how in tune to the hippest music you are.
-- Mite Mutant (2007)
The Lonely H - Concrete Class - CD
(The Control Group)
"In Review"
-- (2009)
Lonely Kings - Crowning Glory - CD
(Fearless Records)
Wow! Even though the year just began this is in the running for record of
the year as far as I'm concerned. The self-contained booklet in the case
just grabbed my interest and the music kept it going along for the ride.
The Lonely Kings have a great rock sound that doesn't get caught
in clichés and is full of power without drowning itself. Their lyrics and
music are very catchy and flow right along throughout the whole album. This
is one of those discs that you can listen to straight through without skipping
tracks.
-- Grog Mutant (2001)
Long After the Thrill - Rotary Downs- CD
(Static on Vinyl)
(2003)
Lewi Longmire Band - Five 'Neath the Still - CD
(Lawnmower Music)
This is straight country music with a bit of a blues rock edge or boogie-woogie
on a few tracks such as "Whatchoo Gonna Do About…?" The lyrics tend to focus
on relationships, a lover who is far away, a friend who runs all over town,
the one who got away, a lover or a friend and all the other variations that
happen out there. As far as country goes it's better than most and actually
close to Cowboy Mouth in my book.
-- Grog Mutant (2009)
Mike Longo Trio - Float Like A Butterfly - CD
(Jazz Beat) Mike
Longo is an incredible jazz pianist and on this release he does indeed
float like butterfly. This three-piece jazz ensemble glides their way through
eleven classic (1950s or so) jazz songs written by greats like Thelonious
Monk and Dizzy Gillespie. Mike used to play in Dizzy's
band back when he began and is now a holder of the Bebop flame. This is
the type of jazz I think of when I picture walking into a smoke filled bar
late at night dressed to the 9's with a lovely gal on my arm. Classy, yet
down to earth and raw.
-- Grog Mutant (2007)
Longwave - Endsongs - CD
(LunaSea Records)
Whoa! Love it! Another hit for LunaSea Records.
-- Regan (2001)
Allan Lopes - White Picket Fence - CD
(Plaid Star Records)
"In Review"
-- (2008)
Lopez - Lopez 2 - CD
(Lopez Music) There
is a nice set of songs in the style of Jack Johnson, James Blunt
and their ilk, on this EP. Lopez just does it with a bit more gusto.
The music is acoustic-alternative that demands repeat listens. This is music
that gets stuck in your head and will have you bouncing all day. I definely
expect to hear more from this band in the future.
-- Mite Mutant (2006)
Sebastian Lorefice - Short Stories, Infinite Corridors - CD
(Sebastian Lorefice)
The songs on this release by Sebastian Lorefice start out as synthesized
jazzy instrumentals, then morph into synth new age instrumentals. While
I'm okay with the jazzy stuff, the further into the CD I get, the less impressed
I am. The music becomes cliché, which to me equals uninteresting. This does
nothing for me.
-- Mite Mutant (2007)
The Lost Revival - Homemade Confetti - CD
(The Lost
Revival) "In Review"
-- (2008)
Lot Six,The - The Code Mode - CD
(Espo Records)
Pure convulsion shoved into 4 songs, this band has the spastic sound of
the late great band Brainiac minus the moog. I love it. It would
be great to see this band share the stage with XBXRX.
-- Mite Mutant (2001)
Blair Lott - Rooms And Boxes - CD
(Paperback Graveyard
Records) Blair Lott has a lounge-rock thing going on and it works
quite well. I think this is what Morphine would have sounded like
if they went with the traditional 4-piece rock band set-up. The tune "Already
Left You (In My Mind)" has a Leonard Cohen quality about it, while
"Rooms and Boxes" and "She Touches Water" reminded me of Brendan Perry
of Dead Can Dance. This is a band I definitely want to hear more
from in the future.
-- Mite Mutant (2007)
Lovecraft - Lauridsen - CD
(The Lovecrafts)
Pink Floyd meets Iggy Pop meets that busker who’s been sitting
on the corner for 20 years playing for spare change. There’s even a touch
of Coldplay thrown into the slower songs. Lovecraft has an
odd minor key allure to their songs which have that haunting early 70’s
jam band sound. I think there is a lot of talent shown by this one man band,
but something just seems a bit off to me. There are plenty of hooks and
catchy melodies and the vocals are better than average, but something just
gets on my nerves after a complete listen. Lovecraft definitely has
talent, it just needs a bit more development and maybe a second set of ears
tuning things up.
-- Grog Mutant (2008)
Loveless, Patty - The Millennium Collection - CD
(Universal Records)
I never really listened to much if any of Patty Loveless, so all
the greatest hits on this CD are new to me. This release has that very traditional
female county singer sound. Not my cup of tea, but still a mighty fine release
for those who like this sort of thing.
-- Mite Mutant (2001)
Mary Lowe - Jazz Diva - CD
(Ambush Records)
I actually had to check on this one because I believed that I had already
reviewed it. Like a lot of the female vocal jazz release we receive, the
music isn't that bad and the singing is good. The problem is that it lacks
that certain something that would help to push it from good to great, and
there are so many female jazz singers that sound just the same.
-- Mite Mutant (2008)
The Lower Class Brats - A Class of Our Own - CD
(PunkCore Records)
This CD took me back to the early days of punk when it was fun and intense.
There's no posing going on with this band. The music is basic and solid.
No frills to fuck things up. If you need to release some pent-up aggression,
then put this one on.
-- Mite Mutant (2004)
Stanley Lucas Revolution - Greatest Hits - CD
(Stroboscopic)
Yeah the synth based songs on this *ahem* greatest hits release might be
diverse, but in the end I feel like I just wasted a bit over 51 minutes
listening to this release.
-- Mite Mutant (2007)
Troy Lukkarila - Unsafe Structure - CD
(Luka Lips) What the
hell is this mutha' fukin' piece o'shit? It sounds like some stinky hippy
reject from the Manson family spewing out crap about beatin' the shit out
of a woman and killin' her in front of a kid and that's just the first song.
This guy should stop putting out shitty horn-filled hippy-trippy garbage
and spend the money on a case of soap and flea powder. This boy sounds like
he needs his ass kicked by his mama.
-- Nunchuka' Muthafuka' (2006)
Kirk Lumpkin, David Andrews & Friends - Moondog Sessions - CD
(Kirk Lumpkin)
I...listened...to this cd...today...and it sucked.....more than I thought
it would.
-- 'Teve (2007)
Paris Luna - City Lights - CD
(Severe Records)
Wow! I was completely caught off guard with this release. Paris Luna
is a female powerhouse whose vocals remind me of Natalie Merchant
with twang. And let me tell you, they shine brightly on every tune on this
release. The opening song “Having a Hard Time” reminded me of the early
‘90s band, The Sundays. Paris Luna and her teriffic band of
musicians then merge into the country end of the musical spectrum. Paris
shines the brightest on these tracks. “Someday”, “Tell Me Why” and “All
for Nothing.” “No Good for Me” starts her journey toward a more rock/pop
sound, and is another strong tune on this release.
While the rest of the tunes on “City Lights” continue to shine, I prefer
the songs that have a stronger country feel to them. I do love the tune
“Sad Goodbye (Rescue Me)” where is as perfect as a song can get. And while
a few of the songs do sound a bit too popish for my taste, the overall CD
is going to be getting repeated listens.
-- Mite Mutant (2007)
Lupine Howl - 125 - CD
(Beggars Banquet Records)
This caught my attention because the single, "Vaporizer", was being played
on WOXY-- good song, very interesting. The rest of this seven-song EP is
much more experimental. But their lack of radio hits is made-up by their
originality.
-- Regan (2001)
Lustra - What You Need & What You Get - CD
(Xoff Records) "In
Review"
-- (2008)
Luxt - Americoncussion Demo 1999 - Cassette
(Luxt) Luxt, from Sacramento,
California, packs a hard punch with four industrial, metal-tinged tracks
on Americoncussion Demo 1999. The metal core scene in Sacramento has obviously
influenced the guitar work and some of the vocals on this venture. All four
songs are extremely danceable, and highly enjoyable in that dance-your-anger-away,
drive-a-lot-faster-than-you-should way...kind of like Hate Dept (well,
in effect, but not too much in sound). Track one "Genocide Skin" and track
four "Vulgar Monkey Love" both possess the correct recipe of tight, tart
vocals, head-thrashing guitars, and killer beats. If played at a club, I
wouldn't be able to peel myself away from the dance floor on these numbers.
Don't be surprised if you see Luxt's popularity growing sometime
soon...you won't be disappointed.
-- Lizi 'BratBabyMonkey' (2001)
David Lykins - Blurry White Guy - CD
(Ravin Dave) "In
Review"
-- (2009)
Lans Lynke SC - Lans Lynke SC - CD
(Lans Lynke SC)
A blues / country mix fronted by an off key singer. Can it get any better?
Hells yeah, it could be a whole lot better with very little effort. Fail!
-- Grog Mutant (2009)
Loretta Lynn - Number Ones - CD
(Universal Music
Company) While I grew up on a household where country music was all
my parents listened to, I've heard my fair share of Loretta Lynn.
However, it wasn't until I saw the movie "Coal Miner's Daughter" that I
fully appreciated her music. Even now as I listen to her tunes I'm amazed
at the powerful nature of her lyrics. One of the tunes on this release "Fist
City" does a great job of demonstrating my point. While I was disappointed
that some of my favorite Loretta Lynn songs aren't on this release
("The Pill" and "You Ain't Woman Enough" are just two) this CD is still
chocked full of goodness.
"Don't Come Home A-Drinkin' (With Lovin' On Your Mind)", Coal Minder's
Daughter", "One's on the Way", and "She's Got You" are just a few of the
gems. There are also five tunes where she sings with Conway Twitty,
including the hoppin' "Louisiana Woman, Mississippi Man". Yeah, this is
one that you should get.
-- Mite Mutant (2007)
Lynyrd Skynyrd - All Time Greatest Hits - CD
(MCA Records / Universal)
I must shyly admit to a long-standing fondness for this redneck band. I
guess it's just one of those things that slips under one's skin and into
one's subconscious and attaches itself. I never bought or owned any of Skynyrd's
material before I received this CD to review, but listening to this compilation,
I realized that I knew practically everything on it. This Southern Blues
/ Rock act was fucking good. They also had a social consciousness; they
replied to Neil Young's protest of the South's racist tendencies
in his song "Southern Man" in their own song, "Sweet Home Alabama", saying,
"Southern man, don't need him around anyhow". Any white trash, racist rednecks
that listen to Skynyrd obviously aren't "hearing" it (as Wesley Snipes'
character in the great movie White Men Can't Jump would have put it). In
"That Smell", they spoke out against the decadence and self-destructiveness
of excessive hard drug abuse. There are plenty of their old standards of
this disc, and, of course, there's a great live version of "Freebird", the
song that everyone holds their lighter up for at concerts (whomever's concert
as a joke). So if you're a closet good ole' boy, check out this collection!
-- Tom CoreKill (2001)