Taba Goog Music - Lophophora - CD
(Taba Goog Music)
First off terrible name especially for a band that has funky industrial-dance
experimental beats as this band. I really liked the funkiness of "Feel So
Good" as well as the disco groove of "Look Up". There are a few songs where
the vocals seem weak, but overall not bad, just change the band name.
-- Mite Mutant (2008)
Aly Tadros - Things Worth Keeping - CD
(Aly Tadros) "In Review"
-- (2009)
Tangria Jazz Group - Tangria Jazz Group - CD
(Tangria) Fairly straight
forward piano based instrumental jazz group. Nothing against Tangria
Jazz Group, but we’ve been getting so many jazz bands in lately that
they are all starting to blend together. I’d say that this group is in the
middle of the pack. Nothing outstanding, but it is jazz well done.
-- Grog Mutant (2008)
Tape Recorder Three - Modified Suit - CD
(Tape
Recorder Three)
-- (2009)
Banastre Tarleton Band - Bahama Mama Drama - CD
(Banastre Tarleton)
-- (2009)
Banastre Tarleton Band - Huzzah! Greatest Hits - CD
(Banastre Tarleton)
-- (2009)
Tart - Tart - CD
(Smartgirl Music)
Tart is three sisters plus one other woman playing post-punk riot
grrrl types tunes. They sound to me like they should be on Kill Rock
Stars, but they are totally independent. I like their overall sound,
which is in the vein of bands such as Bratmobile or even a female
fronted Cupid Car Club. They are a pretty standard setup, but throw
in a viola on two songs and the tune "Vinegar Tom" is very folkish and even
has a banjo. Overall they are more interesting than your typical post-punk
band and are a great band if you're into whatever the riot grrrl movement
is called nowadays.
-- Grog Mutant (2003)
Taxi Chain - Smarten Up! - CD
(Northern Blues
Records) I have a love/hate relationship with this band. Their instrumentals
are great. The music on their other songs are wonderful too. Their lyrics
and vocal just plain suck. While listening to this I kept thinking that
if they got a female vocalist like Elanie Mandel this back would
be at the top of my listening list. Right now I'll just have to stick to
their instrumentals.
-- Mite Mutant (2004)
Taxi Doll - Strange Rush - CD
(Taxi Doll) They bring
to mind bands like No Doubt and to a lesser extent the Sneaker
Pimps…and not just because they have a good-looking singer. It’s the
fact that the singer appears to be the dominant force within the band and
all the publicity is focused on her. There is also the disconnect between
the style of music they play and what the guys look like who play the music.
In Taxi Doll you have a guy in a Mohawk and another with dreads…and
they play rock that is very club / dance based. Sure I can tell this band
is about style, but their style doesn’t seem to fully fit. Maybe this five-song
offering doesn’t do justice to their live show, but this is all I have to
go on. Overall Taxi Doll has some really catchy songs and enough
of a crossover appeal to get a pass from both rock and dance club audiences,
much the way Good Charlotte does at the moment.
-- Grog Mutant (2008)
Koko Taylor - Koko Taylor - CD
(Universal Music)Koko
Taylor sings strong soul filled blues with Grrrrrrrrr. Take a listen
to this and you will hear why she is one of the all-time great blues singers.
One of the cool things about this reissue (besides that it's nothing short
of phenomenal) is the two previously unreleased bonus tracks.
-- Mite Mutant (2001)
Otis Taylor - White African - CD
(NorthernBlues
Music)Otis Taylor offers up an armload of awesome heart-felt
story telling blues on this killer release. A black hobo accused of a murder
he didn't commit, people who suffer before they die, a woman who must remain
strong after her husband is lynched and torn apart are just a few of the
true stories that inspired the tunes on this CD.
-- Mite Mutant (2001)
Otis Taylor - Double V - CD
(Telarc Records)
Otis Taylor is a classic blues man with some stories to tell. He
does things with a difference though, the largest being the inclusion of
cellos in many of his songs and the absence of a drummer. There are many
interesting songs but by far the highlight is the haunting "But Myself Some
Freedom" featuring female vocals, a trumpet, three cellos and Otis' guitar.
It tells the tale of a young African-American girl in the 60's who wishes
she could purchase herself a freer life. Some other highlights are "Mama's
Selling Heroin" which was written about his own mother and "505 Train" which
is about a child knowing that her mom is going to leave after she is hit
by her husband. I find this to be one of the more enjoyable blues albums
I've heard, especially due to its differences.
-- Grog Mutant (2004)
Rachel Taylor Brown - Susan Storm's Ugly Sister - CD
(Rachel
Taylor Brown) "In Review"
-- (2009)
Team Rockit - Rockit Science - CD
(Fire Tone Records)
To tell the truth, I wouldn't have given this band a second thought if it
wasn't for the tune "Devil's Tattoo" which sounds like a song that a band
consisting of the Cramps and the New Duncan Imperials would
perform. However, the rest of the CD reminded me of the band The Darkness.
(Remember the band The Darkness. They had one hit a few years ago
and they were suddenly everywhere being touted as the next big thing. They
were known for their Spinal Tap like heavy metal persona, but failed
miserably on their follow up release and then broke up). Anyway, Team
Rockit seems to be like them in the cheesy metal excess that makes it
way into many of the songs on this release. Take the lyrics for the tune
"String of Pearls". "I look at you, You're so cute, Pull my trigger, I'm
gonna shoot. Gonna give em' all a string of pearls, Every woman and every
girl." Now if you don't take the music too seriously and you like the hard
rock metal growl then you will probably enjoy this release. Even if you
don't, this is a band I'm sure puts on a great show, so at least give 'em
a try.
-- Mite Mutant (2008)
Tears For Fears - Songs From The Big Chair - 2CD
(Universal
Records) What you get here is all the songs from their stellar album,
From the Big Chair, plus a slew of other goodies. You know those
7” singles, 12” singles and their B-sides that you have on vinyl, they’re
apart of this package as well. My only complaint is that while they do include
a live version of "Head Over Heels" that is striking in its clarity
and is a great illustration of how great this band was at performing live,
I would have liked it if they had the original version of it on this release.
Still it’s nice that for folks like me who like the band but are really
hard-core fans, that they include the B-sides from their singles releases.
This makes it almost like listening to brand new songs, which have that
wonderful ‘80s flair.
-- Mite Mutant (2006)
Teenbeaters - My World, My Sky. - CD
(Teenbeaters)From
the name of the band I was expecting a CD full of hard core punk noize.
Instead, my ears were treated to six likable pop tunes with progressive
punk flair. There's really nothing bad to say about this release. Even if
there was I wouldn't say it, because the band member with the cigarette
dangling out of his mouth on the inside cover looks like he would open a
can of whoop ass on me if I did.
-- Mite Mutant (2001)
William Tell - You Can Hold Me Down - CD
(William Tell)
These songs really sound like they were written to be used in a teen oriented
dramedy. William Tell is a catchy songwriter, it's just that the
songs are a bit too sugary and seem to formulamatic. This really shines
through on "Slipping Under (Sing Along To Your Favorite Song)" which could
easily be a song played during the opening credits of a show on the CW.
At times they even sound a bit like the BoDeans doing the theme from Friends.
Nothing is bad about this release, just a bit to contrived sounding for
me.
-- Grog Mutant (2007)
Temple of Misery - Live Demo - Cassette
templeofmisery@AngelFire.com
This is one of the initial releases by a Dayton, OH newborn band. They go
for the Gothic sound with some Punk Rock, Industrial and Metal influences.
I find it amusing that their acronym, "ToM", is also my own name;
yet another thing to pump up my over-inflated ego. Lead vocalist "Lygia
Travesty" is a classically trained singer. Her lungs burst forth with
a lofty sonic banshee wail. At times her vocals are somewhat off key, but
these kinks, along with others, will undoubtedly get worked out in the near
future. The music behind the voice is harsh and bombastic, with synthesized
strings and keyboard effects from "Rayn Maudlin" adding that extra
special touch. The percussion is zealous and frenzied. I'd say it's a safe
bet that these young upstarts will create quite a stir in Dayton's self-rejuvenating
local music scene. They will spank your ass and send you back home
to Mommy in tears!
-- Tom CoreKill (2001)
Temposhark - The Invisible Line - CD
(Temposhark) This
release starts off with a very cool string and vocal piece that had me thinking
of Panic at the Disco mixed with Placebo. The second cut on
the release reminded me a tiny bit of Fall Out Boy, but the rest
of the CD had me thinking Placebo with a synth pop groove. Be sure
to check out "Don't Mess with Me," "Not That Big" and "Little White Lie".
Very cool release.
-- Mite Mutant (2008)
Ten Years After - The Anthology (1967-1971) - 2CD
(Universal Records /
Hip-O) Ten Years After is an old hippy band best known for
their excellent song "I'd Love to Change the World". When I was
in my hippy phase these guys were one of my favorites. They played at Woodstock
and I played the tape of that festival alot. Of course that was a time period
long before me and now ancient history to many of you reading this review.
Regardless they were a great blues rock band like many of their contemporaries
and their guitarist, Alvin Lee, is still considered one of the greats.
If you like blues or old hippy type of music then do yourself a favor and
give these disks a spin...if hippies make you feel violent then avoid this
at all costs.
-- Grog Mutant (2003)
Tenki - We're Not Talking About The Universe Are We - CD
(Future Apple Tree
Records) A new favorite. This album strongly rocks and is weird. Go
buy it or die. I'm not joking. Go to MySpace.com/hellotenki
and eat your words, jackass. This is the correct record for the CD player
- at all times. Shoegazing thinking-person's space rock with trumpets, man.
Like your stoned older brother and his metalhead Floyd-freak friends down
in the basement, only with actual talent and a hundred tons of sound like
a cosmic sledgehammer to your puny face. In fact, you are not whole without
TENKI; you will not get to awful Nirvana without passing through
the blissful hell of TENKI first. Let's face it: you are a sissy
and will crap your pants because you are not TENKI and can not handle
the TENKIosity of this record, but you will soon be drawn to it like
flame from a Bic lighter to a ten-foot tall, angry and vengeful, king-hell
TENKI-moth. But you cannot burn the TENKI! Silly fool; weak
little monkey-man... TENKI has already burnt you, you just don't
know it yet. You will, though. Soon. Now shut your stinkin' fun-hole and
get with the clicky-clicky, bucko. I am DEADLY serious about this thing.
-- Jeremy Mutant (2006)
TennisCourts - TennisCourts - CD
(Tennis
Courts) One of my favorite bands from the late '80s/early '90s was Redd
Kross. They had a modern day '70s psychedelic alternative-pop sound
that was uniquely their own. Tennis Courts reminds me a bit of Redd
Kross. While Tennis Courts sound does have a similar sound, they
also have elements of XTC, Adrian Belew and the Beatles
in the mix as well. All of these styles come together beautifully on the
tune "Victoria and Monica." They seem to throw a pinch of ELO in
the mix on the tune "She's Out of Control" while "Release My Love" reminds
me a bit of Cheap Trick's "Gonna Raise Hell." Well I guess that's
enough band name dropping for now. Just get this CD.
-- Mite Mutant (2007)
TennisCourts - Dig the New Sound Of - CD
(TennisCourts)
Tennis Courts are very good at writing catchy, Brit-pop-influenced,
pop-punk tunes. They will probably appear on an episode of some CW television
show soon - that is if they haven't already. Unfortunately, that didn't
hold my interest for long. I just couldn't get into these guys (Geez, but
I say that a lot!), but then, that probably has to do with the cheesy pseudo-British
accent that their lead singer, Wes Hollywood, uses. It got on my
last nerve. However, if you're into catchy, Brit-pop-influenced fluff, then
by all means, purchase this album. -- Fonda Mutant (2009)
The Terrifying Experience - Magnetic Breakthrough - CD
(Mental Telemetry)This
release just knocks you up side the head from the beginning and doesn't
stop until your brain is mushy. I like the tracks on this release because
of the way the music interacts with the vocals. The guitar is forceful,
the drums supply a subtle beat and the vocals have a smoothness about them
that I can't quite explain. I feel like such a slacker in that I haven't
seen this band yet even though they are a local band and have been around
for quite some time now. This is a great release. I'm very pleased and you
can bet your ass that I'm going to go see them live now.
-- Mite Mutant (2001)
Ian Tescee - A Traveler's Guide to Mars - CD
(ITC) This electronica instrumental CD reminds me of the music on the "Beyond
the Minds Eye" video. The Minds Eye videos were around in the '90s
and were visual art collaboration between electronica artists (the most
notable one being Jan Hammer) and computer animation artists during
the early days of decent computer animation. So the music had a new age-like
otherworld sound done with electronic instrumentation to go along with the
futuristic feel of the computer animation. The music on this release would
have fit right in.
-- Mite Mutant (2008)
Test Pilot - Test Pilot - CD
(Ultra-Lame
Records) Test Pilot kicks off this fine CD with the tune “Metalfunkapunkedelic”
which has the funk of early Red Hot Chili Peppers combined with the
aggressiveness of Rage Against the Machine. They bring more punk
into the mix on the other tunes on this five-song CD. The bass, guitar,
vocals and drums are all done well, played well, and in perfect sync in
style.
-- Mite Mutant (2007)
Jim Testa - There Goes The Neighborhood > - CD
(Jersey
Beat Music) Is Jim Testa New Jersey's Billy Bragg? I don’t
know but for some reason that image keeps popping into my head. The opening
tune “Planet Williamsburg” gets things started with its catchy beat. “(I
Need The) Queer Eye (For The Straight Guy)” has a quirky B52’s “Rock
Lobster” feel to it and I believe should be the theme for the show that
helped to inspire the song. “Punk Rock Is Not Daycare” and "Sally’s
Got a New Tattoo" are straight at you catchy rock tunes, while "Carla"
is a nice folk song about memories of his mother. The bonus track “Jean
Shepherd (demo)” is a fun little tune, where the melody is coincidently
the same as a song I wrote a few years ago, so of course it has to be good.
-- Mite Mutant (2006)
Sonia Tetlow - The Chicken Fingers EP - CD
(Elbo Records)
There was a band called Insane Jane that had a minor college radio
hit in the early '90s. This release made me think of that band doing a P.J.
Harvey tribute. While the music has that early '90s LA alternative rock
feel, the singer style is pure P.J. Harvey influence. All in all
I really liked this release, the only thing that got to me is the bad part
of the lyrics in the first song, "It's so easy playing with chicken fingers,
they always shoot straight out from the middle".
-- Mite Mutant (2003)
the.story.of - Foothill Highway Appalachian Road - CD
www.thestoryof.net This release starts off decently enough with a synth-dance
sound supporting light Celtic rock vocals. While the music was good and
worked decently enough with the vocals, the lyrics which seemed a bit new
age hippy-ish just took away from it all. The rest of the cd has synth work
that reminds me a bit of Styx's style, while the rest of
the music has me thinking of new age band playing music at a medieval festival.
There was a hint of haunting female vocals at the end of the last song that
I would have liked to hear more of, but other than that a fair release.
-- Mite Mutant (2005)
The Story Of - The World's Affair - CD
(Leroy Godspeed Records)
"In Review"
-- (2007)
Thee Impossibles - Shut up and Play - CD
(Birthmark Records P.O. Box 3701 Livermore, CA 94551-3701)
Ramonish rawness, fast but not furious, you get the feeling this
California threesome has been screwed over by just about every chick they've
come into contact with. Tracks like "Jamie", "Kelly",
"Lori" and then "I Think You're from Outer Space" might be telling
of girls they dream of or girls that they hate, but if you can get past
the repeating themes this CD rocks. The title track "Shut Up and Play" sounds
like a night mare that a lot of bands have experienced, and I'm willing
to bet these guys put on a hell of a live show. Storytellers they are.
-- Mite Mutant (2001)
Brandan Themes - Fast - CD
(?)
-- (2009)
Thicker Than Water - TTW - CD
(Strictly Heavy Management)I
haven't heard music like this since I went to the metal/hard rock bar in
the late '80s and saw all the local heavy metal hero wannabes.
-- Mite Mutant (2001)
Things Outside the Skin - You Knew it All Along - CD
This band reminds me a bit of Consolidated in that the songs
are based in electronica and have a political slant to them. However, where
Consolidated had industrial leanings, Things Outside the Skin's
music is more diverse and a little bit more quirky.
-- Mite Mutant (2006)
Jean-Paul & Things To Hear - Leisure With Dignity - CD
(Things To Hear)
Yet another self-produced CD of weak vocals, bad production and lack-luster
song writing. The fact that Jean-Paul thanked himself in the liner
notes because he put up the cash to make the CD only helped me in disliking
this CD.
- Stig (2008)
Third World - Ultimate Collection - CD
(Universal Music)This
band is kinda weird in that it's basically a reggae/pop/R&B band, or
that's at least what they sound like. The overall sound is mellow. They
do have a few songs that I just couldn't stand because they reminded me
of bad '70s radio. Another one of those bands that if you like them then
this is for you, but I wouldn't recommend it for the casual listener.
-- Mite Mutant (2001)
This Holiday Life - The Beginning of the End of the World - CD
(7 Spin Music) These
guys play really solid, well crafted rock music. Every song on this disc
is great and well deserving of attention. They make me think of bands like
Collective Soul (without the hard edge) or Jump, Little Children
(without the strings). I tend to like This Holiday Life more with
each listen as I pick up on more depth in the songs with each time through.
One thing that makes this release better than most out there is that the
vocalist is excellent and his voice really compliments the music so perfectly.
This Holiday Life is a welcome change to most of the bands out there
today, a definite keeper.
-- Grog Mutant (2008)
Thistle - Tired Anchor - CD
(Tiberius Records)
Makes me think of a lackluster Dinosaur Jr. Sure they have their
moments and I can't think of any bands around currently that sound like
this, but nothing really inspires me about this release. Better than the
average band you hear, however nothing I can really rave about either.
-- Grog Mutant (2003)
Thisyearsmodel - Wanted: New Best Friends - CD
(Law of Inertia)While
I enjoyed the churning guitars and aggressive backbeats, the constantly
screaming vocals just got on my nerves.
-- Mite Mutant (2001)
David Thomas and Two Pale Boys - Surf's Up! - CD
(Thirsty Ear Recordings)
Even though I never really listened too much of Pere Ubu, the distinct
vocals of David Thomas just stand out. Don't be mislead by the title,
this is not a surf rock album. Instead the music is mellow and with Mr.
Thomas' voice added to the mix, a bit quirky. I found the release to be
a bit drudging at times, which makes it hard to listen to especially if
you are very ill.
-- Mite Mutant (2001)
Billy Bob Thornton - Beautiful Door - CD
(Universal Music
Company) While there are a few exceptions to the rule (Jared Leto
being one of the few) actors should just not try to start a singing career.
This release just helps to emphasize that point with a bold exclamation
point. Billy Bob's voice just isn't strong enough for the countrified
songs on this release. The lyrics also leave a bit to be desired. I like
the movies, but not the music.
-- Mite Mutant (2007)
Thoroughfare - As Yet Unborn - CD
(Thoroughfare)
Heavy modern rock, but with doses of My Chemical Romance, Finger
Eleven and Fall Out Boy thrown in to keep it interesting and
above the fray. Nothing really remarkable on the disc, but the songs are
well written and have some great hooks. Definitely better than most of the
tripe out there on current modern rock stations and with style to spare.
-- Grog Mutant (2009)
Thought Riot - Shattered Mirror Syndrome - CD
(AF Records)
Right off the bat I thought of a younger less refined Avail. Thought
Riot plays some great sociopolitical, chanting hardcore. Damn I really
like these guys on the first listen...I really missing hearing great bands
like this. They are few and far between, but when they come along they
hit me hard and are not forgotten.
-- Grog Mutant (2002)
The Threes - Head Voices - CD
(The Threes) This
looks interesting since the primary photos are the band have them dressed
up as Alice, The White Rabbit and the Mad Hatter. To start things off they
do a fairly traditional start to the song “16 Tons” then completely rock
it out. I believe they have a bassoon playing on “Meet the Neighbors” which
is something you don’t hear often, even in great indie rock. And that is
what The Threes are, great indie rock with equal parts Superchunk,
The Muffs and bands that you would find on Eskimo Kiss Records.
-- Grog Mutant (2008)
Thrice - Identity Crisis - CD
(Sub City Records)
I'm having a love/hate relationship while listening to this CD. On one hand
I like the music and vocal styling. On the other hand, I've heard too many
bands who sound just like this, melodic vocals over blistering drums and
guitar. I have to say that if I heard this band a few years ago I would
have said that they rocked, but now they still rock but I've heard it too
many times before.
-- Mite Mutant (2001)
The Thrills - Teenager - CD
(Capitol Records)
-- (2007)
Thug Murder - The 13th Round - CD
(TKO Records) Balls
breakin' punk rock by three-kick ass by three kick ass Japanese chicks.
Fast & furious, this band delivers the goods with pure aggression. Another
one of those bands that you just know puts on a great show live.
-- Mite Mutant (2001)
The Thumbs - All Lesser Devils - CD
(Adeline Records)
The Thumbs really reminded of that great Seattle band
the Treepeople, kind of complicated quirky guitar parts yet still
hardcore. Other than that nothing about this really grabs me by the balls,
I mean its good and everything but this is really not the kind of thing
we listen to in the X household. I guess the fact that I cant nail it down
completely makes it a little more interesting to me. I want to hear what
they do on the next record before I give em the "thumbs" up.
-- Howard X (2001)
Tickle Me Pink - Madeline - CD
(Wind-Up Records)
"In Review"
-- (2008)
Gery Tinkelenberg - Ten Notes From Here - CD
(Gery Tinkelenberg) There's this great video online where a kid makes a
music video to a song called "Aisha" which I believe he wrote to impress
some chick. While the video was probably heartfelt, with the bad dance moves,
Minnie Mouse bed covers and nerdy delivery it is awesomely comical. Listening
to the vocals on this release, I believe that Gary Tinkelenberg just
might be that kid, or a grown up version of him. The overall release has
that recorded at home quality about it, with most of the instruments sounding
like they are programmed, with acoustic guitar the only live instrument.
Even the forced female vocals on "When You Left This World" can't help this
release.
-- Mite Mutant (2007)
Ashley Tisdale - Headstrong - CD
(Warner Brothers
Records) In an effort to keep people from illegally recording this disc
Warner Brothers effectively stopped us from listening to the music.
We primarily review from our computer systems and this won't play on a computer
drive, it also won't play in some cars (like ours). The only way to hear
it is on a better quality home stereo, which we have, but don't usually
muddy up with review discs…unless we've decided that we really like them.
So, we effectively decided not to review the disc, but say that their efforts
did prevent us from ripping the songs and spreading them around the world.
-- Grog Mutant (2008)
Katie Todd Band - Make Some Time For Wasting - CD
(Katie Todd Band) KTB is a fantastic singer/songwriter pop rock band.
Katie Todd writes all of the lyrics and music along with being the
lead singer and keyboardist. She has a one of a kind voice. The only comparison
I could make is that in the song "Face Down" her vocals showed slight similarities
to Dolores O' Riordon of The Cranberries.
This is a great album, with catchy tunes and talented musicians. I would
recommend this to anyone who enjoys singer/songwriter chick led bands.
-- Simi Mutant (2006)
A Tomato A Day - The Moon is Green - CD
(Public Eyesore)
What is this? Paul Westerberg caught really blitzed in a studio somewhere?
Nope it’s a fairly buzzed sounding singer / songwriter with Westerbergian
tendencies and a decent back up band. I’d be inclined to like this more
if I thought the singer was aware of what he was singing. I think maybe
he will forget this tomorrow, just like me.
-- Grog Mutant (2008)
Tone Bent - Say What You Will - CD
(Big Door Prize Records)
Tone Bent is a male / female acoustic duo who play folk that verges
on bluegrass. This makes me think of a hippie couple from the Woodstock
era singing and playing regardless if anybody is listening. The problem
is they aren’t that good of singers and their songs are lacking. Their catchiest
song in my opinion is “This Little Apple” which is a corny tale of a little
apple that rolls to the big apple. There are folk bands who do this style
well, but Tone Bent is not among them.
-- Grog Mutant (2009)
Too Bad Eugene - At Any Rate - CD
(Rock City
Recordings) This is a band that just plays and sings their guts out.
This is simply rock 'n' roll straight up. The music is catchy and the lyrics
are choice. My favorite tune on this disk has to be "Punk For Dummies" which
is basically about all the punk fakes. Overall a solid release that is nothing
short of top rate.
-- Mite Mutant (2001)
Tooth Kink - Tooth Kink - CD
(Monstaar Records)
Since I started reviewed music in 1998, I've reviewed all kinds of music.
I've even reviewed a lot of experimental noise music, but unfortunately
that hasn't always been what I've been enjoying the most, although Cold
Meat Industry in Sweden has released some good stuff over the years.
I wasn't aware that Monstaar Records existed until I received this
CD, but if the rest of their releases are as bad as Tooth Kink's
self-titled album, then they could just as well not exist as far as I am
concerned. This is horrible experimental noise that I wouldn't advise anyone
to check out. Sorry.
-- Hans Mutant (2007)
William Topley - William Topley - CD
(Lost Highway / Universal)
Hmmm. I don't really know what to think of William Topley. At first
I thought he was a standard blues musician with a bit of southern rock bubbling
up to the surface. Then he hit a track that had a bit of a fusion flavor
and his voice turned to something in the realm of Joe Jackson. Now
he's playing a reggae song and actually doing a fine job of it. However,
I think his first love is blues, but it's great to hear his forays into
other styles and to hear how well he can capture all these styles so well.
-- Grog Mutant (2001)
Tora! Tora! Torrance! - Get Into It - CD
(The Militia
Group) Damn this guy's voice is winey! I was hoping he would get
into more of a Cupid Car Club sound, but no such luck. I can't friggin
stand it. Why won't he fuckin shut up? Why? Why? WHY!?! I know maybe
I should shut this CD off. BTW the music is decent post punk noise...but
somebody please strangle the fucker whining into the mike.
-- Grog Mutant (2001)
Mel Torme - Live at the Playboy Jazz Festival - CD
(Concord
Records) The first thing that hit me while listening to this CD
is how crisp the sound was considering it was recorded live. Then I realized
that this is due mostly to the outstanding voice of Mel Torme. Like
many people my age, I first heard the name Mel Torme on the sitcom
Night Court. Afterward he kept popping up here and there, and I realized
that not only did he have a great voice, but he had charisma. This release
does a wonderful job of capturing both. Recorded six years before his death,
this release manages to capture an artist doing what he loved to do and
sharing it with the audience.
-- Mite Mutant (2002)
Totimoshi - Monoli - CD
(This Dark Reign
/ Devil Doll Records) There's some rock tunes here, but the clapping
and recorded conversation just pushed me over the edge. I guess they were
trying to make this typical rock release sound experimental or artsy-fartsy.
It just ended up being a huge bore.
-- Mite Mutant (2003)
Pete Townshend - Empty Glass - CD
(Universal
Records) I have always loved the Who and their primary creative
force Pete Townshend. This disc has my favorite Pete solo tune, "Rough
Boys", and does a good job of carrying on where he left off with the
Who. Even though this came out back in 1980, I think several of the tracks
still hold up quite well. Not the best work of his long career, but it is
his best solo effort and an album I'm happy to add to my collection.
-- Grog Mutant (2006)
Pete Townsend - Scoop - 2CD
Pete Townsend - Another Scoop - 2CD
Pete Townsend - Scoop 3 - 2CD
(Universal
Records) These three releases are a study of a prolific songwriter’s
process. The songwriter here just happens to be Pete Townsend of
the Who, and many of the tunes that he wrote have become huge hits.
What is interesting is that the recordings of those songs are early versions
recorded where ever he happened to be at the time when the inspiration hit
him. The songs range from simple recordings of Pete playing all the instruments,
doing all the vocals and all the taping himself to full studio demos with
other musicians. On the third release a majority of the songs take on an
orchestral slant.
It’s really interesting to hear the songs near the beginning of the process and compare them to the finished product, either as a Who song or Pete Townsend song. And you have to hand it to Pete to be confident enough to let Roger Daltrey tweek the vocal presentation to the songs making them that much stronger. This is best illustrated on the tune “Can You See the Real Me” on Scoop 3.
And not all of these songs made it through to the final process of actually being properly recorded and released. Some you can see the reason why, since they are so weak, but that is one of the things that make this series of releases even better. Pete Townsend lets us hear the bad along with the good.
Another nice thing about these releases are the liner notes in which Pete talks about the process of recording the song, what equipment was used and a story that goes along with the song be it the recording process, what was happening at that time period and other such info.
So while these in actuality are three separate double CD releases, I feel
more compelled to lump them all together because they focus more on one
man’s songwriting process and less on presenting new takes on old hits.
-- Mite Mutant (2006)
Kathryn Toyama - Hope for Harmony - CD
(Kathryn Toyama) "In Review"
-- (2008)
Track A Tiger - Woke Up Early The Day I Died - CD
(Future Apple Tree Records)
Track A Tiger is a very slow, mellow easy listening/alternative folk
band with wonderful smooth harmonizing vocals. However, I was distracted
from the vocals by the monotonous recurring loops. Each song, though different
from one another, had very little variance in drum and guitar beat within
themselves.
This is a depressing album with very few examples of upbeat happiness to
be found. If you want something to sit on the couch, cry, and eat ice cream
to, this might be the album for you.
-- Simi Mutant (2006)
Traffic - Feelin' Alright: The Very Best of Traffic - CD
(Island Records) Another
best of release that features Traffic. You might not have heard of Traffic,
but they were fronted by a young Steve Windwood, who is one of my
favorite musicians. Their biggest hit "The Low Spark of High-Heeled Boys"
is on this disc at it's full length of almost twelve minutes. The others
songs are their typical blend of white boy blues and fusion. I'm not the
biggest fan of Traffic themselves, but due to Steve Windwood
I can more than tolerate their music.
-- Grog Mutant (2001)
Trakan - Opening Soon Under New Management - CD
(Spade Kitty Records)
I started off really liking this stripped down rock band with dual male/female
vocals. But as the songs went on I began to hear a lot of the same, in other
words their sound grew stale. Trakan does have a good sound that's
a cross between X, Social Distortion, Swingin' Utters
and Tiger Army, but with a bit less punkabilly. They are fine in
small doses, but a full release just seems a bit too much.
-- Grog Mutant (2008)
Tramtracks - See - CD
(Marumba Party Ltd.)
This is prog rock meets new age meets muzak with feeble lyrics and vocals
thrown in here and there. While I enjoyed the track "Serene" a bit, the
repetitiveness on "Here We Go" made me turn off my CD player without giving
the CD a second listen like all the others that I review.
-- Mite Mutant (2008)
Trans-Dimensional Voice - The Perpetual Maybe - CD
(T-DV) Very cool electronica
album with shades of industrial and goth stylings. I hear mixes of bands
like The Crystal Method, The Chemical Brothers and Moby,
but in the style of Bauhaus or at times Portished. Most of
the tracks are instrumental with a few lyric clips thrown in the mix and
a very sci-fi type of feeling throughout. But on some songs there are definitely
vocals, even though I can't make them out. Their cover art carries the parental
advisory warning so the lyrics must be a bit racy...but I sure couldn't
tell. Anyway, vocals are a very minor part of Trans-Dimensional Voice,
the amazing parts are the soundscapes they craft. This is by far one of
the best releases I have heard this year and will find itself in my personal
mix.
-- Grog Mutant (2008)
Transmatic - Transmatic - CD
(Immortal Records) Nice-a
cross between Verticle Horizon and Creed, but not as overproduced.
Strong male vocals, which are somewhat reminiscent of Crash Test Dummies.
They get extra points for actually using "guided by voices" as a lyric line.
-- Regan (2001)
The Trans Megetti - Soon Be Seeing You Later - CD
(Art Monk Construction)
A four song EP from this post punk band. The second two tracks
have a degreded sound even though they were all recorded at the same place.
The Trans Megetti didn't do much for me and sounded fairly typical
of many post-punk bands. This didn't really catch my ear and I bet it won't
catch much else out there.
-- Grog Mutant (2001)
Transmission Form - Pan Pipes - CD
From the cover I was expecting a progressive rock band. What I heard was
cool experimental grooves with an edge. A steady beat and electronics are
present throughout the disk, with other instruments intermixed hither and
fro. Some of the tunes rocked out, while others had a lazy somberness about
them that reminded me of the type of music that I would hear on some cool
foreign flicks soundtrack.
-- Mite Mutant (2001)
Trapt - Trapt - CD
(Eleven Seven Music)
You know Trapt from their hit tune "Headstrong". They have a heavy
guitar based alternative sound with powerful male vocals. This CD starts
off with two studio tracks. The first one "Stay Alive" was pretty decent.
Not so much the second. The rest of the disc is from a live performance
and while the music itself is decent, the in-between song banter with motivational
spiels that state the obvious, I found to be on the ridiculous side. They
end the disc with their hit "Headstrong" and it's time for me to end this
review.
-- Mite Mutant (2007)
Travel - This is our ~ Music - CD
(Deary Me Music) Artsy,
beat-poetic and Dada-esc, Travel is the band for college-aged new wave hipsters.
Spoken word interwoven with steady beats, guitar, and synth will have you
using such terms as "Can you dig it daddy-O'?" while you snap your fingers
in praise.
-- Mite Mutant (2001)
Travoltas - Teenbeat - CD
(Coldfront
Records) Beach Boys for the millennium-I'm not kidding.
The first track, "Pray for Sun", was pretty cool, but the songs after that
had enough European cheese to choke Leif Garrett.
-- Regan (2001)
Anne Trenning - Watching for Rain - CD
(Shadetree Productions)
"In Review"
-- (2009)
Steve Treseler - Resonance - CD
(Steve Treseler)
Relaxing jazz is how I would describe the music of Steve Treseler
and the group of musicians that he has assembled on this wonderful CD. While
Steve's choice of instruments, saxophone and clarinet, are the focal point
on many of the tunes, the drums, guitar, bass and piano play just as strong
a role in helping to drive the songs. The perfect wine and rain CD. You
know, the kind you listen to during a summer rain while drinking a glass
of wine. It's like that.
-- Mite Mutant (2008)
Tripsitter - California Son - CD
(Side B Music) And
I thought the 70's style logo was just a gimmick. Nope, it really is an
indication of who they are and what their sound is about. These guys really
want to be the Beach Boys. Now, I like the Beach Boys, but
never more than a song or two in a row. Thirteen songs from Tripsitter
was a bit to wade through especially with the constant vocal harmonies and
every so slight beach influence. These guys are pop through and through
and are very talented. However, they just aren't my cup of tea.
-- Grog Mutant (2007)
Triptaka - Second War - CD
(Triptaka) Triptaka
has an industrial metal sound very similar to Nine Inch Nails to
the extent that the vocalist even sounds like Trent Reznor. The only
problem is that they sound like the songs you never hear from the NIN
releases. It's not that they create throw away songs, it's just they lack
that hook which could make them memorable. Overall, I think they are very
close to having something great. The music is excellent with a great balance
of syths, sequencers, drum machines, bass, guitar and vocals. The track
that is most memorable is "Second War" with its intense driving rhythm and
layered vocals plus a chorus that is memorable and grows with each iteration.
-- Grog Mutant (2009)
Trouble Hubble - Penturbia - CD
(Latest Flame Records)
I've been listening to this CD for the last three days at work. I love
everything about this release. From the funky CD cover to the nasal quality
of the vocals. I'm finding it hard to come up with a band to compare these
guys to. I would almost liken them to a more poppy and upbeat The Weakerthans.
The hooks are bouncy, the musicianship tight, and the lyrics are beautifully
quirky. For those of you who remember the band BoogieManSmash from
Northern Ohio, you will hear a resemblance in songwriting on the tune "I
Love my Canoe."
-- Mite Mutant (2002)
Walter Trout and the Radicals - Go the Distance - CD
(Ruf Records) Walter
is one of those musicians that when I say he's great, the smart ass remark
that I should get back is "..well, duh!." Guitar soul filled rock out blues
that's nothing short of extraordinary. This is one of those guys who I want
to see every time they are in town, but I always seem to be gone when they
are. (I was in Vegas this time). One of the best in modern guitar blues,
so check it out.
-- Mite Mutant (2001)
Truckeebrothers - Doublehappiness - CD
(Populuxe Records)
The Truckeebrothers have a very strong guitar driven rock sound with
most of the songs being sung with harmonized male vocals. I did find the
music to be strong throughout this release; however I felt that the overuse
of the harmonized vocals just took away from the overall disc. I preferred
the songs where the vocals seem to play off each other a bit more like "Formula
O" or "Royal Finale". Still, not a bad CD overall.
-- Mite Mutant (2008)
Trueheart - The Road - CD
(E-Heart Records)
Okay, the name of the band is enough to make you want to gag. This CD is
basically '80s lite rock. Now let me tell you, I came of age in the '80s
and while I liked most '80s music, I hated the lite rock crap. This is even
worse.
-- Mite Mutant (2008)
True Nature - Feels Like Centuries - CD
(True Nature Band)
"In Review"
-- (2009)
Truth - The Streets Want Their Music Back - CD
(Shattering Records)
"In Review"
-- (2008)
Tsunami Bomb - The Invasion from Within! - CD
(Tomato Head
Records) Oh yeah. Damn, why haven't I heard of this band before?
On my initial listen I thought to myself that this band sounds like a more
rockin' No Doubt. I then thought that I better not put that into
the review, because it seems that bands don't like being compared to other
bands, especially when the bands they are being compared to are MTV darlings.
Just then there was a break in the song and the next words were "No doubt!"
So now I'm wondering if the no doubt was referring to my thought of bands
not liking to be compared or if it was a confirmation to my original thought.
I decided then to stop thinking and to just enjoy this grand CD.
-- Mite Mutant (2001)
Tuffy - Permanent For Now - CD
(Loveless Records) This
is a poppy alternative band whose sound is just okay. That's it. Nothing
really stood out, but nothing really sucked either, so all I can really
say is that it's okay.
-- Mite Mutant (2001)
Tunsi - Special Delivery - CD
(Parana Records)
Fark.com has a little acronym that they use on some of their stories
which is appropriate for some of the parts on many of the songs on this
release by the rapper who calls himself Tunsi. That acronym is WTF.
On “The Waiver” there's a part that sounds like a cat is being squished.
On “I Know You” there’s an annoying synth. And the refrain on the songs
“Whoop De Do” and “You Shouldn’t Do That” just begs one to ask WTF?. For
the most part, the rapping is decent, where the songs fail are the weak
parts where the vocalist actually tries to sing and the sameness of the
drum loops and cheap sounding synth. I actually like the tunes “Distractions”
and “Shocking” for the most part, especially the hauntingness of the former,
but once again the actual singing part is the downfall of the tune.
-- Mite Mutant (2007)
Dori Turner - Songs For Dark Days - CD
(Mr. Knees Records)
This CD starts off as a basic acoustic new-age folk release. The music is
soft and the female vocals and the music is the same. However, the further
into this release, the more the songs take on a light country feel. This
is where Dori Turner's music starts to stand out a bit. Still, I
would have liked to hear her put a bit more oomph into the songs. I see
potential for Dori, but only if she embraces a foot stompin' country
twang sound and venture further away from the new-age stuff.
-- Mite Mutant (2007)
Corey Tut - Everything - CD
(Astute Brute Music)
"In Review"
-- (2008)
TVM - Without A Net - CD
(TVM) Tai has a sound
that reminds me of the better parts of Paul McCartney. Loads of melody
and catchy rhythms run throughout this release. The recording quality is
a bit low, but his talent shines through the roughness.
-- Grog Mutant (2008)
The Twilight Singers - Twilight - CD
(Sony
Music)
Definitely not my cup of tea. The vocals and lyrics are just fine.
The music just lacks. Mr. Greg Duli decided to go in a more mellow
and cheese-pop direction on this project and it just falls flat.
-- Mite Mutant (2001)
Conway Twitty - Number Ones- CD
(Universal Music
Company) If you want songs about love, heartache, breakups and make-ups
delivered in a classic country style, then Conway Twitty is your
man and this CD is just for you. The CD opens up with an early the early
Tritty tune "It's Only Make Believe" which has a classic '50s rock
ballad feel which he delivers with an Elvis Presley inspired vocal
style. Some of my favorite country songs on this release include "Hello
Darlin'", "I Can't Stop Lovin' You", "You've Never Been This Far Before",
"I'd Love to Lay You Down" as well as "Louisiana Woman, Mississippi Man"
and "As Soon As I Hand Up The Phone" both duets with Loretta Lynn.
Damn is this CD good or what?
-- Mite Mutant (2007)
Two Cow Garage - The Wall Against Our Back - CD
(Two Cow Garage)
This catchy band is rough rockin' countrified blues punk. The lead singers
raspy smoked stained vocals combined with the rip-roaring good time music
make a lethal dose of ultra hip bar band energy.
-- Mite Mutant (2004)
Two Cow Garage - Three - CD
(Two Cow Garage)
The Boys are back with that solid rock-n-roll sound with a gargle with glass
and phlegm vocal styling. The CD starts off strong with the tune “Come Back
to Shelby” and remains strong throughout the entire disc. In fact, the more
I listen to this release the more I like it, and I’ve listened to it quite
a bit. “No Shame” and “Camo Jacket” sound like a gruffer Replacements,
while “Should’ve California” is a nice acoustical tune which reminded me
a bit of Soul Asylum for some reason. Another enjoyable tune “Mediocre”
is a janglely tune with a honky-tonk feel to it. Great, great release.
-- Mite Mutant (2007)
Two Man Advantage - Don't Lable Us - CD
(Go Kart Records)
Bam! Bam! Bam! Bam! Hard fast and furious punk rock
hell is what to expect when you listen to this release. Coolest tune on
this CD has to be "Opinionated Motherfucker" which sounds like a tune Cartman
from South Park would sing. The seventeen tunes on this release will
keep you slamming well into the night.
-- Mite Mutant (2001)
Two Tongues - Two Tongues - CD
(Vagrant Records) Okay…
let’s see what this CD’s all about. The cover has me thinking a folk duo.
First song is starting with a nice mellow guitar with eruptions of pounding
rock punch. The first tongue (or voice) has a male rocker American Idol
quality to it. Not bad at all. Here comes the next tongue…What the Fuck?!?
Is that Dean Ween? This is great. The mixing of these two vocal styles
sound iffy on paper, but believe me it works wonderfully in practice, at
least in the case of this band. The combinations of Chris Conley
and Max Bemis’ vocals aren’t the only things that make this release
so enjoyable. The stellar songwriting and tight production all have a hand
in it as well. There’s a bit of Lennon/McCartney feel in the
vocal exchange of “Don’t You Want to Come Home”. “Wowee Zowee” and “Come
On” are perfect examples of how well these two singers’ voices work well
together. Another favorite is the tune “Even If You Don’t”… and look there,
it’s a Ween cover. Get this.
-- Mite Mutant (2009)
Tyrades - Tyrades - CD
(Broken Rekids)
When I first started listening to this release, images of great female fronted
in your face punk band playing at an all ages show popped into my head.
However, like many bands, this group suffers from lack of originality.
-- Mite Mutant (2003)