Wack Trucks - Shake This - CD
(Offside Records 3925 Braeburn Muskegon, MI 49441)
Ugh! I guess I can use the jewel case.
-- Mite Mutant (2001)
The Wag - Soundtrack to a Silent Movie - CD
(The Wag) For the
most part this band sounds like a band one would find at a bar filled with
middle aged people. The music isn't bad, it's just that the band has that
sound. There's both female and male vocals involved and the music has the
taste of '80s mixed with a bit of bar band blues. I did find the song "Everybody
Said" interesting and could see it being a great song for the band HorrorPops
to cover, giving it their punk/rockabilly edge.
-- Mite Mutant (2008)
The Wake Effect - Step One - CD
(Effected Music) The band in reality consists of one man, with a second
person helping out on drums for a few tracks. Overall the Wake Effect owes
a lot to late 80s metal rock. The songs seem to focus on a different instrument
with each track and I assume that is the one he wrote the song on. The second
track, “Faith & Fire”, is driven by the bass, track three “Dusted” is driven
by the guitar etc. Overall he writes decent metal, but his voice is weak
and mixed way down which makes it sound even more diminutive. I like him
better as a bassist than a guitarist primarily due to his guitar style sounding
like so many other people. His bass playing is fairly unique though and
would sound excellent in the right band. While this release has its moments
I think he would be better suited joining a band as a bassist / songwriter.
-- Grog Mutant (2008)
Wakefield - American Made - CD
(Arista Records)
I really tried to give this band a chance.I really did. I could tell by
their press pack that they were being marketed as the new Blink 182,
but I kept a fresh mind. Well, until I listened to them and though that
they were a decent pop-punk band, but nothing that hasn't been done by thousands
of other bands during the past decade. However, nothing could have prepared
me for the fourth song "Heaven's Coming" which brought to mind bad '80s
hair bands doing ballads. I'm sorry but this makes me think of that horrible
period in rock where there were all these crappy sound alike hair bands
getting cheesy ballads on the radio. Now it's pop-punks turn at the cheese.
Arghhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!! I need to listen to a good pop-punk band now like Sicko,
the McRackins or Frenzel Rhomb.
-- Grog Mutant (2003)
Joe Walsh - The Best of Joe Walsh - CD
(MCA Records)
The best of Uncle Joe Walsh. Joe is one of the few people from the 70's
who I listened to growing up that I can still hear more than one song in
a row without cringing. This CD covers three from the James Gang and some
of his earlier hits like "Walk Away", "Turn to Stone" and "Rocky Mountain
Way". This is a disk that takes me back to the fucked up days of my youth.
-- Grog Mutant (2001)
Joe Walsh - The Definitive Collection - CD
(Universal
Records) Another collection of Joe Walsh tunes. I think this
one is better than the last due to the inclusion of more of my favorite
songs. You get four from his James Gang days and eleven solo tracks
including: "Funk #49", "Walk Away", "Turn To Stone",
"Rocky Mountain Way", "Life's Been Good", "All
Night Long" and "The Confessor". One thing I noticed while
listening is that Joe Walsh is a hit or miss guy for me. Some of
his songs I love, others I think are utter crap. I respect him and admire
his talent, but I still can't listen to a whole album of his straight through...even
if it is a greatest hits release.
-- Grog Mutant (2006)
The Wannabe Hasbeens - Former Trans Future Vol. 1 - CD
(WBHB) I think
their name is fairly accurate. They wannabe part of the emo / rock / punk-op
movement ala Jimmy Eat World, All American Rejects, New
Pornographers etc. However, they come off as a cheap imitation, their
songs sound forced and a bit lame. I just can't get into any of them and
the lyrics just don't strike any chords. They have plenty of hooks and a
really clean sound, but that just doesn't cut it. I think they will soon
be has been's…and that's generous since it's more like neverwere.
-- Grog Mutant (2007)
Wang Chung - "Millennium Collection: The Best Of."
(Hip-O Records)
If you want to know what '80s music sounds like, then this is the album
for you. "Everybody Have Fun Tonight" and "Dance Hall Days" are the two
tunes that this band is best known for. However, they had a few more songs
that were pretty happening. "Don't Let Go," "Let's Go," and "Praying to
a New God" are a few of the other happening tracks that are on this release.
So if you're an '80s music lover, then pick this one up. And the debate
goes on. What exactly is a Wang Chung?
-- Mite Mutant (2002)
(Acme Records) There are two four-track gems on clear vinyl. This one takes me back to the day when 7"s ruled. Pure rock 'n' roll is what I got when I put this one on my Dejay Happy Tunes turntable.
-- Mite Mutant (2001)
Warsawpack - Stocks & Bombs - CD
(G-7 Welcoming
Committee Records) This is an interesting G7 Records release since
it presents some of their standard left wing politics yet places it in front
of a great jazz fusion. The vocalist brings up some very valid and important
points regarding corporations and the government. One thing which I found
very interesting was a brief chart inside of the j-card tray. It showed
28 people who are on the board of 38 companies and how many are on three
or four similar boards. What I found out was that four members on Exxon-Mobil's
board are separately on four of the largest phone companies boards. You
have to wonder how much inside information is handed around. An interesting
group with a lot to say and a good way to present it to the public at large.
-- Grog Mutant (2003)
Imaad Wasif - Imaad Wasif - CD
(Kill Rock Stars)
There should be a warning label for this release that tells you not to drive
or operate heavy machinery while listening to it. It's that dreamy. Imaad
Wasif is a tranquil singer-songwriter that delivers is music that
is so soothing that you will feel like you're stoned while listening to
it.
-- Mite Mutant (2006)
Beth Waters - This Little Piggy - CD
(Beth Waters) Beth
Waters has one of those soft & sultry voices that works so well with
various genres of music. This all makes for a nice eclectic CD where the
tunes can be either mellow alternative “White Dogs in the Moonlight,” Jazzy
“Dark Road to Hell” or countrified “This Little Piggy.” For the most part
the songs on this release are perfect for lite-rock radio which her awesome
cover of Paul Simon’s “Slip Slidin’ Away” more than adequately demonstrates.
-- Mite Mutant (2007)
Roger Waters - The Wall Live in Berlin - CD
(Universal
Records) I have seen other reviews of this release and have seen
many a critic based their opinions on how this relates to the original release.
You just can't do that. Roger Waters didn't set out to make this
a revision of Pink Floyds classic album. He meant it as a celebration
of the dismantling of the Berlin Wall. Keeping that in mind, you see just
how great this reelase is. It's not stands as a marker in one of the most
important events in our lifetime, but it also stands as a snapshot of the
changing musical landscape of the time. Unlike other "all star" events,
where most of the musicians have faded from memory just a few years after,
all of the artists who were present are still in the limelight, many of
them moving on to legend status.
Another great thing is that these artists make the song their own. Doing this with such classic songs is risky, and just about all the artists pull it off. As compared to many 'tribute' releases of today, where one song will be halfway decent and the rest will suck.
I think this is one of my favorite releases of 2003 three. A big reason
is that it takes me back to a time where my musical taste were just blooseming,
but also because it's a solid release.
-- Mite Mutant (2003)
Shawn Waters & Groupthink - Songs For You - CD
(Shawn Waters
Groupthink) Shawn Waters has this odd Joe Cocker style
of singing that I've always found annoying and at times he delves into rap
which is markedly better than his singing. On some songs it's interesting,
but more times than not it sounds like a mumbling growl from a drugged out
guy. The music even harkens back to the late '60s when Cocker was
at his height. The songs have a slight rhythm and blues feel to the discordant
rock recorded in a lo-fi fashion. On each song there is a group of female
background singers who are a step up from typical doo-wop girls and are
my favorite part of the songs. The music itself from Groupthink is
an interesting throwback to the psychedelic days, but blended together this
release just doesn't do it and ends up getting on my nerves.
-- Grog Mutant (2007)
Waun - Exploring All Ave. - CD
(Waun) Not the best Rap I've ever heard but the messages are great in the
lyrics. A welcome change from the braggadocio that has been so prevalent
in rap for so long. Waun sings about social injustice, single mothers, how
men should respect women and taking personal responsibility for one's actions.
There is one lighthearted song "Arkansas Mac" with a fun scratched "Yipee
Yee-Haw" refrain.
-- Grog Mutant (2007)
Wax Cannon - Life Sized Animals Walking Around - CD
(Commie Martyr 610 S. Dubuque IC, IA 52240) This music on the first
tune on this release caught my ear because it sounded like a very early
Guided By Voices without the pop. On the second song the band switched
to a decent pop punk sound. The mutation continued on the third song, which
was just mediocre punk alternative. This wouldn't have been so bad except
most of the song on this release sound like the third one. The one tune
that stand out is "Honest Reginald", which I truly loved. However, the rest
of the songs on the disk didn't do much for me and it became nothing more
than background noise.
-- Mite Mutant (2002)
Waxwing - One for the Ride - CD
(Second-Nature)
This band has a great sound. The more I listen to
this disk, I find the harder it is to describe. The instruments are electric,
but the songs have an acoustical quality about them. Alternatively aggressive
that's rocking, but mellow, it's one of those bands that must be heard to
fully appreciate.
-- Mite Mutant (2001)
We Are Scientists - Brain Thrust Mastery - CD
(Capitol Records)
"In Review"
-- (2008)
We Need You - We Need You - CD
(Public Eyesore Records)
Minimalist screeching on horn, bass and drums just isn't my cup of tea,
and unless you are bonged out of your brain, it's probably not for you either.
-- Mite Mutant (2008)
We Versus the Shark - Ruin Everything - CD
(Hello Sir Records)
This CD reminds me of the bands that I would hear on the Kill Rock Stars
record label. The music is spastic and schizophrenic punk goodness. With
the combination of typical male and female punk vocals the band comes off
as a cross-gendered XBXRX vs. Brainiac in a blender death
match. This is a release where the songs need to be listened to in small
chucks because will brain it your definitely scramble.
-- Mite Mutant (2006)
The Weakerthans - Left and Leaving - CD
(Sub City Records)
I loved their last release and while this CD is decent it doesn't match
its predecessor. Twelve melancholy tunes make up this release that is best
listened to while sitting under a tree in the woods on a nice autumn afternoon.
-- Mite Mutant (2001)
(UTV Records) I'll admit it, I like musicals. I also know that there are a few of you out there who are snickering at my confession. But I also know that you are probably the same sorry bunch who took in your fair share of Rocky Horror at the midnight movies, which is a musical. So shut your holes. While I admit that I like musicals, like any other musical genre there are some that I like better than others. So while many of the songs on this release are from hit musicals, there is only a handful that I really like. Some which even surprised me. Murray Head starts of the CD by doing an awesome version of "Superstar" from on of my favorite musicals, Jesus Christ Superstar. And I do believe that this is the same Murray Head who sang the song "One Night in Bancock" from the musical Chess that became a big hit in the '80s. Another song from JCSS, "I Don't Know How to Love Him" is performed flawlessly by Yvonne Ellman. Other standout was Sarah Brightman & Michael Crawford doing The Phantom of the Opera from the Musical of the same name. The two big surprises for me on this release are Madonna singing "You Must Love Me" from Evitta and "Any Dream will Do" from Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat as performed by Donny Osmond.
-- Mite Mutant (2002)
Weaves - We are Separate But Not Individual - CD
(Rubato Records 3265 W. Wrightwood #26 Chicago, IL 60647) This band is funky
quirky to a point of spacey goodness. The music may be Twilight Zone glue
sniffing induced, and the vocals may have been inspired by the ritualistic
wrapping of the genitals in saran wrap whilst pinching the nipple with oven
mitted hands, but it all ads up to five great tunes and a whole lot of psychiatry
bills.
-- Mite Mutant (2001)
Dave Weckl Band - Perpetual Motion - CD
(Stretch Records P.O. Box 39581 LA, CA 90039) While I don't question
Dave Weckl's awesome drumming ability, I have to say that I wasn't
too hip to the music on this release. It sounds like cheesy new age jam
music. The kind of music that's in the public domain and is used as background
music for public access videos.
-- Mite Mutant (2002)
The Wedding Present - Take Fountain - CD
(Manifesto Records)
The sound has an acoustical '90s Bowie/Coldplay/Weakerthans
air to it. Combine this with poignant male vocals, which sing the sorrows
of relationship woes with a passion of a man who knows and you have my favorite
release of 2006 so far. Starting of wonderfully with "Interstate 5 [Extended
Version]", which melts into an modern sounding Clint Eastwood
western instrumental, foretells the epic journey through the barren relationship
landscape that the rest of the songs explore. "Always the Quiet One" and
"I'm From Further North Than You", with its hint of melodic "Kinks" styling,
are two more standouts. A great release from a band who's return is long
overdue.
-- Mite Mutant (2006)
J.S. "Largemouth" Weeden - Makin' A Livin' Fishin'
- CD
(J.S. Weeden) The music is decent, your basic middle-aged bar blues
band, but the ignorant redneck lyrics are weak. It just comes off as a guy
spewing his beliefs while being backed by a blues band.
-- Mite Mutant (2006)
Dan Weintraub - Loose Ends - CD
(Dan Weintraub)
Basic acoustic male singer-songwriter that one would find playing a local
open mic. Not much more to say on this one.
-- Mite Mutant (2008)
Dean Wells - Hemorrageville - CD
Another CDR! This is much like Ferro Lad, my review of that would
apply equally as well here except that this guy's stuff is a little more
complete sounding. Some of the stuff reminded me of early Velvets.
You decide if I mean that as a compliment or an insult! There were numerous
references to porn on this that made a little more palatable.
-- Mite Mutant (2001)
Benjy Wertheimer and Michael Mandrell - Notes From Celtistan - CD
(Wolf Cub Music)
This is a blend of Celtic and Indian music using only a guitar, tabla and
esraj. The music is well played and very pleasant, but never gets me very
excited. It's great relaxing music or something peaceful to have on in the
background. Just well structured jamming with a blend of Eastern and Western
musical styles.
-- Grog Mutant (2007)
The Wes Hollywood Show - The Girls are Never Ending - CD
www.solidaction.com
First off, great fuckin' CD. It has a tinge of a '70s retro sound ala Redd
Kross or Jellyfish. The music is very poppy and catchy with not
one bad track on the whole thing. I know I should say more, but the fact
is that this release is so killer that I'm totally speechless.
-- Mite Mutant (2001)
(Jordan T. West) "In Review"
-- (2007)
Sharon West - Notes from the Woods - CD
(Dusty Dreams)
This reviewer has done a lot of soul-searching over this CD. Here's the
thing- Sharon West, god bless her soul, is inspired... to play her
own New Age compositions, ostensibly about nature, and on a pretty darn
modest Wal-Mart keyboard (the $300 one, with the speakers built in), and
she wants you to feel the sheer, unbridled joy of the Gingko plant. I'm
not kdding here, there's actually a song called "The Beauty of the Gingko."
I want to say this CD is one big crap-fest. I just can't. Because she's
doing what's in her heart, damn it, and who could fault her for that? She's
living her dream, doing things her way... and you and I are not, are we?
No, while we're slaving away at some stuffy office or slapping together
parts with parts in some relentlessly monotonous and generally unhealthy
factory, Sharon West is Doing Her Thing. And really, it's not all
that bad after all. If you can get past the terrible crispness of the horribly
fake flute samples, you can actually have a really relaxing time with this.
You can probably do a lot of things if you ignore such obvious samples.
Sharon West has got really, really good timing. She's like a metronome or something, only instead of soulless hypnotic clicks, she makes truly heartfelt, if lethargic, background music. Her compositions are not particularly strong, but they're certainly well thought-out, and arranged with a nearly masterful touch. The overall sound is very clean and covers all the sonic sweet spots pretty well. If you like to relax this badly, and prescription medication just isn't working out like you'd hoped, do yourself and your family a favor and check this out.
What it is, is this: background music to decompress with. You simply can
not put this record on and talk about it. You need to talk around it, if
you're coherent enough to bother talking at all. Here's a CD you can put
on and sink into a malignant, slimey stupor to. New Age music has never
been so cheesy, but if your thing is slipping into a warm four-hour bath,
with a crappy paperback, surrounded by ten or twenty little rose-scented,
colored, waxen fire hazards, and casually sipping from a slightly-alcoholic
glass of drug-store sparkling wine, then this is it. Stop, don't pass "Go,"
and don't even think about that $200 you could've had. Proceed directly
to this disc and get lost in the magic of little disease-ridden baby chipmunks.
-- Jeremy Mutant (2006)
Sharon West - World Journey - CD
(Dusty Dreams
Music) When the first song come on I was thinking "oh god, new age instrumental
disc," I was prepared to be disappointed. Then the second tune kicked in
and I was given hope. "Peace Prayer" with its world rhythm and non-western
chants reminded me a bit of Deep Forest. Then I was disappointed
again with the next song and every one after, except for the movie soundtrack
sounding "Leaving Ghost Behind". Overall this was a big disappointment with
most of the music sounding over synthesized.
-- Mite Mutant (2008)
Geoff Westen - Vidiots Tune In!!- CD
(Disturbing
Music) Geoff Westen is a band that is fully immersed into the
cheesy '80s synth new wave sound. I mean this band is soaking in it. Geoff,
the man who is the band, has a vocal style that is almost a cross between
David Byrne of the Talking Heads and Mark Mothersbaugh
of Devo and Danny Elfman from Oingo Boingo. Things
start off good enough with the song "Better Get Started" which sounds like
it would have been a hit if it did in fact come out in the '80s. The rest
of the songs really aren't that bad, it's just that the lyrics are weak
and they come off as the weak original tune that's played during a montage
in a less than good '80s flick.
-- Mite Mutant (2008)
Westran - 3 in the Morning - CD
(B. Shan Records)
"In Review"
-- (2008)
Wet Willie - The Best of Wet Willie - CD
(Universal
Records) For fans of "Southern Rock" this is something that you
will want to have in your collection. Wet Willie might not be as
strong of a band as Lynard Skynard or any of the Southern Rock band
legends, but they do have a couple of tunes that are worth the listen. For
anyone else, I wouldn't bother.
-- Mite Mutant (2003)
Coles Whalen - Nothing Is Too Much - CD
(Iconic Records) Coles
Whalen plays pleasant adult oriented pop and rock with a bit of country
thrown into one track. Her voice is nice, but doesn't stand out amoungst
the multitude of female vocalists out now. A few of the songs are fairly
standard heartfelt ballads, others have a bit of power and run into the
rock realm. My favorite track on the album is "How Do You Do This To Me"
with its driving rhythm and longing vocals. I think Coles has talent
and some good ideas, she just needs to develop them a bit more pull herself
away from the crowd.
-- Grog Mutant (2007)
Katharine Whalen's Jazz Squad - Katharine Whalen's Jazz Squad - CD
(Mammoth Records)
This CD is full of classical jazz sounds with Katharine
Whalen's vocals being the best. About half the songs on this release
are covers of songs from the 1920's. This is the type of music that sounds
great anytime, but sounds the best on a rainy summer day at a cozy little
coffee shop. A great release.
-- Mite Mutant (2001)
What the... - What the... - CD
(What the...)
I have to admit, I admire people who do what they love even though they
aren't the best at it. It's the effort that counts. At the same time, even
though I admire their effort, it doesn't mean I like the result. This release
by What The..., with it's cheesy '80s high school dance music performed
by middle aged performers sound, is truly meant to be enjoyed by family
and close friends and that's it.
-- Mite Mutant (2003)
The Who - The Kids are Alright - CD
(MCA) This is the re-released
soundtrack from the 1979 movie of the same name. It's amazing that I never
saw the movie seeing as the Who were one of my favorite bands growing
up and that Quadrophina is one of my all time favorite albums. Anyway,
this release has many of their best songs taken from live shows to broadcasts.
If you like the Who this is a necessity.
-- Grog Mutant (2001)
The Who - Tommy - CD
(Universal Music)
It's a classic, what else is there to say. Roger
Daltrey as Tommy, Eric Clapton as The Preacher, Elton John
as The Pinball Wizard, Tina Turner as the Acid Queen. they're all
here along with a slew of others. After listening to this CD I just had
to go and rent the video. This is one of those releases that is a must for
any CD collection.
-- Mite Mutant (2001)
Whitesnake - Here I Go Again - 2CD
(Universal
Records) David Coverdale first came to rock stardom as one of the
lead singers for the band Deep Purple. But it was his band Whitesnake
that he is most remembered for. The gentlemen's '80s big hair rocker put
out three albums worth of songs that made chicks want to flash their tits
and guys to become rock stars. But like a couple of other metal bands from
that era, I was surprised at how many hits Whitesnake actually had.
It seems like every song on their classic albums "Slide It In," "Whitesnake,"
and "Slip of the Tongue" were hits, since all the songs from these releases
are on this disc. So what you end up with is a double-disc release that
contains 35-tracks (a few non-album tracks) of pure Whitesnake goodness.
And while I am not a huge fan of this group, I have to say that ever song
is killer.
-- Mite Mutant (2002)
Whitesnake - Gold - 2CD
(Universal
Records) Wow, a double album titled Gold from 80's hard rock
heros Whitesnake. I know they didn't release many albums, so what
is on this collection? Well, it contains their few hits plus a multitude
of lame songs including the epitome of '80s popmetal tunes, "Now You're
Gone". I never realized that 95% of Whitesnake's songs are about
love, and many are so whiney they would put an emo band to shame. Back in
the day Whitesnake was one of the most popular bands on radio and
MTv, even being hailed as the new Led Zeppelin. However, they are
now known as just a band that had a few hits which are still in rotation
on classic rock stations, featured Steve Via for a short while and
had the very sexy & seductive Tawny Kitaen in several videos.
-- Grog (2006)
Tracey Whitney - Love...A Fable in 9 Acts - CD
(Baby Doll
Entertainment) I'm really not a big fan of R&B, and this release just
made me enjoy it even less. The music is a bit generic and the vocals while
decent enough for karaoke, just aren't strong enough for this kind of music.
The release has a music video that kept locking up my computer, so I didn't
watch it. Eh.
-- Stig (2008)
Widow - Nightlife - CD
(Cruz Del Sur)
The first track on Widow's third album, "Nightlife", is fucking great.
It sounds like Motley Crue or something taken straight out of the
80's. Widow have definitely got that 80's hard rock and heavy metal
thing down, but unfortunately they ruin it a bit by adding elements of more
extreme metal from to time. If they'd left that out, I think this might
have been great.
-- Hans Mutant (2007)
Will Haven - Carpe Diem - CD
(Revelation
Records) Slow, heavy and bad lyrics. Kind like the Melvins,
but with more screaming. Well at least they have a really cute girl in
her bra on the cover and back...
-- Grog Mutant (2001)
Will Hoge - Carousel - CD
I keep thinking Blues Travelers meets Elvis Costello as I
listen to this CD, and with a sound that's a combination of the two how
could this release be anything less than excellent. The music is wonderful,
but the one thing that stands out is the excellent vocals. And it's so nice
to hear a band where the songwriting is just excellent all round, from the
music itself to the lyrics. I love this CD.
-- Mite Mutant (2001)
Donnie Williams And Park Place - Higher Power - CD
(Chump Change Records)
This contains a few remixes of the tune "Higher Power" as well
as a couple of other songs. If you want more info see the other review on
this page.
-- Mite Mutant (2007)
Donnie Williams And Park Place - Just Like Magic - CD
(Chump Change Records)
This music is definitely not the sort of thing that I can even pretend to
enjoy. It’s top 40 R&B. I find the music to sound canned and the songs are
quickly forgettable. I guess the saving grace is that Donnie Williams
vocals are really good, but in the end this just isn’t my cup of tea.
-- Mite Mutant (2007)
Hank Williams - The Ultimate Collection - 2CD
(Universal
Records) Hank Williams is admired by just about everyone,
no matter what their musical taste. He is one of the few artists that punk
and county lovers can agree on. He was one hell of a songwriter, and an
even bigger hell raiser. Dead at the age of 29, he was one of the originating
musicians with the live fast, die young attitude. Forty-two songs make up
this tasty collection, and not one of them is a dud. Just by listing a few
of the songs on this release (I Saw the Light, Honky Tonkin', Move it on
Over, I'm so Lonesome I Could Cry, Hey Good Lookin', Your Cheatin' Heart,
There's a Tear in My Beer) and you can see why you owe it to yourself to
rush out and get this release. Damn this is good.
-- Mite Mutant (2002)
Jim Williams - Living Life- CD
(Jim Williams) Jim
Williams has a countrified folk sound which he emphasizes with a forced
country drawl in his vocals. While many of the topics of Jim’s tunes are
personal in nature, the lyrics just aren’t that strong, and at times sound
a bit hokey. Take the lyrics from the song “Bubblebath.” “I’ll undo that
strand of pearls, you let down your pretty hair, Baby, let’s take a bubble
bath.” It’s just not doing it for me.
-- Mite Mutant (2006)
John Williams & The Boston Pops - The Millennium Collection - CD
(Universal
Chronicles) Yes, the master of blockbuster scores! There are eleven
songs from eight classic movies are included on this disc. Some of the best
known songs from Stars Wars, Raiders of the Lost Arc, Superman,
Jaws, 1941, Midway, E.T. and Close Encounters
of the Third Kind can be found to entertain you and draw you into the
magic of the film. The Boston Pops do a wonderful job of bringing
the songs new life. Pop this in and enjoy the wonder of John Williams.
-- Grog Mutant (2006)
Lucinda Williams - Car Wheels On A Gravel Road - 2CD
(Universal
Records) Quite possibly the only human being alive with more swagger
than Mick Jagger, Lucinda Williams is an incredible songwriter
who seamlessly melds country, rock, folk, and blues genres into something
about as similar to Americana/roots rock as our benevolent alien overlords
are to ourselves. It's something on an entirely higher plane altogether.
Listen: if you're real quiet, you can actually hear angels, sloppy-drunk
on cheap bourbon and desperately fucking under barstools. Unlike some others
who may choose to put on a lame, show-biz madonna-whore stage show when
attempting to be simultaneously pure and sexually puerile, Williams never
stoops to such obvious, immature boorishness and remains both spiritually
healing and sinfully raunchy, even as she does so without any hint of subtlety.
Her lyrical maturity, evident in each and every song she's ever written,
is far beyond the realm of most artists, even her contemporaries. Is there
a sexier song than "Righteously" (from 2003's World Without Tears)? No.
And there are very few songs as crazy-cool as "I Lost It," "2 Kool 2 Be
4-Gotten," "Joy," or "Metal Firecracker," from this fantastic, absolutely
classic album. Steve Earle, Charlie Sexton, and Emmylou
Harris all throw down on this joint, and none of them phone it in, not
even once (but when have you ever heard Emmylou ever phone it in
on other people's stuff anyway?).
(If you haven't heard Lucinda Williams sing, think Courtney Love's older country-rawk sister. Except that where Courtney is a big stupid showboat with an appetite for self-destruction and no actual talent, Lucinda is bursting with the Passion of the Pearl. If Janis had more self-control, she'd sound just like Williams.)
Another reissue from 1998, this one is remastered by master class master mixer Greg Calbi, and includes three extra songs (the rollicking "Down the Big Road Blues," the wistful and heavenly "Out of Touch," and an alternate, acoustic take of "Still I Long for Your Kiss"), plus a whole thirteen-song bonus disc, recorded live at the WXPN's excellent and famous World Cafe. The live set features a number of songs from Car Wheels..., plus some stone classics such as my all-time favorite of hers, "Changed the Locks." If you've never heard her live, this is one fiery, fiery set, with plenty of grungy, crunchy guitars skronking and churning away underneath her inimitable, battered-angel voice.
Get This.
-- Jeremy Mutant (2006)
Vanessa Williams - The Christmas Collection - CD
(Universal
Records) Best of Volume 2, given the song selection I really wonder
what all could have been on Volume 1? This disc features Vanessa Williams
singing thirteen Christmas classics in her smooth, sultry jazz / R&B style.
Most of the songs are instantly familiar and I like her soulful take on
the songs, which are the perfect soundtrack for sharing with someone you
love. My favorites on this disc are "Silver and Gold", "Silent Night", "Merry
Christmas, Darling" and "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas".
-- Grog Mutant (2007)
Kelly Willis - One More Time - CD
(MCA Records) The
is the greatest hits collection of country singer Kelly Willis.
I've never heard of her which isn't surprising since I usually don't listen
to country. However, I'm somewhat enthralled by her music and it's not
just because she's really cute. These really are good songs and I like
them...did I actually write that?
-- Grog Mutant (2001)
Ben Willmott - Nowhere To Go But Up - CD
(By The Way Music)
Ben Willmott has a very '80s sensitive singer songwriter sound to
his songs, like Christopher Cross. In a way it's like the group David
& David, but his voice just isn't as strong and the lyrics aren't as
good. He does have a lot of talent as a songwriter and a piano player though
and maybe if he added a singer to his group they would be stronger. The
songs are all decent, but nothing that really excites me or stays with me
between listens. There is some definite talent here, it just needs some
work and time to develop.
-- Grog Mutant (2007)
Brian Windgrove - Dreaming I'm Awake - CD
(Brian Windgrove) "In Review"
-- (2007)
Robert WindPony - Moon Rider - CD
Robert WindPony - Sky Blue - CD
(WindPony) Robert
plays songs on flutes in the traditional Native American style. His
songs are relaxing and filled with the spirit of a land that existed long
ago. Both of these releases contain some great songs for meditation or background.
The songs are melodic, but since they are light on substance they really
aren't right for attentive listening…unless you are trying to learn about
Native American flutes.
-- Grog Mutant (2008)
Within Chaos - Virulent - CD
(Koch Records)
I'm not sure what I'm hearing on this Death Metal release. Something like
Cookie Monster want cookie. Cookie Monster have constipation. Cookie Monster
want to die. And I believe Cookie Monster want to make fuck.
-- Mite Mutant (2007)
Gretchen Witt - Six - CD
(Gretchen Witt)
I hear a more than a hint of Natalie Merchant in Gretchen's
voice, which a big plus in my book. Her music falls along the mellow side
of Natalie Merchant, Sarah McLachlan and others of their ilk.
Her second song "Sunday Night" was excellent with its playful rendition
of an alternate retelling of the Cinderella story. Not to be overshadowed
by her wonderful writing and singing skills is her piano playing which really
holds all of the songs together. The only thing I don't like about this
release is that Gretchen's voice tends to stay too much at the lower
end of the female register. I know it's a minor point, but after a while
I found myself wanting some soprano register vocals. Other than that this
was a very pleasantly surprising release.
-- Grog Mutant (2007)
Wolfpac - Evil is. - CD
(Megaforce Records) I was actually enjoying this rap/rock release. With
killer scratching and sound bites mixed into the regular rap/rock grooves
was pretty cool. However they decided to degenerate into the same old rap
poser mode as they threw around cuss words and macho maleness like ten-year-old
boys. Too bad these guys aren't secure enough in their musicianship that
they have to resort to downplaying their music with crap lyrics.
-- Mite Mutant (2001)
Rufus Wonder - The Radiant One - CD
(Creativity
In Music) Rufus is knocking out some old school '80s R&B on this
CD. The mellow ass beats, deep guest vocals, and the groove of the tunes
are sure to make the ladies weak at the knees. Rufus even includes
an instrumental version of the title track, so you can sing the song to
your baby yourself and to make her swoon.
-- Nunchuka' Muthafuka' (2006)
Rufus Wonder - Tell Me So - CD
(Creativity
In Music) One of the oddest recordings I've listened to in a while.
The disc has six tracks with the copyright dates of 1967 & 2001, and a release
date of 2004. It seems that Mr. Wonder was a soul artist back in
the late 60's and played a classic soul festival in 2004 for which this
release was produced. The first four tracks were recorded in 2001 and are
fairly sterile sounding with primarily vocals, keyboards and a drum machine.
The lyrics are decent and seductive in a Barry White type of was,
but the vocals are lacking that excellent baritone. The last two tracks
are from 1967 and are pure 60's soul. Full of horns, bass groove, melodic
vocals, doo-wop girls, driving drums and a guitar holding it together. You
can jump right into the groove and feel the soul wash over you.
-- Grog Mutant (2006)
Wonder, Stevie - Fulfillingness' First Fianle - CD
(Motown / Universal
Records) (re-released 2000 ) Yup,
another Stevie Wonder review. This one was originally released in
1974. This release is full of great tunes, and not really being a hard core
Stevie fan, they are all new to me. The songs have a Steely Dan feel
about them. Paul Anka makes an appearance on the tune "Heaven is
10 Zillion Light Years Away" and The Jackson 5 do backing vocals
on "You Haven't Done Nothin'". Conclusion: Double thumbs up.
-- Mite Mutant (2001)
Stevie Wonder - Innervisions - CD
(Motown / Universal
Records) (re-released 2000 ) A rerelease
of Stevie Wonder's classic 1973 release. The primary reasons I wanted
this release were for the original version of "Higher Ground" and because
I don't have any Wonder in my collection. This album is a perfect example
of Stevie's sound and ability. The songs just flow together with rhythm
and style mixing funky blues and jazz together with soul into something
else entirely.
-- Grog Mutant (2001)
Stevie Wonder - Music of My Mind (1972) - Hotter Than July (1980) -
CD
Motown / Universal Records)
(re-released 2000 ) What can I say about Stevie Wonder?!
I have been so much IN LOVE with his music for years now. He is truly an
unparalleled prodigy with an astounding vocal range and musical abilities
that are nothing to sneeze at. He's just a smooth operator. On all of his
albums since the 70's (as far as I know), he has single-handedly written,
produced and arranged his records. His insistence on independence is inspiring,
even more so because he is blind.
Stevie has sincere Spiritual integrity and expresses his beliefs
through his songs. He also has a big heart and writes about his love for
people in general and also women specifically. Between these two albums
Stevie touches on so many different styles which attests to his versatility
and love for variety. Bouncing from Soul, Gospel, R & B, Reggae,
Fuck, Disco and all the way to Country, Stevie "wonderfully"
conveys his mood and the "music of his mind".
-- Tom CoreKill (2001)
Wonderbelly - The Away Team is Dead - CD
(Soundwerks Records) "In Review"
-- (2008)
Jen Wood - This Uncontainable Light - CD
(Tree Records)
Jen is the front of an acoustic three piece who brings to mind Lisa Loeb
or a slightly more upbeat Juliana Hatfield. The songs are light,
but involving and flow really well. This is some of the best acousticly
based alternative I've heard since the last release by local greats Shrug.
I'd like to hear way more than just a four song EP in the future.
-- Grog Mutant (2001)
Matt Woods - Something Surreal - CD
(Severe Records)
Image Barenaked Ladies doing simple acoustic rock songs and you would
have a good idea of what the songs on this release by Matt Woods
sounds like. The music is catchy, the lyrics are intelligent and the vocals
are great. While every song is wonderful, my favorites are “Gone” and “Dream”.
I have to say that you rarely find a release of this caliber on an indie
record label. This release is definitely worth checking out.
-- Mite Mutant (2007)
Cindy Woolf - Simple And Few - CD
(May Apple Records)
Cindy Woolf is a great progressive bluegrass/ singer/songwriter folk
artist. Track 2 "Told Them All About You" reminded me of when I was little.
My grandmother used to live above a music store and every Friday night they
would have "Bluegrass Jams." This is something that I would have heard back
then.
Woolf is in a different time period, a better time period. I would not dare classify her as country because of what that style has come to mean. This sounds like it is from back when country was good, when Loretta Lynn and Patsy Cline were the top female country artists. However, she still manages to make it contemporary.
If you have any appreciation for bluegrass and folk hurry up and buy this
album.
-- Simi Mutant (2006)
The Working Poor - New Wealth - CD
(Rickety Records) This Pittsburgh based
band has an urban folk style that I really like in many of the songs. The
second rate vocals and inappropriate harmonizing coupled with the feeble
attempt at lyrical wit and humor ruined it for me though. I also found that
parts of the rhythm of the music in combination of the rhythm of the vocals
was anything but synchronic. In other words, The Working Poor "New
Wealth" is a mediocre release that I could do without.
-- Lola (2006)
World Leader Pretend - Fit for Faded - CD
(Renaissance
Records) This is a very interesting disc. The first song, "Panic
Button", threw me off a bit with their heavy distorted choruses (ala Sonic
Youth) and I was thinking the band could go one of two ways. It could
either be the setup song for a typical alternative band or the start of
a great release. Luckily it was the latter. Each of their songs fit in with
each other, but have enough individuality to keep my interest. Their third
track "Your Tax Dollars at Work" makes me think of later period U-2
due to the vocal sound, but also the expance of sound backing up the vocals.
At times they make me think of Blur or even Sugar. Then there's
"Shape-Shifter" which sounds like the Pixies. It was also nice to
hear the addition of hors on the last song, "Theme" which gave it a flavour
of their hometown, New Orleans. The more I listen to this release the more
I like it due to the mood variations which they can create. It really makes
me wonder why there are so many sound alike bands on the radio when I have
been reviewing great releases like this all year. Do your ears a favor and
seek out WLP.
-- Grog Mutant (2003)
Worried Minds - Buddy Can You Paradigm? - CD
(Worried Minds)
Not too bad…except for the vocals. Eghad. It sounds like some bum off the
street who has been drinking himself to death. The music is decent at least
with some great slide guitar on a few tracks and nicely structured throughout,
as well as catchy. If you ignore the vocals you can hear common roots of
Bare Naked Ladies in their songs.
-- Grog Mutant (2007)
Worst Case Ontario - Burning Politely - CD
(WCO) "In
Review"
-- (2008)
Written in the Sand - 47 Ursae Majoris - CD
(Johann's Face Records)
Why God, Why??? This is so bad and annoying that it's almost unspeakable.
Constant 80ish keyboards which is bad enough, but the inane lyrics really
put it over the top. It sounds like some frat boys with slight musical ability
jumped drunkenly onstage after slipping some girls some ruffies and took
to trying to be clever.
-- Grog Mutant (2003)
Robert Wuagneux - Always Chapter 1 - CD
(1-U) "In
Review"
-- Sitcom Serf (2007)
The Wunder Years - - CD
I've heard of these guys before and was looking forward to this, but I am
now a bit disappointed. Half the songs sound like slow cheesy late period
Clash rip offs. The other half are good fast paced punk-pop with
some emo leanings. I don't know what to think...maybe I'll just burn half
this CD.
-- Grog Mutant (2001)