|
|
|
Artists! Submit your material for consideration for review! Send your press kits and CDs to:
Music Monthly
2807 Goodwood Road
Balto., MD 21214
Phone: 410-254-6400
Fax:
musicmonthly@comcast.net
various
Skitzo Calypso: “13” (Bi-Polar Records)
Look out, because Skitzo Caypso is back again, stronger than ever, with their unprecedented new album, “13”. Never mind that they’ve been churning out records for the better part of a decade!
This is yet another reinvention of the band, which now includes Gary Gatto, Brad Cox, and Teresa Hayden (a cool chick who is in the fold). The Holmes boys (Brian &, Gary) also join the festivities. Don’t blink, because you just might miss a minute of the maniacal madness that is contained within this stellar compact disc on the Bi-Polar label out of Bel Air, Maryland. “Eyez”, “Black Fly”, “Stignation”, “Blinds”, and “Remember?” all blast through the speakers in blitzkrieg fashion. And before you can catch your short-and-sweet breath, renditions like “Helpless, My Goddess”, and “The Day Is Dead” swoop in for the kill. Don’t even try to dry your eyes as they water to the likes of “Spiderfinger” and “Shooting Down On America”, because, by then, it’s too friggin’ late! By then, Dave Pace and Doug Milton have already co-conspired with band manager Brad Cox to cook up a concoction of cool tunes that make Skitzo Calypso one of the premier bands that deserves to be heard in the Mid-Atlantic region Trust me when I tell you (as the band does), that “Angels Have No Limits”, and “The Things I Could Never Change” round out the CD in convincing fashion. Are you ready for one of the most convincing bands to come along in a long time? Answer me “yes” if you feel that way! Answer me “yes” if you feel that good! -Mark Bounds
CommonbonD
Chasing Solace (Independent)
It can be tough to make a real impression in the world of folk rock. The genre sticks by a formula that has always worked and very rarely deviates from it. Good musicianship and songwriting are what distinguish folk rock artists and separate them from the pack. That’s why DC’s own female folk rock duo, CommonbonD, has enjoyed over 10 years of success. They deliver catchy music, backed with poignant lyrics to create a great little musical package. On their latest release, Chasing Solace, Mary Beth de Pompa and Ashley Miller showcase their obvious talent with 12 songs about life and love. Listeners will find that CommonbonD manages to create a distinct sound while still capturing the spirit of the Indigo Girls early folk work. The album starts with “Make Me Lemonade.” This song about optimism in the face of adversity gets the album off to an upbeat start that is sustained until the haunting and beautiful fourth track, “The Angels Dance.” This song tells the tale of a woman who has grown weary of life, but still has potential and a spark left inside her. As you listen to the rest of the album, you will find that the brightest moments tend to be the quiet ones. While these quiet songs tend to be simple in structure, their true strength lies in their ability to capture the emotions of the moment. An excellent example of this is the lovely “Always Be Mine.” It’s a simple love ballad, but you can really feel the emotion behind Ashley’s singing and are drawn into the song.
Another standout track on Chasing Solace is “For You, Kristy.” With this song, Mary Beth describes the emotions of having a close personal friend fighting a terminal illness. Anyone who has ever been in a similar situation will immediately recognize what she describes so simply but eloquently. In a time when female artists are starting to get the full attention and respect they deserve in the music industry, CommonbonD flexes their own musical muscle. While Chasing Solace is an impressive collection of individual songs, as a whole it may be just what Mary Beth and Ashley need to garner the larger audience they deserve. -Greg Yost
The Swiv-O-Matics
Charm City Surfer (Bad Go Getter Records)
The second number written for the third Swivomatics release was dubbed, turbulent early 2003 season’s bitter taste still in mouth, “Swiv Winter”. There was no getting your Swerv on this year, which held right on through Spring. And while most of the titles of the 14 instrumentals were seemingly arbitrary - nonsequiturs not necessarily apropos of the music they claim - “Swiv Winter” is appropriately evocative in its portentousness–hint of tension inherent. But, as the weather finally breaks here around Memorial Day, we break out the woody, in hibernation (much like the heat misers among us) since Halloween, in search of the best breaks of them all. Boards out the back, wagon aimed at Ocean Gateway, and the new Swivomatics in the sound system. This is true beach-bound tunage. Where Baltimore’s instro trio flirted - okay, heavy petted - with classic surf on the first two releases, they now dive right in and become true Charm City surfers. This is a long awaited return to innocence. We’re gonna have a surfin hootenanny! Cowabunga! Riding in a mere year after the sophomore release, and recorded once again at Invisible Sound with Dave Nachodsky, these 14 groundswells the Swivs produced quickly as a collective. Previously one or two members received songwriting credit. Although a classic critical cliche “the first song sets the tone” with prototype Ventures style surf. It’s the title track, of course. The next track reverts to familiar instro territory as the sole spy in the house of Swiv, but track three throws a curve (curl)? with a main riff satisfyingly warm as to exist on the same stretch of coast line as the Ocean Blue; following is a delicate one from the same Mellow Beach, like floating on your surf board at sunset, and a fine fade to match. Track five features the August Rickenbacker, fuzz tastefully subtle. Track ten adds another atmospheric touch, a slightly different dynamic via piano. “Journey to the Center of the Drawer” closes, “A Mind Expanding Romp Through the Drawers of Perception” the liner notes. With its 96 Tears organ and voice samples like ground control to Major Tom, it’s not just a romp, it’s a full on rave up. -Stone Scruggs
Oktbrwrld
It’s All About the Band (Independent)
If there’s one word that describes the third release from Oktbrwrld (pronounced October World), it’s “versatile”. Their string-laden grooves move seamlessly from Soul to Blues to Funk Rock. Add a light sprinkle of Go-Go and some jazzy underscores, garnish with some a cappella, and you’ve got a tasty musical dish. Oktbrwrld has an edgy, eclectic style that surpasses today’s synthetic R&B. Everyone lends vocals in this co-ed outfit, complementing Nina Lane’s sassy lead. The whole band gets sensual on “He’s So Fine”, with Adwoa Spencer and Elnathan Starnes exchanging poetry about the essence of attraction. They turn jazzy on “I Play the Game”, led by a chatty guitar. On “Sexxy”, Lane purrs with female bravada over drops of guitar wah-wahs. After the cheery ballad “Let Heaven Be”, the band rocks out with “Whole Lotta S@*!”, borrowing a page from Guns ‘N’ Roses’s “Welcome to the Jungle”. It’s All About the Band is a thoroughly satisfying project from a new generation of soul funkateers. If imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, then Mother’s Finest, Prince, Meshell Ndegéocello, and perhaps, The Brand New Heavies, should all be blushing. -Celeste Dawn Mitchel
Tom Forsey
To the Core (4C Records)
With a tip of the untouched razor to Clapton and the Allman Brothers, Tom Forsey launches To the Core begging us to spare him a little sympathy. I’ll oblige.
With sensitive, almost unbelievably raspy vocals and a power blues/classic rock band of players behind him, Forsey croons, belts, and bangs his way into your living room with this eleven song offering of retro blues/rock. I’m ready to sit back, close my eyes and pretend that this album came out in 1976. Don’t know where that puts it in today¹s vomitorium of what’s hip, but it sure is authentic. Lemme talk about it... As I said, the first track, “Spare a Little Sympathy” is as good as any opener and sets the stage for what’s to come with clean production and strong musicianship. Next is “Off and Running”, a tender ballad about coming of age, nicely instrumented as well. Tom lists Bryan Adams as one of his inspirations and it¹s never more evident than in “Glad With You”, a tongue-in-cheek rocker dedicated to a seemingly newly successful backwards hick. Mixed messages convey how many of us feel about other people¹s happiness. After about the fourth track, things get a little sleepy but still nice songs well-played. Messages seem to come mostly from the heart, as in “Pray For the Fields”, a lament for a lost childhood playing ground, and “Lucky to Be”, the plodding closer with the Buddhist twist. I’m diggin’ the vibe here for the most part. Now for my druthers...”Then I Knew”, a careful love song dedicated to the missus is as personal as it is self-indulgent and sluggish. God knows we’ve all gone to that peak and thrown ourselves into the abyss if we’ve loved and lived to write songs about it, but a few minutes shyer of 6:46 would ease us armchair romancers back into the comfort zone when crossing it in a public collection such as this. “Beltway Blues” is clever, uptempo, and (duh) bluesy but just gives me anxiety. If I were listening to this while stuck in traffic I’m not sure that it wouldn¹t induce panic or bring out the road rage dragon lying dormant in me up to now. Think James Taylor’s “Damn This Traffic Jam”, but somehow not as effective. Forsey’s artwork is slick and big time lookin’ - a six-page booklet included in digipakaging rife with photos of the artist hangin’ out in rustic surroundings – I’m led to believe that Tom spends a lot of time in deep thought as he feeds the chickens and walks into town for supplies, and the lyrics do not vary from that image. This artist appears to be easing into his present while paying tribute to a lot of his past worth holding onto. If I could “Forsey” the future, I’d say that Tom is in it for the long tractor haul. Ooh, that’s enough, Austin... -Kyf Brewer
Various Artists
Baltimore On Tap (Independent )
As anyone who hangs in the dusty, dank dives of Fell’s Point knows, mixed in with the spilled beer, stale retread conversation and quaint architecture, is the music, specifically the blues. I feel that music is the foundation of life. The blues embodies the heartache that comes to us after the highs and makes us long to take chances with our heart (sometimes foolishly) again and again. As such it is one of the most important genres of music. Rudy Strukoff, ringleader of the Rude Dog Revue, has put together a compilation CD that highlights some of the best blues players on the scene. A dozen contemporary and standard tunes (with a hidden track for the avid listener) to sooth the savage beast in all of us. This is a great CD to throw on the player on a rainy dreary day (or one of those lonely nights when you are missing the touch of someone special). The players are too numerous to mention all of them, but some of the more notable ones are (in no particular order): Automatic Slim, Jimmi Sexton, Keenan Wells, John Thomakos, the Rude Dog himself, P. J. Ellis, Dave Evans, Ursula Ricks, Detroit Slim, Todd Miller and Larry Dennis. A little something for everybody. If you can’t find something on this CD you like, ‘you just don’t have no soul, baby!’ Several of these tunes stand out, but on first listen the one that stuck in my brain was “Love’s In Vain” by the aforementioned Keenan Wells. This track is simply outstanding in all respects. Keenan takes the honors on vocals and guitar. Bill Watson is on sax, White Lightning Hopkins on bass (don’t you just love these blues handles?), and the ever-in-demand John Thomakos on drums. This song is as smooth as Johnny Walker Red. The slide guitar intro that runs into the sax and then the wailing guitar makes me think of one of those old gumshoe movies—film noir, all rainy and dark; sexy, sultry women; murder and the evil that lurks in the hearts of men. Whew! Someone get Sam Spade on the phone. “Charm City Swing” is a blues tune in the vein of the old Delta blues. You picture that old grizzly blues man who has seen more pain and life than most, sittin’ on the porch in the middle of a blistering summer day with the faithful hound dog sitting by his feet. As the title implies this is a paean to the charms of this city., because if you do the “‘Charm City Swing’ you’ll soon be doing the thing”. And then the ladies do the dirty work and mop up (just like real life). The last legitimate track, “Born Under A Bad Sign”, features Ursula Ricks on a blistering vocal on this reworking of a classic Albert King tune. Todd Miller, one of the finest guitarists in Baltimore answers the searing vocals with his own scorching lead. After Ursula kicks your ass, be sure to leave the CD in the changer for a bonus, off-the-cuff version of the Rolling Stones “You Gotta Move”. And remember to do a shot of Old Grand Dad as a tribute to Keith and Mick, the one and only Glimmer Twins.
Nearly all of the players featured on this CD can be heard weekly somewhere in the historic Fell’s Point conglomerate of hole-in-the-wall bars, each serving the blues with their own flavor. And beyond the fine players on this CD, there are many others that can salve the wound and cry in that beer with you. So, come on out into the scary darkness and get your mojo working, baby. -Kat Dickinson
Sherpas
Honor Among Thieves (Point Clear Records)
What do you get when you put three eminent well-respected singer-songwriters together? The listener receives a well-crafted CD of uplifting songs with plenty of hooks and strong lyrics. The name of the trio is especially fitting since Sherpas are actually a group of Himalayans who live in Nepal and Sikkim and are considered experts in guiding travelers on mountain expeditions. Although none of the three musicians hail from that region, they do provide a wonderful guidance through life’s paths and journeys through the tunes they play. The players who comprise Sherpas are Tom Kimmel, Michael Lille and Tom Prasada-Rao. All three are familiar names in the local music scene. Tom Kimmel has written songs recorded by Linda Ronstadt, among others. Michael Lille plays frequently on his own as well as being a member of SGG & L. Tom Prasada-Rao has guested on many a musician’s album. Even though they’ve known each other for some time now, this is their first collaborative effort. It kicks off with the title song “Honor Among Thieves”. Acoustic guitars and a rhythmic funky vibe courtesy of drum loops provide the backbone of this bouncing tune. The lyrics speak of both Jesus and Buddha being serious about their beliefs although things aren’t always so straightforward. Sometimes you have to roll with the punches and see what life has dealt you. A jazzy guitar break makes the song a very apt opener. On the topic of religion, “Jesus, Chicks And Politics” provides a light-hearted look at the usage of certain images such as women and beliefs that are used by the politicians to curry favors and win votes. It points out that the candidates will stop at nothing to get what they want including appearing on Larry King and supporting the NRA. Subtle wah-wah guitar hovers in the background with some nice acoustic licks thrown in there as well. The spiritual side of life manifests itself on “Gitanjal”, one of the CD’s loveliest songs. Tabla and tambora help set the scene for this litany of salvation. It has a very light, almost ethereal sound that conjures up thoughts of perhaps India or the Orient. The haunting melody lodges firmly in your brain and it truly soothes the soul. It is a great song to decompress the day’s ills!
For those who prefer a little more pop and romance in their listening pleasures, Sherpas provide that as well in the form of “ On To Something”. A great Beatley melody envelops the words of positivity about a relationship. Chunky guitar and delightful harmonies push this beyond the typical pop tune. Again, another hummable memory is created!
There are also a few songs on here that have been performed by SGG & L live. “Lefty’s Boys” and “One Heart”. Both versions are done well and it’s always good to hear these favorites again. Finally, “Angels” may express the greatest affirmation of love yet. The thought of a love so powerful that angels bless the union is a strong one indeed. With both piano and guitar working and in hand to back up the vocals, this song has a gospel feel to it that makes it hard to resist.
With all the angst and anger pervading so many popular songs today, it’s refreshing to hear a CD that provides inspiration and hope without resorting to preaching. Besides that, you can’t find fault with sparkling melodies, great singing and sympathetic backing. Sherpas has given each one of us musical travelers a truly enlightening, wondrous experience! -Karen Liebowitz
Pro-Shoppe
Erry Day Paper Work Records
Erry Day by the Washington D.C. bred Pro-Shoppe, gives you 15 tracks that make you feel like you stepped on the hip hop scene in 1995. By that I mean it brings back the originality of hip hop. You don’t hear a lot of stuff that sounds like this today. Erry Day touches on various issues, such as being a father to your child and the drama brought about from the events of September the 11th. This CD is one that not only allows you to chill out, but also makes you think. It really doesn’t have any party tracks, but Pro-Shoppe found another way to get the point across that they are some of Chocolate City’s hottest MCs. They have cool lyrics over tight beats, but they are also walking a fine line where the beats are tighter than the lyrics. Also, the issue of the drug game was becoming redundant. Please don’t misunderstand that comment, because I like the tracks on this album. Although, if more of the overall choral sounded like the clever lyrical play on track #12 - Craka Zulu this CD would be blazing, just listen to this: You act hot in this cold world thats my belief that you (will) melt to the point where Jesus won’t pick up the pieces, so may God bless you like 105,000 sneezes.
Overall, this CD is really good, but it’s mediocre compared to the potential that this group really has to shine. If they sharpen up their lyrics and delivery to go along with the banging beats they have, they could become Chocolate City’s finest. -Tiffany Hamilton
Ballurio
In The Machine (Independent)
This CD is presented in a very professional manner, much more than lots of demo CD’s that come my way. Recorded at Lake Jackson Studio in Virginia and mastered at Cue Recordings, the sound on this disc is good. The artwork is cool and the music is excellent. I often wonder why I never hear of many of the bands that we review, and then remember, duh, there’s like a thousand bands out there just in the Mid-Atlantic scene which makes it hard to keep up sometimes. The all-instrumental sound on In The Machine, to me, relates closely to a Fates Warning meets Yngwie Malmsteen style that deciphers modern metal guitar with deep grooves and mind-twisting madness. The music is not new, it’s not the future of rock music, but it speaks to a crowd of listeners that appreciates what a talented musician can do to use his instrument to convey his innermost thoughts and desires. I looked through the insert and on the website for band information, when I realized that there is no band. The band is Balluiro (I even think his first name is Keith). It does not seem this guy has a band. It does not seem this guy plays live shows. The only thing I can be sure of is that the man has a great mind for music and just wants to share what he hears and interprets into melodic metal guitar. The only disappointment to me is that the songs on the disc all melt together. I don’t think it is a concept instrumental album, but I certainly would have liked to have heard a little bit of diversity in the songwriting. But hey, the man did it all! What else can I expect? -Dave Roberts
Lowell
The Ten Houses and the Falling Leaves (Independent)
It’s easy to cringe when you hear the term “college band.” Those two words conjure up images of rock star dreams and bad cover songs. Luckily, there are great bands throughout the college towns of America that produce high-quality original music and Lowell is one of them. On their full-length debut, The Ten Houses and the Falling Leaves, Lowell showcases their indie chops and their ability to write dark but memorable rock music. Borrowing a page from the Superchunk guide to songwriting, Lowell’s sound is based on the driving guitar work of Gregory Rago and Michael Nestor. Michael Cichocki on bass and Chris Shelley on percussion serve as the solid and steady rhythm section that rounds out the line-up for the band. Songs like “The Days Run Away Like Wild Horses Over the Hills” and “The Big Chill :: My Postmodernist Dilemma” are representative of the overall sound of the album. While individual tracks may not stand out on their own, the collective work of The Ten Houses and the Falling Leaves is very impressive. Having mastered the concept that you must have a long and unrelated song title to make it in the world of indie music, Lowell also shows that they have also mastered their own sound and playing as a unit to produce that sound. A big part of Lowell’s sound is the use of dynamics to help add expression to the music. Throughout the 12 songs on The Ten Houses and the Falling Leaves, the band proves that it can build a sonic landscape that can lull you into quiet places before soaring you to varying heights. The subtle nuances of dynamic control are what take a seemingly ordinary song and make it a truly memorable listening experience. While Lowell may not present the listener with anything groundbreaking, they have managed to put together an album that shows a musical maturity beyond their years. One listen to The Ten Houses and the Falling Leaves and you will understand. -Greg Yost
Slum Bum Ent.
ILL Pharmasutikillz (Slum Bum Ent.)
Baltimore has a large underground community making noise; and soon New York and Los Angeles will be forced to give respect where respect is due. The guys from Slum Bum Entertainment are looking to take that respect with this new release. This project features something for everybody–ranging from bangers for the hardheads to songs that the ladies would enjoy.
Three standout tracks on this album are “Murdergram”, “X-clusive”, and “Got a Thang”. These songs offer street lyrics with a different flavor.
If you are looking for the usual Gangsta/Thug talk, then you are looking in the right place. The beats used in this release are very different from the music that you hear on everyday radio. Slum Bum has a knack for switching up their style between old school soul music mixed with raw street lyrics. Another highlight is the album cover artwork, done by Heavy Hand Productions. The cover art really fits with what these artists are expressing. You can hear their songs on local underground radio and other compilations. If you get a chance, get your own dose of the Ill Pharmasutikillz . -Sidney Wade