Archive for July, 2009

[Punk/Ska, Rock] from Nylon Records

About Love

Plastiscines

review by bbarratt
Friday, July 31st, 2009

This is a band from France made up of Katty Besnard (vocals), Marine Neuilly (guitar), Anais Vandervyvere (drums) and Louise Basilien (bass). They play punk rock with a hint of garage and only a dash of pop. Most songs have a 70s punk feel ala Iggy And The Stooges. Tracks 4, 9 and 12 are in their native French.  My picks for tracks would be I Could Rob You, Barcelona (feels like a cross between The Stooges and Killers to me), Camera (in their native French but it has a rapid-fire delivery and some seriously sharp bass) and I Am Down (has a somber feel to it).

The music is fun, catchy and certainly listenable with a gritty edge. Vocals can be a bit high at times but bass, guitar and drums are all tight. Rock DJs might also want to check out this CD as well. Check it out.

FCC: 3
Recommended Tracks: 1,2,4,7
RIYL: The Stooges, The Killers, X

[Punk/Ska] from S-Curve Records

Get Over It!

Care Bears On Fire

review by bbarratt
Friday, July 31st, 2009

Care Bears On Fire are described as a pop-punk and the band is headed by Sophie (guitar and lead vocals), Izzy (drums and backing vocals) and Jena (bass and backing vocals). The music is sugary pop-punk with a good dose of the Go-Gos meets The Donnas. Vocals are somewhat cloying but otherwise, the drums and bass are right where they should be for the style. The tracks I like most are Superteen (which has a bit of a Ramones feel to it), Barbie Eat A Sandwich (has a decent pause between drums and bass a la The Donnas) and Gym Class Haze (again, a decent Ramones-like feel).

If you can get past the fun name and silly lyrics, you’ve got an interesting album from a band that obvious has decent influences. Again, the vocals might need a bit of work but if they stick around long enough, they could enjoy a bit of success. After all, music is supposed to be fun and this certainly isn’t rocket science. Check it out.

FCC: None
Recommended Tracks: 2,4,7
RIYL: Go-Gos, Donnas, Ramones, Lunachicks

[Jazz] from Alligator

Raisin A Ruckus

Roomful Of Blues

review by LJPalardy
Thursday, July 30th, 2009

Long-running octet on variety of uptempo fun blues, swing with brass.

[Jazz] from Alligator

Low On Cash, Rich On Love

Eric Lindell

review by LJPalardy
Thursday, July 30th, 2009

Guitarist, singer-songwriter on a mix of blues that Asbury Park sound from the 70’s, 80’s ala Bruuuuuce and others.

[Jazz] from

New York Daze and Knight

Herb Harris

review by LJPalardy
Thursday, July 30th, 2009

1992 recording by tenor saxophonist and rhythm section on postbop originals.

[Jazz] from Drip Audio

The Furniture Moves Underneath

Inhabitants

review by LJPalardy
Thursday, July 30th, 2009

Quartet-guitar, trumpet, bass, drums on artprogrockavantjazz with some heavy dirges and three quieter floating melodic pieces sounding like Bill Frisell/Ron Miles collaborations.

[Jazz] from Drip Audio

Release The Saviours

Fond Of Tigers

review by LJPalardy
Thursday, July 30th, 2009

Septet of Vancoverites on Avant jazz-prog rock. Frenetic at times, walls of sound w/weaving lines. A few ambient quiet moments.

[Jazz] from Delmark

Black Unstoppable

Nicole Mitchell\'s Black Earth Ensemble

review by LJPalardy
Thursday, July 30th, 2009

Chicago based AACM member, flutist, leader, composer leads group on originals that encompass blues, avant garde, R&B, modal and postbop. Exciting arrangements, inspired playing.

[Jazz] from Delmark

Live @ Green Mill

Ari Brown

review by LJPalardy
Thursday, July 30th, 2009

A lesser-known saxophonist from Chicago leads small groups in passionate extended originals. Nice work on ballads, solo development by veteran.

[Jazz] from Drip Audio

Pearls Before Swine

Tony Wilson 6Tet

review by LJPalardy
Thursday, July 30th, 2009

Guitarist leads modern creative group in tunes with many twists and turns, a Beatles and Monk cover. Very interesting.