DON"T PEAK- Ken's Reviews Early

Music Club
July 2006

Katrina & the Waves- Self Titled
Man was I ready to rip this disc a new one, but I can’t with a clear conscious. Yes the lyrics are pretty abysmal and “Walking on Sunshine” is goopy, but the music is fairly infectious. There ain’t no deep pathos here. Take away the Spanish titled number and “Mexico” and this isn’t that bad of a nostalgic disc, albeit obviously from the 80’s. Expected to chuck it and here I consider it a keeper. (3)

Bad Brains- I Against I
I have some bands that I love that I know are a tad repetitious, but this was freakin’ ridiculous. Liked nothing about it and can’t bear to waste more ink on it. (0)

Drive By Truckers- Blessing and a Curse
I am a fan of the Truckers since being introduced by Midwest Mike via the Noseforbeer conduit, but their latest leaves me empty. Gone is the guttural emotion of their delivery, the gritty noisy twang of over juiced guitars and their songs are missing the honest lyrical bite of the past. This is a more refined, sanded down DBT. Still better than most music out there it was disappointing that they seem to be losing the brutal, simple frankness I learned to love on their previous discs. Hopefully they’ll regain the roughneck sound I grew to love. Not bad but not as good as the past. (2.5)

Joy Zipper- Heartlight Set
There is something about this duo that truly grabs me. Maybe it’s the ethereal vocal duties alternating from male to female. It’s possibly the song structure and instrumentation creativity or that there is a melody in each song that catches you. It could also be that I was introduced to Joy Zipper through a commercial about soccer (“Go Tell the World”). Who the hell knows, but I really like this band and I like this disc. (4)

OceanColour Scene Ghits
Nothing bad on this compilation. This band has quite a big following in England and while I only own Mosely Shoals and a live bootleg. Every song I hear from this band becomes an instant fave. Good songs, melody with easy to learn words (listen to the live bootleg). Should fill in my weak collection. Everyone should make this a staple.

From Hate to Love
For the most part if I don’t like it now I’m probably not going to like it later. Usually the biggest shift is from disdain to tolerate. Below is the closest.

Country- I had no use for country based on what I saw on Hee Haw and such and before I actually listened to the music. God was I wrong. I learned there was Country and then there was crap. I have since been able to sift the good from the bad and “true” country has become one of my favorite styles to listen to.

From Love to Hate
This happens a bit more often with me.

Lenny Kravitz- Was a big Kravitz fan, saw him live, thought he was great. Then I noticed that his lyrics were lame and his riffs, while sometimes cool at first, were not lasting. He became more style than actual substance. Have since sold all his discs on E-bay.

John Cougar-Mellencamp- Ask Midwest Mike, like he, I was a big fan. Went to yukyukville to see him as well as NYC and Hartford. Played “Under the Boardwalk” for 3 hours straight at the Town House. Now I turn him off the minute I hear him.

Tom Petty- This is not a hate thang. It’s more like a “he’s ok” thang. I was big into Petty, but now his music all sounds the same. Couple of songs are still jewels; Mary Jane, Night Watchman, Refugee, Jammin’ Me and Don’t Come Around Here No More- but the rest – eh. I totally respect him and believes he deserves all the accolades he gets, I just choose not to listen to him.