He can schedule but why can't he attend?

Black Crowes
A band that I can truly love or hate and it depends where they are in life. Truly talented brothers who have always managed to surround themselves with great musicians. There is something about this disc that finds them in fine form. Do not know if it was because of Levon Helm, or taking these new songs and recording them in a live one take session. Whatever it is it seems to have truly invigorated a band that truthfully has mailed it in the past and could have continued to do so. What the Crowes have given us is a cd that shows off their influences of the Stones and a new dash of The Band while maintaining their soul. They then surround themselves with some excellent guitar trade offs between Robinson and Dickson and make sure the drums, mandolin, violin and keyboard all take there time to shine. They where always a bit of a jam band but here they seemed focused. My only concern is at a double cd too long. As a single cd this may have become a classic. But that being said, there really isn’t a bad song on either disc; they have created probably one of the best alt country cd’s in a while. (Wilco fans please take notice what can happen when you get out of the studio what greatness can happen) Somehow these guys are relevant again 3.5

Cocktail Slippers
Go Go’s, Voice of Beehive hybrid with a garage rock sound. Fun catchy pop tunes thankfully supported with short guitar riffs. Add a bit of organ and you get some catchy tunes. Some bubble gum can be found throughout but that just adds to this cd’s charm. Love the continuation of the death becomes a love story tradition of the title track. Some songs at the end do not hold up as well those in the beginning, but that may be more due to the strength of the tunes found at the beginng rather than weaknesses found with the latter 3.5


Pete Yorn
Wanted: Underground artist with enough critical clout to be considered cool. I am a part time singer looking for someone to give me indie singer credentials. My resume includes a once off attempt at singing another famous underground performers songs, so there is no need to worry about my baggage interrupting your songs. More than happy to just take your songs and add a bit of background and possible lead in a few songs. Prefer lofi pop stylings with strong production in order to cover my limitations as a singer, so no need to worry about me over singing you. Tried massed produced electronic stylings in past so would prefer more of a low-key guitar based this time out. In return you will get some needed exposure to your under appreciated tunes and a hot chick for your cd cover. 2.5 (which is what I would have given any of Pete Yorn cd, which this disc truly is, had we reviewed them before this one)

Sugar
One of those cd’s I have had in my collection that I really do not listen to that often. When presented was left with the question why is that. Strong pop sense with some excellent guitar work. Clearly the best thing Bob Mould has done since leaving Husker Du. Hoover Damn is a song that sticks in your brain for a long time after listening, and it isn’t the only one that does that. There are some songs that at times are a bit repetitive in sound but not necessarily in a bad way. A solid pop cd that made for a nice return, I will be curious if it takes this long to listen to it again. (although Grant Harts new cd is really good too.)3.0

The Who
A Who cd that I have not heard in its entirety before. Yes I had heard most of it before, and my only reason for not reaching the conclusion is possible never getting up to flip the record over as the more popular songs are on the first side. That being said was happy to revisit. Townsend in fine form. Showing when he wasn’t trying to right the next great musical he really had some great lyrics in him. His guitar playing is also in fine form taking the lead more than relying on just a strong rhythm style. And truly Daltry probably had the strongest rock voice in music history and it shows here as he sings. And Entwhistles bass runs in Dreaming are electric. A forgotten gem gladly revisited. This is another attempt of a member pulling a Mongillo. I am just happy that the cd’s of mine that are in the top ten are not considered classics before they were submitted. 3.5 (would have been a 4 but ruined by the bonus tracks which should never be included in a submission to the group)

Dada
One late night driving home I heard this great tune called Here Today Gone Tomorrow. It was the second single off their debut cd and I was hooked. The next day I ran out bought the disc, and it has been on my desert island list ever since. They are one of those bands that never seem to disappoint me. Yes some of their cd’s are not packed with as many great songs as Puzzle, but they are always quite good. They write great riffs with intelligent life stories (although some may same influenced but not a bad thing) with two really good lead singers who harmonize really well. Michael Gurley plays a great guitar and comes up with a truly big sound and great riffs. It’s unfortunate that he is now limited due to carpal tunnel syndrome. Will see them play any chance I get. Seen in big halls, small bars and on a cruise around lake Minnetonka, and they were always great, even if Gurley needed to ice his arm down after every other song. Just another of my bands that always ends up on my play list sooner or later.




1) You have the chance to see one living band that you haven't yet seen. Who is the band, (remember living, but reunions count), how far are you willing to travel, and how much will you pay? Manic Street Preachers. New York to Boston and I am there. Somewhere warm, then possible vacation

2) Who is the one artist(s) that you always wanted to see but for whatever reason something always gets in the way? Do you still want to see them? Drive By Truckers. The amount of times these guys have played these parts and every single time I can’t go. Still waiting to see what blocks me next.

3) What about concerts that you have recently been to have changed? Is it for the better or for worse? What is it that you miss the most about concerts? They are to clean. It’s not like the venues are any better but for some reason they just seem cleaner. I want Frisbees, beach balls, firecrackers, someone behind me sparking a joint and smuggling a deerskin flask full of some cheap ass liquor. Yes the smoky haze smelled like shit, but it some how added to the whole experience.

4) Which is the better piece of music, the one that is in your must play list, or the one you know is a great cd, has great reviews, but rarely gets played by you? Why? And does this effect how you review cd's? This question came about because of the rating I have given Let it Bleed at last meeting. But since I own no Rolling Stone records and have no desire to buy or even play one the review I gave it seem appropriate. If a disc isn’t worthy enough for me to continually want to play it then it deserves a lower rating to ones that I do. I can recognize the talent and understand its importance, but if it’s not on my internal play list it will never score higher than a 3/3.5 until it does.