Uber Reviews. What?

July 2010

Music Club

Cheap Trick- Dream Police

Cheap Trick is one of those bands that appeal to both sexes of the general masses while not being considered too soft by the critics. Why? Because of Zander's versatile voice and Nielsen's guitar chops.  Dream Police is a perfect representation of this broad appeal; straight forward rockers ("The House is a Rockin'), pop-rock (title track), syrupy rock ("Voices") and meatier, menacing rock ("Gonna Raise Hell" and "Need Your Love"). There is a slight aged feeling to the disc with their use of strings, echo and big drum sound but it doesn't damper the well written songs. Instead it makes them more endearing to us who listened during our HS freshmen. While Cheap Trick will never break barriers they have always put out pretty solid, hummable and accessible music. They deserve the accolades they are finally getting. (3.5)

Dirty Projectors- Bitte Orca

I would love to see the written scores to their songs. Lets start with a nice melodic acoustic guitar, go apeshit in another time signature, add a driving 4/4 riff and then end with some of Zappa's synclavier experiments. This is a challenging listen, but to me an enjoyable journey. Maybe it is more an appreciation of how difficult their music is.Normally one can give up on a song within a 30 second span but on Bitte Orca you can't do that because you'll miss the next nugget. There is musical brilliance throughout this disc provided you give it the chance. Look for a cover at your local bar....  (3.0)

Jesse Malin & the St. Marks Social- Love it to Life

Jesse Malin doesn't put out bad albums because basically they are all the same album with a different title and cover. Can't hate it. Will probably keep it. Just won't remember it. (3.0)

Dire Straits- Making Movies

This DYN reviewer considers this Dire Straits best. Knopfler's guitar work is fluid, the songs smart and the band extremely tight. The songs veer from quirky "Les Boys" to rock out "Solid Rock" to anthemic "Tunnel of Love". The songs have fantastic builds and though four crank in at over 5 minutes they hardly feel that long because of the strength of musicianship. Not a weak cut to be found. (5.0) 

Frank Zappa Ghits

In being a fan I would have hoped to hear a little from all his different phases- doo wop, heavy blues, synclavier (second mention in one meeting), symphonic, experimental, jazz.... etc. This disc was primarily a top 40 Zappa compilation but a pretty good one at that.

Topic

Last record store- Vintage Vinyl in St. Louis

Best one around- I would say Newberry Comics and I think only this type of shop can survive. It has everything for everyone. Plus pop culture and gag gifts. Radio is partly to blame with so little interesting music played on the airwaves as is Disney and Nickelodeon pop acts. American Idol ain't helping either. There are few nerds like the DYN crew so a real record store would never fly. Most people don't care about digging around and only want what is spewed at them incessantly.

Me Condescending! Y’all Retarded!

The Mong
Music Group Commentary
June 2010

Band of Horses – INFINITE ARMS – 4 Stars
There’s no arguing that this is a very pretty sounding record but it’s maddening that INFINITE ARMS never really gets out of second gear. To complain that something’s lacking in this sea of gorgeous vocal doublings, nearly hypnotic melodies, excellent lyrics, and seemingly effortless songwriting feels like a douche move, but I’m only compelled by the need to point out what this album could have been with just a few out-of-control barnburners. Sometimes you must let go of the attempt to control everything to master the medium and that’s my message to you, Band of Horses.

Cheap Trick – DREAM POLICE – 3 Stars
Not quite what I remember it to be or have built it up to be since hearing it (from start to finish) in middle school.

Dire Straits – MAKING MOVIES – 2 Stars
Making movies? More like watching TV reruns of a show you don’t like very much because there’s nothing else on.

The Dirty Projectors – BITTE ORCA – 5 Stars
Easily one of the most intriguing, complex, and enjoyable recordings I’ve heard in years. And this is considered their “accessible” album?! Maybe my fear that I actually have pedestrian taste is true and am therefore compelled to explore mastermind David Longstreth’s earlier efforts.

Jesse Malin & The St. Marks Social – LOVE IT TO LIFE – 4 Stars
A very disarming album. I can’t really define why with words but I’ll try: This album makes me feel like what I can only imagine people who love Bruce Springsteen feel like when they explain to me why he’s so disarming. And great.

G’Hits – Frank Zappa
I want to like it, I know I’m supposed to, but to me it all sounds like a cross between the pathetically over-exuberant original Saturday Night Live band, the background music from the old “Fat Albert” cartoons, and a coked-up Muppet jam session.

Alan’s Topic

From where (and when) did you buy your last CD/vinyl record?
Bought my last vinyl record from Amazon.com, today (I wrote this the day before our meeting). It was Superdrag’s IN THE VALLEY OF DYING STARS LP that I bought used. It’s way out of print and I finally found one for sale online that was in mint condition. Yes, it’s the little victories that make life worth living.

When was the last time you were in a 'record store'? Where (in what town) was it and what did you buy there?
Last time I was in a record store was this weekend. I went to Pure Tone Audio in Litchfield and traded some records I decided to part with for a vinyl reissue of the Beastie Boys ILL COMMUNICATION. I highly recommend visiting Pure Tone Audio this summer. Cutting from Thomaston off Route 8 over to Litchfield is a sweet leisure drive this time of year and Karl, the owner of Pure Tone, is a very cool and knowledgable cat.

What's the best 'record store' still operating?
Amoeba Music in LA, which Monsta turned me on to. Awesome place! You want it on vinyl or CD, chances are you’ll find it there. Generation Records on Thompson Street in Manhattan is great, too, but I’ve only been there once so I can’t give it the glowing endorsement I gave Amoeba.

Do you think that a store like Newbury Comics - one that sells all manner of music, pop culture toys and clothing - is the only kind of full service 'record store' that can survive?
Yes, I think they can survive if they’re in the right place, run by the right people, and catering to its loyal clientele. Places as out-of-the-way (and thriving in this economy) as Pure Tone Audio in Litchfield and Red Scroll Records in Wallingford argues true. Maybe it’s because kids dig LPs again but, then again, maybe it’s not just an ongoing fad; maybe it’s an actual analog revival.

Sloppy Seconds

Band of Horses – When they get in the groove, they’re hypnotic and I’m swept away, ala Crazy Horse or My Morning Jacket. “Laredo” is a perfect example. But Infinite Arms favors the airy vocals over the guitar bombast of their prior efforts. This is a double whammy, first because the band is best when they’re rocking out, and second because the acoustic tracks draw attention to the inane lyrics. “NW Apt” begs for a 5-6 minute jam but fades at the 2:20 mark. The highs are very high, but there are just too many faux Blitzen Trapper/ Iron & Wine cuts. 3.5 stars

Dirty Projectors – A lot about this disc bugged me. There are the non-stop time signature changes (seems to be a theme with our group this year). There are the Ono-like female vocals. Most frustrating is that a pretty damn good guitarist is buried in the mix and wasted on these mostly lame Vampire Weekend / David Byrne wannabe songs. 2 stars

Jesse Malin – There is nothing remarkable about this (or any) Jesse Malin disc. However, he writes nice, high-energy pop songs that are easily digestible and he occasionally comes up with a great one. This cd lacks the killer track (“Broken Radio”) and curveball (solo piano version of “Bastards of Young”) he delivered on his last release. That said, it’s a good enough listen. 3 stars

Cheap Trick – No surprises here, they do what they do. Couple of killer cuts, some good ones and a couple of duds. Sounds a little dated, but that won’t stop me from cranking the title track every time it comes on the radio. 3.5 stars

Dire Straits – “Making Movies” is an appropriate title, as these songs are cinematic in scope. With one notable exception, the tracks tie together beautifully in theme and sound. While Knopfler’s guitar work is both gorgeous and understated, E-Streeter Roy Bittan ‘s operatic piano work is just as vital in giving these songs their warm richness. File “Les Boys” under “what the hell were they thinking?” It’s all that keeps this one from perfection. 4.5 stars

Frank Zappa – A well-constructed greatest hits, everything I expected to be here was. That stated, while I respect the talent and acknowledge the influence, I don’t really enjoy the music. The scatological humor that seemed so cutting edge when I was 16 seems goofy and antiquated now. Standout was “Joe’s Garage”, one of my favorite songs ever.

Discussion Question


Last CD(s) Purchased: Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers “Mojo” and Gaslight Anthem “American Slang” from Amazon last week.

Last vinyl purchased: Two Cow Garage’s “Speaking in Cursive” from the record company’s website (2008).

Last record store visited: Fantasyland Records in Atlanta last week. Did not buy anything.

Best hometown record store is Vintage Vinyl in St Louis. Best record store I’ve ever been in is Amoeba Records in Hollywood.

For the time being, maybe. Over the long haul, I can’t see it. We vinyl/cd buying folks are going to die eventually, and the crazy kids of today don’t buy physical product anymore.

First review woo hoo!

Cheap Trick – Dream Police 4.5
One of my all time favorite cds. The title track alone would have made this cd awesome even if the other songs sucked, which they don’t. I know that Cheap Trick totally rips off the Beatles, but really who didn’t. In their day Cheap Trick was like the Beetles, from a teenage girl following perspective. Yes, they are cliché and bubblegum at times, but I don’t think that this album falls into that category. Violin sounds, and eeriness and the album does have a dream feel. Again, one of my all time favorites.
Jesse Malin and the St Marks Social – Love it to Life - 3
A Poppy little Nick Lowe and (the guy from another band we reviewed before) sound blend. Love it to Life needs to hire a hooker or two to get this one off the ground. Sorry, I couldn’t think of something that provides love for hire.
Dirty Projectors – Bitte Orca 1.5
My son saw this disk on my counter and said that DP is one of his favorite bands. I thought, this could go a couple of ways, maybe they will be one of those bands that we both agree on. Nope, this is one of those bands that I just don’t get. It’s like The Mars Volta, either you get it or you don’t. I respect the fact that they are relatively original and they do have talent, but no matter how hard I tried I just couldn’t find anything that I could grab on to.
Band of Horses – Infinite Arms - 3
A little CSNY and Eagles. I have to say that this band was listenable but really had nothing to blow me away. It did grow on me a lot, but not as much as I was hoping. It’s not that it was bad, it just wasn’t my thing. I know that you all look forward to my pick of the month, but nothing really cut it for me this month. Sorry.
Dire Straits – Making Movies 4.5
Forgot that this was a disk of the month, but it is one of my long time favorites and is my favorite Dire Straits CD Love it.
Zappa – GH
Certainly one of the most original guys in music. Also smart enough to hire some of the most talented musicians around. Zappa is a real acquired taste and although I don’t love everything he’s done, he has more than just music, he has a lore and a weird draw. He’s kind of like a car wreck , you don’t know why, but you just have to listen

When was the last time you were in a 'record store'? Where (in what town)
was it and what did you buy there? A what?
What's the best 'record store' still operating? Again, a what?
Do you think that a store like Newbury Comics - one that sells all manner of
music, pop culture toys and clothing - is the only kind of full service
'record store' that can survive? Unfortunately yes, but they also have an on-line presence. They are very cool and they have a reputation. A new store might not be able to survive without the following.

LIFO

The Len Price 3- 3.0
I haven’t had this much fun since the Foxboro Hot Tubs put their brand on tuneful 60’s garage rock. These guys brazenly bash out the same 3 chord riffs that endeared The Kinks, and The Who to my heart. The album is energetic, raucous, and loaded with catchy hooks and great guitar riffs. While they may never reach the stratosphere of the aforementioned groups- they are going to have fun trying and I’m going to have fun listening.

Slash- 2.5
I’m not a real huge Gun’s N Roses fan and not a real huge Slash fan. I mean, ok, the guy can play guitar and sure this record has the scathingly fast riffs and a lot of star power via the guests, but I just get the feeling that Slash is phoning it in. I don’t get the sense that this is a real serious undertaking and I certainly don’t get the sense that there is lot of chemistry between Slash and friends. The songs are ok and the performances are pretty good but lets face it- this album isn’t going to change any lives.

Taylor Hawkins and The Coattail Riders- 3.5
Red Light Fever is the album that Them Crooked Vultures wish THEY made. Boy, is this a fun listen. Straight ahead rock and roll with an opening track that took me right back to early Queen (Tie Your Mother Down). And what a great sound to channel- chunky guitar riffs, big choruses, and a little glitter glam to get your head right into 1975. There are a couple of misses here. Hell To Pay starts out very promisingly but ends up being just a little flat and Hole In My Shoe is the opposite- starts out being pretty ordinary but finishes really rocking out. Almost like a different song. Anyway, the hits way outweigh the misses.

The Cure- 3.0
Supposedly, this is considered by hard core Cure fans to be their best album ever. I don’t see it. While there are some great Cure tunes here- The Hanging Garden being my favorite- I feel the 3 albums released later in the 80’s are when The Cure hit their peak(The Head on the Door, KissMe KissMe KissMe, and Disintegration). Pornography is good- it’s just not consistently good and, you have to have a little bit of appreciation for gloomy, dark, and somewhat depressing music. If you really listen to Cure music, the layers of sound can be quite hypnotic and pretty interesting- at least to my ears.

Stevie Wonder- 4.0
Music of My Mind, Innervisions, Talking Book, Fulfillingness' First Finale, and Songs in the Key of Life. Wow. That’s a run. You cannot dispute the fact that the guy is a musical genius. If I remember correctly- he plays every instrument on the album, wrote all the songs and was record producer and arranger. Not to shabby for a blind guy.

Question
AC/DC - Brian Johnson/Bon Scott--Scott
Beatles - Paul/John/Ringo/George-- John
Chicago - Peter Cetera/Robert Lamb/Terry Kath--Cetera
Journey - Steve Perry/Gregg Rolie-- Perry
Santana - Gregg Rolie/Alex Legertwood/Greg Walker- G. Rolie
Eagles - Joe Walsh/Glenn Frey/Don Henley/Don Felder/Timothy B Schmidt- D. Henly
Rainbow - Joe Lynn Turner/Ronnie James Dio/Graham Bonnet- Bonnett
Black Sabbath - Dio/Ozzie- oz
Van Halen - David Lee Roth/Sammy Hagar/Gary Cherone- DL Roth
The Who - Pete Townshend/John Entwhistle/Roger Daltry- Daltry
Pink Floyd - Roger Waters/David Gilmour/Syd Barrett- Waters
Genesis - Peter Gabriel/Phil Collins- P. Gabriel
Kiss - Ace Frehley/Peter Criss/Paul Stanley/Gene Simmons- don’t care