Author: James McQuiston

Posted on: January 5, 2008 Posted by: James McQuiston Comments: 0

Hellraiser 20th Anniversary

Hellraiser 20th Anniversary / 2007 Anchor Bay / 93 Minutes / http://www.anchorbayentertainment.com / Hellraiser is one of those lines of horror movies that seem to get the shaft when compared to either the Jason or Freddy movies. The plots are always interesting, the deaths always innovative, but yet the films typically reside at a level below that of the more established horror franchises. Luckily, Anchor Bay noticed that the movie…

Posted on: January 5, 2008 Posted by: James McQuiston Comments: 0

New Christian Music Festival Being Launched by Oakland County Attorney

Vickie Winans and Marvin Winans, Jr. Lead Nationally Known Christian Lineup During Two-Day Event Expected to Draw 13,500 A new Christian Music Festival has been launched by veteran Oakland County attorney, C. Daniel Harry, with the aim of inspiring thousands of people to come together in peace and worship to enjoy two days of music and family fun in the outdoor, pastoral setting of Northern Oakland County.

Posted on: January 5, 2008 Posted by: James McQuiston Comments: 0

Clamor #23

Clamor #23 / $4.50 / Full-Sized / 68 Pages / PO Box 20128, Toledo, OH 43610 / http://www.clamormagazine.org / My first experience with Clamor was really a mixed bag. While all of the pictures and layout look decent, with the layout seeming a little sterile but workable, some of the pieces collected in this issue really seem diffuse or lacking in any sense of cohesion. Take, for example, the interview…

Posted on: January 5, 2008 Posted by: James McQuiston Comments: 0

Lyrics Born Releases “Everywhere At Once” on 3/18/08

On his first studio album since 2003’s highly praised Later That Day… (called “easily one of the most creative hip hop albums of the year” by Amazon.com), Lyrics Born (aka Tom Shimura) once again raises the bar with Everywhere At Once. Long known for his innovative beats, creative collaborations and crooner-esque vocal performances, Lyrics Born furthers his song-craft and incorporates elements such as pop, reggaeton and R ‘n B on…

Posted on: January 4, 2008 Posted by: James McQuiston Comments: 0

Black Tide – Shockwave

Black Tide – Shockwave / 2007 Interscope / 2 Tracks / http://www.blacktidemusic.com / http://www.interscope.com / This single is Black Tide’s first foray into the major label scene, and their brand of classically influenced metal will go over big with a populace that has been lusting after anything retro. “Shockwave” is so close to a Judas Priest song that I’m frankly afraid that Black Tide will be tapped as a copycat…

Posted on: January 4, 2008 Posted by: James McQuiston Comments: 0

Circular #1

While this is another zine that has had issues made after the first, I feel as if I still need to go and do a review of it because it just is so fabulous . This is the second time that I’ve reviewed this magazine, as this was yet another magazine about who I lost the review to. We see everything through Kannan’s view, including issues about weight and about…

Posted on: January 4, 2008 Posted by: James McQuiston Comments: 1

“Songs of the Saints” like nothing ever heard before

The music on the CD (set for release on Feb. 6 2008) brings some famous saints to life. It focuses on their life story, their struggles, and their sacred beauty. The music blends ambient, classical, jazz, and some world music styles together to create a rich musical landscape. A special piece on the album is also an innovative, contemporary arrangement of “Amazing Grace”.

Posted on: January 4, 2008 Posted by: James McQuiston Comments: 0

Koop – Koop Islands

Koop – Koop Islands / 2007 Atlantic / 11 Tracks / http://www.myspace.com/koop / Koop is an odd band. I believe, in the 2,500+ discs that I’ve reviewed in the last decade, that they are the first to link together the swing genre with a more Caribbean type of sound. Where I originally thought that the style would not work in the slightest, just listening to a few seconds of “Koop…

Posted on: January 4, 2008 Posted by: James McQuiston Comments: 0

Cassettes Debut EP Small-Time Machine Out March 08

“Ah! the sound of the 90’s… …being dragged kicking and screaming into modern day. That’s what we like. Y’all remember Robot pal and production whizzkid Jason Drake? The one man act behind Cassettes Won’t Listen and many , many excellent remixes (original work featured on MFR here ) has turned his attention to one of my most consistent sources of baseless guilt as a 90’s teen.