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…
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…
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…
Across the pond, British Sea Power fans are kicking up quite a ruckus in the name of rock music as anticipation builds for the release of their forthcoming album in early 2008.
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…
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”.
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…
“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.
The CIA Makes Science Fiction Unexciting #2 / $1 / 5 x 5 / 32 Pages / http://www.microcosmpublishing.com / PO Box 14332, Portland OR 97293 /Â This time around, we have the history of the AIDS virus completely broken open in a way that is both informative and well-documented. Using sources like the storied C.I. Aids and What If Everything You Thought You Knew About AIDS Was Wrong, this issue…
Vendlus Records’ Grayceon has recently finished a 7″ split with Giant Squid that is now available by The End Records, limited to 500 copies. Tour dates are scheduled through the first quarter of 2008 with acts like Agalloch, Lesbian, Giant Squid, Black Elk, Ludicra and more, with more dates being scheduled and updated all the time. Grayceon’s self-titled debut is still available for coverage via Vendlus/Earsplit, with a new full-length…
Brian Dewan – Words of Wisdom / 2007 Eschatone / 16 Tracks / http://www.briandewan.com / http://www.eschatone.com / Brian Dewan is one weird individual. The sing-song nature of “Words of Wisdom†(the opening track), could conceivably be on a Disney movie or some odd, out of the way, radio station. Dewan’s opening to the album “Words of Wisdom†is primarily vocal, with only the lightest in terms of instrumentation to fill…
Finland’s and Oceans is dead, now rises the new age of machines: the industrialized proclamation of Havoc Unit. Havoc Unit is the new propaganda machine & the audio-visual forum for artists to collaborate without restrictions: a test channel where neurons communicate via chemical and electrical synapses in order to spread audio-virulence and bacteria. The iridescent concept album [h.IV+] is a terror assault on the world taboos & baboons, and for…
Christian * New Age Quarterly: Volume 16, Number 2 / $3.50 / :30 / 20M / info@christiannewage.com / http://www.christiannewage.com / Wow, the premise of this zine is very positive – Christian and New Age individuals getting together to positively enact change and have dialogue. However, when one actually gets into the zine proper, pieces like Catherine Groves’ “A Tale of Two Lenses†rapidly lose readers as the focus changes from…
I will be working on my dissertation here soon. Individuals should look into the services of sites like custom-writing.org , for the site offers the services of crafting custom research paper material. Furthermore, this custom writing company ensures that individuals be given enough of the way of a start to do well in any class.
Chicago’s finest export of dance-worthy rock, The Audition, have been chosen as the premier band to headline the first ever Pacific Sunwear Music Tour. The tour, beginning January 16 at Raleigh’s The Brewery, will feature support from acts Envy On The Coast, Danger Radio, and Another Day Late, with completion exactly one month later in Baltimore.
Dri – Smoke Rings / 2007 Range Life / 11 Tracks / http://www.rangeliferecords.com / Do you remember the band The Anniversary? That act that got oh so freaking angry whenever an interview or review called them “emoâ€? Well, Dri was a member of that band. Dri is also currently a member of Art in Manila and Fourth of July. The songs that are present on “Smoke Rings†in no way…
In 2006, Amy and Alex were babysitting at a church and discovered their knack for entertaining. Playing an old, out of tune piano and singing made up songs, they discovered both of them had the same dream. Amy has been singing since the age of 3 and playing piano for the last 7 years. Alex has been singing for a year and playing piano since she was 5. AA Batteries…
Choking Hazard #12 ($1 , No Address – chemical_imbalance_@hotmail.com) (For Jersey Beat) A line that finally strikes on almost all cylinders. From the front cover, which has an extraordinarily-well reproduced picture of a hair guy with Slayer on his chest, to the top 24 CDs that are essential to live by (which has lists by six or seven people, Choking Hazard is a fun zine to read. But, before I…
Hurley (www.Hurley.com), the leading global youth brand with strong roots in surf, skate, art and music, and Science Records, a new independent music company based in Orange County, California, today announced the launch of the Hurley Recommends” music program in all Active retailers and Hurley outlet stores across California. The program, which involves listening stations in over 20 locations, introduces people to HurleyÂ’s favorite bands, and offers an additional outlet…
Benzos – Branches / 2007 Stinky / 12 Tracks / http:/www.benzosmusic.com / “Branches†stars off with “Sell This Thingâ€, a track that has a heavy instrumental component to it. During this track, Benzos creates a style that touches upon acts such as Coldplay and Snow Patrol, while still having the jangly guitar work of an early Radiohead or Oasis. The result is something that has more than a little bit…