The Koala
Fallout/Forced Exposure
With loads of New York attitude (though their label insisted they were Australian!?!), and
busy-but-tight arrangements, The Koala come-off like the ideal American Stones/Who
hybrid. It’s hard to believe these ‘60s garage wonders are so little known; snotty psych-
punk rarely sounded so great. --Bart Bealmear
Be Your Own Pet
Ecstatic Peace!
This sounds a bit like the Yeah Yeah Yeahs if they were out to kick your ass. In the first
track Jemina Pearl declares she is here to take my money and by the second song she
announces plans to burn my house down. Why? “Just because,” she says. These
psycho teeny-boppers have a fresh lyrical perspective and a rollicking, inventive
straight-forward take on rock n’ roll that makes the beat down worth the bruises.
--Craig Campbell
V/A Classic African-American Ballads
Smithsonian Folkways
This collection aims to bring light to the African-American folksong tradition. Simply put,
ballads are songs that tell stories. Jack White has popularized the form with his version
of “St. James Infirmary” a song performed on this disc by Snooks Eaglin. The heyday of
the African-American ballad was between 1885 and 1925. Over time this important era
in African-American musical heritage has been eclipsed by the blues; this package is
the perfect primer. It includes a 36-page booklet along with 22 tracks from historic to
modern balladeers Lead Belly, Woody Guthrie and Warner Williams, among others. --CC
Terry Manning
Home Sweet Home
Sunbeam
Manning brought us punk and power pop years before they were established genres
(though few were paying attention), along with ‘50s Rock-n-Roll, loopy Psych, raunchy
R&B, Memphis Soul, irresistible bubblegum, and over-the-top ROCK. There’s even a
stab at starting a dance craze (“do it, do it—do the trashy dog now!”). Innovative, knee-
slapping, and entertaining as hell, listening to ‘Home Sweet Home’ is the most fun you’ll
have all year. --BB
The Cassettes
‘Neath The Pale Moon
Buddyhead
Lots of sounds are tossed about in this eclectic chamber pop stew. The Cassettes have
a dedicated Theremin player and throw in assorted percussion, mouth-harp, cello,
analog synthesizer…all of it sounds kind of nifty, but it may be getting in the way of the
bottom line: great songs. Neither the large ensemble nor the quirky but slick production
have me humming along to the 14 tunes on this disc. --CC
V/A: The Bombay Connection, Vol. 1 -- Funk From Bollywood Action Thrillers 1977-
1984
Bombay Connection
This is the first in a series of six CDs to anthologize the coveted and curious sounds of
Bollywood cinema. Imagine over-the-top, funky American action-movie soundtracks from
the ‘70s, combined with traditional Indian instruments, and pleasing “Where did that
come from?!” effects. Then taking into account the rarity of the material, it becomes
apparent why this stuff is so sought-after by record junkies looking for their next fix. The
booklet is amazing, chock full of great photos from the films themselves: men with fake
moustaches and wigs, disco suits, tough-n-lovely ladies in smashing outfits, and guns
galore. Not every tune here is fist-pumping sweet, but even the mediocre tracks offer
enough attention-grabbing substance to keep your head spinning. If nothing else, it’s a
treat to discover Kraftwerk made it to India. --BB
V/A Bombay Connection, Vol. 2 -- Bouncin’ Nightclub Grooves From Bollywood
Films 1952-1972
Bombay Connection
This is another beautiful package focusing on a mid-century night club theme. There
are nods to every western mod pop sound from Indian surf to a sort of
Hindi/Beatles/Elvis mash-up on “Pretty Pretty Priya” (sung in English). “Jan Pahechan
Ho” is included here, familiar to many from the wild dance number in the film Gumnaam
as featured in Ghost World. The original production value on these songs is so totally
over the top it is mind-blowing, and by that I mean just the sheer number of performers
on a given track. I also marvel at the total commitment of these vocalists who at times
sound possessed. Comes with a 30 page full color booklet with fun info on the
Bollywood scene and a profile of each film the songs came from. --CC
The Offramps
Hate It When You’re Right
Deluxe
Speaking of musical traditions, no one pulls off Midwestern punk ‘n’ roll twang like
Jeremy Porter and his new band the Offramps. I have enjoyed Jeremy’s brand of
reckless guitar virtuosity and lyrical melancholy since we met in a college English class
in 1986 (sorry if that dates us Jer). Jeremy is a huge Replacements fan and the
influence is heard here, but “Hate It When You’re Right” is it’s own universe and well
worth the visit. --CC
Awesome Color
Ecstatic Peace!
Awesome color aren’t just influenced by Iggy & the Stooges, on this debut they embody
them. That includes laying down a reckless, experimental and downright dangerous
groove. I have read reviews criticizing the band’s Stoogey mimicry, but to me they are
anything but a tribute act; you don’t just decide to pull this passionate freak-rock out of
your ass just cuz you dug Funhouse.
I caught these fellas live when they still lived in Michigan and called themselves Used to
be Women. I was at the Elbow Room in Ypsilanti, my local punk rock dive bar, and I
walked in that night with very low expectations. Their name was not inspiring and as they
set up it appeared no one in the band was of drinking age or had even shaved yet. I
ordered a drink and readied myself to survive 50 minutes of mall punk. What actually
transpired was a show that made all my previous 400 trips to that shit hole finally mean
something. I had stumbled upon greatness. Get Awesome (dude), before it self-
destructs. --CC
Jandek
Austin Sunday
Corwood Industries
This is Jandek’s 48th release and fourth live album. Jandek is notoriously reclusive;
these two CDs capture his first US performance on August 28, 2005. Austin Sunday is
the sound of an extremely depressed guy laying flat on his bed improvising songs on an
out-of-tune guitar. You know that sound right? Been there too? If you want to revel in
that feeling, Austin Sunday is for you. --CC
Digital Leather
Monologue
Empty Records
Kind of a Joy Division lo-fi electronica thing happening here. I was surprised to see this
is on Empty Records. Lots of dramatic, catchy analog keyboard parts here along with
claims that “machines are eating me.” --CC
Les Hate Pinks
Tete Malade Sick in the Head
TKO
Les Hate Pinks are a quirky, jerky French punk-pop band with silly lyrics like “sexual
liberation is for animals.” This solid, by-the-numbers rock ‘n’ roll kept my interest with
spurts of experimental nonsense, echo effects and attempts at 50s doo-woop. --CC
Bunalim
Shadoks Music
Bunalim are to be respected just for the act of making rock music in Turkey in the early
1970s. Their synthesis of heavier American rock and traditional Turkish music (the
songs are sung in Turkish) is a fresh and compelling sound to these ringing ears. --CC
V/A Desperate Man Blues
Dust-to-Digital
This is the soundtrack to the acclaimed documentary about legendary early American
music collector Joe Bussard. Many recordings disappeared during WWII, melted down
for use in the war industry. There were no original masters and most record companies
did nothing to preserve their catalogs. Joe’s service to the world was hoarding a
collection of over 25,000 rare 78s. A few choice cuts appear on this eclectic 19-song
soundtrack to the must-see doc, including blues stomps by Robert Johnson and Son
House and bouncy bluegrass romps with the Carter Family and the Stripling Brothers
among other, more obscure talents. --CC
The PoPo
Buddyhead
This trashy electronic pop punk has its moments. Sort of a distorted Cake mixed with a
bit o’ Brainiac after way too much coffee. --CC
Lower Class Brats
Loud and out of Tune CD/DVD
TKO
In the first seconds of this live recording the Brats tell the audience to calm down,
warning them that they may get kicked out and then launch into the song “Ultra-
Violence.” Sigh, I don’t know, this is straight-ahead Oi. I suppose there are kids who
want to see a current band do this stuff so cheers and on with the tradition and it’s
connect-the-dots sound and themes. --CC
Red Crayola
Soldier Talk
Drag City
FINALLY reissued on CD, Red Crayola’s 1979 release—like their albums from way back
in the ‘60s—contributed to the shaping of post-punk. The tight, unpredictable
Beefheart/Zappa-like rhythms and changes made for eloquent clatter—punk musicians
(a musical paradox if there ever was one) reigning in out-to-lunch jazz. Like a
transcendent art flick, you’re never quite sure where it’s all headed next, which is either
disconcerting or wonderful, depending on your taste (or mood). This is European tribal
music for fans of that record Wire made with The Magic Band. --BB
Shuttah
The Image Maker Vol. 1 & 2
Shadoks Music
This progressive-psychedelic recording has been a mystery for years. It was recorded in
1971 at IBC where bands like The Kinks and The Beatles recorded. A single acetate
was left behind, the artists unknown. For me, that is where the fun ends. If you’re looking
for a new Uriah Heep record, you have found it. This has competent performances for
the genre, but for me the best thing about prog rock was first wave’s reaction to it. --CC
Radio Zumbido
Pequeno Transistor de Feria
Quatermass/Forced Exposure
As I sit here assembling this very column, Pequeno Transistor de Feria is truly growing
on me. I have compulsively hit the play button three times since I flopped the disc in my
jambox. I like listening to transcendent stuff like this when I am working. All 14 tracks are
instrumental, mostly comprised of rhythm with some droney instrumentation and sound
samples (field recordings collected in Barcelona and LA). At times Radio Zumbido
sounds like a minimalist, Latin Nomo. Some pieces remind me of Moondog’s percussive
vignettes. Much of the album is trippy sound collage that would fit nicely in a film – no
accident, as Juan Carlos Barrios has composed for film. This is his second release. The
press notes that the first Radio Zumbido album, recently licensed to Palm Pictures, is
described as more musical in nature -- I think I will look into that...pushing play again….
--CC
CLICK HERE FOR MORE BRIEF MUSIC REVIEWS
Fallout/Forced Exposure
With loads of New York attitude (though their label insisted they were Australian!?!), and
busy-but-tight arrangements, The Koala come-off like the ideal American Stones/Who
hybrid. It’s hard to believe these ‘60s garage wonders are so little known; snotty psych-
punk rarely sounded so great. --Bart Bealmear
Be Your Own Pet
Ecstatic Peace!
This sounds a bit like the Yeah Yeah Yeahs if they were out to kick your ass. In the first
track Jemina Pearl declares she is here to take my money and by the second song she
announces plans to burn my house down. Why? “Just because,” she says. These
psycho teeny-boppers have a fresh lyrical perspective and a rollicking, inventive
straight-forward take on rock n’ roll that makes the beat down worth the bruises.
--Craig Campbell
V/A Classic African-American Ballads
Smithsonian Folkways
This collection aims to bring light to the African-American folksong tradition. Simply put,
ballads are songs that tell stories. Jack White has popularized the form with his version
of “St. James Infirmary” a song performed on this disc by Snooks Eaglin. The heyday of
the African-American ballad was between 1885 and 1925. Over time this important era
in African-American musical heritage has been eclipsed by the blues; this package is
the perfect primer. It includes a 36-page booklet along with 22 tracks from historic to
modern balladeers Lead Belly, Woody Guthrie and Warner Williams, among others. --CC
Terry Manning
Home Sweet Home
Sunbeam
Manning brought us punk and power pop years before they were established genres
(though few were paying attention), along with ‘50s Rock-n-Roll, loopy Psych, raunchy
R&B, Memphis Soul, irresistible bubblegum, and over-the-top ROCK. There’s even a
stab at starting a dance craze (“do it, do it—do the trashy dog now!”). Innovative, knee-
slapping, and entertaining as hell, listening to ‘Home Sweet Home’ is the most fun you’ll
have all year. --BB
The Cassettes
‘Neath The Pale Moon
Buddyhead
Lots of sounds are tossed about in this eclectic chamber pop stew. The Cassettes have
a dedicated Theremin player and throw in assorted percussion, mouth-harp, cello,
analog synthesizer…all of it sounds kind of nifty, but it may be getting in the way of the
bottom line: great songs. Neither the large ensemble nor the quirky but slick production
have me humming along to the 14 tunes on this disc. --CC
V/A: The Bombay Connection, Vol. 1 -- Funk From Bollywood Action Thrillers 1977-
1984
Bombay Connection
This is the first in a series of six CDs to anthologize the coveted and curious sounds of
Bollywood cinema. Imagine over-the-top, funky American action-movie soundtracks from
the ‘70s, combined with traditional Indian instruments, and pleasing “Where did that
come from?!” effects. Then taking into account the rarity of the material, it becomes
apparent why this stuff is so sought-after by record junkies looking for their next fix. The
booklet is amazing, chock full of great photos from the films themselves: men with fake
moustaches and wigs, disco suits, tough-n-lovely ladies in smashing outfits, and guns
galore. Not every tune here is fist-pumping sweet, but even the mediocre tracks offer
enough attention-grabbing substance to keep your head spinning. If nothing else, it’s a
treat to discover Kraftwerk made it to India. --BB
V/A Bombay Connection, Vol. 2 -- Bouncin’ Nightclub Grooves From Bollywood
Films 1952-1972
Bombay Connection
This is another beautiful package focusing on a mid-century night club theme. There
are nods to every western mod pop sound from Indian surf to a sort of
Hindi/Beatles/Elvis mash-up on “Pretty Pretty Priya” (sung in English). “Jan Pahechan
Ho” is included here, familiar to many from the wild dance number in the film Gumnaam
as featured in Ghost World. The original production value on these songs is so totally
over the top it is mind-blowing, and by that I mean just the sheer number of performers
on a given track. I also marvel at the total commitment of these vocalists who at times
sound possessed. Comes with a 30 page full color booklet with fun info on the
Bollywood scene and a profile of each film the songs came from. --CC
The Offramps
Hate It When You’re Right
Deluxe
Speaking of musical traditions, no one pulls off Midwestern punk ‘n’ roll twang like
Jeremy Porter and his new band the Offramps. I have enjoyed Jeremy’s brand of
reckless guitar virtuosity and lyrical melancholy since we met in a college English class
in 1986 (sorry if that dates us Jer). Jeremy is a huge Replacements fan and the
influence is heard here, but “Hate It When You’re Right” is it’s own universe and well
worth the visit. --CC
Awesome Color
Ecstatic Peace!
Awesome color aren’t just influenced by Iggy & the Stooges, on this debut they embody
them. That includes laying down a reckless, experimental and downright dangerous
groove. I have read reviews criticizing the band’s Stoogey mimicry, but to me they are
anything but a tribute act; you don’t just decide to pull this passionate freak-rock out of
your ass just cuz you dug Funhouse.
I caught these fellas live when they still lived in Michigan and called themselves Used to
be Women. I was at the Elbow Room in Ypsilanti, my local punk rock dive bar, and I
walked in that night with very low expectations. Their name was not inspiring and as they
set up it appeared no one in the band was of drinking age or had even shaved yet. I
ordered a drink and readied myself to survive 50 minutes of mall punk. What actually
transpired was a show that made all my previous 400 trips to that shit hole finally mean
something. I had stumbled upon greatness. Get Awesome (dude), before it self-
destructs. --CC
Jandek
Austin Sunday
Corwood Industries
This is Jandek’s 48th release and fourth live album. Jandek is notoriously reclusive;
these two CDs capture his first US performance on August 28, 2005. Austin Sunday is
the sound of an extremely depressed guy laying flat on his bed improvising songs on an
out-of-tune guitar. You know that sound right? Been there too? If you want to revel in
that feeling, Austin Sunday is for you. --CC
Digital Leather
Monologue
Empty Records
Kind of a Joy Division lo-fi electronica thing happening here. I was surprised to see this
is on Empty Records. Lots of dramatic, catchy analog keyboard parts here along with
claims that “machines are eating me.” --CC
Les Hate Pinks
Tete Malade Sick in the Head
TKO
Les Hate Pinks are a quirky, jerky French punk-pop band with silly lyrics like “sexual
liberation is for animals.” This solid, by-the-numbers rock ‘n’ roll kept my interest with
spurts of experimental nonsense, echo effects and attempts at 50s doo-woop. --CC
Bunalim
Shadoks Music
Bunalim are to be respected just for the act of making rock music in Turkey in the early
1970s. Their synthesis of heavier American rock and traditional Turkish music (the
songs are sung in Turkish) is a fresh and compelling sound to these ringing ears. --CC
V/A Desperate Man Blues
Dust-to-Digital
This is the soundtrack to the acclaimed documentary about legendary early American
music collector Joe Bussard. Many recordings disappeared during WWII, melted down
for use in the war industry. There were no original masters and most record companies
did nothing to preserve their catalogs. Joe’s service to the world was hoarding a
collection of over 25,000 rare 78s. A few choice cuts appear on this eclectic 19-song
soundtrack to the must-see doc, including blues stomps by Robert Johnson and Son
House and bouncy bluegrass romps with the Carter Family and the Stripling Brothers
among other, more obscure talents. --CC
The PoPo
Buddyhead
This trashy electronic pop punk has its moments. Sort of a distorted Cake mixed with a
bit o’ Brainiac after way too much coffee. --CC
Lower Class Brats
Loud and out of Tune CD/DVD
TKO
In the first seconds of this live recording the Brats tell the audience to calm down,
warning them that they may get kicked out and then launch into the song “Ultra-
Violence.” Sigh, I don’t know, this is straight-ahead Oi. I suppose there are kids who
want to see a current band do this stuff so cheers and on with the tradition and it’s
connect-the-dots sound and themes. --CC
Red Crayola
Soldier Talk
Drag City
FINALLY reissued on CD, Red Crayola’s 1979 release—like their albums from way back
in the ‘60s—contributed to the shaping of post-punk. The tight, unpredictable
Beefheart/Zappa-like rhythms and changes made for eloquent clatter—punk musicians
(a musical paradox if there ever was one) reigning in out-to-lunch jazz. Like a
transcendent art flick, you’re never quite sure where it’s all headed next, which is either
disconcerting or wonderful, depending on your taste (or mood). This is European tribal
music for fans of that record Wire made with The Magic Band. --BB
Shuttah
The Image Maker Vol. 1 & 2
Shadoks Music
This progressive-psychedelic recording has been a mystery for years. It was recorded in
1971 at IBC where bands like The Kinks and The Beatles recorded. A single acetate
was left behind, the artists unknown. For me, that is where the fun ends. If you’re looking
for a new Uriah Heep record, you have found it. This has competent performances for
the genre, but for me the best thing about prog rock was first wave’s reaction to it. --CC
Radio Zumbido
Pequeno Transistor de Feria
Quatermass/Forced Exposure
As I sit here assembling this very column, Pequeno Transistor de Feria is truly growing
on me. I have compulsively hit the play button three times since I flopped the disc in my
jambox. I like listening to transcendent stuff like this when I am working. All 14 tracks are
instrumental, mostly comprised of rhythm with some droney instrumentation and sound
samples (field recordings collected in Barcelona and LA). At times Radio Zumbido
sounds like a minimalist, Latin Nomo. Some pieces remind me of Moondog’s percussive
vignettes. Much of the album is trippy sound collage that would fit nicely in a film – no
accident, as Juan Carlos Barrios has composed for film. This is his second release. The
press notes that the first Radio Zumbido album, recently licensed to Palm Pictures, is
described as more musical in nature -- I think I will look into that...pushing play again….
--CC
CLICK HERE FOR MORE BRIEF MUSIC REVIEWS
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