MOTW - Sep 23/2001

Posted by: Mike Hanson on 24 September 2001

I went by the Tower Records closing sale on Sunday, and picked up a bunch CDs. Some are good, and others are laughable:

Tripping Daisy "Bill" - This was their first album, and isn't quite as "twisted" as their later albums. It's still fun, though.

Cafe del Mar "Vol 2" - Chill-out music that does it's job. This is great for work, as it's exudes energy, without being too distracting. It's a little more non-descript than volumes 6 and 7.

The Brides of Dr. Funkenstein "Live at the Howard Theatre 1978" - I couldn't resist the title. It's pretty awful, but might be better later at night after a few stiff drinks. wink

Gay Dad "Leisure Noise" - I'm not sure who suggested this to me originally, but I found it in the long list of "planned" purchases in my Palm Pilot. This a great album: energetic pop, with lots of hooks, quirky lyrics, and general fun.

Tom Wilson's "Planet Love" - This has a good portion of roots rock, but often flirts with shades electronica and other styles. I listened to this at pretty low volume in a client's office, and it sounds very promising for future spins. BTW, it's a Canadian release, and I've not been able to find any information on it from my usual sources. It was featured on the cover of Eye Magazine (one of our weeklies here in Toronto) a few months ago. Addendum: I just realized that this is the Tom Wilson from Blackie and the Rodeo Kings, which explains the roots rock side of things.

Madder Rose "Hello June Fool" - This is laid back and relaxing, with a touch of folk and that sound everybody likes to call "alternative pop". At times it reminds me of a Glasgow folk-pop band called Five Guys Named Moe. (FGNM were Canadian, but never "made it" until they moved to Scotland).

There were a few more that I picked up, but I haven't had a chance to listen to them yet. I might report back on them later.

BTW, I'm still listening to Gay Dad. It's too bad their name is so silly, as I think it detracts from the respect they deserve for their music. (It kinds of reminds me of the situation with Barenaked Ladies.)

-=> Mike Hanson <=-

[This message was edited by Mike Hanson on TUESDAY 25 September 2001 at 03:40.]

[This message was edited by Mike Hanson on TUESDAY 25 September 2001 at 04:03.]

Posted on: 25 September 2001 by woodface
Just bought the new album by Ryan Adams (Gold) - it is a stunner! Much more ambitious than 'Heartbreaker' and there is also a ltd edition CD version with a second disc included. Buy now to avoid disapointment!
Posted on: 25 September 2001 by Dev B
quote:
This round is a bit heavier than usual for me and not for the sonicly delicate (you've been warned).

Brad,

I have not heard of any of this lot, and I like appalling music.

Please post more.

DB/Mullet Audio.

Posted on: 25 September 2001 by Thomas K
Brad, even the names and titles on their own are quite amusing – music must be a real laugh …

Joe Henry, "Scar"

Anyway, this is my album of the week. I did a search on the forum and was surprised to find that only Paul Darwin has mentioned him before. Very relaxed, groovy, hard-to-define music with a bit of lo-fi and surprising bits and pieces thrown in here and there, e.g. an intriguing solo by Ornette Coleman. Good production with some of the driest bass I have ever heard.

Thomas

Posted on: 25 September 2001 by John C
Only new music in our household the new Bob the Builder. I've only been forced to listen to it 743 times now but think Bob is rather coasting on this one. He seems to have lost his edginess of his earlier work and the groove is rather more forced that felt. Only redeeming feature a high pitched excitable free bop squeal from Dizzy, reminiscent of early Albert Ayler. The B side is even less successful Superspud a sort of "Art of Noise " mock scary rap by Spud. Really he hasn't the chops for this kind of work and I think the song may have been better delivered by the rock hard Scoop.

John
I noticed this was from the Mullet Audio label and I find their recent releases rather bland to say the least.

Posted on: 25 September 2001 by glenda
Hilmar Orn Hilmarsson and Sigur Ros - Angels of the Universe (OST) - very intense and Scandinavian but very beautiful and poetic .
Gorky's Zygotic Mynci - How I Long to Feel That Summer in my Heart - struggled with this album at first but am now getting into it . Not their best album but this band are still gods in my eyes .