March 2016 Comics, Poetry, and Reviews by

aka

Stream "Blood"

Arrow
Ash vs. Evil Dead
Baby Baby

babysue comix #254
babysue comix #255
babysue comix #256
babysue comix #257
Beledo
Bobgoblin*
Bombay Harambee
Calisse*
Popa Chubby
Condemned

Andrew Cresswell Davis
DearDarkHead

Downes Braide Association
The Dumb Sounding Band
Eureka California*
Everest
Mike Farley Band
Flesh and Bone
The Forest
Gladiola
Great Lakes
Trevor Green

Vasil Hadzimanov Band
The High Violets*
Hup

Inutili*
Jesus comic #52

Doug Kershaw*
March To Hell

Nathan Mathes*
The Multiple Cat*
Lee Harvey Osmond*
The Pathetic Things

Russell Pinkston
Pop Poodle
Remember*
Edward Rogers
*
Zoran Scekic*
Brooks Strause
Thought for March 2016
Truth

Martin Turner*
Tygers of Pan Tang
Up The Chain

Virtual Tour
Carl Vollrath

Jon Patrick Walker*
Was Never

Noam Weinstein*
The Westies
Winter On Fire
Witching Waves*
Rain Worthington
*Top Picks =

Additional Items Received

 

March 2016 Thought:

Safe Music for Safe People

If music reflects overall state of mind, then we're living in a world where most folks are more closed minded than ever. Lately I've been involved in several conversations where the discussion centers around the fact that most artists and bands are creating music that doesn't challenge listeners. It seems almost incredible that it wasn't so long ago when really bizarre and creative artists were actually selling lots of albums, all the while composing and playing wildly creative music that made people stand up and take notice.

But in 2016 most folks only want to hear artists whose music parallels their own narrow viewpoints of the world. You've probably already read articles where comedians say the last place they want to give a performance is on college campuses because...one wrong move or politically-incorrect joke...and they're booed off the stage.

Today music seems to reflect where we're at. Most folks don't want to be challenged at all. They simply want to hear music that reinforces their own thoughts and ideas. At one point it seemed as if people were catching onto the fact that we're all led around like sheep. But now it seems as if there are more and more sheep and less and less free thinkers running around the globe. In most cases, it seems as if the average music fan is only interested in hearing familiar sounding junk. Don't get me wrong, I love almost all genres. And there are thousands and thousands of great junk artists that I truly enjoy. But as entertaining as they are, junk songs and artists generally aren't so thought provoking or mentally stimulating. And that's okay because music doesn't always have to be thought provoking or stimulating, of course. But the one thing most popular artists have in common is that they are...SAFE. And that is just what people want...reinforcement and safety.

Of course the world of commercial music has always been littered with songs that are dull, mindless, and boring. But in previous decades...at least occasionally...a few legitimate cool artists could be found scattered in the dreck. Sadly, at this point in time, we almost NEVER hear anyone who sells a lot who is also credible. (One genre that seems to be an exception is music made for film and television...where a vibrant wealth of creativity seems to be the norm.)

As creative, intelligent artists are pushed farther and farther underground, it makes it harder and harder for folks playing stimulating inventive music to have much of a career (unless they're creating music for movies and television). And that's a shame, because in a perfect world music can be something that causes us to think, reflect, and look at things differently than we otherwise might. Thankfully there will always be underground artists making music simply because that's what they love doing. And, of course, it is those artists and bands that continue to inspire us to write...because they are the true success stories out there in the world.

Safe People + Safe music = Unbearably D-U-L-L.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Arrow - Original Television Soundtrack, Season 3: Music by Blake Neely (Limited Edition Double CD, La-La Land, Television soundtrack)
This limited edition double disc set features music from the critically acclaimed television show Arrow. The show's plot involves a main character (Oliver Queen) who returns to his home after being stranded on a remote island in the Pacific Ocean. Reviews of the show are overwhelmingly positive. For any series in today's world, making it through three seasons is a really big deal. The music for the show is composed by Blake Neely who is a very busy guy these days. Neely's name seems to be popping up everywhere so we can only imagine how much time he spends creating music. Blake records his stuff in his own Cow On The Wall studio in Los Angeles, California. The quality of his recordings shows just how far home recording has evolved over the past couple of decades. This double disc set offers a huge amount of music including no less than fourteen (!) bonus tracks. These compositions are emotionally energized and range from pensive to moody to peculiar to exciting. If you love soundtracks, you'll love this release. If you don't love soundtracks, you'll probably still love this simply because it's so damn good. Neely always hits the target dead center with his projects.

Ash vs. Evil Dead - Music From the Starz Original Series: Music by Joseph LoDuca (CD, Varese Sarabande, Soundtrack)
We've always been big fans of the film Evil Dead 2. Even though the first film wasn't so great, the follow-up was sensational. If you've never seen it, it is highly recommended. And as many times as we've seen it, different scenes still bother us. It's a truly disturbing experience. So we sure were surprised when we received this l'il sucker in the mail. We didn't even know there was a television series that had been spun off from the films. But yes indeedy-do there most certainly is. And from what we're reading on the internet this one's getting a thumbs up. We haven't seen the show yet, we're only just now hearing the music. Created by Joseph LoDuca, the music for the show is certain to please fans of the original films. If this television show is anything like the Evil Dead movies, you can expect a wild roller coaster ride. On this album, LoDuca presents twenty-two tracks that are sure to give the show the exact impact intended. Over fifty-four minutes' worth of music here including "Sheet Show," "It Did Happen/Outta Here," "Evil Catches Up," and "Ash's Theme."

 

BABY BABY

Baby
Had baby and then
That baby had
Baby.

 

Beledo - Dreamland Mechanism (CD, Moonjune, Progressive)
An ultra-creative, mind blowing musical experience from multi-instrumentalist Beledo. The appropriately-titled Dreamland Mechanism truly is a dreamland mechanism. On this album Beledo plays electric and acoustic guitar, violin, Fender Rhodes, Mini Moog, acoustic piano, accordion, fretless bass guitar, and sings. Also playing on this album are Lincoln Goines, Gary Husband, Tony Seele, Doron Lev, Endang Ramdan, Dewa Budjana, and Rudy Zulkarnaen. During the past four decades Beledo has played and performed with a list of folks so long you'd have to see it to believe it. Perhaps that's why there's such a feeling of maturity and confidence that bleeds through these tracks. While these compositions feature plenty of difficult and complex musical dexterity, they're also presented with distinct style and focus. The press release describes this music as having "...more twists, turns and surprises than an Agatha Christie novel!" That pretty much sums this one up nicely. Ten beautifully executed cuts including "Mechanism," "Lucilia," "Mercury in Retrograde," and "Front Porch Pine."

Bobgoblin - Love Lost For Blood Lust (CD, Motor Forces, Pop)
This album immediately grabbed our attention. The three guys in Bobgoblin have an instantly infectious sound full of energy and wonderfully catchy melodies. If you love the sound of underground power pop bands from the 1990s, you will most certainly want to check out this album. We have to admit that this is the first time (to our knowledge) that we've heard this band. But before we even read the press release we were thinking that these tunes sounded very much like cool stuff from the mid-1990s. It was only later that we read that the band formed in 1993 in Dallas, Texas...so it's no wonder they have a sound that recalls that time period. No matter. What matters here is the music. The tracks on Love Lost For Blood Lust absolutely hit the target dead on. These guys play with focused passion and their songs are filled to the brim with hooks. Loud buzzsaw guitars, propulsive rhythms, and vocals that are light years beyond average. What more could you ask for? This is an album that we'll be playing into the ground this year. Killer pop cuts include "Feel No Pain," "Hide From Tomorrow," "From the Hill," and "I Know A Place." We just love this... TOP PICK.

Bombay Harambee - Goldmine (Max Recordings, CD, Rock/pop)
Cool rockin' upbeat stuff from the guys in Bombay Harambee. These fellows pack a mighty big punch with this twelve track album. These songs are chock full of fuzzy power chords, driving rhythms, and appropriately raspy vocals. If you like the sound of underground guitar bands in the United States in the late 1980s and early 1990s, you'll find a lot to love here. By keeping things simple, these guys manage to create and stay in a groove for the entirety of all twelve cuts. In ways the overall sound and energy here is somewhat similar to The Sex Pistols, but we wouldn't really categorize this as punk rock. Whatever you call it, these songs are surefire rockers...and they're presented with cool energized passion. Our favorite cuts include "Interval," "Commotion Notion," "Blue Balloon," and "Broken Hand."

Calisse - Farewell, Blacksheep (CD, Almabrain, Progressive pop)
We love the blurbs that Kaytea from XO Publicity writes for the projects she's working on. For this album, she described the music as "...weird, absorbing, spellbinding, and beautiful. At any moment, the songs are likely to merge vintage Californian garage-pop, a dash of freakbeat, Texas lysergic threnody, and 70s counter-culture inspired vocals." If you can even begin to understand such a cryptic description (we sure could), then there's a good chance you'll enjoy the wildly trippy sounds on the latest release from Calisse. If there's a single word we would use to describe this music it would be...unpredictable. You really never know from one song to the next what these folks will come up with. And in today's world filled with ultra-predictable carbon copycats, that is saying something. The band is comprised of James Collette, Kevin Hoffman, Rob Iggulden, Karen Moore, and Morganfield Riley. So...what other artists or bands can this be compared to...? Well, possibly a number of different obscure artists from the past and present...and on the other hand, possibly none at all. This music exists purely in its own unique universe. These folks aren't trying to fit into a genre, please any specific fans, or make money. They're just doing what they do and, in the process, creating some wildly inventive stuff that is light years beyond the scope of the average listener. This will undoubtedly end up being one of our favorite albums of 2016. Highly recommended. TOP PICK.

Popa Chubby - Big, Bad and Beautiful (Double CD, Cleopatra Blues, Blues/rock)
We normally wouldn't mention an artist's weight as an integral part of what they're doing. But in the case of Popa Chubby weight is obviously part of the overall image, otherwise this talented blues guitarist would have chosen another name. In 2014 Popa released a very successful album entitled I'm Feelin' Lucky. An appropriate title, and since the disc was released he's been touring all over the United States and Europe. Those tours were so well received that Chubby decided to release this double album of live recordings. Popa's been making music for about twenty-six years now which explains why he's so comfortable playing for people. Released on the newly formed Cleopatra Blues label, Big, Bad and Beautiful offers twenty-seven tracks of loud blistering blues played in Popa's own unique style. Rip roaring tracks include "Working Class Blues," "I Don't Want Nobody," "Love In Vain," and "Over the Rainbow."

Condemned - Original Motion Picture Soundtrack: Music by Daniel Davies & Sebastian Robertson (CD, Lakeshore, Soundtrack)
We knew we were gonna dig this one when we heard those initial bizarre deep bass notes on the appropriately-titled opening track "Shynola's Rumble." It seems like there are very few horror/fright movies made in the twenty-first century that work. Even though we've yet to see Condemned, from what others are saying the movie itself is a letdown. No matter. What lots of folks seem to forget is that you don't have to actually see a movie or even like it in order to appreciate the music. And this is certainly one of those cases. This soundtrack could have just as easily been released by a progressive band interested in delving into a myriad of musical styles and genres. There are some real surprises here, to be certain. Just when you think you understand where this album's going, Daniel Davies and Sebastian Robertson switch off in an entirely different direction. This may make some folks scratch their heads in confusion. But here in babysueland...we just love it. Mentally challenging tracks include "Cookie's Theme," "Cookie's End," and "Condemned Theme." Cool stuff.

Andrew Cresswell Davis - Emergency Love (CD, Angel Air, Pop)
Talk about an impressive resume. Andrew Cresswell Davis (also known as Andy Davis) is one of those guys out there who has accomplished so much and done so many great things...and yet most folks still don't seem to know him by name. Hopefully the release of this, his latest album will help to rectify the situation. In case the name doesn't ring any bells in your head, Davis is probably best known as a member of one of the greatest 1970s pop bands Stackridge. After that, he made some major waves with his band The Korgis. Since then, he's also played with Tears For Fears, Julian Cope, Bill Nelson, and Goldfrapp (whew!). In 1990 he released the well-received solo album Clevedon Pier. Now comes Emergency Love, and it finds Mr. Davis sounding (appropriately) more laidback and relaxed. Listening to this, we're reminded of a variety of other artists including Peter Gabriel, Neil Innes, and even Steve Harley at times. At this point in his career, Andrew may have found a sound and style that will once again put him at the top of the charts. Let's hope so. Ten smart resilient tracks here including "Rain Rain Rain," "Peacock of the Universe," and "The Ghost of Love."

DearDarkHead - Strange Weather (CD, Saint Marie, Pop/rock)
The guys in DearDarkHead have been making music since 1988, so we're kinda embarrassed to admit that we've never heard 'em until now. Don't expect anything retro-1980s here, because retro-1980s these guys are not. This album features instrumentals that combine elements from hard rock and underground shoegazer drone. The band's music once featured vocals but now that both of the previous vocalists are no longer with the band they are (at least temporarily) an all-instrumental band. Considering this fact, you may be very surprised at how powerful these songs are. The band is now comprised of Kevin Harrington on guitar, Robert Weiss on drums, and Kevin McCauley on bass. For a three piece band these guys have a great big sound. This is a short album that clocks in at just over twenty-five minutes. But in that amount of time, these guys make it perfectly clear they're in it for the long run. Groovy, compelling, and hypnotic.

Downes Braide Association - Suburban Ghosts (CD, Cherry Red, Pop)
If you don't like slick produced stuff, this may not be to your liking. But if super slick, super polished pop is your kinda thing, there's a good chance you'll go apeshit over this album. Geoff Downes and Chris Braide have been making music for years now, each in their own universe. But the two met for the first time only a few years ago (in 2010) at a Buggles reunion concert in London (Downes was/is a member of the iconic 1980s techno pop band). The two recorded a debut album (Pictures of You) which was warmly received by critics. Now comes the follow up. Our guess is that Suburban Ghosts will receive the same warm welcome as the debut. These guys are pros at what they're doing, in terms of composition, arranging, and production. The tracks on Ghosts are super slick, layered with all kinds of instruments and vocals. But instead of detracting from the songs, the big produced sound adds multiple layers of intrigue. Twelve credible cuts here including "Machinery of Fate," "Vanity," "Time Goes Fast," and "Dreaming of England."

The Dumb Sounding Band - We Sound Just Like You (Independently released CD, Eclectic/juvenile)
Rarely do we hear music from the back drawer of the cabinet. But that's just where the guys in The Dumb Sounding Band met each other and started making music. This is about as smart as things can sound when they're as dumb as they can be. The band is comprised of Lord Cheese on vocals, Lord Pickle on synthesizers, and Lord Indian on prissy things. Like Jethro Tull's releases from the 1970s, this album is presented as a single song entitled "You're All About Five Thousand Times More Stupid Than You Ever Were." It's a bizarre piece that involves a wild array of something, but all the while there are little things and big things and even more little things that never happen. It's a juvenile experiment that fails miserably and yet it succeeds miserably.

Eureka California - Versus (Vinyl LP, Happy Happy Birthday To Me, Rock/pop)
Real true gritty loud rock isn't dead...it's just hibernating beneath the surface while most folks prefer to drink diluted gunk from a baby bottle. Eureka California is one of the brave bands out there playing music that's just too raw and real for the masses. These folks have hit another home run with Versus. If you love the sound of guitar bands from the late 1980s right on through the 1990s when everyone seemed to be turning up and turning on, there's a very good chance you'll totally dig the sound of these tracks. This is the band's third full-length release but the first to be recorded in a real recording studio. Thankfully none of the band's edge has been salvaged in the process. Eureka California is the duo of Jake Ward and Marie A. Uhler. Like most of their new releases, the folks at Happy Happy Birthday To Me have released this on a beautifully designed 12" vinyl LP, complete with a handy dandy download card. Cool rhythms...groovy guitars in overdrive...and lyrics sung with appropriate abandon...what's not to love here? Ten gripping cuts including "Another Song About TV," "Fear and Loathing in the Classic City," "Caffeine," and "I Will Write Mine Over Potomac." Wildly neat. Love it. Top pick.

Everest - Music Composed by Dario Marianelli (CD, Varese Sarabande, Soundtrack)
Everest is a movie you'll probably want to see for the cinematography alone. Everyone pretty much agrees that the visuals in this one are astounding. And given the lack of limitations provided by modern technology, you can only imagine what they've done with this one. Everest is based on real events in 1996 when two men (Rob Hall and Scott Fischer) set about climbing Mount Everest, the highest point on earth. The film has been released on IMAX 3D, so we can only imagine what this one looks like on the biggest screen of all. The music for Everest was created by Dario Marianelli. In addition to being a composer for film, Dario is also a college professor. This is the first time we've heard this fellow's music and we can bet this will mean a lot more work for Marianelli in the very near future. This soundtrack features big orchestrated compositions full of excitement and tension. But there are also segments that give you the feeling that you truly are up in the snowy mountains miles and miles away from civilization. Sixteen magical cuts here including "The Call," "Arriving at the Temple," "Someone Loves Us," and "Chopper Rescue."

Mike Farley Band - Where We Stand (Independently released CD, Pop)
This album marks the return of the Mike Farley Band after about fifteen years. And our guess is that Where We Stand will be warmly received not only by the band's original fans but by other listeners as well. The tracks on this well-produced album remind us of some of the mid-tempo stuff released by the James Gang and Joe Walsh (very early in his solo career). Farley's vocals are particularly reminiscent of Walsh when he was young. The Mike Farley Band is comprised of Mike Farley (lead and backing vocals, acoustic guitar), Jeff Nagel (guitars, backing vocals), Jeff Beam (bass), and Joe Rohan (drums). These guys experienced a good bit of success in the Cleveland, Ohio area from 1999 to 2002. But like so many bands their attention eventually moved to other things and the members also moved to different parts of the country. But in 2014 Farley and Nagel began writing songs together again via Skype...and that led to a very successful Kickstarter campaign...which led to the recording and release of Where We Stand. Super smooth melodic pop with an overall upbeat tone and vibe. In addition to eight originals, the album also includes a cover of Jeff Lynne's "Evil Woman." Cool reflective tracks include "Rewrite History," "Helpless," "I Don't Know," and "Rain." Superb melodies here...and we love the vocals.

Flesh and Bone - Music From the Starz Original Series: Music by Dave Porter (CD, Varese Sarabande, Television soundtrack)
Music for television shows sure has come a long, long, long, long, long, long, long, long, long, long, long, long, long, long, long, long, long, long, long, long, long, long, long, long, long, long, long, long, long, long, long way over the past few decades. Whereas music for television was originally somewhat of a throwaway kinda thing, now it's a mighty big business with some major professional players involved. And whereas before the music was usually simple and something of a second thought, today there are lots of shows with music that rivals that used in major motion picture soundtracks. Flesh and Bone is a television series involving ballet. The music for the series was created by Dave Porter who, at this point in time, is best known as the guy who created music for the series Breaking Bad. Since then he has become a very sought after talent in the world of music for film and television. This album features over an hour's worth of music from the series. The cuts on this album are, for the most part, moody and somewhat atmospheric. Beautifully crafted with articulate arrangements. Twenty-seven expertly prepared tracks including "Covered With Books," "Down the Stairs," "Glass Slippers," and "Tell Me How It Feels."

The Forest - Original Motion Picture Soundtrack: Music by Bear McCreary (CD, Sparks and Shadows, Soundtrack)
We'll start out here by saying that this film is not getting good reviews. But bear in mind that critics and fans also generally hated the movie Enemy which remains one of our favorites (even though it ended on a dull thud). With The Forest, the story involves some women who go into a forest and...well, you can do internet searches and find out more about the plot. Here we're just interested in the music. The soundtrack for The Forest was created by the ultra-prolific (his name is everywhere these days) Bear McCreary. This guy's name seems to appear on more soundtracks than anyone else we can think of nowadays. Hard to believe one man can create and produce so much music, he must have a lot of folks lending some support. As is the case with all McCreary audio projects, this one features stellar sound quality, plenty of audio surprises, and some beautiful segments that would please most fans of classical music. On this soundtrack, more curve balls are thrown. The music gravitates into the sound-as-music terrain, and things often become rather...atmospheric. So even if the film was/is a flop...the soundtrack is...yet another success for Bear. Ten gripping compositions including "The Forest Main Title," "Follow The Rope," and "The Cabin."

Gladiola - This Year's Storm (Independently released CD, Pop/rock)
Great name for a band...wonder why no one ever thought of it before? This Year's Storm is a very basic album, using only the essentials in order to get the messages across. Fortunately for the members of Gladiola this was exactly the right approach to take, because it allows the listener to hear and appreciate the inherent coolness embedded in these eleven tracks. The band has had a rotating line-up but on this album the members are Bill Madden-Fuoco (vocals, guitar, keyboards), David Mohs (drums, piano), Joe Murphy (guitar), and Chris Regalia (bass, backing vocals). The overall sound of this album reminds us in many ways of some of the cooler underground pop/rock bands in the United States in the 1990s. The band has a nifty driving sound but the songs are, for the most part, melodic guitar pop. If you're into catchy hummable tunes you'll find them in abundance here. Every single track has something credible to offer and the melodies are far beyond what we normally hear. Our initial favorite tracks include "We're Not Going Back," "Mental Schenectady," "This Year's Storm," and "You Can Tell."

Great Lakes - Wild Vision (Independently released/manufactured CD-R, Loose Trucks, Pop)
Hard to believe the group Great Lakes has been around since 1996. But yup, the band has now been around for two decades...and they're showing no signs of letting up. Originally based in Athens, Georgia, the players are now based in Brooklyn, New York. But even though the geographic location has changed, the sound remains remarkably similar and familiar. The band is driven by the songwriting skills of Ben Crum, a fellow who writes tunes that can pretty much be appreciated by anyone. Crum comes across sounding mighty relaxed and comfortable on Wild Vision, presenting smooth organic tracks that blend elements from folk, pop, and Americana. In addition to Crum the band also includes Kevin Shea on drums, David Lerner on bass, Joe McGinty on keyboards, Phillip Sterk on pedal steel, Heather McIntosh on cello, and Suzanne Nienaber on vocals (the same basic lineup that played on the 2010 release Ways of Escape). Cool, melodic, reflective...if you like the sound of real people playing real music, there's an excellent possibility you'll totally dig this stuff. Nine solid tracks including "Swim the River," "Wild Again," "I Stay, You Go," and "Blood On My Tooth."

Trevor Green - Voice of the Wind (CD, Koru, Progressive pop)
Trevor Green plays progressive organic modern pop but with a different sort of slant. The tracks on Voice of the Wind seem to derive much of their inspiration from the original inhabitants of our country...the American Indians. But if you think these songs are going to sound like warrior tribal pieces or rain dances, think again. Green is much smarter than than and his music is far less obvious. While he may draw inspiration from the original citizens of our country, his music is not directly derivative. It's also a lot stranger than you might expect. If you're looking for familiar catchy pop, this isn't the place to find that. The tracks on Voice of the Wind were recorded first and foremost as a form of artistic expression. This is Green's fifth full-length release, and it's chock full of smart, resonant songs with conscience and soul. This one obviously came straight from the heart.

Vasil Hadzimanov Band - Alive (CD, Moonjune, Progressive/modern jazz)
This is the sixth full-length release from the Vasil Hadzimanov Band, but it's the first to be released internationally. Although he's played with a wildly impressive array of well-known artists, Vasil Hadzimanov is obviously driven to create his own music. This Serbian keyboardist, pianist, and composer will turn a lot of heads with the release of Alive. Hadzimanov formed his band fifteen years ago. Since that time, they've played hundreds of shows all around the world. Rounding out the band are David Binney on alto saxophone, Branko Trijic on guitar, Miroslav Tovirac on bass guitar, Bojan Ivkovic on percussion and vocals, and Pedja Milutinovic on drums. These musicians play with one another with an ease and fluidity that is impressive and hypnotic. While the compositions and arrangements are complex, they are played with such confidence that you almost forget this fact. The photos of kids sitting around in a living room seems to be a strange visual paradox, as the music contained on this album is anything but childlike. Eight impeccably recorded tracks including "Nocturnal," "Dolasim," and "Otkrice Snova."

The High Violets - Heroes and Halos (CD, Saint Marie, Pop/rock)
Soaring, lush, beautiful, modern dreamy pop played with style. Heroes and Halos is yet another resounding success for the folks in The High Violets. This is the fifth full-length release from this Portland, Oregon quartet. In some ways the tracks on this album remind us of Ivy but with more of an atmospheric overall slant. The High Violets are Clint Sargent (lead guitar, vocals), Kaitlyn Donovan (vocals, guitar), Luke Strahota (drums, percussion), and Colin Sheridan (bass guitar). These folks make music that can best be described as pop, but it's not the kind of predictable dribble that you might normally associate with the word. While these tracks are hummable and accessible, they are also creative and strikingly intelligent. We love the understated elements. Instead of pushing or forcing, these folks just let the music flow from their veins. And it is this natural flow that makes these tracks sound so wonderfully smooth and slightly surreal. Ten perceptive compositions here including "How I Love," "Break A Heart," "Bells," and "Hearts In Our Throats." Recommended. Top pick.

 

HUP

Hup, two, three,
Four.
Hup, two, three,
Four.

 

Inutili - Elves, Red Sprites, Blue Jets (CD, Aagoo, Experimental/spontaneous)
Whew. This is so far removed from the world of commercial music in 2016 that it'd be hard to top this band in that respect. If you get tired of all the canned perfection crap out there that all sounds the same (and you can always predict what note or chord will come next), Elves, Red Sprites, Blue Jets might just snap you back into reality. This Italian band records music that some folks might mistake for practice or jam sessions. To be certain, Inutili is a band that does not sound like all the rest. But what's surprising here is how musical some of these excursions into spontaneity can be. The vocals are particularly unusual. Instead of being tweaked to perfection, the voice is presented as something of an accidental element...with the words being barely discernible. Some of this reminds us of some of the stranger German progressive bands from the 1970s...but not really. Sure wish more modern rock bands would take as many chances as these guys. This music is unusual, unpredictable, exciting, and decidedly RAW. Gripping and bizarre. Love it. Top pick.

Doug Kershaw - Anthology: Rare Masters 1958 to 1969 (CD, Goldenlane, Cajun/country/pop)
Although it means admitting how ignorant and uninformed we actually are, we must begin here by saying that--even though we've heard the name for years--until today, we had never actually been exposed to the music of Doug Kershaw. And to think we have the nerve to call ourselves writers and/or reviewers. Well, we don't mind admitting our flaws or ignorance...and in this case we realize we've really missed out on something. Before spinning this album, we pulled up a video of Kershaw performing a tune called "Diggy Diggy Lo" and...WOW. Our first reaction is...this guy has some intense spunk. Rarely have we seen a performer so focused and energized. So then we popped these puppies into our player and...WOW again. Doug plays cajun music from the old school of country music...meaning there's a whole lotta talent and personality going on...and very little in the way of studio tricks or gimmickry. This whopping double CD set contains fifty-two (!) unreleased tracks from the vaults, and these are sure to make Doug's fans sit up and take notice. As noted in the title, the tracks were recorded from 1958 to 1969, and they definitely capture the energy and sound of that time period. Now that we've heard these rare tracks...we'll be on a mission to collect all of Kershaw's original studio recordings...because there's a definite VOID in our music library (!). Killer cuts include "Big Mighty Man," "Mary Lou," "Except," "I Wish I Had Died As A Baby," and "Rosie Come Take Me Home." Great spirited stuff. Recommended. Top pick.

 

MARCH TO HELL

We all
March to Hell.
We all just
March to Hell.

 

Nathan Mathes - Anajune Rival (Independently released CD, Pop)
Nathan Mathes fronted several bands in the Green Bay, Wisconsin area before going solo in 2010 with the release of his debut album American Whitecaps. Since that time Mathes has released several other albums that, like the debut, have been warmly received by critics and fans. The curiously titled Anajune Rival is yet another credible offering, chock full of intelligent pop songs that don't sound like everyone else. Although the most comfortable fit for these songs would be in the alternative folk/underground pop category, they're actually much deeper in many ways than such a category might suggest. And that's probably because Nathan is most likely writing and recording mainly as an outlet to communicate his feelings, rather than try to come up with a hit song or something that the public might like. In our strange little musical universe, motivation is extremely important. And that's why we seek out music that we feel was created for (what we feel are) the right reasons. The best way of describing this album is probably to say that it is...thought provoking. Kinda dreamy and even atmospheric at times, these tracks will take you places you may never have known before. We can't help but be affected by cool tracks like "An Offer I Can Take," "In The Long Run," "Baby Wants To Meet," and "Come On After All." Recommended. Top pick.

The Multiple Cat - Intricate Maps (CD, Cartouch, Pop)
Upon receiving this, our first reaction was...what a welcome surprise. We've been writing (and raving about) The Multiple Cat for years now. Most folks who hear Pat Stolley's music seem to instantly become devoted followers. So it's always seemed like a real bummer to us that more folks aren't aware of this man and his music. Perhaps Intricate Maps will turn that around, because it's yet another stellar collection of super intelligent underground pop songs that rival some of the best stuff out there. This is the fifth Multiple Cat album, and the first to feature a full (three piece) band. On Maps, Stolley is backed by Ben Crabb on bass and Andrew Barkau on drums. Although he's probably best known as the guy who runs the Future Appletree label, in our opinion this guy's true talents lie in writing and recording his own material. Maps is yet another resounding success, chock full of cool, catchy underground pop tracks that are intelligent, hummable, and exceedingly satisfying. And, once again, we totally dig the vocals. We're sure hoping this is the album that pushes this band's career up a few notches. Magical stuff played for all the right reasons. Killer tracks include "Maps," "David," "Theme II," and "Bells." Recommended. Top pick.

Lee Harvey Osmond - Beautiful Scars (CD, Latent Recordings, Pop)
Ahhhhhhh....this is one we've been waiting for. We loved the last album from Lee Harvey Osmond and we're lovin' this one as well. If you've never heard this guy, he sounds something like a folky, smokey, more moody Leonard Cohen if he had really long hair and a beard...and his songs sometimes sounded like Tom Waits. Osmond (whose real name is Tom Wilson) is no stranger to the world of music. Lots of folks already knew/know him as a member of the bands Junkhouse and Blackie & The Rodeo Kings. But it seems as if the music he's making as a solo artist is the stuff that's really capturing peoples' hearts and imagination. Produced by Michael Timmins (Cowboy Junkies), Beautiful Scars is cut from the same fabric as Osmond's last album (The Folk Sinner). The songs are subdued and slightly spooky. But it's those vocals that really make the mark. Tom has a great deep focused voice that really grabs you and doesn't let go. His lyrics are pensive and occasionally strange. You'd never ever guess this guy is in his mid 50s. Recommended. Top pick.

The Pathetic Things - We Are NOT Pathetic! (Independently released CD, Pop)
Like most people, the guys in The Pathetic Things are living in a daydream. They think their ideas and music are very very important. But in actuality, the things they think and the music they make doesn't matter at all. Their childish reaction to a lack of interest from everyone in the world is their debut album entitled We Are NOT Pathetic! We can describe this release in a single word and that word is...pathetic. Do yourself a favor and don't do yourself a favor. This is a good example of what's right with the world. Whether you believe it or not, there's nothing anywhere and there isn't anything that's going to happen at any point in the future.

Russell Pinkston - Balancing Acts: Music for Instruments and Electronic Sounds (CD, Ravello, Modern classical/experimental)
Russell Pinkston was once a member of a progressive rock band called Tracks that played around the New England area from 1969 to 1974. But as years passed his interests and skills changed and evolved and in 1983 he found himself a member of the faculty at The University of Texas at Austin, where he is now Professor of Composition and Director of Electronic Music Studies. While Russell has composed all different styles of music including choral, chamber, symphonic, and modern dance, in recent years he has been focusing his attention on electronic sounds, particularly when combined with the sound of acoustic instruments. Thus, Balancing Act serves as a perfect example of where Pinkston's music stands in 2016. What may surprise many about this album is how musical it is. Some folks may not realize that "electronic sound" does not always mean "atonal and grating." In fact, the experimental sounds presented here are exactly the opposite. Pinkston presents sounds that are overall rather pleasant and puzzling. When combined with the organic sound of acoustic instruments, the result is surprisingly natural. In trying to describe the overall sound here...we would say these compositions are like the sounds of nature that have been slightly altered by computers and technology. Interesting stuff, and exceedingly well-executed.

 

POP POODLE

Poodle is
Popular for
No good
Reason.

 

Remember - Original Motion Picture Soundtrack: Music by Mychael Danna (CD, Varese Sarabande, Soundtrack)
Wow. This is one totally cool soundtrack album that doesn't sound like all the rest. And the reason is that the music for Remember was created by Academy Award-winning composer Mychael Danna. You may not know him by name, but you've heard his music before. Danna is the man responsible for composing music for less obvious movies like Life of Pi, Capote, The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus, Little Miss Sunshine, Girl, Interrupted...and many more. Unlike most modern soundtrack recordings that clobber you over the head with volume, layers of sound, super complex arrangements, and big orchestras...the music for Remember is simple, sparse, pensive, and ultimately very, very beautiful. The plot revolves around two men who are on a quest to find the Nazi who was responsible for the death of their family members many years earlier. So it's no wonder these tracks have a serious and somber tone. After reading over the list of films Danna has chosen to create music for, we'd be interested in seeing just about any film that features his compositions. Twenty-four tracks of pure brilliance here including "The Letter," "The Face of the Man," "Difficult Things," and "Tell Them Who You Are." Some of the most incredibly articulate soundtrack music we've heard thus far in 2016. Top pick.

Edward Rogers - Glass Marbles (CD, Zip, Pop)
If you're turned off by the idea of music created for money (we sure are), do yourself a favor and check out the latest album from Edward Rogers. This is about as far from sellout slop pop as you can get. Over the course of a year, Rogers wrote fifty songs. Then he and producer Don Piper selected eighteen which were recorded for inclusion on Glass Marbles. This album is a success on a variety of different levels. The songs are smart and reflective. The sound quality excellent, but never too glossy. The arrangements are a perfect fit for each track. The list of artists backing Edward on this album is...unbelievable. Rather than go into specifics, we'll just say that some incredibly talented folks play on these tracks. But they're not there to steal the spotlight, they're obviously there because they want to support Rogers and his music. And that's exactly why we're covering this one. We'd sure like to help make more people aware of this guy and his totally groovy sound. Although we don't get the impression this guy is really trying to sound like anyone, while spinning these tracks we're reminded of a variety of artists including Dave Davies, Mott The Hoople, The Television Personalities, and David Bowie. You get over 70 minutes' worth of music here...and it all sounds great. Our favorite cuts include "The World of Mystery," "Bright Star," "Fade Away," and "Glass Marbles." Recommended. Top pick.

Zoran Scekic - Just Music: Ana Zgur, Piano (CD, Ravello, Piano/instrumental)
The music of Zoran Scekic as interpreted by pianist Ana Zgur. If you think you know what albums featuring the piano sound like, think again. This is a very different sort of album in which the piano is presented in very subtle and peculiar ways. According to the press release, this album "...presents an open series of compositions aiming to explore the harmony or a non-tempered microtonal system based on integer harmonics, or just intonation." The tracks on Just Music show just how beautiful the tones of the piano can be. It's a world in which the sound of the individual notes are much more important than the speed or complexity of the pieces. The compositions are presented by the wonderfully inspired talents of Ana Zgur, who plays with pure confidence and focus. Some might describe these pieces as being sleepy or slow. But to our ears...this music is wonderfully resonant and strangely perplexing. This album is...simply beautiful. One of the most impressive piano albums we've ever heard. Recommended. Top pick.

Brooks Strause - The Chymical Wedding of Brooks Strause (CD, Cartouch, Pop)
Although he's been making music for years, this is the first time (to our knowledge) that we've been exposed to the music of Brooks Strause. The strangely-titled The Chymical Wedding of Brooks Strause is this fellow's seventh full-length release and the first on which he relinquished a good bit of control over to another person. For these recordings, Brooks recorded guitar and vocals and then handed things over to Pat Stolley (the man who runs the Future Appletree label and has his own band The Multiple Cat). Stolley completed the album, while also enlisting the talents of Phil Pracht (drums), John Gamino (keyboards), and Jeff Jackson (guitar). Apparently all parties involved were happy with the results. Thus The Chymical Wedding is now available for all to hear. What we like most about this album is the fact that the songs don't remind us of anyone else. It's not often we can say that. Strause seems to be one of those guys out there who is making music his own way without giving much consideration to who or what it ought to sound like. As a result, these songs come across like pure, straightforward forms of expression in which Mr. Strause communicates with his listeners on a real level. Thirteen smart, pensive cuts including "Good World," "Love Me There," and "It'll Be Fine."

Truth - Original Motion Picture Soundtrack: Music by Brian Tyler (CD, Varese Sarabande, Soundtrack)
Truth is a new film starring Robert Redford and Cate Blanchett. The true story revolves around Dan Rather and Mary Mapes (producer of 60 Minutes) reporting on George W. Bush's military service, and the controversy that it caused. We kinda tend to be drawn to films where folks in the news get in trouble for simply telling the truth, so this is one we'll probably catch sometime in the near future. The music for the movie was created by Brian Tyler, who has thus far composed music for over 70 films. Tyler isn't just a composer. He's a multi-instrumentalist as well, playing instruments as diverse as piano, guitar, drums, bass, cello, world percussion, guitarviol, charango, and bouzouki...and that's just the beginning. If there's a single word we would use to describe the sound of this soundtrack that word would be...pensive. Tyner has an incredible knack for evoking human emotions with his music. This album features twenty-one beautiful reflective tracks including "Asking Questions," "Mistakes and Misunderstanding," and "End of an Era."

Martin Turner - Written In The Stars (CD, Dirty Dog Discs, Progressive pop/rock)
If there's one thing we're always hungry for, it's tasty guitars. If you dig the groovy sounds of the six stringed instrument, you'll find a wealth of wonderful stuff on the latest album from Martin Turner. Fortunately, this album will immediately be well-received. As a founding original member of the band Wishbone Ash, Turner cemented his place in musical history decades ago. What will probably surprise and impress so many about the tracks on this album is how fresh, spontaneous, and inspired they are. Over time some artists lose the spark that once ignited their careers, or they end up just making music because it's become a career for them. Here, neither seems to be the case. Written In The Stars is an impeccably-recorded collection of compositions that should please Wishbone Ash fans as well as just about anyone who digs tasty, credible guitar pop/rock. Playing with Martin on this album are Danny Wilson (guitars, harmony vocals), Tim Brown (drums, harmony vocals), Misha Nikolic (guitars, classical guitar), and Ray Hatfield (guitars, harmony vocals). Excellent songs, killer guitar licks, superb vocals, a dynamic rhythm section...this album has it all. Eleven killer tracks. Recommended. Top pick.

Tygers of Pan Tang - Noises From the Cathouse (CD, Angel Air, Rock/pop)
Here's a band we've haven't thought about in a very long time. Remember Tygers of Pan Tang? Talk about a blast from the past. These guys started making music way back in 1978 and were very active until 1987. During that time MCA released four albums from the band that were very popular. Many were probably surprised when the band members decided to get back together in 1999 to continue their mission. Noises From the Cathouse was originally recorded in 2003, but label and distribution issues prevented the album from making a real mark. Once again the folks at Great Britain's Angel Air have come to the rescue, releasing the album in its entirely complete with three bonus tracks. Included with this CD is a cool booklet with interesting liner notes written by Ian Ravendale. Thirteen focused rockers here including "Bad Bad Kitty," "Running Man," "Master of Illusion," and "Don't Touch Me There."

Up The Chain - The Prison Break (Independently released CD, Pop)
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania's Up The Chain was originally the one band band created by Reed Kendall. But with the addition of Noah Skaroff (bass) and Kirby Sybert (drums), the band is now a trio. The Prison Break is the band's third full-length release. The album presents twelve (really thirteen counting the hidden bonus track) intelligent well-produced modern pop compositions that should appeal to a wide range of listeners. The Prison Break has a good deal of commercial appeal and we don't mean that as a cut. These guys make music that is credible and real and yet there are enough familiar elements to make the music easily digestible for almost everyone. Kendall has a really cool resonant voice that provides the perfect focal point for these tunes. Nice hummable tracks include "Kelly Green," "Game Kids," "Pineapple or Potato?", and "On Your Side."

Virtual Tour - A Reduced Carbon Footprint Concert Series (DVD, pfMENTUM, Modern classical)
We've learned to expect the unexpected from the pfMENTUM label. And once again, that is exactly what we get. This is the first time we've received a release like this, and it may very well be paving the way for a whole slew of future releases from artists all around the world. This DVD shows how far technology has evolved and the new ways in which it allows people to communicate from different locations. For the tracks on this DVD, the musicians in one city play live with musicians in another city...while they both hear and also view the other musicians while they're playing along. The idea would already be intriguing...but it's even more so when you consider the type of music these folks are playing. This isn't simply predictable stuff. These folks are playing complex, unorthodox compositions that require real thought and skill. So the fact that they can all follow along with each other and perform as if they're all in the same room is nothing short of...amazing.. The core quartet here is comprised of Mark Dresser, Nicole Mitchell, Myra Melford, and Michael Dessen. And on this DVD they play three concerts with a different "remote ensemble" for each. If all this wasn't enough to blow your mind already, an additional fact you should know is that this disc features eleven world premieres created specifically for this release. Cutting edge technology combined with cutting edge music equals...a cutting edge experience. Very elusive and hypnotic.

Carl Vollrath - Lingering Longings: Music for Clarinet and Piano, Vol. 2 - Michael Norsworthy, Clarinet & Yoko Hagino, Piano (CD, Navona, Classical)
An impressive collection of intelligent compositions from composer Carl Vollrath who is currently a professor in the School of Music at Troy University in Troy, Alabama (where he has been teaching since 1965). Vollrath's compositions are presented by Michael Norsworthy on clarinet and Yoko Hagino on piano. This music is sometimes moody and sometimes slightly quirky. You won't hear layers and layers of instruments here and no digital tweaking. This is a pure recording that features the clarinet and piano standing alone, sounding exactly as they sound when they are played. Norsworthy and Hagino seem perfectly in synch with one another. The playing is precise, but relaxed...focused, but comfortable. The release of this album will hopefully make more people aware of Vollrath's talents and contributions as a composer. Lingering Longings is divided into six sections: "Tim and Trina's Ball," "The Odd Pieces," "Trina's Path," "Once A Bygone Time," "Lingering Longings," and "Evan's Haven."

Jon Patrick Walker - People Going Somewhere (Independently released CD, Pop)
Musicians who act and actors who make music. Either way, the recipe usually doesn't produce tasty treats in terms of songs. Fortunately there are always exceptions to the rule, and this is definitely an exception. Jon Patrick Walker was a musician before his acting career took off, which caused him to focus his attention on his acting career. Unlike many actors who struggle, Walker didn't. He has appeared in numerous television shows and films. But in 2011 his mother's death caused him to reflect on his life and he made the (wise) decision to once again focus more of his attention on music. Lucky for all of us, because Jon Patrick Walker is one helluva talented songwriter, musician, and vocalist. His first album (The Guilty Party) garnered a great deal of interest. We never heard the debut, but we're sure digging the tracks on People Going Somewhere. Listening to these cuts, you can tell this man is making music because that's what he loves to do. These songs are smart and focused, and we particularly love the vocals. The John Lennon-esque kickback effect on the vocals sounds excellent. We're hoping Jon has as much success in the world of music (or more) than he's had as an actor. Twelve superb tracks here including "Mother's Going To Shrug Us Off," "Never Win," "Sheila," and "While I'm Away." Top pick.

 

WAS NEVER

Never here.
Never there.
Never, never
Anywhere.

Noam Weinstein - On Waves (Independently released CD, Pop)
Once again, Noam Weinstein hits the center of the target with On Waves. We were mighty impressed with this talented fellow's last two albums (Bottlefed and Clocked) and we sure were pleased when we read that Noam had chosen Old Soul Studios to record this, his latest album. Like previous releases, the tracks here are personal and heartfelt. Even more so this time around, as these songs were inspired by both the passing of Noam's mother and the birth of his son. There's a whole slew of folks lending their talents here. These tracks feature folks playing everything from traditional instruments to harp, pedal steel, trombone, saxophone, viola, cello, violin, trumpet, and more. But instead of sounding overproduced, these composition have a nice big open sound (probably due to the location where they were recorded). Weinstein sounds something like a cross between the softer side of Elvis Costello and 1970s underground popster Andy Pratt. These songs feature wonderful winding melodies and lyrics that are particularly poignant and genuine. Once again, Noam's vocals are what really make his music work. This guy's got a killer voice and he never oversings...preferring instead to simply let the words come straight from his heart. Fifteen captivating pop cuts including "Last Reincarnation," "If I Had Feelings," and "Comes In Waves." Recommended. Top pick.

The Westies - Six On The Out (Independently released CD, Americana/pop)
The Westies is the Chicago, Illinois-based band driven by the talents of husband and wife duo Michael McDermott and Heather Horton. Although the band's music is described by most as Americana, to our ears this sounds more like straightforward pop/rock with folk influences. Some of the louder tracks on this album remind us in some ways of Bruce Springsteen but the softer cuts are drastically different than such a comparison might suggest. McDermott and Horton impressed lots of folks with their 2015 debut (West Side Stories) and our guess is that listeners will have the same positive reaction to Six On The Out. These tracks have a nice organic sound that will appeal to a wide cross section of listeners. Smart melodic cuts include "If I Had A Gun," "Everything Is All I Want For You," and "This I Know."

Winter On Fire - Ukraine's Fight For Freedom: Music Composed by Jasha Klebe (CD, Lakeshore, Soundtrack)
For those who haven't taken notice, Netflix is no longer just a place to stream and download television shows and movies. The company also now creates shows and movies as well. Winter On Fire is a documentary funded and released by Netflix. The music for the movie was created by young up-and-coming composer Jasha Klebe. Jasha's music has already been heard on many familiar shows and channels including The Discovery Channel, The History Channel, and National Geographic. The music for Winter On Fire is smooth, melodic, cerebral, and rather delightful. With such subject matter, it's not surprising that the overall tone here is serious and focused. While these compositions were recorded as the soundtrack to a documentary, they could just have easily been released as classical music. Klebe's got a real knack for coming up with smooth memorable melodies. And his composition and producing skills can't be beat. Nice slick superbly produced cuts include "Gathering at Maidan," "Dictatorship Legalized," "Sniper Attacks," and "Glory to Ukraine! Glory to the Heroes!."

Witching Waves - Crystal Cafe (Vinyl LP, Happy Happy Birthday To Me, Rock/pop)
We've always felt there's been a void in the world of music since The Fastbacks released their unbelievable string of knockout albums in the 1980s and 1990s. There was something particularly appealing about the band's genuinely delivered loud fuzz pop injected with sinfully addictive hooks. This is the first time in a long time that a band has given us the same general feeling we get when listening to The Fastbacks...and that band is London, England's Witching Waves. Like most artists on the always entertaining Happy Happy Birthday To Me label, these folks have a nice raw rockin' sound that has very little in common with present day processed Cheese Whiz. The songs on Crystal Cafe are presented using only the most basic essential ingredients: drums, bass, guitar, and vocals. And that's all you really need, of course, because it's the songs that matter most. These eleven tracks have a slight bubblegummy sound that we particularly love, but most folks probably won't notice this because of the volume and intensity. Witching Waves is the trio comprised of Emma Wigham, Mark Jasper, and Ed Shellard. We sure hope these folks get the reaction they deserve from this album. In a world of calm and dullness, bands like Witching Waves are keeping the spark alive. Groovy buzzsaw cuts include "Twister," "Red Light Loop," "The Threat," and "Receiver." Totally cool stuff. Top pick.

Rain Worthington - Dream Vapors: Selected Works for Orchestra (CD, Navona, Classical)
Beautifully composed and executed. Dream Vapors presents orchestral compositions by Rain Worthington who says that "world music, minimalism, and romanticism" have influenced her compositions. Rain's music has been presented all over the world in such diverse places as lofts, dance clubs, and concert halls. This album presents seven pieces. Worthington's music is melodic yet moody, peculiar yet soothing, familiar...yet just slightly foreign and unusual. Our favorite here is "Tracing A Dream," that truly gives us the feeling of being in a dream or trance state. Other standout cuts include "Shredding Glass," "Fast Through Dark Winds," and "Of Time Remembered." Rain is one super smart talented lady whose music will surely stand the test of time. She has an incredible knack for coming up with cool flowing melodies and wonderfully precise arrangements. We were already impressed with this lady and her music. But even more so when we read that she is donating all the proceeds from this album to the Cure Alzheimer's Fund (a cutting edge research public charity).

 

Additional Items Received:

A
Additional Items Composed - Reversal of radishes
Additional Items Reversed - Back to the additional items
Adele - My frisky rat puppy done ate my head off
Alice Copper - Lob it to Seth
Allman Brothers - Crackdown concert 1986
Shirlette Ammons - Language barrier
Anthrax - For all kings
Antlers for Booboo - Oh no not that tired old runt again
Apples Got Smushy - Train smush

B
Bad Bump - Banana tread
Badfigure - Crooked down
Bambi Dambi - Lambi
Ballerina Pumps - Blackass
Barge - Limpy
Beadulls - Desmocker
Beatles - Medium rare
Bee Numb - Numb bee
Black Tabitha - Pastor of senility
Butler Pudding - Lippity gris gris

C
Car Mump - Dazed and refused
Cast of Cast - Lastly
Cat Grave - Mickey's laboratory
Cesula - Maid in martians
Chicago - Love songs
Chump - Malaria
Chunks of Paisley Pumps - Lordy the snore is a plaza burn
Come To Lulu's Nurse - Romp and the bumpy tum tum
Conscious Or Not - Grumpy lazy
Crosby, Stills & Nash - Survival Sunday

D
Dae Dae - Mae Mae
Daisy Days - Freezing
Dion - New York is my home
Dirty Pennies - Flocks and pimps
Doves That Die Today - Lassie
Ducks for Ducks - Nine hundred ponies

E
Eat The Bounty Feathers - Naptime
Elephant Muff - Beneath the blurry knob
Elves and Bumpy Thumpers - Original motion picture soundtrack
Empty - Flow

F
Far Out Far In - Farin
Five Times Fifty-Five - Live
Four Times Four Is Four - Five times
Foxes - All I need
Funky Laminate - Parking
Fur For Francis - Pouches

G
Gas Pumps - Last primper
Gauge Rage - Now cow
Germany's Burp - Lamp drill
Get Your Begging Done - Tower bitch
Vince Gill - Down to my last bad habit
Josh Groban - Stages live"
Guns N Roses - Acoustic session: Radio broadcast 1987

H
Hell for Humans - Happiness is a dumb puppy
Help the Hopeless - Bloody hearts get you nowhere
Ian Hunted - Punts and nuttters

I
Ian - Jackknife
If It Dies Don't Touch It - I offered more than they wanted and they took it
Inky Doll - Dampness and dryness
It Stays Warm - Square butter

J
Michael Jackson - Off the wall
Jerry's Crud - Narry a buster
Jersey is Swervy - Translustre
Jethro Toil - Sick as a tick
Elton John - Wonderful crazy night
Jones Is A Donkey - Drammamine
Junk Is Just Junk - Lady trunk

K
Kandy and the Ks - Lassie's drool
Krazy Cow - Lots of tips
Krunchy Krunch - Captain's caps and tons
Kudzu's Lamp - Drastic

L
Ladies For Pretzels - Louder than the other thing that we had discussed earlier
Lamb Peppers - Smuppy
Laxative Preamble - Naps and snappers
Lisa Said - First time, long time
Loretta Lynn - Full circle

M
Manners and Nanners - Tablets for pokey
Matchbox - Going down there
Math for Math's Sake - Plazas
Maze Lops - Trazzler
Mazer's Big Torch Bucket - Lipsy
Millie's Pork Bucket - Boxes won't go away
Moo Moo the Bow Wow - Trouser's ain't fresh no more
Murphy and Nop - Dammy and slop

N
Nasal and Tonsil - Lasers and urchers
Ned and the Headrumpers - Trowels
Newsboys - God's not dead
No More Blouses - Farmy
More More Cactus - Deal or no no
Now Cows - Blouses and thermometers
Numb's Fumbler - Town and mouth

O
Oh No That Old Shithead Is Here Again - Rotten old schmucks with no manners
Oooh - Uuuuuh
Opposite of Opposite - Lopposite
Orange Floyd - Sharp glide of the goon
Osmosis - USB #7
Other Muzzles - Howdy Pops
Oz and the Schnoz - Pow wows and monkeys

P
Pants and Pantless - Rainy press
Part Blub - Fran is ugly
The Puddles - Nappy load
Puny - Runny infection

Q
Query - Stop the questions
Quest for Dope - Smoking snuff
Quicker Than Daffy - Cords that don't work

R
Debbie Rafter - Lemme after
Reel to Raoul - Mouthpiece
Reform Club - Never yesterday
Rely On Relish - Candy dash
Mick Rhodes & The Hard Eight - Paradise city
Rihanna - Anti
Rolling Bones - Get your mama's kraut
Rush - Beneath, between and behind

S
Larry Samual - Barney doesn't have hugs for me
Santana - Santana IV
Smuppy - The tatters that ground pepper
Sparse - Kim's Ono spy mouse
Rick Springfield - Rocket science
Bruce Springsteen - Roxy night
Mavis Staples - Livin' on a high note
Steely Dan - Doing it in California
Styx - Suite madame blue: Radio broadcast 1977
Sultans of Swing - Subcontinental drift
Swap and Change - Loudness weird

T
Talking Sheds - Lambs forking up tonsils
Tea For Lunch - Massachusetts isn't a country
Teepee Tupperware - Laura's butter pan
Thuds - Ready for emperors
Thunder - All you can eat
Trust Idiots - Laugh when it's all over

U
Ultraplucks - Eyebrow mania
Umbrella Vision - Church of tassle
Uncle Duck - Mushed
Uncle Pregnant - Does and rodents

V
Various Artists - A collection of dull dribble that no one will ever hear
Various Artists - We stopped makin' em because they stopped buyin' em
Various Artists - No one buys these kinds of compilations anymore so that's why we keep producing 'em

W
Wally Is Near - Stamp that thing goodbye
Wanda and the Wandas - Limp
Well I Guess This Is Just Another One - Lumps
Whether Or Not - Lousy weather
Lucinda Williams - Ghosts of Highway 20

X
X-ray Pecs - Lookie away
Xzistance - Lift down

Y
Yell All The Time For Whatever You Pay For It - Taxi service
Yellow Floyd - Park wide until noon
Yesterday's Potties - Damp portions
Yes We Will Be Bananas - Trap doors

Z
Zappa and the Zappettes - Trown
Frank Zappa - How flowers got in the potty train

©2016 LMNOP aka dONW7