The Week of 9/1/06
Another busy week, getting the new issue ready to go to press. Plus a stack of new and some old CDs that haven't gotten to us yet. Plus some websites to check out and some other music news.
Make sure to check out Perfect Porridge, a local music, art and more blog which covers quite a bit of local music.
Ada Jane - Never Been Better - The songwriter Matt Marka is responsible for this indie rock record. The first two tracks are almost grungy pop, but he relaxes a bit on tracks 3-5. It sort of encapsulates the straight rock sounds coming out of the cities these days.
Ellis - EP - This is sort of a teaser for her 7th studio album that will be coming out in 2007. Ellis is quite the prolific songwriter and performer. I don't think I have ever seen her without a smile on her face either.
Koalas - Self Titled - This CD came out awhile back, and I was able to catch the band live at the Eyes and Hands festival. I am glad I got this, I like the heaviness of it. The music reminds me a bit of Arcwelder, except with femal vocals.
Splitzside - 2 Sides of the Story - I don't really listen to much mainstream hip-hop and when a CD starts out with gunshots, I get a little scared. I will let a reviewer give a adequate description of this, since I don't know the difference between Kanye and Yung Joc. It's all Public Enemy and Beastie Boys for me.
Merge Left - Divided Nation - I was able to see Merge Left at an All Ages show last year. A little bit like Bad Religion and 80's punk, Merge Left spouts out some very political opinions. It's weird seeing such a young band (all around 18) be so opinionated, but I guess I was that way when I was younger as well. Now I'm a cynic and don't care, isn't it sad.
The Chinch Bugs - Unglued - I wouldn't take The Chinch Bugs too seriously, from the funny CD art to song titles like "Don't Touch The Rockstar" I wouldn't imagine the hipsters would be sitting around discussing this band, but you never know The Chinch Bugs might be hipsters.
The Slats - Boom Patrol - I had heard about The Slats from various people around town. For some reason I thought they were acoustic based. Imagine my suprise when they busted out the quirky indie rock.
Epic Hero - Blacking Out The Stars - When you listen to Epic Hero, you feel pretty safe. They are a pop band with a touch of edge. It always reminds me of the Gin Blossoms when I hear them. This CD came out back in June.
The Drive Back- Autummotive EP - I got this CD with the Epic Hero CD, so it probaby ties in with Orange Betty Records. This is pretty poppy, and fits in good with The Epic Hero stuff.
The Umbrella Sequence - Crossing The Wires - The Umbrella Sequence have sort of an angelic indie rock sound and I like the way it is sometimes a little noisy and you hear sounds you don't expect.
I just also got my copy of Inside Bluegrass which is the Official Publication of The Minnesota Bluegrass & Old Time Music Association. Their big music festival kicks off in two weeks, so if your into Bluegrass or Old Time music make sure you check it out.
That seemed like quite a bit of stuff for the week. I will see you next week which is only about 4 days away.
Rich
Make sure to check out Perfect Porridge, a local music, art and more blog which covers quite a bit of local music.
Ada Jane - Never Been Better - The songwriter Matt Marka is responsible for this indie rock record. The first two tracks are almost grungy pop, but he relaxes a bit on tracks 3-5. It sort of encapsulates the straight rock sounds coming out of the cities these days.
Ellis - EP - This is sort of a teaser for her 7th studio album that will be coming out in 2007. Ellis is quite the prolific songwriter and performer. I don't think I have ever seen her without a smile on her face either.
Koalas - Self Titled - This CD came out awhile back, and I was able to catch the band live at the Eyes and Hands festival. I am glad I got this, I like the heaviness of it. The music reminds me a bit of Arcwelder, except with femal vocals.
Splitzside - 2 Sides of the Story - I don't really listen to much mainstream hip-hop and when a CD starts out with gunshots, I get a little scared. I will let a reviewer give a adequate description of this, since I don't know the difference between Kanye and Yung Joc. It's all Public Enemy and Beastie Boys for me.
Merge Left - Divided Nation - I was able to see Merge Left at an All Ages show last year. A little bit like Bad Religion and 80's punk, Merge Left spouts out some very political opinions. It's weird seeing such a young band (all around 18) be so opinionated, but I guess I was that way when I was younger as well. Now I'm a cynic and don't care, isn't it sad.
The Chinch Bugs - Unglued - I wouldn't take The Chinch Bugs too seriously, from the funny CD art to song titles like "Don't Touch The Rockstar" I wouldn't imagine the hipsters would be sitting around discussing this band, but you never know The Chinch Bugs might be hipsters.
The Slats - Boom Patrol - I had heard about The Slats from various people around town. For some reason I thought they were acoustic based. Imagine my suprise when they busted out the quirky indie rock.
Epic Hero - Blacking Out The Stars - When you listen to Epic Hero, you feel pretty safe. They are a pop band with a touch of edge. It always reminds me of the Gin Blossoms when I hear them. This CD came out back in June.
The Drive Back- Autummotive EP - I got this CD with the Epic Hero CD, so it probaby ties in with Orange Betty Records. This is pretty poppy, and fits in good with The Epic Hero stuff.
The Umbrella Sequence - Crossing The Wires - The Umbrella Sequence have sort of an angelic indie rock sound and I like the way it is sometimes a little noisy and you hear sounds you don't expect.
I just also got my copy of Inside Bluegrass which is the Official Publication of The Minnesota Bluegrass & Old Time Music Association. Their big music festival kicks off in two weeks, so if your into Bluegrass or Old Time music make sure you check it out.
That seemed like quite a bit of stuff for the week. I will see you next week which is only about 4 days away.
Rich
1 Comments:
After reading various reviews and listening to a handful of songs. I decided to post this review or my opinion on the Splitzide (pronounced as Split-side)2 Sides of the Story album.
The first song starts out with gunshots which had me thinking "Oh, not another gangsta rap album!", but after listening to the next 3 songs, I realised that the album is a story of an individual who shares his life experiences & lessons from his actions.
This guy is deep. He has a smooth but emotional delivery. He reminds me of a blend of 2 Pac & Scarface on sound. (Both who are great rappers)
My favorite song is "Better Days", which reflects his life & current events, in which we all can relate with. "Midwest Love" is another great song. There are many references to the Twin Cities area business' & hot spots.
Splitzide, also shows his sensitive side and apprieciation for women with songs like "Black Beauty" and "Since I've Seen't You feat. Anthony Hamilton". (Yes, Grammy award winning Anthony Hamilton!)
There are minor issues like mixing where a couple of songs volume is a bit higher than normal, but its not an overkill. Overall I give this album a 9 out of 10 stars.
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