Monks New and Notable ...

Romi Mayes - Lucky Tonight

2011-05-14T15:34:00.000-05:00

Romi Mayes

Lucky Tonight

(Killbeat)

rel. date: released

For her fifth full-length album local blues rocker Romi Mayes decided to stray from formula and record a set of all new songs in front of a live audience, basically in one take. The result is the electrifying ten-tracker “Lucky Tonight” and as the hard-working Mayes sets off on a very long tour in support of the record there is no doubt she will be collecting even more fans based on the high quality of her songwriting and performing. Mayes has said she writes from her own experiences and when you hear tracks like “Heavy Heart”, “Ball and Chain” and “Not My Baby” you wonder if she has had nothing but dreadful romantic relationships her whole adult life. The lyrical content does strike a chord though and her support musicians (including local string-slinger Jay Nowicki on lead guitar) flesh out Mayes’ down-to-earth tones impeccably. Mayes’ pure song craft works well in this context and she deserves high praise for making this musical experiment just plain work.

Jeff Monk

Stevie Nicks - In Your Dreams

2011-05-14T15:30:00.004-05:00

Stevie Nicks

In Your Dreams

(Warner/Reprise)

rel. date: released

It’s been ten long years since Fleetwood Mac chanteuse Stevie Nicks released a solo album and for anyone wondering if this wispy Californian still has anything going on musically “In Your Dreams” is solid proof to the affirmative. Produced and mostly co-written with former Eurythmics dude Dave Stewart the album delivers what Nicks fans have come to expect with a distinct old school rock album feel. “IYD” was recorded at her home and it’s obvious that the familiar surroundings, and perhaps woodshedding for a decade, make Nicks sound engaged and on top of her estimable vocal chops. Tracks like “Ghosts Are Gone” and the Tom Petty-esque title track are as good as anything Nicks has done. “Soldier’s Angel” works because Nicks’ lyrics are neither jingoistic nor unctuous. “Moonlight (A Vampires Dream)” will work for the twenty-somethings investigating Nicks for the first time. “You May Be The One” is the diva in slow blues mode and it works splendidly. Guests include Heartbreaker Mike Campbell, Waddy Wachtel, Mick Fleetwood and Lindsey Buckingham.

Jeff Monk

Sam Roberts Band - Collider

2011-05-14T15:28:00.002-05:00

Sam Roberts Band

Collider

(Universal Music Canada)

Website: www.samrobertsband.com

Canuck rocker Sam Roberts and his steady band have virtually created a mini musical industry for themselves re-creating 70’s rock clichés for a whole new generation. On the surface this may seem disingenuous and perhaps even a tad lazy but when Roberts makes his music it does seem to come from a pretty guileless place. With “Collider” Sam and Band again smack up against their influences yet with a little creativity make their music sound pretty cool. Teaming with Chicago-based producer Brian Deck (Modest Mouse, Red Red Meat, Califone) the band literally worked outside of their Montreal comfort zone allowing Deck to manipulate their sound, which included the addition of Antibalas afro-funk woodwind wizard Stuart Bogie. Opening track “The Last Crusade”, complete with Bogie’s squalling sax breaks, sets the table for a wild and wonderful mix of creative rock songs full of dynamic mood shifts and unique arrangements. Roberts’ pop intentions are equaled by the bands’ estimable chops and this album sets a new high water mark for this band as well as any others working this side of the Canadian indie-rock dike.

Jeff Monk

The Cars - Move Like This

2011-05-14T15:27:00.000-05:00

The Cars

Move Like This

(Universal Music Canada)

Website: www.thecars.org

If you don’t count the Ric Ocasek-less Cars 2006 “reunion” album “It’s Alive!” this is the former new wave champions’ first album since they hit the proverbial junkyard in 1987. You may have your own personal opinion on the need for bands like this reforming for any logical reason but with “Move Like This” the music does the talking and it’s saying some pretty pleasing things. Ocasek is back with a full slate of ten new songs and the album builds on what the Cars were at their best in the late 70’s rather than trying to stake any new musical territory. Of course “Soon” channels the moody vocal charms of the late Ben Orr and “Sad Song” sounds like it was ripped from their first album yet the band neatly avoids leaning on their platinum-selling past too heavily. “Hits Me” pays homage to Devo with its robotic pop sheen yet it’s debatable which band influenced the other back in those heady days. Whether they stick together past this set is anyone’s guess, but for now let’s call this a move in the right direction.

Jeff Monk

Matt Epp and the Amorian Assembly - At Dawn

2011-04-19T07:12:00.003-05:00

Matt Epp and the Amorian Assembly

At Dawn

(Independent)

rel. date: released

Hard-working local singer/songwriter Matt Epp has shown much promise over the short expanse of his career and with his latest album “At Dawn” he has reached an even higher level of creative achievement. As a small “c” Christian artist Epp always finds ways to weave his spirituality into his work and this time out, between the sweet folkie asides and the great out and out rockers there is The Lord. With his electrifying core band of Joel Couture, Antonio Lomas and Raul Bernard, Epp has come closer than ever to making his definitive statement. “Come To My House” featuring the roots-rocking Weber Brothers, uses a Neil Young & Crazy Horse meets Wilco edge to get its shadowy vibe across perfectly. It’s kind of gnarly and it works. The album closes with the very pretty “Set Sail”, evoking a hope for an empire of love somewhere over the horizon. That particular dawn may never come, but Epp surely makes you feel the possibility.

Jeff Monk

Rating: 4 stars

The Trews - Hope & Ruin

2011-04-19T07:12:00.000-05:00

The Trews

Hope & Ruin

(The Trews Records)

rel. date: released

In a more perfect world, perhaps a world where folks were led less by their noses directly to the consistently underachieving, mainstream musical trough, a band like The Trews would be celebrated for their skills and given the keys to the kingdom. Now “Hope & Ruin”, the bands’ fifth full-lengther may not be the best album ever, but it is a set of well-built tracks that show some degree of maturity, is filled with pretty great hooks and is tracked in a way that makes sense-and it has a tonne of energy. The album was recorded at Tragically Hip dude Gord Sinclair’s studio and the result makes a strong case for hoser power in the form of timeless hooks and melodies that keep on giving after many listens. Singer Colin McDonald has the kind of tough, unpretentious rock-guy vocals that can’t be denied and delivers every song near perfectly. Play this one loud.

Jeff Monk

Rating: 4 stars

The Johnny Max Band: It’s A Long Road

2011-04-10T18:29:00.002-05:00

The Johnny Max Band

It’s A Long Road

(Independent)

Website: www.johnnymaxband.com

Johnny “Max” McAneney is now on album number five and as far as contemporary Canuck bluesers go this one is a winner. Max has a super solid voice, kind of a less-raspy version of stateside soul/blues belter Delbert McClinton’s gravelly croon, and he makes it work wonderfully over the course of this dozen tracker. Track for track “It’s A Long Road” will withstand comparison to some of the best albums of the genre and that’s saying a lot. With a super-tight band and additional horn section making his personal and engaging adult-themed lyrics shine Max surely deserves some hefty accolades. If you are a blues fan of any stripe try and get on this road soon.

Jeff Monk

Memphis: Here Comes a City

2011-04-10T17:23:00.002-05:00

Memphis

Here Comes a City

(Arts and Crafts Records)

rel. date: released

With their formerly austere sound now sharpened somewhat to a finer indie-pop point, duo Torquil Campbell and Chris Dumont take their collective musical vision to new heights. Not that “HCAC” is urban-sounding. Rather, the pair has made something of a light concept album that rolls out of the speakers like a wave of lingering softness. Nothing here will hit you over the head first time through. Like all albums that are destined to stay with you these ten tracks work best over a few listens and preferably late, late at night. The otherworldly, heavily echoed delight of “Five Loops” and the supple, guitar-filigreed flow of “Reservoir” confirm the somber mood yet somehow effervesce as well. “Wait!” delivers on the bands’ obvious love of New Romantic boy-pop at its most precious. There is a touch of the familiar here, yet these Memphis cats seem to be on a path that will gain them much respect amongst their peers.

Jeff Monk

Cold Cave: Cherish The Light Years

2011-04-10T17:22:00.001-05:00

Cold Cave

Cherish The Light Years

(Matador Records)

rel. date: released

New York city’s Cold Cave ejaculate headlong into their sophomore album, the rather imitative “Cherish The Light Years”, but those modern hipsters that love to groove to mindless, dance floor-ready synth tunes will mostly find something to adore here. With it’s austere, Bad Seeds-derived cover art and menacingly themed lyrics leader Wesley Eisold makes no bones about his love for the flinty edges of life experience. It could all be a bit of glum fakery, or he and his troupe may actually be enraptured by a musical style that basically reached it’s practical popular zenith a couple of decades ago. Still, even Eisold’s exasperating sibilance can’t keep these folks from sounding like a stepchild to New Order’s offspring brought to the party just a little too late. The second half of the album retreats from the formula slightly and delves into more of an ambient churn. Truthfully, there’s nothing new here, but fans of the genre past or present will see the light.

Jeff Monk

Son Volt - American Central Dust

2010-09-17T16:13:00.000-05:00

Son Volt

American Central Dust

(Rounder Records)

Website: www.sonvolt.net

Say what you will about singer/songwriter Jay Farrar and his skill at keeping the alt-country flame alive it really does seems that he has finally run out of gas. This album features the current version of SV and while Farrar seems to have able enough musical companions he just can’t or won’t set them afire for love or money. Try as I might, every time I got about halfway through listening to this album it all kind of became a grey blur of mid-tempo, bloodless whining, chugging along without a trace of get-up-and-go. While this kind of music is likeable enough, Farrar should realize that there are now dozens, if not hundreds of bands making this kind of low-wattage, dirge-like din and it’s just about time for it to stop.

The Fall - Your Future Our Clutter

2010-09-17T16:12:00.002-05:00

The Fall

Your Future Our Clutter

(Domino)

Website: dominorecordco.us

You gotta love old Mark E. Smith. He’s led the iconoclastic The Fall since its inception in the late 1970’s and as one of the first generation U.K. “punk” bands they have cobbled out a unique place in music history. Musically they have been up and down over the years but “YFOC” should be applauded for it’s spunky, anti-indie rock energy and Smith’s unerring sense of the lyrically absurd. This is The Fall kicking arse again. The digital mayhem of the past has been usurped by the cacophonous sounds of loud guitars and a thumping rhythm section; more 80’s The Fall than 00’s The Fall. If you have shied away from this band of late and need a digable dose of Smith’s scabrous wit enveloped by a band that can really push the air then definitely mess around with this clutter.

Rating: A

Steve Miller - Bingo!

2010-09-17T16:11:00.002-05:00

Steve Miller

Bingo!

(Road Runner/Space Cowboy)

Website: roadrunnerrecords.com

Steve Miller’s last official release may have been seventeen years ago but on his latest he practically sounds like he’s still basking in his 1970’s prime. “Bingo!” is a blues-rock covers album full stop but that shouldn’t relegate it to the water treading section of your local records store. The 66 year-old Miller is in fine form here and tasty licks abound within his trademark framework of happy-making tones and feel good vibes. No dark and dreary delta hollerin’ or Chicago barroom brawling to be found, just the man and his crack band rolling cheerfully through Jimmie Vaughan (“Hey Yeah”, “Sweet Soul Vibe”, “Don’t Cha Know”), Lowell Fulson (“Tramp”) and Jesse Hill (“Ooh Poo Pah Doo”) versions. A definite must for older fans.

The Sweet Talks - The Kusum Beat

2010-09-17T16:09:00.004-05:00

The Sweet Talks

The Kusum Beat

(Sound Way)

Website: www.soundwayrecords.com

This formerly lost-to-the-ages 1974 release is now ready for fan/addicts to pull into their world music-collecting realm. The eleven-strong conglomerate that was The Sweet Talks hailed from Tema, Ghana and this short but scintillating album boils with their youthful highlife-meets-afro beat enthusiasm. Then again, they do call it “The Kusum Beat” and anyone with ears will instantly recognize a slight difference in their haughty vocals, chattering guitars and hard-to-beat horn arrangements. The drummer lays heavily into the hi-hat, keeping the rhythm on high boil throughout and there is a palpable jazziness to their trumpet solos that will please even the most discriminating seeker. The repeating musical statements, mostly based around a cheap-sounding organ, almost become swirling and psychedelic at some points and the rhythmic structures advance before your ears and suck you in with a charming yet unrelenting flow. Nice plus.

The Sadies - Darker Circles

2010-09-17T16:09:00.001-05:00

The Sadies

Darker Circles

(Outside Music)

Website: www.thesadies.net

The Sadies are now rightfully regarded as one of Canada’s hard-to-beat roots rocking outfits and there is no doubt that their ninth album, the estimable and slightly sinister “Darker Circles” will not disappoint anyone within earshot of the thing. Interestingly, “DC” seems to be their “drugs” album. More often than not, the lyrics deal with the pain of loss, loneliness and regret. If you have paid attention to this genre over the years you already know that this kind of subject matter, when handled properly, can be a riveting listening experience. The Good brothers lay into the desperateness pretty honorably here. Musically, they again straddle the line between The Byrds in Gene Clark mode (the excellent “Whispering Circles”), bluegrass, hardcore country, quasi country-pop (The Mike Nesmith-influenced “Postcards”) and soul with journeymen’s skill and the ability to add depth with just a touch of right instrument at the right juncture in the song. It is a serious album that draws you back again and again into it’s overarching melancholy but it is less of a downer than a thoughtful treatise on what we eventually all experience over time, relationships and in The Sadies case, being on the road, lonely and without the safe at home anchors that keep us all sane. This is a high water mark in the career of a band that has already had plenty of kudos on their journey.

The Brains - Zombie Nation

2010-09-17T16:08:00.002-05:00

The Brains

Zombie Nation

(Stomp)

Website: www.stomprecords.com

Ah yes. Here we have it. Zombie-Billy. Now don’t get me wrong. I like rockabilly. A lot. And pretty much all the variants too. And there are a tonne of variants. Look them up. Montreal’s The Brains (not to be confused with the black American punk band Bad Brains) obviously like real rockabilly too. Deep inside their generic thump is a root thread of the genuine article. If you listen closely to their fourth album you can hear a dollop of twang now and then that cues you to the fact that this trio, especially when guitarist Rene De La Muerte (not his real name) lays into the single note solos, have done a little homework. Carl Perkins would be proud-ish. Sadly, when it comes to the so-called “psycho/zombie-billy” pose these guys lean into the faux gruesomeness just a little to heavily. It’s a musical scene that is widely replicated all over the globe and good on these native sons for making a name for themselves belting out what the kids want. It does all sound the same on “Zombie Nation”. Lyrically, it’s a wash since every song is about the same topic. Zombies…zombies and their lifestyle and how they kick ass and need to be dealt with, etcetera. Since we all know Satan is a pussy it makes no difference that these cats and their creepy, costume-sportin’ fans are out to get him. They can triple time their drumbeats and motorize their bull fiddle slaps to ninety miles an hour…it still all sounds the same. Nice cover art though and the “zombie” girls’ photos on the inner sleeve are cool. They would look even better if they weren’t pretending to be zombie slutz. See them live. It may work better than this album does.

Horace Andy - Serious Times

2010-09-17T16:02:00.002-05:00

Horace Andy

Serious Times

(Minor7 Flat5)

Website: www.minor7flat5.com

Traditional roots reggae albums are becoming more and more difficult to find on these shores and with the release of the excellent “Serious Times” fans of the style can again truly rejoice, mon. Horace Andy needs no introduction to serious collectors but suffice to say Horace “Sleepy” Hinds was on the scene in JA in the late 1960’s and hasn’t really ever left. His recent work with Brit scenesters Massive Attack brought his smooth, hiccupy vibrato to an excited new generation and with his latest “Serious Times” it is again time to cherish this mastersinger. Produced by the wily German Andreas Christophersen the album reeks of a pure roots-reggae vibe. Opening with the bubbling title track Christophersen, Andy and the super sympathetic backing band create the kind of flow that recreates the sound of classic 70’s reggae and that’s saying a lot. Andy has never shied away from saying exactly what is on his mind in his lyrics and tracks like “Rastafari”, “False Witness” and “Rumors of War” bring his personal political stance to the fore in a most convincing yet musical way. Obviously, we do live in serious times and this album is just the tonic for easing the pressure just a little while providing some relatable knowledge for moving forward peacefully, with conviction.

David Cross - Bigger and Blackerer (CD, DVD)

2010-09-17T16:01:00.002-05:00

David Cross

Bigger and Blackerer (CD, DVD)

(SubPop)

Website: www.subpop.com

Comedian/actor David Cross is no stranger to venting about what he finds ridiculous about the world we live in and his latest throwdown offers a fresh perspective on the world we inhabit – for better, but mostly worse. “B&B” is sold separately as a CD and DVD set and they differ slightly in content. Obviously the DVD gives you a look at how Mr. Cross plays the Boston audience and his ability to act out certain aspects of his routine visually. This really works on the bit entitled “That One Show About Drugs and Stuff” where he mimics the standard hunched limp of the methadone junkies he sees near his apartment in New York. It’s like he’s been there himself, and to hear him tell it, he has. Cross pointedly takes on the Mormon religion, Scientology, “The Physics of Heaven” and Whole Foods. Much of his humour is drawn directly from his personal experiences and his left-leaning political edge will certainly put off those with other sentiments. Both sets come with a nice foldaway wall sized poster of the album cover depicting Cross on a black velvet painting making the laughs continue right onto yr own personal piece of drywall. The DVD features six bonus tracks and a few hidden bits as well. Cross fans will eat this up and as an intro to this former “Arrested Development” cast members’ standup routine it’s a pretty good starting point for neophytes.

Archie Bronson Outfit - Coconut

2010-09-17T16:00:00.002-05:00

Archie Bronson Outfit

Coconut

(Domino)

Website: www.archiebronsonoutfit.net

Instead of boring you with the standard issue disc review usually presented here, and since this new, long-awaited Archie Bronson Outfit album is just so darn entertaining, I have chosen to break down my thoughts into easily digestible chunks. Let us know yr thoughts in the usual fashion. This will give allow you to get back to texting quicker.

• The grinding sonic plunge of opening track “Magnetic Warrior” is just that.

• Classic Echo and the Bunnymen pop meet Jesus and Mary Chain danger-fuzz.

• Interesting, clank arrangements that marry a somewhat jarring intensity with nervous beats and hazy vocals yelping rather preposterous lyrics.

• “Wild Strawberries” - echoed menace roiling… high note bass smacks!

• A dissonance of sound that skirts the danger zone between pop and distorted, angry indie-rock.

• “Chuck” is Echo and the B’men for a new generation, chock full of single note guitar and blind bass pulsation designed to stick in yr memory.

• Fans of the older school will cherish the herky twitch of the ABO’ style

• The only quasi-ballad in the set is called “Hunt You Down”. Love as an attack.

Andy Kim - Happen Again

2010-09-17T15:59:00.002-05:00

Andy Kim

Happen Again

(E! Music Canada)

Website: www.andykimmusic.com

Yr parents’ nostalgia starts here.

Singer/songwriter Andy “Youakim” Kim had something a career in the late 1960’s and 1970’s. He was a co-writer of The Archies hit (and community centre social music staple) “Sugar, Sugar” and had a pretty sizeable radio presence on AM radio in the early days of Canadian content regulations. Ask yr mom about “Rock Me Gently”. He also tried to re-invent himself secretly as “Baron Longfellow” and hit the charts again in the early 80’s.

The royalties have perhaps trickled down to a slow flow and Mr. Kim has now delivered the easygoing “Happen Again”. For all intents and purposes this is exactly what the “Adult Contemporary” label was intended for. Kim sings about mature subject matter, that is what being of a certain (older) age is like and all the positives, negatives and emotional highs and lows that come along with getting further along in life. On that level, this album works very well indeed. The pop music construct has always been where this guy shines and musically this album is a good as it gets. His voice is still smooth as honey and he writes with conviction and the kind of grace that other artists seem to forget is necessary as you mature. Like he’s written on the inner sleeve, “Music…the art of self-realization” “Happen Again” is a sweet, at times even powerful, testament to an artist that still deserves respect and maybe even some of your time. Or yr moms’.

Bettye LaVette - Interpretations: The British Rock Songbook

2010-09-17T15:57:00.002-05:00

Bettye LaVette

Interpretations: The British Rock Songbook

(Anti-)

Website: www.anti.com

Soul music aficionados have recently enjoyed the resurgence of American stylist Bettye LaVette from a long time lost to an unnecessary career stall. When Anti Records lit a fire under her career in 2005 with the release of “I’ve Got My Own Hell To Raise” she again rose to prominence in the musical community, and rightfully so. Two albums later she is now interpreting British rock classics and truth be told, it is a bit of a hit and miss affair. Most readers of this publication will understand completely when I say that it’s about freaking time that we stopped worshipping classic rock hits and make room in our listening world for something, anything different. It seems that the folks at Anti- thought it would be cool to get Ms. LaVette to wrap her raspy pipes around such astoundingly overdone tracks like Pink Floyd’s “Wish You Were Here”, The Moody Blues’ “Nights In White Satin” and Sir Elton John’s turgid “Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me”. Thankfully they scraped a little deeper with the less oft consumables like “Salt Of The Earth”, “Why Does Love Got To Be So Sad” and “Isn’t It A Pity”. LaVette sings everything in very much the same guttural voice throughout and mostly these downturned versions don’t really add anything to her canon. It’s a pleasing enough listen, but more often than not when LaVette reaches for the money shot notes in these songs it sounds like a bad Tina Turner imitation. But maybe that is just my interpretation.

Greg MacPherson - Mr. Invitation

2010-09-17T15:56:00.002-05:00

Greg MacPherson

Mr. Invitation

(Smallman Records)

Website: www.gregmacpherson.com

‘Peg City favorite son Greg MacPherson is now onto his sixth album and with “Mr. Invitation” he scores big points for once again keeping it all very real. G-Mac doesn’t really fit into any neat musical categories and that is most likely by his own design and we the listeners are the benefactors of this rather iconoclastic stance. As usual, urban angst looms large in the songs. MacPherson has the keen ability to write delicate songs, dug directly from his own first-person experience, and make them keenly universal in scope. Whether he’s riding a bus in “West End”, considering geographical relocation in “Visitor” or just taking stock of his situation (“Travelling Style”) the songs are usually about some kind of forward motion. The heart-on-sleeve stance that MacPherson delivers isn’t a weakness either. This is a guy that allows difficult emotions to simmer to the surface and then deals with them with consideration – something that the more alpha males of the species would be advised to try once in a while. MacPherson’s band mates deserve special mention, especially nimble-fingered guitarist Steve “Batso” Bates and Weakerthans, thinking-man’s percussionist Jason Tait. Both these cats understand that MacPherson’s music is about understatement buoyed by strength of conviction and that is exactly how they play. Bates’ playing comes off like daubs of colour in a sometimes-grey bleak landscape while Tait actually “plays” his kit rather than just banging away at it. The album sounds good too. The production is airy and bright and even when the band is kicking out the jams a little bit it always sounds clean and present. MacPherson deserves all this at this stage in his career. He has worked long and hard getting to where he really needs to be to attract an even wider base of fans. This album should get him there.

Just added and happy for it!

2010-07-22T18:20:00.002-05:00

http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:gzfqxquhldae

Roky Erickson with Okkervil River

2010-05-20T20:33:00.001-05:00

...note, this has not published yet...

Roky Erickson with Okkervil River
True Love Cast Out All Evil
Roger Kynard “Roky” Erickson’s entire life has been like an extended episode of HBO’s “Carnevale”. Complete with an early life in a rather psychically jarring family setting through to his voluminous drugs intake in the 1960’s, proto-garage rock history-making leading to eventual incarceration in a twisted, cuckoo’s nest-like mental institute Erickson is far beyond being lucky to be alive. His formative work with The 13th Floor Elevators has stood the test of time and represents itself admirably to this day. His solo career has been a mish-mash of official releases and questionable bootlegs, all equally varied in musical approach but always full of Roky’s frenzied, at times messianic, musings and even some blistering, spunky, Texas rock and roll. With “TLCOAL” Erickson is back in the game with a vengeance, and with the jaw-droppingly feral support of new kids Austin’s Okkervil River he can longer be labeled a desperate casualty looking to make a feeble comeback for some quick cash. Track for track this album is a stunner. Opening and closing with the sound of Roky, on gloomy acoustic guitar from a recording he made while locked up it’s apparent that this is going to be an interesting listen. The Okkervils add much heft to what can only be termed devastatingly poignant lyrics courtesy of Roky, or whatever being inhabits him presently. He is still the saviour sage in his mind and yet in these troubled times of media and digital communication overload you can almost understand why, for a time, he kept multiple radios and televisions blazing at full volume in his living space. It drowned out the voices in his head and, it seems, the other heinous life crap that Erickson was unfortunately destined to have to filter for the rest of us for some ungodly reason.
Roky’s former gauzy reality has cleared of late and his shattered soul lyrical bent has been upturned toward some hopefulness, albeit with an almost childlike bearing.
It is within these lyrics that Roky’s personal truth is revealed. The larger meaning is there on tracks like “Good Bye Sweet Dreams”, “Forever” and the stunning “Please Judge”.
Okkervil River has apparently been working live with Roky for a while and they have created a respectful and boundary-pushing din that is perfectly suited to Erickson’s troubled personality. Guitars feed back with tight control; strings sluice through lyrical passages and the addition of a brass section makes this a hearty listen that is at once disturbing yet optimistic. At nearly 63 Roky Erickson remains something of a musical and creative wonderment. His weird, disembodied howl reeks of past injustices wrought upon him yet there is a sparkling hopefulness even in his darkest passages. He has come through his demon-filled past to be perfectly in the here and now and with the able support of a group of respectful younger musicians it gives one pause and the sincere hope that this man can yet reach the heights of creative power that were stolen from him all those years ago.

Update

2010-04-12T10:26:00.000-05:00

Yes, still alive...and hosting THE TONIC tonight at 19:30-21:00 on CKUW 95.9 fm in Winnipeg and casted at ckuw.ca. Do tune in!

Uptown Readers Take Note

2010-01-18T11:55:00.002-06:00

Looks like Uptown has gone digital on CD reviews.
If you want to read my latest reviews online go to: http://www.uptownmag.com and click on CD Reviews. Also on that site you can check out the Archives: http://www.uptownmag.com/archives/archive.aspx for my older reviews. In any case, please let me know yr thoughts. Dialogue (do a log) is good fun. Peace.

Mick Green, guitarist - 1944 - 2010

2010-01-14T13:32:00.010-06:00

Sad news this week on the passing of Mr. Mick Green, guitarist for the estimable Pirates from the U.K. I turned on to these guys back when I was a mere lad hoovering in all kindsa music. Green was regarded as not only a super influential guitarist but a guy that could be counted on to blow minds with his ability to play lead and rhythm structures at the same time. You need to have seen it to believe it. I never saw him play live but I was passed a live dvd of The Pirates live on German tv and seeing him play is something I won't ever forget. The Pirates were influential to an entire generation of players and ask anyone of his fans - from Lemmy (Ian Fraiser Kilmister) to Wilko Johnson who their guitar god was and they would buy a drink and shout "Mick Green!" from any grimy rooftop in London you could point them to. Apparently he has already been chucked in the clay, never again to twang righteously except in a tough as nails band in Rock and Roll heaven. Green can never be replaced. You would do yrself a huge favour by checking out anything you can find on the old YouTube to see the late, great master in full flow. Trust me. I know what I am talking about. The world is now lighter by one majestic fellow. Mick, travel safe and trust that you will be oh so fondly remembered down here on this mortal coil. ROCK!

A Film Review? Really?

2010-01-13T08:30:00.001-06:00

What We Do Is Secret
directed by: Rodger Grossman

USA, 2007, 90 min

Back in the so-called “day” some of us were lucky enough to see Los Angeles film maker Penelope Spheeris’ excellent music documentary film about the first wave of punkers in Los Angeles “The Decline of Western Civilization” when it was still relevant and somewhat newsworthy. The most tragi-comic moments of that film came via the live and at home footage of Darby Crash, with his girlfriend and his band The Germs. Crash (real name: Paul Beahm) came across as a drugged out fool willing to do damage to himself in life and even more extroverted on stage with a band that in all honesty, sounded and played like rank amateurs.

This new biopic sheds some light on what drove Crash into punk rock as his individual chronicler of art and personal excess. The ninety minute film directed by Rodger Grossman has the look and feel of a slick rockumentary and offers a rather sterile look into the seething chaos that was the Los Angeles punk scene in the late 1970’s.

The film opens with pretty boy actor Shane West as Crash, in close-up, extolling on his plan for some kind of punk rock scene domination via “beer and personal damage”. We see him gather a few untalented folks together to create a band that eventually (after a few line-up shifts, usually centered on drummers) became 90% attitude and only 10% talent. Crash is loosely portrayed as everything from a soldier for personal expression, a fascist wannabe as well as in turmoil about his sexuality. Grossman and co-writer Michelle Baer Ghaffari seem to have sensed that if this film was going to have any chance at reaching anyone besides punk music archaeologists they needed to make Crash and his band seem somehow heroic in their quest. It works if you suspend disbelief and forget that Crash, while able to write cheerless, self-centered lyrics with the best of them, was eventually just another victim of a scene that accepted all societal outsiders as their own regardless of their demons or inability to function without some a stimulant or depressant close at hand.

“What We Do Is Secret” aims high as it attempts to concisely portray exactly what drove Crash to suicide at age twenty-two. His slow, purposeful, downhill slide, the concern of his friends and Crash’s complete disregard for anything but his own needs makes for some entertaining scenes. The music production by former member Pat Smear works wonderfully and the support actors all put in fine performances.

Perhaps it’s still too soon after thirty odd years to put paid to a music scene and the characters that it created. Many of the early punk bands are still performing or re-forming to good result. The temper of the times today – world food and energy crises, wildly unstable world leaders – is not too dissimilar to the stew that drove kids into musical revolt all those years ago. Shane West now fronts re-formed Germs. Whether you think this is a good idea or some kind of mockery matters not. With this film and others like it our recent past is being mined for new popular consumption. They may have released the first Los Angeles punk single but with the death of Crash and the ensuing flood of much better L.A. based hardcore groups The Germs really can’t be thought of as much more than a tragic footnote. This film aims to polish that footnote into a gleaming Iron Cross and does so with mixed results.

The MONk 2010 View - In all honesty, I think the Germs are horrible and have absolutely no redeeming social value whatsoever. Some "kids" worship the very ground that Darby Crash puked on and believe me I get it - he was a rebel, dude. He validated every fucked up bad attitude, "my parents don't understand me" stupid kid antic ever created and by cashing in early made some kind of statement. Right. he is resting peacefully in loser heaven with all the rest of the live fast, die young poseurs. The real tough guys know how to stay alive while the events of life beat them about the head - and then some. Just a thought - it may be relevant, it may not.

Adrian Sherwood, Again ... NTAH! ... words to live by ...

2010-01-13T08:02:00.000-06:00

Adrian Sherwood
Never Trust A Hippy
(RealWorld)
Those enlightened folk that have followed the career of producer extraordinaire Adrian Maxwell Sherwood may find it difficult to believe that this exciting new Real World release is actually his first solo outing. By aligning himself with the highly regarded world music imprint he practically guarantees more ears will hear this disc than some of the more obscure and hard to obtain works on his own On-U Sound label. This album gathers many of his mighty posse and, as is usual for the sharp-witted Brit, some heretofore unknown singers and players. The record is a heady mix of groovy styles-from the contemporary sounding dub and reggae space-echo excursions to harsh, compressed electro-beat and back to smooth and soulful flows. The nearly two-dozen artists involved all seem to share Sherwood’s eclectic vision, providing some of the most experienced and exciting musicianship available in the form. Plus, you need to buy this disc to read exactly why DJ Jesus believes that you should never trust a hippy. Very cool.
The MONk 2010 View - Adrian, oh Adrian. Still relevant I think, but I have kind of lost track of the guy. This album makes it's way back into my life every so often and when it hits the player it reminds me how creative this English bloke can be and how he manages to expertly craft "the studio" into all his work. Do check him out and leave a space open in yr brain to accommodate his errant different-ness, yeh? Let me know yr thoughts in this regard!

Electrophonic Tonic Playlist! 2001 End of Year.

2010-01-13T07:49:00.000-06:00

Excuse the tardiness and Happy New Year. Find attached, for your perusal dear reader, the ET Christmas Eve AND New Years Eve program plays. Xmas-eve was right off the playlist entirely-for reasons I can't divulge here. The last two shows of 2001 and the NYE programme even featured the one and only, the dude his-self, Mr. Colin (CoCo) Bryce co-hosting. We both presented (as best we could being the guys we are-stunned by the cold and the three flights of unaccompanied stair well upon our arrivals) our top picks for the year in no particular order. If you were there, you know what I'm talkin' 'bout, yeh?
Love Ya. MONk

Electrophonic Tonic Playlist December 24/2001
artist/track/cf
1. Sonics Rendezvous Band-Electrophonic Tonic-Motor City's Burnin Volume 1 (Total Energy)
2. Ry Cooder/Jesse James/Music by Ry Cooder (Warner)
3. Fairport Convention/A Sailor's Life/Watching the Dark: the Best of Richard Thompson (Hannibal)
4. Big Star/Kangaroo/Sister Lovers-Third (Ryko)
5. Spirit/1984/Time Circle (1968-1972) (Epic)
6. Spirit/Sweet Stella Baby/Time Circle (1968-1972) (Epic)
7. Bob Dylan/If You See Her Say Hello/Blood on the Tracks (Columbia)
8. Nikki Sudden/When Angels Die/The Last Bandit (Total Energy)
9. Soundtrack of our Lives/Love Song #3105/Extended Revelation (Telegram)
10. Soundtrack of our Lives/Jehovah Sunrise/Extended Revelation (Telegram)
11. Amon Duul II/Surrounded by the Stars/Wolf City (Mantra)
12. Rotary Connection/Rotary Connection/Rotary Connection(Chess)
*************the nine-o-clock DUB break*********************
13. Bim Sherman/You Are The One/Adrian Sherwood Presents the Master Recordings (On-U)
14. Prince Jammy/Dub is my Occupation/XRay Music (Blood & Fire)
*****************************************************
15. Cleaners From Venus/Clara Bow/Unknown Legends of Rock
16. George Harrison/Isn't It a Pity?/ATMP (EMI)
17. Love/Old Man/Love Story (Elektra)
18. Love/The Red Telephone/Love Story (Elektra)
19. Buffalo Springfield/The Hour Of Not Quite Rain/Last Time Around (Warner)
20. Derek and the Dominoes/I Am Yours/Layla (Polydor)
21. Leon Russell/Tight Rope/Retrospective (Shelter)
22. Syd Barrett/ Dominos/Would You...? (Harvest)
23. Bob Dylan/If Not for You (with George Harrison)/Bootleg Series Vol. 2 (Columbia)
24. Alex Chilton/I Remember Mama/Set (Bar None)
25. Jimi Hendrix/Belly Button Window/Voodoo Soup (MCA)
26. Yardbirds/White Summer/Little Games (EMI)

>>>Electrophonic Tonic Playlist December 31 2001
artist/track/cf
1. Sonics Rendezvous Band-Electrophonic Tonic-Motor City's Burnin Volume 1 (Total Energy)
2. Voit/The National Health/The Moon Hour (Moon Hour)
3. Telepathic Butterflies/Yearbook/Nine Songs (CanIndie)
4. Flashing Lights/Never Let You Live It Down/Elevature e.p. (Outside)
5. The Kim Band/Valentine's Day/Girlology (Madacy)
6. The Nostrils/Justice/Nostrophilia (Black Rose Digital)
7. Scales/Rock Against Reason/Magnum Opus (Black Rose Digital)
8. The Guess Who/It's My Pride/This Time Long Ago (Ranbach)
------2001 THE BEST OF 2001------------
9. Scott Morgan/Full Of Fire/Medium Rare 1970-2000 (Realomind) cb/jm
10. Andre Williams/Detroit Michigan/Bait and Switch (Norton) cb
11. The Sights/Talk To You/Are Your Green? (Fall Of Rome) cb
12. Nomads/To Make a Short Story Long/Up Tight (White Jazz)jm
13. Graham Parker/Dark Days/Deepcut to Nowhere (Razor & Tie)jm
*************the nine-o-clock DUB break Best of 2001*********************
14. Ken Boothe/Is It Because I'm Black?/Soul From Jamdown (Blood&Fire)jm
15. The Techniques/There Comes a Time/By Special Request (Heartbeat) cb
**************************************************************
16. Phrogs/Turn Around Top/Beatroots and Arty Jokes (Indie)cb
17. Billy Preston/Billy's Bag/Billy's Bag (RPM)cb
18. Deviants/God's Worst Nightmare/On Your Knees Earthlings (Total Energy)jm
19. Bob Dylan/Summer Days/Love and Theft (Columbia)jm
20. The Barons/My Baby's Gone/Street Corner Essentials (Hip-O)cb
21. Max Falcon/Money Back Guarantee/Fraternity Story Vol.2 (Ace)cb
22. Yardbirds/No Excess Baggage/The Ultimate (Rhino)cb,jm
23. The Birds/Say Those Magic Words/The Nuggets Box 2 (Rhino) jm
24. Mickey Finn/The Garden of My Mind/The Nuggets Box 2 (Rhino) jm
25. Co Real Artists/What About You?/Funky 16 Corners (Stones Throw)cb
26. Jimmy Holiday/The New Breed/New Breed R&B (Kent-Ace)cb
27. ELO/In My Own Time/Zoom (Epic)jm
28. George Harrison/Awaiting On You All/ATMP (EMI)jm
Have a Super 2002, all. Make that move!

Welcome Back My Friends ...

2010-01-13T07:45:00.000-06:00

Well, all two of you.
Maybe in 2010 I'll be discovered but I somehow doubt it, and really, I don't care.
Not that I am being pessimistic. The interjet is filled with shitty blogs from parents telling us about every gurgle and oogle and diaper-filling movement of their sweet baboos so why would a plain English music reviewer get noticed?
It's 2010 my sweeties and hopefully (don't live in hope - do something about it) you are well and have a plan.
You'll need it.
I have been AWOL and fear that is bad but I will be posting a few tidbits today that should make up just a little bit for my slacker nature of late. It was Christmas dontcha know.
Peace.

Black Sabbath, really....

2009-12-17T09:44:00.000-06:00

Various Artists: Everything Comes and Goes
A Tribute To Black Sabbath
(Temporary Residence Ltd.)
Tribute albums, for the most part, are worthless major label messes aimed at thick-headed consumers unaware of how to purchase music using their own decision-making process. This cool tribute to the original Black Sabbath (when Ozzy was still aboard - the first time) is as unique and powerful as the band it honors. For about 40 minutes, nine distinct and very different combos skew and scramble first wave Sabb classics like “Iron Man”, “Fairies Wear Boots” and “Planet Caravan”. Japanese stoners Ruins perform their own mini-medley of all the familiar greats on “Reversible Sabbath”. The Curtis Harvey Trio begin their version of the Black Sabbath Volume 4 ballad “Changes” using the original arrangement before morphing the song into a cute bluegrass lilt. The unexpected happens often on this jewel which is what makes it so rare of a find. If tribute albums are gauged by the fresh perspective the bands create then “Everything Comes and Goes” is definitely top-notch.
The MONk 2009 view: What can I say except that this tribute album from a few years back is what initially turned me on to the awesome Japanese trio Electric Eel Shock, and for that, I am eternally grateful. Thanks "Everything".

REAL Roots Rock

2009-12-17T09:35:00.001-06:00

Hobart Smith
In Sacred Trust: The 1963 Fleming Brown Tapes
(Smithsonian Folkways)
Too many folks shy away from the unerring archival nature of the Smithsonian Folkways releases. Apparently there isn't actually a huge market for banjo players that sing hundred year-old ballads through their nose. That is not the case with this special new collection. Hobart Smith died in 1965 at 87 years old making him one of those turn-of-the-century dudes and the music he heard in his travels stuck with him. This hugely talented musician became a kind of human repository for all kinds of (mostly white) folk music over the course of his entire life and you get a sense of his worth. Hugely talented may be an understatement. Smith played piano, guitar, banjo and fiddle with equal aplomb and the 36 renditions here will make your jaw drop accordingly. Nudged into the cracks between (and sometimes during) songs, archivist/recordist Fleming Brown pulls as many dates and events out of Smith as possible like he knew it would all be important some day. The 80 page booklet and smart packaging will meet the highest fan expectations and provide neophytes with a history lesson that won’t be challenged anytime soon.
The MONk 2009 view: Truth be told, I listen to a lot of this olde timey stuff when the mood strikes me thatta way. The general spookiness that much of this classic Americana spins holds my attention as much as Swedish hard rock gets me going physically. The moods evoked from that real wild Appalachian music or searing conjunto or cajun music all comes from similar veins of experience and while the themes may vary the instruments used are pretty much the same, and hearing how they are used in differing ethnic musical variants is what truly excites my brain. Conversely, much of what passes as "roots" music or *sigh* "country" music these days is but a thin discourse on stylistic application. Many of the groups hailed as saviours of *real* roots music are only generational interpreters of what has come before. That may sound a bit trite, I know, but if you dig deeper into some of the music of cats like Hobart Smith and his ilk you will find that in reality the current crop of artists are really only reasonable facsimiles. Plus, and I know that they HAVE to do it to compete, I don't see that a band that tweets (fuuuuck) their every bowel movement and string change or has 5,000 friends on facespace has any real concept of being dirt poor and struggling to release demons from their soul. But that is just me. I do like the new Reckless Kelly album. Is that being contradictory or what? Right then, away with ya!

On the player right now...

2009-12-11T15:21:00.000-06:00

NP - Strange Parcels: All Souls from "Disconnection", OnU Sound 1994
More of Adrian Sherwood's production magic on a set of tracks that bounces from thumping, dance floor ready beats to ethnic and dubby tirades. I had never heard this album before but being familiar with Adrian's majestic work I dove in when I saw it at the record store today. Only two Canadian bucks friends. It was a sad and lost musical gem looking for a home and I have now made it so. Check it out when you can.

This Is Your Brain On NOT Christmas Music

2009-12-10T10:24:00.006-06:00

Hello....You made it this far and obviously yr already succumbing to the onslaught of the incessantly jolly Xmas tunage yeh?
Here is your track listing.
This should help clear out the cobwebs and open yr mind to other action options at this special tyme of the year. It's frikkin' cold isn't tit?
Enjoy.
Antidote To Christmas 2009 (Track/Time/Artist/Album c/f)

Another Shot Of Whisky    2:43    The Gits    Frenching The Bully
- this band may still be around but sadly their singer was raped and killed back in their heyday...Check out the documentary movie on this band and you will understand. Tough and ballsy. R.I.P. (if possible) Mia Zapata. Oh, and they actually caught the guy. May he roast in hell.
Baby Let's Play God    2:50    Big Boys    The Fat Elvis
- Texas, me and you.
Clock Strikes 13    2:24    Demons    Riot Salvation
- Swedish hammerheads that are relentless as they are intoxicating to listen to.
Destructive Love    2:32    Butch Minds The Baby    Meet Me In The Time Tunnel
- You tell me. Rarity plus plus.
Do The Pop    2:31    The Streetwalkin' Cheetahs    Maximum Overdrive
- Boldly covering Radio Birdman and doing quite a nice job.

Don't Munchen It (Live)    3:27   The Pirates    Out of Their Skulls [Disc 2]
- Please Santa give Mick Green everything he wants for Christmas.
Don't Say Fuck    3:18    Electric Eel Shock    Beat Me
- via Japan, the best stupid rock band ever. The singer eats grass for bleakfast.
Full Grown Man    3:22    Dragline    Fuzzy Logic Compilation
- another rolling obscurity. The logical followup to Chuck Berry's "Almost Grown". I think.
Guilt Within You Head    2:26    The Gits    Enter: The Conquering Chicken
- ah Mia, long may these records pass from hand to collector hand...

Hold Fast    2:10    Lords Of Altamont    Altamont Sin
- compleat with ex-MC5-er aboard
I Got A Right    3:27    Iggy and The Stooges    Destination Bomp [Disc 1]
- What, you haven't heard this?
Inner-Flight Head Royale    2:45    Powertrane    Beyond The Sound
- Happy New Year to Scott Morgan, wherever he may travel.
Just A Girl    2:18    Mono Men    Back To Mono!
- Triumph of the thumpier men.

Minus Celsius    3:35    Backyard Babies    Tinnitus
- Sweden rocks! See previous posts.
My Baby Is A Headfuck    4:25    The Wildhearts    Earth Vs. The Wildhearts
- Another hipster golden nugget.
My Card Says Typhoon Killer    3:46    Gluecifer    Respect the Rock America
- may make you poop in yr pants...hopefully not, but you have been warned!
No Love    1:47    Big Boys    The Fat Elvis
- Texas punk Rawk from the 80's. It don't get any better...unless it's The Skinny Elvis.

Rock 'n' Roll Can Rescue The World    2:57    Electric Eel Shock    Go USA!
- It can, and when it does, it may come via these guys.
So It Goes    4:01    Nebula    Liquor and Poker Records Music Sampler
- see Label name...the rest is up to you.
Stand In Line    2:17    The Bent Scepters    Landlocked and Loaded!
- I bent my scepter once and it really hurt!
Turbonegro Hate The Kids    3:04    Turbonegro    Ass Cobra
- I don't think these Nords really hate the kids. They may hate adults tho. I wouldn't want to test my theory.
Walking Out On Love    1:40    The Breakaways    Destination Bomp [Disc 1]
- Pop Rawk
Your Main Man    3:12    The Nomads    Big Sound 2000
- Swedish Main Men, you need these guys in yr collection.
Sayonara for now, y'all .. and love each other at XXXmas.

From 2001, Sweden Rules, okay?

2009-12-09T15:19:00.000-06:00

The Soundtrack of Our Lives
Behind The Music
(Warner/Telegram)
www.tsool.com
This awesomely dense and near-perfect rock album could only come from our friends in Sweden. Over the last few years, the Swedes have offered many of the most excitingly unique bands there is to hear when it comes to straight ahead, no frills rawk and pop. Some of the members of TSOOL were formerly in a tidy little rock group called Union Carbide Productions and are no strangers to creating loud sounds with electric instruments. This band fully engages their sixties and early seventies influences well, pulling mournful acoustic guitar forays from Pink Floyd, heavily dosed Procol Harum organ antics and plenty of Rolling Stones flick riffs. With repeated listens you may find a shifting array of fave tunes. “Broken Imaginary Time” has a kind of sad warmth, “Sister Surround” rumbles righteously and “Still Aging” could be Oasis if they were less in awe of themselves. The use of clay masks for the cover imagery adds an extra layer of mystique to a band that obviously cares more about their music than what they project visually. A winner.
Jeff Monk

The MONk 2009 view - I still like these guys a lot. As a fan of much of what they have output it can't be denied that they are of the times yet, somehow in their own special way, of another, more musical tyme. They blend so many influences together (60's psychedelia, pop, hard rock and beyond) to create their unique brew that one would be hard-pressed to find another band so ill-fitted to the times. Yet, they somehow attain majesty at some point in many of their songs. Their latest is a two-disc monster that is as lengthy as it is good. Hope this helps!

from 2000, The Big (and gettin' bigger) Omar Dykes, official Blues Dude

2009-12-03T08:37:00.002-06:00

Omar & The Howlers
The Screaming Cat
www.omarandthehowlers.com
Blues and roots aficionados may remember big’n’greezy Texan (by way of Mississippi) Omar Dykes from his 1987 breakthrough album Hard Times in the Land of Plenty. That album came at a time when a certain other Texas guitar grinder had set the music world on it’s collective ears with his brand of soul wrenching Hendrixian tones. It might have been a trend except that it really didn’t last and Dykes was swept up in the deluge of marketplace need for all things similar. The Screamin’ Cat could probably describe Omar himself this time around. Mix equal parts Captain Beefheart-like moon hollers with Howling Wolf grunts’n’gurgles and you may get close to the sandpapery growl Dykes releases from his throat. Omar hasn’t been idle in the thirteen odd years since his initial brush with fame. In fact, he’s released an album almost very year since, leaving him with an estimable body of work. The songs lean toward the voodoo screech of the past, leave off the commerciality and get down to the dirty bidness of just getting into it, no frills added. The vocals are way up front as they should be, and Omar has that tube-warm guitar skree nailed to the barn door perfectly. There is a wonderful edge to this album that many players would trade their vintage Stratocasters for. The production is almost a player in itself with weird hisses and ambient drones swirling in the misty mix. Slicked-back, righteous and a touch evil. You need this album.
Provogue Records

The MONk 2009 view - Dykes' latest work (besides his ever-growing girth, which seems to be an ongoing project) was in co-operation with the great Jimmie Lee Vaughan on a "tribute" album to the work and "sound" of late bluesman Jimmy Reed. Check Reed's stuff out, as well as "On The Jimmy Reed Highway" if you like this kind of blue matter. It's a matter of taste, for sure, but when Dykes and Vaughan wail it's pretty awesome. Omar can keep howlin' as long as he likes. That is just fine with me.

From 2004, another Electrophonic Tonic Playlist You Missed...

2009-12-02T10:27:00.009-06:00

Here is how it all went down one Monday night back in 2004. Ray Condo is still deceased, and I am very much alive, thank Christ! To all of you out there that love music...check summa these out. Much Love...JMo!

As I type this I'm listening to the last few seconds of the last track on the new Alligator release "Houndog Taylor-Release The Hound" which compiles previously unreleased live tracks of the 'Dog in full tilt.
Mr. Taylor is kibbitzing on mike with another band member about it being time to bring out the "champagne and vaseline". Woah.
Classic stuff. Unadulterated, old school badass, goofing around. It doesn't get any saucier-or better-as time passes do it? Oh yes. And the entire album before these sweet last few seconds kinda warms it up real nice, do you know what I'm saying? Thanks for tuning in.
I'll be back in three weeks with mo'. Tune-in every week as the ET co-hosts make some great things happen, aurally speakin'.
hugs
MONk

r.i.p. Ray Condo (May 16, 1950 ~ April 15, 2004)

Electrophonic Tonic Playlist April 26/04
artist/track/cf
1. Deniz Tek and Scott Morgan/Electrophonic Tonic/3 Assassins (Career)
2. Ray Condo & His Hardrock Goners/Blast Off/Hot'n'Cold (Crazy Rekkids)
3. Ray Condo & His Hardrock Goners/The Worrying Kind/Hot'n'Cold (Crazy Rekkids)
4. Ray Condo & His Hardrock Goners/Lonely Wolf/Hot'n'Cold (Crazy Rekkids)
5. Ray Condo & His Hardrock Goners/Crazy Mixed Up World/Hot'n'Cold (Crazy Rekkids)
6. Ray Condo & His Hardrock Goners/Burn Your Playhouse Down/Hot'n'Cold (Crazy Rekkids)
7. Ray Condo & His Hardrock Goners/Hot'n'Cold/Hot'n'Cold (Crazy Rekkids)
8. Ray Condo & His Hardrock Goners/The Sinister Urge/Hot'n'Cold (Crazy Rekkids)
9. Weeping Tile/Through Yr Radio/Valentino (WEA)
10. controller controller/silent seven/history (paper bag)
11. Les Internes/Oh Non/Dans Le Vent Vol.1 (Echo67)
12. les Chantels/Shaggy Baggy Joe/Dans Le Vent Vol.1 (Echo67)
13. Curse of Horseflesh/Liberty's Cannon Ball/Burning Up The Jade (Rotoflex)
14. Jack deKeyzer/Top of the Line/Wild at Heart (Parfio)
15. Houndog Taylor/the Dog Meets the Wolf/Release the Hound (Alligator)
16. The Smugglers/Don't Mess with Beez/Mutiny in Stereo (Mint)
**************the nine-o-clock DUB break**************
17. Toots and the Maytals/Pomps and Pride/Best of: Pressure Drop (Trojan)
18. Twilight Circus Dub Sound System/Blue Motion/Foundation Rockers (Mrecs)
***********************************************
19. Donovan's Brain/The Known Sea/The Great Leap Forward (Career Records)
20. Deniz Tek and Scott Morgan/Dangerous/3 Assassins (Career Records)
21. Deniz Tek and the Golden Breed/Out Of Action /3 Assassins (Career Records)
22. Roy Loney and the Longshots/Nobody Does It/Drunkard in the Think Tank (Career Records)
23. Roy Loney and the Longshots/Doggone Fine/Drunkard in the Think Tank (Career Records)
24. Doug Sahm/Magic Illusion/He's About a Groover: Best of (Fuel 2000)
25. Mando Diao/Little Boy Jr. live/Paralyzed ep (Mute)
26. The Catheters/Between the Creases/Howling...it grows and grows (subpop)
27. Young Heart Attack/Starlite/Mouthful of Love (XL)
28. Mott the Hoople/Crash Street Kidds/The Hoople (CBS)
29. The Zombies/If It Don't Work Out/Decca Stereo Anthology (Big Beat)
30. Little Esther/Mojo Hannah/Mojo Raw Soul
31. Lole y Manuel/Tu Mira/Kill Bill 2 Sdtrk. (Maverick)
rave on people..........

Tonight!

2009-11-23T14:51:00.000-06:00

MONK on THE TONiC! Live Radio!

If you are local and have some time to tune-in I will be fill-in hosting "The Tonic" on CKUW95.9 fm tonight between 1930 and 2100...or for you less military types 7:30 p.m. until 9 p.m.
This is live radio, liver than you've ever been and promises to be a fine time chock full of great music selected by yours truly.
Also available via the old interjet (streaming) at ckuw.ca so check that out.
And if you need more or you miss the show completely tonight the archive will be there at the same web address. Just click on PROGRAM SCHEDULE at the top, scroll down MONDAY until you see THE TONIC. Click on AUDIO and choose November 23 and whether you want to stream (listen now) or download to listen later and ...forever. I also hosted November 2nd show if yr really a glutton for enlightenment.
Have fun and be safe out there.

Two Dollar Pistols and putting the "U" in Country Music...from 2004

2009-11-23T12:01:00.001-06:00

Two Dollar Pistols
Hands Up!
(Yep Roc Records)
Website: www.twodollarpistols.net
North Carolina’s Two Dollar Pistols deal exclusively in authentic, Bakersfield-bred, twangy honky tonk roots music. Their version of rollicking hardwood floor-filling seein’-double-you weepers and shuffles is classically built using the established old school formula of fancy guitar pickin’, hearty basslines, swing-inflected drums and soaring steel guitar. The outstanding baritone vocals of John Howie Jr. are a wonderfully pleasing cross between X’s John Doe and country music legend Ernest Tubb and it really doesn’t get any better than that. The typical backside of life topics are all broached lyrically-guy meets girl in bar, guy spends best night of his life with girl, girl eventually leaves, guy writes sad song about the whole damn event. The album was recorded at the same studio (Rick Miller’s Kudzu Ranch Studios) that Southern Culture On The Skids use to create similar magic giving “Hands Up!” a distinctive southern stank. Y’all get some.
MONk 2009 View - This album and a few others by this hot combo still retain places of high esteem in the MONk archives. There is defo something about the righteous twang that gets me a huh-huh hankering for more and even more of their fine git down delicacies. They release albs rather sporadically and whenever I come across their cds in some dusty used product bin I make sure I grab them. John Howie Jr.'s deep warble is of the classic kind that speaks of a grown man's emotions spoken with a vulnerability that is often lost in today's country music. Hell, it hardly even exists so who am I kidding here. There are a lot of contemporary country cats that could learn a dirty lesson or two from the hard scrabble roots tone these guys lay down but if'n you like the current crop of hat acts and trimmed beardo ladies' men that pass for country music singers these days then I don't wanna know you. You know who you are and you need to keep moving. Or jump on this freight train of goodness and toss those cute'n'cuddly boys out the back screen door into the hog shit where they belong! Git to it!

John Mayall Live In Winnipeg November 18, 2009

2009-11-19T18:57:00.002-06:00

John Mayall

and Band

LIVE!

I was lucky enough to get fifth row, center seats for quite a nice concert last night here in Winnipeg at the venerable Pantages Theatre.
British blues god (sorry to all you Christians reading this-it's just a saying) John Mayall (Born 29 November 1933) and his upstanding band hit the stage last night right on time at 8 p.m. and right from the get go it was completely apparent that Mr. Mayall and crew were going to be darn entertaining.
How did I know this?
It's pretty simple, and folks, just because a blueser like John Mayall has been in the biz a long time (like, a grandpaw's length) does not ever necessarily equate to a show like the one this band produced last night.
Not by a long stretch.
Mayall strode onto the stage all by his lonesome, said a brief and friendly hello (again, it must be the grand dad of the blues thing) and proceeded to sing and blow some pretty fantastic harp.
I play a bit of harp and believe me when I say this guy is good. He's no Magic Dick, rather more a stylist hitting some sweet and delicate notes and melodies. Nice.
Then he strolled over to the Korg keyboard and while he played those sharp harp melodies accompanied himself with some on the spot right-handed piano chords. Superb.
He invited the band out and as they slowly moved into position and started in it was easy to see that these cats were ready to work with the master, not just back him up.
With songs from the latest Mayall album "Tough" interspersed between classic Mayall gold the night just got better and better with each song. All the players shone and were each allowed their own time in the spotlight and they each, to a man, came across as skilled without being pedantic and seemed to be enjoying themselves greatly.
Mayall has always been a proponent of bringing new talent forward and watching him groove while the other players soloed was a treat. He genuinely got into it and it made the audience that much more attentive to what the players were doing. There was a short intermission and there was absolutely no loss of power or finesse when the quintet hit the stage after watering the horses. The crowd was super receptive and Mayall seemed genuinely pleased with the loud applause and more than a few standing O's. He deserved every handclap, whistle and cheer-for real folks. John Mayall is no young lion yet he is still capable of bringing a roar to the stage, with the help and support of a fine set of players there to do much more than play charts and hit their marks. These guys are welcome back any time.
for further reading please see: http://www.uptownmag.com/2009-11-12/page4841.aspx

from 2001-an Interview with Adrian Maxwell Sherwood

2009-11-14T16:32:00.000-06:00

MONk 2009 preamble - this is a long one kids. If you are a reggae music fan of any weight then you already know about Adrian Sherwood and his On-U-Sound label.

If not, then start looking for some of these releases as you will not be disappointed.

I haven't really kept up with Mr. Sherwood. I am sure he's doing fine and music is still a premier daily activity for him and his crew. Settle in for this one kids. And enjoy. Feedback (i.e. volume knobs turned to eleven) is always appreciated. Jah Lives.

Language warning.

Did You Get Any On-U? or
The Return of Adrian Sherwood. a.k.a. Did He Even Go Away?

As the British music scene exploded with the white heat of punk rock in the late 1970’s a young English kid, enamored with the freedom of expression the new musical style supported decided to become involved. Adrian Sherwood chose not to align himself with the clanging, Chuck-Berry-on-speed edge of the new rebellion, but instead focused his energies on spreading the vibes of his first musical love - jamaican reggae and dub music. He started young, first by mixing current JA hits into his soul and pop deejay sets in school as a young man. The spirit of the music and it’s adherents in the large immigrant community in London allowed him the ready market and easy access to very talented players. Eventually he built the On-U Sound label which released some of the hardest dub and reggae music of the time. Merely name checking his roster doesn’t do justice to the high level of skill and overt dread power these wicked sides oozed. You have to hear them. While Sherwood has never really left music, his less-than-high profile of late has left fans wondering what happened to this talented producer, mixer and engineer? The following interview was done with Mr. Sherwood via phone at his home in High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire which is about 45 minutes outside of London. He was at his own studio, working on his first ever solo album. He was in a talkative mood as you will see. There will be a full slate of On-U Sound re-issues in 2002 as well as new titles on the umbrella labels Green Tea and Pressure Sounds. These albums are regarded by both critics and fans as some of the best sounding, roots reggae and dub music made anywhere on the planet. Look for them and buy them. You won’t be disappointed....

November 12, 2001-Tuesday CST 15:30

Phone rings, special long distance tone.

Adrian Sherwood: ’Ullo
Jeff Monk: Hello, this is Jeff Monk calling for S****s Magazine.
AS: Hi Jeff
JM: Is this Adrian Sherwood?
AS: It is, speaking (slight giggle at the formality)
JM: How are you sir?
AS: (more giggles) I’m very well Jeff how are you?
JM: Good, I’m glad I got you. The first time I dialed there was a problem getting through or something and I got nervous about missing the time.
AS: We’re here.
JM: Do you have a few moments?
AS: Yeh, sure...um hang on a few moments Jeff....(inaudible)
Sorry.
JM: Everything okay?
AS: Yeh, we’re just in the studio, it’s actually my house and we’re in the studio as well.
JM: And what are you working on, there’s a good place to start.
AS: Umm, I’m actually working on about four projects simultaneously, I haven’t made any records myself for four years.... three and half years.
JM: Right, and word has it that, and the whole reason I’m talking to you is that you are on the verge of something big, I heard five new releases and some number of re-issues is that correct?
AS: What we’re doing we’re um...I’m making a solo album, in my own name, which sounds a bit mad but basically I’m using ragga beats and hip hop beats all blended together at about ninety or a hundred beats per minute or whatever. You can play it in clubs. Kind of like Tackhead with vocal cut ups, big fat bass and wah wah pedals with distortion pedals and everything. It’s a great big fucking noise is what it is and what it sounds like, really. I’m putting a single out on my own label which is Green Tea, which is a division of Pressure Sounds my reggae label. That label is going very well. We just released a Burning Spear album that’s doing very well. On-U has been asleep for awhile. What my intention is that the new albums I’ve been making in Europe I want to put them out on a new label. It’ll still be, the mother company, it’s just like in America you’ve got a corporation so your corporation might have different labels but it’s still the same corporation. So I might record as Freaks-R-Us, like Toys-R-Us, y’know, or find some fucking new name for it y’know. Now in Europe I’m going to release my own solo album, I’m going to release a new Little Axe album-which is absolutely stunning, we spent a long time making that-I’ve got another project which is called Too (Two?) Bad Card and the Ghetto Priest which again is mad ragga and Irish music and distortion stuff all fucked up together.

JM: And the mother corp. is On-U yes?
AS: Yes. The company is On-U Records Sound Limited which has been trading for about twenty years now as of this year. By March there will be a fantastic new On-U website up with information on what I’ve been doing for the last four years. It seems I’ve been quiet but I’ve produced everyone from Placebo to Sinead O’Connor and from Primal Scream to Junior Delgado. I’ve actually been very busy but because nothing’s on my own label, my own imprint, my visibility has been quite low.

JM: I’ve got a compilation cd here that looks like it’s from 1998....
****at this point a very loud pakistani yodel starts emanating from the background on Sherwood’s phone line......
AS: ’Ang on a sec Jeff...Nick, oi, Nick...the machines playing!...Stop that Indian c*nt noise will you! (laughs) Sorry! (laughs) Sorry!
JM: I’ve got some new stuff as well as old stuff but since the station has only been broadcasting on the airwaves for nearly three years there’s still a backlog of classic stuff that I want to expose listeners to.
AS: The worst thing is people going into a shop, they hear a record by - I shouldn’t mention names - but these certain people and they think it’s going to be a good record and they end up buying something and it’s rubbish. People need to be educated about what is actually really fucking good.
JM: You started off when punk did in England. How does a white kid even think that they can do anything in the reggae music industry?

AS: You can do anything in the world you want to. I mean you’ve got Adam F., he’s producing fucking big American acts at the moment like Chaos and that stuff. There is no reason a white English kid couldn’t go to Jamaica and work on a reggae record. I think if you are really motivated and you love it enough and want it you can do anything in this world in music.
JM: And this was the case when you started then?
AS: Yeh, when I started it was wide open, it was kind of like virgin territory and I was very fortunate to meet some great musicians from Jamaica and great artists.
JM: And how did that come about?
AS: Well I left school and I was working with a Jamaican friend who had a club who previously worked for Pama Records, which was a pioneer reggae label in England. I worked in a record shop on my summer holiday from school and when I left school I started buying and selling records. Then I started recording musicians for like next-to-nothing and putting out tapes from Jamaica. The I started doing my own sessions.
JM: You were dealing with some pretty serious dreads right? Hardcore rastafarians?
AS: Listen, humans are humans, y’know. Mike Tyson might be a looney, but you and Mike Tyson might get on very well. Um, that was very bad analogy but there’s no reason why anybody should not get on in the world if they’re interested in each other. The real problems that you’ve got with people is misunderstanding, or the inability to relate to one another. You’ve probably got very little in common with a kid from Bedford-Stuyvesant , where I think Tyson came from or whatever, and he’s probably got nothing in common with a kid that grew up in High Wycombe, Bucs, (Buckinghamshire, England where Sherwood lives) but if you met you might get on well or you might find there’s a common thing just for some strange reason where humans get on with humans from another part of the world or whatever. Music, at the moment, is on the planet to heal people. I’ve got my own views on world politics and everything to the degree that I can understand why the situation in Palestine or Israel or whatever you want to call it, why there’s so many angry people and why the current affairs are going on.

JM: How did you hook up with Prince Far-I for instance?
AS: I had already released a tape of his. Someone offered me a tape, business-like, like I was buying or selling a fucking car. I said, “I like that, I will give you an advance for that.”. I mean generally if you’re passionate about something...people’s work or if it’s some mad hobby they’ve got or anything, you will get on with people as long as you’re mad and you’ve got fun and mischief yourself or something...you can deal with anybody! You, this minute, even though we’re a bit older, if you were twenty years younger, or I was, and you were obsessed with hip-hop, I could walk into any ghetto in America and deal with the people in the right way and you go “Look, I love this fucking shit. Move out the way I’m quite a serious geezer I’ve haven’t come here to see you, fuck off, I’ve come to see a man here and you know what? I've got a reason to be here.” Do you know wot I mean? You can carry it through. It’s like if you walk into somewhere, stoned off yer tits and say (making stoner voice) “Oh I love reggae, I want to go to Kingston.” You’re gonna get mugged! Do you know wot I mean? (laughing) You know like, “Who’s this silly fucking like white fucking rasta coming down here with some silly ideas about what’s going on? ”. I have got no silly ideas about how Jamaica is. It’s a very, very tough society to thrive in if you’re black. The whiter you are, the better you’re treated. The darker you are...your almost like, you’re born to suffer. It’s a fucked up place. I don’t care if I ever go there in my life again. I’ve been there a couple of times and still now I’ve got love in Jamaica and I had a great time when I was down there. But it’s not a matter of I’ve got something to prove or I wanna be black or fucking whatever.
JM: It’s the love of the music.
AS: Yeh.
***We talk about various On-U releases from the back catalog and Adrian gives me his capsule reviews of a few albums discussed.

JM: Any of these re-issues getting North American distribution?
AS: The re-issues are all being handled by EFA (Garo) in Los Angeles. All the mid-price stuff is available, it’s very underground, it’s quite old but there’s some good stuff like Dub Syndicate, there’s all kinds of tracks you can buy. Compilations like Pay It All Back Volume 3 that’s a very good one. It’s a good introduction to the old school On-U stuff.
JM: (getting geeky) Do you remember an album called “Wild Paarty Sounds Volume 1”?
AS: Well Jesus! That album was made for about $2000 in the space of about four days, twenty years ago. It’s got it’s moments, but it’s not the best album on earth. It’s got the solarized sleeve.
JM: I’ve also got a friend that has a few of the ten inch vinyl dub plates.
AS: They’re very rare.
JM: Then Pressure Sounds is the current label to look for?
AS: The latest one is a Burning Spear album. It’s been out for a while. It’s sold about thirty thousand so far, it’s a fantastically successful album. It’s called “Spear’s Burning”. And then there’s an album of King Tubby’s productions, which is very very rare.

JM: Are you familiar with the “Blood & Fire” label?
AS: That’s my friends, they’re my very close friends. Well, Blood & Fire and Pressure Sounds, are probably the best two re-issue labels from England. We’re not really rivals or anything, we’re very good friends. We’ve known each other for a donkey’s years.
JM: You both are finding these old tracks....
AS: It’s like the blues really. Basically you’ve got this legacy of incredible music that is being re-packaged and re-introduced to a public that isn’t even aware of it. With reggae the difference is the immigration that happened. You’ve got original people that left the Caribbean, settled in Canada, settled in England and they settled in the United States and the music became part and parcel of the people who were living there prior to their arrival. So the influence Jamaican music had on ourselves is very great. It’s down to the wealth of the former British Empire (laughs).
JM: Any stories of someone giving you an unmarked box of tapes an finding some gold?
AS: With Pressure Sounds basically it started with our relationship with Prince Far-I’s widow who let us release some of his back catalog. Keith Hudson, again another person I knew. Israel Vibration. And Lee Perry of course another person I worked with. We’ve not had actually people turning up. The only real rarity is the Prince Far-I album “Health and Strength”. It had been lost for years and a friend of mine found a cassette off the master in a box twenty years after everyone in the world thought it was lost forever, which I think is an amazing story. That album is amazing and it's amazing that there’s even a copy of that available.
JM: Who produced that?
AS: Prince Far-I produced it.
JM: Do you tnk you started industrial music with Gary Clail and Tackhead Sound System and such acts on On-U?
AS: I think there are other bands around who might disagree with you (laughs)! Lots of people. I worked with Mark Stewart, who I think is a genius. He had the Pop Group. The thing is what we were doing at the time was very, very noisy, very, very angry. We were doing lots of speed at the time and if you’re doing speed every day you get very angry and you write stuff like.....“we wanna conquer the world - listen to this you c*nts!” (laughs) That was how we felt. I was working, luckily, with some of the best funk musicians in the world in Keith LeBlanc, Doug Wimbish and Skip McDonald. They had been the house band at Sugarhill Records. We hooked up and decided to form a partnership...that turned into Tackhead, Mark Stewart and the Maffia and Fats Comet in that period. Keith and I did the first Nine Inch Nails hit “Down On It” which was Trent Reznor’s first hit. We actually put that together for him.
JM: So it’s as easy as walking into any situation with the right attitude that makes these magical musical moments happen?
AS: Anybody can do anything now if really want it or it somehow takes your spirit over, I think the rules now are there to be broken.
JM: Are you personally hearing things these days that surprise you as far as chillout music or the newer....
AS: Chillout music?
JM: The newer dub stuff?
AS: I think a lot of people have tacked the word “dub” onto anything. I don’t think that it’s true. I think some fantastic stuff still comes from Jamaica. I still buy all the new singles that come out of the country.
JM: I know you’re familiar with drum’n’bass....
AS: Well drum’n’ bass, the English blokes and girls or whoever is involved in it are very proud of it. It’s probably the first kind of rebel music from England since punk days. There’s guys like Timbaland who have copied the phrasings and things on drum’n’bass, done their own programming around it and pulled the groove out of it that’s how a lot of those tunes are put together.
JM: Does that stuff make sense to you...?
AS: Well I’m more your age group so I’m very much locked spiritually into the spirit of early, the seventies reggae from thirty years ago where it’s the message of the lyrics tare strong, the Last Poets, the countless things from America. I immediately..., one thing I want to say is.... ’ang on, these c**ts in the Taliban have got to check themselves... they’ve banned music. Any society that bans music, as far as I’m concerned, is preventing healing of their own people. My main thing, what I can always go back to, what I can completely rely on is the vibe of the stuff from the ghettos of Jamaica. I don’t know why. I mean I don’t want to go there or be part of that. I’m just not interested. I have quite a comfortable lifestyle and I like that. I don’t want to go live in a fucking tin shack in some shitty little dangerous place with a lot of horrible people and a few nice ones. But what that place has conjured up, from this place that on one hand is extremely radical, and the other is extremely conservative is beyond comprehension and that’s what held me all these years. It’s the same with America! I love coming to the States. I’m like a voyeur watching a carnival when I come to America. You’ve got this society that’s completely ghetto-ized, well not ghetto-ized but segregated...you’ve got your Blacks here, your Jews there your fucking poor people there, your Italians there, your Hispanics over there it’s like... mad! But somehow it manages to work. I coming to do a show on Sunday.
JM: New York?
AS: Seattle. I’m doing a show with Lee Perry, Scientist, Mad Professor and Mikey Dread. We’re doing a dub show at that Jimi Hendrix place, I can’t remember the name...it’s at a university or something. It’s where they’ve got King Tubby’s mixing desk or something.
JM: Experience Music Centre?
AS: Yeh. But I’m back in England on Monday. I’ve got to do my own show.
JM: What’s your view on the current war in Afghanistan?
AS: What happened on September 11th is appalling, and any c*nt that doesn’t listen to music is a fucking..., there’s something very sinister about. It’s the manifestation of a lot of anger. No one does what they did without being very, very, very, very, very, very angry. That is what needs to be talked about and no one is talking about that. They just talk about retribution. Retribution after retribution. Do you not agree with me?
JM: Yes. I heard someone on CNN say that the Muslims believe that they are God’s chosen people and if that is the case they are also wondering why their lives are such shit, and their shit lives are in a hostile environment on top of it, while the so-called “godless Americans” have all the luxuries in life. They feel like they’re getting the short end of the stick if you will.
AS: It’s fucking hard to sort this out. If you had leaders that had a bit of vision....people don’t always see things the way a white anglo saxon with a teddy bear does! They don’t. They think “Oh that’s not christian to do that.”. But hang on a minute. We’re gonna torture you for three days until you die in agony. It’s like, that’s what we do. Do they actually like to do what people are saying? No! I think there is a lot of injustices done to indigenous people. Lots of things haven’t been addressed. You know the atrocities of the settlers in the United States against the indigenous people of America or the British settling of Australia or whatever. Those things have been almost swept under the carpet but people have been pushed to the brink of annihilation. Anyways, it’s been very nice talking to you.

Dub Stylee 2001...

2009-11-09T20:54:00.000-06:00

Dub Syndicate
Acres of Space
(Lion & Roots)
This new album of dub reggae mayhem courtesy of Lincoln “Style” Scott and his crew of master blasters should win an award for most accurate album title. Scott is an acknowledged modern master in this style having worked closely with On-U Sound impresario Adrian Sherwood on many recordings. Dub Syndicate has now fallen almost exclusively under Scott’s control (Sherwood is credited with mixing and adding samples) and it’s his vision and skill that drives these dozen radiant grooves. Every track ripples with earthy beats, atmospheric aural adornments and atmospheric bass. The guest vocalists (Capleton, Big Youth Little David, Jah Bless and especially Luciano) adorning some of the tracks give this album more of a commercial flavor than is usual for Dub Syndicate, but thankfully they avoid the staccato-stutter delivery that currently drives Jamaican pop music. The aspect of aural space in a recording of this nature is paramount and Scott proves that at this point in his career he rightfully deserves respect for his production skills. It probably helps that he is a top grade drummer since it is the purity of the rhythm section that makes this kind of music so appealing. Excellent as usual.
Jeff Monk

The MONk 2009 View: Truth be told I have always been a huge roots dub and reggae music fan. It came mostly from punk rock but even before that Bob Marley, Lee Perry, Peter Tosh and Bunny Wailer and many others were all on my radar. We're talking the early 1970's folks and when punk went two-tone a few years later it all really made sense to skank and pogo all at the same event. All these years later I still have the same tunes on my personal playlist and as the decades progressed dub and reggae has seemingly only got better. That along with the copious amounts of high-level re-issues on cd and dvd make collecting and enjoying this music all the better. Weed or non-weed accompaniment completely optional! Jah Guide! Oh, and ps - you can't be a white rasta. No matter how much weed you smoke or how many Jamaican pals you may have it's just simply not possible so please DON'T TRY...it's just embarrassing.

Wail! 2003 style....

2009-11-06T08:39:00.000-06:00

Chuck Willis Wails
The Complete Recordings 1951-1956
Sundazed SC11122/2CD (71:23 • 26 tracks - 66:24 • 25 tracks)

Not too many artists can get away with wearing a turban. Nice guy rhythm and blues singer Chuck Willis had the kind of respect from his peers and fans that made his choice of eastern-influenced headgear a non-issue. It was just a way to hide his rapidly thinning hairline.
Willis died in 1958 and for a cat that’s been dead nearly 45 years it proves a testament to his greatness that a full bore, career compilation would be released at this late date. Willis only recorded for ten years and during that time he not only had success with his own recordings of his songs but additional recognition later for versions recorded by Ruth Brown (“Oh What A Dream”), Elvis Presley (“I Feel So Bad”), Little Milton (“Don’t Deceive Me”) and Otis Redding (“You’re Still My Baby”). The songs range from big orchestra jump blues to late-at-night, barstool’n’bourbon weepers of the highest order. Willis had the kind of vocal skill that is rarely ever matched by more common singers-clean enunciation, soulful delivery and emotional thickness. Sundazed should be commended for re-issuing these magic sides in such a respectful fashion. Fans of revivalist bands like Roomful Of Blues will instantly swing lively to tracks like “Take It Like A Man” and others. After recording one single for Columbia, Willis moved to the recently rejuvenated wartime label Okeh. The sweet 51 track set is culled from those archives and gives a wonderfully deep look at his work, putting this one in the must-own category. Great liners by Bill Dahl and a cleanly designed package round out the handsome set that adds additional weight to the enduring legacy of a fine singer and stylist.

The MONk 2009 View - erp, orp, thwack! You have just gots to own some Chuck Willis. Sure, it's "old" music-wartime, big bands and all that. But the soul that emanates from this music is of the balming sort if yer know wot I mean? Sitting back and soaking in these at times wild sides will take you another simpler time and place and if you truly have the ears to listen my dear friends, it will make you feel all gooshy inside and indeed, get a smile on yr face for real dig? Trust New and Notable right here, right now! Happy Friday yuh all!

...why does 2005 seem SO LONG AGO?

2009-11-05T08:13:00.000-06:00

What we do here is rock. Okay so it may not always BE rock but in some fashion, and this includes some groovy people too, the good ones rock. It's practically indefinite but it exists. James Blood Ulmer rocks when he plays his bluesy guitar on his latest "Birthright". It's a feel-they used to call it soul. And soul is in there too. Big ass-grinding soul that makes you feel like you are going to pleasantly p-o-p. The curious know where to find it and when they do they want and wish for more and more and wonder when the rest of the world will get it. But they won't, and the way this whole thing is set up, they aren't supposed to anyhoo. Enjoy it while you can, you lovers of today, rock as if there is no reason not to. Cos there ain't and you should.

Electrophonic Tonic Playlist July 18-2005
artist-track-cf
1. Sonic's Rendezvous Band-Electrophonic Tonic-Motor City's Burnin' (Alive)
2. David Bowie-Queen Bitch-Hunky Dory (Ryko)
3. Sarah Lee Guthrie and Johnny Irion-Exploration-Exploration (New West)
4. Andre Williams and the Sadies-Psycho-Red Dirt (Blood Shot)
5. Godovitz and Segarini-And Your Bird Can Sing-It Was 40 Years Ago Today (Bullseye)
6. Phil Angotti-I'm Only Sleeping-It Was 40 Years Ago Today (Bullseye)
7. The Lackloves-Hey Bulldog-It Was 40 Years Ago Today (Bullseye)
8. Neil Young-Vampire Blues-On The Beach (Crazed)
9. Bob Dylan-The Groom's Still Waiting-Shot Of Love (Columbia)
10. Johnny Thunders-All By Myself-Live at the Lyceum (ABC)
11. Al Green-Love Ritual-The Dance Sounds of Hi (Hi)
12. John Hiatt-Love's Not Where We Thought We Left It-Master Of Disaster (New West)
13. The Nils-Freedom Come Freedom Go

the nine-o-clock DUB break
14. Augustus Pablo-Road Block-Ital Dub (Trojan)
15. Jackie Mittoo and Ernest Ranglin-Jericho Skank-Studio One Scorchers (Soul Jazz)
16. Richie Spice-Jah Lift Me Over-Morgan Heritage Family and Friends (Heartbeat)

17. Humble Pie-Buttermilk Boy-As Safe as Yesterday Is (A&M)
18. The Faces-My Fault (Live)-Five Guys Walk Into A Bar (Rhino)
19. Jeff Hatcher and the Big Beat-Eye of the Needle-Cross Our Hearts (Upside)
20. Betty Everett-My Love-Cobra Records Story (Capricorn)
21. Dwight Twilley Band-You Were So Warm-Sincerely (Shelter)
22. Hal-Play The Hits-Hal (Rough Trade)
23. The Rumour-Have You Seen My Baby?-Not So Much a Rumour (Stiff)
24. The Pirates-Going Back Home-Out Of Their Skulls (Westside)
25. The Lovemasters-Girls Walkin'-Pusherman of Love (Sir Aquarius)
26. Intercontinental Playboys-Exit Sign-Sonic Seducers (Off The Hip)

The MONk 2009 view: As I review this playlist all these years later it is obvious, to me anyway, that I have pretty good taste. If you were a fan of this radio show you probably have some eclectic tastes yrself and for that you should feel proud, and maybe even a little broke. Looking back I see that there are more than a few tracks that still move me. The Faces, Bob Dylan, Dwight Twilley, Sonic's Rendezvous band, The Pirates and even the Sarah Lee Guthrie still move me to shufflin'. Hit me with an email if you need anything fleshed out. I love to aid those that need some kickapoo joy juice in their musical day. The groom is still waiting at the altar....

another gem from 2K

2009-11-03T17:37:00.006-06:00

Rosco Gordon
Memphis Tennessee
www.stonyplainrecords.com

This first-rate album from rocking rhythm and blues godfather Rosco Gordon represents a long over due return to the recording scene. Gordon started in music early in life and by the tender age of 17 had hits on the r&b charts nationally in the U.S. Touring in the segregated south took it’s toll on the young player and upon meeting his future wife, Gordon suddenly left the music industry (after laying some important groundwork towards the birth of rock and roll), got a day job and proceeded to raise his family. All this by the time he was only twenty-six in 1960. Fast forward to the present and we have the glory of a brand new record by a man that still knows how to perform with style and energy. From the opening rolling whomp of the title track, Gordon makes it plain that he’s been itching to do this for some time. Rosco’s voice is gloriously tattered around the edges and the sympathetic backing of kindred spirit (and honorary Canadian) Duke Robillard and his band make a strong case to call this set classic. The 50’s Gordon hits are here (No More Doggin’, Just a Little Bit) a few slow burning blues numbers and to round out the disc there is a seventeen plus minute interview segment with label boss Holger Peterson that is at once poignant and funny. The package is presented with a fannish enthusiasm that shows a great respect for Gordon’s important past and his powerful current state. Welcome back Mr. Gordon.

Jeff Monk

The 2009 MONk view: Rosco finally passed in 2002 and the world is somehow musically a less better place without him around. He wasn't prolific during his career but he was surely influential. That is the mark of a true genius I think. If you find any RG albums in yr travels, do yrself (and yr soul) a gigantic favour and get to listenin'. It jes can't be bad!

from 2001 - Kids, It's The Nerves!

2009-10-31T12:05:00.001-05:00

The Nerves

25th Anniversary

Penniman Records PENN10002 (6 tracks)

www.pennimanrecords.com

You had to buy this record when it came out in 1977.

With their short hair and tidy graduation suits The Nerves at least looked interesting. Once the vinyl was on the player it was apparent that this talented three-piece (Peter Case, Jack Lee and Paul Collins) had a lock on some kind of neat, pop and roll excitement that was hard to find in those early days. As punk rock roiled on both sides of the Atlantic it was bands like the Nerves that whittled out an existence plying their brand of Beatles-informed, high energy “new wave”. The band eventually lost steam, but the single that turned so many heads now lived on in the hearts of true believers everywhere-giving support to a re-issue at this late date. This pink vinyl, ten inch 45 r.p.m. slab of wonder released by Penniman Records in Spain will allow any Nerve neophytes the joy of hearing one of the great lost singles of any era. Blondie covered opening track “Hanging on the Telephone” back in the day, if that gives you the validation you need to immediately buy this slice of gold. The rest, as they say, is history-and it couldn’t be sweeter.

Jeff Monk

the MONk 2009 view - Six tracks include:
(Side A) Hanging on the Telephone, When You Find Out, Give Me Some Time
(Side B) Working Too Hard, Paper Dolls, One Way Ticket
I just listened back to this extenda-single and holy arfin heck is it good. Two thirds of this combo went on to greater successes in music (Jack Lee, where are you?) and for the short time that this trio were together they really represented the whole power pop verve oh so well. You would be hard pressed to find a sweeter set of songs from any era, although those first few Dwight Twilley Band albums are way up there in my view. Don't hesitate to try and find this or at least get some of these songs in to yr life. It's feelin' good music that will lift yr spirits and get you dancin'! That can't be bad. Yow!

Happy Halloween Tomorrow!

2009-10-30T08:56:00.000-05:00

"Halloween" by The Dead Kennedys

So it's Halloween
And you feel like dancin'
And you feel like shinin'
And you feel like letting loose

Whatcha gonna be
Babe, you better know
And you better plan
Better plan all day

Better plan all week
Better plan all month
Better plan all year

You're dressed up like a clown
Putting on your act
It's the only time all year
You'll ever admit that

I can see your eyes
I can see your brain
Baby, nothing's changed
[repeat]

You're still hiding in a mask
You take your fun seriously
No, don't blow this year's chance
Tomorrow your mold goes back on

After Halloween

You go to work today
You'll go to work tomorrow
Shitfaced tonight
You'll brag about it for months

Remember what I did
Remember what I was
Back on Halloween

But what's in between
Where are your ideas
You sit around and dream
For next Halloween

Why not everyday
Are you so afraid
What will people say
[repeat]

After Halloween

Because your role is planned for you
There's nothing you can do
But stop and think it through
But what will the boss say to you

And what will your girlfriend say to you
And the people out on the street they might glare at you
And whadya know you're pretty self-conscious too

So you run back and stuff yourselves in rigid business costumes
Only at night to score is your leather uniform exhumed
Why don't you take your social regulations
And shove 'em up your ass

Garnet...one word says it all...Garnet, from 2002

2009-10-29T08:59:00.007-05:00

Garnet Sweatshirt
Curse of the Canadian Rockstar
AudioMonster.com
According to this new conglomerate of self-proclaimed Canadian rock stars the bane of their existence (and all other touring CRS’s apparently) is the godawful, raggedy, van-stanky, Garnet amplifier sweatshirt with the sleeves cut-off. Or that’s the theme of this nine track disc anyway. The core of this group are fairly well known, but if you exclude Guess Who, Cancon godfather Randy Bachman (Sinclair and Hartford-Garden City, Winnipeg),they are hardly stars. This Vancouver-based group centres around the aforementioned guitar-god Bachman, the always-twisted Chris Houston (Forgotten Rebels, Evil Twang), former DOA/Subhumans shit-disturber and part-time bomb expert Wimpy Roy Goble, monster timekeeper Jon Card (DOA, SNFU, Personality Crisis-yay!) as well as upscale drum guy Adam Drake (Art Bergmann, Grapes of Wrath). The album is a very listenable mixed bag of mostly Goble or Houston penned, mid-tempo rockers that stand up to repeated listenings. Goble seems to be the cat that is the most topical lyrically and doesn’t shy away from revealing his distaste for the current state of the music biz. Houston too, never a shrinking violet, offers many pointed stabs at scene poseurs, sex and drug-a-holics and lead singers! The album is dedicated to “The Musical Genius of Kurt Winter” and that seems wholly appropriate for these maple leaf proud thugs of Canuck rock. Guests include Basil Donovan, Mary Margaret O’Hara, Robbie King, James Gray, Herald Nix and more. This is very old school and is pleasantly unpretentious and smart. Watch for them at a seedy bar near you soon.

Jeff Monk

The Monk 2009 view - I tried contacting this band at the time to check if I could get an interview but even back in 2002 it wasn't possible. They remain an enigma. Of course you can find rich old man Bachman blathering on CBC radio with his wife any Saturday night about how he knew or knows just about EVERYONE in the music business (really, it's true, he knows EVERYONE) as he plays golden oldies for all the yuppies that can't wait for the next piece of shit Stuart McLean book, dvd, cd or recipe blog to be released. Sad really, can u tell I am not a fan of these cats and their ilk? Send me an email if you agree...it would be appreciated. If you DON'T agree and LOVE Randy and Stu well, you need to give yr goddamn head a shake and start looking someplace new for yr entertainment. But what do I know? You'd be surprised....

Top Ten Lists are dumb, but righteous!

2009-10-27T09:52:00.000-05:00

hey you mothers...another blast from the past (2000) but if yr looking to flesh out that collection and some of these are not yet in yr sweaty hands yet then thank me in the usual fashion, that is, send the unemployed guy some frigging cigars!! peace, jmo

Jeff Monk’s TOP TEN OF 2K
I don’t claim to have heard everything of worth this year. It’s just too damn expensive keeping your life running on course without the nagging pull of the record store. Suffice to say that I received what I was meant to and everything else is a gift, right?

1. The Big Bang! The Best Of The MC5 (Rhino): A big fat slobbery wet one to the fine folks at Rhino for having the collective nuts to release a record by a group that exists more as a legend than anything else. Maybe some new youngsters had their heads twisted around correctly by this necessary set. You need this disc.
2. Patti Smith/Gung Ho (Arista): Every female artist in rock must bow down to Ms. Smith. She may be a fame hog at this point in her career, but hey, at least she ain’t Cher. Still very relevant.
3. Neil Young/Silver and Gold (Reprise): Powerful in his idiosyncrasies, Young never stays in one musical groove long enough for critics to completely write him off. Fill in your own favorite aging well analogy here.
4. The Rendezvous Band/ Live at the Magic Stick September 11, 1999 (Real O Mind): File under unjustly under-appreciated. Graying Detroit rawk gods prove once again that it doesn’t have to be lightning fast to tear your head off. Morgan? Asheton? Tek? Fucking awes0me.
5. Mojo Magazine Maximum ‘65 Sampler: It came with the magazine that digs so deep into the past glories of rock it’s frightening. There’s even a band from Winnipeg on this incredible 20 track exposé of the year rock began.
6. The Makers/Rock Star God (Sub Pop): Never heard it right? If you were musically inclined in the 1970’s (these guys were not) this true-to-best-form concept album brings back all the aural glories of the time. A career defining chunk of gold.
7. Be A Caveman/The Best of the Voxx Garage Revival (Voxx/Bomp): Twenty seven uncut jewels. This music is so snotty you need a box’o’tissues at the ready while you shake and wiggle. Watch for further updates. Boss plus!
8. The Swingin’ Neckbreakers/The Return of Rock (Telstar): When someone starts raving about about some weakass shoegazer band and how necessary they are I mentally play One Potato Two Potato in my head while they blather and then they go away. To be played at loudest volume possible.
9. Twilight Circus Dub Sound System/Dub Voyage (M Records): White guy-black music, white guy-black music. Ryan Moore you are the shit man! File under ORGASMIC!
10. Forbidden Dimension/A Coffinful of Crows (Fuzzwarp/Reanimator): Jackson Phibes call home. Twenty tracks of fuzz burned, trash horror felch. Ghosts, bad girls, skeletons, Mars and bloody graves. Fuck the Blair Witch. Gack!

Honorable Mentions from the Electrophonic Tonic Playlist:

1. The Searchers/The Pye Anthology (Castle)
2. The Pets/Love & War (Independant)
3. The Datsons/See! (Stomp/Tyrant)
4. The Superfine Dandelion/The Superfine Dandelion (Sundazed)

From 2000, it's fun and greasy and made for rockin'

2009-10-26T11:40:00.000-05:00

The Racketeers
Mad for the Racket
(Track Records)
File under “formerly”. What do you get when you cobble together a gang of uglies like Wayne Kramer (MC5), Brian James (Damned, Lords of the New Church), Stewart Copeland (Police), Duff McKagan (Guns 'n' Roses, Neurotic Outsiders) and Clem Burke (Blondie)? Well, a mixed bag of delights and turds. The album sounds about like you would imagine this crew would...guitar heavy, sometimes sloppy and mostly pretty great. James and Kramer have split the songwriting duties and guitar chores throughout. Kramer of course comes up the winner in the solo guitar category edging out James’ sometimes muddled fretplay. Kramer ups the brainy thug ante by using his song time to contiinue his chastisement of any agency of conservatism that falls into his nasty purview. Check out "Czar of Poisonville" and "Prisoner of Hope" for examples. James, more often than not, is an old school schwing rocker, flashing his guitar and attitude at any feathered femme that comes to mind. There are throwaway tracks to be sure, just like in the old days. Kramer and James balance each others’ gnarlier tendencies and in the end this is simply low-slung bully rawk at it’s best. The recording is superb and is made to be played loud. Thanks to the folks at Track Records for keeping these players in the mix. It would be mad to miss this racket.

Jeff Monk

MONk 2009 view - Well Brother Wayne is still around and personally I am thankful for that. He has the unerring ability to maintain his relevance after all these years and his rejuvenation of the DTK/MC5 juggernaut a few years ago proved that the old guys still had it. Wayne travels all over the US making music with some pretty cool and still relevant political rockers. The work he does in this regard makes him much more than "ex-MC5-er" brother Wayne Kramer. I spoke to Wayne (interview ran in Stylus mag in 2001) a week after 9-11 and he had some fairly cogent thoughts on what had happened and perhaps why it happened. The guy is no dummy ex-rockstar. Not sure if he supports any of the conspiracy theories so Wayne, if you read this...let's discuss. Remember, I remain unemployed as of this writing, and would love to talk, or skype or sumthin. Kick out the jams motherfuckers!!
Collector's Note: this album came out in 2 versions. Apparently after Track released it as "The Racketeers" - Mad for the Racket (TRK1004CD) someone realized there was another band with the same name. The band became "Mad for The Racket" and the album name became "The Racketeers" when it was released on Wayne's own Muscletone imprint in 2001. Any questions?

From a 2001 Re-Issue Review for Scene Magazine, It's The New Rhythm and Blues Quartet (originally Quintet)

2009-10-24T21:06:00.000-05:00

NRBQ
Scraps
(Rounder Records)
www.rounder.com

Have you ever been told an album is essential or so-called five stars and been sadly disappointed when you finally hear it? This classic release by the 1971 in-a-state-of-flux line-up of the critically esteemed U.S. rock and roll group NRBQ has not only stood the test of time it may even be better now than anyone imagined. Since so much time has passed it seems obvious that this band was so far ahead of it’s time they were behind it. With their laconic blend of toe-tappingly good uptempo numbers mixed with tongue-in-cheek ballads this group apparently could do no wrong. Unfortunately the music world at the turn of the decade was probably not ready for players with such a high level of songwriting and playing talent unless they were the Band or something. Some of the absolute gold tracks here are the wry Magnet (I’m like a magnet, you’re like a piece of wood, hanging together, don’t make me feel so good), the toy piano-charged beauty Only You, the questioning Boys in the City, an early take on laterally rocking Ain’t It All Right and the brilliantly stupid Who Put The Garlic in the Glue? Future mainstays of the group Terry Adams, Joey Spampinato and Al Anderson are here and are clearly enjoying themselves while laying down some of the groups soon-to-be most popular concert tracks. For the time, these guys stood out so much they were virtually invisible to the record buying public.What was a consumer oversight then can now be easily remedied by everyone immediately purchasing the album. Current fans should note there are three cool previously unreleased tracks here. Necessary.
Jeff Monk
The MONk 2009 view - No such luck, I'm taking the weekend off. Keep watching this space you mothers!

Electrophonic Tonic Playlists

2009-10-23T15:44:00.000-05:00

...I'll be tossing in one of these every now and perhaps may even get some kind of new playlist happening...what do you think?
From 2003 - here is what all the fancy kids were listening to, if they actually had been listening...I was deejay on CKUW (University of Winnipeg) and this show's action plan (besides playing the requisite CanCon) was to rock yr pantses off and get all psych((((0))))delic on the listeners collective asses. In my mind and in my view...ack. I think the choice of music speaks for itself. Do you dig? I knew that you did.
Listen to "The Tonic" every Monday night (730-9pm) on CKUW 95.9fm or tune in online...(ckuw.ca)

ELECTROPHONIC TONIC

Monk in the chair this week kiddies and happy to be there.
Last week new E.Tonic dj Erin J. presented a wonderful two hours as the newest member of the team. Thanks E. We shall enjoy watching you get in the 'Tonic groove.
This week some old stuff (!) and the usual Canuck Con malcontents. Next time we'll bring in some new stuff and keep you all up-to-date with the street. N'est çe pas, yes?
peace
MONk

Electrophonic Tonic Playlist September 29, 2003
artist/track/cf
1. Sonics Rendezvous Band-Electrophonic Tonic-Motor City's Burnin Volume 1 (Total Energy)
2. The New Pornographers/Letter From an Occupant/Vancouver Special (Mint)
3. The Fast/T-Shirt & Tight Jeans/The Best of the Fast 1976-84 (Bullseye)
4. The Guess Who/Use Your Imagination/Shakin' All Over (Sundazed)
5. The Driving Wheel/Fast Retreatin' Female/Private Ear Sessions (Mohair Records)
6. Blackie and the Rodeo Kings/Stoned/BARK (True North)
7. Neil Young/Life in the City/This Note's For You (Geffen)
8. The Barrymores/Up The Bum/ The Barrymores (Bacteria Buffet)
9. The Datsons/I Am The Eye/See! (Tyrant!)
10. The High Dials/Fields In Glass/A New Devotion (Rainbow Quartz)
11. The Frantic Flintstones/Jimmy Jazz/This Is Rockabilly Clash (Raucous)
12. Geoff Edmunds/Green Onions/Best of Geoff Edmunds (Pacemaker)
13. Disappearing Floor/Kolbassaga/Haunted Wallpaper (DisCorporate)
14. The Pets/Light-Hearted Love Song/Love & War (Endearing)
15. King Beez/Gotta Move/CDN 6ts Rock (BBoys)
**************the nine-o-clock DUB break**************
16. Toots & The Maytals/No Difference Here/Pass The Pipe (Island)
17. Max Romeo/Blood of the Prophet 1&2/Open The Iron Gate (Blood & Fire)
***********************************************************
18. Power Station/Harvest for the World/Power Station (Capitol)
19. The Who/I'm Free/Tommy (MCA)
20. The Kinks/I'm Not Like Everybody Else/Face to Face (Castle)
21. Echo & The Bunnymen/Villiers Terrace/To The Shores of Lake Placid (Zoo)
22. Al Stewart/Turn to Earth/The Psych Scene (Deram)
23. Television/I See No Evil/Marquee Moon (Elektra)
24. Big Star/Thank You Friends/Story (Ryko)
25. Big Star/Back of a Car/Story (Ryko)
26. The Heartbreakers/Pirate Love/LAMF Revisited (Freud)
27. Johnny Winter/Silver Train/Still Alive & Well (Columbia)
28. Scott Morgan and Guests/Dangerous/Ann Arbor Revival Meeting (Real-0-Mind)

Funeral Fun, from Monty Python

2009-10-22T22:49:00.000-05:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fsHk9WC7fnQ

Today's Uptown...

2009-10-22T15:49:00.000-05:00

...has a few current Monk reviews right there near the center of the magazine,including a feature review on a newly released Rory Gallagher compilation. Enjoy. also here: http://www.uptownmag.com/

And now to California and a Bomp Records release... from 2001, ahhh.. California, where I'd rather be....

2009-10-22T07:57:00.000-05:00

Brian Jonestown Massacre
Bravery, Repetition and Noise
(Bomp Records)

Website: www.bomp.com

Independent Los Angeles record label Bomp! Records has a few favored bands that they take great care in nurturing. One of them is the groovy, modern psychedelic music merchants that are the BJM. Actually, the band is pretty much the idiosyncratic spawn of one Anton Newcombe and whatever colony of inventive insaniacs he brings along to roll out his prevailing musical vision. Parts of this album were released earlier in 2001 as an e.p. entitled “Zero”. Like a lysergic Robert Smith, Newcombe and crew create thick fogs of elegant, mid tempo burble with plenty of weird sounds emanating from beneath the mix. It makes sense though, driven as it is by a good measure of warm acoustic guitars and layered organ swells that anchor the spacier elements. “Let Me Stand Next To Your Flower” with it’s “You’re like candy to me” refrain hypnotizes rather...hiply. Don’t be afraid to repeat this noise often.

Jeff Monk
rating: 3 stars

MONk...the 2009 view: Brian Jonestown Massacre are still collectively dragging themselves around stages I believe. There was a film...controversy, Dig? I like these guys in small doses but there are those of a certain age and drug-intake level that scream this band's name out whenever they have taken a bellyfull of peyote and driven out into the desert in Nevada somewhere. Remember kids, it always looks much better on paper...or typed, or when Tony Soprano does it. There will be puking.

And since he just played here two weeks ago and was pretty awesome...from 2005 here's Adrian Belew

2009-10-21T22:15:00.000-05:00

Adrian Belew
Side One
Side Two
(Sanctuary)

Website: www.adrianbelew.net

Calling Adrian Belew a “guitarist” is like calling Lance Armstrong a “cyclist”. The Kentucky native has added his brand of intelligent six-string thrak to classic albums by a stylistically broad range of artists such as The Talking Heads, Frank Zappa, Nine Inch Nails and his regular gig with progressive rock titans King Crimson. “Side One” and “Side Two” are two distinct albums. For the first, Belew uses Primus mainman and fellow traveler Les Claypool on bass and busy drummer Danny Carey to create a few songs worth of heavily prog-centric, power trio mayhem. Like Crimson, Belew and his pals throw down a kinetic blast of thinking-person’s hard rock. It’s dense and above all electric and exciting. For the balance of the tracks expect the typical mathematically advanced time signatures and sonic wall of sound that Belew seems to wrench out his axe effortlessly. Great stuff.
“Side Two” is another short listen and features Belew in a less frantic setting. The more subdued palette of sounds he uses are as familiar to his fans as his visceral wall-of-noise antics. Lush, moody and no less intense it provides a perfect set piece to “Side One”.
Jeff Monk
rating: Both A

MONk...2009 view
What I have always liked about Adrian Belew is that, gosh darn it, he seems like such a happy fucker doesn't he? I mean he's one of those players that doesn't "do" guitar face...he just smiles and gets on with his business and that business is doing fine thank you. Now his brand of wailing sounds may not be yr particular slice of the guitar shredding pie but if you pay close attention to his soaring melodies you can't help but smile. He is really that good. If I play one of his tracks for someone that has never heard the guy they are always completely floored by the richness of his voice and his audio trickery in aid of creating a wonderfully uplifting bit of tune-age. He is one artist that I will always strive to keep track of. Take my word for it. Or don't. see also: King Crimson, also, I think Adrian may have some personal thoughts on this guy - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gurdjieff

What the hell is he doing blogging...?

2009-10-21T17:21:00.000-05:00

Well folks, it comes down to this...i am currently {and unexpectedly by the way} "not in the workforce" and decided that i would spend time between job applications making myself useful by publishing some of my classic cd reviews from days gone well by. If yr a Winnipegger you may have read some of these in a multitude of groovy publications, but I really doubt it. Even I haven't read some of them! Jes kideen! I guess that's just being truthful, but fuck me - some of the reviews I may throw up here are so well, old, that I hardly remember them. These were all published somewhere but they are mine to BLOG so here we go...

From 2004 it's John Cale!

John Cale
Hobo Sapiens
(EMI)
Website: www.john-cale.com
Former Velvet Underground-er John Cale has, over the course of his now decades-old musical career, always made music that at least challenges convention. For “Hobo Sapiens” Cale has made a pretty accessible set of songs that are equal parts quasi-ambient, artnik rock and peppy euro-pop. “Reading My Mind” and “Things” burble along wonderfully proving that Cale has the journeyman’s touch when it comes to writing a memorable hook. The songwriting perspective he offers is definitely skewed to an older demographic-one that has the patience to let this album present it’s full character over many listenings. Cale’s best work may be 25 years behind him, but that doesn’t disallow him the right to bold creative statements like “Hobo Sapiens”.
Jeff Monk
rating: 3.5 stars

MONk...the 2009 view:

John Cale needs no introduction to most anyone that considers themselves a fan, with depth, of "alternative" music. He continues to compose and create oddball music that really doesn't rock, but in his own way, he composes brainy music for brainy people.I kind of get it, and like what he does in small doses. Good for you if you are a card-carrying Cale-O-phile. You probably have a higher IQ than I do and I am at peace with that.