Kevin
Mathews:
June,
2004

I don't buy compact discs anymore - and this has nothing to do with the fact that the compact disc will ultimately share the same fate as the vinyl record - it's just that with the sheer number that arrive in my mailbox each week (facts, not boasting), I can't very well justify new CD purchases to myself (not to mention the missus!) when that 'to be reviewed' pile continues to rise and rise and rise…here's a sample of what I mean.

Blurb-O-Rama3

Todd Rundgren Liars (Sanctuary)
Touted as Rundgren's comeback album, Liars is being regarded by many critics as Rundgren's first serious recording since the end of the 80s. In my mind, what is perhaps more significant is the sheer vitriol that drips from the fourteen excellent tracks on show here, which Rundgren pours a little too thickly at times. Musically, there are no faulting Liars as Rundgren pulls out all the stops to evoke the strengths associated with his illustrious past. Memorable melodies, sophisticated arrangements and fervent performances all mark Liars as a milestone in Rundgren's recent repertoire.

The Strawmen Saving Faded Dreams (Fools of the World)
Released on 77s mainstay (and producer) Mike Roe's Fools of the World label, Saving Faded Dreams is gleaming power pop heaven with the right amount of twang to keep things interesting. So expect Beach Boy harmonies, Who pyrotechnics and Byrds melodic fragility from such quality material like "Runaway," "Cut It Loose" and "The Reason Why." www.strawmen.com

Mark Cullen In the Moment (Self-released)
This collection of sincere, heartfelt & nostalgic songs has "D-I-Y Home Recording" stamped all over it. And that's a compliment as Cullen fashioned this work virtually by his lone self. There's a strong mid-70s vibe that permeates throughout - so don't be surprised to pick up references to Crosby Stills Nash & Young, Kansas and Pink Floyd in Cullen's solid repertoire. mcullen@iomusicltd.com

The Eternals Rawar Style (Aesthetics)
Not quite sure what to make of this, elements of hip hop, dub, electronica, jazz improv and a punk sensibility are easily detectable yet you couldn't really label The Eternals with any of these genres. And that's a good thing. OK, I suppose you could call it post-rock and bring Tortoise in but that's just lazy. Just think of it as mind-expanding (mainly) instrumental music for the hyperactive at heart. www.aesthetics-usa.com

Indigenous Homebaked (Kinky Star)
Good music comes in the strangest packages. So imagine my shock when this Belgian quintet turned out to be a hip-hop outfit! Now, I must confess to having a less-than-favourable attitude towards hip-hop (though I dug the Disposable Heroes of Hiphoprisy) but there's enough verve in Homebaked to keep the attention levels at a fairly high level. Strictly for the curious, though. www.kinkystar.com

Edward Rogers Sunday Fables (Not Lame)
Rogers, aided and abetted by George Usher, has masterly recreated the pop music of the late 60s, when gleaming Byrds chiming guitars merge with baroque production values to produce a fascinating snapshot of a significant epoch in pop. More impressive that Rogers has managed to rope in Zombies legends Colin Blunstone and Rod Argent to contribute to the breath-taking ballad "Make It Go Away." Highly recommended for all 60s pop lovers. www.notlame.com

Deniz Tek and Scott Morgan 3 Assassins (Career)
All right now! Remember the blues-laced rock the likes of the Who, Rolling Stones, Free, Kinks, Led Zep, Mott the Hoople et al were churning out in the early 70s? No? Then you need this cracking disc where Tek/Morgan and cohorts go for the jugular with the energy and power you'd be hard pressed to find today from the so-called garage punk revival. I wager the likes of The Hives and Jet could learn a thing or two here! Boogie down, brothers! www.careerrecords.com

Various Artists The Sensitive Guy's Guide to Groovy Music (Paisley Pop)
Jim Huie's Portland-based label is steadily gaining strength and this handy compilation provides proof of this fact. Including contributions from other like-minded indie pop labels (viz. Gadfly, Groove Disques, Bongobeat), this premium collection rates highly in my book. Top attractions include Jamie Hoover/Bill Lloyd, the up and coming Happiness Factor, Kimberly Rew, Lisa Mychols, Robert Crenshaw, the Windbreakers, Joe Mannix. Tim Lee etc. www.paisleypop.com

Dipsomaniacs Freakin Eureka (Facedown)
Freakin Eureka possibly encapsulates the emotional high that pop listeners will experience when confronted with this compact 40-minute collection. Freakin Eureka finds the band stretching for a bit more range and sophistication than on previous releases. Stronger with each listen, *Freakin Eureka* is tasty meat-and-potatoes guitar rock, which powerpop and garage fans will relish. www.facedown.net

Creamy Velour Angel's Guise (Klank)
At its core, Angel Guise is highly eclectic and catholic, building from an emotional & spiritual musical base; atmospheric & visceral pop constructs that suit its lyrical concerns to a T. Angel Guise is an album that must be savored all the way - front to back - for the intensity of its music and for the integrity of its lyrics, undoubtedly one of the debuts of the year. www.creamyvelour.com

Remake Remodel 12345 Accelerate EP (Popboomerang)
Yummy! The hooks and the looks! This tight quartet not only knows how to rock as evidenced by "Accelerate" and "Thanx For Nothing" but on the enticing "Jellybean" expresses a Chrissie Hynde/Pretenders vibe which most will find irresistible. As a statement of intent and potential, this EP is off the richter scale, can world domination be far off? www.popboomerang.com

The Trouble Dolls Sticky (Half A Cow)
Energy. That's a quality that one cannot help noticing when listening to The Trouble Dolls. Even in the so-called quieter moments, like the sublimely melancholy "I Don't Know Anything At All". Elsewhere, excellent songs like "Japanese Gum," "Marcelle," and "December" announces Sticky's status as a modern pop album of importance and note. Timeless and essential, Sticky is one for every pop epicure to relish. www.halfacow.comau

Easterly (Not Lame)
Easterly's alt-country musings recall the canyon rock stylings of the latter-day Byrds, the Band, Buffalo Springfield, Neil Young, Gene Clark besides Gram Parsons, of course. Songs like the pleasing "Wicked Conversation," the rocking "Getting Back Together" and the poignant "One of These Days" highlight Easterly's complete mastery over the medium. Fans of Wilco, the Jayhawks and Uncle Tupelo will thrill to *Easterly*. www.notlame.com

Various Artists *Who's Not Forgotten - FDR's Tribute to the Who* (Facedown)
There's not much attempt to re-interpret the classic material on show here, only a genuine effort to pay tribute to music that is obviously beloved by the participants here. I mean, how do you improve on perfection - you don't but you do your best to match the energy and intensity that made these songs so great! And should you need another compelling reason to pick this up, the proceeds will benefit H.E.A.R. (Hearing Education and Awareness for Rockers). You better you bet! www.facedown.net

Trevor Morgan Wonderlight (BHT Entertainment)
Trevor Morgan contributed significantly to Owsley's fine eponymous debut album in the shape of co-writing the propulsive anthem "I'm Alrightwhich should make power pop fans sit up and take notice! Wonderlightis filled dynamism, spirituality & Morgan's astute way with a song - not to mention his straightforward personal message. Always inspiring to witness an artist being true to his faith and muse at the same time, Trevor Morgan's Wonderlight is a keeper.

Calamity Pop Pop Friction (self released)
Singaporean band Calamity Pop consists of English mastermind Paul Russell, who writes and plays most of what can be heard on Pop Friction, and local singer Zuq Iruall, who is the voice and face of the duo and does a bang up job at it. The music on Pop Friction is stridently 80s in terms of production values and instrumentation but Russell is such a solid, competent and at times, inspired songwriter that underneath the sophisticated AOR sheen, songs of substance and timeless quality can be discerned. Fans of well-written and well-constructed pop songs and (especially) 80s-styled pop will want to give Pop Friction a decent chance. www.calamitypop.com

See what I mean? Loads of great music right on my doorstep! And that what makes this hobby of mine so fascinating. You never know what you get when you tear open that envelope but I'm happy to say that most of time, it's been a rewarding experience. Keep those CDs coming, my friends. And remember - support indie music!!! Later!

Cheers,
Kevin

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