"Open Up and Say" Issue 2
todd
******************************************************************************
OPEN UP AND SAY...
Discussions About Music That Matters
Issue Twenty-Nine: February 23, 1997
http://comp.uark.edu/~tcraven/openup.html
to subscribe or submit, send mail to: Todd Craven (tcr...@comp.uark.edu)
(please mention if you want the issue sent in one or two parts)
send poll/contest answers to: Wes Royer (wro...@osf1.gmu.edu)
******************************************************************************
If you know a local band or are in one yourself, send me a tape,
and I'll include you in the "local talent" section. I'm always looking
for more good music.
This issue was produced by Todd Craven, Wes Royer, Kevin Villines,
Mark Harris, Tim Henderson, and Brian McLean. Thanks to everyone else who
sent me bits of stuff.
If you'd like to send me anything to review, or just send me
something, mail to:
Open Up c/o
Todd Craven
3005 Dorothy Jeanne #6
Fayetteville, AR 72704
******************************************************************************
ALBUM RELEASE DATES
******************************************************************************
(Note: All release dates are US, are compiled through various sources,
and, therefore, can be completely wrong.:)
February 25
JAMES "Whiplash"
L7 "The Beauty Process"
POWERMAN 5000 "Mega!! Kung-Fu Radio"
SHUDDER TO THINK "50,000 BC"
VARIOUS "Howard Stern's Private Parts Soundtrack"
(featuring Marilyn Manson, Ozzy Osbourne, Green Day, Rob Zombie, etc)
March 4
U2 "POP"
KIP WINGER "This Conversation Seems like a Dream" Domo Records, US release
March 11
BLUR "s/t"
BODY COUNT "Violent Demise the Last Days"
COLLECTIVE SOUL "Disciplined Breakdown"
FIVE FOR FIGHTING "Message for Albert"
DAVE GROHL "Touch Soundtrack"
MIGHTY MIGHTY BOSSTONES "Face It"
March 18
AEROSMITH "Nine Lives"
BEN FOLDS FIVE "Whatever & Ever Amen"
HELMET "Aftertaste"
SIMPSONS "Songs in the Key of Springfield" Rhino
March 25
DINOSAUR JR "Hand It Over"
ROLLINS BAND "Come In & Burn" Dreamworks
MATTHEW SWEET "Blue Sky On Mars"
*******************************************************************************
OPEN UP AND VOTE
*******************************************************************************
PLEASE...send responses to this trivia column to Wes Royer at
<wro...@osf1.gmu.edu> with the subject: VOTE or TRIVIA
PLEASE...send responses before Saturday, March 1, 1997
*This week's trivia:...DMB history...
1) What is the title of Dave Matthews Band's EP CD that is only available
through their Bama Rags Records mail order? (1pt.)
2) What was the name of Leroi Moore's side project that released a 1995
CD? (1pt.)
*Last week's Q&A:...Fates Warning history...
1) What member of Dream Theater was a guest artist on Fates Warning's
"Perfect Symmetry" album? (1pt.)
-Kevin Moore
2) Who song lead vocals on Fates Warning's "Chasing Time" release?
(1pt.)
-John Arch AND Ray Alder
*******************************************************************************
NEWS
*******************************************************************************
- In a humorous note, PAT BOONE's gospel program has been dropped by its
radio distributer due to his new "heavy metal" image. Boone was quoted as
saying he guess they didn't get the joke. Guess not, Pat.
- The new MOTLEY CRUE album, "Generation Swine," is now due on May 6. The
first single is due April 1.
- VERUCA SALT have been signed to be the opening band for the first leg of
BUSH's US tour. Bush may also add another band.
- GARBAGE are preparing to go into the studio to write and record their
second album. A Fall release is planned.
- Columbia recording group RASPUTINA have landed a slot on the upcoming
MARILYN MANSON tour which will kick off on April 9 in Seattle, WA.
Rasputina will be sandwiched in-between the opener HELMET and headliner's
Marilyn Manson and will be billed as a "musical interlude with
Rasputina".
- Here's some TYKETTO news I received from fre...@bitstream.net:
"I have some very recent news for you about Tyketto which I know you'll be
very happy to hear. Who am I? I'm an advisor to the band and have been
involved with them for about two years now. But, on to the news. The
Danny Vaughn has returned to Tyketto and the band will begin writing a
new record in April! Brooke St. James is currently in England writing and
recording a record with a band called Lionsheart (for release in Japan and
Europe - maybe U.S.). As soon as he's finished he'll take a couple of
weeks off before starting the new Tyketto record. I've heard some roughs
from the Lionsheart record and it blazes! Steve Grimmet (Grimm Reaper,
Onslaught) is a great singer. Once Brooke is back in the U.S. we figure
it will take the boys a good 6-8 weeks to pull their material together.
Some songs already exist that were written before Danny left the band.
The guys expect to be in the studio in June and will probably record for
another 6-8 weeks. Look for a new record in August. It should be a great
record since none of the guys have been sitting around doing nothing since
they were last together. They've all gotten to be even better musicians
and songwriters. They're anxious to tear it up together again."
*******************************************************************************
LOCAL TALENT: PLASTIC MIKEY
*******************************************************************************
Here's a guest 'Local Talent' from Mark Harris. Thanks for
helping me out, Mark.
Plastic Mikey--"Cook Up Something New!"
1. A-Bomb 2. Rainbow's End 3. Don't You Leave Me Alone 4. Dance of the
Clay People 5. Cook Up Something New 6. Blows: Past Tense 7. Angelita
8. Here We Go Again 9. The Space Above Me 10. Pandora
Let's face it, these days it is pretty rare that you hear a band
that has a style uniquely their own. Plastic Mikey is definately an
exception. Drawing from several styles (blues, jazz, latin,
straight-ahead rock, etc..), this band delivers something that almost
anyone can enjoy; decent music. Thier debut cd "Cook Up Something New!"
is a mellow adventure through mainly modern jazz and blues oriented rock.
The thing that stands out immediately when you listen to Plastic Mikey is
the musicianship of the members. From the strolling keyboard solo on the
instrumental "Dance of the Clay People" to several notable sax solos by
Andy Blanco, this cd delivers more than just power chords and double bass
drums. The vocals are quite good; they kind of remind me of 80's bands
like the Stray Cats in places, although at times the lyrics are a little
silly and repetitous.
It is refreshing to see bands like Plastic Mikey...a group of
people that obviously love music and are not afraid to stray from the
norm. Their's is not the most popular style of music right now, yet there
will always be those who appreciate it. If you like nice, relaxing music
with a solid foundation and unique style, Plastic Mikey might be the band
for you.
Highlights: "Rainbow's End," "Dance of the Clay People," "Angelita"
You can reach Plastic Mikey at:
Plastic Mikey
7100 W 166 St #3B
Tinley Park, IL 60477
708-614-6173
ala...@suba.com
*******************************************************************************
FEEDBACK
*******************************************************************************
From: Tim Henderson <bw...@inforamp.net>
Subject: Re: "Open Up and Say" Issue 28
>- QUEENSRYCHE's "Here in the Now Frontier" is also due in March. Speaking
>of the Queensryche album, here's a clip from Tim Wadzinski's "Detritus"
>column from this week's issue of "SFK": "Potential bad news about
>Queensryche... A guy on the Dream Theater "ytsejam" mailing list claims to
>have an advance copy of the new 'ryche opus, "Here in the Now Frontier,"
>and he says it's even worse than "Promised Land." (I am not a fan of that
>album.) The quote: "All the songs sound the same and there isn't even a
>touch of metal throughout the whole thing." Let's hope this is wrong!"
>I also hope this is wrong because "Promised Land" was a bad album.
>Queensryche can do much better.
OK, here's the deal. I don't believe I'm going to commit this blasphemy
once again - trashing another 'ryche record is said to be a detrimental
sin. Anyways, I've heard five tracks from an advance CD of Hear... and to
be quite honest, it's embarassing. I keep asking myself, how can such a
quality band lose their touch and direction. The guitars have been upped a
notch, but the material is bland and uneventful. Whatever Capitol/EMI label
fuck decided that this was harking back to their 'Mindcrime' roots should
be hung, drawn and quartered. After the release of this, he won't have a
job - you need to sell records to pay the bills and this won't be sellin'!
I'm only bitter cuz Queensryche are much, much better than this. BTW - this
is not a review, as I've heard only a portion of the record. For fans of
heavy-handed progression, check out the new Sentenced (Down).
Tim Henderson
*******************************************************************************
ARTICLES
*******************************************************************************
THOUGHTS FROM AN IMPROPER BOSTONIAN
Brian McLean [par...@interwebb.com]
Rambling Rants From The Balmy Northeast.
What does everybody think of the new Aerosmith song, 'Falling in Love (Is
Hard on the Knees)'? I think it's cool, but the brass thing has run its
course. Turn down the trumpet.
(Okay, I bought the single to this song cause I hadn't heard it on
the radio and because it was $.99. At first the song didn't do anything
for me, then it was okay, and after about six or seven listens, I hated
it. The song is really catchy. Unfortunatley, I didn't want to remember
it all day which I did. The horns are just annoying. By the way, the
b-side which is a non-album track, 'Fall Together,' is one of the worst
songs I've ever heard. The music is insipid and the chorus repeats 'fall
together' over and over and over until you want to rip the tape from the
player in white-hot anger. I hope the album is a lot better than this
single. Course, just my two cents. - tc)
You don't have to be from New England, only a sports fan to have heard of
Doug Flutie. He's Heisman Trophy winner/pro football MVP/rock star. Rock
Star? He and his brother Darren have formed a band and are playing shows
around Boston in the off-season. I hear they're pretty good and might have a
record deal soon.
I've got to check out this 'Monster' Mike Welch. He's 17 and has 2 CD's out.
He graduated early from high school so he could tour Europe. Dan Akroyd gave
him the nickname 'Monster'. They're talking like he's the SRV of Massachusetts.
Speaking of sports + music. Could someone please give me the low-down on this
Furelle (sp?) guy. This guy is great!! He has a sports talk show from LA.
With a 3-pack a day raspy voice he presides over 'the bench'. During the
show he doles out beers, metal music and sports wisdom. Screw Stern and
Imus. It doesn't get any better than Michelob, Motley Crue and Michigan plus
the pts.
Do you want to talk 'cash flow'? Talk to David Bowie. He's marketing bonds
that will pay interest from royalties on his old songs. Bottom line, Dave
gets to collect $55 mil now instead of waiting for royalty checks to dribble in.
Some lamo's tried to stop the Marilyn Manson concert in Fitchburg Mass.
Didn't work. Wish I had the time for such shit.
Pat Boone has lost his weekly gospel show. The result of his foray into
metal music. "I thought everybody saw it for what it was, sort of a parody,
just a setup. Of course it was difficult for Christian people, who followed
me for years and years. It seemed like I had burst out in some demented
way". He'll be allowed to "explain" himself on another show. His show
'Gospel America' airs on 400 stations nationwide.
Finally the 'Improper Bostonian' must comment on the new Nuno CD
'Schizophonic'. I have a record store 3 doors down from me. I'm friends with
the owner.When a new Extreme or Allman Brothers CD comes out, he delivers it
to me before it hits the shelf. After a shipping delay or two, it finally
arrived. Alas 'Schizophonic' wasn't worth the wait. First thing. I don't get
the cover. Maybe if he sang "Happy Birthday, Mr. President" I would have.
Look for a Nuno/Rupaul tour to hit a city near you. I thought Nuno might
try a few alterna-crap songs, just to 'beat them at their own game' but
not a fuckin whole CD's worth. Hey, I didn't want to hear 'Kid Ego' again
but I sure the hell didn't want to hear 'Lump'. It's not the end of the
world. Other groups have tried different musical directions. Shit, the
Stones tried disco. Yes, it takes a lot of talent to make an album by
yourself. But without a group effort there's a certain'synergy/chemistry'
missing. Hey Nuno!! When you play alterna-crap you play down to their
level. Want a comparison. Remember when Michael Jordan tried baseball. He
sucked. He went back to basketball and who's better? No one. Enough said.
Brian McLean
Parcel Plus New Hampshire
603-893-8555
par...@interwebb.com
www.interwebb.com/users/parcel/parcel.htm
*******************************************************************************
REVIEWS
******************************************************************************
PIGEONHED "The Full Sentence" Sub Pop, 1997
It's Like the Man Said/The Full Sentence/Marry Me/Keep On Keepin'
On/Battle Flag/Glory Bound/P-Street/Phunpurephun/Who's to Blame/31st of
July/More Than Just a Girl/Fire's Comin' Down/For Those Gone On/Honor
Well, here's another new album featuring the incredibly underrated
and talented Shawn Smith. How Smith has time to participate in all of the
bands he has a hand in, I'll never know, but I'm glad he does it. No one
comes close to having a voice as amazing as Smith.
Pigeonhed's first album was a bit of a mess. While there were
certainly good songs on it ('Her' and 'Theme from Pigeonhed' for example),
a lot of the album was just too scattered and didn't rely on Shawn's
vocals enough. "The Full Sentence," on the other hand, sounds like a
Smith production that ranks up there with Satchel and Brad in greatness.
Pigeonhed features two members: Shawn Smith and Steve Fisk who's
known mainly for his production work on tons of bands, including the
Afghan Whigs and a slew of Seattle groups. Pigeonhed differs from the
other two main Smith bands by being more electronically based. Almost all
of the tracks feature drum machine, an assortment of production, and
various types of keyboards. On this album, Fisk seems to take a backseat
to Smith and merely lay down backing tracks for Smith to craft some
amazing songs out of.
"The Full Sentence" is a much more song oriented album than
"Pigeonhed." While tracks like 'It's Like the Man Said,' '31st of July,'
and 'More Than Just a Girl' could have easily come off that album, most of
the songs on "The Full Sentence" are catchy and hummable, as opposed to
the scattered electronica of the debut album.
This is definitely the most funky album Smith has been involved
with. Smith has always brought elements of Prince to his music, but on
this album, the comparisons are blatant. 'Battle Flag' is by far the best
80's era Prince song I've heard in years, including those by Prince. This
song is simply fun as hell to listen to. Also, on 'P-Street,' Fisk and
Smith delve into some techo funk for a great instrumental. The only
problem with this track is that it goes on a bit too long.
The other songs on here are amazing as well. 'Glory Bound' is a
drum machine driven groover featuring a faux Gospel choir on the chorus
that is simply stunning. 'Marry Me' has a nice aggressive attitude (and
some nice guest guitar work by Soundgarden's Kim Thayil and Alice in
Chains' Jerry Cantrell.) 'Phunpurephun' captures the full grunge sound of
Satchel's "EDC" and meshes it with traces of Faith No More's 'Malpractice'
(at least in tone and dischord.) And 'The Full Sentence' and 'For Those
Gone On' are both atmospheric, beautiful ballads; the latter of which is a
haunting solo turn by Smith on the piano. And for those fans of Satchel's
'Suffering' (on "EDC," perhaps the best song Smith's ever written), check
out 'Keep On Keepin' On' with it's slowly building piano melody and
Smith's trademark falsetto. "The Full Sentence" ends with the atmospheric
instrumental 'Honor,' reminiscent of the final track on "Pigeonhed,"
'Grace.'
"The Full Sentence" is s truly stunning album and I urge you to
check it out. If you haven't checked out anything by Smith, this is as
good as album as any to try. There's a variety of styles on here, so
there should be something for everyone. This album is beautiful, funky,
groovey, breathtaking, and simply ass-kicking. Another winner from Shawn
Smith and company.
Highlights: 'Battle Flag,' 'Glory Bound,' 'The Full Sentence,'
'Marry Me'
Rating: A
-------------
VARIOUS "The Lost Highway Soundtrack" Nothing/Interscope, 1997
I'm Deranged (edit)-David Bowie/The Perfect Drug-Nine Inch
Nails/Eye-Smashing Pumpkins/This Magic Moment-Lou Reed/The Apple of
Sodom-Marilyn Manson/I Put a Spell On You-Marilyn Manson/Rammstein
(Edit)-Rammstein/Hierate Mich (Edit)-Rammstein/I'm Deranged
(Reprise)-David Bowie
***interspersed within 14 instrumental tracks from Angelo Badalamenti,
Barry Adamson, Antonio Carlos Jobim, and Trent Reznor
Like "Natural Born Killers," this soundtrack was produced by Nine
Inch Nails' Trent Reznor. Unfortunately, this one isn't near as much fun
to listen to. The "NBK Soundtrack" was a great listening experience.
Each song ran into the next and lots of dialogue from the movie ran over
the songs. Also, there was a wide range of artists featured.
"The Lost Highway Soundtrack," on the other hand, features mainly
movie score with a few songs stuck in between. I'm not going to bother to
go into any depth on the score, but the music by David Lynch regular
Angelo Badalamenti, Barry Adamson, Antonio Carlos Jobim, and Reznor
himself varies from typical atmospheric movie orchestration to seventies
inspired, Tarantino-like music to industrial noise expirements. It's all
fairly decent, but it's nothing that I care to listen to very often.
So onto the songs. There's a terrific new song on here from Nine
Inch Nails, 'The Perfect Drug.' The song features even less keyboards and
guitars than usual for NIN, and the melody swirls around clanging drum and
bass (though without being very danceable like modern drum and bass
techno.) Like most NIN fodder, though, the song is incredibly catchy and
an electronic masterpiece. I can't wait for a new Nine Inch Nails album.
Also included on here are new songs from Smashing Pumpkins and
Marilyn Manson. Smashing Pumpkins tune, 'Eye,' is probably an example of
their new direction (which was hinted at in recent interviews.) The song
actually features no guitar and instead is based on a drum machine track
and some keyboard riffs. 'Eye' is okay and it's definitely nice to hear
Billy Corgan, but the song's not near as enticing as one of the Pumpkins
big arena rockers. The Manson song, 'The Apple of Sodom,' is a cut from
"Antichrist Superstar," and I'm not quite sure why they left it off. This
is probably the most frightening song the group has ever done and a real
treat. The song is slow in the vein of 'Man That You Fear,' and the
lyrics are reminscent of 'Cryptorchild' with mentions of snow, maggots,
and numbers.
The other non-score tracks are previously released material,
including a great song from David Bowie's "Outside" album, a decent Lou
Reed cover, a Marilyn Manson cover from their "Smells like Children" ep,
and some unusual songs from Rammstein, a band I've never heard of but who
has a sound somewhere between the fascist industrial of Laibach and the
gothic metal of Type O Negative.
If you're a big fan of Nine Inch Nails, Smashing Pumpkins, or
Marilyn Manson, I would recommend getting this album as all three bands
have some interesting songs on here. Otherwise, you'll probably want to
stay away unless you're just a big fan of movie scores.
Rating, three new songs: A
Album rating: B-
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
KEVIN'S CRAP
by Kevin Villines <kv...@flash.net>
Live-Secret Samadhi 1997 Radioactive Records 53:27
(1) Rattlesnake (2)Lakini's Juice (3) Graze (4) Century (5) Ghost
(6) Unsheathed (7) Insomnia And The Hole In The Universe (8) Turn My
Head (9) Heropshcyodrreamer (10) Freaks (11) Merica (12) Gas Hed Go West
Is it me or does it seem that Live has been around longer than
three albums? I know a majority of people discovered them with their
last album, "Throwing Copper", but their debut album deserved just as
much praise, though it enjoyed no commercial success whatsoever. With
"Secret Samadhi," they pretty much keep to the same formula that made
their first two albums the great works of art that they are.
Rattlesnake, the opening song, sounds like something that could
have easily fit on their previous two albums, which made me realize that
the first single off this album would not be the norm. With Live, their
sound is so distinct (especially the excellent vocals of Ed Kowalczyk)
that if every song they released sounded the same, it would still stand
out among the hordes of undeserving songs that receive too much airplay.
The first single off the album, Lakini's Juice, is an interesting choice
for a single. Although it is a great song, I can't see it getting as
much airplay as a majority of singles from "Throwing Copper." But then
again, the only radio stations in Little Rock, Arkansas are top 40 pop
and classic rock, not a good assortment to judge the popularity of the
less than mainstream (aka, alternative) artist (a tag that should no
longer be associated with Live). The video for Lakini has been getting
some airplay on MTV and Much Music, so it may be fairing better than I
know.
The rest of the album is kind of strange (in a good way). Unlike
the previous two albums, their is a much larger commercial and cohesive
feel to most of this album. Every song after Lakini seems to scream
"single" at the top of its voice (except for maybe Unsheathed,
Herospsychodreamer, and Freaks). Who decides to release the singles
these days? I think Lakini is a great song, but there are many other
great songs on the album that might fare better on the airwaves (Graze,
Ghost, Turn My Head-possibly the best Live song yet, Gas Hed Goes West).
Oddly enough, after hearing Lakini's Juice, I expected a pretty
alternative sounding Live. But after digesting this album, I must say
that it is the most commercial sounding album from them (which could
just be a result of the massive popularity of "Throwing Copper"), although
it probably won't result in as many hit singles as their previous effort.
The great thing is that they didn't lose anything with a more commercial
sound and have managed their most cohesive album to date. If you're
looking for a great album to get, don't pass this one up. I figure with
the recent slow down in the new release department, many people are
itching to try something they would normally wait to pick up. I'm glad I
decided to go pick this excellent cd up and would urge everyone to give
it try.
Highlights:Graze, Ghost, Turn My Head (an excellent ballad that
must be heard), Gas Hed Goes West
Rating: A
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
WESSMAN'S REVIEWS...W.E.T.
Wes Royer <wro...@osf1.gmu.edu> and/or <wes...@erols.com>
George Mason University...Northern Virginia/Washington D.C.
Please feel free to send any questions/inquiries, comments,
requests/recommendations, corrections/updates, complaints/problems,
threats/declarations, desires/prophecies, jokes, news/rumors,
quotes/poetry, general info, label/band addresses, enlightening moments
of truth & Zen, cries for help, disgustingly ravishing love stories &
scandals to <wro...@osf1.gmu.edu> and/or <wes...@erols.com>.
*Re-QUOTE OF THE WEEK:
"...and your lips burn wild, thrown from the face of a child, and in your
eyes, the seeing of the greatest few, do what you will, always, walk where
you like, your steps, do as you please, i'll back you up..."
-David Matthews, DMB; from "I'll Back You Up"
*CORPORATE CONSPIRACY Reviews:
MAZZY STAR "Among My Swan" 1996 Capitol Rec. (54:08) B+
(1) Disappear (2) Flowers In December (3) Rhymes Of An Hour (4) Cry, Cry
(5) Take Everything (6) Still Cold (7) All Your Sisters (8) I've Been Let
Down (9) Roseblood (10) Happy (11) Umbilical (12) Look On Down From The
Bridge
What do you need to enjoy this CD?...you need to be a fan of
female vocals, mood setting music, and mild-tempo tracks...and maybe
you'll need candles, a hot mug of java, and a place by the fireplace
(alone or with your loved-one, either of the two, doesn't matter). For
anybody who enjoys the Sundays, Fiona Apple, and maybe with a touch of
Enya or Jewel, you'll need to check this CD out. Hope Sandoval has an
emotional, often mesmerizing voice backed by thoughtfully composed music.
In the music mix you'll hear everything from guitars & keyboards to
strings & chimes. Great production/engineering add to a splendid release.
When the typical pop or rock radio airplay becomes too much to listen to,
this style of music which has grown in the past few years (call it ambient
rock?!) may cure your cravings for something new...not to mention relaxing
& peaceful. Only warning; all the songs tend to be slow, so keep that in
mind when picking it up at the CD store.
*******************************************************************************
[ The rec.music.reviews FAQ is posted regularly and can also be obtained at: ]
[ Anonymous FTP - at ftp.digex.net in /pub/access/awrc/rmr/FAQ.txt ]
[ World Wide Web - http://www.access.digex.net/~awrc/rmr/ ]