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archives cd archives I cd archives II cd archives III cd archives IV

Scissor Sisters Scissor Sisters Universal Records $$$$$ One word to describe the Scissor Sisters: FUN. I was flipping through one of the magazines I subscribe to and saw their picture. I looked and went "Wow". Then after awhile, went back and read the article. I saw they had a song named "Laura" and HAD to check it out. By the way, they get a million brownie points for having a song named "Laura". The CD is full of disco type songs making this band possibly the Bee Gees of our time. They've taken over Europe, now it's time they take over the US. Highlights of the CD: Laura (of course!), Filthy/Gorgeous, It Can't Come Quickly Enough, Lovers In the Backseat...ok forget it. The whole cd is full of great hits. -Laura Encarnado www.scissorsisters.com

Die Hunns Long Legs Disaster Records $$$ The OC Weekly voted Corey Parks (Ex-Nashville Pussy) and Duane Peters (US Bombs) to be on their list of the scariest people in Orange County. So what happens when the Master Of Disaster and his Partner In Crime are coming together to make some music?! Exactly: A lot of partying, a lot of sex and a lot of punkrock! And this is exactly what this record sounds like. Corey also does some singing on the record but Die Hunns are still sounding like Die Hunns, which means, this is a solid punkrock record a la US Bombs and there is almost no reference to dirty rock’n’roll a la Nashville Pussy on it (unfortunately in my eyes). This record also includes the quiktime video to Hate&Love! Be sure to watch it. And make sure that whenever Duane & Corey are playing a show together close to where you live to catch them live. They are THE duo infernal on stage and super much fun to watch. On Demonology the Demons have asked "What’s This Shit Called Love?" well boys, "Long Legs" is the answer! Forget about Sid&Nancy, Sonny&Cher, Justin&Britney... here are Corey&Duane! Punk’n’Love! -Sabine www.diehunns.com www.alive-totalenergy.com/disaster.

V/A Rock Against Bush Vol. 1 FatWreck $$$$ There it is! The long expected Rock Against Bush compilation Vol.1! The concept behind this compilation series is pretty simple: A lot of bands contribute a song to make a statement, which is: Let’s kick George W. Bush out of office on election day in November! Fat Mike did an incredible job as he made it to get really big names to be on this record such as Social Distortion, Sum 41, The Offspring and Ministry along with some well-known FatWreck bands such as Anti-Flag, NOFX, Pennywise and Descendents. All in all there are 26 bands on this record and almost everyone contributed an formerly un-released track. The highlights on this record are definitely the songs by Alkaline Trio, Sum 41, Epoxies and Less Than Jake that contributed Billy Bragg’s "The brightest Bulb has burned out" together with the legend himself. The compilation also includes a brilliant DVD with a lot of very informative stuff on it such as a documentary film called "Unprecedented" about the scandalous election in 2000. Fans of NOFX probably already know this movie as it is also on their "The War On Errorism" CD. There is a commentary on the war in Iraq on the DVD as well and music videos by Anti-Flag, NOFX and Bad Religion. In fall Vol. 2 will be released with some awesome bands like The Lawrence Arms and, I think, No Doubt on it. I am really looking forward to that one! To sum it up: A great record with a lot of awesome bands on it combined with a whole lot of information! I can highly recommend buying it. It is just grrreat! -Sabine www.fatwreck.com

Slipknot Vol. 3: The Subliminal Verses Roadrunner Records $$$$$ This is by far the BEST Slipknot album ever made. Alot of the "fans" hate it, but only because they can't handle change. They want S/T or Iowa part 2. Well too bad. This band has really outdone themselves this time. On this record, there isn't as much screaming and cursing as the previous two. There's more singing and the lyrics are alot deeper. And that makes Slipknot scarey. I can't find one track on here that I hate. Vermilion has become my favorite track. I just hope it doesn't become a single because it'll lose it's meaning. Laura Encarnado www.slipknot1.com

"Demons" Demonology Gearhead $$$$ If you are a "Demons" fan you will love this record. It is a collection of various tracks that were previously released on singles and compilations. Most of those productions are sold out or not available anymore so this is the ultimate "Demons" fan kit. A lot of cover songs are on the CD, too, such as: "What’s this shit called Love?", "Luney Tune", "Puss-n-Boots" and Misfits’ "She". And the infamous "Busted" is on it! This one song makes this CD a definite must-have! The booklet is very interesting to read, too. Mathias (vocals&guitar) fills us in on the band’s history and on the earlier punk scene in Stockholm. Very very interesting! I wrote a bit on this album on my chicks rule page so if you want to know more about the Demons or the new record, just check out my site. They are one of my all time favourite bands! Sverige rulz! -Sabine www.gearheadmagazine.com

Shiny Mama/Shiny Mama Shiny Mama Music $$$ First thing I need to say about Shiny Mama: Damn, Yana Chupenko can sing. The front woman of this Manhattan rock band is a seasoned artist whose operatic background comes forth not in lofty vocal range (ala Pat Benatar) but in pure lung power. It was such a relief to hear real singing, not nasal whining. Can I tell you how much I hate nasal and whiny? Yana’s sultry vocal style is sexy like Debbie Harry, but more lioness than pussycat, and soulful like a harder Heart. The music on the self titled album goes from 70’s/80’s arena-rock to metal to punk, each track offering a distinct sound and melodic hook, delivering soaring elements that exude a Cult vibe in rock-pop songs such as "Honeybear" to Ziggy Stardust-esque edges in "You’re Beautiful." And cheeky lyrics such as-- My car has a flat/And I lost my favorite cat--on "I Love You" keep this serious rock band above the heavy metal grim palate to staying on the "lighter-fare" side of the menu. Not that there is anything light going on in the line-up. Gathering from the Shiny Mama bio, the members are formerly of recognizable bands-- Noel Rockwood (lead guitar/backing vocals, The Snapdragons); Jonny Cragg (drums/ backing vocals, Spacehog, ); Michael Denarie (bass guitar/backing vocals)--and respected musical backgrounds. Yana, herself, sprouted on the lower east side of Manhattan and started P.M.S., a punk/metal girl-band that made the college radio circuit in the 80‘s. She later spread her talents out in Wench which toured Europe with Agnostic Front, before forming Shiny Mama, a band that expresses her tough roots in rock. All the above is evident in this no studio gimmicks recording. Tight. Powerful. Straight-up stuff. What can I say? Shiny Mama rocks. And again, while listening to Shiny Mama, Yana injects such rock-mama crass-itude in the ear, I’m considering putting "Fuck" back in my daily vocabulary. (And it took me years to get it out!) Oh yeah. And she’s beautiful, smart, ambitious. Russian glam meow! A business woman (VP at Toni &Tina Cosmetics) by day, rock-vixen by night. A shiny example for any cool-grrrl. We should support this sistah! Okay, enough Yana, Yana, Yana. If Shiny Mama ever bleeps on the club radar. Just go. I am. Unless they’re in straight jackets, I can’t imagine they’d be anything but atomic. In the meantime, get the CD for a dose of some booty-kickin’ rock! -Suzy Amour www.shinymama.net

V/A Thingmaker Gearhead $$$$ Last year Gearhead released a compilation called "Smash Up Derby" so in a way this is the second volume of this. Again most of the Gearhead bands are represented on this compilation such as the Wildhearts, New Bomb Turks, Hives, Riverboat Gamblers, NRA, Lazy Cowgirls, Mensen ( an awesome female fronted band from Norway), Nomads, Hellacopters, Hypnomen and Dukes of Hamburg. I seriously love ALL of these bands so it was easy for Gearhead to win me over on that one! I should also mention that there are some "bonus tracks that really are a bonus" on it by the New Bomb Turks (Grifted, live), American Heartbreak, Brooklyn’s Turbo A.C.s and Rock’n’Roll Soldiers. It’s just as I have written in one of my former reviews: If you like a fistful of r’n’r you will love Gearhead records. It is the perfect CD to put into your stereo while driving down the highway! -Sabine www.gearheadmagazine.com

The Wildhearts Riff After Riff Gearhead $$$ The Wildhearts are pretty well known all over the world. They are rocking the house in Europe, making teen girls scream in Japan and making people dance in Australia. But somehow there are not many people in the US who have heard of them before. So Gearhead decided to release a CD that contains the band’s most recent material to re-introduce them to North America. I don’t know what to say about the Wildhearts except that they are a solid Rock band with a permission to kick some ass. They have been on tour with The Darkness, Motörhead and AC/DC. So if you like that kind of rock music you will enjoy this record very much. Riff After Riff is enormously much fun to listen to. A little bit like the Backyard Babies on their first record Diesel&Power combined with some Guns’n’Roses combined with some Probot. -Sabine www.gearheadmagazine.com

DESCENDENTS: Cool To Be You CD FatWreck $$$$ OH YEAH! "Cool To Be You" is their first full-length album since 1996! 8 years of waiting! But it was worth it. "Cool To Be You" is already a classic just like all the other Descendents records before. They probably influenced more so-called pop punk bands than any other band. Even Blink 182’s Tom Delonge calls them his heroes. So it’s maybe a little unfair that bands like Blink get all the big ca$h when it’s the Descendents who really deserve it. Whatever. Let’s talk about the new record. It’s (really fast!) pop punk at it’s finest. Even after 8 years and probably barrels of coffee later they still sound as fresh, funny, melancholy and full of energy as they did on their first record. Whew! Milo Aukerman’s lyrics are still honest, funny and very realistic. In an interview the band said that they just sang about things that had really happened to them. That’s probably their secret. It helps you to get along with your own life when you feel that the world is treating you like crap. The Descendents feel the same. I.e. "One More Day" is about Bill’s dad who passed away a couple of years ago, "Blast Off" about toilet-humor, "Maddie" is about Bill’s daughter, ... so it is a little surprising to find a very political song on the record. "Merican" is about the image of Americans in other parts of the world. ‘Nuff said! The Descendents still rock! "Coffeed out blend of rock-surf-pop-punk-music" -Sabine www.fatwreck.com

GOLDFINGER: Live At The House Of Blues DVD Episode 11 The Show Must Go Off Kung Fu Records $$$ Now that is a live DVD as I like it! Full of energy! Makes you wanna dance! You almost feel like you are actually at a Goldfinger show! The crowd goes wild and Goldfinger are BIG entertainers. And they are good looking. And since this is a girl page I thought this is something worth mentioning. Hehehe. The biggest highlights of this show are probably "Wayne Gretzky" and "99 Luft Balloons". On "Wayne Gretzky" their drummer pics up the singer’s guitar and does the vocal part while the singer is playing the drums instead. And both of them do a good job. Multi-talented band. And the last song of the 14 songs set is a cover of "99 Luft Balloons". I have to mention that this is not the correct spelling, though. It’s spelled "99 Luftballons" in correct German. Their singer shows his German skills and they are not too bad. I understood most of it. Hehe. On "Mable" Goldfinger get like 50 people of the crowd on stage to sing a long and party with them. And they all have a great time! So yeah! A cool punk-ska-partaay! I really like this DVD. Especially since I have never seen them live and they are a fantastic live band. Sound & image quality is perfect. The special features section is also very interesting. You find a lot of stuff there as band commentary and a feature on PETA. Yeah, it’s time to partaay! -Sabine www.kungfurecords.com

Free Dominguez Freedoming SOFree Records $$$$ This is a 360 from Free's other band, Kidney Thieves (whom I reviewed back when ZeroSpace came out). I'm sure many of her fans knew of the solo cd's sound, but when I would try to download tracks, my computer was giving me hell! Anyway, The cd is wonderful. It's the type of CD you put on a rainy or warm day, light some candles and take a nice hot bubble bath. That's what comes to mind when I'm listening to this disc. So far, the highlights of the CD for me are: "Rosemary Sweet", "Silence", "Around the Sun", and "Recurring Dream". The one thing I love about this CD, is that it was all recorded in Free's bedroom. There's no studio effects and whatnot. On Free's site (FreeDominguez.com), she said, "It was in one-quarter of my bedroom, with two mixers, a computer, one mic, no sound-proofing, and many makeshift situations. I can’t tell you how many times I have had to stop recording a vocal or an acoustic guitar because of a helicopter flying directly over my house, or a car alarm going off. My bedpillow doubled as a muffler for my computer....In fact, the only thing perfect about this record to me are the imperfections." I think this is a cd that everyone would enjoy. I don't see it as dark as KT, but just AS great! -Laura Encarnado freedominguez.com

Various Artists - Bring You To Your Knees (Guns N' Roses Tribute) Law of Inertia $$$ That CD is so funny! I had never thought that bands like Death By Stereo are G’n’R fans! So there are a LOT of surprises on this compilation. I must admit though that I cannot take all interpretations seriously as Most Precious Blood’s version of "Sweet Child Of Mine" for example. I mean, the lyrics are: She got eyes of the bluest skies.... and MPB sing it like ROAR! Sheooo gat eyeoos of the bluest skieoos! ROAR! SCREAM! Totally full of anger! I mean, hey it’s a love song. It sounds really funny to me! Maybe some MBP fans are going to hate me know... hehehe. But there are also really GREAT, FANTASTIC interpretations on it that show a total new aspect of the songs like: Unearth’s "It’s so easy". Metal-melodic-core. It’s almost better than the original version. Break The Silence’s version of "Nightrain" is very close to the original but sounds soooo good! So rock’n’roll! Like in the good old G’n’R days when Izzy was still on board. I could talk about this compilation for ever since every interpretation is in one way or another exciting. So yeah, thumbs up! Track listing: Zombie Apocalypse: Welcome To The Jungle Haste : You’re Crazy Vaux: 14 Years Unearth: It’s So Easy Break The Silence: Nightrain Death By Stereo: Anything Goes Most Precious Blood: Sweet Child O’Mine Time In Malta: November Rain The Dillinger Escape Plan: My Michelle Eighteen Visions: Paradise City Every Time I Die: I Used To Love Her God Forbid: Out Ta Get Me Bleeding Through: Rocket Queen The Beautiful Mistake: Estranged I think you should buy this CD if you are a G’n’R fan. And I guess we all are/were in one way or another. I loved and hated the Gunners back in the 90ies just like everybody else did. But I think everyone will agree with me that "Appetite For Destruction" is one of the best records ever in rock history! And most tracks on this compilation are taken from that record. I would also recommend this record to all HC/Metal kids out there cause they might realize that a band like Dillinger is great but that the Gunners are real legends! Kick ass record! -Sabine

ADOLESCENTS: Live At The House Of Blues DVD & CD Episode 10 The Show Must Go Off Kung Fu Records $$ The Adolescents rule! We know that. Everybody who’s into punk music knows that. But that live DVD will probably not be their biggest success. The House Of Blues is maybe not the real location for a kick-ass-punk-show. You can sense a lack of energy here and there. And: You know, the Adolescents are not adolescent anymore. They are like 40 year olds by now. Which is perfectly ok. I’ve seen even older bands rocking it on stage, but they became SO FAT! Sorry, I just had to write that. They are not exactly what I’d call pleasing to the eye... so... do I want to watch fat 40 year olds sweating on stage and pay 16$ for it?! Decide for yourselves. Let’s talk about the positive stuff: Sound & image are perfect. They play all their greatest hits on stage like "Democracy", "Wrecking Crew", "Amoeba" and "Creatures". The special features section contains some very entertaining stuff like band commentary and an Adolescents’ show filmed back in 1982. The special features are really funny! Just check them out! My conclusion is probably this: If you are either an Adolescents fan or someone who does not have their records (shame on you!) this is a perfect greatest hits collection with a lot of special features. Sound quality is really great. It comes along with a CD of the same live show so you can also listen to it in your car or wherever. But for everyone else: Save your money and get an Adolescents’ record instead. -Sabine www.kungfurecords.com

Dropkick Murphys On the Road with the Dropkick Murphys Epitaph Records $$$$ If you want to know what it's like to be on the Road with the Dropkick Murphys, this DVD will definitely give you a taste of it! The Live on St. Paddy's Day portion starts with anticipation and excitement, with the Boston Police Bagpipe band. It builds until the Murphys hit the stage with the chant "let's Go Murphys!" form the crowd. and it doesn't stop there. The DVD has this great gritty documentary feel, with all the excitement and energy. You feel like you were there - or wish you were. Al Barr is a commanding front man and a solid guy. The rest of the bans is a tight machine and fires them off one after the other. There's lots of fan commentary, plus you get to know the band though all the on the road and backstage footage. The band has a family feel - and shares it with the fans as well. Some bands talk about unity - The Dropkick Murphys LIVE unity. At one point in the live show, a fan even proposes to his girlfriend on stage! See? The Dropkicks really bring people together! With all the videos and extra footage, this DVD has a LOT of material and will not disappoint even the most demanding fan! You will dropkick yourself if you don't get this! - Kitty Kowalskis ny rox www.epitaph.com

Hydroponic Soundclash e.p. $$$$ Hydroponic Sound System has released their latest studio effort: enter the much anticipated Hydro Soundclash e.p, a sweet soundclash of remixes and tracks inspired by their full length album "grids/loops/intersections" (alternate take records). The Hydro boys' previous album "Routine Insanity"(2000) was compared to "3ft high and rising" and "it takes a nation of millions to hold us back" by the underground press. This new release does their street cred justice, bringing in heavy hitting MCs Headkrack, Fat Beats recording artist Azeem, Bavu Blakes, Grand Supreem and a special appearance by rehash. Push play and expect to hear a solid collection of underground illmatic hiphop; intelligent lyrics over dirty beats with great production and a dark moody vibe. Out of the 8 tracks on the e.p, two really stand out: the refreshing " Hydro Soundclash" with its chill out reggae infused groove, and "Play the Role" which pays respect to portishead with its eerie sounds and lush down tempo beats dusted with the laid back rhythmic lyrics of MC Bavu. This is a fine sample of quality indie hiphop talent... inhale!! Cozmic Cat toronto@nite

Toby Lightman Little Things Lava Records $$$$ She’s been compared to Lauryn Hill, and even Sheryl Crow, but I would venture to say she’s more like a guitar-driven Carole King. With her first single, "Devils and Angels", Lightman shows she definitely has talent. Even though her producer sparked the likes of Avril Lavigne and Vanessa Carlton, this girl might just prove to be better. On her debut album, "Little Things", (out March 30th) Lightman experiments with pop, rock, funk, and her voice just shines right through. As much as I might think I’ve heard someone like Lightman before, I haven’t. Sure, she’s a girl with a guitar and pretty voice entering the music world, but she isn’t just another girl with a guitar and a pretty voice, she has something different than the Avril’s and Michelle’s seem to. On "Frightened", one of the first ballads, Lightman’s voice is rather haunting, honestly. The song, which graced the Uptown Girls soundtrack last year, is my personal favorite. For those of us that are lucky enough to catch her four-song sampler, you’ll be happy to find there is an acoustic version of this song on it. She’s appeared on MTV numerous times with the "Devils and Angels" video, YM magazine has reviews ready as well. Seems to me that this New Yorker has a lot coming to her at twenty-five. Definitely do not miss this girl… she’s probably here to stay, folks. Toby Lightman definitely won’t disappoint. ~Megan www.tobylightman.com

Rockstar Barbeque "Blame it on Eve" Masterpiece Records $$$ I have to say this was a really great CD to review. There are many different elements such as rock, punk and heavy metal combined in this CD to produce a vibrant sound. I honestly enjoyed this CD. It was something you could listen to in a number of settings from raging parties to just in your car. One thing I found clever about this band was that they all together are called Rockstar Barbeque but each member of the band has part of the band’s name in their own name. There is Tommy Rock, Pablo Star and Salty Barbeque. I think this CD could be enjoyed by a vast audience from tattooed bikers to high school kids. The vibe generated by this band is universal! -Katie Kiedyk www.rockstarbbq.com

Subhumans Live in a Dive Fat Wreck Chords $$$ This is more than just a CD. This is the ultimate Subhumans fan kit. Those punks from the UK have been around for quite some time that’s how they have gathered a lot of fans over the years. Their live shows are legendary and that’s probably why Fatwreck put out this mammoth 26-song live set. It’s the best Subhumans greatest hits collection available. Playlist: All Gone Dead – Can’t Hear The Words – Waste Of Breath – It’s Gonna Get Worse – Joe Public – Somebody’s Mother – This Year’s War – Apathy – Pigman – Animal – Peroxide – Businessmen – Subvert City – Rain – Reality Is Waiting For A Bus – Nothing I Can Do – Wake Up Screaming – Evolution – Parasites – No – Mickey Mouse Is Dead – Society – Black And White – Religious Wars – Work Rest Play Die – Drugs Of Youth Most of the tracks are from The Day The Country Died album (probably the best Subhumans record so far). In addition to that fantastic set list you will also find some video footage on the CD. So you get an extra song (New Age) that’s not on the audio portion + an interview with the band. But that’s not enough! You will also get a really cool b/w ten-page comic book that illustrates the lyrics to Subvert City. Both thumbs up! -Sabine Chicks Rule www.fatwreck.com

Decendents 'Merican Fat Wreck Chords $$$ This EP from the Decendents alternates between issues of patriotism, including criticisms of the country and anguish experienced with relationships. It is all set to the typical upbeat poppy-punk style that the Decendents have mastered so gracefully. It makes you think and dance. It is ultra liberal yet even if you have different views it is music that you can listen to for pure punk rock education alone. Milo's vocals are unique. His voice has the right amount of gravel to it and he does not whine his way through every song like so many other bands in his genre out there today. I'll let you in on a little secret too-this 4 song EP is really 5 so don't forget to listen to the secret song at the end. -Katie Kiedyk musiceditorkatie@coolgrrrls.com www.decendentsonline.com www.fatwreck.com

The Vandals "Live at the House of Blues" Kung Fu Records $$$$ Way before Fountains of Wayne were on MTV, The Vandals were singing their own song about a MILF. It was obviously done with more pizazz and vigor. If you don't know what I'm talking about you probably haven't had your first Vandals experience. I have been a huge fan of theirs for a very long time. Their newest release, "Live at the House of Blues," is the newest live cd that gives a musical history of the band. They play some of their older songs and some of their newer ones...but the Vandals have never been ones to ONLY be heard. Their energy is way too big for that. That is why the DVD counterpart to the cd comes with it. This band plays their own brand of punk and have been the front runners in the industry for a long time. They were gross before it was cool to be gross. They were crazy before it was cool to be crazy. This cd is definitely a worthy investment. -Katie Kiedyk musiceditorkatie@coolgrrrls.com www.vandals.com www.showmustgooff.com www.kungfurecords.com

The Kite Eating Tree "Method, fail, repeat..." $$$$ With every band on creation turning their sound to be "indie rock," finding bands that do it well are few and far between. The Kite Eating Tree is awesome. Its hard to believe they only formed two years ago. They explain their music as "strong narrative verses set up with hook laden choruses." I agree. This music is really catchy and hard to describe. They are an alternative to bands out there. This is one of the most positive and innovative contributions to the alternative rock world that I have seen in a while. The Kite Eating Tree doesn't sing about breaking up, being misunderstood or a crush. Singer Mike Hunter's lyrics focus more on political agendas, social commentaries and his own experiences when pushing his wife's wheelchair. This band has the substance which is lacking in our adolescent minded music society. -Katie Kiedyk musiceditorkatie@coolgrrrls.com www.thekiteeatingtree.com

The Blood Drained Cows "13" Triple X Records $$ The Blood Drained Cows are a band with a new release in 2004, however if you transported them back to the 1960's, they would probably be received very warmly by the music lovers of that generation. The music is a little bit dark, a little bit rock and roll, a little bit bluesy, and a lot of fun. It is easy to listen to. Greg Turner's vocals are really full and meaty. Excuse the pun. The guitars wretch and moan along with the vocals. Over all it is a rare and uncommon musical jewel. -Katie Kiedyk musiceditorkatie@coolgrrrls.com www.blooddrainedcows.com

Lise Nikkole "Long Road Ahead" $$$ Melodic music. Strong feminine vocals. Either of these qualities could stand on their own to produce a rock solid cd. Put them together and you've got something dynamic. Lise Nikkole is someone truly dynamic. Her music is not harsh or abrasive. It is not in your face. It is almost timid. It is like a shy and beautiful person that you are drawn to out of curiousity and mystery. I was drawn to Lise Nikkole's music and was pleasantly rewarded. She is good without being overly commercial. Admirable without needing recognition. Recogniton is what she deserves. This cd is great. Very soothing and mellow. -Katie Kiedyk musiceditorkatie@coolgrrrls.com www.lisenikkole.com www.cdbaby.com/lise

The Bloody Lovelies "Some Truth A Little Money" Cheap Lullaby Records $$$ Lonliness, liquor and femme fatales are three things that seemingly every band sings about these days. However, they don't do it quite in the way that the Bloody Lovelies do. "Hologram," is a song that sounds like a new Beatles release. It has that retro feel to it. "Star," is a dancier track that reminds me of The Strokes. The music is versitile and innovative. It is fun and has just a hint of pop that makes the songs catchy. It has a blend of all types of music and is hard to classify, but then again...isn't that the best kind? -Katie Kiedyk musiceditorkatie@coolgrrrls.com www.bloodylovelies.com

Long Since Forgotton "Standing Room Only" Rocketstar Music $$$$ In their latest release, "Standing Room Only," the Syracuse based band, Long Since Forgotten have mastered the perfect balance of rock and pop. They have become the master of the hook. The result is beautiful, powerful and meaningful music married to lyrics that are so poetic, reflective and universal that you will swear the words were pulled right out of your own brain. There is a big difference between just listening to music and truly enjoying it. It is obvious that this band is invested in everything they say. They mean it. It is open and honest. It makes no attempt to sugar-coat emotion however it is not harsh or abrasive. It is just the opposite. It is comforting and refreshing. -Katie Kiedyk www.lsfrock.com www.rocketstar.com

Amnesty International "Music For Human Rights" Various Artists $$$$ Amnesty International is a cause that I have been familiar with for quite some time. I was a member of the local chapter when I was in high school. For those of you who don't know, AI is an organization that focuses on human rights along with preserving free speech and artistic expression. They are known for their benefits, concerts and tours and now this cd. "Music For Human Rights" includes many bands that are well known and recognizable, including Radiohead, 1 Giant Leap, Coldplay, Aimee Mann and Beth Orton. These gifted people lend their prolific talents to a cause that benefits a fantastic organization. The result is incredible music with a message. I really enjoyed this cd for its versatility and powerful message. Definitely check it out. -Katie Kiedyk www.amnestyusa.org/musicforhumanrights

Cathy Richardson Band "The Road to Bliss" Ca$h Rich Records $$$$ Upon first look, I was immediately attracted to the grammy-nominated packaging of this cd. It is set up like a car. The cd is the wheel and the lyrics book is a map that come out of the glove compartment that you can open. Pretty fancy huh? To my excitement, the surprises and uniqueness this cd breeds would not stop at the packaging. Starting with "Miracle," I embarked on my "Road To Bliss," the newest release from the Chicago based, Cathy Richardson Band. Cathy Richardson has a rich, full, drawling voice reminiscent of a country music singer, paired with the lyrics and music of a dynamic folk band. Each song itself reminds me of a journey, encompassing the excitement and reflective-ness that come along with a long road trip. This cd impressed me and I think it will do the same for anyone who appreciates good music to think to that is catchy and enjoyable. -Katie Kiedyk www.CRBand.com www.luckmedia.com

Hanoi Rocks "Twelve Shots on the Rocks" Liquor and Poker Music $$$ Picture a band from Finland just on the verge of achieving fame in the United States. Then tragedy strikes. The drummer of the band is killed in an awful automobile accident and the band breaks up. Sounds like an episode of Behind the Music doesn’t it? Actually, it is the story of the Finnish Rock and Roll band, Hanoi Rocks. However, their story doesn’t end with tragedy. 17 years later the band is back together and better than ever. Having achieved individual fame through countless music projects, the band has matured into a musical powerhouse that cannot be stopped. The force they create is apparent on their newest release, "Twelve Shots on the Rocks." They play the kind of rock music that is not monotonous and harsh on the ears after two or three songs. It is music you can dance to. Have fun with "Obscured" it is one of my favorite. It reminds me of Kiss and Detroit Rock City. The band is not stuck on one kind of rock. They explore all angles from ballads like "In My Darkest Moment" to hard hitting energetic songs to those like "Delirious" that have energy that just cannot be described. Their name speaks volumes. Hanoi Rocks. -Katie Kiedyk www.liquorandpokermusic.com

Nebula "Atomic Ritual" Liquor and Poker Music $$$ Just place Nebula's newest release, "Atomic Ritual" into your cd player and welcome yourself to the world of hard hitting, fast beat glam rock with a hint of 80's hair band. Fueled by biting electric guitars and a crunchy, bluesy attitude, Nebula takes everything you love about every one of the aforementioned genres and makes it their own. If you are sick of generic rock bands that are afraid to try something new for fear of breaking the mold, you might wanna pick up "Atomic Ritual." This cd doesn’t just break the mold, it annihilates it. -Katie Kiedyk www.liquorandpokermusic.com

New Bomb Turks "Switchblade Tongues and Butterknife Brains" Gearhead Records $$ In their whopping 8th release, the New Bomb Turks are combining their previously unreleased "best of." Several unreleased EPs are making their way on to "Switchblade Tongues and Butterknife Brains." Fans of the New Bomb Turks will not be disappointed with this release. Their aggressive style of punk sounds like a combination of The Sex Pistols and The Strokes. Each track has a slightly different feel to it which keeps you interested throughout the whole cd. Sprinkled with covers and never before heard songs, this album is neither boring nor disappointing. It possesses a fire that will satisfy old fans and new listeners alike. -Katie Kiedyk www.gearheadrecords.com

Jenn Lindsay "The Last New York Horn" No Evil Star Records $$$ Jenn Lindsay is not afraid. Seemingly of anything. She sings with a commanding presence. In the song "Uncle Sam" when she says "you should listen," you do. She herself describes the album as "a cohesive meditation on change, ambition, cities, disappointment and, of course, being pissed at the Bush administration." Whether you agree with her political views or not, Ms. Lindsay must be commended for her ability to express her emotion. She is not a hider. I am familiar with Jenn Lindsay's work, I reviewed her one of her past cds, "Gotta Lotta." I can see a great progression in her music. It is morphing and molding into a beautiful work in progress, but never overprocessed or polished. It is raw, uninhibited emotion. There are two kinds of people in this world, those who make things happen for themselves and those who hide behind the first kind of people. Jenn Lindsay shows, through "The Last New York Horn," that she is the first kind of person and she is taking the folk music world by "horn." -Katie Kiedyk www.jennlindsay.com

"Greaseball Melodrama" Various Artists Gearhead Records $$ Who is the best source for finding up and coming bands? Someone who is a member of an up and coming band themselves. That is just what "Greaseball Melodrama" is. Eric Davidson of The New Bomb Turks has compiled a cd featuring tracks from 16 underground bands that are ready to break out. It is a mix of bands that have already received national recognition and those who have had impact in their own country. Bands include: The Cuts, Baseball Furies, Mystery Girls, Colombian Neckties and Exxon Valdez. If you are looking for something new and different that can set you apart from a crowd of Britney Spears-loving wannabes, this is the cd to get. The music is unrefined and rockin’. It's a sneak preview of good things to come. -Katie Kiedyk www.gearheadrecords.com

Leah Callahan "Even Sleepers" Baraca Records $$$ Hauntingly beautiful. Melodic. Sweet. Artsy. These are all the words that come to mind when I listen to "Even Sleepers," the newest release by Leah Callahan. A musical veteran, having performed with bands such as Turkish Delight and Betwixt, Leah Callahan's music is inspiringly light and airy on one hand, but also whimsically chockful of substance. She has mastered the art of in between. Leah's voice carries the music, as opposed to the music carrying the voice as we hear to often these days. This is music that cannot be pigeonholed into one category. It is like the music you may hear in an independent film. Her voice is something that will stay in your head long after the last track. This musical siren weaves tracks to entrance the mind drawing the listener back for more and more. It possesses a hypnotizing sad beauty that is unlike anything I have ever heard before. -Katie Kiedyk www.leahcallahan.com