sizzling cds

P.O.D. + Methods of Mayhem + 311 = Mix Mob. I'm not into rap, but this CD isn't that bad. "Madhouse" is a pretty good song. There's some punk-ish riffs here and there. I don't know what genre you would classify this band, because you hear so much different stuff in here. In 3 songs, I'm hearing 3 different genres. The first song was something Tommy Lee would sing, the vocals sounded like Tommy too. Then on the second song, it was more of P.O.D, 311...If you are up for a mix of stuff, check these cool dudes out.

Earshot
Letting Go
Warner Bros.
$$$

If you are into heavy stuff, look no further then Earshot. I'm trying to find a band to compare them too, because they do remind me of a few bands, but I just can't put my finger on it. "Headstrong" opens the CD and is just mind blowing. I wasn't too sure if I would like them or not, but after a few listens, I really like them. The lead vocals are just oh-la-la HAHA. "Misery" is another one of my faves.

It is surprising that someone would open up with a slow song. The opening song, "Feels like Home", the song starts out kind of mellow and then quickly jumps into "International You Day" which is just a kick ass song. Man, forget about reading this review. Just go out and buy the CD!

A band from Jersey?! Oh hell yea! Finally another band to review that is not to far from Philly. This CD is just off the walls. You feel like getting up, running and breaking stuff! Highlight songs so far: "Whole Life Crisis", "Panasonic" and "Let it Go".

Hot Hot Heat
Knock Knock Knock
Sub Pop
$$$

You wouldn’t expect much in the way of good music from the Satanist and retirement capital of Canada. But Victoria, BC is where Hot Hot Heat hail from and have been playing they’re brand of synth-rock, prog-rock, art-rock whatever you wanna call it since 1999. I can’t believe they still haven’t moved out of the small tourist town but now with a release on Sub Pop and tours a head of them they’re ready to take on a bigger audience. This definitely isn’t a debut record but it is their debut with this "new" line-up (which features a guitar which the previous lacked). Previous releases with the "old" line-up include a couple 7-inchs, a split LP w/ The Red Light Sting, and a full-length CD collection of most of their previous recordings. None of the songs on this CD should be new to anyone who has seen the band in the past year or so. they’ve been a mainstay in the bands set list. The long wait to actually put something out with this line-up seems like a smart idea to me because they’ve built up a fan base on their live shows and have gotten extremely tight (and I’m not just talking about the pants) before worrying about touring with a new record, etc. A few months ago it seemed like most people were split down the middle with which incarnation of HHH they preferred (the early more punk sounds to the recent more complex oddities) but now after constant persistence with live shows I think the majority of people like the "new" HHH sound. Hell, I’ve even been won over. Stand out songs (even though there are only 5) would obviously be "Le Le Low" and "5 Times out of a 100" both having music videos and radio play but my favourite is "Touch You Touch You".

www.hothotheat.com
www.subpop.com

--Mar, Vancouver @ Nite

The Epoxies
s/t
Dirtnap Records
$$$

"New Wave from Portland, Oregon" Is what their website exclaims! Wow, new wave from anywhere is pretty exciting but from anywhere in the North-West makes it even better because they’ll probably play Vancouver on tour more than once. The one time the Epoxies did play here so far I was out of town… Boo! But my friend bought me their 7-inch and ever since I’ve been a fan. This is their debut s/t record which I had to buy on CD because Scratch records was sold out of the vinyl. Boo again!

The Epoxies have a totally classic new wave look with lots of stripes, checkers, white sunglasses, and anything else that comes in b&w! They remind me sooo much of the Revillos in their get-up and all their stage names such as Dr. Grip, Viz Spectrum, and Roxy Epoxy. Their sound is a retro take on the underground of 70s/80s new wave/punk with an emphasis on synthesizers and trembley guitars topped with girl vocals. In their live show they even cover "the Professionals" song from Ladies and Gentlemen the Fabulous Stains along with an Adam and the Ants cover! The latter can be found on their debut 7-inch. If you have memories of a happier time in music this record brings those back in full effect. Back when bands dressed silly like characters from 1950s sci-fi movies and made cute little gems based on having fun and being able to dance. Yeah!

www.theepoxies.com

--Mar, Vancouver @ Nite

Kidney Thieves
Zerospace
Extasy Records

What do you think a Pretty Hate Machine can produce? How about Kidney Thieves? Lead singer, Free Dominguez, is your female Trent Reznor. And yes, she will get you closer to god. There is not one thing bad I can say about this CD. You take a look at the cover of the CD and right away you are drawn in. You want to know what they are about. You may be wondering why I didn’t give this band any $’s. I seriously don’t know what to give them. I can’t give them the perfect score because they are off the charts. They’re the best band I have reviewed. They rank way up there with Laura Dawn, Manhunt and the Ataris (the only CD’s that I still listen to since reviewing them).
I must say that their cover of Patsy Cline’s "Crazy" has to be my favorite track off the CD. It’s so dark and full of lust..The song is taken to a whole new level and I love every second of it. Other songs that I really enjoyed are "Serene Dream", "Before I Die", "Placebo" and "Black Bullet". Kidney Thieves are also featured on the Queen of the Damned Soundtrack. I HIGHLY recommend that you check this band out.

-Laura Encarnado

Linx:
www.kidneythieves.com
www.extasyrecords.com

Abandoned Pools
Humanistic
Extasy Records
$$$

It’s funny that I recieve this CD now, because this band will be opening up for Garbage’s spring tour. I’ll be seeing them on April 26th, 2002. I knew of A.P., but didn’t know what their music was like. The CD’s first single, "The Remedy", reminds me of something that you would hear off the Smashing Pumpkins’ "Siamise Dream" CD. The second song, "Mercey Kiss" is a song that musically sounds like a track off Laura Dawn’s "Believer" CD. I’d have to say that "Start Over" and "Monster" are my favorite tracks off the CD. I think that anyone who likes Oasis would like this band and should check them out.

-Laura Encarnado

www.abandonedpools.com

Audio Karate
Space Camp
Kung Fu Records
$$$$

I love this CD. Growing up in San Diego, I have watched the pop-punk scene explode. It is really hard to find an original sound when there are so many bands that are alike out there. These 4 guys from Rosemead, California hooked up with Trevor Keith of Face to Face, to produce and created a pop-punk frenzy of emotional vocals and kick ass instrumentals. You definitely hear the influential likes of Lagwagon as well as ALL (Pummel) throughout the 12 tracks on their debut CD, Space Camp. I don’t know what else to say, musically there guys click, you’ll know when you hear it, so go check it out!!!

-Kari Tarantino

www.audiokarate.com
www.kungfurecords.com

The Push Cushions
Loved By Many, Loyal To Few
$$$

There are four songs on this release. Each dealing with the insecurities one feels growing up. They all fit in perfectly considering the idea of The Push Cushions started with 2 bored girls on a spring semester class.
Everyone have had boy experiences and insecurities growing up and this is about that, with humor rarely see these days.
Clever rhythms, edgy singing, powerful riffs and kick-ass bass lines clothe the entire album. Although the quality of recording isn’t that professional-sounding, it’s good enough coming from an indie release like this one. From their apparent love (or hate!) for Cosmo magazine in "Cosmo" to the rather egotistic and self-absorbed "Selfish Love Song", thoughts and questions on "Do You Think So?" and their version of a relationship song on "Cling Wrap", these girls have only two things written all over their songs, funk and fire.
This album offers 4 songs that are different as they are similar. Candy Currie’s vocals stand out in all the songs, adapting to the energy of the other 3 - Stella D’Oro’s bass playing, Eve Hendrix’s guitar playing, and Nikki Stixx’s drum pounding. The rocking drums patterns fit in nicely with the wicked bass lines that’s a favorite from the album, complementing the guitar to give life to the songs. This release is quite a hit. It is rock for the rockers and highly listenable to people who’s not too keen on it. It is an album to put on full volume when you want to sing your guts out. It is 4 songs that make you want to listen to more, which they will hopefully provide soon. This album is just is.

Sharlene Faye A. Lim

http://home.adelphia.net/~pushit/

Strung Out
An American Paradox
Fat Wreck Chords
$$$

I was feeling this CD. I’m not a hardcore punk fan, but I really liked what these guys have. Right from the get-go, you will find yourself headbanging along to the songs or moving somehow. Listening to these guys, you are not going to sit still! They kind of remind me of Unwritten Law with some Ataris thrown in there. "The Kids" has to be my favorite track off the CD so far. One part of the song makes me think of "Knight Rider" (laughs).

-Laura Encarnado

www.fatwreck.com

Swivel Hips
Swivelicious
$$

Swivel Hips is a jazzy, pop, rock band from Connecticut. I didn’t like this CD at all. I couldn’t get into it at all. Some of the songs sound like something you would hear at a Mardis Gras party...I could definitely picture myself walking down Philly’s South Street and hearing one of their songs being played in a store…They’re not a bad group, it’s just not my type of music. If you are into a lot of acoustics and whatnot, then look this band up!

-Laura Encarnado

www.swivelhips.com

PinkiMojo
PinkiMojo
$$

PinkiMojo is a 6 member team. If you are into pop music, this CD is for you! This CD also throws some rock and ska into the mix. The CD is full of catchy songs that are radio friendly. It’s a very relaxing CD. Pinki Mojo has two vocalists, Melody and Julia. They are great singers who just make the listener very relaxed. "Obsession (I Fell Into You)" is the best track off this 12 song CD. This isn’t something I would normally listen to, but if you open for something new give this band a listen.
I’m sure you are all wondering how this band got their name. I emailed them and here is the story behind Pinki Mojo: "There was a woman in front of the stage doing an odd, peculiar dance, which included some up and down, back and forth motions with her pinky fingers. Well, of course, at our next rehearsal, Julia couldn’t resist doing that peculiar dance for us. That’s when, Mike Johnson, the guitarist, said ‘Yeah, that girl was giving you guys some of her pinkimojo!’ After a good laugh, someone said we should call the band pinkimojo, and since then it’s stuck."

-Laura Encarnado

Majandra Delfino
"The Sicks" 10/2001
Dripfeed Records
$$$$

There’s an embarrassing history of Hollywood actors attempting to be singers. With a grimace I can recall hearing the albums by David Hasselhoff, Joey Lawrence and Edward Furlong (especially Eddie’s version of The Door’s "People Are Strange" * shudder*). Perhaps eliminating the requirement for actors to sing and dance before being hyped up to superstar status wasn’t a good idea, then again I sorta remember John Travolta’s music too.

So you have to leave it to a modern day actress to break the mold and come out with an album that is spotless of corporate involvement and (painfully) true to her heart. With Fiona Apple taking a creative break and Tori Amos nearing 40, Majandra Delfino is the new kid on the block of unapologetic, honest, experimental music. Taking her cues from Bjork, Portishead and Nine Inch Nails, her first EP comes out with a layered electronic flair naturalized by her deep, sadden voice that reminds me of what Nico could of sounded like had she not been so monotone.

Every song on "The Sicks" EP is a work of art. Majandra teamed up with the electronic group Sci-Fi Lullaby to arrange her classical guitar written songs into synthesized soundscapes. The ballad of the album is "Oil + Water" but my favorite from the very beginning has always been "Bruises". Angry, sad and vengeful (which can describe almost all the tracks) "Bruises" harbors a strong Nine Inch Nails influence that I cling to, as it’s nice to finally hear these sort of lyrics and sounds from a woman’s point of view.

Majandra independently released "The Sicks" before the end of 2001. Her EP contains small paintings for each of her 6 songs printed in the booklet that heighten the senses by giving a visual to what you hear. There is limited availability of the disc, but you can purchase it through Amazon and her web site contains music video clips activated by giving a doll version of Majandra sleeping pills. http://www.majandra.com

Despite her fame as an actress, her true talent lies behind her guitar.

--Ruby World

Unisex Salon
Gender-Benders Unisex Salon debut cd
$$$

Unisex Salon's debut cd is music to my ears! The very minute I placed the hot pink disc on player, the excitement began! With songs poking fun at growing older and the obsession with cosmetic surgery, it was truly original. In a time where Electronicia and Hard Livin' Rockers seem to the rule the scene, it's nice to know Unisex Salon has come along to make us smile. Each song is upbeat as well as danceable. I've been playing their cd over and over again. Luckily, they will be performing a live show in my neck of the woods on April 20th at Galapagos in Williamsburg. If you'd like to find out more about Unisex Salon be sure and visit their website at: http://www.unisexsalonband.com. Don't forget to tell them coolgrrrls.com sent ya!

Miss Adena
NY @ Nite

The White Stripes
White Blood Cells (Sympathy for the Record Industry)
$$$$

Okay - so this album came out last June, but it hasn’t yet been reviewed here and it should be. So here I am. Arguably the best album of 2001, the White Stripes’ third full length effort is an incredible collection of extremely simple, divine and unpretentious tunes. Upon first hearing the songs, a listener can swallow the whole idea and fall in love with Jack White’s honest and child-like songwriting. There’s no ‘listening until it’s good’ - it’s all good right away. Starting abruptly with the haunting tone of "Dead Leaves on the Dirty Ground," the album continues with many, many killer could-be pop hits such as the album’s first two singles - the precious "Fell in Love with a Girl" and "Hotel Yorba," which is actually a real hotel in Detroit (I pass by it almost every day, and trust me, you don’t want to stay there).

For information on more releases, tour dates and photos, please visit:
www.whitestripes.com

Melody Licious, Detroit @ Nite

Volumnizer
Gaga for Gigi
Mint Records
$$$$

All right, supergroup anyone? Vancouver has been playing host to many local supergroups in the past few years (New Pornographers?) but here's a supergroup made up of old skool Vancouver punk rockers. Entire album song writing credits are given to Jade Blade once the front girl of the Ramones inspired Dishrags, backed up by her husband and ex-Pointed Stick Bill Napier-Hemy on guitar/bass, joined by other late 70s buddy Rodney Graham who was once a member of the infamous art rock ensemble known as UJ3RK5. But more people may know Rodney as a world famous visual artist with most of his fame being in Europe. If that's not enough for you, Rodney's wife Shannon sings all the songs and the drummer, John Cody, dates metal queen Lee Aaron. Ok, now you're thinking "so great, cool, whatever there's all these cool/famous people in the band who cares? All I wanna know is if they are good." And you will be pleasantly surprised that Volumnizer does indeed "rock." So many times my favourite artists of the past come back with a new band/project only to my horror out it's a bunch of ambient noise crap. I was so happy when I heard this record... it's catchy, it's rocking, the lyrics are good, and they even cover an old Dishrags song! I only hope they start playing more shows in Vancouver/the rest of the world. The recent record release show was only their 6th live gig ever! (and the band's been together since '97). Definitely check this band out and while you are at it if you come across any old Pointed Sticks records please pass them my way!

--Mar, Vancouver @ Nite

Various Artists
Live & Unreleased From Farmclub.Com
Interscope/UTV Records
$$$$

It is truly a rare thing for me to listen to live anything. I am not a great fan of live performances from mainstream artist. But after listening to Live & Unreleased From Farmclub.Com, I was impressed. With top rated acts such as Eminem, Limp Bizkit, Powerman 5000, DMX, Mystical, you can't go wrong.

I grew up listening to Rap, Hip-Hop, and R&B, then followed my own musical taste of the more "alternative" music. This release definitely shows me the both sides of what I like. It's also two that are somewhat merging together, such as the hit "N2Gether Now" with rockstars Limp Bizkit, along with the talented rapper Method Man. It's a musical marriage.

If you like Hip-Hop hits along with Rock, I definitely recommend this release from Farmclub.Com. It's already a hot seller at the records stores here!

--Special CoolGrrrl Correspondent, Nancy Tsai

The Distillers
Sing, Sing, Death House
$$$$

After the debut of they’re self titled album in April of 2000, I thought they couldn’t get any better but they did. To quote an interview with Brody I once read in Juice that was written by Robin Fleming "The Distillers are a punk rock chemist’s proudest batch of hooch." Nothing is truer. In they’re new album Sing, Sing, Death House they go back to basics well basic’s of punk that is, with the scratchy vocals and the heavy guitars it definitely makes this album a must buy. The new album even boasts a few harmonies. To hear Brody yell "freedom rise up for me!" almost makes you want to protest something. With the Funk You core attitude of this band they liberate themselves to a new level of punk rock music.

--Special CoolGrrrl Correspondent, Brianna

Kasey Chambers may be considered Alt Country, however this Australian has more true country soul than most chart topping country musicians today. It would seem that this Alt. Country movement should be a move away from the typical country sound, but in reality its turning away from the Pop sound Nashville is pumping out it's musical pipes. Kasey's newest album, "Barricades and Brickwalls", is a refreshing glass of sweet tea on a sweltering southern day. Says Chambers in Runaway Train, "I'm-a gonna take you where your heart won't break you and the water tastes like wine." Many alt country musicians, including Lucinda Williams, are happily hitching a ride with Kasey. She has even gotten props from country music's elite bad bay, Dwight Yoakam.

Chambers is helping to revive the heart of country music with her soulful voice backed up by big bass, dobro's, slide guitars, fiddles, and that pure country twang. Even though she claims in Crossfire "I thought I made it clear from the start, I don't have a heart." We know better. For you music lovers that love to hear that downhome sound with lyrical twists, put this baby in your cd player. I'd be willing to bet Patsy and Tammy are smiling down from above.

Bad Religion
The Process of Belief
Epitaph
$$$$

Being that I have never really known the band’s history, except for what I’ve read in zines and stuff. But what I do know is that this is one of the core bands of punk rock, starting out from the early 80’s. I had met their newest addition, the drummer, Brooks Wackerman, at a Vandals show towards the end of last year in Las Vegas, NV. He was taking the place of their drummer, Josh Freese and knew that he had drummed for the Vandals before. A friend of mine at the show had mentioned Brooks had just jumped onto being Bad Religion’s new drummer. The only other album I’ve heard from them was, "Stranger Than Fiction". I bought it right after listening to "The Process of Belief". After hearing the single, "Sorrow", for the first time on a local radio station. I have to admit, I paid no attention, at the time, I was thinking," Oh, who cares?!" But after much buzz about the anticipation and rave reviews about this album, I decided to give it a try and actually listening to it. When I heard the lyrics, my mind had changed... completely 180 degrees of what I had thought. After hearing "Sorrow", I was definitely waiting to hear the whole album.

I was handed the newest release from Bad Religion and immediately popped it into my CD player. The buzz about this release was exactly, if not better, than I’d imagined. I loved it... the lyrics, the rhythm, the vocals! All the songs are awesome, but my favorites would have to be "Supersonic", "Can’t Stop It", "Destined For Nothing", and "Epiphany". This is definitely an addition to my "Must Have" CD list. It has now won a spot in my car’s CD player. Greg Graffin (vocals), Brett Gurewitz, Greg Hetson, Brian Baker (guitars), Jay Bentley (bass), and Brooks Wackerman (drums) make this six piece band called Bad Religion. They’re currently on tour, so try to make it out to see this amazing band. Tickets are hard to obtain, believe me, I am so sick of the Ticketmaster people telling me, "It’s sold out!". But above all, get Bad Religion’s new album "The Process of Belief", it rocks!
Also check out their site as well as Epitaph Records for more awesome bands:

www.badreligion.com
www.epitaph.com

--Nancy Tsai