Reviews

Weekly Reviews For July 23, 2006

Review Index

I am Managing Editor at Metal4Life

I also contribute reviews to getreadytorock

I am also featured reviewer at spacerock.co.uk

I was Editor & reviewer at MetalUK.

New Reviews

The Juju Crew - In Sea

And now, all the way from the mythical land of New Zealand, laydeez and genelmum, The Juju Crew! Who are an odd bunch. Not in a cross the road don't touch me there kind of way, more in a making up their own rules, none of your business, like it or lump it, kind of way. Maybe it's the isolation inherent in hailing from a non-existant country, but the Juju Crew certainly aren't following a well trodden path.

At first listen their acoustic driven rock seems slightly tame but when you actually start to hear the addictive rhythms and rhymes it becomes extremely compelling, full of funky breakdowns, soft vocals and too many double-barreled names. the lack of volume actually works in its favour, as you have the space to hear what's going on. Like the loudest blues band in the world whispering, there's a lot here to love with "Bipolar", "Square One" and "Kissed Your..." particularly fine examples of their art.

If you're looking for something a litle bit different, and are tired of unicorn hunting, then the Juju crew might be for you.

The Long Blondes - Weekend Without Makeup


I would ask why, but someone might tell me. For this is a fairly pointless record. Unless the notion of a poor Siouxsie tribute band is something that floats your particular boat.

I always try and look for the good in a record, but this just comes up empty every time. Sorry.

Jen Elliott & Bluestruck - This Damn Song

We liked the last Jen Elliott release, "The Secret's Out" round our way, calling it 'a mixture of blues rock and blue eyed soul with a hint of pop perception' and 'a remarkably assured debut, and an indicator of a major talent, waiting to be discovered.'' So we're glad to see her back with this 6 track EP, in the company of a fine band.

Lead off track, "Crazy" is a cracking, fiery blues rock belter off a number before we amble off into ballad territory for "Full". Regretably, the sedentary pace is maintained throughout the rest of the EP, which is a bit of a shame, as a bit of variety would have shaken things up a bit. Of the slower numbers, "Garden Of Delight" is the best of the lot, with its off base, killer melody.

This is a prequel to her 2nd album proper, "8 Days Down", due later in the year, and it should be one worth looking out for as long it maintains the sparkle of the debut.

Sameer Ramchandran Trio - Roundabout

The debut CD from pianist Sameer Ramchandran and his fellow travellers - Dominic Duval on bass and Newman Taylor Baker on drums - is a sprightly and confident mix of covers and originals.

It's also resolutely old fashioned in its approach to the material which actually works in its favour, as when the trio jump away from the melody, there's still a hook to hang your hat on, unlike a lot of other interpretative performers who seem to regard the tune as a bit of a nuisance.

There are two outstanding pieces on a solidly enjoyable outing - "Till There Was You" and a remarkable nine minute foray into Cole Porters "All Of You".

Rancho Deluxe - same

Hell, yeah! You're not going to go far wrong when JayDee Maness is playing pedal steel on your debut album. Who, I hear you illiterate slobs cry? He played on "Sweetheart Of The Rodeo", you ignorant bandits.

If you're tired and / or lazy, I'll make it easy for you. This is the best country CD I've heard all year, so click on the link button below and buy it. The rest of you can read on.

Once you get past the rather unappealing cover, a complete gem of an album awaits you. The bouncy, depressing "Rock Bottom" is as fine an opening number as you're likely to hear and, barring an unpleasant Bob Dylan excursion near the end, Rancho Deluxe serve up one fabulous original song after another.
Their updated Bakersfield sound is blissful, with the core trio augmented by some of the best musicians out there. So, if you're still here, it's your turn to click on the link button. You won't regret it. Promise..

Anton Barbeau with The Bevis Frond - King of Missouri


Given my enthusiasm for the music of both artists needless to say I was looking forward to hearing 'King of Missouri' and I was not in the least disappointed.

Anton's memorable dodgy rhymes, throwaway lines and wry observations on life's foibles, pleasures and frustrations conjoin perfectly with a vintage Frond backing supplied by Nick Saloman, Ade Shaw and Andy Ward.

Originally released in 2002 this record has been resurrected by Bongo Beat, Vancouver, Canada with a worthy bonus track, the Beatlish outtake 'Motor'. The title track gets things off to a strong start, very radio friendly I would say but packing the old Barbeau punch- 'She's the king of Missouri'- yes, well! The flirty glam rock of 'Sweet Creature, What's Your Name', 'The Clothes I Want To Wear' a song not about Carnaby Street but about Ant's experiences in the Clapham Road, London, the Dylanish 'It's OK Maybe' and the direct 'I Don't Like You' featuring a nice little reference to early Beatles are all highlights. On 'Sylvia Something' Nick Saloman really gets going in a Santana/ Camel type sequence, a 'full Frondal guitar sound' (Sorry, I couldn't resist that one!) The Lennonish 'Retabulation' adopts a more fluid guitar approach with a slow measured solo. Needless to say there is plenty to explore on a whirlwind of an album with some exquisite musical and lyrical moments. I urge you to seek out 'King of Missouri' at your earliest opportunity.

(Reviewed by Phil Jackson)