Volume - II Issue - V October/November 1989 Network AAA U U DDDD IIIII OOO A A U U D D I O O AAAAA U U D D I O O A A U U D D I O O A A UUU DDDD IIIII OOO BBBB IIIII TTTTT SSS B B I T S BBBB I T SSS B B I T S BBBB IIIII T SSS & Audio Software Review (c) Copyright 1989 by Michael A. Murphy All original materials Copyright by the Author ======================================================================== Please send all suggestions/comments/requests concerning Network Audio Bits & Audio Software Review via E-Mail to: Michael A. Murphy - Anyone wishing to send U.S. Snail mail may write to: Network Audio Bits P.O. Box 328 Orono, Maine 04473 ======================================================================== CONTENTS Editorial Compact Disc Reviews 1) Sleeping With The Past - Elton John 2) Quake City - Robert Kraft 3) Brave And Crazy - Melissa Etheridge 4) EEE - Don Dixon 5) Naive Art - Red Flag 6) A Dead Horse - The Golden Palominos 7) Edge Of Allegiance - Timbuk 3 8) Take To The Skies - Richard Elliot 9) Blue Chip - Acoustic Alchemy Record Reviews 1) Wrecks .N. Effect 2) AC Black 3) Up To Here - The Tragically Hip 4) Hybrid Vigor - Webb Wilder 5) Professor Strut - Professor's Blues Revue 6) Kings Of Wyoming 7) And Into The Frying Pan - Out Of The Fire 8) Good Feeling - Brownmark 9) What Does It All Mean - The Greg Mack Compilation 10) Flat Out - John Scofield 11) The Third Party - Jules Shear 12) Country Blessed - Cris Williamson & Teresa Trull Bits and Pieces - mini/capsule reviews of: 1) Don't Call Her Larry - Lawrence Lebo & Her Little Big Band 2) The Bridge, A Tribute to Neil Young - Various Artists (CD) 3) Too Long In The Wasteland - James McMurtry 4) Low Blows: A Chicago Harmonica Blues Anthology 5) The Berkeley Concert - Lenny Bruce (CD) 6) Some first impressions of new releases: a) Runaway Horses - Belinda Carlisle b) Perfect View - The Graces c) Not Fakin' It - Michael Monroe d) Guilty Of Innocence - Law And Order New and Recent Release Announcements Concert Watch ======================================================================== EDITORIAL Welcome to the sixteenth issue of Network AUDIO BITS & Software Review! As usual, this issue is out a few days after I would have liked to have completed it. Most of the work was done last week with plans to finish it quickly. Unfortunately I was bit with a virus that took me out of action for a day and then came down with a cold that made more than a few minutes of keyboard work a miserable experience. I've still got remnants of the cold, but it's largely out of my system. I'm sure you're all just tickled to hear that! :-) As always, there's so much more that can be written about and only so much time to do it in. So, until next time, that's all I've got to say. Some regular business follows and then it's on to the reviews! Ratings guide: ***** Indispensable **** Merely excellent *** Solid ** So-so, but worthwhile * Don't bother Should you wish to order an album from any of the smaller labels found within Network Audio Bits, please include with your order request a small note letting the company know that you learned of their product through reading Network Audio Bits. I have been in contact with several record companies in order to provide a variety of music for these 'pages', and I know these record companies will take the magazine and its readership much more seriously once they have an indication that word of their product is being spread and being heard. Thanks! ======================================================================== Sleeping With The Past Durban Deep Elton John Healing Hands Producer: Chris Thomas T Whispers Engineer: David Nicholas R Club at the End of the Street MCA MCAD-6321 A Sleeping With the Past Released: 1989 C Stones Throw From Hurtin' Total Time: 47:56 K Sacrifice Source - CD (DDD) S I Never Knew Her Name Amazes Me Rating - **** Blue Avenue _Sleeping With The Past_ is something of a triumph for Elton. His last few albums have not fared overly well (excluding his excellent _Live In Australia_ album) with either fans or critics. Last year's _Reg Strikes Back_ was a step forward after a few steps back for Elton. On _Sleeping With The Past_, John and songwriting partner Bernie Taupin reach into the soul tradition to give their tunes their freshest feel in years. The very eighties' production (all digital, as have been John's last few albums) puts a little more shine on these tunes than they need. The essence of what John and Taupin were reaching for is evident, but not as visible through the glare as it ought to be. Still, there's not a bad cut on this disc, something that is difficult to say about _Ice On Fire_, _Leather Jackets_ and _Breaking Hearts_. For someone who's been a star in the music business for twenty years, had some big hits, written some great tunes that weren't hits and had a few clinker years, this is a surprisingly refreshing release. This album has what other recent Elton John albums have lacked - an essence, a soul that courses through the entire album like a transfusion. The patient lives! Yea...! ======================================================================== Quake City Beat Generation Robert Kraft Lost in the Shuffle Producer: Lenny Kaye T Quake City Engineer: Knut Bohn R Homeless Sonic Edge CD 80024 A Stop Time Released: 1989 C Rubber Neckin' Total Time: 39:01 K O Eliza Source - CD (AAD) S Christmas in Kyoto Failing Upwards Rating - ***-1/2 Fountain of Youth Robert Kraft is probably one of the harder working people in the entertainment business that you've never heard of. He's got production and writing credits as long as your arm, producing artists such as Albert Collins, Johnny Mathis, Apolllonia, Michael Paulo and Bruce Willis, and writing songs and themes for TV's "Who's the Boss", "All is Forgiven", "Fast Copy", "ABC's Wide World of Sports" and "Fame". _Quake City_ is his fourth solo album, though it's the first one I've had the opportunity to hear. The songs on _Quake City_ follow the story of one man, a game-show mogul, who finds himself surviving in the middle of 'the big one'. The booklet provides a written story which fleshes out the thread one can see in the songs themselves. The music on _Quake City_ sounds very Steely Dan-ish/Donald Fagen-ish in spots ("Beat Generation" & "Rubbber Neckin'") and gets a little funky in the way that Steely Dan can be funky while also being just a little Prince-like. Some of the arrangements also remind me a bit of some of Gino Vanelli's stuff. Though set in L.A., this album is almost prophetic with regards to the hefty quake that recently hit the San Francisco area. That most of the story on this disc centers around one man's perceptions of the destruction, while attempting to romance a woman he's met because of the quake, only goes to show how mankind, even under the worst conditions, is always working towards the future - towards dreams. Though this is a little tongue-in-cheek at times, I'm sure there are a lot of people in the San Francisco area who can relate to this CD. ======================================================================== Brave And Crazy No Souvenirs Melissa Etheridge Brave and Crazy Producers: Kevin McCormick, Niko T You Used to Love to Dance Bolas, Melissa Etheridge R The Angels Engineer: Bob Vogt A You Can Sleep While I Drive Island 91285-2 C Testify Released: 1989 K Let Me Go Total Time: 45:56 S My Back Door Source - CD Skin Deep Royal Station 4/16 Rating - **** It would close to impossible for Melissa Etheridge to record a second album that will generate the buzz that her first did. _Brave And Crazy_, however, will generate some buzz of its own. The major elements that made her debut a success are evident on _Brave And Crazy_, her intensity and passion, her gutsy, gritty delivery, and songs that create strong images. Like most 'overnight sensations', Melissa has paid her share of dues. She's been writing songs and performing since age 12. After a year of college study at the Berklee School of Music and another spent playing Boston clubs, Melissa headed west to Los Angeles. There she spent five years playing clubs and writing songs - until Chris Blackwell, Island Records founder, heard her one night and signed her. Like a good story, Melissa's songs paint pictures that keep the listener intrigued, waiting to turn to the next page, soaking up everything on this page before moving on. Like a good story, you don't so much 'listen' to Melissa's songs as you do infuse them into your being. From the opening lines of "No Souvenirs" ("Hello, hello this is Romeo/Calling from a jackpot telephone") and "Brave and Crazy" ("If I could have my way/I'd be sleeping in the alley/On a couch with a friend and a bottle of gin"), the first two tracks, Melissa creates images that you can almost feel. It doesn't hurt that Melissa wraps her songs around you with a voice that has qualities of both suede and sandpaper. It's smooth to the touch, but it's roughness is apparent and welcome. _Brave And Crazy_ is full of strong images and feelings, much like the songs on her debut album. The only questionable song on the disc is "The Angels". These lyrics have been written a thousand different ways by a thousand different songwriters. The feelings and emotions are very real and maybe Melissa needed to write and sing them for herself, but this song doesn't quite measure up to the rest of her work. However, what keeps this song from becoming cliche is Melissa's honest delivery. Her passion and style can elevate almost any song to another plateau. _Brave And Crazy_ is a fine follow-up to her impressive debut. There's no sophomore slump here. ======================================================================== Oh Cheap Chatter (Why Don't I EEE Seem Like a Man to You?) Don Dixon Silent Screen Producer: Don Dixon T Love Gets Strange Engineers: Mark Williams & Dixon R I Can Hear the River Enigma 73356-2 A Dark End of the Street Released: 1989 C Gimme Little Sign Total Time: 45:13 K One Lonely Question Source - CD (AAD) S Calling Out For Love (At Crying Time) Bad Reputation Rating - **** EEE/T.O.T.T.V. Roots of Truth Sweet Surrender Don Dixon is an artist who is more well known for his production skills. He's produced albums by R.E.M. and the Smithereens, among others, that have garnered quite a bit of attention for those bands. He's also released his third excellent solo album _EEE_. His first solo album _Most of the Girls Like to Dance But Only Some of the Boys Like to_ was comprised of several years worth of vault tunes that had been stored during his days with Arrogance, a band popular in the Carolinas in the late seventies and early eighties. Dixon's second album _Romeo At Juilliard_ was a more cohesive effort that helped to establish Dixon as an artist to be reckoned with. His recent release, _EEE_, is a very strong album that combines his pop sensibility with an r&b flavor that grabs hold of you and gently massages itself into your being. The Dixon-penned songs on _EEE_ have a touch similar to John Hiatt's work. They don't sound like Hiatt, but they have some of the same poignancy and directness that makes a Hiatt song so refreshing. Indeed, Hiatt's "Love Gets Strange" fits neatly into Dixon's repertoire. Peter Holsapple (of dB's fame) also contributes a song. There are also two oldies nuggets ("Gimme Little Sign" and "Dark End of the Street") on _EEE_. Especially interesting are "EEE/T.O.T.T.V." and "Roots of Truth". The former tune incorporates some television dialogue samples that make for interesting listening while Dixon chants "turn off that TV". "Roots of Truth" is a song that ask questions that may or may not have answers. In the liner notes Dixon says that religion is a hazy subject for him. This song doesn't clear anything up, but it does at least zero in on the haze a little bit. ======================================================================== If I Ever Pretty in Pity Naive Art Russian Radio Red Flag Give Me Your Hand Producer: Paul Robb T All Roads Lead to You Engineer: Oz Fritz R Count to Three Enigma 73523-2 A Save Me Tonight Released: 1989 C Broken Heart Total Time: 79:38 K I Don't Know Why Source - CD (AAD) S Rain Fur Michelle Rating - **** Russian Radio (Razormaid Dub) If I Ever (extended Remix) Broken Heart (Remix) Rain (Remix) I'm usually not a real big fan of synth-pop-dance stuff, but the tunes on Red Flag's _Naive Art_ have really grabbed me. This disc contains music that is synth-pop at its very best, tunes that'll keep people hopping on the dance floor all night long. The Reynolds brothers, Mark and Chris, who comprise Red Flag, were born in Liverpool, England, where they were influenced musically by the likes of Kraftwerk, Vince Clark and Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark. They relocated to Los Angeles in 1980 and then moved to San Diego in 1982, where they currently reside. The third member of the band, I guess you could say, would be the MIDI technology and music software that the brothers use to create their sounds. Both are classically trained pianists. They share creative duties in the studio, though Chris is the primary musical composer and Mark is the primary lyricist. The biggest reason I like this disc is that the songs all seem to flow well together. That is, there aren't any sounds that are used just for the sake of the sound. The samples and beats are integral parts of the whole, with nothing wasted just for the sake of using it. The only negative thing I have to say about _Naive Art_ is that, though it is a very good disc, it doesn't offer a lot of variety for its length. Since this is a dance-oriented recording, I suppose I really shouldn't complain, but I do like to have a little variety now and then. Not until "Rain" does the focus shift. It's the best track on the disc. But then, I've always liked slow dancing much more than any other form of dancing. Following "Rain" is the instrumental "Fur Michelle" which is a very nice, quiet keyboard piece that shows some of the brothers' versatility. Taken as individual cuts, the best tracks after "Rain" are "Broken Heart", "Russian Radio" and "If I Ever". There are four bonus tracks on the disc, which are remixes of the four best cuts. These certainly don't do much to vary the material, but it is quite nice to have a CD that is filled to the gills with good tunes. ======================================================================== A Dead Horse Golden Palominos T Wild River Producer: Anton Fier R Shattered Image Engineer: Steve Rinkoff A Angel of Death Celluloid CELCD 6138 C Lucky Released: 1989 K Darklands Total Time: 41:20 S A Letter Back Source - CD Over Rating - *** _A Dead Horse_ took me several listens to get accustomed to. This latest incarnation of the Golden Palominos has ventured into the realm of ethereal, textured pop that artists like the Cocteau Twins, Kate Bush and Jane Siberry have been known for. The Golden Pals do stick to a guitar driven approach rather than getting overly involved with much electronic wizardry, letting the vocals (by Amanda Kramer, I believe - the liner notes are pretty skimpy) give the recording its atmospheric feel. The Golden Pals break through the atmosphere on the fourth track, "Lucky", which is a fairly straightforward swamp-rocking tune. "A Letter Back" also moves away from the ethereal sound with a kicking drum sound that paces the slowly rocking tune. The Golden Palominos are, this time around, Anton Fier, Robert Kidney, Amanda Kramer, Bill Laswell and Nicky Skopelitis. Also appearing on this recording are Jeff Bova, Aiyb Dieng, Chuck Leavell, Larry Saltzman, Mick Taylor and Bernie Worrell. With the every-varying lineup one never can tell quite what a new Golden Palominos album might sound like. Given the various parts, it is sometimes interesting to speculate. The end product will surely be different than one might guess. In my mind, that's a good thing. I prefer a little unpredictability in the music I listen to. It can brighten one's day or week when something really interesting comes along. Of course, it can also work in the opposite direction. Fortunately _A Dead Horse_ finishes in the winner's circle. ======================================================================== National Holiday Edge Of Allegiance Waves of Grain Timbuk 3 Dirty Dirty Rice Producers: Timbuk 3 & Denardo T Pass it On Coleman R Standard White Jesus Engineer: James Tuttle A Grand Old Party IRSD 82015 C Count to Ten Released: 1989 K B-Side of Life Total Time: 40:55 S Acid Rain Source - CD (Digitally Recorded) Daddy's Down in the Mine Don't Give Up On Me Rating - *** Wheel of Fortune Timbuk 3 have, on their previous releases, always had an 'air' about them that could be seen as being both immersed in their material and oddly distant from it at the same time. Their past work has been biting, incisive, and just plain silly at times all while retaining a certain 'detachment' in their delivery. Their current album, _Edge Of Allegiance_, continues in this vein, though they seem to have pulled back even further from their material. That's not to say that the album isn't good. It has several shining moments, among them "Dirty Dirty Rice" which tells a tale of eating out of the trash dumpster, "Standard White Jesus" - a song that takes an interesting look at fear, greed, growing up and religion, and "B-Side of Live" which takes a look at the flip side of the fortunes of fleeting fame. There is one tendency (for me, anyway) that runs in Timbuk 3's favor. _Eden Alley_ took me many listens to really appreciate, more so than _Greetings From Timbuk 3_. With that in mind, I'll be spinning this disc for a while to come. In six months I may consider this their best album yet, but right now it's in second place as their previous albums are tied for first. ======================================================================== Take To The Skies I'm Loving You Richard Elliot Boardwalk Walk Producer: Richard Elliot T Take to the Skies Engineer: John Kliner R In the Name of Love Enigma 73348-2 A When a Man Loves a Woman Released: 1989 C The Grip Total Time: 42:29 K In Your Arms Source - CD (AAD) S Moonlight in Your Eyes Down to the Keys Rating - *** 4:00 AM _Take To The Skies_ is bursting with Richard Elliot's energy and power. This former member (for 5 years) of the Tower Of Power horns puts some muscle into these 10 contemporary jazz/r&b tunes. His saxophone alternately sings and rips throughout the much-covered Percy Sledge hit "When a Man Loves a Woman". The production on _Take To The Skies_ is very high-tech and glossy. A little more so than I ordinarily like. Elliot's sax work makes this still a very listenable disc. "In the Name of Love" (w/ Bobby Caldwell on vocals) has garnered quite a bit of attention and I like the tune, but it sounds a little too much like recent Chicago tunes. _Take To The Skies_ is a contemporary jazz/r&b disc that shines everywhere you look at it. Underneath all that shine there's some powerful sax playing, but the rest of the instruments/arrangements aren't quite on the same level. Still, _Take To The Skies_ is a good disc. ======================================================================== Blue Chip Catalina Kiss Acoustic Alchemy The Blue Chip Bop Producer: John Parsons T Making Waves Engineer: Klaus Genuit R With You in Mind MCA MCAD-6291 A Bright Tiger Released: 1989 C Ariane Total Time: 44:25 K Highland Source - CD (ADD) S Boulder Coaster Hearts in Chains Rating - ***-1/2 No More Nachos (Por Favor) Acoustic Alchemy's albums can probably be found in the new age sections of record stores. Don't let this categorization lead you astray, though. Acoustic Alchemy explore a variety of musical settings and moods in the realm of jazz, flamenco, rock and reggae. On _Blue Chip_, their third album for MCA's Master Series, Nick Webb and Greg Carmichael blend their acoustic guitars together with a group of German studio musicians who add more acoustic and modern electronic touches to the tracks. Webb and Carmichael's guitars are at the forefront of this recording. Their sound is very clear and bright. The backing instrumentation is also very clear, but it takes its place behind/underneath the two guitarists, giving the tracks a solid foundation. You'll probably find this album in new age bins simply because it's an album of instrumentals that features acoustic guitars. Most of the tracks on this album are upbeat and steeped in different world traditions that it is difficult to categorize it at all. ======================================================================== Wrecks .N. Effect New Jack Swing Wrecks .N. Effect Leave the Mike Smokin. Producers: Markell Riley, David T Juicy Guppy & Wrecks .N. Effect R Club Head Engineer: Dave Way A Soul Man Motown MOT-6281 C Deep Released: 1989 K Wipe Your Sweat Total Time: 44:08 S V-Man Source - LP Peanut Butter Rating - ***-1/2 Friends to the End Rock Steady I'm not quite sure how new jack swing or new jack rap are all that different from your basic rap sound. I do know that I like what I hear on Wrecks .N. Effect! The most obvious difference that I can hear is that these tracks are more like 'real' songs than street raps. They have more varied subjects than a lot of rappers, who are more intent on self- promotion, bragging and challenging other rappers. There's also a large soul influence on these cuts. Indeed, the music on _Wrecks .N. Effect_ is definitely rooted in the James Brown tradition. There are nods to JB all over the place. There's also a token nod or two to the second most sampled man alive, George Clinton. This isn't so much a direct reference as much as it is a 'feel' on a couple of tracks. But these guys take tradition and put their own touches on it, coming up with an interesting, engaging album of tunes that blend together into a very neat package. There isn't a lot of information on the liner notes, but I get the impression that Wrecks .N. Effect are playing some of their own instruments here. There's a touch of a Go-Go feel here as well, because of that. If you're into da fonk, don't miss this album! ======================================================================== AC Black Funky Situation AC Black Work For it Producers: Doug Grigsby III, T Money AC Black R Emotional Feelings Engineer: Don Evans A I Need U Here Motown MOT-6276 C Race With Race Released: 1989 K Irresponsible Total Time: 47:41 S I Can't Wait Source - LP Dime a Dozen Try a Little Tenderness Rating - ***-1/2 This album contains a good mixture of styles - the near go-go of "Money", the subtle funk of "Funky Situation" and the soulful style of "Emotional Feelings". And, with the exception of a little electronic drumming help (and maybe a few more studio aids...) these seven young men are a band as well as a group. Alvin and Calvin Black lay the foundation on bass guitar and rhythm guitar respectively. Kelvin Jones contributes lead vocals and keyboards, Tracy Orr is featured on lead guitar, Larry Morgan adds vocals and percussion, Brian Haught contributes keyboard and programming and Kerry Lloyd adds vocals and sampling. The combination of the electric and the electronic are handled well, giving this recording a sound that will hold up to today's sound without sounding overprocessed. In a word AC Black has a sound that, though perhaps not new, is at least fresh. At times these guys are almost as tough on the beat as your everyday rapper ("Race With Race") or as smooth as Marvin Gaye or Earth, Wind & Fire at their sweetest ("Emotional Feelings"). The end result is a groove that starts with "Funky Situation", changes tempo as often as rush hour traffic, and ends with a smooth, soulful ride as the needle picks up from "Try a Little Tenderness". ======================================================================== Blow at High Dough Up To Here I'll Believe in You (Or I'll The Tragically Hip Be Leaving You Tonight) Producer: Don Smith T New Orleans is Sinking Engineers:Don Smith/Bruce Barris R 38 Years Old MCA 6310 A She Didn't Know Released: 1989 C Boots or Hearts Total Time: 43:08 K Everytime You Go Source - LP S When the Weight Comes Down Trickle Down Rating - **** Another Midnight Opiated Like a lot of the best rock 'n roll, there's a sense of urgency coming from the guts of the 11 songs on _Up To Here_. The bluesy roots of this Kingston, Ontario band are mixed with a healthy dose of urgent rock 'n roll to create a fine debut album. MCA has already released their earlier Canadian EP in the U.S. It was originally released in 1987. The first three tracks start the album off in high gear, smoking with a blues/rock intensity that you can almost touch. The fourth track, "38 Years Old", sounds surprisingly like a song you might hear from Tracy Chapman, both musically and, strangely enough, vocally. The Tragically Hip have been mentioned in the same breath with other revered artists, such as R.E.M., The Rolling Stones and the Georgia Satellites. Their sound tends more towards the grunge and roll of the Stones and the Satellites than the more textured R.E.M., though they certainly fit quite well into this sort of company. The Tragically Hip can hardly be called 'original', but their passion and intensity elevate them from being just another revivalist band to one of the rockingest bands of the late 80's. Their name was taken from a segment of the Michael Nesmith video, 'Elephant Parts', which parodies fund-raisers. In it, the Foundation of the Tragically Hip was set up so that young hipsters could buy BMWs and other essentials. Being Canadians that have come to tour and record in the U.S. it is good that they have a sense of humor. Americans tend to expect the band to be caricatures and bring out all their best Canadian jokes when they hear the band is from Canada. The members of The Tragically Hip have an almost brotherly relationship when it comes to recording and touring. Gordon Downie and Paul Langlois have known each other for nine years and Bobby Baker and Gord Sinclair have been friends since age three. Baker and Sinclair lived across the street from each other in Kingston and Johnny Fay lived a few blocks away. The five members are all in their early to mid twenties. When they started as a band, in college, they did a lot of covers - the Yardbirds, early Stones, Lou Reed, Led Zeppelin and Muddy Waters. These influences have held them in good stead. _Up To Here_ is an excellent debut album that seethes with basic rock 'n roll drive and intensity. Keep your eyes on these guys. They're gonna be making some terrific rock 'n roll for the '90s! ======================================================================== Hybrid Vigor Hittin' Where it Hurts Webb Wilder Human Cannonball Producer: R.S. Field T Do You Know Something (I Don't Know) Engineer: Tom Harding R Cold Front Island 91280-1 A Safeside Released: 1989 C Wild Honey Total Time: 38:58 K What's Wrong With You? Source - LP S Ain't That a Lot of Love? Skeleton Crew Rating - ***-1/2 Louisiana Hannah _Hybrid Vigor_ is an album of 'swamp rock' that kicks its shoes off and stomps till the cows come home. This is an album of guitar-driven blues-rock that adds a few pop hooks for good measure. The result is a pile of catchy tunes with a slightly askew, slightly humorous bent. The band doesn't seem to take itself too seriously, and in so doing comes off exceptionally well. They do take the humor/silliness a little overboard in a couple of spots ("Human Cannonball" - an otherwise kickin' tune), but they're small enough to be easily forgiven. On the best tracks ("Hittin' Where it Hurts", "Cold Front" & "Safeside") Webb Wilder combine some nasty, aggressive guitar licks with some simple, but effective lyrics. If you like stuff by the likes of Stevie Ray Vaughn, the Fabulous T- Birds, and the Tail Gators, be sure to give _Hybrid Vigor_ a spin. ======================================================================== Professor Strut Professor's Blues Revue with Karen Carroll Come On Down to the Blues Bar Producer: R.S. Field T Jealous Kind of Woman Engineer: Tom Harding R Professor Strut Delmark DS-650 A You're Leaving Me Released: 1989 C Everything is You Total Time: 37:45 K They Call it Stormy Monday Source - LP S I Wanna Be With You This Little Light of Mine Rating - *** _Professor Strut_ is a collection of boogie woogie blues with a little gospel flavoring to make things interesting. Vocalist Karen Carroll is featured on several cuts (this is her vinyl debut). The first three tracks on _Professor Strut_ let it all hang out, with each band member (Paul Mundy - alto & tenor sax, Joey Woolfalk - Guitar & vocals, Al Mann - bass, Donald Coleman - Drums & Professor Eddie Lusk - Keys & vocals) actively entering the fray. Karen Carroll takes over the spotlight for the next two songs as things slow down on "You're Leaving Me" and "Everything is You". The latter track reminds me a little of recent Tuck & Patti material as it's quite a bit jazzier than the earlier tracks and features mostly Carroll's vocals and Joey Woolfalk's guitar. _Professor Strut_ is a solid album of gospel flavored blues. Check it out if you get the chance. ======================================================================== Kings Of Wyoming Kings Of Wyoming Janelle Producer: Albert Garzon T Rugs & Mirrors Engineer: Scott Hull R It Was Wonderful Community 3 C3-0989 A Chaparral Hill Released: 1989 C Land of Love Total Time: 20:31 K Girl With a Gun Source - EP S Another Casualty Clouds Die Rating - ***-1/2 The Kings of Wyoming do the Feelies/R.E.M./Violent Femmes thing rather well, featuring the vocals of Cathy Crane and Albert Garzon laid fairly gently on top of a bed of guitars, a top-sheet of drums and a blanket of more guitars. There isn't a bad track on this 8 song EP. None really stand out from the others, though I kind of like the lilting, ethereal feel of "Janelle". With the overall quality of these 8 tracks, I kinda wish they'd gone ahead and done a few more to make a full LP. Well, we can only hope they will in the future. For more information write to: Community 3 Records, 438 Bedford Avenue, Brooklyn, New York 11211. ======================================================================== Into The Frying Pan Out Of The Fire Take it On a Ride Producer: Bruce Joyner T Merry Go Round Engineers: Rick Novak and R Cold in the Rain Frankie Blue A Boys & the Girls Blast HR-002 C Round & Round Released: 1989 K Feel No Pain Total Time: 23:00 S Flowers in Your Hair Source - EP Shopping Cart Murders Rating - **-1/2 This is the type of record that I really want to like, and I do like some of it, but it falls a bit short in several ways. I usually like records that have a raw, rather than glitzy, production, but this record could benefit from a bit better production. The raw feel here gets a bit too muddy at times. Now, I'm sure they didn't have a gigantic budget to record this, but I don't think it would take much to shine things up just a little. Musically, Out Of The Fire set a pensive mood that they don't quite follow through with lyrically. "Merry Go Round" is a good example of this as it has a sound rooted in the grunge of the Doors, Iron Butterfly and Cream, but the lyrics lead one to a dead end. "Round and Round" also suffers lyrically. I've heard many other "Round & Round's" by other rock n roll bands. This one isn't done well enough to warrant another song by that title. The last three tracks on _Into The Frying Pan_ make this a worthwhile piece of vinyl rather than one that will just get filed away and never given a second look or listen. "Feel No Pain" needs no production gloss to get its anger and energy across. "Flowers in Your Hair" and "Shopping Cart Murders" are much better lyrically and are, respectively, mildly psychedelic and a cross between Devo/Clash/Talking Heads. Out Of The Fire could've made a very good 3-song 12-inch, but instead have made a mediocre EP. Get it for the last three tracks. The band has potential, but it's yet to fully realize it. For more information write to: Blast Records, P.O. Box 292072, Hollywood, California 90029. ======================================================================== Good Feeling Bang Bang Brownmark Shall We Dance Producers: Brownmark, Levi T Through a Friend of Mine Seacer, Jr. & others R Good Feeling Engineers: Several A My Heart Misses Motown MOT-6277 C It's Not the Way (It Used to Be) Released: 1989 K Luv Touch Total Time: 44:13 S Cruisin' Source - LP Between You and Me Let's Go All the Way Rating - ** This album starts off with a "Bang Bang" which should send Prince ultra-completists scurrying to the record stores. I only hope a 12-inch single of this tune is available. It's too bad the rest of this record doesn't hold a candle to the opening track. It goes quickly downhill as Brownmark tosses in some weird vocals and lyrics in a few spots, without any visible purpose. Also featured are barely interesting beats and lyrics that would put one to sleep if it weren't for a few well-placed thump thumps to keep one somewhat alert. Track two, written by Prince, is a little more interesting lyrically, but it's certainly not one of his better songs. The title track shows that Brownmark can do something interesting. Maybe a few extra moments spent checking out the Purple One's grooves, and a few less spent on dull tracks and cliched lyrics and themes, could start Brownmark in the right direction. Maybe not. ======================================================================== What Does It All Mean What Does it All Mean - Greg Mack Various Artists - Greg Mack Together We Chill - Romeo and Rhyme Compilation T I'm the Master - Romeo and Rhyme Producers: Several R Can't Get Enough - M.C. Trouble Engineers: Several A Highroller's Girl - M.C. Trouble Motown MOT-6279 C You'll Be On it - Throw Down Twins Released: 1989 K To the Ceilin' - Hazze Total Time: 38:54 S Brand New Star - The Outlaw Posse Source - LP Live in Action - Nyce Twyn Clann Rating - *** Peace - Throw Down Twins If you like big beats and dope raps, check out the Greg Mack Compilation. This album collects some excellent performances from seven different rappers/groups. The highlights of the album are M.C. Troubles cuts "Can't Get Enough" and "Highroller's Girl", Romeo and Rhyme's "Together We Chill", The Outlaw Posse's "Brand New Star" and Greg Mack's "What Does it All Mean". These rappers aren't particularly controversial, but they do have something to say to go along with their beats and samples. Especially Mack's own cut "What Does it All Mean", which waxes philosophical in an attempt to get the brainwaves movin' along with the rest of the body. ======================================================================== Flat Out John Scofield Cissy Strut Producer: Steve Swallow T Secret Love Engineer: Joe Ferla R All the Things You Are Gramavision R1 79400 A In the Cracks Released: 1989 C The Boss's Car Total Time: 47:20 K Science and Religion Source - LP S Softy Evansville Rating - *** Rockin' Pneumonia John Scofield's latest album, _Flat Out_, was recently released after his label, Gramavision, underwent some cosmetic changes. The label is now being marketed by Mesa/Bluemoon Recordings and is distributed by Rhino. They were previously distributed by Polygram. Scofield teams up with bassist Anthony Cox, keyboardist Don Grolnick and drummers (alternating) Terri Lyne Carrington and Johnny Vidacovich for t his recording that emphasizes Scofield's playing. Past albums have split the focus between his compositions and playing. This is a 'flat out' guitar oriented album that explores a few jazz and rock standards that Scofield has loved for years. "Cissy Strut" and "Rockin' Pneumonia" are rock 'n roll tunes that he and his sidemen give interesting interpretations to. Also covered are two jazz standards "Secret Love", which features Vidacovich's New Orleans R&B style drumming, and the timeless "All the Things You Are" with Carrington providing a loose feel. The other 5 tunes are Scofield originals which range in style from a gospel ballad to rock and swing to slow blues to a jazz workout. The album does seem a little jumpy musically. The flow of the album does suffer a little because of this, though the pieces are largely very well done. A definite plus are the tracks where Don Grolnick's Hammond B-3 organ can be heard, giving a tune a nice, warm feeling - kind of like sitting in front of a warm fireplace with the lights down low and with a glass of wine nearby (a warm somebody to complete the scene is optional). I like variety in a recording, but this one's a little to jumpy from one track to the next. I like where he's going with these tunes, but I don't really care for how he takes me there. This is still a good album to check out if you're into guitars as it does feature Scofield strongly. ======================================================================== The Third Party I Don't Want it Now Jules Shear The First Freeze After the Fall Producers: Jules Shear & Marty T Leave Town Willson-Piper R This Primal Fire Engineer: Mats Oberg A Open Your Eyes IRS 82008 C Big Kid Face Released: 1989 K The Girl's On Fire Total Time: 39:25 S And That Was Yesterday Source - LP The Once Lost Returns She Don't Understand You Now Rating - *** Repetition Repetition Repetition Jules Shear has demonstrated in the recent past that he has a 'way' with a song. He's penned several songs that others have had hits with (The Bangles - "If She Knew What She Wants", Cindy Lauper - "All Through the Night"). Chances are that this album won't produce any hits, at least not for Jules. It's bare bones approach - Jules' vocals and Marty Willson-Piper's acoustic guitr - probably won't get a lot of airplay, except on the most adventurous or alternative of radio stations. I wouldn't be surprised to hear one or two of these tracks covered by someone else at some future time, with some success. "The Girl's On Fire" is an especially catchy tune that could do reasonably well as a single as is if radio were not the conservative media it has become. What this bare bones approach does open up, though, is a window into each song. Without a lot of production sheen getting in the way the listener can look directly into the heart of Shear's songs. This kind of openness and exposure may not be for everyone, especially since Shear's vocals can be a bit of an acquired taste for some. Shear's goal on _The Third Party_ was to make a record that relied on songs and not production. He has definitely succeeded in meeting that goal. In this age of highly produced songs and albums this is a diamond in the rough - or, perhaps, _The Third Party_ is the rough in amongst the diamonds. Either way, it stands out from the crowd that we call pop music. The question is, will the crowd still listen to it? ======================================================================== Country Blessed Cris Williamson & Teresa Trull Keep On Producer: Teresa Trull T Country Blessed Engineer: Tom Size R Calamity Jane Second Wave LC22013 A Molly's Sky Released: 1989 C The Love We Take Total Time: 37:07 K Mother, Mother Source - Cassette S Shady Glen Soulful Days Rating - ***-1/2 Fertanga Having had the opportunity to listen to Cris Williamson and Teresa Trull's new album _Country Blessed_ I was well prepared to see them perform live early in October in Portland, Maine. What I wasn't prepared for was the out and out passion and energy they (and their band) put into their live performance. _Country Blessed_ is a difficult album to classify because it's not a rock, pop, country, folk, gospel or horse album, but it contains elements of each (yea, there's a song about a horse...). On the album these tunes are honed to a fine point, with a vast array of talented Bay Area musicians, such as Barbara Higbie, Darol Anger, Tim O'Brien, Mike Marchal, John Bucchino, Nick Milo, Vicki Randle and Annie Stocking. Though the album sounds good and is well crafted and produced, I liked the live performance for it's raw, energetic sound. The touring band featured Bonnie Hayes, on keyboards, who has written some excellent tunes for some well-known artists, the most recent of which ("Love Letter" & "Have a Heart") appear on Bonnie Raitt's excellent _Nick Of Time_. _Country Blessed_ is a solid album with a down home feel that also kicks out the jams while reaching into your heart and soul on the ballads. Catch them live, if you can, as the live versions of these songs seem to take on a life of their own that no recording media can capture. ======================================================================== Bits and Pieces - Mini/Capsule reviews -------------------------------------- The first track of _Don't Call Her Larry_ (On The Air EP LL-001, Time - 15:54), a 4 song EP by Lawrence Lebo and her Little Big Band, mines musical territory similar to the Cowboy Junkies recent work. Lebo takes the country/blues sounds of "On Time" and spices it up with a jazzy arrangement, taking the tune back to its very roots - all the while making it her own. The instrumental backings throughout the EP are subtle, lightly swinging, and are most unusual by jazz standards. Lebo is accompanied by a string section (acoustic guitar, mandolin, banjo, two violins, string bass) that would look more at home playing country/bluegrass. This intriguing instrumental setting accentuates Lebo's voice - a voice that is able to embody her many influences (Billie, Ella, etc) while her own personality shines through. Part of that personality is a slight 'warble' (for lack of a better term) that Lebo uses very effectively throughout these 4 tracks. _Don't Call Her Larry_ is an excellent debut recording by a unique artist. The four tracks for this 12" 45 EP were recorded live in the studio. It's tough to pick a favorite of the four, but Lebo's cover of Koko Taylor's "Please Don't Dog Me" grabs me just a little bit harder than the other tunes. _Don't Call Her Larry_ is available in stores in the Los Angeles area. Outside of Los Angeles, _Don't Call Her Larry_ can be ordered from On The Air Records, 2434A Ocean Park Boulevard, Santa Monica, California 90405. The EP is available on vinyl or cassette for $5.98. California residents should add 6-1/2% sales tax. In issue #14 (Volume II, Issue II) I reviewed the album _Liquid Love_ by Napalm Beach. At that time it was only available on LP and cassette. _Liquid Love_ has now been released on CD (with different cover art) and is the first CD release on Flying Heart Records. For more information write to Flying Heart Records, 4026 NE 12th Avenue, Portland, Oregon 97212 Caroline Records has released an compilation album of alternative rock acts covering Neil Young tunes. The CD (Caroline CD 1374, Time - 56:39) features 14 tracks (2 of these are bonus tracks) by artists such as Soul Asylum, Flaming Lips, Loop, Nick Cave, Henry Kaiser, Pixies, Sonic Youth, Psychic TV and others. The covers are somewhat faithful to the originals, though each band injects their own personality into their cover. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of this recording will be donated to the Bridge School, which works with handicapped children. Singer/songwriter James McMurtry has delivered an album full of poignant, heartfelt observations and small town scenes. _Too Long in the Wasteland_ (Columbia CD(AAD) CK 45229, Time - 44:47) was produced by Mr. Small Town himself, John Cougar Mellencamp. McMurtry's vocals (a cross between Mellencamp, Springsteen, Lou Reed and John Hiatt) and his songwriting are emphasized on _Too Long..._. Mellencamp's production is very effective as a backdrop for the scenes McMurtry paints with his words - a talent he seems to have inherited from his father, writer Larry McMurtry. In all, this is one of the best releases of the latter half of 1989. If, like me, you like songwriters who create vivid images and stories with their lyrics (while still leaving some room for interpretation) then you shouldn't miss _Too Long in the Wasteland_! Low Blows: An Anthology of Chicago Harmonica Blues (Rooster Blues R7610) is an excellent collection that features the mouth harps of several little known Chicago bluesmen. The most well-known player featured on these twelve tracks is Big Walter Horton, who appears on one track along with his protege, Carey Bell. From Big Leon Brooks to Mojo Buford to Good Rockin' Charles this collection alternately cooks, wails, squeaks, scorches and boogies. The tracks, with the exception of the Big Walter Horton track - recorded in 1972, were all recorded between 1975-1980 and crisp and clean. The LP also contains session data on the back cover and informative liner notes provided by Jim O'Neal on a separate sheet inside. Enigma Retro has recently released a concert recording of Lenny Bruce (_The Berkeley Concert_ - 73395-2, Time - 78:48) on CD and cassette. This is a significant reissue because Lenny Bruce had a direct impact on the shaping of America's entertainment of the last 20 or more years. Listening to this CD in this day and age, one wonders how 'society' could become so enraged by this man. One also notices how poignant Bruce's words were. Knowing a little history about that time period (I was just a kid playing ball, etc. at that time) one can understand how he was perceived by the ruling majority. This CD is a reminder of that past. One can only hope that we never repeat it. Here are a few first impressions of some new releases that I've only been able to spin once since they've all arrived within the last week or so. Belinda Carlisle and Charlotte Caffey (former Go Go's) both have new releases just out. Carlisle's third solo album is going to get a lot of top40 airplay, but it's a more versatile and adventurous album than her past two. On _Runaway Horses_ (MCA-6339) she expands her musical horizons to include tunes with a latin feel and some 60's-like psychedelia similar to the 5th Dimension. Creatively, it's her best solo effort yet. Will it still sell? Probably, it ought to ride on the back of her last album, which went platinum in the U.S. You'd never guess from the first tracks of the Graces debut album _Perfect View_ (A&M 5265) that a former Go Go is a member of this band. Aside from the all-female nature of the band, the two groups have only Charlotte Caffey in common. _Perfect View_ has a gutsier, more basic rock 'n roll sound than the Go Go's energetic, off the wall pop sound. After just a quick listen or two, their sound can be described as a lightly glossed/glazed Concrete Blonde. Michael Monroe's _Not Fakin' It_ (Mercury 838 627-1) is a hard rockin' album in a vein similar to Guns 'n Roses - which is apt, because Monroe fronted the band Hanoi Rocks, who had an influence on many of the recent commercially successful hard rock acts like GnR, Poison & Motley Crue. This album is raw and driven and should appeal to hard rock fans, though it is not so blatantly commercial as, say, Poison. Law And Order recorded their debut album _Guilty Of Innocence_ (MCA-6327) in Memphis, Tennessee where the strong R&B tradition had an influence on the group and the record. This album melds these New York homeboys, their hard rock sound and Memphis rhythm, blues and soul. It's a winning combination. This album's gonna be spending some serious time on my turntable over the coming months. ======================================================================== NEW and RECENT RELEASES Recently released from A&M -------------------------- Last Of The Runaways - Giant (A&M 5272) Perfect View - The Graces (A&M 5265) The Innocence Mission - The Innocence Mission (A&M 5274) Rhythm Nation 1814 - Janet Jackson (A&M 3920) Thunder And Fire - Jason & The Scorchers (A&M 5264) So Much Water So Close To Home - Paul Kelly & The Messengers (A&M 5266) Recently released from Blind Pig (Distributed by Flying Fish) -------------------------------- Can't Let Go - Kinsey, Big Daddy & Sons (BP 3489) Heart & Soul - Sumlin, Hubert (BP 3389) Recently released from Community 3 ---------------------------------- Kings Of Wyoming - Kings Of Wyoming (C3-0989) Opus Lengthemus - Poopshovel (C3-1189) Divorce Yourself - Stripminers (C3-1089) Recently released from Cypress ------------------------------ The End Of The Sky - Full Swing (YL0128) Live At The Bottom Line - Laura Nyro (YL6430) Yes - No / Maybe - Kenny Rogers Jr. (YC0132) Garden City - John Tesh (YC0133) The Clock And The Moon - Skipper Wise (YL0129) Recently released from Delmark ------------------------------ After Hours Joint - Jimmy Coe (DL-443) The Magic Sam Legacy - Magic Sam (DS-651) Professor Strut - Professor's Blues Revue w/Karen Carroll (DS-650) Spirit - Malachi Thompson (DS-442) Recently released from Enigma/Intima/Restless --------------------------------------------- Shangri-La - Bardeux (Enigma 73522-2) The Berkeley Concert - Lenny Bruce (Enigma 73395-2) Headache Rhetoric - Close Lobsters (Enigma 73521-2) EEE - Don Dixon (Enigma 73356-2) Naive Art - Red Flag (Enigma 73523-2) Scandal - Soundtrack (Enigma 73531-2) Take To The Skies - Richard Elliot (Intima 73348-2) Home Again - Doughboys (Restless 72345-1) Soulforce Revolution - 7 Seconds (Restless 72344-1) Heavy Pettin' Zoo - Pajama Slave Dancers (Restless 72307-4) Howlin' At The Halloween Moon - The Del Lords (Restless 72317-4) Recently released from Fantasy, Inc. ------------------------------------ Reflections - Frank Morgan Allstars (Contemporary CCD-14052-2) Boogie Chillun - John Lee Hooker (Fantasy FCD-24706-2) Double Blues - Lightnin' Hopkins (Fantasy FCD-24702-2) Raining The Blues - Memphis Slim (Fantasy FCD-24705-2) After Hours - John Campbell (Contemporary CCD-14053-2) Sail Away - Tom Harell (Contemporary CCD-14054-2) Ph.D. - Art Farmer (Contemporary CCD-14055-2) Blues On Broadway - Ruth Brown (Fantasy FCD-9662-2) The Solo Sessions - Bill Evans (Milestone MCD-9170-2) Manhattan Bridge - Cliff Habian (Milestone MCD-9172-2) Centerpiece - John Handy With Class (Milestone MCD-9173-2) Third Degree Burn - Charles Earland (Milestone MCD-9174-2) Volume 6 - Howard Rumsey's Lighthouse All-stars (Or. Jazz Cl. OJCD-387-2) Intensity - Art Pepper (Or. Jazz Cl. OJCD-387-2) Great Jazz Piano of - Phineas Newborn, Jr (Or. Jazz Cl. OJCD-388-2) The Way it Was! - Art Pepper (Or. Jazz Cl. OJCD-389-2) At the Renaissance- Ben Webster (Or. Jazz Cl. OJCD-390-2) Steamin' - Miles Davis Quintet (Or. Jazz Cl. OJCD-391-2) Dig It! - Red Garland Quintet (Or. Jazz Cl. OJCD-392-2) Dakar - John Coltrane (Or. Jazz Cl. OJCD-393-2) The Last Trane - John Coltrane (Or. Jazz Cl. OJCD-394-2) Live! In Chicago - Gene Ammons (Or. Jazz Cl. OJCD-395-2) Body and Soul - Eddie Jefferson (Or. Jazz Cl. OJCD-396-2) Desperado - Pat Martino (Or. Jazz Cl. OJCD-397-2) Farmer's Market - Art Farmer (Or. Jazz Cl. OJCD-398-2) Other Sounds - Yusef Lateef (Or. Jazz Cl. OJCD-399-2) Far Cry - Eric Dolphy (Or. Jazz Cl. OJCD-400-2) Piano - Wynton Kelly (Or. Jazz Cl. OJCD-401-2) Merry Olde Soul - Victor Feldman (Or. Jazz Cl. OJCD-402-2) Afro-Jaws - Eddie "Lockjaw" Davis (Or. Jazz Cl. OJCD-403-2) For Someone I Love- Milt Jackson (Or. Jazz Cl. OJCD-404-2) Once Upon a Summertime - Chet Baker (Or. Jazz Cl. OJCD-405-2) London, 1969 - Jazz at the Philharmonic (Pablo PACD-2620-119-2) Down to Business - The Spinners (Volt VCD-3403-2) Winners - Dorothy Moore (Volt VCD-3405-2) Complete Galaxy Recordings(16 CDs) - Art Pepper (Galaxy GCD-1016-2) Recently released from Flying Fish ---------------------------------- "See it was like this..." - Aztec Two-Step (FF 505) Brief Histories - Bob Franke (FF 495) Love Chooses You - Laurie Lewis (FF 487) Politics - Live - Tom Paxton (FF 486) Drinkin' And Stinkin' - Boogie Bill Webb (FF 506) Recently released from IRS -------------------------- Visions Of The World - Pato Banton (IRSD-82003) Edge Of Allegiance - Timbuk 3 (IRSD-82015) The Third Party - Jules Shear (IRS-82008) Rapture In The Chambers - Spirit (IRS-82007) Recently released from Island ----------------------------- Brave And Crazy - Melissa Etheridge (91285) Mother Nature's Kitchen - Kevin McDermott Orchestra (91279) Peace And Love - The Pogues (91225) Hybrid Vigor - Webb Wilder (91280) Recently released from Motown ----------------------------- AC Black - AC Black (MOT-6276) Good Feeling - Brownmark (MOT-6277) Workin' Overtime - Diana Ross (MOT-6274) What Does It All Mean - Greg Mack Compilation (MOT-6279) If It Don't Kill You, It Just Makes - Bruce Willis (MOT-6290) Wrecks .N. Effect - Wrecks .N. Effect (MOT-6281) Recently released from MCA -------------------------- Blue Chip - Acoustic Alchemy (MCA-6291) Special Look - Debbie Allen (MCA-6317) Cindy Bullens - Cindy Bullens (MCA-6320) Runaway Horses - Belinda Carlisle (MCA-6339) Storms - Nanci Griffith (MCA-6319) Sleeping With The Past - Elton John (MCA-6321) Velveteen - Transvision Vamp (UNI-605) Fire And Gasoline - Steve Jones (MCA-6298) Guilty Of Innocence - Law And Order (MCA-6327) Up To Here - The Tragically Hip (MCA-6310) Painting Music - Billy Joe Walker Jr. (MCA-6323) Poor & Famous - The Beat Farmers (MCA-6296) George Clinton Presents Our Gang Funky (MCA-42048) Recently released from Narada/Sona Gaia --------------------------------------- Dancing On The Edge - Bruce Mitchell (Narada ND-62007) A View From The Bridge - Carol Nethen (Narada ND-62005) Sampler One - Narada Mystique Artists (Narada ND-62009) The Narada Collection Two - Various Artists (Narada CD-3903) Forward Motion - Craig Anderton (Sona Gaia ND-62757) Emotional Velocity - Craig Peyton/Ben Verdery(Sona Gaia ND-62759) Where The Rain Is Born - Michael Pluznick (Sona Gaia ND-62756) Recently reissued from Oh Boy on CD only. ----------------------------------------- Pink Cadillac - John Prine (OBR007CD) Storm Windows - John Prine (OBR008CD) Recently released from Polygram ------------------------------- Disco Rigido - Die Warzau (Fiction 841 251) Sacred Heart - Shakespear's Sister (FFRR 828 168) Not Fakin' It - Michael Monroe (Mercury 838 627) The Good News And the Bad News - The Rainmakers (Mercury 838 232) Slam - Dan Reed Network (Mercury 838 868) Cocked & Loaded - L.A. Guns (Vertigo 838 592) Passion Crimes - Darling Cruel (Polydor 837 920) Recently released from Private Music ------------------------------------ Eldorado - Patrick O'Hearn (2054-1-P) Strange Cargo - David Van Tieghem (2051-4-P) Niki Nana - Yanni (2056-1-P) Recently released from Rebel Records ------------------------------------ The Music Starts Right Here - Randall Hylton (REB-1670) Express Tracks - Appalachian Express (REB-1674) New Day - Lost & Found (REB-1678) Recently released from Rhino Records ------------------------------------ Old Wives' Tales - Exene Cervenka (R2 70913) The Modern Lovers - The Modern Lovers (R2 70091) A Toast To Those Who Are Gone - Phil Ochs (R2 70080) Through The Canyon - The Textones (R2 70898) Greatest Hits, Volume One - Yardbirds (RNCD 75895) Recently released from Roadracer/Emergo --------------------------------------- Older... Budweiser - Gang Green (Emergo EMC 9464) Conspiracy - King Diamond (Roadracer RRC 9461) Sinister Funkhouse #17 - Last Crack (Roadracer RRC 9501) Think This - Toxik (Roadracer RRC 9460) Shattered Existence - Xentrix (Roadracer RO 9444 1) Recently released from SST -------------------------- Buffalo Tom - Buffalo Tom (SST 250) Awakening - The Last (SST 230) Monsters - Meat Puppets (SST 253) Win! Instantly! - Roger Miller (SST 243) Buzz Factory - Screaming Trees (SST 248) Honey Bubble - The Tar Babies (SST 236) El Kabong - Trotsky Icepick (SST 246) Recently released from Windham Hill and Windham Hill Jazz --------------------------------------------------------- While The Serpent Lies Sleeping - Pierce Pettis (Windham Hill WT-1087) Twilight Is Upon Us - Billy Childs (WH Jazz WD-0118) Little Secrets - Andy Narell (WH Jazz WD-0120) Commotion - Jazz Sampler - Various Artists (WH Jazz WD6-0119) In The Moment - Denny Zeitlin (WH Jazz WD-0121) Other recent releases --------------------- Into The Frying Pan - Out Of The Fire (Blast HR-002) The Vocal Works (1975-1981) - Elliot Carter (Bridge BCD 9014) A Dead Horse - Golden Palominos (Celluloid CELCD 6138) Too Long In The Wasteland - James McMurtry (Columbia CK 45229) Flying Cowboys - Rickie Lee Jones (Geffen 24246-2) Ghosts Upon The Road - Eric Andersen (Gold Castle D4 71327) Speaking Of Dreams - Joan Baez (Gold Castle D2-71324) Flat Out - John Scofield (Gramavision R1 79400) The Great Wheel - James Asher (Music West MW-180) Living The Northern Summer - Jim Chappell (Music West MW-133) Exit - Screaming Paisleys (Nobody Records SP123) Tendresse - Lucie Blue Tremblay(Olivia LC 955) Wonderland - Lene Lovich (Pathfinder PTF 8909-0_ Quake City - Robert Kraft (Sonic Edge CD 80024) The Arms Of Love - Steve Kujala (Sonic Edge CD 80025) Dead On - Dead On (SBK GNPD 2198) Keep On (7" 45) - Inn, The (Third Lock TLR-007) Party Favors - Anderson, Al (TwinTone TTR88110) Last American Virgin - Skunk (Twintone TTR 89156-1) Don't Call Her Larry - Lawrence Lebo and Her Little Big Band (On The Air LL-001) Country Blessed - Cris Williamson & Teresa Trull (Second Wave LC 22013) Statements Vol. II - All Together Now - Various Artists (Third Lock TLRCD-01) The Best Of The Asylum Years V. Two - Steve Goodman (Red Pajamas RPJ 007) The Bridge - A Tribute To Neil Young - Various Artists (Caroline CAROL CD 137 4) If It Rotates We Can Control It - Artillerymen On A Toot (Metamerism/Circularphile MTA004LP) ======================================================================== CONCERT WATCH ***NOTE*** All information concerning concert dates is subject to change without notice. Tour dates for the ALARM are as follows: Starry Nights (Portland, OR - 11/7), Parkers (Seattle, WA - 11/8), Warfield Theatre (San Francisco, CA - 11/10), Crest Theatre (Sacramento, CA - 11/11), San Jose State University (San Jose, CA - 11/12), Wiltern Theatre (Los Angeles - 11/14 & 15), (Santa Barbara, CA - 11/16), UC San Diego (La Jolla, CA - 11/17), UC Riverside (Riverside, CA - 11/18), Kingsbury Hall (Salt Lake City, UT - 11/21), Paramount Theatre (Denver, CO - 11/22), Peony Park (Omaha, NE - 11/24), Regency Showcase (Springfield, MO - 11/25), Mississippi Nights (St. Louis, MO - 11/27), Vic Theatre (Chicago, IL - 11/28), Phantasy Theatre (Cleveland, OH - 11/29), Long Island Univ. (Southampton, NY - 12/1), Brandeis Univ. (Waltham, MA - 12/2), Rutgers Univ. (Newark, NJ - 12/3), The Boathouse (Norfolk, VA - 12/5), Hammerjack's (Baltimore, MD - 12/6), Palace Theatre (New Haven, CT - 12/8), Univ. of Maine (Orono, ME - 12/11), Performing Arts Center (Providence, RI - 12/12), The Ritz (New York, NY - 12/14), Orpheum Theatre (Boston, MA - 12/15) and Tower Theatre (Philadelphia, PA - 12/16). Animal Logic will be appearing at The Bacchanal (San Diego, CA - 11/7), The Palace (Hollywood, CA - 11/8), SUNY Albany Page Hall (Albany, NY - 11/28), Theatre of Living Arts (Philadelphia, PA - 11/29), The Ritz (New York, NY - 12/1), The Living Room (Providence, RI - 12/2) and Paradise Club (Boston, MA - 12/3). David Arkenstone will be appearing at Guthrie Theatre (Minneapolis, MN - 12/4), Crest Theatre (Sacramento, CA - 12/15), Angelico Hall (San Rafael, CA - 12/16), Universal Amphitheatre (Universal City, CA - 12/17) and Gammage Center (Phoenix, AZ - 12/18). The Beat Farmers will be appearing at Mud Buggs (Tucson, AZ - 11/10), VZD's (Oklahoma City, OK - 11/15), Club Clearview (Dallas, TX - 11/16), Liberty Lunch (Austin, TX - 11/17), Fitzgerald's (Houston, TX - 11/18), Tipitina's (New Orleans, LA - 11/20), The Varsity Club (Baton Rouge, LA - 11/21), Pensacola, FL (11/24), Birmingham, AL (11/25), The Cotton Club (Atlanta, GA - 11/29,30), Savannah, GA (12/1), Columbia, SC (12/2), Charleston, SC (12/3), Richmond, VA (12/4), Virginia Beach, VA (12/5), 9:30 Club (Washington, DC - 12/7), Lone Star Roadhouse (New York, NY - 12/8), Ardmore Cabaret (Philadelphia, PA - 12/9), Nightstage (Cambridge, MA - 12/10), Providence, RI (12/12), Max's On Broadway (Baltimore, MD - 12/14), The Green Parrot (Neptune, NJ - 12/15), Poughkeepsie, NY (12/16), Lost Horizon (Syracuse, NY - 12/17), Graffiti (Pittsburgh, PA - 12/19) and the Bacchanal (San Diego, CA - 12/30 & 31). Michael Brecker will be appearing at Lawrence University (Appleton, WI - 11/11), Stockton St. Univ (Pomona, NJ - 11/17) and in venues yet to be announced in Philadelphia, PA (11/18) and Harrisburg, PA (11/19). The Call will be appearing at Trax (Charlottesville, VA - 11/6), The Stone Balloon (Newark, DE - 11/7), The Chameleon (Lancaster, PA - 11/8), William Jewell College (Liberty, MO - 11/11), Breedings (Lexington, KY - 11/13), The Blue Bird (Bloomington, IN - 11/14), The Vogue (Indianapolis, IN - 11/15), Cabaret Metro (Chicago, IL - 11/17), Newport Music Hall (Columbus, OH - 11/18), Nectarine Ballroom (Ann Arbor, MI - 11/20), Headliners (Madison, WI - 11/21), The Ranch Bowl (Omaha, NE - 11/22), The Regency (Springfield, MO - 11/24), Cains Ballroom (Tulsa, OK - 11/25), Rockefeller's (Houston, TX - 11/27), Liberty Lunch (Austin, TX - 11/29), Arcadia (Dallas, TX - 11/30), Coyote Club (Wichita, KS - 12/1), Glenn Miller Ballroom - Univ. of Colorado (Boulder, CO - 12/3), Confetti (Albuquerque, NM - 12/4), Univ. of Arizona (Tucson, AZ - 12/5), Universal Amph. (KROQ's Christmas Bash, Univ. City, CA - 12/10) and Moore Theatre (Seattle, WA - 12/15). Concrete Blonde can be seen at The Tiptop Cafe (Huntsville, AL - 11/8), Rockin' Eagle (Statesboro, GA - 11/9), The Moon (Tallahassee, FL - 11/10), Club Detroit (St. Petersburg, FL - 11/11), The Visage (Orlando, FL - 11/12), Central City (Gainesville, FL - 11/14), Digger's (Palm Bay, FL - 11/15), Club Nu (Miami Beach, FL - 11/16), City Limits (Ft. Lauderdale, FL - 11/17), Metropolis (Jacksonville, FL - 11/18), The Cotton Club (Atlanta, GA - 11/19), The Bacchanal (San Diego, CA - 11/30) and The Palace (Los Angeles, CA - 12/1). Eurythmics will be appearing in Toronto (11/3), Montreal (11/5), Worcester, MA (11/7), Philadelphia, PA (11/10), Washington, DC (11/12), New York City (11/13), Detroit, MI (11/15), Chicago, IL (11/16), Oakland, CA (11/19) and Universal City, CA (11/20). Jason & the Scorchers will be opening several dates for Bob Dylan at Cassell Coliseum (Blacksburg, VA - 11/6), Chysler Hall (Norfolk, VA - 11/7), Duke University/Cameron Stadium (Durham, NC - 11/8), Fox Theater (Atlanta, GA - 11/10), Sunrise Music Theater (Sunrise, FL - 11/12,13) and the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center (Tampa, FL - 11/14). Jethro Tull will be in Auburn Hills, MI (11/6), Cleveland, OH (11/7), Pittsburgh, PA (11/8), East Rutherford, NJ (11/9), An Arbor, MI (11/11), Columbus, OH (11/12), Chicago, IL (11/14) and Milwaukee, WI (11/16). Ex-Sex Pistol Steve Jones will be appearing with Ian Hunter at Graffiti (Pittsburgh, PA - 11/7), Chestnut Cabaret (Philadelphia, PA - 11/8), Toad's Place (New Haven, CT - 11/9), The Chance (Poughkeepsie, NY - 11/10), The Channel (Boston, MA - 11/11), The Ritz (New York, NY - 11/12), The Spit (Long Island, NY - 11/13), Backstreets (Rochester, NY - 11/15), Saratoga Winners (Albany, NY - 11/16), The Living Room (Providence, RI - 11/17), Katina's (Hadley, MA - 11/18), Barrymore's (Ottawa, ONT - 11/20), Club Soda (Montreal, QUE - 11/21), The Diamond Club (Toronto, ONT - 11/22), Lost Horizon (Syracuse, NY - 11/23), The Stone Balloon (Newark, DE - 11/24), The Stone Pony (Asbury Park, NJ - 11/25) and Hammerjack's (Baltimore, MD - 11/26). David Lanz will be touring Japan from 11/12 through 11/18 and then will appear at the Beacon Theatre (New York, NY - 11/24), Berklee Perf. Center (Boston, MA - 11/25), Guthrie Theatre (Minneapolis, MN - 12/4), Crest Theatre (Sacramento, CA - 12/15), Angelico Hall (San Rafael, CA - 12/16), Universal Amphitheatre (Universal City, CA - 12/17) and Gammage Center (Phoenix, AZ - 12/18). The Pixies will be appearing in Salt Lake City, UT (11/6), Boulder, CO (11/8), Columbia, MO (11/11), Champaign, IL (11/12), Dekalb, IL (11/14), Bloomington, IN (11/15) and Detroit, MI (11/16). Spyro Gyra will be at the Berklee Perf. Center (Boston, MA - 11/19), Chestnut Cabaret (Philadelphia, PA - 11/29), Performing Arts Center (Elmira, NY - 11/30), The Chance (Poughkeepsie, NY - 12/1), Intermedia Arts Ctr (Huntington, NY - 12/2), High School Aud. (Danbury, CT - 12/31), Memorial Hall (Dayton, OH - 2/10/90), Orchestra Hall (Chicago, IL - 2/12/90), Myerson Symphony Ctr (Dallas, TX - 2/24/90) and the Phoenix Jazz Festival (Phoenix, AZ - 4/8/90). Squeeze can be seen along with Katrina and the Waves in Binghampton, NY (11/9), New York City (11/10), St. Bonaventure, NY (11/11), South Bend, IN (11/16) and St. Louis, MO (11/19). Timbuk 3 will be appearing at The Bottom Line (New York, NY - 11/6), The Bayou (Washington, DC - 11/7), Maxwell's (Hoboken, NJ - 11/8), Majestic Theatre (Dallas, TX - 11/17), Coliseum (Austin, TX - 11/18), San Antonio, TX (11/19), Kiva Auditorium (Albuquerque, NM - 11/21) and Music Hall (Tucson, AZ - 11/22). Tingstad & Rumbel will be appearing at the Berklee Perf. Center (Boston, MA - 11/25), Guthrie Theatre (Minneapolis, MN - 12/4), Crest Theatre (Sacramento, CA - 12/15), Angelico Hall (San Rafael, CA - 12/16), Universal Amphitheatre (Universal City, CA - 12/17) and Gammage Center (Phoenix, AZ - 12/18). The Yellowjackets will be appearing at Caravan of Dreams (Ft. Worth, TX - 11/7), Paramount Theatre (Austin, TX - 11/9), Rockefeller's (Houston, TX - 11/10 & 11), UC San Diego (La Jolla, CA - 11/15), Wiltern Theatre (Los Angeles, CA - 11/18) and Visalia Theatre (Visalia, CA - 11/19). ========================================================================