PROLOGUE[proh-lawg,-log] I know what I like when it comes to music, and in most cases, cannot name the source of said pleasure in terms of album or CD names, producers, studios, etc.. My tastes in music is also determined by too many outside factors that if I were to try and analyze them, it might change things dramatically. So, having said this, I need for you, the reader, to understand that I am in no way to be considered a professional resource for musicology and that anyone making a choice to agree or disagree with me is really a moot point. Did I mention that I like what I like? Good, now we may proceed...
CD SPECSBanco de Gaia – Memories Dreams Reflections
Initially inspired by the Acid House movement in Europe in the late 80s, Marks began Banco de Gaia in 1989 and recorded his first album Medium in 1991. Seminal releases including 1994's Maya, 1995's Last Train to Lhasa and his latest album 2006's Farewell Ferengistan, kept him at the forefront of the electronic world. He has worked with a variety of musicians, ranging from the legendary saxophonist Dick Parry who played on Pink Floyd's Dark Side of the Moon to Anglo-Egyption singer Natacha Atlas to cutting-edge dance pioneers Jack Dangers (Meat Beat Manifesto) and Fluke.
Memories Dreams Reflections will be released on Disco Gecko Recordings on September 22, 2009.
Memories Dreams Reflections will be released on Disco Gecko Recordings on September 22, 2009.
REVIEW
Mix in a little Enya + a lot of Yanni = Enigma. Nothing outstanding or ground-breaking. Merely acceptable.
CD SPECSLUDO – Self Titled LUDO (re-released from 2004)
Ludo’s self-titled album gives fans a glimpse into their humble beginnings, where the four-piece began to hone their quirky sensibilities and ability to write peppy and infectious rock hooks. Before Ludo recorded the breakthrough single “Love Me Dead,” which was a Top 10 Modern Rock single, and “Go-Getter Greg” (both off You’re Awful…), the group had sold over 10,000 copies of their self-released, self-titled disc. With songs like “Hum Along” and “Good Will Hunting By Myself” it’s easy to see why their fan base became so rabid and demanded more Ludo! The re-issue includes a slew of bonus material, including the never-before released track "Elektra's Complex," a fast-paced tongue-in-cheek tune that's been a live favorite for years and a never-released 10-song bonus disc recorded live at Ludo's first birthday show at the legendary Mississippi Nights in St. Louis in 2004.
REVIEW
Green Day guitar-driven rock and beats + Barenaked Ladies sounds and lyrics = Outdated 90’s Ska teenager rock. Oh, by the way, I really don't like Ska.
REVIEW
Green Day guitar-driven rock and beats + Barenaked Ladies sounds and lyrics = Outdated 90’s Ska teenager rock. Oh, by the way, I really don't like Ska.
CD SPECSLUDO – Broken Bride (re-released from 2005)
The group delivered the Broken Bride EP in 2005, which is an epic love story that spans time and space. The album tells the tale of a man’s desperate attempt to save his wife who dies in a car crash by traveling back in time, but his travel goes awry and… well, can’t give too much away. The EP shows a growth in the band’s songwriting abilities and quickly became a fan favorite, boasting huge choruses and a “timeless” plotline. In 2006, the University Theater group at the University of Chicago even adapted the rock opera for a staged performance and the University of Nevada - Las Vegas performed a Bride medley at a UNLV football game.
The group delivered the Broken Bride EP in 2005, which is an epic love story that spans time and space. The album tells the tale of a man’s desperate attempt to save his wife who dies in a car crash by traveling back in time, but his travel goes awry and… well, can’t give too much away. The EP shows a growth in the band’s songwriting abilities and quickly became a fan favorite, boasting huge choruses and a “timeless” plotline. In 2006, the University Theater group at the University of Chicago even adapted the rock opera for a staged performance and the University of Nevada - Las Vegas performed a Bride medley at a UNLV football game.
REVIEW
A Green Day version of Ska trying to be operatic Queen. Did I mention Ska is perfect for a 14 year old birthday party?
CD SPECSVictims of Circumstance – Roll The Dice
Roll the Dice, produced by Big D and the Kids Table bassplayer Steve Foote, not only turns up the amps two level notches above ten but also delves deeper into the depth of VOC's musical creativity. From the getgo of opening track "The Final Flight of D.B. Cooper" that eases in with instantaneously-infectious punk rhythms to the celebratory skank of "This Riot Used To Be A Party" to the cheekily-named (but not too far off) "Number One Hit Single", their second album packs energetic melodic ska/punk/pop into fifteen tracks.
REVIEW
Are you ready for this? Here I go...
REVIEW
Are you ready for this? Here I go...
Unfortunately I have become a 'victim of circumstance', and I 'rolled the dice' by hoping that this might be something more than just another Ska band.
Uhm, nope.
J...A...F...S...B... (yeah, you can figure this one out.)
OPINION
Things to do: 1) Delete songs from PC. 2) Wash out ears with peroxide.