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Chocolate
Weasel
DJ Cam
DJ Method One
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Ed Rush
Electronica
Frank Lloyd Wright's California
Ganger
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Her Space Holiday
Holiday Flyer
ICU
Jungle Defined
Kim Salmon
King Rhythm
Laika
Latin Playboys
Lounge Lizards
Mark Robinson
Mixtapes
Monochrome
Most Secret Method
Music Appreciation 101
Pressure Drop
Terrastock II
Third Eye Foundation
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Jammin’
Unit Deaf, Dub and Blind CD
While taking time away from his work as Air Liquide, Cem Oral, devised
several new strategies to foil synapses and eardrums alike. Deaf, Dub
and Blind is like a dream one cannot escape from. My first introduction
to Jammin’ Unit was many months ago with Cem’s Plug-remixed
track on Lost in Space Drum ‘n’ Bass - and I have since been
eagerly awaiting my next meeting with this digi-beat explorer. While elastically
stretching an affection for dub into new beat dimensions, Jammin’
Unit begs borrows and steals your attention to focus on his experimental
studio alchemy. Taking trip hop, downtempo ideas and flipping them on
their side, Jammin’ Unit relaxes your accumulated tensions and gets
the head a’bobbin. “Lots of Marijuana” is a track worth
sharing with every stoner/hessian in your ‘hood. (Instinct Electronica
26 W. 17th Street #502 NYC 10011)
Japonize
Elephants Le Fete du Cloune-Pirate CD
These guys are wacky. They want you to know that. I mean, we’re
talking midget Greek wedding marches scored by Raymond Scott and chanted
by deranged hill-folk and played by monks from Carpathia. There’s
a lot of influences being melted down and recombined here, everything
from European traditional ethnic music to klezmer and skittery 20’s
jazz. Lots of emphasis on the stringed instruments, banjo and violin mostly,
as well as nonstandard percussion and a gaggle of woodwinds too. Actually,
there’s a lot to like here, and the Japonize Elephants aren’t
to be taken too seriously, though their musicianship doesn’t reflect
that. The lyrics, however, are simultaneously nonsensical, scatological
and juvenile (imagine that!), but don’t detract too much from the
proceedings.
One thing that sets these guys apart from a lot of other bands who went
this route (and currently are, Alva and their ilk coming to mind) is the
fact that they’ll dabble in things that a lot of others shun. I’m
thinking bluegrass fer one thing. They fearlessly mix hill-pickin’
banjo and saxophone skronk, as in “Chinese Howedown.” This
isn’t my usual cup of tea, by any long shot, but it’s a heck
of a lot of fun. I’d imagine that their live shows are pretty freaky
and chaotic, too. Probably worth checking into if they show up sniffin’
around your town.
Close your eyes while listening and I double-dog dare you to not see cartoons.
Go ahead. (Secretly Canadian 1703 North Maple Bloomington, IN 47404) -
Matt Maxwell
Jay-Z
Life & Times of S. Carter Vol. 3 CD
Thinkin' I am so hip, I wandered into the living room this evening
and asked of my housemates "you folks ever heard of Jay-Z?"
And having not witnessed the print, radio, or television onslaught marketing
this MC to the American people, I was ashamed to think that this was up-n-coming,
underground, or even that my media-savvy roommates would not be able to
lend some insight. In my ignorance, I realized that validity and commercialism
can be mutually exclusive AND go hand-in-hand as long as the product quality
is beyond criticism. Embarassed at the tone in the voice of reply, I scurried
back to my headphones and realized that Mariah Carey of all folks lent
a hand in the creation of this album (her vocals can be found on "Things
that U Do"). Well, now that I have witnessed first-hand "Big
Pimpin'" on the radio and heard it emanating from passing cars, there's
plenty of egg on my face. Not only is "Big Pimpin'" my favorite
track because of its unparralleled (and now often co-opted) delivery and
tone, but in thinking it was unknown I realized how pathetically teenage
it is to think one has the exclusive cool-factor on any band in their
record collection. (Roc-A-Fella/Def Jam 825 8th Ave. NYC 10019)
Keith York
Jazz
June Breakdance Suburbia CD
Gathering together songs recorded through '96-'98, most of which have
been released on compilations, singles, and other vinyl outings, Breakdance
Suburbia, stands erect like skyline architecture, proud of itself. The
Jazz June's inimitable emo/rock riffing coupled with the constancy of
their drumkit pounding builds tensions as strong as concrete bunkers as
well as the skyscrapers that sit atop. In constructing these monoliths,
The Jazz June display the ironic frailty of those that dwell within such
shelters. Essential. (Initial POB 17131 Louisville, KY 40217) Keith
York
Jazz
June The Medicine CD
Having recently spent a great deal of time with The Jazz June’s
last release, the singles collection Breakdance Suburbia, I felt comfortable
in my definition of their sound. The Medicine shook that, and many other
pre-ordained feelings apart. This most, their most recent, 11-song document
from the Pennsylvania quartet (including former members of Atari), does
nothing short of forcing the listener to stand still in any room this
plays, to soak up their gifted energy. At times, The Jazz June may invoke
memories of Promise Ring, Joan of Arc, Cap ‘N Jazz, but the J. Robbins
recorded full length sets a new standard for future rock records to be
measured by. Brimming with toxic emotion and antidote melodies, The Medicine
only puts the listener in a bind – to keep it on the stereo or listen
to something else? I, only after six listens, realized the grip this sonic
magnet had on my entire being, and by that time much of the afternoon
had come and gone. The sun set and The Jazz June became the soundtrack
to another day reworking definitions of all at hand. (Initial POB 17131
Louisville, KY 40217) – Keith York
JBondy
Coming Down CS
In picking up 12”s by FSOL, Coldcut, Propellorheads, Uberzone,
Beastie Boys, Chocolate Weasel, Soul Oddity, Bass Kittens, and Xpando,
even the dance-perimeter novice should label the strategy as breakbeat.
Surgical precision allows Jbondy to cut, scratch, and sew together tracks
unlike any set I have witnessed (outside of a DJ’s bedroom). Choice
cuts combined with a zen-like understanding of a good break’s impact
on a crowd, yields one flawlessly entertaining run. (contact: Native Vision
@ 510-477-0524, Jbondy @ 323-878-0627, or jbondy@worldsite.net)
J
Church/Discount split 7”
As I expected, the first J Church track is one of their Ramones-ian
power pop eye openers. Their second song “What Will I do”
was slower and more purposeful. Reminiscent of bay area neighbors Red
House Painters, this track really threw me a surprise coming from J Church.
Well done. Discount once again delivered the goods with their power indierock
pop - they really are a treat. Once again I avoided reading the lyrics
- lyric sheets are still too punk for my blood - keep me in the dark,
make it mysterious - let the song display itself don’t give me a
manual to follow along. Bless you. (Liquid Meat PO Box 460692 Escondido,
CA 92046)
Jealous
Sound s/t CD
This could be blaring from a car stereo three blocks away and you
would know… Blair Shehan is singing for a new band. He of Knapsack,
along with Pedro Benito (Sunday’s Best), Tony Palermo (Ten Foot
Pole, Pulley, Good Riddance), and John McGinnis (Neither Trumpets nor
Drums) are off to a fantastic start with this debut 5-song disc that whispers
while it runs sweatily toward the finish line. The chunky guitar lines
don’t hide the connections listeners are going to make to Knapsack
and Sunday’s Best, but this new context allows a freer wider-open
listen as breezes blow between six- and four-string instruments. Storm
clouds of drums are never too distant from the scene. And in my neighborhood
sometimes it’s difficult to tell the difference between an oncoming
storm and an oncoming car stereo. (Better Looking Records 11041 Santa
Monica Blvd. PMB 302 Los Angeles, CA 9025) - Keith York
Jejune/Dignity
for All split-7"
Jejune/Lazycain split-7"
Whether listening to the epic 6-minute "Record City Afterworld",
or the cover of the Smiths' "A Boy With a Thorn in his Side",
the songs of San Diego's Jejune on these singles only make me wonder why
they aren't ecstatically embraced the world over. Unsure if it's their
post-shoegaze heavenly pop or the curiosity of their personal lives, Jejune
capture much of what Ride and Swervedriver extended to this side of the
pond. Japan's Dignity for All is stylistically more chunky riff-rock,
but makes for a fine compliment to the elegance of Jejune. Richmond, VA's
Lazycain share a Smiths tribute split-single as they offer up a version
of "Handsome Devil" in their unique post-punk style. Sounding
as if Magazine and Jawbox had collided, Lazycain exhibits a sound firmly
rooted in short punchy chord-statements that cling to the inside of your
skull for days. (Big Wheel Recreation 325 Huntington Ave. #24 Boston,
MA 02115) Keith York
Jeremi@h
Hazy Thoughts Suddenly… CS
Hailing from Rota, Spain, Jeremi@h appears courtesy of F(X) Productions
and the fashionable genre of progressive house. Having recently toured
the grottos and beaches of Ibiza (pronounced Ee-Bee-Thuh by the residents
of the tiny Balearic isle), hard driving prog-house is the Ibiza sound.
What with the record stores set up on the street corners with make-shift
listening stations and a CD-DJ spinning mix-CDs, it’s hard to steer
clear of the latest in the “local” sound. Jeremi@h spins with
confidence and an agile hand as the measures tick by metronomically. Bringing
back fond memories of sun-kissed summer beach-going, my car stereo was
transformed into the sweaty island nights of club life in Spain. (bookings
- F(X) Productions dj_jeremiah44@hotmail.com)
Jesus
Lizard Bang CD
Nailing the coffin lid shut on their decade-long career, Bang collects
together twenty songs from various releases for the uninitiated and fans
alike. Tracks from 7"s, concert give-aways, a compilation album,
a bootleg, an early demo, and a special treat (Trio's "Anna"
with Big Black's Santiago Durango on vocals!), present a version of The
Jesus Lizard's illustrious discography only known previously to turntable-owners.
Very worthwhile as some of their best work ("Mouthbreather,"
"Wheelchair Epidemic") in addition to some rarities are here
in crystal-clear digital hi-fi quality sound. (Touch 'n' Go POB 25520
Chicago, IL 60625) Keith York
Jetenderpaul
The Woolen Spires CD
Quirky lo-fi pop used to be a staple of the Inland Empire diet made
famous by labels like Shrimper and bands like the Mountain Goats and Nothing
Painted Blue. Somehow the quirkiness of Soul Junk and The Danielson Family
have creeped into the SoCal power supply and we get a mixture of frenetic
indie rock ideas in a jumbalaya of the quartet modality. Short songs burst
upon the stereo, fleetingly noodle around, and escape long before one
can grasp their meaning, leaving you always wanting more. (VBM/Burnt Toast
Vinyl 9121 Atlanta Ave. Ste. 237 Huntington Beach, CA 92246) Keith
York
Jimpster
Martian Arts CD
Licensed from Freerange, Instinct brings Manchester’s beathead
jazz prophet, Jimpster ( via his debut Martian Arts), to the U.S. Though
Cubase-ing most of the beats, Jamie O’Dell (AKA Jimpster) is assisted
by others on bass and flute, adding texture and intelligence to the beats.
Having a similar experience with Martian Arts as with a Warp-released
Squarepusher 12” from a year ago, I listened repeatedly (and intently)
to the fluid dynamics and manic programming that unfold on this disc.
With little in common with Omni Trio’s brand of academically branded
drum ‘n’ bass, Jimpster’s downtempo beats and breaks
are delicately crafted and refined. Highly addictive, Martian Arts is
the welcome on cloudy (almost Mancunian) afternoons, late nights after
the bars close and weekend mornings while shrugging off the week’s
stresses. Fluid, baby fluid.
(Instinct Electronica 26 W. 17th Street #502 NYC 10011)
J.
Majik Silicon Valley/Liquid Velvet 12”
What I really love to hear is the unexpected. J. Majik’s introduction
made via his Platinum Breaks contribution, was a welcome one and his return
visit, Silicon Valley, extends his legacy by volumes. Embracing the ideology
behind intelligent drum ‘n’ bass, these two creations are
craftily concocted products of a genius. Twisting ‘round mountain
roads, these drums drive wildly as the tires screech and the occasional
whisper of a woman’s vocals carries you above the tree line, above
elevations of easy and safe breathing. Snare rattling drives your heart
rate up and then...suddenly...the brakes are thrown and you make a sudden
left turn - again with no headlights and no warning. Stunning in its mathematical
complexity, this 12” shoves you kicking and screaming into a blissful
bobbing dance frenzy - something most rockers really need; let your hair
down, take off the leather jacket and let the throbbing bass and screaming
snares & cymbals take control of your shell and move it across the
room. J. Majik records are able to do just that. (Infra Red Recordings
c/o Vinyl Distribution Ltd. 70-72 Kings Road, Reading, Berkshire RG1 3BJ)
Johan
s/t CD
Bright, shiny Weezer-like guitar tunes abound on the European landscape
these folks mine. Shimmering, these songs are, illuminated by the candor
and boyish charm of daybreak and early morning walks; digging your feet
in the wet sand as the cold sea brushes across and splashes your ankles.
Hitchhiking a ride from Sportsguitar and Guided By Voices, these power-pop
kids have their sights on stardom, their phasers on stun, and their confidences
in abandon. They are spreading their wings. (SpinArt PO Box 1798 NYC,
NY 10156) - Keith York
JOI
One and One is One CD
SoCal breakbeats merge with early 70s Verve jazz-funk, under the watchful
eye of Krishna. Whether it's the Spacemen 3 guitar riff of "Asian
Vibes," the Spring Heel Jack breaks of "ESY-SHJ;" vocals
reminiscent of Ofra Haza, or the "asian underground" vibe permeating
every track, something is gonna grab your hipsway attention. A strong,
diverse, engaging debut album from this London collective should be on
your shoppin' list soon. (Real World/Astralwerks 104 West 29th St., NYC
10001) - Keith York
Jolene
In The Gloaming CD
Stunted by a lack of appreciation for the midwestern-pop aesthetic, Jolene
had little chance to overcome my lack of enthusiasm for the medium they
employ to present their works. Akin to why I never have understood whether
or not I love or hate Elvis Costello, I have never really understood standard
rock formula. Pop songs that make couples’ hearts flutter, songs
that ring from radio speakers, songs that work as fluidly on a stage of
a smoky bar room and as the soundtrack to a Miller commercial. Jolene
reminded me of Mr. Costello’s sincerity and wit, REMs fascination
with guitar melodies, and songs of old folks like the Dbs, Replacements
etc. They reminded me of several things about who I am and what my tastes
are. And for that I can’t see a fault in what they do, regardless
of how little I like their brand of pop-rock. As shiny as In The Gloaming,
is I wouldn’t pick it up out of the gutter and place it in my pants-pocket,
but I would look longingly into its sun-given glisten and smile, then
continue on my path. The sparkle would make my walk towards an unknown
address that much more memorable though it wouldn’t make me stray
from the destined path. (Sire 936 Broadway NYC, NY 10010) - Keith York
Jonah's
Oneline Drawing Sketchy EP #1 CD
Left in the wake of Far's demise, is Jonah's solo outing. First recorded
as a cassette-only release to neighbors, friends and attendees of his
live show, Sketchy EP #1 and #2 break from the angst that fueled his former
outfit, instead releasing heartfelt honest pop songs. Unlike Will Oldham,
Simon Joyner or Jason Molina's (Songs:Ohia) morose emotional outbursts,
Jonah's songs distill friends talking amongst themselves about stuff like
work, love and daily living. (Crank/Old crankthis.com) Keith York
Jones
, Brad AKA Alias Uncivilized Poise CD
Steam rises from the street’s openings. The sewer gratings,
act as the earth’s vents allowing for the release of molten rock
and subway noise alike. Alias, here represented as an octet, release the
passions of jazz musicians searching for perfect cross-over. Funk and
R’n’B highlight the album with vocals by DK Dyson and Beans,
as the players and their sax, trombone, guitars, drums and keys read one
another’s minds constructing one of the most organic jazz-pop records
to date. For those readers afraid of dipping a foot in the jazz-ocean
for fear of rip currents, this is as fine a place (without being a shallow
baby pool) as any to start. (Knitting Factory 74 Leonard Street NYC 10013)
– Keith York
JonLee
Fully Equipped CS
A mixer that packs a quad-speed house punch like no other. Calculated,
almost mathematical, in its delivery, JonLee’s set is a powerful
force for the dancer and car stereo audience to reckon with. Jon steers
the crowd through every choice track’s twist, turn and gurgling
bubbly synth line with his fully-equipped record case, mixer skillz and
a few other tricks up his sleeve. (bookings – 206.609.4994)
Jordans
Katydid CD
Who are The Jordans? One guy that’s who. Shouldn’t it
be The Jordan then? Shit this stuff baffles me time and again - plurals.
This yellow-heavy release is the product of 4-tracking the thoughts of
a former member of Australia’s fine pop combos the Steinbecks and
Sugargliders. Both bands using the plural thing too. Most of this is strummy,
quiet, melancholy singer-songwriter stuff - I guess its pop ‘cuz
it‘s sad. (Sonorama PO Box 25952 LA, CA 90025)
Journeyman
National Hijinx CD/LP
Journeyman's second album, National Hijinx, takes on some admirable
qualities of a film soundtrack, with its insertion of bizarre samples,
slick drum breaks and orchestral melodies. But on a first listen, one
catches on to its mastery of fast and furious beats above anything. With
its pairing of female vocals and rich strings on tracks like "Spy,"
Journeyman's work recalls the thematic styles of Portishead and Skylab.
What sets Journeyman apart from trip-hoppers is its more adept sense of
rhythm, which are built up on tranquil melodies and seemingly creep out
of nowhere. The album's first track, "National Hijinx," takes
a surprising turn, as it begins to rip in and out of a shuffling drum
loop. Following a smooth transition into the album's second track, "National
Hijinx 2," Journeyman utilizes a drill 'n bass artillery of choppy,
shifting beats. National Hijinx will probably appeal to fans of FSOL,
Squarepusher and trip-hop alike, with its layers of pulsating, inextricable
rhythms which seem to melt into each other in new and unexpected ways
on each track. Journeyman's Paul Frankland and his formidable eclecticism
definitely come through on National Hijinx, and is also featured on a
handful of concurrent projects - including a remix on the Coldcut/Hexstatic
single "Timber." (Ntone/Ninja Tune 1751 Richardson, Suite 6109,
Montreal, Que, H3K 1G6) - Esther Yoon
Joy
Electric Robot Rock CD
Sailing the same seas as early-80s techno pop pioneers Silicon Teens,
Depeche Mode, Telex, Heaven 17, and Human League, Joy Electric sing of
love, sugar and mono-synths. In the same manner They Go Boom! tried to
single-handedly reawaken the spirit of the original techno-pop definitions
(the very same eloquence that recently pushed White Town to the top of
the charts), Joy Electric are trying to banner-wave a new revival. Whether
or not they are successful, several tracks like “Sugar Rush,”
and “Monosynth,” will stick with us for some time to come.
(BEC 810 3rd Ave. Seattle, WA 94104) - Keith York
Joyner,
Simon The Lousy Dance CD
Ameri-folk blues for the urban kids starving for tangible emotional
connections with music after weening themselves off a diet of cold electronica.
Whether it's the similarities in tone to Palace, or the seductive verse
of Billy Bragg, reasons for joining Joyner fireside are not worth debate.
Once you've warmed up next to the horns and percussion that couch the
lyrical landscapes, your troubles fade away. The Lousy Dance represents
a new Americana as breathtaking as an Edward Hopper painting. (Truckstop
2255 S. Michigan Ave. Chicago, IL 60616) Keith York
JSplat
This Is Speed Garage Volume 2 CS
The Splatser lets go on this hearty mixer. The “Speedy”
side is liquid with the drum ‘n’ bass derived b-lines, 4/4
snare ‘n’ cymbal, and well selected femme vocals. The infectiously
melodic choice of tracks coupled with an attentive approach to maximizing
builds and JSplat’s own scratchin’ makes for a welcoming entry
into the genre for the novice. The “Stompy” side cradles the
droney bass between wicked stylus manipulation ok knowns like “Girl
I’ll House You” while the synth lines and breaks make for
lots of hands-in-the-air action. A comprehensive showcase of the latest
Speed Garage anthems with the added bonus of JSplat’s scratchin
make for a worthwhile business card to put in your rolodex – assuming
a headliner is needed for the Speed Garage event you are planning. (Hipnotic/Monkey
Business 310-823-1622)
Juliana
Theory Emotion is Dead CD
From emo to breakbeat, The Juliana Theory’s Emotion is
Dead effortlessly debates the need for hearts on sleeves in singer and
guitarist alike. While the samplers cool, the guitar, bass, and drums
heat the room, filling it with tension and passion that rivals the latest
Elliott and Jazz June releases – yes, high energy. Calm, cool and
collected the tenderness of the band is evident on tracks like “Don’t
Push Love Away” – yet the listener knows of the forthcoming
amplifier storm. Confident in their envelope pushing abilities, the quintet
toy with stuttering post-Digital-Hardcore breaks with good effect. RIYL
good bands. (Tooth & Nail POB 12698 Seattle, WA 98111) – Keith
York
Jumbo
“Peppering the Absurdity” b/w “No, I Don’t Sink
So, Asso” 7”
Vocals, amassed from deep within the gut, deliver a power punch amidst
a bevy of timely changes, tight, angular riffs and anti-melodies that
run throughout the song. The bassist works his entire instrument, bringing
a range of tones into the fracas. The two guitarists run at virtually
the same pace throughout the first song, with one burning low while the
other pealing the high end.
The flipside opens with a tolling, metallic chime that slowly unravels-
a countdown to the tense and spiraling rhythm that follows. The rhythm
builds before unleashing its pent fury with a scathing riff, power drumming
and strategic changes. The feeling is heavy; the catharsis, powerful and
beautiful. Pained screams reveal a search for freedom, a respite from
an eternal struggle that rages within the soul. There is power in their
powerlessness. (Peas Kor PO Box 81116 Pittsburgh, PA 15217)
June
of '44 Four Great Points CD/LP
"Math rock" - a popular reference to experimentation
with oddly calculated time signatures and rhythms - only accounts for
a smidgen of what makes June of '44 kinda special. It's their mastery
and containment of noise and loaded messages which impresses a wary listener
more.
Fred Erskine (formerly of Hoover) utilizes basslines as the guiding light
of Four Great Points, most notably on songs like "Doomsday."
Complementary guitars and a violin also open up an aura of space and melancholy,
filled with unpredictable vocals which range from inaudible whispers to
raging yells. Bells and other percussive tools beget ambiguity. It all
dissolves smoothly, though, and manages to steer away from extreme dissonance.
While June of '44 still can't hold a candle to Slint, they sound better
with each release. Four Great Points also marks a lateral progression,
with extended dubby influences and ambient backdrops. (Quarterstick Records
PO Box 25342, Chicago, IL 60625) - Esther Yoon
June
of 44Four Great Points CD
In The Fishtank CD
Anahata CD
Appropriately, the liner notes to the In The Fishtank 6-song EP refer
to the impromptu Amsterdam studio session as the (missing) link between
Four Great Points and Anahata. While on tour through Spain, France and
Italy, Fred Erskine, Sean Meadows, Jeff Mueller and Doug Scharin (all
seasoned, well traveled, indie rock luminaries) wrote and recorded songs
that express their adventuresome disposition. Shedding much of the slow-rock
that embraced Engine Takes to the Water, June of 44 has created a deep
and wide chasm of differentiation from bands like Rex, Slint, Rodan and
For Carnation that they were compared to (for obvious reasons) upon launching
their first songs into the tornado of public debate. Allowing for even
more room to flex their song writing muscles, these three CDs (22 songs
in all) each have unique personas that showcase the quartet's jazz-like
quirkiness poised within the rock formulae. Whether it is the dub drum
solo, the gurgling moog, the sinister viola and violin, the sampler, or
trumpet, each ingredient adds to stew that makes June of 44 stand out
in flavor and texture. While I believe Four Great Points is the quintessential
piece of '44s noise, listening to all three back to back on this Sunday
morning reveals the oeuvre that makes the quartet so inviting. (Quarterstick
POB 25342 Chicago, IL 60625) Keith York
June
Panic Horror Vacui CD
During the three-year void of new material since his last full-length,
The Fall Of Atom, June Panic has been wrestling with his relationship
with god, and the resulting fear of open spaces, as well as the void-filling
anxiety humans hold so close. Despite the ability to fill our emptiness
with consumables at the local strip mall, June took it upon himself and
his new backing band, Silver Sound, to get at the philosophy of god, mini-marts
and dime stores full of empty souls. Recorded with the assistance of a
whole host of characters (including members of Marmoset and United States
3), June's songs are now able to amble and breath before they settle on
the floor. Crouched on the bean-bag chairs around a hooka are young Neil
Young, Syd Barrett and Bob Dylan staring up at the stereo hearing a little
bit of themselves. (Secretly Canadian 1703 North Maple Street, Bloomington,
IN 47404) Keith York
Junior
Varsity Km Taking Care of You CD
Sampling whirling My Bloody Valentine guitar lines and the occasional
vocal sample, San Franciscan, Kenric McDowell brandishes his newly polished
sword Taking Care of You . Ambient analog melodies, hauntingly comprised
of sampled strings and horns, underscore the tidal waves of cascading
synths and the waterfall-repetitions of sampled drums. From smooth techno
to intelligently stylized coffee table drum 'n' bass, Kenric's ideas are
focused on creating mood not shaking hips on a foreign dance floor. Junior
Varsity Km has an addiction to adding a few too many dimensions to each
track; With layers upon layers of samples occasionally entering the fold,
the drum break departs into a netherworld. His darkest track, "The
Injury" shows promise of a forthcoming storma' if he decides to strip
things down, simplifying and perfecting the raging break-storm he has
in his Cakewalk or Cubase software. It's about to be discovered. Apartment
listening. Driving coastal highways listening. Omni Trio are a reference
point for most of the disc, though the anomalous "Brothers &
Sisters" has a sideways-glance fondness for Squarepusher. (Darla
625 Scott Street #301 San Francisco, CA 94117) - Keith York
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