MISH MASH MUSIC REVIEWS

noreply@blogger.com (Mark Hodges) — Fri, 07 Oct 2011 17:11:00 +0000

Various Artists
Barbecue Any Old Time
Blues From The Pit 1927-1941
Old Hat Records
24 song CD
20 page booklet

Once again, Old Hat Records is back with an excellent collection of early 20th Century music, and this time they're taking us to the barbecue pit. Trust me when I say that you don't hear this every day - 24 old blues tunes dedicated to eating barbecued meat. While it's unique, fun and amusing, it also provides an examination of early 20th Century culture, specifically how the migration of poor Southerners spread the influence of their food and music to other parts of the country. The full-color booklet gives a history of the music and the artists, and how barbecue became a phenomenon across the country.

Who couldn't fall in love with song titles like these: "Pork Chop Blues", "Pepper Sauce Mama", "Gimme a Pig's Foot and a Bottle of Beer", and "I Heard the Voice of a Pork Chop"? My absolute favorite track on the album, however, is the ode to pork by Blind Boy Fuller, entitled "I Crave My Pig Meat". It's a love song to his favorite food, and you can almost taste the smokey barbecue while he sings that pig meat is "something I do crave, I mean it".

MISH MASH Mandate: Barbecue Blues
Old Hat Records Website

noreply@blogger.com (Mark Hodges) — Mon, 04 Jul 2011 12:26:00 +0000

Rival Sons - Pressure and Time

Not really a review here, but instead, one of those moments where you want to share something cool with the rest of the world. One listen to this and you realize that rock-n-roll is indeed still alive, to a certain extent. Sure, you've heard it all before - big guitars, screaming vocals, histrionics, and lots of pouting and preening. Yet, it's a formula that still works when done with the right attitude. So, turn it up and try not to over-analyze. You're welcome.

MISH MASH Mandate: The Heart of Rock and Roll
Rival Sons Website

noreply@blogger.com (Mark Hodges) — Fri, 17 Jun 2011 18:19:00 +0000

Art Blakey & The Jazz Messengers
The Sesjun Radio Shows
Beeld En Geluid/T2 Entertainment
2 CD Set

Here's another incredible set of live tracks from the Sesjun Radio Shows, this time featuring hard bop drumming legend Art Blakey and his Jazz Messengers. Captured in four different sessions in the Netherlands between 1978 and 1983, about a decade before his death in 1990.

The sets show an aging jazz player still in his prime, surrounded by a younger team of musicians like Bobby Watson, David Schnitter, Jean Toussaint, and Donald Harrison on saxes, along with a host of others. The music is spot on hard bop jazz, with soulful horns blaring and Blakey pounding away with his incessant and forceful rhythms. Sound quality-wise, it couldn't get much better for a live radio show, no complaints here. A must have for fans of classic Blue Note-era hard bop.

MISH MASH Mandate: Blakey Bop
Art Blakey Sesjun Radio Shows on Amazon

noreply@blogger.com (Mark Hodges) — Fri, 22 Apr 2011 14:40:00 +0000

Michel Legrand
Legrand Jazz
Arthaus Music
DVD

I must admit, while I have always appreciated the work of Michel Legrand, he has never been on the top of my list as one of the all-time jazz greats. To me, he has always been the jazz composer who wrote film scores and movie soundtracks, albeit very good ones. Now my opinion has changed, as this live DVD attests to the true scope of his talent. Backed by the London Big Band Orchestra, Legrand shows off his wares, delivering a stunning performance that starts with a bang and never lets up. Honestly, this is one of the best modern big band performances I have ever seen or heard.

The brilliance of the performance lies in Legrand's exuberance; he is alive and full of energy, so very into the music. His enthusiasm is infectious, and it is obvious and he and his band are having a blast. Later in the show, he is joined by guitar great Sylvain Luc and British pop singer Alison Moyet (formerly of Yaz). Their presence adds another layer of depth to the performance, yet the central focus is totally Legrand - he steals the show in every way possible.

My only complaint, and it is minor, is a distracting continuity error where closeups of the drummer show him missing a bow tie, which is present in the wide shots. Obviously some of the footage was taken from a different performance, and while it is not really a deal-breaker, it is a jarring visual to those of us who notice such minor trivial details. Rant over.

MISH MASH Mandate: Legrandstand
Legrand Jazz @ Naxos

noreply@blogger.com (Mark Hodges) — Mon, 04 Apr 2011 01:02:00 +0000

Five Eight
Your God Is Dead To Me Now
Iron Horse Records
14 song CD/LP

The Athens-based juggernaut still rolls on, over two decades going strong, yet with only a handful of albums to their credit. But, oh what albums they are! This latest installment from Five Eight, their first since their eponymous 2004 release, is by far their most introspective and controversial, bringing together an amazing group of songs that are among their all-time best. There's anger, but it's focused; there's fiery rock, but it's purposeful and mature in execution.

Of course, the centerpiece here is the title track - which on first listen appears to be an atheistic screed against religious beliefs, but under the surface seems to be a commentary on the false gods of religious zealots. No matter how you slice it, it gets you and captivates you immediately. It's deep, it's thought-provoking, and it's one of the best songs Mike Mantione has ever written.

By the way, if you've never seen them live, you must. Make it a point.

MISH MASH Mandate: Losing My Religion
Five Eight Website

noreply@blogger.com (Mark Hodges) — Thu, 17 Mar 2011 17:45:00 +0000

Max Roach
Live In Berlin
Jazzwerkstatt
5 song CD

This is a great 1984 live set from the piano-free Max Roach Quartet, which features Cecil Bridgewater on trumpet, Odean Pop on tenor, and Tyrone Brown on bass. The music ranges from the soulful take on Duke Jordan's Jordu to a free exercise on Coltrane's Giant Steps. The band is in top form, and Roach proves that he still had what it took to be a bandleader, pushing his band where he wanted, all the while maintaining enough creative control to rip out some great solos along the way. Highly recommended.

MISH MASH Mandate: Maximum Roach
Max Roach Live In Berlin @ Amazon

noreply@blogger.com (Mark Hodges) — Sun, 19 Dec 2010 01:38:00 +0000

Refused
The Shape Of Punk To Come
Epitaph Records
2 LP/DVD/Download Reissue

One of the greatest hardcore/punk records of all time is getting the royal treatment with a deluxe 2LP set that includes a DVD and a live album download. Refused shook the underground scene and changed everything with this 1998 release, almost single-handedly creating the screamo genre along the way (for better or for worse). Indeed, it was the shape of punk to come, and 12 years later it is still the golden standard.

While the prospect of having this album on audiophile quality vinyl is enticing enough, the real treat here is the inclusion of the 2006 DVD documentary, Refused Are F****ing Dead, which documents the breakup of the band from a fan's perspective. Also of note is the accompanying download of Live At The Umea, which shows just how explosive the band could be on stage.

MISH MASH Mandate: Rather Be Dead
Epitaph Records Website

noreply@blogger.com (Mark Hodges) — Mon, 29 Nov 2010 16:35:00 +0000

The Clash
The Clash
Drastic Plastic Records
180 Gram Vinyl LP

One of the most revered imported punk albums of all time is seeing new life more than 30 years after its initial release. The Clash's debut has been given the full audiophile treatment by Drastic Plastic and Sony, a limited edition, 180 gram vinyl LP reissue of the original British release in all its glory. Sound-wise, this release has never sounded better - even though it's a punk record that was recorded on a shoestring, the quality is much better than you might expect. My only complaint would be the lack of any extras (downloads, inserts, etc), but even then, this record is more than a fitting tribute to the groundbreaking sonic fury that is The Clash.

MISH MASH Mandate: What's My Name?
The Clash - Drastic Plastic

noreply@blogger.com (Mark Hodges) — Thu, 18 Nov 2010 19:50:00 +0000

The Dave Liebman Group
Turnaround: The Music Of Ornette Coleman
Jazzwerkstatt
10 song CD

Jazz saxophonist Dave Liebman brings a new twist to the music of Ornette Coleman with this collection of tunes culled from Coleman's early career. Liebman's contribution comes in the form of adding harmony to Coleman's melodic themes, bringing a different interpretation to the music as it was originally recorded. Another interesting aspect comes in the fact that Coleman was not an influence on Liebman's own personal style, so Liebman is able to approach the music with a freshness that may not otherwise be there if he had. Guitarist Vic Juris backs up Liebman on the album, and provides the backbone for the harmony play between the two musicians. Their teamwork is excellent and they manage to take Coleman's work to a completely new level in the process.

MISH MASH Mandate: Harmonized
Dave Liebman Turnaround on Amazon.com

noreply@blogger.com (Mark Hodges) — Thu, 18 Nov 2010 16:22:00 +0000

Chet Baker
The Sesjun Radio Shows
Out Of The Blue/T2 Entertainment
2 CD set

This 2 CD set pulls together 15 unreleased tracks from five different live performances by Chet Baker on Dutch radio between 1976 and 1985. There is a nice variety of moods presented here, thanks to the mix of musicians and instruments featured in each set. For example, the first set features trumpet and vocals by Baker, backed by flute, piano, and bass, while another set has him backed with vibraphone, bass, and drums. Central to it all is Baker, who is in top form throughout, executing his performance with his unique calm and cool, West Coast style. The sound quality is excellent, sure to please any fan of live jazz.

The disc is the first in a series of live performances on the Tros Sesjun radio program that ran from 1973 to 2004 in the Netherlands. Future releases will include Gerry Mulligan, Stan Getz, Bill Evans, Clark Terry, and others. Looking forward to hearing more!

MISH MASH Mandate: Lost And Found
Chet Baker Sesjun Radio Shows @ Amazon

noreply@blogger.com (Mark Hodges) — Tue, 28 Sep 2010 01:22:00 +0000

Vinicius Cantuária
Samba Carioca
Naive France
9 song CD

Vinicius Cantuária delves into the essence of classic bossa nova, breathing new life into the genre by reviving the creative spirits of Antonio Carlos Jobim, Joao Gilberto, and Carlos Lyra. While Cantuária revisits the Brazilian icons of the past, he does not simply rehash their work or style. He is able to find his own voice, perfectly capturing the quiet and subtle restraint of the bossa nova. Cantuária barely lifts his voice above a soft level, riding just louder than a whisper, finding that romantic sweet spot where bossa nova comes alive and reaches for the heart. At times, his vocal style reminds me of a combination of Gilberto and Lyra, showing a slight yet engaging rasp that gives his voice an honest character.

MISH MASH Mandate: Boss Of Nova
Vinicius Cantuária Website

noreply@blogger.com (Mark Hodges) — Mon, 16 Aug 2010 15:42:00 +0000

Various Artists
Des Jeunes Gens Modernes
Post Punk, Cold Wave
Et Culture Novo En France
1978-1983
Naive Records
40 song 2 CD Set

This compilation from Naive captures the French New Wave scene, during the post-punk era from 1978-83. The beauty of this collection is that it offers an exciting glimpse into a scene that US listeners are most likely not familiar with, an entire world of pop music that escaped our attention while we were thoroughly enthralled with the British Invasion side of New Wave.

The artists showcased here display a varied and eclectic mix of styles and sounds, from stilted and herky-jerky electronica, to catchy pop candy, and to disjointed punk dissonance. For example, Artefact's Sex Computer has a decidedly funk-inspired groove, while the Marquis de Sade's Cancer & Drugs is a classic, angst-ridden proto-punk track, in fact so timelessly edgy that it could have easily been released recently by the likes of Franz Ferdinand or any other number of retro-minded groups out today.

Overall, it's a fantastic compilation, providing a quick primer into the world of French New Wave, highly recommended.

MISH MASH Mandate: Vive la France!
Des Jeunes Gens Modernes page @ Naive

noreply@blogger.com (Mark Hodges) — Wed, 02 Jun 2010 18:46:00 +0000

We Have Band
WHB
Naive (France)
12 song CD

One listen to this, and it is hard to imagine that We Have Band won't be the Next Big Thing, if there is such a thing anymore. Their sound is quizzical and quirky, based in an almost retro-sounding electronica that has a certain timeless quality to it. While they owe a lot to the moves and grooves of 80s synth pop, they also have an artful edginess born out of artists like Joy Division/New Order and Talking Heads. Add to that a knack for wild and whacked out videos, and you have the perfect recipe for sparkling underground Europop that will impress even your most finicky hipster friends.

The high points of the disc come with the tracks Divisive and Oh!, where they pull out all the stops and smother the listener with catchy hooks and driving dance beats, pouring on the 80s pop stylings without apology or regret. What is most evident is that they sound like they're having a great time while they're doing it, which is downright infectious to the listener. I for one welcome this year's first guilty pleasure with open arms.

MISH MASH Mandate: We Have Guilty Pleasure
We Have Band Website

noreply@blogger.com (Mark Hodges) — Fri, 21 May 2010 20:04:00 +0000

Sun Ra
College Tour Vol. 1
The Complete Nothing Is...
ESP Disk
Double CD/Download

Recorded during a New York college tour during 1966, Sun Ra's Nothing Is was originally released on the ESP Disk label as a 39 minute album, edited down from the various live recordings at five different colleges. Now, 44 years later, with the help of Sun Ra archivist Michael D. Anderson, ESP has uncovered and released a full 70 minute set from the performance at St. Lawrence University, along with audio from a second set that same evening, all packaged on a double disc.

Sun Ra fans should be delighted in this one, as it is not a simple reissue of the original release, but an exploration into the full set that Sun Ra and his Arkestra played on this outing. Plus, the sound quality is better than expected, certainly not perfect, but not quite as spotty as some of the reissues of this material have been.

As Nothing Is is one of Sun Ra's more well-known releases, it is certainly interesting to see it in a new light, giving us a new perspective on one of jazz's most controversial figures during the height of his career. While there's not a lot of surprises here, it does give us the chance to hear the complete set as originally intended.

MISH MASH Mandate: Sunrise
Sun Ra @ ESP Disk

noreply@blogger.com (Mark Hodges) — Mon, 17 May 2010 14:57:00 +0000

Ronnie James Dio
1942-2010

Has there ever been a voice more metal than that of Ronnie James Dio? I had not thought of him in years until he passed away yesterday, and the memories of middle school metal angst came rushing back. Dio's act revolved around wizards and warlocks, demons and beasts, dungeons and dragons, living out the Middle Earth fantasies of every schoolboy with his mythical storytelling rock. On the surface, it looked evil and devilish, surely putting a scare into parents everywhere, but looking back it seems so tame and storybookish, like the tales of King Arthur and Camelot brought to life in power chords and bombastic rhythms.

Yes, it was silly and somewhat cheesy, as most 70s and 80s-era metal was, but Dio had the commanding voice to back it up. His work was always somewhat under the radar --- he never became the superstar of hair metal, mainly because he kept his sound kind of dark and he never strayed far from the mystique of myth and magic. He wasn't pretty, he didn't write radio-ready hits, and his videos tried too hard to live up to the fear factor. But, the metal-heads knew him and loved him, and embraced his gothic persona and legend. Rest in peace, Ronnie James Dio, you will be missed.

MISH MASH Mandate: End Of The Rainbow
Ronnie James Dio Website

noreply@blogger.com (Mark Hodges) — Mon, 03 May 2010 15:41:00 +0000

Sandra McCracken
In Feast Or Fallow
Mixtus Media
15 song CD

Singer/songwriter Sandra McCracken has brought together the old with the new, all with a spiritually uplifting message, in her new album In Feast Or Fallow. McCracken's mission was to combine old Christian hymns with newly written ones, in an effort to cross over the years and bring them new life. Her sound is rooted in folk rock, wrapped in a smart pop sensibility that helps the songs flow with a certain catchiness. The production is perfect --- a simple and clean sound that isn't slick, obtrusive or overbearing, allowing McCracken to let her voice carry the music.

Many modern Christian songs are pointedly designed as "choruses", with the intention of them being sung by a group of people. While some of McCracken's tunes could fall into this category, most of them have a solitary feel that turn away from this chorus-style of songwriting. The result is more personal, more introspective. These are haunting hymns that reflect the one-on-one spiritual relationship, and McCracken does a beautiful job of making them seem heartfelt and genuine.

MISH MASH Mandate: Spirit In The Sky
Sandra McCracken Website

noreply@blogger.com (Mark Hodges) — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 12:00:00 +0000

The Fall
Your Future Our Clutter
Domino USA
9 song CD/LP (w/bonus tracks)

After 28 albums over the past three decades, Mark E. Smith is as acidic and bitter as he ever has been, and he surely has not mellowed one bit. This latest installation from The Fall only shows Smith's true age in his dissolving enunciation. Whereas in the past he would accentuate each syllable with a precise stab, now he seems to mumble and murmur his way through his abstract lyrical rants. Truthfully, it does not detract from the overall tone or message, because he never really made any sense to begin with. It only makes him sound more punk, more nonconformist, more crotchety.

His backing band (or should we say his band for the moment) is tight and focused, providing a solid groove for Smith to smash his meandering prose against. And smash it he does. He sounds as much like the raving mad lunatic as he did way back when, yet he somehow makes it seem so fresh and exciting. Like most of anything done by Smith and his Fall, you can't help but love to hate it.

MISH MASH Mandate: Fallout
The Fall @ Domino USA

noreply@blogger.com (Mark Hodges) — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 19:00:00 +0000

Changing Horses
The Nashville Sessions
Mixtus Media
6 song EP

Changing Horses delivers a wallop of fantastically funky folk in a mere six songs in their debut release. This UK-based duo, made up of Richard Birtill and Francesca Cullen, has mastered the art of quirky Americana, displaying a knack for folksy acoustic pop ditties that stick in your ears like glue.

Why does it work so well for these Brits? Perhaps it's the fact that they ventured across the sea to specifically record these tunes in Nashville, who knows? Whatever the reason, it works just beautifully. Birtill's vocals are delivered in a half-yell, as if he's a manic street preacher reaching out to whoever will listen, giving the music a feeling of urgency and desperation that makes it come alive when you listen. Can I get a witness?

MISH MASH Mandate: Dynamic Duo
Changing Horses on MySpace

noreply@blogger.com (Mark Hodges) — Fri, 23 Apr 2010 17:51:00 +0000

The Chris MacAlister Band
E-mails & Killer Wails
Self-Released
11 Song Free Download

Chris MacAlister's sound is a finely blended mix of heartfelt singer-songwriter-styled music and raw power pop. It's a catchy kind of pop, but not sugary or syrupy in execution, if anything it's a little quirky. His voice is unassuming and endearingly amateurish, sort of a boy-next-door who just happens to sing while strumming his acoustic guitar. If I had to make comparisons, I'd probably go with Alex Chilton/Big Star, without the big riff guitars.

The album started out as a solo project, but a band sprung up around MacAlister and his tunes, adding a group dimension to an already awesome group of songs. And, as it is available as a free download, you absolutely can't go wrong, only right.

MISH MASH Mandate: Acoustic Power Pop
The Chris MacAlister Band Website

noreply@blogger.com (Mark Hodges) — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 02:20:00 +0000

Margaret Little
Senza Continuo
ATMA Classique
23 track CD

This is a beautiful collection of solo works for the viola da gamba (or viol), as performed by Margaret Little, in her first solo effort. In case you're not familiar with the instrument, the viola da gamba is a cousin of the lute, and comes in a variety of sizes, from treble to contrabass. It looks like a cello, but has six strings instead of four, and has a different tuning. The CD booklet covers some of the history of the instrument, along with an overview of the composers that are showcased.

The sound of the viola da gamba in Little's hands is striking. There is a depth and range that surely sets it apart from other stringed instruments, with soaring high notes and resounding bass that jumps dynamically from the speakers. Her approach has a romantic feel, and her connection with the viol shines through, rich in emotion and feeling. The sound quality here is phenomenal, and I dare say this would be an audiophile's delight when showing off an audio system.

My favorite piece on the album is Little's rendering of Tobias Hume's The First Booke Of Ayres, where the viol is not only played with a bow but is also strummed. The piece is sometimes dramatic and at times playful, with titles of movements like Tickle me quickly and Touch me lightly. It's an adventurous piece that ventures outside expectations and makes this recording a must have for lovers of solo string performances.

MISH MASH Mandate: String Theory
Margaret Little @ ATMA Classique

noreply@blogger.com (Mark Hodges) — Sat, 17 Apr 2010 12:34:00 +0000

The World According To John Coltrane
Masters Of American Music
EuroArts
DVD

If you are familiar with Coltrane, you realize there is a spiritual element to his music that reaches beyond the notes into another part of the universe. But simply listening doesn't tell the full story, as this episode from the Masters Of American Music documentary series aptly demonstrates. Seeing Coltrane play adds a new dimension to the sounds, as we watch him put his heart and soul into the music.

The documentary was produced about twenty years ago, and it has been restored and digitally remastered for release on DVD. It features interviews with a number of musicians who knew and played with Coltrane, including Rashied Ali, Tommy Flanagan, Wayne Shorter, and his wife Alice Coltrane. As they expound on the spiritual side of Coltrane and his musical history, their interviews segue into live performances of Giant Steps, So What (with Miles Davis), My Favourite Things, and Reverend King Alabama. The power and scope of his talent comes leaping off the screen --- you see the sweat, the effort, and the emotion that went into creating his sound.

My only complaint is that it's only an hour long, which is barely enough time to scratch the surface. At any rate, it is an excellent introduction to Coltrane if you are not familiar with him, and if you are already familiar with the music, this will give you more insight into the man as an artist.

MISH MASH Mandate: Standing On The Shoulders Of Giants
John Coltrane Masters Of American Music

noreply@blogger.com (Mark Hodges) — Mon, 12 Apr 2010 01:15:00 +0000

Kill Rock Stars
Best Sampler Ever
Kill Rock Stars
Free Download

Just because I love you, dear readers, I'm passing along this link to a free download from Kill Rock Stars. There's some great stuff on here from a big pile of KRS releases, including Elliott Smith, Sleater Kinney, Deerhoof, Xiu Xiu, and Bikini Kill. Sure to tick off your parents, or maybe even your kids if you're an older music hound like myself. Play it loud.

01 ELLIOTT SMITH "Angeles" from Either/Or

02 THE THERMALS "Now We Can See" from Now We Can See
03 GOSSIP "Standing In the Way of Control" from Standing In The Way of
Control
04 THAO "When We Swam" from Know Better Learn Faster
05 SLEATER KINNEY "Oh!" from One Beat
06 PANTHER "Love Is Sold" from Entropy
07 UNWOUND "Corpse Pose" from Repetition
08 THE PAPER CHASE "What Should We Do With Your Body? (The Lightning)
from Someday This Could All Be Yours (Part 1)
09 XIU XIU "Dear God, I Hate Myself" from Dear God, I Hate Myself
10 DEERHOOF "Believe E.S.P." from Friend Opportunity
11 QUASI "Repulsion" from American Gong
12 MARNIE STERN "Transformer" from This Is It...
13 STEREO TOTAL "I Love You, Ono" from My Melody
14 LILIPUT "Ain't You" from Liliput
15 BIKINI KILL "New Radio " from New Radio
16 BRATMOBILE "Die" from The Real Janelle
17 COMET GAIN "Kids In The Club" from Realistes
18 THE SHAKY HANDS "Allison and the Ancient Eyes" from Let It Die
19 THE DECEMBERISTS "16 Military Wives" from Picaresque
20 HORSE FEATHERS "Curs In The Weeds" from House With No Home
21 JEFF HANSON "Hiding Behind the Moon" from Son

MISH MASH Mandate: Killer Diller
Direct Link To Download
Sampler Page @ KRS

noreply@blogger.com (Mark Hodges) — Mon, 12 Apr 2010 00:43:00 +0000

Birthing Of Millions
Birthing Of Millions
Self-Released
5 song EP

Birthing Of Millions is a Brooklyn-based progressive rock quartet, led by guitarist/composer/music teacher Brian Naas. The tracks are all instrumental, with a focus on fairly straightforward rock. While they would fall under the term "progressive", they don't go out of the way to be weird or offbeat, as would be the modus operandi of many modern prog bands out there. Instead, they concentrate on a more thematic approach: evolving dual guitar melodies and harmonies that work in conjunction with the rhythm section. Also, you get a feeling that the guys holding back just a little --- like they could show off a little more if they wanted to, but have opted for discipline instead of pointless histrionics. On the surface, this may seem rather cold and calculated, but there is a soulfulness stirring around under there, and it shines through the intricacies as you listen to the EP in its entirety. I can only imagine that these guys really cook in a live setting where they can let loose from the restrictions of the studio.

MISH MASH Mandate: Shine On
Birthing Of Millions On MySpace

noreply@blogger.com (Mark Hodges) — Mon, 05 Apr 2010 00:37:00 +0000

Kristi Callan
with The Jigsaw Seen
Sleep
Vibro-Phonic Records
2 song iTunes download

Former Wednesday Week vocalist Kristi Callan has teamed up with our favorite modern-day psych garage band The Jigsaw Seen for a double-edged single release called Sleep. Side one (as it were) is the title track, a self-described "edgy lullaby" that has wall-of-sound guitar lines set against a string section, creating a dreamy atmosphere for Callan's soothing vocal lines. The perfect little indie rock lullaby.

And to help with waking up again, the group does a kinder, gentler version of Oasis' Morning Glory, which turns the big guitar powerhouse original into a purring kitten, complete with a hurdy gurdy droning in the background. Just in case you need a little time to wake up.

MISH MASH Mandate: Sleep Perchance To Drone
Download Sleep @ iTunes

noreply@blogger.com (Mark Hodges) — Wed, 31 Mar 2010 19:00:00 +0000

Capsize 7 - Horsefly
Blag'ard - Mach II
Pig Zen Space

This duo of releases features guitarist Joe Taylor, formerly of Capsize 7 and now with the duet Blag'ard. Capsize 7 was a Chapel Hill-based quartet in the early 90s who was briefly signed with Caroline Records. They recorded an album in 1996, Horsefly, which was never released by Caroline, and has now finally resurfaced and found new life. The group had a flirtation with indie-rock fame, sharing the stage with likes of Archers Of Loaf and Superdrag, before their disappointing drop off the radar in the mid-to-late 90s. The music here has that distinctive mid-90s indie edge, reactionary to the rise and fall of grunge rock which had been dominating the scene up until then. It's a smart sound that is wound around tight, noisy dual-guitar lines, driving beats, and unassuming vocals. Good stuff, and a shame that it had to sit idle for so long.

Fast forward to 2010 and Taylor's new group Blag'ard, where the aforementioned indie rock group sound is stripped down to the primer. It's just guitar, vocals, and drums, but don't try to make any comparisons to the likes of the White Stripes et al, because this is certainly a different ball of wax. Taylor and drummer Adam Brinson both sing, sharing the vocal load while trading off harmony lines, filling in the gaps left by a lack of bass and other instrumentation. The setup is basic and simple, but the rhythms and melody lines are progressively complex and weaving. When you add the dueling vocal patterns to the mix, the sum is much greater than the parts. There's a lot going on here, and it's hard to believe there's only two guys with two instruments making all this ruckus.

MISH MASH Mandate: Time Warp
Pig Zen Space Website