Eva & The Heartmaker - Let's Keep This Up Forever

Ah! Norwegian rock! Wait. Pop! How about pop rock? Pop rocks? Mm! If Eva and The Heartmaker are as good as pop rocks, then you can expect good things from them! I'm going to go so far as to say they are! This Norwegian Duo's new release has spread globally thanks to the hit single Superhero, which is a peppy and catchy tune. Most of the songs on this disc are, as a matter of fact.
This shows that E & the H follow a philosophy I like. Do something, and do it well. They are not making groundbreaking music, nor are they pushing the envelope in any way. Instead, they are taking Eva's great voice, and adding it to some strong guitar and drums (what did you expect, a zither?) to make some to tapping music.
This is one of those discs that you won't even realize you have listened to once it's over. The music sort of glides through you, without imposing. It doesn't demand to be noticed, it merely makes itself comfortable and works its way around you. It's like walking outside on a sunny day. The sun feels good, but you don't always pay attention to it. For a moment, you bask in it, and then you go about your business. This disc is much the same way. It grabs your attention, and then it does its thing while you do yours.
All in all, I'd say this would be a solid addition, with my favorite tracks being Superhero, Please!, Mississippi, and Life Still Goes On.

Give it a listen! I'm going to listen to it again, while giving a rating of 5 out of 7 partially licked pop rocks.

Brave Combo- The Exotic Rocking Life

It was years ago that I first heard the name "Brave Combo". I have no idea what song I played, but it was at WFHB in the middle of the night. Someone called me up and suggested them. I bought a disc or two, and thought they had an interesting sound. I don't know why hearing anglo english speaking guys playing spanish music is interesting, but it is. One listening turned me on to their unique sound. Tracking down a second disc was also entertaining, but a bit disappointing in that I heard the same basic sound that I had before. I must confess, if I were to profess (or confess!) a nit , it's repetition. I abhor it.
I enjoy many bands for different reasons. What I find I enjoy most is a band that can really mix it up. I wish I could be more specific. Maybe later. For now, I need to move on to the matter at hand!

The Exotic Rocking life is the bands 28th release. 28! That's staggering if you think about it. My personal collection consists of Polkatharsis on vinyl, and Box of Ghosts on CD. I highly recommend Box of Ghosts. To that end, I think I have to recommend The Exotic Rocking Life, too.  Listening to the first 3 tracks, I felt like I was once again listening to everything Brave Combo had ever done. I wasn't terribly excited about that. Even though I got a kick out of their Louie Louie cover, things just sounded terribly familiar.

What perked up my tired ears was The Tsamikos, which is a Greek war dance. If I'm not mistaken, this was also sung in Greek. Brave Combo, you have my attention!

From there on out, the disc pretty much had my full attention. They covered more than a few songs on here, but they did such a great job, I'm OK with that. The Undercover Medley was particularly fun for me.

All in all, once they got their groove on, Brave Combo showed they still have more than a few tricks up their sleeve. The guitars still rock, the horns still groove, and the voices are still silky smooth. I don't know how they've done it, but they have.  This disc is definitely worth a listen. Had I not had so much narrative to begin this post, I'd go on, but I need to write up my station review while the music is still bouncing around in my head. I have to give them their just dues!

My rating -- 11 out of 15 chili con carnes.

Fitten Trim- I started reviewing again for THIS!?

He's back! The kid is back after an incredible hiatus. It's been almost 3 years since my last review. I've had a chance to hear some AWESOME stuff over the last few years. I've been turned on to The White Stripes. Lily Allen, and The Real Tuesday Weld, just to name a few. In a fit of ....er... something or other, I decided to start reviewing discs for WFHB again. Me being me, I'm often attracted to covers or names that seem different or peculiar. It's no surprise, then, that Fitten Trim - Geek Rock: for geeks who like rock caught my eye. This provided several important lessons, and a reminder that what is done cannot be undone.

This disc was literally "recorded in my bedroom". Do I really need to go any further? I do? Fine. I suppose I can throw a few more thoughts in.

Let me start on a bright note. The lyrics, at times, are rather entertaining. I want to quote from the lyrics printed on the jacket, but quite frankly, reading tiny text/in line after line of tiny type/really gets old very quickly.

I hear guitar. I hear drums. Garage band? Real instruments? Who knows. Technically, they exist in the world that is this CD. In talented and capable hands, they may have produced some cool riffs and memorable hooks. In this case, they're just sort of there. I suppose it's because without the music, it just turns into offbeat poetry.

At times, like during Shake Yo Ass, they make me think with a little work, they could produce a sound similar to The Dead Milkmen.

All in all, this one can be given a huge pass. I'm still marveling at the fact that they were signed to a label. Maybe they've got a huge myspace following. It's the only explanation I can think of!

In honor of the Dead Milkmen, I give this 1 cow out of 5. Moo, man. Moo.