Pinnacles of Right-on-ness

Wow. So many good things to say, and nary a space to fit it in. Well, I suppose I do have a fair amount of space at my disposal, so I'll see if I can use it in a way befitting this groovy groovy CD I scrounged up in the library.
Before I even get to the great music, let me fill you in on the message inside the CD jacket cover.
We hope you enjoy this music. Freely copy and share it. If you would like to support the effort, a $1-$5 donation would be greatly appreciated.  http://pinnacles-of-right-on-ness.com/music.cfm
How cool is that? It's definitely worth it. This disc is a soulful, funk filled, groovy delight..

This music is put together through a collaborative effort of some musicians in the northeast. In some aspects, it reminds me of The Bad Plus, but with a bit more coherence and direction.

Overall, many of their tracks are self discribed as "psychedelic and groove" tracks. I don't know how high it pegs the psychodelic meter, but there is a lot of funk and groove in here. Personally, when I think of psychedelic, I have to go back more than a few decades for a good reference.

For a cool and groovy instrumental disc, I'd say that right now, this can't be beat. Even the vocal track peppered in fits somehow. As a folk track, the sound is completely different, but it works. For that, I'm thankful.

If you are still reading, and have not paused to check out the website, please do so. Give it a listen, and give them a few bucks so they'll know we want more more more! I do, and I think after hearing them, you will too!

4.5 out of 5 funky rainbow stars

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.

Bubba Beyond - Land of a Thousand Doses

Ahh... This is more like it. THIS is why I went back to reviewing music for good old FHB. I like all kinds of music, and over the last few months, have been a fan of some world music, particularly gypsy music. This is easily the best rock/funk album I've heard in a while. I'm only halfway through, and I'm already in love with the solid grooves this thing has. I'm reasonably sure they have a free download somewhere, too.

They do! Just click on the link to go to their facebook page.

Bubba Beyond has easily mastered funk, hands down. Fortunately for them, even when they gently venture into non-funky realms, they still do a great job. While this disc starts off with some great funk on What You Growin'? and Don't Make Me Get Funky On Ya, it hits a nice stride later on, starting with a solid instrumental, All About More. Then it kind of gets into some good solid mellow rock towards the end. To be honest, I'm not surprised when I see one name in the lineup. T-Bone Pickett!

Groovin' towards the end of the disc, there's a wonderful treat in store, Land of 1000 Dance. It's a pretty solid remake of an old classic. I like, I like!

Finally, we groove out to the synth and guitar of Elf Portrait. Of all the tracks, it's actually rather underwhelming by comparison, but maybe BB felt like after all the shakin and groovin, it was time to just mellow out and slide away...

All in all, this is a very solid disc, and is good for almost whatever mood you're in. Drop in those funky beats during the day, and slow it down at night, when you're primping and trying on your best "ladies man" outfits. No Brut.

Not much else to say about Land of a Thousand Doses. Then again, with those samples they offer, I don't really have to! I gotta give it a good 5 out of 7 tokes.

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.

The Stranglers- Suite XVI

Have you ever liked something and had no idea why you like it? That's sort of how I feel about The Stranglers new release, Suite XVI. From beginning to end it's got a nice sound to it. Every track is solid, has a good beat, and some rich hearty vocals. I think part of what got my attention is how Summat Outanowt just jumped out at me after the first 3 tracks had passed by. As nicely as the whole disc moves along, Bless You (Save you, Spare you, Damn you) was very cool in that it was a journey unto itself.
Particularly refreshing are how groups still manage to put together a cohesive disc in this itunes age. As singles detach and meander all over the web, some discs do a good job at just being themselves. There's a lot to be said for that.
I also got a kick out of I Hate You. A song that lives up to its title in every way. No beating around the bush here.
As a group, The Stranglers have done a wonderful job adapting. Their sound has evolved ever so gently and gradually, so as not to cause your shorts to ride up when listening to a new disc for the first time. Yea verily, in fact, has their disc been transported to earth, whereupon it was deemed good, and all listened and absorbed.
From the book of Adam, psalms 3, 8, and 69. So it was written, so it shall be.

An A- is in order this day. For this is a fine band making fine music. Go listen.

Sandi Thom-- Smile... it confuses people

This will officially be my first unrated disc. Not because it's dirty or nasty or anything like that, and it's completely hoo hah free!

The fact of the matter is that it's just not my type of music.. BUT.. I think there is a very good sound here. It is refreshing in being vocal driven, with the music being used more for background effect. Sandi has a wonderful voice and can really move a song. She picks some up nicely, but usually just has a cool calm groove about her.

Consider this a motion to dismiss, in so many words. If you like vocalists, you might like her.

Ima Robot -- Monument to the Masses

Hmm..

I'm on the fence. I'm undecided. I am without a clue.

I am currently on track 7, Happy Annie on the new release by Ima Robot. In previewing the tracks, I detected something that stirred deep within my lonely, lonely brain. In listening to it now, I'm firmly in the middle in my opinion. Is this a great disc? Is it a whole load of hoo hah?

I'm happy to say that it's not a whole load of hoo hah. It's also not the musical equivalent of viagra, but there is something captivating aobut this disc. I'll just be damned if I can put my finger on it. The style is definitely influenced by 80's alt/punk. Of that there is no doubt. It's not TOO high energy, and the music definitely does not lay back. It is hitting this nearly perfect middle ground. It keeps your attention, yet can also just accompany you without ramming itself into your brain with excessive.... well... hoo hah. I want to say Oingo Boingo is a group that comes to mind, but not quite. These guys just sound like they belong in that era. I would certainly be interested in finding out who their influences were. In the meantime I'll be content to stick with a review that says almost nothing about the CD it is about.
I can safely say that if you dig or dug the 80's light punk scene, you'd probably really like this disc. It carries a nice beat throughout, and has the riffs and vocal stylings you'll swear you've heard before, even if you haven't.

Hmm.. B-? C+? I may have to come up with some new rating in between those two. I'm feeling generous tonight. We'll go with a B. I don't know that it will find much airplay at the station, but it certainly deserves some.