NEW MUSIC REVIEWS

CD SPINS

by Staff

FRICKIN’ A

Big Egos…No Ideas

(Toucan Cove/Alert)

Looking for an enjoyable, all-around fun album, perfect for a general Sunday afternoon chill? Check out the self-dubbed “Snot Rock” of Frickin’ A.

You may have already seen them on MTV– the video for their hilarious debut single, “Trend”, hit the airwaves last summer, spiraling the band on a journey that should inevitably lead to success.

Recently, the guys released a highly commendable cover of the Rick Springfield hit, “Jessie’s Girl” which spent three weeks at #2 on the Billboard Single Sales Chart this past December.

If you’re wondering what “Snot Rock” is, it can only be described as witty lyrics combined with fun, teasing melodies influenced by and poking fun at artists of the ‘80’s. The sound is pretty much lighthearted power-pop with a slight punk rock edge.

The band’s personal bio on myspace.com accurately describes them as – “A rock band that’s not afraid to show their pop side. And a pop band that’s not afraid to rock”.

The music itself is great, but the song lyrics are what will really make or break this band.

The best song on the disc is undeniably “Trend”, which taunts fads and those who try too hard to fit in with certain crowds. The hilarity of the first chorus keeps the listener tuned in to the rest of the album to hear just what these guys are going to blurt out next: “I should paint myself green/ Walk around in a red g-string/ Cuz I just don’t fit in/ Turn my hat sideways/ Put a band aid on my face/ You know that I…/ Wish I could start a trend.”

“Party Like a Rock Star” is a typical pop/rock tune that is a suitable anthem for any woman who likes to kick back and have a little fun: “There she goes again/ Goin’ out with her best friend/ Getting up on stage to play a little air guitar/ And under that strawberry skin/ She don’t need a boyfriend/ She’s gonna have her fun/And never let it go too far/ But she’ll party hard/Party like a rock star.”

“Dump Me” tells a woeful tale of a guy who knows he’s about to be dumped: “I came home from picking up roses/ I wanna make it all okay/ She left a message for me/ And when I pushed play:/ I’m busy this weekend/ And I’m sleeping with your best friend/ Sorry this end… I think she just dumped me.”

The majority of the other songs on the album are just as good as those mentioned – this is a well-rounded disc that gets better with every play. I love the fact that the songs are chock-full of sarcastic lyrics hidden behind radio-friendly melodies.

Once this band catches on, I’m betting they’ll snowball quickly. Check them out now while they’re still fresh at www.frickina.com.

– Corine Jurgerson

CORNBUGS

Donkey Town

(Rack-O Records)

Cornbugs are perhaps the most imaginative and energetic musical combination in the modern underground.

The band is comprised of guitar extraordinaire Buckethead (Praxis, Guns N Roses), and actor Bill Moseley (Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2 and House of 1000 Corpses), along with Deli Creeps’ drummer, Pinchface, the Cornbugs take their listeners to unheard realms.

The band is a manifestation of horror film sensibilities and spastic melodies and leaves a trail of interesting concepts and creative songs.

Bill Moseley masterfully reprises his role as the steel plated madman, Choptop, from Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2, and commands a presence unlike anything heard in rock music of the present or past. Together with Buckethead’s cosmic guitar noodling and the backing drums, Donkey Town, the Cornbugs' fifth album is a barrel of fun.

Donkey Town is unlike the Cornbugs’ previous, perhaps rawer albums, Spot the Psycho, Cemetery Pinch, and How Now Brown Cow, but is similar in sound and production to 2003's Brain Circus.

It’s hard to generalize the band’s specific sound, as it ranges from riff heavy electric and acoustic guitars and each song’s guitar is either played as a lead or played on a bass.

Donkey Town breaks new ground with incorporating an organ into their sounds, played by Travis Dickerson. The mood range is eclectic and the tone ranges from bluesy to having elements of funk.

The album opens with the track, “Daddy-O”, which sets the rambunctious pacing of what is yet to come. The songs take the listener on a journey to places like Chicken Farm and Pricker Hill and speak of surreal subjects like Lawn Puppet, the acoustic powerhouse Billy Shakes, and Druid Holiday.

My favorite track on the album has to be “Bear”, which is probably the tightest the Cornbugs have ever been musically, as well as the most fun.

Donkey Town showcases some of the best of Moseley’s lunacy-laced rambling prose. The rhyme structure is unbelievably clever and is definitely a lot more intelligent than most of the raps thrown out by rappers.

As always, there is a lot of humor scattered throughout the songs, but the important thing is that the comedy aspect does not take away from the music.

Those already familiar with Buckethead’s trademark guitar wailing should be open to the grooves provided on Donkey Town.

With the big battle between the Internet and record companies, you won’t find Donkey Town or Brain Circus in stores (the band’s previous albums are currently out of print), but they can be purchased through the web at: www.cornbugs.com or www.tdrsmusic.com

Check them out!

– Rod Eckrich

GWAR

War Party

(DRT Entertainment)

Almost 20 years have passed since Gwar has gleefully corrupted the metal masses. Their ninth album, War Party, is a step above your typical metal offering. The silliness has taken a back seat to the seriousness of getting back to their roots and focusing on old school metal.

With a few line-up changes and a new label, Gwar is as solid as ever. This CD is so good, it stands alone; you need not view their show, to get them under your skin. But of course you’d be missing out on the sic and morbid fun factor.

The CD is in your face from the start with the first cut, “Bring Back the Bomb” and the civil defense siren sets the tone, for the other 10 songs, on the disc.

“Krosstika” has some interesting and very enjoyable guitar work along with some killer drumming, (the best kind, that reverberates in your chest, as do all the songs on War Party).

“The Reaganator” puts a ghastly spin on our past president. It’s sure to offend but that’s what Gwar does best.

I was fooled into thinking a ballad had tainted the opulence, after hearing the intro to “Bonesnapper (The Faces of the Slain)” but it was a false alarm as the song progressed to be as hard hitting as the rest of the cuts.

Without the music, which is as strong and clever as ever, the whole Gwar concept would fall apart. Let the music that suck you in!

– Diane Demeter

LETTER KILS

The Bridge

(Island Records)

From the opening track, “Lights Out”, Letter Kills proves that they are a hard hitting, progressive pop/punk band that has the talent to have a lasting career in the music industry.

The Bridge is their latest release and it is filled with well written and tightly performed songs.

With crisp up front vocals that overflow with emotion, Matthew James Shelton gives each track on this CD life. Since Matthew brings these tracks to life, the four guys behind him, Dustin, Kyle, Timothy and Paul, keep the blood pumping and the heart beating with some aggressive and masterful playing.

Great riffs, harmonies and perfectly placed melodic changes and vocal ad-libs make this disc shine. “Carry You”, “Hold My Heart (Part 2)” and “Shot to the Chest” are great examples of the band’s versatility.

The breakout hit on the disc, “Don’t Believe” shows their aggressive side that has made them new generation legends on the Warped Tour. This song, along with “Radio Up” has great hooks, and a sing-along quality that makes both tunes very radio friendly.

The dozen tracks on this disc show Letter Kills’ ability to use layers, hooks, powerful riffs along with melody, to build a really good song. But remember no song is ever complete without a bridge and the guys have demonstrated that they know how to construct one with The Bridge.

More info on the band online at: www.letterkills.com

– Mr. Sid

SIMPLE PLAN

Still Not Getting Any

(Lava Records)

In the alterna-punk world, Canada’s Simple Plan returns with their sophomore release, Still Not Getting Any.

With the success of their first album, No Pads, No Helmets… Just Balls, high expectations surrounded the band’s second endeavor.

Fans of that first disc, will love Still Not Getting Any because it provides the same guilty pleasure.

True to their genre, the band doesn’t stray from the trademark sound that nestled their niche in the pop-punk world. “Welcome To My Life” is an upbeat, radio-friendly tune with strong hooks, similar to the hit, “Addicted”. Its no wonder this song has been receiving a great deal of airplay; the guitar-driven anthem’s melodies are certain to stick in your head.

“Crazy” slows the album down a bit, with a softer, slower tempo combined with thought-provoking lyrics written about the turmoil and insanity of the world today. “Jump” is probably the heaviest song musically on the album, powered by ripping guitar riffs and danceable drumbeats. It’s also the most lighthearted. Listen closely and you may hear what sounds to be a bit of inspiration from bands Blink 182 and Lit.

The only downside of the album is that it is almost too similar to its predecessor. That isn’t necessarily a bad thing; if the formula works well, don’t change it (Just ask Coca-Cola!). However, I was hoping for a bit more.

The album could essentially be No Pads, No Helmets…Just Balls – Part II. One would think that the band would have grown musically and experimented with new concepts, but that just isn’t the case. The album lacks a little bit of heart- it almost seems as if the guys were in a rush to push this one into stores.

Although I liked the majority of the songs on the disc, I didn’t find myself able to listen to it straight through, nor did I find myself getting the type of thrill I got when I first heard their prior hits, “Perfect” and “I’d Do Anything”.

Hopefully with their next album, the guys will branch out a bit and explore beyond the confines of radio-friendly; it would be a shame to see them fade away.

– Corine Jurgerson

VARIOUS ARTISTS

Core ‘Til Death III

(Heavycore Records)

Another beautifully brutal buffet of metal, being served up via the “underground”, compliments of Heavycore. The only metal not displayed is rap core, nu metal and the forever horrid, Top 40 crap.

It’s time to take it “down” a few notches and enjoy the splendor of originality. As usual, it’s full speed ahead for any project Heavycore comes up with, all in the name of brother helping brother, in support of getting the underground heard by the masses.

The third CD compilation is just as heavy as the first two comps, if not better. There are some great bands, us metal freaks, should be ‘banging to and this is a good way to explore and save time and money.

Core Til Death III contains 20 cuts of skull crushing blissfulness that will send posers into the arms of Grandma. If you like your music watered down and trendy, don’t bother.

Osmium starts things off bloody enough with “ Massacre” and you have to love the catchy Skitzo’s “667 (Neighbor of the Beast)” or the great bar anthem by the Beverly Beer Bellys, “Drink, Fight & Fck”.*

Malevolent Creation offers a live version of “Kill Zone” and Low Twelve introduces some new material, “Kill Everything” featuring additional vocals by Gary Meskil of Pro-Pain and is appropriately placed in the 12th slot on the CD.

Several bands hail from Illinois, which is a good thing because there’s a lot of talent in the Midwest and not being on the east or west coast, sometimes puts them at a disadvantage.

Heavycore projects are now distributed nationwide through Arctic Music Group and Caroline Distribution, which makes it easier than ever, to be all yours.

– Diane Demeter

THE HENTCHMEN

Form Follows Function

(Time Beach Records)

Detroit music is on the map again, this time The Hentchmen are the ones creating a buzz around the Motor City and beyond. This trio takes a very simplistic approach to rock ‘n’ roll, and yet by doing so have molded together some very technical and elaborate compositions.

Their new release, Form Follows Function, is a wonderful collection of old-fashion garage rock with an intelligent edge that makes you think that these three guys may have worn pocket protectors while in school.

No matter what; the time that this band spent in the lab has paid off well. With a minimalist approach of just guitar, stripped down drum kit and a simple organ, the henchmen have put together a kind of retro-British garage rock sound reminiscent of The Kingsmen.

Their lyrics show true wit and cleverness and are fun songs sure to get any crowd moving. Nothing to serious, nothing depressing, just clever little ditties that make ya wanna dance, drink and have a good time.

Evidence of this can be found in the opening track, “Perpetuate the Continuance”, as well as tunes like “Love and Bewfre the Dog”, which has a guitar riff straight from Cheap Trick’s “She’s Tight”.

The Hentchmen also borrow a little Bill Haley sample as well; a little “Rock Around The Clock” on “Virginia Dare”.

Pick up this CD and discover what the buzz is all about. The Hentchmen have remembered that rock ‘n’ roll is supposed to be “fun!”

More info at: www.hentchmen.com

– Mr. Sid

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CD SPINS

Looking for an enjoyable, all-around fun album, perfect for a general Sunday afternoon chill? Check out the self-dubbed “Snot Rock” of Frickin’ A.

You may have already seen them on MTV– the video for their hilarious debut single, “Trend”, hit the airwaves last summer, spiraling the band on a journey that should inevitably lead to success.

Recently, the guys released a highly commendable cover of the Rick Springfield hit, “Jessie’s Girl” which spent three weeks at #2 on the Billboard Single Sales Chart this past December.

If you’re wondering what “Snot Rock” is, it can only be described as witty lyrics combined with fun, teasing melodies influenced by and poking fun at artists of the ‘80’s. The sound is pretty much lighthearted power-pop with a slight punk rock edge.

The band’s personal bio on myspace.com accurately describes them as – “A rock band that’s not afraid to show their pop side. And a pop band that’s not afraid to rock”.

The music itself is great, but the song lyrics are what will really make or break this band.

The majority of the other songs on the album are just as good as those mentioned – this is a well-rounded disc that gets better with every play. I love the fact that the songs are chock-full of sarcastic lyrics hidden behind radio-friendly melodies.

Once this band catches on, I’m betting they’ll snowball quickly. Check them out now while they’re still fresh at www.frickina.com.

– Corine Jurgerson

CORNBUGS

Donkey Town

(Rack-O Records)

Cornbugs are perhaps the most imaginative and energetic musical combination in the modern underground.

The band is comprised of guitar extraordinaire Buckethead (Praxis, Guns N Roses), and actor Bill Moseley (Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2 and House of 1000 Corpses), along with Deli Creeps’ drummer, Pinchface, the Cornbugs take their listeners to unheard realms.

The band is a manifestation of horror film sensibilities and spastic melodies and leaves a trail of interesting concepts and creative songs.

Donkey Town is unlike the Cornbugs’ previous, perhaps rawer albums, Spot the Psycho, Cemetery Pinch, and How Now Brown Cow, but is similar in sound and production to 2003's Brain Circus.

It’s hard to generalize the band’s specific sound, as it ranges from riff heavy electric and acoustic guitars and each song’s guitar is either played as a lead or played on a bass.

Donkey Town breaks new ground with incorporating an organ into their sounds, played by Travis Dickerson. The mood range is eclectic and the tone ranges from bluesy to having elements of funk.

The album opens with the track, “Daddy-O”, which sets the rambunctious pacing of what is yet to come. The songs take the listener on a journey to places like Chicken Farm and Pricker Hill and speak of surreal subjects like Lawn Puppet, the acoustic powerhouse Billy Shakes, and Druid Holiday.

My favorite track on the album has to be “Bear”, which is probably the tightest the Cornbugs have ever been musically, as well as the most fun.

Donkey Town showcases some of the best of Moseley’s lunacy-laced rambling prose. The rhyme structure is unbelievably clever and is definitely a lot more intelligent than most of the raps thrown out by rappers.

As always, there is a lot of humor scattered throughout the songs, but the important thing is that the comedy aspect does not take away from the music.

Those already familiar with Buckethead’s trademark guitar wailing should be open to the grooves provided on Donkey Town.

With the big battle between the Internet and record companies, you won’t find Donkey Town or Brain Circus in stores (the band’s previous albums are currently out of print), but they can be purchased through the web at: www.cornbugs.com or www.tdrsmusic.com

Check them out!

– Rod Eckrich

GWAR

War Party

(DRT Entertainment)

Almost 20 years have passed since Gwar has gleefully corrupted the metal masses. Their ninth album, War Party, is a step above your typical metal offering. The silliness has taken a back seat to the seriousness of getting back to their roots and focusing on old school metal.

With a few line-up changes and a new label, Gwar is as solid as ever. This CD is so good, it stands alone; you need not view their show, to get them under your skin. But of course you’d be missing out on the sic and morbid fun factor.

The CD is in your face from the start with the first cut, “Bring Back the Bomb” and the civil defense siren sets the tone, for the other 10 songs, on the disc.

“Krosstika” has some interesting and very enjoyable guitar work along with some killer drumming, (the best kind, that reverberates in your chest, as do all the songs on War Party).

“The Reaganator” puts a ghastly spin on our past president. It’s sure to offend but that’s what Gwar does best.

I was fooled into thinking a ballad had tainted the opulence, after hearing the intro to “Bonesnapper (The Faces of the Slain)” but it was a false alarm as the song progressed to be as hard hitting as the rest of the cuts.

Without the music, which is as strong and clever as ever, the whole Gwar concept would fall apart. Let the music that suck you in!

– Diane Demeter

LETTER KILS

The Bridge

(Island Records)

From the opening track, “Lights Out”, Letter Kills proves that they are a hard hitting, progressive pop/punk band that has the talent to have a lasting career in the music industry.

The Bridge is their latest release and it is filled with well written and tightly performed songs.

Great riffs, harmonies and perfectly placed melodic changes and vocal ad-libs make this disc shine. “Carry You”, “Hold My Heart (Part 2)” and “Shot to the Chest” are great examples of the band’s versatility.

The breakout hit on the disc, “Don’t Believe” shows their aggressive side that has made them new generation legends on the Warped Tour. This song, along with “Radio Up” has great hooks, and a sing-along quality that makes both tunes very radio friendly.

The dozen tracks on this disc show Letter Kills’ ability to use layers, hooks, powerful riffs along with melody, to build a really good song. But remember no song is ever complete without a bridge and the guys have demonstrated that they know how to construct one with The Bridge.

More info on the band online at: www.letterkills.com

– Mr. Sid

SIMPLE PLAN

Still Not Getting Any

(Lava Records)

In the alterna-punk world, Canada’s Simple Plan returns with their sophomore release, Still Not Getting Any.

With the success of their first album, No Pads, No Helmets… Just Balls, high expectations surrounded the band’s second endeavor.

Fans of that first disc, will love Still Not Getting Any because it provides the same guilty pleasure.

The only downside of the album is that it is almost too similar to its predecessor. That isn’t necessarily a bad thing; if the formula works well, don’t change it (Just ask Coca-Cola!). However, I was hoping for a bit more.

Although I liked the majority of the songs on the disc, I didn’t find myself able to listen to it straight through, nor did I find myself getting the type of thrill I got when I first heard their prior hits, “Perfect” and “I’d Do Anything”.

Hopefully with their next album, the guys will branch out a bit and explore beyond the confines of radio-friendly; it would be a shame to see them fade away.

– Corine Jurgerson

VARIOUS ARTISTS

Core ‘Til Death III

(Heavycore Records)

Another beautifully brutal buffet of metal, being served up via the “underground”, compliments of Heavycore. The only metal not displayed is rap core, nu metal and the forever horrid, Top 40 crap.

It’s time to take it “down” a few notches and enjoy the splendor of originality. As usual, it’s full speed ahead for any project Heavycore comes up with, all in the name of brother helping brother, in support of getting the underground heard by the masses.

The third CD compilation is just as heavy as the first two comps, if not better. There are some great bands, us metal freaks, should be ‘banging to and this is a good way to explore and save time and money.

Core Til Death III contains 20 cuts of skull crushing blissfulness that will send posers into the arms of Grandma. If you like your music watered down and trendy, don’t bother.

Osmium starts things off bloody enough with “ Massacre” and you have to love the catchy Skitzo’s “667 (Neighbor of the Beast)” or the great bar anthem by the Beverly Beer Bellys, “Drink, Fight & F*ck”.

Osmium starts things off bloody enough with “ Massacre” and you have to love the catchy Skitzo’s “667 (Neighbor of the Beast)” or the great bar anthem by the Beverly Beer Bellys, “Drink, Fight & Fck”.*