Eclectic Vibes
by Andrew Frey
Melvins - Nude With Boots
MelvinsNude With Boots
Label: Ipecac Recordings
Repeating the lineup of their prior release, King Buzzo and crew blast through a perky platter of lowbrow musical adjectives and adverbs to arise victorious and refreshed after the 872nd year of the band’s existence. Viva La Melvins!
• The Melvins Website • The Melvins WikiMock Orange - Captain Love
Mock OrangeCaptain Love
Label: Wednesday Records
Casting an indie rock aura for meters in all directions, this tried and true band has weathered thru a lawsuit from George Lucas (for their Dead Droid Record Label) and come out crafty, quirky and generally plucky.
• Mock Orange Website • Mock Orange WikiWillem Maker - Stars Fell On
Willem MakerStars Fell On
Label: Fat Possum Records
Bluesy rock torn from Turkey Heaven Mountain. Written, recorded and mixed entirely by the artist, this balls-out musical journey refuses to be neat and tidy, but shows off powerful reflexive expanses with the structure available.
• Willem Maker WebsiteMetallica - Death Magnetic
MetallicaDeath Magnetic
Label: Warner Bros
I never thought I would actually LIKE Metallica again, but after ousting lamo producer Bob Rock and replacing him with the legendary Rick Ruben, plus returning to their original logo and MUSICAL ATTITUDE, I am reconverted. This is the album that COULD have come after “…And Justice For All.” That’s what it sounds like and by doing so would have prevented the LOADS of inferiority in the middle. The neck wreckers are back!
• Metallica Website • Metallica WikiMerlot - Insipid Emaciation
MerlotInsipid Emaciation
Label: Barbarian Records
With drum beats so fast I had to laugh, this bleak black metal vision, spewn from some undisclosed Illinois location, buzzes and hums with discordant maneuvers of rhythm, tension and noise. The vocals are choked, scraped and scourged against the manic noise-scape tundra and left to fend for themselves. Wow.
Matthew Montfort - Seven Serenades for Scalloped Fretboard Guitar
Matthew MontfortSeven Serenades for Scalloped Fretboard Guitar
Label: Ancient Future Music
Being aptly titled to describe the non vocal guitar wizardry on this debut release from award winning Ancient Future band leader manages to expose his proficiencies and improvisational skills. Although well executed and technically proficient, the serenades are a tad on the dry side overall
• Matthew Montfort Website • Matthew Montfort WikiMastodon - Crack The Skye
MastodonCrack The Skye
Label: Reprise Records
Storming the progressive rock and metal scene with a fervor, diversity and originality heralded by few others. Their groundbreaking musical vision continues here by adapting a slight whirling psychedelic tinge to their entrancing metal megalith.
• Mastodon Website • Mastodon WikiVinnie Moore - To The Core
Vinnie MooreTo The Core
Label: RED Distribution
Well versed and well seasoned instrumental guitar rock from a musical virtuoso who has been ‘moonlighting’ as guitarist for the legendary band UFO since 2003! While this album may not shred as metal as his 1986 release, it banters a grace and maturity with the technicality and structure that exemplify him as a leader in this field.
• Vinnie Moore Website • Vinnie Moore WikiMile Marker Zero - Mile Marker Zero
Mile Marker ZeroMile Marker Zero
Label: Self Released
Spinning impressive progressive rock adventures is undeniably the calling for this Connecticut quintet. An eclectic epic soundstream is forged around the lyrics that enjoy the dichotomy of life’s many lessons while thriving on the energy of the experience.
• Mile Marker Zero WebsiteMadLove - White With Foam
MadLoveWhite With Foam
Label: Ipecac Recordings
Dwelling in the dreaminess of a sardonic state induced by the oft melancholy female fronted lyrics, this Trevor Dunn (Mr. Bungle, Secret Chiefs 3, Fantomas) project executes resolutely refined rock band outcroppings via a quirky collection of music aficionados. While potentially falling off as initially flaccid, repeated listens evokes a more memorable and shapely timbre.
• MadLove WebsiteCathy-Anne McClintock - Cathy-Anne McClintock
Cathy-Anne McClintockCathy-Anne McClintock
Label: 37 Records
Tumbling past her tenure in country band Tumbleweed, this singer songwriter enlists Tim O’Brien to enrapture a more folksy element of the modern country spectrum with her charm. Not my usual territory, but something caught my eye.
• Cathy-Anne McClintock WebsiteZiggy Marley - Family Time
Ziggy MarleyFamily Time
Label: Tuff Gong Worldwide
Bob’s eldest son switches gears and focuses his good grooving reggae melodies towards the youngsters. Friend and family guests here include Rita Marley, Paul Simon, Willy Nelson, Jack Johnson and more! Did you see him singing in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade?
• Ziggy Marley Website • Ziggy Marley WikiView More
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