Eclectic Vibes

D Numbers - Lightparade

Boarding on instrumental jamtronica but activating just enough quirky indie rock impressions as to not be permeated with a patchouli patina. The stylistic layered approach that this Santa Fe, NM trio utilizes is a constant but the sonic outcomes create a variety of tonal conundrums.

8889 - Zoology

Singer/songwriter styled alt/indie rock from Madison. This follow-up to their MAMA winning debut album finds a well-defined, well-thought through chunk of moody alt music. For my ear candy I prefer a bit more intensity and cleverness.

Melvins - Nude With Boots

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!

Mock Orange - Captain Love

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.

Noodle Muffin - Long Live The Spin

Indie pop punk with a fired up politcal agenda. Organizers of www.operationregimechange.org, musically they utilize “spin” to their own devious ends by fractionalizing sound bytes and reorganizing them to their advantage with sarcastic and hilarious results. As great as the clips are, the music seems secondary and lags accordingly.

Televangelist And The Architect - There’s A Song In There Somewhere

Rampant with artistic flair, these slightly droll folk rockers force out a slurry of simple yet downtrodden melodies and meandering story lines for us to follow.

Various Artists - Made In Iceland

Perhaps the chill weather of January makes you think of Iceland. If so, this compilation showcases 15 rising Icelandic stars. Quirky indie overtones pervade, but a nice overview of offerings for sure.

Julie The Band - An Act Of Communication

Effervescent and artsy alt-rock that floats from the extremes of lush etheric choir vocals to abrupt post-punk skewered beats. A horn section adds depth and flavor to this eclectic mix.

Nuke The Soup - Make Waves Not War

Mellow, polished and safe adult rock with a splash of jam topped with feel good, well worn backbeats and lead by Mark Davison (Cubic Feet). Parts of this album work for me and the other half falls off somewhere into some land of energetic negligence.

Bako Dagnon - Sibida

Bako Dadnon is a renowned vocalist. Known in her native land of Mali as the premier Mande musician as well as an acclaimed female griot (traditional singer/story teller) her voice leads with a confident power denoting the story teller that she is. Regardless of the language you speak, few vocalists have the command and attention she draws. All buffeted by percussive beds of electrified native rhythms.

Strange Arrangements - Polygraph

Effortlessly stringing together progressive elements of jazz, funk, blues, reggae, and psychedellia are what this Chicago jam rock band does so well. Strong main and harmony vocals really shine as the tangy guitar work and zesty rhythms flow through song after song and have the potential to please listeners for years to come.

Beats Antique - Contraption Vol. II

I’m pretty smitten with this prolific (7 releases in 5 years!) group. Dreamy alluring Middle Eastern and Gypsy melodies are married to equally intriguing electronic infusions. Add in violin, belly dancing, live drums and special DJ Pizazz, and viola! Brilliance. 

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