Brew City Sludge - November 2008

Klozier here.

Way back when clubs were clubs and rock bands played through pa systems that actually had a little punch, Milwaukee’s Steve Grimm fronted the infamous Bad Boy. It’s been a lot of years and Bad Boy is still on the scene, but Grimm has evolved into the consummate musician. His solo projects include such acts such as Pretty Grimm and his style, while still rock, has become a trademark that embraces all that is catchy. His latest release Keep Your Dreams Alive is a culmination of years spent honing the craft of superior song writing. Track after track, Grimm displays non stop pop/rock sensibility. Tracks such as When You Want Me are reminiscent of the Bad Boy days with a heavy groove and punchy guitar work. Songs like Significant Other and That Girl show a funky side with stellar vocal tracks that ooze with a just post Motown feel. The acoustic intro to Solider segues into a delicious pop anthem that runs the gambit of dynamics. The stand out track is probably Rooftop of Love with a thick wall of unprocessed guitar and a chorus that sticks hard. All in all, the record is an aptly named testament to a career that has produced dozens of songs that do what mainstream rock is supposed to…get those hips shakin’. Check out Steve Grimm’s latest at myspace.com/mrstevegrimm.

Milwaukee’s Certain Stars has a penchant for songs that keep running through your brain for days after even a first listen. With an alternative edge, the band puts out a pop feel that is infectious. Their material is of the sort that while slightly polished on record, takes on a punchy raw feel in a live setting. In the vein of bands like The Replacements, CS shows an ability to draw a diverse audience by tapping into the basics while maintaining enough integrity to appease those looking for something just off the radar of mainstream radio.

Well over twenty years ago, Milwaukee’s Speed Freaks hit the underground punk scene like a hammer. They remained an active band for about five years gracing the stages of clubs and basements that were dedicated to the smell of fresh sweat exuding from young punks who wanted nothing more that to slam into whoever was next to them. After a long hiatus, the band reunited last year and has been playing shows around town thrilling old fans and bringing new ones into the fold. If loud, raw and unconforming is a part of your personal credo, check out Speed Freaks with El Gordo at Café Lulu Nov 26.
That’s all for now my darlings.

Remember: Thanksgiving is almost here…turkeys are so stupid that we are doing them a favor by eating them.