Eclectic Vibes - December 2008
CD/DVD Micro Reviews by Andrew Frey
FRANTIC AT FRANTI
Michael Franti and Spearhead appeared at the Barrymore Theatre on Nov 9 in support of their Billboard charting new release, “Rebel Radio” (Anti Records). The show was a sellout, which is great for the artist, but annoying for those attending when they are constantly met with aisle bouncers demanding that people move into some nonexistent space outside of the aisles, so the aisles can remain clear. As important as this is for safety codes, it can really detract from the show at hand.
Their set was a fairly good selection of new and old favorites, but there were a few classics that I missed, plus several of the selections were played at a different cadence than they were recorded at. This crowd controlling technique resulted in confused feet and congested rhythms for too much of the night.
METALOCALYSE Season 2: Black Fire Upon Us
Just in time for the holidays, Adult Swim, in conjunction with legendary animated death metal band Dethklok bestows upon the retail masses the second internment of the brutal, crazy and psychotic interactions within this zany band and the colorful characters that comprise it. 19 Episode 2 DVD set.
Apocalyptica
Worlds CollideRecord Label: 20 20/ Jive Records
Review published: December 2008
Rating: 10
Cellos and heavy metal may be an unlikely combination, but these fine Finnish folks have successfully been kicking out variants on their theme over the years. With several guest vocalists and a couple radio ready singles, this release is a smoking’ mix of their symphonic metal and thrashin’ ragers.
Reader Votes: 0
The Asylum Street Spankers
What? And Give Up Show Biz?Record Label: Yellow Dog Records
Review published: December 2008
Rating: 9
The Spankers put on a humorous and entertaining show to be sure and this 2 disc set nicely displays the many facets of this extremely versatile band. Their classics are interspersed with stage banter and stories that round out the live show atmosphere.
Reader Votes: 0
Electric Six
FlashyRecord Label: Metropolis Records
Review published: December 2008
Rating: 6
Elaborating on their past success as bratty retro rock rebels. This time the songs manage to evoke a smoky club filled with crazy kinksters where certain selections come off fresher or staler than others. A mixed bag here.
Reader Votes: 0
Exciter
Thrash Speed BurnRecord Label: Blistering Records
Review published: December 2008
Rating: 5
Refusing to give up or modify their style, these Canadian thrashers have charged up their neck muscles for another go around. Their creative recipe remains mostly unchanged from days gone by: aggressive lyrics taunted by various “evils” backed with anthemia choruses played over stereotypical thrash grooves.
Reader Votes: 0
Tony Furtado
Deep WaterRecord Label: Funzalo Records
Review published: December 2008
Rating: 7
Furtado is an award winning banjo prodigy and slide guitar player so it comes as no surprise that this release spotlights an entertaining blend of both instruments. The diverse songs are propelled by rich rhythmic undertones with a folksy flair.
Reader Votes: 0
Jimmy "Duck" Holmes
Gonna Get Old SomedayRecord Label: Fat Possum Records
Review published: December 2008
Rating: 7
The Blue Front Café was the incubator for this simple smooth flowing style of blues known as the Bentonia Blues style, originated in Bentonia, MS and made famous by Skip James and Jack Owens. This release highlights what this style offers through one of the only known living practitioners.
Reader Votes: 0
The Punisher
War Zone - Original Motion Picture SoundtrackRecord Label: Lionsgate
Review published: December 2008
Rating: 8
Punctuated by the zesty original Rob Zombie movie theme single and supported with noteworthy tracks released before by 13 other popular metal artists including Slayer, Slipknot, Hatebreed, Seether, and Static-X. Hope the movie is as good as the soundtrack!
Reader Votes: 0
Tribe After Tribe
M.O.A.B. - Stories from DeuteronomyRecord Label: Rodeostar Records
Review published: December 2008
Rating: 8
Intense psychedelic guitars propelled with tribal pulsations are polarized on other tracks by mystical Peter Gabriel-esque ethereal ethno rhythms. Using Biblical alliteration and references they seek to ignite introspection and further research into the dangers, hypocrisies and absurdities of the world’s current belief systems.
Reader Votes: 0
Two Left Feet
Two Left FeetRecord Label: Skilletone Records
Review published: December 2008
Rating: 4
Self indulgent indie pop rock with a humorous flair. I suspect they put on quite a show for the throngs who appreciate their oft Weezer-esque droll lyrical delivery and sarcastic wit. Sadly, I was not enamored.
Reader Votes: 0
We Wish You A Metal Xmas And A Headbanging New Year
We Wish You A Metal Xmas And A Headbanging New YearRecord Label: Eagle Rock Entertainment
Review published: December 2008
Rating: 6
12 classic holiday tracks respun into riffed up xmas anthems by select metal all stars from bands including Anthrax, Judas Priest, Toto, Styx, Ratt, Dio and Black Sabbath. Something is both heartening and horrible as Lemmy gargles the lyrics to “Run Rudolph Run” and Geoff Tate warbles out “Silver Bells” while Chuck Billy growls a decidedly NOT “Silent Night.”
Reader Votes: 0
ZU
CarboniferousRecord Label: Ipecac Recordings
Review published: December 2008
Rating: 9
Cantankerous jazzy punk and experi-metal rife with overtones, harmonics and indifferent dissonance. This non-vocal trio from Rome breathes new visions of inspired avante art rock with every song penned and every blurry bass note they fondle.
Reader Votes: 0
