Eclectic Vibes - June 2009
CD/DVD Micro Reviews by Andrew Frey
TENTACLES ON THE TERRACE
I have spent years dreaming what it would be like to see the legendary prog/psych wizards Ozric Tentacles at the Memorial Union Terrace in Madison so you can understand my glee when I learned that on June 11 such a dream will become a reality. Not only a simple reality, but the show will be pimped out with lasers and lights ta boot! Ozric Tentacles has been around since 1984 and has produced dozens of releases, but never has reached major status in the US. Perhaps this summer will change that. Also, in case you’re wondering about the name, according to the band, “Ozric” is an old Viking name meaning “divine energy,” and tentacles “is a silly word to put on the end.”
www.ozrics.com
BLACK RIO 2
Original Samba Soul 1971-1980 Compiled by DJ CliffyRecord Label: Strut Records
Review published: June 2009
Rating: 9
18 tracks of highly energized funk and soul bands culled from the so called “Black Rio” movement; an amazing and largely unknown happening in Brazil during the 70s. Some great stuff here! Guaranteed to get you up and moving.
Reader Votes: 0
Leonard Cohen
Live In LondonRecord Label: Sony
Review published: June 2009
Rating: 10
Such entrancing dusky vocals and memorable folk anthems lose nothing in their live format. In fact, because of today’s live production values, these songs may sound better than their studio originals! What a great selection of work and wonderful performance.
Reader Votes: 0
Evil Cowards
Covered in GasRecord Label: Metropolis Records
Review published: June 2009
Rating: 8
This quirky dirky mind candy is the musical undertaking of “Electric Six’s” ineffable Tyler Spencer in conjunction with
William Bates from “Fall On Your Sword.” Impetuous and compulsive these 13 beguiling tracks display cantankerous rock with ample swagger, sway and quixotic lyrics.
Reader Votes: 0
Nic Fanciulli
Global Underground DJ SeriesRecord Label: Global Underground
Review published: June 2009
Rating: 8
A double disc dose spotlight of highly danceable trance inducing house music from one of today’s hottest DJ’s. Exhibiting fresh beats mixed into comfortable rhythms with compelling gyrating momentums.
Reader Votes: 0
Lacuna Coil
Shallow LifeRecord Label: Century Media
Review published: June 2009
Rating: 9
I gotta admit, this Italian gothic metal outfit continues to impress. The beautiful and masterfully blended dynamics of male and female vocals and impressive instrumentation with well rounded dynamics make this a worthy addition to their already groundbreaking catalogue.
Reader Votes: 0
Paul Gilbert & Freddie Nelson
United StatesRecord Label: Mascot Records
Review published: June 2009
Rating: 9
Teaming up two friends, one a guitar virtuoso and one a rock vocalist produces pleasantly entertaining results. This very contemporary rock is not filled with bells and whistles, just really well written straight forward rock n roll.
Reader Votes: 1
Prong
Power of the Damn MixxxerRecord Label: 13th Planet Records
Review published: June 2009
Rating: 8
Tommy Victor and company present revisioned versions from “Power Of The Damager.” These 13 moshing metal juggernauts from as many different remixing aficionados are refreshed, refueled and ready to pound into your brain with the angst and emotion that breed repeated play.
Reader Votes: 0
Omar Faruk Tekbilek
Rare ElementsRecord Label: 5 Points Records
Review published: June 2009
Rating: 10
Immediately infectious and compelling world beat electronica from renowned Turkish multi-instrumentalist virtuoso Omar Faruk Tekbilek. The 10 sizzling remixes featured here are done by Amon Tobin; Junior Sanchez; Cheb I Sabbah and others. Of note, Omar plays twelve traditional Turkish instruments: ney, kaval, kavala, zurna, oud, aglama, jura, darbuke, def, bendir, davul and finger cymbals. WOW!
Reader Votes: 0
Wumpscut
FuckitRecord Label: Metropolis Records
Review published: June 2009
Rating: 7
Grim, terse and bleak German industrial electronica. The music feels as if one is angrily strolling down a dimly lit industrial tube of hypersymbolic overtures nestled into remote areas of your being that are searching for catharsis and the distant yearnings of the narcoleptic playgrounds of sound and rhythmic structures of distant dreams.
Reader Votes: 0
Zap Mama
ReCreationRecord Label: Heads Up International
Review published: June 2009
Rating: 10
Playfully, chilled out attitudes are in vogue on this joy filled and life affirming wash of multicultural world rhythms with a refreshing vision and soulful vocal refrains. Although a bit heavy on the R&B for my tastes, this is undeniably a stellar release.
Reader Votes: 0
