http:\/\/musicbooksplus.com<\/a>) and distribution, live event management, graphic design and on-line services. The Connection features files and information on Music, Audio, Video, Multimedia and Computers and on-line shopping on The Music & Audio Mall. Contact: Jim Norris. E-mail: jnorris@nor.com. Web Address: http:\/\/musicandaudio.com.<\/p>\n\n\n\nIndieBoard is a place to discuss the music business. The interface is quick and easy to use. The good thing about IndieBoard is that you don’t have to subscribe, junk posts are deleted, and you’re opening your opinions up to several people who would rather not subscribe to a mailing list. It’s a fun place. People seem a little more vocal about things since there is more anonymity. Drop in and see how you like it. Web Address: http:\/\/www.indieboard.com.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
bandutopia.com has lots of info regarding all aspects of independent music, such as clubs, managers, promotions, publicists, press, radio, video, manufacturing, t-shirts, stickers, merchandise, touring, equipment, recording studios, record labels, legal help, distribution, all the details to help you do what you do best: play music! Web Address: http:\/\/www.bandutopia.com.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nREVIEWS
Check out gajoob’s updated web archive at gajoob.com. The reviews are now searchable by artist name and title of release. Reviews can now link directly to your online purchasing site of choice, as well as your sound files. Also, we’ve set up a new mailing list to which all our reviewers post their reviews as they are written. Go to http:\/\/www.onelist.com\/subscribe\/indiereviews to subscribe. It’s open to everyone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
HEADCRASH
Overdose On Tradition
Headcrash’s “Overdose of Tradition” contains 14 richly layered songs with fast rap vocals and trip-hop rhythms, the music sometimes leaning toward electro and other times rock. Whatever you call it, the energy never lets up except during the songs’ quirky and clever bridge sections, during which your body gets a chance to breath but your mind stays happily engaged. [MEDIUM: CD. CONTACT: Debra Brennan, Discovery, 2034 Broadway, Santa Monica, CA 90404, USA; PHONE: 310-828-1033 x 256; EMAIL: debra@discoveryrec.comhttp:\/\/www.discoveryrec.com.] –Reviewed by Craig Conley.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
EVILTWINS
IT
True Do-It-Yourself-ers, the Providence, RI hard rock\/alternative band Eviltwins have organized their own marketing and promotional machine. They carry out responsibilities and run up phone bills. They own and operate their own small recording studio, Drainpipe Studios, where they have recorded most of the material that has been released on their independent label, Side A Records. While searching for new opportunities and adventures, Eviltwins found themselves commissioned to create a new arrangement of a song from the first Eviltwins, Side A Records release, “Plaudit Augmentation Technicians,” to be used in a radio commercial played on over two hundred radio stations nationwide. Recently, songs from the album ‘IT’ have been licensed to MTV’s The Real World and Road Rules. It seems that the album wound up catching the attention of Matt McCartie, the music director of the MTV show ‘The Real World.’ After receiving a call from the shows office in California requesting use of the songs, there was a brief negotiation and contracts were signed. It’s no wonder that Eviltwins are finding success around every corner, as the quality of their music is it’s own marketing and promotional machine. [MEDIUM: CD. PRICE: $13.00 ppd. CONTACT: Clayton Craddock, Side A Records, PO Box 3786, Jersey City, NJ 07303, USA; PHONE: 201-222-0628; EMAIL: sidearecrd@aol.comhttp:\/\/www.crazyjane.com\/eviltwins.] –Reviewed by Craig Conley.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
VARIOUS ARTISTS
Breaking With the Wheel
Ostomy begins this compilation with a rough soundscaped track and is much improved from their earlier work. Much of this compilation is either of the industrial soundscape variety or the dark-core\/death metal variety. With the exceptions being Door #13, which has an early 80’s sounding punk track “suspect” and Bertha Mason’s “groovin in the dark”, which was (now disbanded as the j-card reads) an all-girl band with a sound somewhat similar to that of a Luscious Jackson. Side two begins with Towpath’s “monsignor hayes” which is a dark-core or death metal track with a fairly interesting sound (odd high-pitched vocals that ascend into the patented death metal growl and the music is performed solid), but the lyrics are a bit lacking (unless you are heavily into death metal, I suppose). “breaking with the wheel” was (according to the j-card) the second most common form of execution and this hideous method dealt with a wheel, broken bones, the twisting of the human body and, finally,! death by way of injury or crow picking. This compilation, while a bit dark, will not make you feel as though you were being punished by way of “breaking with the wheel”. It is interesting and solid enough to find enjoyment. [MEDIUM: cassette. PRICE: $3 US, $4 elsewhere. CONTACT: Android Productions, 94 Fayette Ave., Buffalo, NY 14223, USA.] –Reviewed by Michael Breece.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
STEVE KHAN & ROB MOUNSEY
You Are Here
“You Are Here” is a New Age instrumental album with Brazilian musical flares throughout and the type of recording that one might listen to while having a pleasant Sunday brunch on the back patio (one track “Still Life With Mockingbird” even provides bird sounds for you). There is a few tracks, however, that borderline on being danceable (with the more upbeat Brazilian rhythms). If you are looking for a smooth sailing album with solid acoustic guitar playing (Steve Khan) and keyboard accompaniments (Rob Mounsey) for your next bruncheon, you may want to give this one a listen. [MEDIUM: CD. PRICE: contact record label directly at: SIAM Records, 555 West 57th Street #1228, New York, NY 10019. CONTACT: The Creative Service Company, 4360 Emerald Dr., Colorado Springs, CO 80918, USA; PHONE: 719-548-9872; FAX: 719-599-9607; EMAIL: creatserv9@aol.com.] –Reviewed by Michael Breece.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
NOISOME
New Engr. Level
“Noisome”, exactly (and I don’t mean that in a bad way). I was expecting a techno sound with a name like New Engr. Level. There are rhythmic vibrations, but they are of the noise variety (such as rhythmic loops that sound like a car coming to a screeching stop or a gun being fired and the sort mixed with much static). The loops are well constructed and ear catching, but I would have preferred a bit more accompaniment or variety within the loops (side two does deliver a bit more variety, actually). All in all, though, it holds up rather well. If you are one who grooves on the repetitive sounds of machinery while you are working at the local factory or steel mill. Or enjoys the sound of a nice active construction site. This ones for you. [MEDIUM: cassette. PRICE: $5. CONTACT: Geoff Gick, 912 S. Madison, Bloomington, IN 47403, USA; PHONE: 812-333-6786; EMAIL: ggick@indiana.edu.] –Reviewed by Michael Breece.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
DOC WEST & THE YARD DOGS
Feed the Fire
This is a disc that feels like Central Oregon. A crazy mixture of standard country and western, folk, and blues, Doc West has put together an album of storytelling and life in this beautiful part of the Pacific Northwest. The album sounds like a soundtrack for running the freight trains, and the Doc himself sounds like an old rail rider- rattling off tales that are one part wisdom, one part down home hokiness, and another part travelling man. His backing band is an excellent country and western ensemble. There are great performances on pedal steel and mandolin- with other strong performances on drums, bass, and guitar. There are even appearances on keyboards, violin, flute, woodwind, and backing vocals.To get a little piece of life in the Great Northwest- lazy, wistful, and yet full of the tales of living- visit Feed the Fire by Doc West and the Yard Dogs. [MEDIUM: CD. CONTACT: The Creative Service Company, 4360 Emerald Dr., Colorado Springs, CO 80918, USA; PHONE: 719-548-9872; FAX: 719-599-9607; EMAIL: creatserv9@aol.com.] –Reviewed by Phil Simon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
THE MULCHMEN
Covered With Mulch
A tribute album to musical influences and celebrating the life of Tim Taylor, a friend of the band. Side one is surf music, from the most obscure waves on the most mysterious beaches. Several cuts come from the Shadowy Men on A Shadowy Planet. The reverb is set just right and the guitar twists and twangs true. It’s solidly played and at just the right tempo, not too fast, not too frantic, just cool. Side two salutes fuzz-twang guitar master Link Wray and once again they do justice to the influence. This album is well worth having, it’s cooler than most anything you’ll hear anytime soon, so pick up on it. [MEDIUM: cassette. CONTACT: Andy Valeri, Big Beef Productions, PO Box 303 WBB, Dayton, OH 45409, USA; PHONE: 937-258-1124; EMAIL: info@bigbeef.comhttp:\/\/www.bigbeef.com.] –Reviewed by Kevin Slick.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
DOUG BABLE
Songs From D. Bable
Punk rock (or heavy metal, judging by the guitar solos) accompanied by a keyboard (bass) and a drum machine. The quality of the recordings are very Lo-Fi (which makes it difficult to hear the lyrics). Many of the tracks sound alike. If you are a metal-head, of some sort, there may be something here that you would be interested in. Otherwise\u2026 [MEDIUM: cassette. PRICE: loves to trade. TRADE: Yes. CONTACT: Doug Bable, 4069 13th Street #118, Saint Cloud, FL 34769, USA; EMAIL: bable@sprynet.comhttpe:\u00a5\u00a5www.geocities.com\/soho\/workshop\/6940.] –Reviewed by Michael Breece.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
THE IMAGINARY BAND
Sonarchy
This is an album made up of spontaneous instrumental improv. With that in mind you have to expect some rambling and wandering as the players find the groove. With experienced musicians this can be as interesting as “the groove”. . Such is the case for the most part on this release featuring several well seasoned improv artists. The melodies\/themes develop slowly and with confidence. There is a lot of space in the recording. This is a key to well executed improv – it’s more than just a couple of players all noodling around. The participants are listening to each other and that attention is relayed to the person listening to the recording. You can feel the ideas develop and the music grows in your own mind. It’s a meditative bit of listening and worth checking out. [MEDIUM: cassette. CONTACT: Dick Metcalf, Zzaj Productions, 5308 65th Avenue SE, Olympia, WA 98513, USA; PHONE: (360)704-5274; FAX: (360) 456-8982; EMAIL: rotcod@olywa.nethttp:\/\/www.olywa.net\/rotcod.] –Reviewed by Phil Simon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
UNIT
A Bathroom Suite
This maxi-single by the U.K. indie band Unit features three clever, spirited, pop-rock songs that lack nothing but pretention. The witty lyrics are reminiscent of their U.S. counterparts They Might Be Giants. A “bathroom suite” refers not a musical collection for the toilet but rather to an apartment equipped with its own porcelain facilities. The title track is a self-portrait sung in terms of interior decorating. It describes a man who deserves better home furnishings than his current relationship provides, including a means for disposing of the crap that he’s been putting up with. “We Have to Stop Meeting Like This” is about a guy who pursues the object of his affection by stalking through bushes and shrubs in the park at night, finally meeting his loved one in court and worrying that her face shows signs of worry and fatigue. The final track, “Mr. Style,” is a tongue-in-cheek tribute to the fashion and musical trends of the 60s. Unit, currently at work on a new EP, is definitely a band to watch for. [MEDIUM: CD. CONTACT: Robin Price, Unit, Limehouse, London, E14 7TR, UK; EMAIL: unit@lineone.nethttp:\/\/www.unit.somewhere.net.] –Reviewed by Craig Conley.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
FL.OZ.
Vegetable Kingdom
Imagine the Beatles as a vaudeville pop act with intricate acoustic piano work, clever lyrics full of word play and humor, and flawless vocals. Fluid Ounces defies easy categorization, but the only label they need is “just plain amazing.” Their music is at times manic, at times deliberately dissonant, but always fresh and original. I don’t think I could say enough nice things about this band or their five track CD “Vegetable Kingdom.” They’re truly like nobody else. [MEDIUM: CD. CONTACT: Matt Meeks, Spongebath Records, 101 North Maple St., Murfreesboro, TN 37130, USA; PHONE: 615-896-0770; FAX: 615-896-0330; EMAIL: sudsyinc1@aol.comhttp:\/\/www.spongebath.net.] –Reviewed by Craig Conley.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
SINKER
Gutterock
Yea, Gutterock\u2026 I think that\u75f4 a pretty fitting title and good description of the recording and style of music. Gutterock seems to capture for me Sinker\u75f4 organic sound, raw energy, stellar arrangements and fine musicianship. Sinker starts the Gutterock CD with a big bang: “Shastasheen” is a wonderful alternative, punky, butt-rock tune with a progressive arrangement. An Australian three-piece band with dirty, live sounding recordings, Sinker writes some great tunes. I wonder if there is any cultural meaning or fun story behind the band\u75f4 name “Sinker” or their album name “Gutterock”. These guys have a strong attitude, and I can only imagine how incredible their live shows must actually be to see. Sometimes the front-man and guitarist, Adam Adair, has a light rasp on his vocals, but for the most part I think they could be likened to a cross between the vocals of Rush (with Adair\u75f4 high upper range) and Kula Shaker. If you are looking for an underground rock band with a nice rock-n-roll sound, loads of energy, and grungy songwriting from the gutter (whatever that means), then here ya go. Even though the style isn\u7a1a innovative and there are no lyrics in their albums to help you understand what the hell is being sung, I think the breed of more sophisticated punk-rock that Sinker expresses (that goes way beyond the same four chords often found in punk-rock) is refreshing. Several of these tunes would be radio-friendly if the recordings were more “produced”. Yet, I have no reservations at all with recommending this imported CD. [MEDIUM: CD. CONTACT: Adam Adair, Shovel Records, PO Box 36, Burnley, 3121, Victoria, Australia; PHONE: 61.412.118.153; FAX: 61.3.9421.0866; EMAIL: sinker@netspace.net.au.] –Reviewed by Shane Matsumoto.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
VARIOUS ARTISTS
Big Fish Music Sampler Vol. 1
Big Fish Music hails from Japan and boasts that it is the largest independent music label there. The first track on the disk is a native tongue (Japanese sung, in which all of the tracks are) doo-wop song, which is refreshing. Grunge, George Michael-esque pop, folk, 50’s doo-wop, industrial, bagpipes, and other mildly strange mixtures are filtered through Japan on this disk. A female artist found on track 9, the CD sleeve is missing, so, I do not know her name, stands out the most. Her song is folk performed beautifully and seductive in a David Bowie circa early ’70’s way. There is also a lovely instrumental on track 13 that stands out as something special (it’s feel is like that of a hit-man that has finally figured out that what he does for a living isn’t what he should be doing). Also, the two odd doo-wop tracks (1 and 7) are so strong that I hope there is an album or two of this type of material (it seems that the Japanese handle doo-wop in an absolutely irresistible way).! I found this compilation, over-all, to be surprisingly refreshing with its odd sense of quirky. If you are in the mood to be uplifted and have fun, this compilation by Big Fish Music will complete the mission guilt-free. A few of the tracks are so overtly pop that they are not too far off from the Spice Girls or the like, but the fact that they are sung in Japanese keeps it from being overly nauseating. [MEDIUM: CD. CONTACT: Yamamiya Masayoshi, Big Fish Music, #102, 1-5-9, Hiroo, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, 150-0012, Japan; PHONE: 03.3499.1511; FAX: 03.3499.1512; EMAIL: info@bigfishmusic.comhttp:\/\/www.bigfishmusic.com.] –Reviewed by Michael Breece.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
PHASER
silverscreen daydream
The distinctive vocals of brothers Siayko and Boris Skalsky set Phaser apart–way apart. They communicate so much meaning through intonation alone that you could probably understand the songs even if they were being sung in a foreign language. With Richard Walker on guitar and Jack Hornady on drums, the crisp, melodic, somewhat mellow pop\/rock songs of this Washington D.C. quartet are usually compared to the Beatles. There is indeed a British sensibility to the music, though it doesn’t come across as sounding derivative in any way. The comparison to the Beatles probably stems from the fact that Phaser’s natural ease makes them sound like confident veterans of the music business. If only most veterans of the music business sounded this good! [MEDIUM: CD. CONTACT: Phaser, 1730 U Street, NW #4, Washington, DC 20017, USA; PHONE: 202-332-3442; EMAIL: phaser555@aol.com.] –Reviewed by Craig Conley.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
SCOTT MELDRUM
crush
crush comes obviously from careful, soulful exploration. Meldrum has fashioned a work here that is utterly beautiful in its lasting simplicity. Meldrum’s songs are at times orchestral, at times solitary; its beats are direct rhythms, streetlamp blues, and they are woven in complex emotions whose melody is instantly part of you; acoustic whispers that speak of tragedy and hope in bare expression. You will play this CD when you want to be embraced by human spirit, not for its answers but more for its questions. [MEDIUM: CD. PRICE: $10.00. CONTACT: Scott Meldrum, Crushwerx Music, 201 Covina Ave., Suite 4, Long Beach, CA 90803, USA; PHONE: 562-434-0025; FAX: 562-434-0435; EMAIL: info@crushwerx.comhttp:\/\/www.crushwerx.com.] –Reviewed by Bryan Baker.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
LAURA DIAMOND
Adonis. . . and other romantic delusions
Here’s an album full of strong melodies and throughful production. The arrangements serve the songs and everything sounds just right. This would be at home on any AAA radio station today and could stand alongside any of the top singer-songwriters on the charts. Diamond has a strong voice, that never sounds forced, just comfortable. It’s a familiar sounding music as well, not cliche at all. In fact I was hooked right in and had to hear every last note. I wasn’t really hearing anything surprising, it was just so well played and arranged it was a joy to hear the recording. This is a great example of straight ahead radio friendly music coming out of the indie scene and is among the best I’ve heard this year. Laura Diamond deserves your attention. [MEDIUM: cassette. PRICE: preview cassette release. CONTACT: Chris Berliner, 3 Wishes Records, PO Box 524, Oakhurst, NJ 07755, USA; PHONE: 732-695-0895; EMAIL: chris@lauradiamond.comhttp:\/\/www.lauradiamond.com.] –Reviewed by Kevin Slick.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
JEFFREY RYAN SMOOTS
Wings of Gold
Supported by David Beardsley on percussion, Jeffrey Ryan Smoots provides the vocals, guitar, bass, and keyboard on the album “Wings of Gold.” Smoots crafts radio-friendly rock songs which sound for all the world like they’re being played by a five-man band. With this much talent and energy, there must be some extra to go around\u2026 if not for fellow musicians then for the next JRS album. Progressive rock guitarist Jeffrey Ryan Smoots financed the home recording studio in his basement by designing websites and working as a database developer and jack-of-all-trades for a physician in Washington state. Most often compared to bands like Rush, Queensryche, and Dream Theater, Smoots explains that for “Wings of Gold” he and percussionist David Beardsley “tried to temper our progressive rock leanings with the straight-forwardness of pop and hard rock. We sought to achieve a paradox–create songs that are easily understood by the listener, yet are still challenging to play for the musician. We recorded the entire project ourselves at my studio.” The resulting intricate guitar work and finely-crafted progressive rock songs do not disappoint. My only suggestion is that Smoots’ excellent vocals be brought even more into the forefront of the music.[MEDIUM: CD. CONTACT: Jeffrey Ryan Smoots, , Everett, WA 98203, USA; PHONE: 425-259-1684; EMAIL: jeffrey@jrsmoots.comhttp:\/\/www.jrsmoots.com.] –Reviewed by Craig Conley.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
JEFFERSON DENIM
into the red
This is a special CD full of great, great hooks with music that covers r&b, acoustic folk rock, heavy pop, and melodic trance. Maybe those styles seem a bit disjointed, but Jefferson Denim more than ably pulls it off and comes out with a sound of its own, standing out from the pack. These are extremely strong songs that should find a place in your heavy rotation. [MEDIUM: CD. CONTACT: Jefferson Denim, Kamikaze Penguin Records, 832 3rd St., Box 108, Santa Monica, CA 90403, USA; PHONE: 310-262-1926; EMAIL: denimtunes@aol.comhttp:\/\/www.lama.com\/denim.html.] –Reviewed by Bryan Baker.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
COLORFORMED
\u2026 the ice cracks
Colorformed takes the best elements of bands like the The Smiths (Johhny Marr’s guitar) and the melodic \/ dissonance of modern guitar bands and perfect pop sense of REM at their best, with all the great energy of all your favorite bands and delivers one hell of an album here. The vocalist has one of those voices that you’re not too sure about until maybe the first song’s chorus kicks in and he makes you a believer. Guitars that have so much character you’re crying uncle, and drums that pound like the breath of new life. Put this into this year’s best list for sure. [MEDIUM: CD. CONTACT: Colorformed, 2 Blackberry Lane, Queensbury, NY 12804, USA.] –Reviewed by Bryan Baker.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nCopyright 1999 GAJOOB.
Information herein may be copied, forwarded, and otherwise excerpted at will.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
The DiY Report #92 July 24, 1999 Published via e-mail every Monday (give or take). Subscriptions are free. CONTACTbryan@gajoob.comhttp:\/\/www.gajoob.comGAJOOB, PO Box 3201, Salt Lake City, Utah 84110 GAJOOB NOTES You can get a copy of the new Homemade Music Magazine absolutely FREE by mail by sending your snail address to freemag@gajoob.com. It is 32 pages […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"pgc_sgb_lightbox_settings":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[104,37],"tags":[84,147],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/undergroundmusicmuseum.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/407"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/undergroundmusicmuseum.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/undergroundmusicmuseum.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/undergroundmusicmuseum.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/undergroundmusicmuseum.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=407"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/undergroundmusicmuseum.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/407\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":408,"href":"https:\/\/undergroundmusicmuseum.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/407\/revisions\/408"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/undergroundmusicmuseum.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=407"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/undergroundmusicmuseum.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=407"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/undergroundmusicmuseum.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=407"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}