Galactic Cowboys
Galactic Cowboys
Geffen
Hard and heavy without being contrived or bombastic. This recalls the best of Spirit, Trower and Sabbath with a touch of Metallica. Socially and emotionally conversant lyrics blend with smooth, tight harmonies while guitars wail and crunch creating a maelstrom on a leash. Clamorous, but detailed. (SC)
 
88 Elmira Street
Danny Gatton
Elektra
An album of sincere comfortably played instrumentals firmly rooted in the bluesy style of 50's guitar twang. Which is no surprise since he had a guitar in hand from age twelve recreating note-for-note everything from Les Paul to Scotty Moore. An unknown legend who's time has come. Unfortuantely, he is no longer with us... (SC)
 
Happiness
Lisa Germano
Capitol
This is the second album and major label debut from John Mellencamp's former violin player. (Her first was the critically-acclaimed, self-financed On The Way Down From Moon Palace. ) Delicate vocals belie the tongue-in-cheek sarcasm that embrace her lyrics. Her songs, like secrets, are a warm whisper in your ear. Mmm. (BB)
 
Skin
Ghost Of An American Airman
Hollywood
Who are these guys, anyway? I don't have a clue. I do know that there's not a clunker on the whole thing and that it needs to be played loud and often. One of the few band who could pull off a cover of Glen Campbell's hit, "Wichita Lineman." Nice. (BB)
 
Memories Of You
Terry Gibbs/Buddy De Franco/Herb Elliss Sextet
Contemporary
This is a tribute to Benny Goodman. Says so right on the cover. I couldn't stop my feets from tapping while this was on, so it must be true. If you're younger than twenty and want a good sampler of swing, then this is for you. If you're older, buy this on a lark, then track down the real thing. (SC)
 
Mine
The Glee Club
4AD
Formerly with The Swinging Swine, vocalist/lyricist Joanne Loughman and guitarist/violinist Hugh O'Carroll split due to musical differences. Since then they've written several songs together. An EP was released last spring. After signing with 4AD they returned to the studio, re-recorded those tracks and captured four new ones. Alluring. (BB)
 
Jerry Goldsmith/The National Philharmonic Orchestra
Alex North's 2001
Varse/Sarabande
At long last we can hear the original score that was intended for the 1968 movie, 2001: A Space Odyssey. Stanley Kubrick had commissioned renowned film composer Alex North to write the music for the film but mysteriously never used it. This disc marks the debut for a long, "lost" score. (BB)
 
These Days
The Grapes Of Wrath
Capitol
These guys sound an awful lot like vintage Badfinger. Consider that a highly bestowed compliment. Jangling electric/acoustic guitars, beatlesque production and lyrics that rise a few notches above the usual pop "hit". A raft of finely crafted songs aching to be played. Pop this in and hit "repeat". (SC)
 
New Face Revealed
Grave Goods
Tundra
Combining the post-punk styles of the Smiths and XTC with the hardcore sounds of Minor Threat and Bad Brains and making it work is quite a chore. But these guys seem to do just that. Two of the tunes were re-mixed last year at Tundra Studios by Tom Blackwell. Interesting. (CS)
 
Dookie
Green Day
Reprise
If you thought punk was dead check this one out. Fourteen tunes that are short, sweet and cynical. This'll be all over college/alternative radio before too long. If you can't wait, check out 120 Minutes on MTV. Better still, be a brave soul, take a chance and buy this one. (BB)
 
Cereal Killer Soundtrack
Green Jello
Zoo
These guys really suck! (At least that's what they'd like you to think.) And what's worse, they've got the moguls at General Foods pissed for using the word,"Jello," as part of their name. Now they've been forced to change, "Jello," to,"Jelly." A grungy collectors item? Yeup. Heavy metal humor? Uh-huh. And, there's a full length video too. (SC)
 
Late Night Grande Hotel
Nanci Griffith
MCA
With wonderfully full arrangements and lyrics it's no wonder she's rapidly becoming a household word without succumbing to the usual trappings of the music business. Vocally comparable to Karla Bonoff somehow. Not quite country, not quite anything but Nancy Griffith. Don't put any labels on her. She deserves much better. (SC)
 
House Of Vibes
The Gripweeds
Twang!
Hailing from New Brunswick, New Jersey this quartet offers up a platter of tasty guitar-driven pop music ala Big Star. Apparently they're quite big in Germany having released a single last year and this new disc on Berlin's Twang! Records. Write to: Ground Up Records P.O. Box 1721, New Brunswick, NJ 08903 (SC)
 
Groove Collective
Groove Collective
Reprise
Produced by Gary Katz of Steely Dan fame, this pioneering jazz dance club band seems to hit all the right notes. If nothing else, this album would be a great way to get your feet wet in the "River of Jazz" but, that's about all it's good for. Buy the real thing instead. (BB)
 
Sufferin' Mind
Guitar Slim
Specialty
Another blues master who died long before his time. Were he alive today B.B. King would have some major competition for the throne. The twenty six tracks contained here are confirmation of a great natural talent that was denied a chance to grow and flourish. A must for any collection. (SC)
 
Dare To Dream
Onaje Allan Gumbs
MCA
Funky, smooth and mellow best describe the sound of this new release. He first contributed to the solo albums of Lenny White of 'Return To Forever' fame. Now as a solo artist he supplants the foundation of previous works with another set of fine tunes. Good for what ails ya. (SC)
 
Crazy Saints
Trilok Gurtu
CMP
The third solo album from the only jazz drummer I know of who calls Bombay, India home. He's worked with such notables as Don Cherry, Archie Shepp and Jack DeJohnette. Pat Metheny, Joe Zawinul and Daniel Goyone jump onboard to help. Shobha, his mother, is vocalist on three of the seven tracks. (CS)
 
(SC) Stephen Curtis
(BB) Stephen Curtis AKA Ben Bland
(CS) Stephen Curtis AKA Clive Sweeney

Index

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