Panic On

Madder Rose

Atlantic

Another band cast in the Belly/My Bloody Valentine mold. If you like that kind of stuff, (I do.) you'll want to grab this one. Breathy female vocals set against layers of chiming/grinding guitars. Another disc that sounds great cranked first thing in the morning with a cuppa joe. (CS)

 

Bell Off The Ledge

Magical Strings

Flying Fish

Just can't take it anymore? How'd you like to forget all your cares and travel to Ireland without leaving your turbo-recliner? It's easy. Stop by your local purveyor of shiny musical things and grab this disc of fine Celtic harp and hammered dulcimer music from Philip and Pam Boulding. (SC)

 

Mitch Molloy

Mitch Molloy

RCA

This guy writes and sings the same kind of hard rock / pop tunes that made Richard Marx a star, but the comparisons end there. He seems to have more talent in his little finger than Marx ever dreamed of. And, he'll have the girls squirming in their seats a lot sooner. (SC)

 

Mossy God

Mantissa

Polydor

This heavy-hitting unit comes from Australia with an attitude to boot. The influences of this noisy quintet range from jazz to metal to funk. They set the volume knob to overload, pull out all the stops, kick you upside the head while offering no apologies. Headbangers will love this one. (BB)

 

Margaritaville Cafe Late Night Menu

Various Artists

Margaritaville

That sunsoaked pirate is at it again. The music on this disc was culled from studio recordings from many bands that frequent Jimmy Buffett's bar, the Margaritaville Cafe. It's a like a good bowl of gumbo chased down with a couple healthy drinks. There's also three new Buffett tunes to boot. (BB)

 

Innuendo

Charlie Mariano

Lipstick

At age 70 he's still going strong. A fixture of Down Beat magazine polls in the '50s his alto and soprano saxophones have graced many jazz recordings over the past forty years. His latest recording features Jasper van't Hof on keyboards and Marilyn Mazur on drums. Subdued and quite tasty. (CS)

 

Paid Vacation

Richard Marx

Capitol

Doesn't this guy ever go away? Jeez, I wish... He's a poor-man's Kenny Loggins who perpetually sounds banal and insipid. It was no different in '87 when MTV reared its' ugly head and spewed his first single over the masses, who promptly took the bait and swallowed it whole. (SC)

 

 

So Tonight That I Might See

Mazzy Star

Capitol

The romantic follow-up to their bluesy, hallucinatory debut finds Hope Sandoval and David Roback continuing their mesmerizing blend of psychedelic, blues, country and acoustic folk. A stark, reflective collection of songs set against melancholic vocals and moody guitar riffs that stand up to repeated listening. Sure to be a college radio favorite. (BB)

 

 

Mysterio

Ian McCulloch

Sire

A former member of Echo And The Bunnymen returns with his second solo effort after leaving the safety of an established unit. Looks like he made a good move. If you liked the aforementioned band, buy it. A pleasant surprise awaits. Otherwise let your curiosity get the best of you. (SC)

 

One Drum

David McGrath

Solo

This debut from a New York City songwriter sounds naggingly familiar. It's hard to pick out all his musical influences. An encouraging sign. Besides, listening to him is easier and better than trying to figure him out. Write: c/o Sherman McMahon Music, 2350 Broadway Box 1232 N.Y., N.Y. (SC)

 

The Visit

Loreena McKennitt

Warner Brothers

An artist from Manitoba, Canada whose songs spring from Celtic roots that span centuries. Pure of voice and talented on the harp and keyboards, she may first remind you of Enya or Annie Haslam. But these comparisons are for reference only. Her music will entrance and delight everyone. Except headbangers. (SC)

 

A Place Of My Own

Raymond W. McLain

Flying Fish

He's been making music for over twenty years. Beginning with the McLain Family Band, which stopped performing in 1989, he recently played with, Jim and Jesse and the Virginia Boys. This debut solo album features Bluegrass standards and some original tunes that showcase his unique arrangements and nimble banjo picking. (CS)

 

Watershed

G.W. McLennan

Beggars Banquet

A solid first solo album from the former lyricist of Australia's Go-Betweens weaves vivid dream like lyrical images and mesmerizing instrumentation into a celebration of serenity and honesty. Setting the stage with an eye for detail, an ear for melody and a delicate heart, this begs to be heard.(SC)

 

The Men

The Men

Polydor

Every once in awhile, out of nowhere, comes a band that makes a permanent mark from the crunch of the first note. The Men are such a band. If you haven't jumped in the car, picked this one up and played it several times already, what are you waiting for? (SC)

 

Secret Story

Pat Metheny

Geffen

A concept album from Pat Metheny? Yeah. It seems that he's been saving songs specifically for this project for the past 10 years and it shows. This is probably his most solid, cohesive work in recent memory. It has a beginning, middle and end, with a solid theme running throughout. (BB)

 

Zero Tolerance For Silence

Pat Metheny

DGC

Huh? Pat Metheny in the studio with his guitar and a big 'ol amp? Jeez, I guess he must've had some pent up frustrations after all those years of playing quietly. Five tracks that sometimes qualify as just plain noise. It's different to say the least. Not for the faint of heart. (SC)

 

Michael Learns To Rock

Michael Learns To Rock

Impact

More Pop from Denmark to nip at Roxette's heels. There's more meat here than may seem at first listen. Bouncy and vibrant with a solid foundation. Undoubtedly destined for 'hit' radio. If I had a little sister, this would be in her Xmas stocking, after I bought one for me.(SC)

 

Mr. Multiface

Middleman

I.R.S.

A power-pop trio discovered and signed in London by former Police manager Miles Copeland III. Yeah, you'll hear vague Police references in the instruments, vocals and song structure but, that's not such a bad thing, Novo Combo did the same thing years ago. Spontaneously recorded in just two days and it shows. (BB)

 

Ricochet

The Mighty Lemon Drops

Sire

In the seven years since their inception, they've released five albums in the U.S. and become the darlings of college radio programmers everywhere. The band produced this latest release, hoping to capture the energy and excitement of their live sound with a minimum of overdubs. Looks like the idea worked. (SC)

 

The Red Road

Bill Miller

Warner Western

If you saw Tori Amos at the State Theatre in June, you saw him. He almost stole the show. A Native American, he's loved by everyone from Eddie Vedder to the Butthole Surfers. A more intense 55 minutes I've never heard. Honestly, I cranked this one and destroyed the foam surrounds in my Advents. (SC)

 

M is For Millions

The Millions

Smash

Do you recall any other bands to ever come out of Lincoln, Nebraska? Me either. But that shouldn't hamper the success of this newly formed midwestern band. Keep your ears peeled. Lincoln, NB. could become the next Athens,GA. Meanwhile buy this one and hope for the best. (SC)

 

After The Snow

Modern English

4AD

Apparently this has never been on CD. It's almost a shame that it took almost ten years to make it to disc, but the long wait was worth it. Along with the massive hit, "I melt with you," there's six extra bonus tracks that weren't included on the original LP. (BB)

 

Moodfood

Moodswings

Arista

This 72 minute journey of various instrumental/vocal tunes has been touted as, "Aural medication for tired minds." And it is. Conceived and performed by J.F.T. Hood and Grant Showbiz, one cut features Jeff Beck's guitar virtuosity and the single/video, "Spiritual High," showcases Chrissie Hynde on vocals. (SC)

 

Bargainville

Moxy Früvous

Atlantic

This debut album from a Canadian foursome has already gone platinum in their native country. These satirical, socially conscious songs are performed with few instruments and acappella vocal harmonies. Add some theatrics, throw in the kitchen sink and... (The mind reels.)...They Might Be Giants meet The Bobs, on acid. (SC)

 

Self Titled Debut

Mr. Right

Soundbox

The first time I wound this one up I knew that it wouldn't be the last time. They'll immediately remind you of bands like NRBQ, Spirit, Steely Dan and the early Tubes. In other words, hard-driving, hook-laden, quirky tunes that will stick in your head and beg to be played again. (CS)

 

My Turn

Idris Muhammad

Lipstick

This guy has played drums for Fats Domino, Sam Cooke, Jerry Butler, Roberta Flack and the original Broadway musical"Hair." On his second solo album he collaborates with friends Bob James, Randy Brecker, Grover Washington Jr., Hiram Bullock and Ralph MacDonald to name a few. and the results are quite nice. (CS)

 

Jenni Muldar

Jenni Muldar

Warner Brothers

Yes, she's the daughter of Geoff and Maria Muldar. If the name didn't clue you in, her vocal talents should. Produced by Russ Titelman and featuring more than a few familiar backing musicians, this debut is a mix of rock and pop originals written and sung straight from the heart. (BB)

 

Faded Blues

David Mullen

Warner Brothers

Powerfully charged, gritty vocals, a bluesy depth of soulful R & B and a touch of gospel rapture make this a solid effort. The production is tight and the message penetrating without relying on heavy religious overtones. From the thunder of "Papa" to "Functional's..." scat like vocals. A satisfyingly genuine album. (SC)

 

In My Time

Charlie Musselwhite

Alligator

This is his sixteenth solo album. He's been a guest artist on twenty-five more (playing harmonica with everyone from John Lee Hooker to John Hammond) and at fifty, he's nowhere near slowing down. Of the sixteen tunes here; nine are originals, seven are classic blues numbers and four feature him on slide guitar. (SC)

 

Signature

Charlie Musselwhite

Alligator

After one listen, it's obvious why he's been called a blues harmonica master. Backed by a crackerjack band, Musselwhite crafts yet another fine album of genuine Chicago blues. As a bonus, John Lee Hooker climbs aboard on vocals and guitar with a tune he wrote especially for these sessions. Yummy. (SC)

 

Loveless

My Bloody Valentine

Sire

If Phil Spector applied his"Wall of sound" technique to the acid tinged psychedelic music of the late '60s, it may have sounded like this. Guitars and voices weave and churn with a disturbing vagueness. One listen will leave you temporarily disoriented with a nagging urge to hit the repeat button. (SC)

 

(SC) Stephen Curtis

(BB) Stephen Curtis AKA Ben Bland

(CS) Stephen Curtis AKA Clive Sweeney

Index

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