Salute

21 Guns

RCA

After a silence that's lasted several years, former Thin Lizzy guitarist, Scott Gorham, is back. This time he's fronting a new band and playing a brand of hard-edged rock that is similar to Bon Jovi, et al. Sophistication and finesse will separate these guys from the rest of the pack. (SC)

Meanwhile

3rd Matinee

Reprise

Producer Patrick Leonard moved to the other side of the glass four years ago and fronted a critically acclaimed band called, Toy Matinee. They went nowhere, yet they somehow managed to evolve into this incarnation. It's great "thinking man's" pop music. Try it on for size. It just might fit. (CS)

Tnt

Grady Tate Sings

Milestone

He's primarily known as a drummer who's played with everyone from Benny Goodman to Sarah Vaughan. This time he abandons his drum kit to show off his vocal talents and with the help of Ron Carter, among others, he does just that. Smooth jazz standards and one original tune. Different. (SC)

 

Bandwagonesque

Teenage Fanclub

Geffen

Two guitars, bass, drums and four voices rich in harmonies. The Monkees meet Status Quo after a few rounds in the pub. Pop music with crunchy guitars and an attitude that firmly places tongue-in-cheek. Is there a message? Yeah. Crank it up and slam dance with the cat. (SC)

 

Calling You

Bob Telson

Warner Brothers

The title cut of this debut earned an Oscar nomination for Best Song in 1989, is touted as being an international Top 10 hit and appeared in the soundtrack of the film, Bagdad Cafe . Eight of the remaining tunes were featured in Twyla Tharp's ballet, "Sextet." Need I say more? (SC)

 

that dog

that dog

DGC

Okay, imagine that the Roches have decided to become a punk band. Also imagine if you will that they've changed their name to, that dog, but have retained the quirky harmonies and sparse songwriting. Are you with me? Does this concept pique your interest? If so, it should be in your collection soon. (BB)

 

The Other Two & You

The Other Two & You

Qwest

Gillian Gilbert(keyboards,lead vocals) and Steve Morris(programming,percussion) arelongtime members of the group New Order. The release of their first full length album as a duo provides an outlet for the abundance of material they create in the studio at home. Techno dance-pop from two who started it all. (BB)

 

Beautiful Mess

Thelonious Monster

Capitol

Born out of the early 80s' L.A. punk scene, they released three critically acclaimed albums and then broke up. This is their first recording in over three years. In it you'll find, a duet with Tom Waits, help from Michael Penn and Dan and Dave from Soul Asylum. Intriguing. (SC)

 

Of The Sun

David Thiel

Untamed Ear

Solo debut by one of the guitarists from the band Synesthesia. Eight instrumental cuts with a strong rhythmic structure that give the musicians a solid foundation to improvise upon. Dubbed "living music" by its creator and incorporating styles ranging from Santana to Miles Davis, it's like a breath of fresh air. (CS)

 

A Violent Impression

This Picture

BMG

Okay, so there's another band from England. La-dee-dah, who cares, right? Wrongo! This outfit didn't fall off the same bandwagon of crap that most newcomers succumb to.Their music carries a raw passion and sense of spirituality that is as refreshing as it is unusual. Wear it out. (SC)

 

Hidden Gem

Carla Thomas

Stax

A significant historical document from the daughter of Rufus Thomas. She was also known as the "Queen" of Memphis soul during the '60s. This compilation parades her finest work. Again Booker T. and the MG's are the back-up band, making this a true delight for fans of pure R&B. (SC)

 

Squeeze This

Those Darn Accordions!

Flying Fish

If you want to perk up your next party, play this disc. You'll have people wondering if you're working with a full deck, but at least they'll be smiling. This eight piece accordion band dares to cover Grand Funk ("We're An Accordion Band") to Jimi Hendrix ("Fire") and everything in between. (BB)

 

Sticks And Stones And Broken Bones

The Toll

Geffen

The second release from this band of Ohio hard rockers further exposes a core of effortlessly expressed fury. Substantially implemented tunes cover everything from suicide to the litter of a nation in peril. There's at least a couple of hits here and without question these boys mean business. (SC)

 

The Tragically Hip

Road Apples

MCA

These Guys hail from Canada and cross the border a second time with ROAD APPLES. Lots of guitar and songs with more lyrical substance than you'd expect, kinda like the Smithereens meet John Haitt. In other words it's a good solid album and it'll grow on you bigtime... (SC)

 

Kathy Troccoli

Kathy Troccoli

RCA

If you missed the last one, here's a brief recap: ("If this isn't a genuine set of tunes, I don't know what is. This girl puts Paula Abdul to shame.") Well, she still does. Danceable R&B/pop that'll have you on your feet 'til dawn. Paula Who? (CS)

 

Pure Attraction

Kathy Troccoli

Reunion

If this isn't a genuine set of tunes, I don't know what is. This girl puts Paula Abdul to shame. Where Abdul has little talent and fat thighs, Kathy has the gumption and conviction to sing the hell out of every song. And with lots of talent no less. (SC)

 

Shouting The Blues

Joe Turner/Smilin' Smokey Lynn

Specialty

Before they invented the PA system, the musical style, "blues shouting," flourished. The singer had to holler the vocals in order to be heard above the din of a thundering horn driven band.These tracks, recorded in 49'-50', were remastered from vinyl, but the joyous performances easily outweigh any surface noise. (SC)

 

Simply The Best

Tina Turner

Capitol

Ow! This is hot. Every hit she's had since her staggering 1984 comeback is here along with three new tunes. A new C.J. Mackintosh/Dave Dorrell club mix of "Nutbush City Limits" and a Phil Spector remaster of "River Deep, Mountain High" round out the package. You couldn't ask for more. (SC)

 

No Eden

Twenty Nine Palms

I.R.S.

Inspired semi-acoustic pop, rich with folk overtones. The sophomore effort for this English duo, who spent most of last year on tour with Sting. Their lyrics often touch on serious subjects but are balanced by the airy, uplifting qualities of the music. An acoustic John Hiatt tune closes the album. (CS)

 

(SC) Stephen Curtis

(BB) Stephen Curtis AKA Ben Bland

(CS) Stephen Curtis AKA Clive Sweeney

Index

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