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Record Reviews1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 | 0-9| A| B| C| D| E| F| G| H| I| J| K| L| M | | N| O| P| Q| R| S| T| U| V| W| X| Y| Z| < Prev Section | Next Section >  RSS Feed
MIDNITE SNAXXX:
You Kill Me: 7”
Three songs from new snot rock seamstresses Midnite Snaxxx. Members include Bobbyteens singer Tina Lucchesi on drums. I might have my head up my ass for being a Bobbyteens fan, but this band rocks and rolls the same road, and, therefore, I’m way into it.
–Billups Allen (Goner)
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MIDNITE SNAXXX:
“You Kill Me”: 7”EP
Power pop garage punk from some Budget Rock luminaries, bands that shoulda been household names (Trashwomen, Bobbyteens, Loudmouths, shit-tons more I’m drawing a blank on.) Combine Nikki Corvette, Ramones, leather jackets, and hooks galore… a teenage dream of badassery! Not unlike drummer Tina Lucchesi’s Top Ten outfit. Not your Goner Records typical packaging. Pretty sweet.
–Sal Lucci (Goner)
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MIDNITE SNAXXX:
“You Kill Me”: 7”EP
Junk food as soul food. Soul food as budget rock. A tiny squeak before some words. Think spinning-rubber Nikki And The Corvettes, but a roughed-up, knife-carrying Nikki who powerslides an Olds 442 through red lights. I know this sounds like an ingredients list, but fuck it: three unimpeachable women playing no-bullshit, not-good-for-you rock’n’roooool featuring Tina Lucchesi (Trashwomen, Tina And The Total Babes, Cyclops, Bobbyteens), Dulcinea Gonzalez (Loudmouths, MRR, VP of advertising at San Francisco Bay Guardian), and Renee Leal (LaTeenos). Rip it open. Chow down on salt and piss and vinegar.
–Todd Taylor (Goner)
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MIDNITE SNAXXX:
Self-titled: LP
If you know who’s in this band, there’s a good chance you have this record already. More-fi than most of the bands, Budget Rock or otherwise, members of Midnite Snaxxx were in. Power poppy, minimal chord rock’n’roll with strong hooks, though I wish the bass was more present in the mix.
–Sal Lucci (Red Lounge, redloungerecords.com)
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MIDRIFFS:
Self-titled: CD
Average, garage-bred punk rock that has pop overtones.
–Donofthedead (Midriffs)
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MIDRIFFS:
Self-titled: CD
Average, garage-bred punk rock that has pop overtones.
–Donofthedead (Midriffs)
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MIDTOWN DICKENS:
Oh Yell!: CD
What would happen if the Coon Creek Girls, the Aaron or Dezurik Sisters, or even Patsy Montana had released a record on a formative K Records? Well, you’d get the appropriately college town, Appalachian indie-folk sound of the multi-instrumented, cutie-pie voiced, shorthaired, makeup-less, thrift-store clad, female duo Midtown Dickens.
–Jessica Thiringer (307 Knox, 307knoxrecords.com)
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MIDTOWN DICKENS:
LANTERNS: CD
I’d like to think this is what the Carter Family would sound like if they were just starting out today and had a quirky member or two who was interested in twee. I’d love to hear this band cover “No Depression.” The Midtown Dickens is a fun listen and a nice change of pace.
–Kurt Morris (MIDTOWNDICKENS@GMAIL.COM)
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MIDWEST BEAT, THE:
At the Gates: CD
I’m confused a little bit about this one. The insert says Ryan Adams played on this platter. Yet there is no mention on their site about this. Is this a joke or did Ryan put a gag order on this now that he is eating bon bons in France with Mandy Moore? Oh… yes, the music contained herein. Good garage rock with some solid songs. Backing vocals that add just enough texture without getting sappy. There’s a Zombies influence at work here, so if an updated version of that vibe is up your alley, you may want to storm these Gates. I’m sorry—I know that was bad.
–Sean Koepenick (Duck On Monkey, www.myspace.com/duckonmonkeyrecords)
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MIDWEST BEAT, THE:
Back to Mono: 7”
I present to you the song “Back to Mono” as your new power pop anthem and the best song you’ll hear this summer. Goddamn is that a song! I’ve heard raves about The Midwest Beat but never heard ‘em until this EP. Released on Eradicator Records from Bloomington, IN (my town), so hopefully they’ll swing through here. They even cover The Hussy’s “Sexi Lady.” The Midwest is alright!
–Sal Lucci (Eradicator)
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MIDWEST BEAT, THE:
Back to Mono: 7” EP
So much emphasis has been put on the “budget rock” end of the ‘60s influence thang that when something like this comes along it’s almost like a breath of fresh air. Four tunes of smart, jangly stuff that owe as much to the Paisley Underground bands of the ‘80s as the psychedelic groove merchants of the ‘60s. Catchy and well executed.
–Jimmy Alvarado (Eradicator)
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MIDWEST BEAT, THE:
Gone Not Lost: LP
Not sure if this came out before or after their recent Back to Mono 7”. Midwest Beat is tight as hell but manage to sound like a shambolic, sing-a-long basement party band. I still need to see ‘em live. I don’t know what to call their sound—countrified power pop? Something that could only come from the Midwest. There are lots of layers on this album and I hear more each listen—great vocal harmonies and guitar melodies. There’s nary a second to breathe between songs, keeping the energy high. If rock’n’roll was a three-course dinner, I’d pair Midwest Beat with Box Elders and Goodnight Loving.
–Sal Lucci (Dusty Medical)
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MIESHA AND THE SPANKS:
Bedroom Back: 7"
Great indie pop single from this fantastic Calgary, Alberta band, featuring the rhythm from the overlooked and genius Neckers. The sound is like a really poppy Heartless Bastards or that great Twinkle Van Winkle stuff from a few years back. High praise on both counts and a good band here; can’t wait to hear more.
–Mike Frame (Self-released)
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MIG & MIN VEN:
Self-titled : Cassette
Unfortunately, I don’t speak Danish. Fortunately, I don’t have to in order to tell you that this tape rocks. Mig & Min Ven is a garage rock/punk duo that holds their own with a stripped-down sound of just guitar, drums, and vocals. I’ve consulted my translator and their name means “Me & My Friend.” There’s no gimmicks here, just straightforward pop songs that will be your friends, too, if you can get a hold of this tape. –N.L. Dewart
–Guest Contributor (Rabalder)
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MIGALA:
Arde: CD
Their story goes something like this: a group of "non-musicians" get together "to make classic songs with an uncanny atmosphere." Their 1997 debut, "Diciembre 3AM," garnishes much acclaim in their native Spain. By 1998, the sextet's second release established the band across the European continent. They opened for the Magnetic Fields, Smog and Piano Magic; performed as Will Oldham's band for the artists' last tour of Spain; and caught the attention of former Belle and Sebastian conspirator and Looper mastermind, Stuart David, who, in turn, makes Migala fans out of the people at Sub Pop. Thus, came Migala's U.S. debut. Originally released on Christmas Eve, 2000 by Acuarela Discos, "Arde" ("it burns"), is nothing if not an eclectic release. "Primera Parada," the album's opening track, with its subtle surf guitars and gentle clash of symbols, rolls across the speakers like a tide slowly rising. Migala then moves into "El Caballo Del Malo," which is more-than-slightly reminiscent of old Western movies with gusts of electronic noise blowing between guitars like a tumbleweed rolling between the man in white and the man in black. "Times of Disaster" mixes a hushed, but slightly gravely and heavily accented, voice and somber beats with samples that could have very well been lifted from Red Asphalt and what seems to be a frantic conversation between a man and a woman in Spanish. On "La Espera," the band utilizes a string section to create the sort of heartbreakingly romantic feel that one might find on a Tindersticks' album. Despite the variety of sounds represented on this album, Migala maintains a sense of continuity throughout the course of "Arde." Each track fits together so that, when listening to the album as a whole, listeners may forget where track three ends and track four begins, which makes it great for late night listening.
–Liz O. (Sub Pop)
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MIGHTY FINE, THE:
In Revival: CD
I find one-sheets that accompany CDs endlessly entertaining. This isn’t the worst one I have read by far, but at one point I was encouraged to call this “literature rock.” I wouldn’t call it that. I also wouldn’t call it “vintage rock-n-roll.” The “recommended if you like” section includes Against Me! and Hot Water Music. I could see that, as I am not a fan of those bands. Vocalist Brook Thompson does well with the gravel-laced vocals and the music is well recorded and competent. It doesn’t stand out to me, but if you are esoteric about Hot Water Music, you might enjoy this “well-crafted take on vintage rock-n-roll.”
–Billups Allen (Solidarity)
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MIGHTY FINE, THE:
In Revival: LP
Twelve songs on transparent red vinyl. The songs are mid-tempo and feature a good, full sound. Lots of group vocals, heavy drums, a good amount of guitar leads, and a bass that stands on its own. Strong and genuine vocals bring you lyrics about heartbreak, confusion, and the uncertainty of life. Side B has a few more laidback tunes, but that doesn’t mean at all that they are inferior to the other ones. Worth looking into. –Nighthawk
–Nighthawk (Solidarity / La Escalera)
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MIGHTY GO GO PLAYERS:
Self-titled: 10"
Noisy, arty garage punk with keyboards. This band is from France and features members of the Fatals. All you fans of garage gone art punk of the last five years: lunch is served. Funny how almost everyone I knew followed the Jay Reatard arc of how to go from rockin’ and snotty to dark and mopey in less than five moves. This band is as good as anyone else playing this stuff but I will happily keep playing my Ape City R & B, Lids, and Earaches records. Garage Punk - Art = Cool.
–Mike Frame (Alien Snatch)
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MIGHTY GO GO PLAYERS:
: 10"
Noisy, arty garage punk with keyboards. This band is from France and features members of the Fatals. All you fans of garage gone art punk of the last five years: lunch is served. Funny how almost everyone I knew followed the Jay Reatard arc of how to go from rockin’ and snotty to dark and mopey in less than five moves. This band is as good as anyone else playing this stuff but I will happily keep playing my Ape City R & B, Lids, and Earaches records. Garage Punk - Art = Cool.
–Todd Taylor (Alien Snatch)
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MIGHTY GORDINIS, THE:
For Bosomaniacs Only: LP
...i dunno, if the Platonic rock & roll ideal made flesh in the form of an automobile is, say, a 1965 Ford™ Mustang, this is more of a '73 Maverick or something (but dude! Three on the tree, dude! Can't fit a half-full beer can on the dashboard or anything, but it's got that three on the tree, man!). When they try to do the '50s thing, they sound a bit like the Meteors; when they do the '60s surf/hot rod thing, they sound pretty uninspiring (except for the song with the horns on it, that was pretty cool, even though it got me to thinkin' that it would be neat if a band covered "The Horse," which is kind of a scary thought); and, as one might assume when a Belgian surf/hot rod/'50s/punk band presumably attempts to evoke the spirit of vintage '68 John Sinclair ("American Revolution"), they just sound...uh..."interesting." Towards the end, the transatlantic deviance finally kicks in to momentous effect on "Shake My Iguana," a song that sounds so great the first time you hear it that you're scared to check the track listing lest you find out that's not really what they're saying, but by then the album's pretty much run its course. As an ass man, i can only conclude that this album was mis-routed to me by the editor. BEST SONG: "Shake My Iguana" BEST SONG TITLE: "Shake My Iguana" FANTASTIC AMAZING TRIVIA FACT: Packaging depicts four nipples, three of which are female.
–Rev. Norb (Demolition Derby)
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MIGHTY GORDINIS, THE:
Kiss My Wheels: LP
It’s a pillowfight between ‘70s punk and ‘60s loungesurf; no clear winner, but who wins a pillowfight? The two styles rarely meet in one song, but they do manage to enhance each other, making this (probably) a swell party record. Stupid lyrics (“next stop Pussyville/ I really really can’t sit still/next stop Pussytown/I really really can’t sit down”) in French accents complete the fun pack.
–Cuss Baxter (Demolition Derby)
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MIGHTY GRASSHOPPERS, THE:
Self-titled: CD
First things first: this is a new band featuring Tony Fate of the BellRays. Second thing: this record has been in constant rotation on my stereo since it showed up. Chock full of killer melodic songs that are equal parts Real Kids and Reigning Sound. One of the vocalists really brings to mind John Felice and several songs here sound like they could have been on the solo record from the Real Kids leader. This could not be higher praise coming from me. The Mighty Grasshoppers are perhaps the rarest of all beasts in current times. The band is simply four guys in their 40s/50s writing great songs with no image to speak of. There is not even a website address on the disc, just a PO Box. It is incredibly refreshing to get an album where the songs are more important than the package and the seventeen places you can buy merch or network with the band and their fans. There are more great, classic-sounding songs here than most bands could come up with in two decades. The songs on this album are timeless and immediate; hummable after only one listen but offering more depth with each spin. The standout track here is “Caravan” with its soulful vocal but every single song on the album is a hit. Highest possible recommendation on this amazing out of left field record.
–Mike Frame (Vital Gesture)
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MIGHTY HIGH:
…In Drug City: CD
This reminds me of the one
Didjits album I have, Hornet Piñata, but every song manages to go on about a minute too long. It’s mostly
mid-tempo “rawk” and rolly stuff with a
singer that sounds like he’s in a bar band. Oh, and all but one of the twelve
songs on this is about getting high. The odd song out is called “Shooting
Spree,” and I believe it’s about a shooting spree. Other “hit” titles include
“Stone Gett-off,” “I Live to Get High,” and “Hooked on Drugs.” The joke gets
very old somewhere around the start of the second song. I like drugged-out punk
when it’s pulled off right, i.e. the Dwarve’s Blood, Guts, and Pussy, but where that band sounds like genuine
meth-addled sex fiends who got a hold of instruments, Mighty High basically
sounds like a classic rock cover band who decided to take their cues on what
was cool from a couple of fourteen-year-old stoners with leather jackets and a
Steve Miller fixation. I do like the R. Crumb-inspired cover art though.
–Adrian (Mint Deluxe Tapes, mightyhighrocks@yahoo.com)
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MIGHTY HIGH:
Drops a Deuce: 7”
Surprisingly rockin’ and muscular for a band that professes such love of marijuana. The A side, “Cable TV Eye,” is a solid rocker, and the B side, “Hands Up!” is a live track that’s live in the sense that Kiss’s Alive II (or was it Alive?) was live. Musically (and artistically, for that matter, looking at Bjerke’s cover art), this record is like the art of Robert Crumb meets that of Peter Bagge: groovy ‘60s psychosis meets a hard-edged ‘80s and ‘90s aggression. I liked it.
–The Lord Kveldulfr (Mighty High / Mint Deluxe)
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MIGHTY HIGH:
Legalize Tre Bags!: CD
Usually very leery about punk-oriented bands that rely heavily on humor (and to those knowledgeable of my own musical endeavors, yeah, I’m well aware of the irony), especially when said humor is almost completely focused on getting stoned, but this is one of them bands that somehow actually manages to pull it off. Counteracting all the attention to bein’ loaded on the eleven tracks here are some surprisingly strong tracks mixing punk and stoner rock, and are up to their reddened eyeballs with sly musical and lyrical references to Black Sabbath, ZZ Top, DOA, Slayer, and many others. Ain’t gonna be everyone’s cup o’ tea, but given the landfill-sized, pile o’ releases treading the same water, these guys have enough wit and chops to make it work
–Jimmy Alvarado (Ripple Music)
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