September 2006
Live
Bob Log III - Saturday 16, 2006 Stork Club, Oakland, CA
Record
TV On The Radio
Sparklehorse
Xiu Xiu
Outkast
The Black Keys
West Indian Girl
iForward Russia!
The Tyde
The Zutons
Burial
Cities
The Horrors
Pere Ubu
Various Artists - Leonard Cohen: I'm Your Man
Brisa Roche
Tuxedomoon
The Thermals
The Colour
Wovenhand
Modwheelmood
Earl Greyhound
Charlotte Martin
Motorhead
Live
Bog Log III
Saturday 16, 2006 Stork Club, Oakland, CA
A thin gentleman with an ironic mustache and hipster gear punched through a perfunctory sound check then disappeared backstage.
When he reemerged he was transformed into a cross between Hasil Adkins and Evil Knievel- a black stretch body suit with 'Log' spelled out
in spangled silver letters and an impressive black flight helmet - he tore into a ripping rockabilly riff and the Bog Log III show was on.
Unfortunately, his set consisted solely of this one trick: a costumed one-man band playing nearly identical, incomprehensible blues based
tunes with a slide guitar, a microphone shoved into his helmet and a kick drum holding an unsteady, driving beat. However, the raucous crowd
seemed to appreciate it, cheering him on as he displayed sloppy musical chops and an astute sense of an artistic prank. The show culminated
in his most popular song "Boob Scotch" where he encouraged the few women in the audience to get onstage and put their boobs in his scotch;
miraculously, two rushed the stage and were more than happy to oblige. At one point someone from the intoxicated crowd called out "What planet are you from?"
He took a moment to try and tune his guitar, after several unsuccessful attempts he replied, "What planet am I from? The planet where guitars stay out of tune..."
Bog Log III has founded a career on taking a dumb joke too far, but at least he's honest about it.
- Frank Wortham
Record
TV On The Radio
Return To Cookie Mountain
Interscope
This new record is a surprise. I am utterly amazed by the indescribable
sound. It is a pleasant shock. One can barely imagine that this is the same band
from a few years ago. TV On The Radio has totally reinvented itself. They still
have some weird vocalizations. But the music and the arrangements are totally
strange and new ground for them. First off this record sounds like a whole new
fabric of sound. It's not much like their previous records, but it is much
like the same new sound throughout. "I Was A Lover" has samples and keyboards.
"Hours" is one of the best songs. Lead singer Tunde is amazing. There is like
a weird blues and gospel influence on some tracks. Although I can't really
find any older tracks that sound like this. "Playhouses" remind me of some of
the bands that TVOTR have playing with recently like Nine Inch Nails and Massive
Attack. I imagine if they did a cover version of any band it would sound more
like TVOTR than the band covered. They are that overpowering with their
sound. "Wolf Like Me" is another great song, and maybe the only thing like their
previous work. Sort of like that single they put out a year ago. A while back I
went to this band with a friend. They were opening for The Faint. She told me
afterwards: "You didn't tell me that these guys were black." I didn't think
she understood this group at all. What they look like has nothing to do with
the music. I mean they do have a crazy looking frontline with David, Tunde,
and Kip. This album is dense and meaningful all the way through. There is even a
remix by El-P. Maybe this is an album of the year contender.
Sparklehorse
Dreamt For Light Years In The Belly Of A Mountain
Astralwerks
Sparklehorse has always been a favorite of mine. Mark Linkous has been one of
the most important American songwriters in the past ten years. He put out a
great album five years ago. He collaborated with many famous people. He toured
for a few years. He spent some time producing records by other people. He was
doing some soundtrack work. It is refreshing to hear something new by him
after all these years. Right off the bat it sound simpler and stripped down. It
sounds like Linkous playing most of the instruments himself. "Don't Take My
Sunshine Away" has a Beatles vibe. Much of the album returns to "Dear Prudence"
like arpeggios. This album is much more intimate. "Shade and Honey" sounds
like a song that could have been on the previous album. But there are no studio
tricks. It's mostly voice, guitar, and keyboards, and drums. I am guessing
that Scott Minor is playing on this. "See The Light" has a guitar sound that
simple, pure, and beautiful. "Return To Me" is like the oldest music from a warm
place. "Some Sweet Day" is the only song that sounds weird and layered.
Sparklehorse occasionally has a hard rocking tune like "Pig." On this album it is
called "Ghost In The Sky." There is a second one called "It's Not So Hard."
I noticed that this album refers to things long gone. I met Mark Linkous a
few years ago. He was a real nice fellow. "Morning Hollow" sounds like one of
those songs where there is nothing left to say. I like these kinds of records.
These allow some much room for dreams.
Xiu Xiu
The Air Force
5 rue Christine
Xiu Xiu has always been one of my favorite bands in the last few years. Jamie
Stewart and company hasn't taken off in a big like some other artists. But
they have always done interesting records and have toured heavily to get the
word out. Each record has been like a welcome thing and a reminder of how
shockingly unique this band is. Some of the records have been over the top and
aggressive, but this one seems to have more restraint and quality. Already with the
first song "Buzz Saw" you have a lot of exciting elements. "Boy Soprano" has
the quality of some films that I have not yet seen. I remember a few years
ago I saw this indie film with music by Stephen Merritt. It would be cool to
hear a soundtrack by Xiu Xiu. On some songs like "Hello From Eau Claire" you
have Caralee McElroy singing. It is definitely a Xiu Xiu song and nothing is much
different. Overall you have another cool record by Xiu Xiu. They remind me of
some more obscure post-punk groups like Eyeless In Gaza. They are obviously
in their own bizarre world. This world is definitely valid. It's a wide range
of human emotions that most bands don't even touch upon. Some bands are afraid
to go in these places.
Outkast
Idlewild
Laface Records
This was maybe the biggest band a few years ago. They won all the Grammys and
it was a popular win. It wasn't like U2, Steely Dan, or Jethro Tull winning
an award. I can't believe they sent me this record. I love it. I got Stankonia
years ago and thought it was a joke. I loved the press photos though. I guess
that these guys are like two bands: Andre 3000 and the Big Boi Band. "Idlewild
Blue" is the first cool song on here. I think this is supposed to be a film
too. I feel like I should see Idlewild and the Leonard Cohen film to understand
truly what the hell is going on. Everyone is on this record. Snoop Dogg is on
here. I guess he is making up for his cameo with the lame ass Pussycat Dolls.
There is a weird hologram on the cover that makes me dizzy. When Bowie did
this a few years ago, the album sucked. I guess Outkast is into revisiting the
jazz age and looking like Cab Calloway. Didn't Richard Pryor do this a while
back? Most of the album sounds like Stevie Wonder and Prince though. Outkast is
always miles ahead of all the other hiphop groups. There is a lot of talent in
this group. They are making more style statements than political ones. Leave
that stuff to Kanye West. You could hardly believe this record was made in The
Bush Era (the declining years.). Outkast is almost as apolitical as Paris
Hilton. Like Outkast, Paris makes us aware of her record collection (Madonna,
Gwen Stefani, and Blondie). So far this record has baffled its audience. It is
not as tight as the previous record. It sounds like a bunch of random songs and
some comedy bits. The randomness of Outkast is interesting though. This is
like their White Album.
The Black Keys
Magic Potion
Nonesuch
The Black Keys have been one of my favorite groups in the past few years.
They have taken the two-man approach to exciting moments. They may be the only
duo that rivals the White Stripes in a serious way. Like Cream, they are
obsessed with early blues. For some reason they have had a million releases and have
been on a few different labels. I can't keep up. The quality has always been
high. On songs like "Just Got To Be" and "Your Touch" they show us that the
fire is still there. "Your Touch" may be one of their best songs. It is simple
and powerful. "You're The One" sounds almost like soft psychedelic rock. It
has a lot of space and airy mood. "Just A Little Heat" has a little Led
Zeppelin type riff. "Modern Times" is another heavy rocker. "Black Door" and
"Elevator" are amazing songs to end this with. This record contains everything
good about this band. They have struck gold once more. I look forward to the
show. Magic Potion may refer to the fact that there is something magical about
life and music. When things are going great there is a magical feeling in the
air. The Black Keys are a band that can capture that energy.
West Indian Girl
Remix EP
Astralwerks
West Indian Girl came out with a cool album last year. Many of these songs
were dying to be remixed. You have some people like Death In Vegas and King
Britt involved and I am already interested. I have seen these guys play a few
times in the past two years. There shows have become really amazing over time.
This was culminated with a mind-blowing show at San Diego Street Scene. They
played early on the second day but there was a big turnout to see them. Richard
Fearless (Death In Vegas) has worked with Eastern sounds before. His remix of
"Trip" is amazing. It brings out new excitement in an already great song. Of
course we have two remixes of the song "What Are You Afraid Of?" The one by Derf
has a weird two-step beat. The one by Mercir is even stranger. More like a
chill out track. King Britt's version is like an underwater track. There are two
version of "Hollywood." This is a big song in the West Indian Girl set. One
is chill, and one is like a club track. With most of these songs, the song
structure remains intact. You can still recognize the original songs. This is an
important record.
iForward Russia!
Give Me A Wall
Mute Records
Forward Russia is a new Leeds band that I have seen a few times. They are a
unique band inspired by post-punk sounds. They may the weirdest band out there
right now. All their songs on the first album have no titles but numbers. I
think they are really good and you should read my interview with them in SF
Burning. They should be back in the Fall 2006. They are unpredictable and wild
sounding. They have clever guitar parts and wild vocals. This is one of the best
bands from the UK. They have been touring constantly and have cemented as a
live act.
The Tyde
Three's Co.
Rough Trade
The Tyde are a band that has been kicking around in LA for a while. They have
a huge UK following. I have seen them play with Brian Jonestown Massacre. In
fact, they are doing a big tour with BJM this fall. Now we have the third
album. It sounds a little like Beachwood Sparks and Frausdots, some previous side
projects for this group. On this album we have some brothers in crime, like
Conor Deasy from The Thrills, and Mickey Madden of Maroon 5. One of the best
songs is "Brock Landers." Listening to this album again, there is few weak
moments. It may be there most accessible yet. Halfway through it becomes more like
Spiritualized. Another favorite of mine is "County Line" which is almost like
a Canned Heat song. The James Figurine remix is pretty interesting. This is a
pretty cool record. I lived in Southern California half of my life. I never
surfed and barely know how to swim. With this album I can imagine what it is
like being out there on a wave in the sun.
The Zutons
Tired Of Hanging Around
Deltasonic/Epic
The Zutons made a real big impression the first time around. They toured with
Muse (?) in the USA and were on a TV commercial with that song "Pressure
Point." They sort of fit in that goofy pirate Liverpool sound. The second album
sounds far more interesting. I feel like the real band is coming out. Songs like
"It's The Little Thing We Do" and "Valerie" sound more representative of
this great band. "Someone Watching Over Me" is great ballad. You don't hear
these songs anymore. I prefer soul singers to English ballads anyway. This is
music built around a vocal styling. But the music is again totally interwoven in
the Zuton fabric. I think record has a wider appeal than their first outing. I
look forward to the new live shows. "Why Don't You Give Me Your Love" is a
cool song. This band is young. Expect many good things from them down the road.
They have played with the biggest bands in the world. It's time for people to
take notice of The Zutons.
Burial
Burial
Hyperdub
I actually bought this record. They had one copy of it at Amoeba. They had a
few 12-inch singles too. This is probably the most experimental record of all
the records I have reviewed this month. It is a collection of all the singles
from the past six years (2000-2006). It is a mix between dub, two-step, drum &
bass, and goth. There is some atmospheric stuff mixed with some driving
tunes. People often ask me what I am listening to. This is the sort of record I
would be into even if I wasn't being a reviewer. This is amazing. This is
underground. This is definitely a new sound. You should check it out too.
Cities
Variations
Yep Roc
Cities is one of those interesting bands that have been flying under the
radar for the past few years. They are from North Carolina. Now they have hooked
up with Ladytron, Fog, and Daedelus. All this has brought their sound into a
Radiohead sound. It's pretty cool with songs like "Lancer." I remember a few
years ago I really like that Bush Deconstructed CD. This may be one of those
great remix CDs that you can share with friends. Cities are a band to see.
The Horrors
EP
Stolen Transmission
This band was recently on the cover of the NME. I thought they looked like
Panic At The Disco. They sound more like Birthday Party and The Cramps. They
made a cool video with Chris Cunningham. I tried to add them on Myspace recently
and I got all these message board messages from them, so I had to delete them
immediately. But I like the songs "Sheena Is A Parasite" and "Jack The
Ripper." It's cool to have a band with that organ sound. Look for these young guys
to play some festivals soon! They haven't been in the USA yet. Hope to see
them on Halloween.
Pere Ubu
Why I Hate Women
Smog Veil Records
Pere Ubu was one of the most influential bands. They were one of the original
punk bands. They were based in Cleveland, Ohio. The original guitarist died
and the band broke up in 1982. David Thomas has since gone on to do a lot of
solo work. He brought back Rocket From The Tombs a few years ago. That brings us
back to Pere Ubu who maybe didn't get their due. Much of the work of David
Thomas is not mentioned in some of these punk nostalgic books. The new record
sounds exciting and modern. Pere Ubu is a new band, but they have captured the
spirit. I really like songs like "Caroleen" and "Flames Over Nebraska." Pere
Ubu is playing a bunch of shows this fall. They should be interesting. This is
a great post-punk record.
Various Artists
Leonard Cohen: I'm Your Man
Verve Forecast
Last month, we had that Serge Gainsbourg record, and now we have this. Hal
Wilner has been quite for a while. Ten years ago he seemed like he had a tribute
album coming out every month. Maybe he was hiding in the UK? Anything this is
a movie soundtrack, while the other records are often not visual. Leonard
Cohen has been an influential artist. Most of the focus is on his writings and
music from the 1960s, but he has been prolific all the way through. The recent
Ten Songs album was fairly good. For many people my age, we first heard about
Cohen around the time of the first Nick Cave album back in 1984. Cave did a
version of "Avalanche." Nick Cave is back here doing "I'm Your Man" and
"Suzanne." Cave has been a big supporter of his work. Of course other people have
joined in the fray. Jarvis Cocker does an interesting version of "I Can't
Forget." Hall Wilner regulars U2 and Rufus Wainwright show up here too. Beth Orton,
Antony, and The Handsome Family bring new excitement. Much of this album was
performed live. People tell me I need to see the movie. I will.
Brisa Roche
The Chase
Metro Blue
I am a big fan of all things French. Last year was quite a year for female
singers in the Francophile world. Brisa Roche is the latest thing in this world.
She is not so much like Keren Ann or Carla Bruni. Probably more like some
British or Swedish artists. She is bilingual. The first song "Airplane" is just
her voice and electric guitar. "Mystery Man" is more like stuff by Richard
Hawley. Of course there are some more French songs on her like "Dans Le Vert De
Sex Yeux." Songs like "Dial Me Up" are energetic rock and roll. This album
has a lot of styles and sounds. Brisa Roche is not limited in any way. Her voice
is very appeal, and more similar to Joanna Newsom, than other singer
songwriters.
Tuxedomoon
Cabin In The Sky
Crammed Disc
Tuxedomoon is one of the only great bands to come out of San Francisco in the
past 25 years. It's been a very bleak time for this city. Tuxedomoon has been
around in some form all these years. They reformed recently and this is their
first new album. They have also worked on a soundtrack this year. Cabin In
The Sky was released a few years ago in Europe and now we have it. The music is
solid. I hope they play more in the future. All their records are great.
The Thermals
The Body The Blood The Machine
Subpop
This is one of the great bands of Portland. Portland is a happening place. I
am going there in a few days. Let's hang out at the Clown house? Anyway there
was an album Fuckin' A. It was a classic. But the drummer left, and now it's
a two-piece. Brendan Canty of Fugazi produced this new record. It's pretty
cool. It is sort of like The Pixies and The Replacements. Lead singer, Hutch
Harris, has a cool voice. There is a few pictures of Jesus and religion themes in
the booklet. Alright, somebody is getting political! After listening to ten
records where nothing is being said, it is cool to hear some sort of earnest
message. I am glad that someone cares. If there are any punk kids out there, you
should listen to this, and quit pretending to pay homage to some false golden
age. Be here now.
The Colour
Devil's Got A Holda Me
Rethink
The Colour are this new band from LA. They are a mix between soulful rock and
heavy blues. It's a four song EP. There is supposed to be an album coming out
soon. "Devil's Got A Holda Me" is straightforward blues, with a "lonely,
lonely" that sounds like Led Zeppelin. This is the best song. "Save Yourself"
is more like 1980s new wave sounds. "Chariot of Gold" is a brilliant rocker.
"Until We're High" reminds me of Kings of Leon. The Colour are very promising.
We need more. The live show was impressive, but they need to take their
influences and own them more.
Wovenhand
Mosaic
Sounds Familyre
David Eugene Edwards used to be in 16 Horsepower. Now he is working on the
quiet intimate music of Wovenhand. This is the third album. This music was
recorded in winter. It is cold, distant, and aloof. It reminds me a little of
Bauhaus. It's very rhythmic and drone-like. It's a very interesting record. I
would like to see what the live show is like. How they fit in with some other acts
remains to be seen.
Modwheelmood
Enemies & Immigrants
Buddyhead
Modwheelmood is the new Nine Inch Nails side project. I see these guys
hanging out at Vine Bar a lot. The music is very electronic and rocking. It's a
little bit more like Muse. Apparently they are pretty popular on the internet and
Myspace. They are competing with Tila Tequila. There are a few Radiohead
moments. They might be great. I hope that more people see what they are like.
Earl Greyhound
Soft Targets
Some Records
I saw this band a few years ago. They opened for Soundtrack of Our Lives or
someone like that. They were supposed to be the hottest band out there. I guess
that Arcade Fire stole their thunder? But here they are back. The music is
solid. Everything that was great about them then, is still on this record. Keith
Morris of Circle Jerks is a big fan. He is a big fan of hard rock. This band
just needs to be heard. Heavy rock is a staple in the American diet.
Charlotte Martin
Stromata
Dinosaur Fight Records
I did an interview with Charlotte Martin a few years ago. We had a good talk.
She knows a lot about music and can play and sing really well. She had a
little group of die hard fans. Back then she was doing just voice and piano. She
was a little raw and a little like Tori Amos. Now she has a full band and the
sound is more complex. I like songs like "Drip" and "Little Universe." This
album has hope and passion all through it. It is a little more experimental
too. Charlotte Martin hasn't really been conservative at all. It's almost like a
real rock record. It's exciting stuff. This is a real mature record. Stromata
is like a scientific term. Charlotte Martin is good looking too. Bravo.
Motorhead
Kiss of Death
Sanctuary Records
Motorhead has released over twenty albums. There have been a few live albums.
I saw them in the early days. I saw them in the Brian Robinson/Another
Perfect Day years too. I am not sure who is playing with Lemmy now. But I know it's
back to a trio. This record is solid and much better than The Darkness and
many others trying to be hard. Motorhead never gets old. Their newer records are
always interesting. For some reason they have stayed relevant. I don't think
anyone has stolen their gear during a tour either. Lemmy is one of the main
icon of true rock and roll. He is still breathing. He is still hungry.
Alexander Laurence
