gullbuy music review

June 29, 1999

The Murmurs of Irma

title

Super Vacillation Day

label

Mouthy Records

format
7inch

The Murmurs of Irma4 song debut single form this Portsmouth UK band. Pop in the vein of Super Furry Animals, Gorkys Zygotic Mynci, and Olivia Tremor Control. Sounds like a cross of XTC and The Undertones to me!

---Carl, June 29, 1999

Echoboy

title

Pure New Wool e.p.

label

For Us Records

format
2x7inch

EchoboyLimited edition of 500 - double 7" on For Us Records- one 7" of mellow country (including a cracking instrumental with BJ Cole on pedal steel - and one 7" of the psychedelic stuff - essential. The title song (actually side D in this set) samples the Downliner Sect's song "Leader of the Sect". This follows a 10" on Earworm, which is still on our playlist.

---Carl, June 29, 1999

Ten Benson

title

Rock Cottage

label

Cottage Records

format
7inch

Ten Benson Mail order exclusive single - The A side is about Ten Benson's rock'n'rural fantasy - living in a country cottage and being able to make lots of noise - The B side is a kazoo duet by Chris and Duncan. 'Rock Cottage' sounds like Gary Glitter (the drums) crossed with Turbonegro (the guitars)

---Carl, June 29, 1999

Supercute

title

Notting Hill

label

Sonic Art Union

format
CDR

CDR by Supercute aka John William Davies aka Teen Anthems. Supercute had a recent single on Damaged Goods with the 'Jamie Theakson" song. There are 4 songs here, and all are completely great if you like Helen Love, Anorak Girl, Bad Dream Fancy Dress, or any of Teen Anthem's earlier stuff, like the "I Hate Oasis" 7" or the "Welsh Bands Suck" 7". This is hyper-casio-pop-par excellance

---Carl, June 29, 1999

Steve Harley & Cockney Rebel

title

The Cream Of...

label

EMI Gold UK

format
CD

Cockney Rebel were THE stuff back when Sparks, Be Bop Deluxe, Mott the Hoople, and Bowie were peaking in the early 70's. This compilation covers his whole career, so you have to pick the earlier treats out of the later. Gems include 'Judy Teen', 'Mr. Raffles', 'Psychomodo', & 'Mr. Soft'. Steve Harley & Cockney Rebel are most well known right now for the song "Make Me Smile (Come Up And See Me)", which was featured in both a UK cosmetics ad and in the film Velvet Goldmine.

---Carl, June 29, 1999

Mina

title

"Kupferfarben" b-w "Radio"

label

Bungalow

format
10inch

This is the third 10" in the recent series of three. I haven't found the first, so it looks like we will not have it for our collection. I like the 2 songs here even better than those on the 10" added last week. Mina are a young band from Berlin with a fresh new sound.

---Carl, June 29, 1999

Narco

title

Hanging From A High Point EP

label

Shiva Records

format
12inch

Narco play havoc with 50's indian film culture, seventies punk, and drum and bass. Reviews everywhere. Ones to watch

---Carl, June 29, 1999

Brassy

title

Bonus Beats EP

label

Wiiija

format
2x7inch

Brassy's first EP for Wiiija. The Manchester-based foursome, fronted by American-born Muffin Spencer (Jon Spencer's sister), have previously released three singles on the independent Costermonger label (We have 2 at WZBC). This double 7" set is getting a lot of attention and good reviews. Female vocal big bang rock with modern touches.

---Carl, June 29, 1999