April 22, 2003

• 
  click to read more

  Brian Donor

  title:: Studio & Live 1999 - 2002
  label:: Brain Donor Records

  'Studio & Live 1999-2002' is the follow up to Brain Donor's 'Love, Peace, and F*ck' album. This new record is more satisfying than the debut disc. Brain Donor is the hard rock power trio consisting of former Teardrop Explodes frontman / solo artist Julian Cope, and two former members of Spiritualized, Doggen and Kevlar.

  In the Popfiles section of the CD booklet, each member stated that their favorite piece of clothing is their 5inch platform Donor boots. Like those boots, Brain Donor seem to be a band best strapped on and enjoyed on a stage. I give Julian credit for having the courage to follow his muse with Brain Donor.

• 
  click to read more

  Thomas & Richard Frost

  title:: Visualize
  label:: Rev-Ola

  Thomas & Richard Frost were involved in some of the most intriguing late 1960s rock groups coming out of California. Between 1968 and 1970, they recorded a handful of singles for Imperial Records, and finally recording an album in 1969. Sadly, this album was shelved. It wasn't until 2002, that the entire album Visualize was finally released for the very first time, as Thomas & Richard Frost would have released it.

  Visualize is that amazing lost classic we always dream of finding. It combines the remnants of a dreamy folk rock sound, couple it with loungey horns and soft pop harmonies, and combine it all in a mesmerizing blend. Think Kim Fowley or Michael Lloyd, if they worked with Salt Water Taffy or Jan and Dean, and you get an idea of how Visualize sounds.

• 
  click to read more

  Saint Etienne

  title:: Soft Like Me -CD1 & CD2
  label:: Mantra Recordings

  The album version of Soft Like Me is the first song on CD1. It is the only song that is taken from 'Finisterre.' Time and Tide is the highlight of this set of CD singles. It is a mid paced song with nice backbeat, good lyrics and melody, and background harmonies.

  With CD1 and CD2 of Saint Etienne's Soft Like Me singles, Bob Stanley, Pete Wiggs, and Sara Cracknell have given fans two singles with no repeated tracks and several worthy exclusive tracks.

• 
  click to read more

  Tiga DJ Kicks

  various artists
  label:: K7

  It seems to me that everything Tiga touches turns to gold. The Montreal-based DJ definitely has the touch.

  After years of experience working in techno and electro throughout the years, Tiga digs to the marrow of a sound, and presents only the most crucial aspects. I definitely think that I will want to look more into a lot of the artists that Tiga has seamlessly mixed here.