Barnyard Favorites by Smith's Ranch Boys - 10" (7/10)

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This is a side project by Big Sandy’s guitarist. They rock in swingin’ western rockabilly style, not unlike the Dave and Deke Combo. The album is on Deke’s Eccophonnic label to boot! These songs are fun and you’d have to be a vegeTABLE to sit through this one without tappin’ your toes.

Celebration of Annihilation by Servotron - 7" (9/10)

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Robot rock! This band is rumored to contain member(s) of Man or Astroman? and Supernova (I’ve since found out that this is not true), and follows those bands in their taste for goofy sci-fi rock. Servotron’s theme is robots and they play in a Devoesque robotic style. Bad birthday is a classic.

No Room for Humans by Servotron - CD (10/10)

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The first full-length outing by Servotron. More songs about the elimination of the human race. Includes songs about Small Wonder, Magnus Robot Fighter, Robbie the Robot, and the much ignored red robot R5-D4. This is a great record, although admittably it could be annoying to some people.

Salaryman by Salaryman - CD (8/10)

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This is the Poster Children’s electronic side project. The music is generated mainly with analog and/or cheap synthesizers and electronic gizmos. It has an ambient techno feel to it but maintains a live human feel. This works to the band’s advantage, helping to distance themselves from the boring techno dance music (which usually boils down to being EZ listening for the stupid, ie people who own Amiga computers). Their songs tend to sound too similar after a while but it’s still interesting nonetheless.

Oh Yeah, Baby by Royal Pendletons - LP (8/10)

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This is the debut LP from this New Orleans frat-rock combo. This is a really good album. The opening track is one of the best instro’s I’ve heard in a long time. Although they have a much fuller sound, these guys sound very much like the Hentchmen. I may just be saying this because both bands prominently feature organ. Unlike most neo-surf-frat rock bands lately, these guys actually have some energy behind their music!

Can’t Stand the Rezillos: The (Almost) Complete Rezillos by Rezillos, The - CD (8/10)

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This is a scottish punk band from the seventies. They are responsible for the original Destination Venus. The songs on this album song sound like lots of British punk from that era but with a much more new wave twist. They sing about trash culture icons and refrain from the Anarchy in the UK crap. These songs have much more of a 60s pop appeal to them. Also, the mix between male and female vocals is swell. Lots of great basslines too.

96 Tears by Question Mark and the Mysterians - CD (9/10)

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This is a recent reissue of the 1966 album of the same name. This is an excellent collection of great 60’s garage tunes by these legendary Michigan Rockers.. Most of the tunes match the energy and snottyness of their 1966 hit 96 tears and the CD includes 4 bonus tracks. Look for their reunion follow up album coming out soon!