Last Time Around by Mortals, The - CD (7/10)

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This is the final full length from the great band, The Mortals. This, however, is a collection of previously released material scanning the band’s short existence. The quality isn’t as consistent as their past LPs but their are some good songs on here. I especially like Atomic Cocktail taken from the Estrus Cocktail Companion.

Experiment Zero by Man... or Astroman? - CD (9/10)

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This release represents a revitalized MorA? after a string of average releases. Albini’s production makes the band sound a bit more strppied down and kinda like they’re playing in your living room.  They are perhaps one of the most exciting and entertaining live bands around.

Presenting Jackie and the Cedrics by Jackie and the Cedrics - 10" (9/10)

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Jackie and the Cedrics are a surf revival band hailing from Japan. In addition to Jackie’s trademark hyperactive drumming, Rockin’ Jelly Bean’s pounding bass, and Enocky’s speedy guitar playing, the band has added a new organist for this recording, Tucker. The organ fits in great and the songs on this EP are as kinetic as anything they have put out in the past, and have a nice clear production quality.

Big Guitars, Western Style by Huntington Cads, The - 7" (6/10)

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This is a band lead by ex-Fink Chris Barfield. There a four neat instros on this single. They all have a Morricone feel to them because of the mix of acoustic and electric guitars. The record’s best song is their version of The Vice of Killing from For a Few Dollars More.

Broad Appeal by Henchmen, The - LP (7/10)

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This is the bands first full length offering with their new drummer and it is their clearest sounding stuff to date. This is one band that isn’t helped by their past lo-fi sound. This pretty much follows the Henchmen’s formula here: organ driven frat-rock songs about cars and girls.

America’s Funnyman by Neil Hamburger - LP (10/10)

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Neil’s premiere long player is an instant classic. It’s much less off the wall (e.g. there’s no obvious laugh track) than his 7″ releases, and it works beautifully! The album’s highlights occur when he loses control of the crowd, his censored top ten list, the return of his zipper shtick, and the erotic hog dog vendor (a visual joke). What makes the album even more poignant is the fact that it was recorded during Neil’s difficult divorce, proving that laughter will cure all! NEEEEIIIILLLLL HAAAMMMBBUURRGGEEERRR!!!!!