Music Log

A chronological listing of my music reviews.

2009

Disposable Half-Truths Richard H. Kirk

6/10
This is an early solo effort from Cabaret Voltaire’s Richard H. Kirk. It came in a three-pack CD set... more

Killington Lost Killington Lost

10/10
This was the last band my brother was in before he left college. Great walls of guitar sound mixed... more

Change (Spiral Tribe Mixes) Killing Joke

7/10
More studio knob-twisting and ambient rethinkings of “Change” and “Requiem.”

Change (The Youth Mixes) Killing Joke

8/10
Youth returned to the band prior to Pandemonium with these dancy remixes of “Change” and “Requiem.” Nothing too exciting here but... more

Laugh? I Nearly Bought One! Killing Joke

8/10
A greatest hits compilation. The only reason I bought it was to get the tracks “Turn to Red” and... more

Wilful Days Killing Joke

9/10
A great collection of singles and extended mixes from the EG years. I had a few of these on... more

Killing Joke (2003) Killing Joke

9/10
Killing Joke proves they can still crank up the angst on yet another “comeback” album. There’s no innovation here,... more

Democracy Killing Joke

6/10
Very much along the same lines as Pandemonium but something doesn’t quite click here. Maybe the cleaner production reveals the limitations... more

Pandemonium Killing Joke

8/10
Having veered off course for a few records, this CD seems like the natural progression from Thousand Suns. The band... more

Exremities, Dirt and Various Repressed Emotions Killing Joke

8/10
It took Martin Atkins pounding drums to knock some sense back into Jaz Coleman. The band conscientiously returned to... more

Outside the Gate Killing Joke

5/10
Okay, this is hands-down Killing Joke’s worst album. It’s not so much that it is a bad record, it... more

Brighter Than a Thousand Suns Killing Joke

9/10
Killing Joke took everything that was great about Nightime’s “Love Like Blood” and ran with it on this release. There’s a... more

Night Time Killing Joke

10/10
Punk rock for the dance floor! One of my most listened too albums during my late high school years.... more

Fire Dances Killing Joke

10/10
This is my favorite Killing Joke album. It’s a great fusion of the more mainstreamed, dancable Joke that would... more

Revelations Killing Joke

10/10
Everything that was great about What’s THIS for…! has been condensed and refined on Revelations. One of my favorite CDs.

What’s THIS for…! Killing Joke

9/10
Brutal, pounding, post-punk genius. Post apocalyptic tribal beats that many fans consider their best. I prefer the two follow... more

Killing Joke Killing Joke

8/10
First Killing Joke record is not their best, but has a few classics on it: “Wardance” and “Change.” They... more

Show Jesus Lizard, The

7/10
A live CD. Was noteworthy when it came out because of the unreleased songs, but those songs have since... more

Down Jesus Lizard, The

8/10
I like the cover of this one. This CD continues along the lines of Liar. The songs aren’t as memorable, but... more

Lash Jesus Lizard, The

7/10
A short EP with a couple of good new tracks and 4 live tracks.

Liar Jesus Lizard, The

9/10
Goat laid the ground rules for the Jesus Lizard’s sound and Liar solidified it into a formula. It’s a... more

Goat Jesus Lizard, The

10/10
Jesus Lizard’s finest record. Crazy bluesy licks on top of a pounding rhythm section and off-the-wall vocals. This could... more

Head/Pure Jesus Lizard, The

10/10
I’d have to say it’s a toss up between Goat and Head as my favorite Jesus Lizard album. Pure/Head... more

For Your Own Special Sweetheart Jawbox

8/10
More of Jawbox being Jawbox. The only thing that signing to a major may have changed about the band... more

T.S.B. (Tom’s Strip and Bowl) Mono Men

4/10
As much as I appreciate Dave Crider and his label Estrus Records, I could never get in to his band,... more

Novelty Jawbox

8/10
Good 90s post punk music. Much more rockin’ than say, Fugazi, but the songs are not as memorable.

Kick INXS

6/10
This is one of the oldest CDs in my collection. It was given to me as a gift. At... more

My God Is Alive! Sorry About Yours! Knights of the New Crusade, The

9/10
Knights of the New Crusade are America’s premiere punk rock Biblical literalists. Religious viewpoint aside, this is some of... more

Hillbilly Wolf: Missing Links Vol. 1 Link Wray

9/10
This is the CD reissue of Norton’s Link Wray series. The CD includes some 5 bonus tracks. If you... more

154 Wire

10/10
Wire is quickly becoming one of my favorite bands. Sure they’re arty and all, but I can’t get over... more

Teenage Doll Various Artists

9/10
This selection from the ever-growing Buffalo Bop re-release CDs feature only female rockers from the 50s. It’s much more... more

Sin Alley Part One Various Artists

10/10
rockabilly reissue series. Contains 30 Rockabilly and R&B “Howlers.” A must from Crypt records (Along with the Las Vegas... more

Beat, Beat, Beatsville!: Beatnik Rock ‘n’ Roll Various Artists

9/10
This is a comp of late fifties early sixties novelty rock songs about beatniks. It’s very much in-line with... more

The Planet Pimp Records Good Tyme Jahamboree Various Artists

10/10
Another winner from Sven-Erik and the gang. New David Nudelman song “Vegetabless” and also Deke Dickerson song and a... more

Strummin’ Mental Part Two Various Artists

8/10
This is a compilation of instrumental music from 1957-65. It’s equal in quality to the stuff in the Back From... more

Jungle Exotica Part 2 Various Artists

10/10
I have yet to wipe the tears of joy that flow down my cheeks since I bought this disc.... more

Las Vegas Grind Part 3 Various Artists

10/10
FINALLY!! Part 3 in the incredible Las Vegas Grind series. This disc, like its predecessors, is simply incredible and... more

Youth Runs Wild Untamed Youth

9/10
This is the follow-up to Planet Mace and continues much along the same lines. They rely a bit less... more

An Invitation to Planet Mace Untamed Youth

9/10
This is the long awaited new release from these kings of Jethro Rock™ And this is one of their... more

Untamed Melodies Untamed Youth, The

10/10
Deke’s old band. CD compiles a bunch of this band’s great surf tunes. All the tracks are also available... more

Smells Like the Big Time Three Stoned Men

8/10
As the band name may suggest, this album contains a bunch of songs about smoking dope. This trio is... more

Ages 3 and Up Supernova

7/10
After loving Servotron’s latest, and hearing about the similarities with that band, I decided to give Supernova a try.... more

Everything Is Falling Apart Subsonics

8/10
This bands rocks in a Cramp’s style rockabilly sound with a heavy dose of The Velvet Underground. The mix... more

Stratosphere Boogie: The Flaming Guitars Of Speedy West and Jimmy Bryant Speedy West and Jimmy Bryant

10/10
Hott DAMN!! Insane steel guitar-guitar combo. It’s kinda like the Ren and Stimpy theme but more insane and with... more

Barnyard Favorites Smith's Ranch Boys

7/10
This is a side project by Big Sandy’s guitarist. They rock in swingin’ western rockabilly style, not unlike the... more

Celebration of Annihilation Servotron

9/10
Robot rock! This band is rumored to contain member(s) of Man or Astroman? and Supernova (I’ve since found out... more

Electrical Power Sources for the Electrocution and Extinction of the Human Race… Servotron

6/10
Another single from this ManorAstroman?-esque/Supernova-esque project. Not quite as good as the Bad Birthday single but still likeable.

No Room for Humans Servotron

10/10
The first full-length outing by Servotron. More songs about the elimination of the human race. Includes songs about Small Wonder,... more

Around the World With Satan’s Pilgrims Satan's Pilgrims

9/10
A collection of mildly exotica inspired tune from this Portland surf band. It’s much better than some of their... more

The Best Of Sam the Sham and the Pharaohs Sam the Sham and the Pharaohs

10/10
I found this used for $4! A 1967 collection of the best of this clever band from the 60’s.... more

Salaryman Salaryman

8/10
This is the Poster Children’s electronic side project. The music is generated mainly with analog and/or cheap synthesizers and... more

Oh Yeah, Baby Royal Pendletons

8/10
This is the debut LP from this New Orleans frat-rock combo. This is a really good album. The opening... more

Can’t Stand the Rezillos: The (Almost) Complete Rezillos Rezillos, The

8/10
This is a scottish punk band from the seventies. They are responsible for the original Destination Venus. The songs on... more

96 Tears Question Mark and the Mysterians

9/10
This is a recent reissue of the 1966 album of the same name. This is an excellent collection of... more

Fresh Gasoline Phono-Comb

6/10
Phono-Comb is comprised of the Shadowy Men’s rhythm section and a new guitarist. The songs are in the same... more

The Great Surf Crash of ’97 Phantom Surfers, The

8/10
The title of this great release refers to the recent glut of surf bands out there. The cover art... more

Popular Favorites Oblivians

10/10
Another amazing release from these lo-fi Memphis rockers. Buy this record! It will change your life… well, not really, but sure... more

Oblivians Play 9 Songs with Mr. Quintron Oblivians

10/10
A concept album from the Oblivians, the kings of overdriven blues trash?!? Well, kinda… this is a collection of... more

David Nudelman Lays an Egg David Nudelman

10/10
Speaking of David Nudelman, I think it would be mistake to leave this record off this list. This is... more

Runnin’ on Empty Vols. 1 & 2 Mummies, The

10/10
The title is very appropriate for this posthumous release from one of the greatest garage rock bands. These two... more

Last Time Around Mortals, The

7/10
This is the final full length from the great band, The Mortals. This, however, is a collection of previously... more

Et Vincere et Mori Monarchs, The

9/10
Lo-Fi rockers!!! Snotty female lead vocals. Some of the best garage music from the 90s.

Every Song we Fuckin’ Know Marauders, Los

7/10
This is one twisted piece of work. It contains a bunch of fun rockabilly tunes. All of them are... more

Experiment Zero Man... or Astroman?

9/10
This release represents a revitalized MorA? after a string of average releases. Albini’s production makes the band sound a... more

Shot Jesus Lizard, The

7/10
The JL’s worst album thusfar. Still it kix rox.

Presenting Jackie and the Cedrics Jackie and the Cedrics

9/10
Jackie and the Cedrics are a surf revival band hailing from Japan. In addition to Jackie’s trademark hyperactive drumming,... more

Big Guitars, Western Style Huntington Cads, The

6/10
This is a band lead by ex-Fink Chris Barfield. There a four neat instros on this single. They all... more

Broad Appeal Henchmen, The

7/10
This is the bands first full length offering with their new drummer and it is their clearest sounding stuff... more

Bartender the Laugh’s On Me Neil Hamburger

10/10
WOW!!! Neil provides the side-splitting fun on this awesome work of comedy genius. It includes his take on religion,... more

America’s Funnyman Neil Hamburger

10/10
Neil’s premiere long player is an instant classic. It’s much less off the wall (e.g. there’s no obvious laugh... more

Lift Your Skinny Hands Like Antennas to Heaven Godspeed You Black Emperor

7/10
Godspeed is, at last count, a ten piece outfit from Canada. This double CD plays like an epic soundtrack.... more

Stop, Rock, and Roll Drags, The

9/10
This debut full-lengther from Tucson’s the Drags clocks in at under 20 minutes. But this LP offers more in... more

Dollface Lights the Pilot!!! Dollface

10/10
This band was perhaps the best kept R’n’R secret in the nation. Hailing from the not-so-exciting Peoria, IL, these... more

Tasty Demolition Doll Rods

7/10
The Doll Rods’ debut LP delivers with the same energy as their previous 7″s. Drums (well maybe a floor... more

Solid Sender Deke Dickerson

9/10
This is a wonderful single by Deke (of Untamed Youth/Dave and Deke Combo/GoNuts Fame). Most of the songs are... more

Hollywood Barndance Dave and Deke Combo, The

10/10
Great hillbilly tunes. These are perhaps some of the most talented hicks around.

All Night Burner Crown Royals, The

5/10
Do you like G.E. Smith and the Saturday Night Live Band? Do you view Paul Shaffer as a musical... more

Audio Visionaries: Street Pranks and Put-Ons Coyle and Sharpe

9/10
This is the second CD collection of this duo’s hilarious Candid Microphone style man-on-the-street interviews from the mid sixties. This collection... more

Get in your Ear Budget Girls, The

10/10
This is a killer single from Planet Pimp. This group is headed by two screaming chicks that know how... more

Pet Sounds Beach Boys, The

10/10
I finally bought this CD after hearing so many good things about it from various sources. I found this... more

Haunted Hill Bassholes

10/10
Drums, Guitar, and a howling blues freak. Need I say more? Well, I will anyway. These songs rock to... more

Goldfinger John Barry & Shirley Bassey

10/10
This is an essential item for your record collection. It contains the best Bond song from the best Bond... more

The Golden Band American Analog Set, The

10/10
Admittedly, I was originally drawn to this band because of the cover of their first album, The Fun of Watching... more

Bomb the Twist 5.6.7.8's

10/10
Extremely cool Japanese all-girl garage rock. All six songs on this release are amazing this was one of my... more

Rock Invasion 1-4-5-s, The

7/10
The self proclaimed Recyclers of Rock bring us their debut album. The low-down on this band is this: all their songs... more

Hello Young Lovers Sparks

10/10
A masterpiece of epic, symphonic goofiness and left-of-center pop structuring. This, along with Lil’ Beethoven is Sparks best since Kimono my... more