Bob Mould – Circle Of Friends

(MVD Visual)

4

Punk rock legends don't often age gracefully. Bob Mould is the rare exception. He could easily milk the cash cow and retread his past favorites from his Husker Du & Sugar days, and coast on that retro trip, but this live in DC set includes a new electric band (including Brendan Canty from Fugazi), and looks quite forward, thank you very much. On Circle Of Friends, Bob andcompany scorch through a variety of songs from his past and future -with the electricity and energy set to 10. Mould's trademark buzzsaw guitar is here, in all its ferocity, and these 23 songs are insurmountable evidence that Mould is a world-class songwriter. He pours himself into every riff and melody, and his band back him up with equal tenacity. I can't understand why Mould's records aren't 'top 10' - such a combination of melody, power, and emotion are all too rare in music these days. How's the show, you ask? Energetic, spellbinding, and beautiful. I'll say no more.

-- Todd Zachritz

Alice Smith – For Lovers, Dreamers and Me

(Epic)

5

This CD packs a big punch with deep, bluesy lyrics and piano. Fionna Apple meets 70s funk is what came to mind. Ms. Smith’s lusty voice opens FLD&M with the single “Dream,” an upbeat song with sad undertones. It progresses in order, as well, being bubbly and somewhat danceable at first but near the end, slows down dramatically. It does end on a cheerful note, though with “Love Endeavor.” No drum machines or synthesizers, FLD&M utilizes slide guitars, electric violins and even strings. This CD sounds like professional work, could be the next big rage-we did embrace Alicia Keys, so real music can be adored by the buying public. Could possibly be a great concert. Very excellent to listen to in a hot bubble bath, alone… or occupied… Beware though, if you have a broken heart, this CD very well could cause some big tears. www.alicesmith.com

-- Ashley West-Albin

Cloudland Canyon – Silver Tongued Sisyphus

(Kranky)

5

The importance and impact of German experimental rock pioneers like

Cluster or Can is nearly impossible to overstate. Cloudland Canyon's debut for Kranky summons these still-relevant ghosts and adds to them a profound drone that evokes even more ancient spirits and altered states of consciousness. The first lengthy track here, “Dambala” begins as a mysterious ambient mist and moves, halfway in, towards a lighter, even lovely psychedelic swirl of syncopated effects and gentle melodies. Beautiful and otherworldly work. The second extended track, “Silver Tongued Sisyphus,” rocks harder, with a pulsing bassline and drums that pay homage to folks like Czukay and Leibezeit. It's a powerful and affecting trance/drone rock track, with incantational vocals and an enveloping groove. Simply, this is a monster kraut/trance release that places Cloudland Canyon in the vanguard of modern psychedelia. I am breathless.

-- Todd Zachritz

(Victory)

4

Wild blastbeats, gutteral vox, and math-metal are the order of the day with BTBAM, with brief melodic interludes that bring to mind big stadium rockers like Queen or Muse. Yes, weird but true. This North Carolina act bring the maelstrom of edgy metal with all kinds of fearsome tempo changes and a silly vs. heavy duality that keeps things from getting too samey. “Sun Of Nothing” has a nonsense interlude mid-crush, and it's nice to see a heavy act that doesn't take itself all that seriously. Imagine the warped love child of the Dillinger Escape Plan and Mr. Bungle, and something like BTBAM may emerge. Good work, guys!

-- Rob 'Very Metal' Wickett

Genitorturers – Flesh Is The Law

(G-Force via MVD Audio)

3

Originally released as an obscure import a few years back, this stop-gap EP includes 4 studio cuts and 4 live tunes, showcasing this Floridian group's notorious brand of industrial-edged shock-metal. Songs like the electro-tinged “Lecher Bitch” or the bold title track will easily appeal to fans of stuff like Marilyn Manson or Rob Zombie, but with simultaneously seductive and brutal female vocals. The live tracks here are rougher and more aggressive, whereas the studio works are more programmed and subtle. Still, this group, centered around professional body piercer/dominatrix Gen, won't be considered for any mainstream radio play anytime soon, as their songs deal with such sensitive issues as bondage and S&M play. It's not a bad set of tunes, but I can't help but feel as if “Flesh Is The Law” (as well as the band's past releases) can't hold a candle to the real live performances, which apparently are quite the spectacle.

-- Todd Zachritz

Magnet School – Tonight!

(Arclight)

3

First off, this CD is full of lengthy intros. If you are looking get straight into vocals, just forget it now. The vocals are pretty good though. Magnet School is what I like to call new age surfer rock. It’s obviously not the bubblegum pop of the Beach Boys, but it has that heavy lead guitar and somber lyrics paired with a rush of emotion. My only complaint was that the lead guitar drowns out the lyrics almost completely. I caught the word catacombs, usually only placed in heavy hardcore metal, emo and Bush songs, but it worked pretty well. All in all, a good solid CD but be prepared to feel like you’re on a warped version of Laguna Beach. Think a 2007 version of Blue Oyster Cult. www.themagnetschool.com

-- Ashley West-Albin

Voodoo Glow Skulls – Southern California Street Music

(Victory)

2

Bouncy, punky Latin-inflected ska from, well, you guessed it, the West Coast. Voodoo Glow Skulls have been around for some time, first with stalwart punk labels Dr. Strange and Epitaph, and now with powerhouse Victory, so they have the credibility to back up their near-20-year history. But songs like “While My City Sleeps” are little more than buffoonish punk cuts with horn & skank sections. Lyrically, these guys are pretty vacant, and though musically they are easily top of the game (perhaps more so than their brethren in the Mighty Mighty Bosstones), this stuff comes across as little more than thuggish and sophomoric.

-- Rob Wickett

The Compromise – The Compromise

(Self-release)

4

Perfect blending! You can hear what this guy is saying! I dubbed them Hollister Rock, you know, when you walk into Hollister you always hear that “totally awesome” music! I really enjoyed “Girl on the Moon” it pulled emotion out of me like a splinter. Out of Nashville, I noticed this band is trying to land fame and fortune by trying their hand at music competitions like The Next Great American Band, but I really felt like their original music stands on its own and keeps you entertained, almost over-the-top. Listen and love…www.myspace.com/thecompromiserock

-- Ashley West-Albin

Gary Reynolds and the Brides of Obscurity – Santiago’s Vest

(Electrokitty Records)

3

Why hello, I am standing on the corner of Abbey Road and Penny Lane. With a twingy Ringolike voice, Gary Reynolds is a bit different from what we are used to but a refreshing change. This band builds their sound around piano instead of guitar like many highlighted bands of today. Very pop, very rock-but a little heavy on the production. I like my music a little more organic and less produced. No I am not sure when this CD would be truly appropriate, as it isn’t much of a lovey-dovey compilation and not really danceable. It’s more of a chill CD. Good driving music. Excellent cover art; grabs your attention in a simplistic but intriguing way. Either you will love Santiago’s Vest or hate it. www.myspace.com/bridesofobscurity

-- Ashley West-Albin