Galaxie 500
Galaxie 500 CD Box Set
Rykodisc.
by Keith McLachlan.
December 10, 1996.
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If you missed Galaxie 500 the first time around, or if you were like I
was and came late to the party only to find that their records were no
longer in print, well then you have a lot to thank Santa for this
Christmas, with Rykodisc being on top of that thank you list. Galaxie
500 won't impress anyone with their playing, their thing wasn't
innovation and no one would accuse them of being diverse, but what
they did was make the most beautifully, simple music of their era.
Before shoegazing and all of it's one syllable flashes, there was
Dean, Damon and Naomi, sounding a lot like the Velvet Underground but
wholly distinct at the same time. It was a short ride and after three
albums it was over, but in this set you find a lifetime of treasures
from the entirety of the spectacular On Fire album, to rarities like
their amazing cover of VU's "Here She Comes Now" and each disc comes
with a video playable on your CD ROM player. And everything is
contained in a magnificently designed package. This is your homework
if you are at all interested in the new phase of space rock. Totally
essential.
Kleenex Girl Wonder
Sexual Harassment CD
Full Court Press.
by Keith McLachlan.
December 10, 1996.
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A 24 song 74 minute exercise in pop experimentation that hits the
button most times and only strays when their attempts at creating the
buzz ala snapper goes a little too monotonous. Apparently someone in
this band is only 17 years old, there are 11 members listed on the
sleeve so i don't know if that is a benchmark age for the collective
or not? The sound is akin to an amalgam of Guided By Voices, The
Swirlies and for lazy ears Chris Knox but his requisite madness is not
to be found on this album. Instead you get a slew of songs about
suburban life, Chicago in particular, that sounds completely
invigorating. Highlight tracks include both versions of the title
selection, the instrumental "Cuba," "Monsters of the Midway" and the
bizarre "Chief Day-glo Bear." Fun.
Meek
Lemonade 7" vinyl
Anorak.
by Aurore Bacmann.
December 1, 1996.
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A reward for long years' patience: Meek's single is finally out. A
posthumous work since the group sadly split up quite a long time ago
already. Before the vinyl consecration, Meek had had an honest career
on compilation cassettes and in fanzines, a steady progression, an
appearance on the Munch video cassette, supported famous popstars
in concert and ended up as a key group of the international pop scene.
They had developed their own style of jangly pop, with their quiet
ballads and Rickenbacker guitar as a flag. The ep illustrates this
perfectly: the guitars and drums are light as a summer breeze and the
voice captures the words and melody with infinite sweetness and
fluidity. Of course it is too late to regret the split of the group -
but it's still time to enjoy 4 excellent songs, one of which being
none the less than their hit "Arradon."
the Secret Stars
The Secret Stars CD
Shrimper. SHR-80.
by Keith McLachlan.
December 1, 1996.
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The debut full length from the sad boy/girl duo of Geoff and Jodi,
following their lovely Shrimper cassette and Simple Machines 7 inch.
Essentially a two guitar outfit, this album contains some of the
saddest songs you are ever likely to hear. And better to be sad than
miserable, the heartbreak is best born out on tracks like "Whisper:
Eye" (one of the three songs sung by Jodi) and "Aufheben" and
"Untitled #2" where Geoff wrenches his way through tales of love's
misadventure. If your idea of beauty is Mazzy Star and their
aesthetic and emotionally empty dreamscapes then maybe the stars are
not for you, but if you appreciate an honest song over smooth
production then here is your treat for many days to come.
Ashtray Boy
The Everyman's Fourth Dimension CD
Ajax. 057.
by Keith McLachlan.
December 1, 1996.
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The fifth album from the most prolific Australian around finds him in
familiar form. Quiet acoustic strummers dominate the melancholy
landscape found here, with only a few more upbeat numbers. Features
efforts from both the American and Australian incarnations of Ashtray
Boy and with special assistance from Mary Wyer (formerly of Even As We
Speak) on the songs "Saying No to Romper Room' and "A Universal
Occult," two songs which are among the highlights of this fine disc.
Fans of his previous albums will find this album from Mr. Randall Lee
to rank among his best, not quite as good as the last Cannanes album,
but still pretty swell.
Hood
Silent '88 CD
Slumberland. SLR-59.
by Keith McLachlan.
December 1, 1996.
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The second album from these english dreampoppers comes off as a
strange hybrid, for all at once it brings to mind Flying Saucer Attack
and Boyracer, and when you think about it that is an interesting
combination. Flying Saucer Attack because most of the production is
murky and the somewhat pastoral songs are fuzz tinged and Boyracer
because several of the songs are more scraps than full courses. There
are 23 songs most of which buzz by in a wash, but those that hang
around for a while are really pretty nice and make you wish they
might, in the future, expand their attention span. A fine find on
Slumberland records.