Music I Liked And Didn't - 12/19/06 - 12/21/06

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WAITS, TOM: Orphans: Brawlers, Bawlers and Bastards 3CD (Anti) - This massive 3-disc, 56 song release is a sprawling musical journey, which reflects almost every genre in the American musical tradition. Although Waits plays many instruments and is beautifully supported by an all-star cast (including Marc Ribot, Greg Cohen, and Karla Kihlstedt, among others!), at the center of this set is Waits’ incredible voice, as he delivers his trademark tales with growls, whispers, croons, scats, and screams.

This set is divided into three CDs, each of which is designed to broadly represent a particular style of music from Waits’ wide ranging sonic palette. So, “Brawlers”, as the title suggests, is packed with full throated juke joint stompers and blues tracks. “Bawlers”, by contrast, is the quietest (and, by far my least favorite) disc of the set , containing lonesome ballads, Celtic waltzes, and country tinged laments. The final (and best) disc in this set is, “Bastards”, in which Waits’ relates fantastic tales of the dark side over musical tracks informed by influences as diverse as experimental music, film noir, hip-hop, and so on. With a set this all encompassing, some lapses are inevitable, but, overall, the quality level is pretty high (especially on discs 1 and 3), making this ambitious release a solid achievement.

One last note: It may just be the time of year (as he died on December 22, 2000), but this album really made me think about my friend and former KFJC Music Director, Ken “Spiderman” Hamilton, as he would have really loved its brash, genre-busting style!


More archival additions from my recent numerous Amoeba used vinyl scores:

WAITS, TOM: Real Gone 2LP (Anti) - Waits’ new set impressed and interested me enough to motivate me check out some of his other recent releases. Musically, “Real Gone” covers similar territory as, “Orphans: Brawlers, Bawlers, and Bastards”, but is actually an even stronger release as it’s more focused, in general, and, specifically, contains a higher ratio of stompers (like the “Brawlers” disc) and more experimental pieces (like the “Bastards” disc) to tear soaked ballads (like the “Bawlers” disc). Yeah, Tom Waits is “real gone” and, on this outing, that’s real good.


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Joanna Newsom At The Great American Music Hall - 12/20/06

I must say that while I was relatively impressed with Joanna Newsom’s new double LP, “Ys”, I have been staying pretty well above all the hype that’s been growing/surrounding her. That all being stated, however, she (and her fabulous backing band!) was amazing at the Great American Music Hall in San Francisco last night. I’m not going to get into any kind of full-on concert review, but I will make these two quick observations:

1 - Joanna, herself, was a phenomenal performer to see. Here’s this slight woman mastering this huge instrument, while at the same time singing these incredibly convoluted and lengthy dadaesque lyrics. She looked like it was an incredible effort while she was doing it, but it must not have been as grueling as it appeared, since at the end of each song her face would just glow, instead of her nearly keeling over to catch her breath (ala Harry Pussy’s Adris Hoyos!).

2 - The band, though only 6 in total, did a fabulous job of recreating the LP’s vast sonic landscape. In particular, Dan Cantrell, was amazing on Jew’s Harp, saw (!), and accordion, the latter of which was almost literally able to replicate the swells of the LP’s 32 piece orchestra! Honestly, this was, overall, even better live than on record (if that’s to be believed as being possible - and it is!), with the greater immediacy of the live performance more than compensating for any slight deficiencies inherent in the trade off of dropping from an orchestra to a sextet. Truly one of the best live performances I’ve seen in a long time!

Music I Liked And Didn't - 12/18/06

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No Adds Of New Releases This Time Around


More archival additions from my recent numerous Amoeba used vinyl scores:

ALLERSEELEN: Heimliche Welt 2XLP (Ahnstern) - Allerseelen is a project led by Austrian writer and musician, Gerhard Kadmon. They have been active since the late-80’s, with many releases on labels such as Ahnstern and the group’s own, Aorta label. This double LP compiles material from their live performances in 1989 and was originally released on cassette. The material is pretty evenly divided between dark ritual soundscapes (which are excellent) and tracks of a more industrial nature (which had limited appeal to me). A cool, though unessential, artifact.


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Music I Liked And Didn't - 12/16/06 - 12/17/06

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RIVULETS: You Are My Home CD (Important) - This is the third full-length release from Nathan Amundson’s project, Rivulets. 11 tracks of mostly minimal, dark pop, built upon Amundson’s poignant lyrics/vocals and acoustic guitar and fortified tastefully by the efforts of guests such as Jessica Bailiff (electric guitar and mellotron!) and Fred Lonberg-Holm (strings), among others. A few tracks (most notably, the great, “Happy Ending”) are punctuated by crisp distorto-guitar riffs that gives them an almost sweeping pop granduer reminiscent of the work of his associate, Alan Sparhawk, who recorded and released the first two Rivulets’ albums. Overall, this is Amundson’s best release to date.


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Music I Liked And Didn't - 12/14/06 - 12/15/06

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DANIELL, DAVID: Coastal CD (Xeric) - A new release of experimental sounds from San Agustin guitarist, David Daniell. The first two tracks combine a variety of elements (thick, distorto-drones, cymbals and other scattered percussion, field recordings, and so on) into pleasing soundscapes. The third (and best) track, “Sunfish”, displays the influence of his association with artists such as Rhys Chatham and Jonathan Kane, mixing repetitive guitar figures and bells to create a trance inducing effect. The final track is a synthesis of the first two styles, combining the noisewash with passages of both acoustic and electric guitar. Especially fitting for these cold, wet, dark nights.


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Music I Liked And Didn't - 12/12/06 - 12/13/06

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COHRAN, PHILIP (AND THE ARTISTIC HERITAGE ENSEMBLE): The Malcolm X Memorial (A Tribute in Music) CD (Katalyst Entertainment) - Well, I finally got my hands on a copy of this reissue that I mentioned a few days ago. As the title states, this is a musical tribute, in four parts, to Malcolm X. It was recorded live in 1968 at the Afro-Arts Theater and was released in the early 70s on Cohran's Zulu Record imprint. Conceptually, this is very well done, with the music in each part representing a period of his life. So, the album starts out in a very old school 30’s blues/jazz vein (think Cab Calloway and so on) with, "Malcolm Little". "Detroit Red", is next and the sounds are updated a couple of decades with soulful post-bop. "Malcolm X", features a more modern, flowing, righteous groove, as well as some chanting, representing well both the sound of jazz and the rising black consciousness of the early to mid-60’s. Finally, Malcolm X’s epiphany inspiring pilgrimage to Mecca is represented by "El Hajj Malik El Shabazz", which features an excellent middle eastern influenced solo by Charles Handy on Chinese Musette. While not as transcendently great as the reissue from a few years back, this is still an interesting snapshot that captures the American underground Jazz scene in a transitional time that is quite worthy of attention.


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Music I Liked And Didn't - 12/11/06 - The “Bah Humbug!” Edition

I truly loathe the last 6 weeks of the year. Wasting a bunch of time and money on people and things that you, generally, don’t like/don’t want to do. And to top it off, having to do so while being inundated with hideous xmas music and all the pro-christian propaganda. Yeah, why don’t you ask all the old altar boys and indigenous peoples (what few you can find remaining!) and so on, about all the great, life effacing aspects of christianity!

All I can say is that I'm sure glad when we reach January 1st each year and I can get back to my normal routine!


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MONO: Memorie Dal Futuro 10” Single (Vinyl Films) - Back in 2001 Mono made a promising debut as a dynamic post-rock/psychedelic band with their, “Under the Pipal Tree”, CD on Tzadik. Since then, their music has continued to get slower, quieter, and more “symphonic” and less “rock” with each release until they’ve reached the point today that they’re just plodding, boring, and not very rocking. And who gives a shit that this limited 10” single is on the actor Cameron Crowe’s new label?!? Is that supposed to mean something to me? What a sad career trajectory!

O.M.F.O. (Our Man From Odessa): We Are The Shepherds CD (Essay Recordings) - This CD, on the other hand, I really tried, but ultimately failed, to like. It was an interesting concept to fuse a variety of styles of “world music” (klezmer, rootical dub, and so on) with electronica. And some of the attempts worked pretty well, too, especially the dub style and middle eastern influenced tracks. Unfortunately, those, admittedly very cool tracks, were in the distinct minority, as the “kleztronica” really didn’t work for me and, in general, this material was way to dance oriented, at least for me. Sorry, Borat!


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Music I Liked And Didn't - 12/10/06

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DALTON, KAREN: In My Own Time CD (Light In The Attic) - This is a reissue of legendary country/folk/blues performer Karen Dalton’s second (and last) LP, originally released in 1971 on the Just Sunshine label. Recorded over a six month period in 1970/71 at Bearsville studios and backed by a crew of well-known studio musicians, this is definitely a mixed bag. Of course, Dalton’s incredible, world-weary vocals are featured on each of these tracks. Some of the tracks with the full band, such as the covers of Dino Valenti’s, “Something On Your Mind”, and George Jones', "Take Me", are quite well done, but others are just too damn slick (especially the questionable covers of such well-known “hits” as, “How Sweet It Is” and “When A Man Loves A Woman”!?!). The best tracks, such as, "Katie Cruel", and, “Same Old Man”, however, simply feature Dalton on either guitar or banjo, with just the minimal, tasteful support of instruments such as violin or organ. Like I said, a mixed bag, for sure, but the good material is sooooooo good that it makes this release an essential piece of authentic “American roots” music to own.


More archival additions from my recent numerous Amoeba used vinyl scores:

DOG FACED HERMANS: Those Deep Buds LP (Alternative Tentacles) - I filled the last remining gap in my DFH vinyl collection (another embarrassing and unexplicable oversight!), when I recently scored a sealed, original vinyl copy of this album from these great art punk counterculturalists.


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Music I Liked And Didn't - 12/8/06 - 12/9/06

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TUCKER, ALEXANDER: Furrowed Brow LP (All Tomorrow’s Parties) - This is the third solo release from musician and cool visual artist, as well, Alexander Tucker. The A-Side is simply stunning, containing some tracks that are pretty straightforward, rich and resonant acid-folk and others that mix in electric leads and electro-drones to mesmerizing effect. The B-Side is dominated by somewhat less successful material of a more experimental nature (although there is one more fine acid-folk track), that combines various loops, drones, and even (on the final track) thick, powerful, distorto-bass. A big improvement upon his, “Old Fog”, release from 2005 and a solid, if a bit uneven at times, entry into the very crowded solo outsider acid-folk/psych field.


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IRONS & SWAAN MILLER, ASA: S/T LP (Records) - I’m a big fan of Iron’s efforts with the band, Feathers, and I’m also aware of, though less impressed with, his efforts in J. Mascis’ new project, Witch. On this LP he teams up with sweet female vocalist (who was previously unknown to me) Swaan Miller to contribute his offering to the burgeoning field of modern folk releases. Recorded in 2003 as he was travelling around the country, the material on this release is very quiet and straightforward folk. Pleasant and competant enough, to be sure, but, I prefer my modern folk sounds to be fortified with little lysergic touches and, as a result, this LP failed to make the grade.

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Upcoming - Philip Cohran and the Artistic Heritage Ensemble

I was pleased to learn that another record by Philip Cohran and the Artistic Heritage Ensemble, The Malcolm X Memorial (A Tribute in Music), has been reissued on CD by a new label called Katalyst Entertainment. The album, which is very rare, was recorded live in 1968 at the Afro-Arts Theater and was released in the early 70s on Cohran's Zulu Record imprint. I haven’t bought it nor heard it yet, but if it is as good as the self-titled reissue (often erroneously referred to as, “On The Beach”) from a few years ago, then it will be a cause for celebration.

Music I Liked And Didn't - 12/5/06 - 12/7/06

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SONGS OF GREEN PHEASANT: S/T CD (Fat Cat) - Among the many aspects of this time of year that I do not like is the fact that there are very few new releases to feed my voracious need for new sounds. It does give me the chance, however, to catch up on a few releases that I had previously heard about and made a note to myself to investigate further someday. Such is the case with the 2005 debut release from Songs Of Green Pheasant, the solo project of the UK’s Duncan Sumpner. These ten rural home-recordings range from lo-fi dreamy pop with sweet vocal harmonies to dark acid folk, even bordering on neofolk on the great final track, “From Here to Somewhere Else”. I’m certainly glad that I finally got around to checking out Songs Of Green Pheasant, as this compares favorably to the work of all but the very best artists currently producing a wide variety of “modern folk” forms.


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Desperate Man Blues

A person can only devote themselves to so many things in life and so, as a general rule, I do not keep up on nor collect films, even those about music related subjects. That all being stated, I must say that I highly recommend the DVD, “Desperate Man Blues”, a document about world renown record collector, Joe Bussard. For the past 50 years or so, Bussard has made it his life's work to collect and preserve blues, country, and jazz 78s, mostly from the 1920's and 1930's. Bussard was so obsessed with finding these forgotten gems of American cultural history, that he literally scoured the attics and basements of homes along the backroads of the Southeastern United States to amass what is generally considered to be the finest collection of blues, country, and jazz 78s in the world.

Bussard’s mania hasn’t been limited to merely collecting 78’s, as he has also helped keep these pre-World War II sounds alive via his long-running weekly radio show and promoted the efforts of a new generation (well, “new” at that time!) of like-minded keepers of the flame through releases on his own Fonotone record label. In fact, my only criticism of this documentary is that it doesn’t cover any of the amazing Fonotone story. In brief, Fonotone existed from 1956 to 1969 and was the last record label to issue recordings on 78s. Many excellent (and, for the most part, otherwise unknown) musician’s recorded for Fonotone, including John Fahey, whose first recordings were released under the pseudonym of Blind Thomas. A fascinating look at a man who has achieved the goal most people can only dream about - being able to meet the exigencies of life while fully immersing yourself in the pursuit of your passion!

Music I Liked And Didn't - 11/30/06 - 12/4/06

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PSYCHIC PARAMOUNT: Gamelan Into The Mink Supernatural CD (No Quarter) - I’m just now catching up on The Psychic Paramount, a trio which features former members of the great Laddio Bolocko, Drew St. Ivany and Ben Armstrong. Sonically, the material on this release from 2005 (especially the first three tracks) features a lot of same elements as Laddio Bolocko, highlighted by propulsive rhythms and noisy guitar attacks. Unlike Laddio Bolocko, however, there’s less control, less precision in their attack, as tracks end and change abruptly and have, in general, a more chaotic feel and in-the-red production values. In addition, the album’s final two tracks give a tip of the hat to the modern composers of NYC’s Lower East Side scene and take a much more experimental approach. On “X-Visitations”, building layers of electro-drone eventually give way to waves of beautiful, disortion-laden guitar and “Gamelan” closes this set with an ever-building series of loops. A solid and often exhilirating, if imperfect, debut.


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CRIPPLED BLACK PHOENIX: Shark & Storms / Blizzard Of Horned Cats / My Enemies I Fear Not, But Protect Me From My Friends 10” EP (Invada) - Crippled Black Phoenix is a new project that’s already receiving significant hype due to the presence of Mogwai’s Dominic Aitchison on bass and their record deal with the Portishead associated, Invada label. The A-Side delivers a fairly standard take on that layered, building, evocative post-rock sound that, quite frankly, has been done better by other bands before. The B-Side tends towards a more gothic, neo-folk sound, but pales in comparison to the work of true practitioners in that (sub)genre, such as Forseti, Sonne Hagal, and so on. While both of these tracks are pleasant enough, I guess, the fact is that neither made a strong enough impression on me to feel that they’d ever merit future play if I were to stick this in my already bulging stax o’ wax and, as a result, I did not add this to my library.


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Music I Liked And Didn't - 11/29/06

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CLINE, NELS: New Monastery: A View Into The Music Of Andrew Hill CD (Cryptogramophone) - Guitarist extraorindaire, Cline, has assembled a sextet of talented musicians to explore the music of pianist/composer/leader, Andrew Hill. Cline is excellent throughout, delivering tasteful pointillistic leads and subuded jazz chording, in addition to his trademark fiery freedom chases and experimental effects. Cline and crew cover a wide range of styles on this release. There’s one funky slammer (“Yokada Yokada/The Rumproller”); two excellent pieces (“Dedication” and “Reconciliation/New Monastery”) which, in alternating segments, highlight the talents of the group’s members both as soloists and as a unit with tight and sweet ensemble passages; and the album closes with the tour de force, “Complusion”. A couple of tracks are more minimal, tend to meander a bit and, as a result, are less satisfying, but overall, this a worthy, if at times uneven, release.


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Music I Liked And Didn't - 11/28/06

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NEWSOM, JOANNA: Ys 2XLP (Drag City) - I greeted this new release from Joanna Newsom with both anticipation and trepidation. Anticipation, because I knew that giving Newsom’s music the full orchestra treatment offered great potential for fabulous sonic results. Trepidation, because I feared it was equally possible that such radical intervention might somehow smother the charm of Newsom’s very unique and personal approach to folk and pop. In addition, this release arrived with so much advance positive hype (the main reason I decided to wait two weeks to get around to listening to it!) and came in an incredibly deluxe package (beautiful gatefold sleeve, with inserted booklet of lyrics) and I tend to be suspicious of such things, as I often think that both are designed to help generate more interest in a release than the music it contains really merits. Well, I’m pleased to report that my concerns were unfounded and this project’s promise was fulfilled. The marriage of Newsom’s otherworldly vocals (delivering her trademark lyrics that seem to draw equally from “traditional” folk themes and dada-esque images) and intricate harp work with the swell of strings and other well placed orchestral accents is quite successful. Newsom has achieved her goal to combine experimental elements and beautiful melodies with this gorgeous sounding record. Excellent!


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Music I Liked And Didn't - 11/23/06 - 11/27/06

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CYANN AND BEN: Sweet Beliefs CD (Ever Records) - The third full-length release from France’s Cyann And Ben comes to us, via import only, on the emerging German imprint, Ever Records. While they’ve remained fairly faithful to their unique blend of pop, psych, and krautrock that was so successful on their previous two releases, the material on, “Sweet Beliefs”, focuses more on their quieter, more subdued side and, in general, the compositions here just do not seem to be quite as strong. As a result, this is clearly their weakest release to date, in my humble opinion. That all being stated, there are still several solid tracks that make this quite worthy of owning, but I do hope that this release only indicates a temporary lapse, rather than the beginning of a new and unfortunate career trajectory.


More archival additions from my recent numerous Amoeba used vinyl scores:

DOG FACED HERMANS: Hum Of Life LP (Konkurrel) - I corrected an embarrassing and unexplicable oversight in my collection when I recently scored an original vinyl copy of this classic LP from these great art punk counterculturalists.

WHITE MAGIC: Through The Sun Door 12” EP (Drag City) - I was so impressed with the recent Dat Rosa Mel Apibus album that I decided I should probably catch up on this earlier release from White Magic, too. The six tracks on this 12” EP are very similar to the material on the double LP (i.e., unique, contemporary acid folk and pop), except on this recording Billotte is supported by a smaller cast of guests and, as a result, the songs are a little more straightforward, a little less fully developed sounding. Overall, still quite an engaging release.


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Music I Liked And Didn't - 11/20/06 - 11/22/06

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MUNDY, MARC: S/T CD (Companion Records) - Way over-hyped reissue of this 1971 release from Marc Mundy (the stage name for Turkish performer, Marc Emin), that has, incorrectly, in my humble opinion, been favorably compared to other recent Turkish (re)discoveries like Ersen and Selda and even to already known Turkish legends such as Baris Manco and Mogollar. To be truthful, the majority of the material on this release is sappy pop, including some of the truly most vomit-inducing lyrics/vocals of all time. It is only saved (and even then, just barely!) by a few tracks which add enough Eastern influences and psychedelic touches to satisfy. Probably for vintage Turkish completists (like me) only. In the words of the great PE: “Don’t Believe The Hype!”.


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PARLANE, ROSY: Jessamine CD (Touch) - Despite all the cool instruments listed in the notes and the presence of many well-known guests, the three tracks on this latest solo release from former Thela member, Parlane, are a decidedly average and relatively uninteresting series of lengthy experimental drones. To be fair, the last track works up a pretty satisfying and frothy lather, but who has 30 minutes to waste before getting to the final 20 minutes of the worthy material? Maybe someone does, but not me.


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Music I Liked And Didn't - 11/19/06

ISIS: In The Absence Of Truth CD (Ipecac) - Isis takes the next logical step in its ongoing sonic evolution. While they’re still pretty heavy sounding, the passages with thick, heavy riffage and throaty vocals are less present, serving more as a contrasting punctuation to the quieter passages which are composed of icy synth drones, angular guitar work and precise rhythms. Sometimes the transitions between these segments can be somewhat abrupt (almost bordering, in a sense, on being “proggy”), but overall, Isis successfully strikes a nice balance on this release. I’m not so certain that, if they continue to hone the more precise, sterile aspects of their sound, I’ll continue to greet their future releases with such favor, but the “math core” of, “In The Absence Of Truth”, is quite satisfying, especially after giving it repeated listens to really absorb it and let it sink in.

SAN UL LIM: 3 CD (World Psychedelia) - Reissue of the third San Ul Lim release, originally released in 1979 on the Korean label SRB. Another great dose of their over the top garage/pop-psych (but with a distinctive Asian flavor!) stylings. There’s a cool webpage (http://progressive.homestead.com/sanulrim.html), if you’d like to learn more details about San Ul Lim.


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Music I Liked And Didn't - 11/18/06

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CARR, MILLER: S/T LP (Isota) - Based on the sounds contained within this, his debut release, Miller Carr must be one unique and intriguing dude. Aided by a creative cast of co-conspirators, the nine tracks on this release are a virtual sonic stew of influences. Elements of ‘60’s psych and blue-eyed soul, blues, country, and even lounge/film noir and reggae (!) are all used in various combinations and intensities to create the unique and personal songs on this album. As is invariably the case with such loner/outsider documents, this release can be a bit uneven at times, but the hits significantly outnumber the misses and, as a result, this is a pretty satisfying trip.


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Music I Liked And Didn't - 11/15/06 - 11/17/06

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WOMEN AND CHILDREN: Paralyzed Dance, Tonight CD (Narnack) - This is the third release from acoustic duo, Women And Children. A wide range of acoustic-based styles are represented on this album. Some tracks contain fairly simple and straightforward folk. Other tracks add electric guitars and other little lysergic touches to produce some engaging acid folk sounds. Finally, there are a few tracks that use up beat, bouncy piano stylings and sweet harmonies to create some fairly tasty pop. Overall, a solid and enjoyable release that’s deserving of attention, even within the currently crowded folk/psych/pop field.

As coincidence would have it, they’re playing in the SF Bay Area this weekend, if you live here and are interested:

Friday Nov. 17 at the Hemlock Tavern in SF

and

Saturday Nov. 18, 2006 in Big Sur at the Fernwood Lodge as part of the, “Folk Yeah Festival”.


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Let Me Get This Straight

Right wingers always insist that Americans need to be more personally responsible and stop looking to the Government to solve their problems. Individuals and the private sector, they claim, will provide the best solutions to any number of societal problems. Furthermore, they assert, Democrats consistently, and wrongly, support the concept that the Government can and should take an active role in helping citizens in need.

For the sake of discussion, I won’t debate these general points (although even casual scrutiny reveals a number of obvious fallacies in such assertions), rather, I’ll stipulate that they are true.

Please explain to me then, the Right’s attitude with respect to our ongoing occupation of Iraq. The supporters of our ongoing occupation of Iraq now seem to be claiming that the end game, our goal, is to get to the point where a stabile, pro-US government is in place in Iraq. Once that happens (cynics, such as myself, might say if and when it ever happens, but I digress...), we will have finished the job and our troops can come home. Mission accomplished. Really, this time. They say we can’t withdraw now, because the Iraqi Government can’t yet stand on its own. Furthermore, they can’t even estimate when they may be able to do so. All they can say is that this is their current plan and that their intent is for us to stay in Iraq to support the Iraqi Government indefinitely, at the cost of many American lives and billions of your dollars, until they can stand on their own.

So, let me get this straight. Right wingers insist that people who are US citizens and, in most cases, tax payers, should stand on their own two feet and stop looking to our Government for help, yet they’re more than willing to have our Government expend billions of dollars and thousands of lives indefinitely into the future to support and rebuild Iraq?!?

This is not only a completely hypocritical position, but it is also insulting and flat out wrong to treat non-citizens, who don’t pay taxes nor contribute to the growth/benefit of this country in any way, better than tax paying US citizens!

No, we can’t rebuild your local schools or roads, we’re building them in Iraq!

Now I’m sorry that the misguided policies of the Bush Administration have led to death, destruction, and chaos in Iraq, and I don’t deny that we do really owe it to them not to just fuck everything up and then leave them holding the bag. That all being stated, however, at some point (and that point needs to come sooner, rather than later!) we need to withdraw and the Iraqi’s will need to stand on their own two feet and make it (or not) on their own - just like the Righties, supposedly, want and insist their fellow Americans do. That is right thing to do, not only as a strategy to move forward in Iraq, but also to be consistent and fair to the American public!

Music I Liked And Didn't - 11/14/06

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WHITE MAGIC: Dat Rosa Mel Apibus 2XLP (Drag City) - This is the debut full-length from NYC-based duo, White Magic. The echos of the ‘60’s reverberate throughout this release’s 12 tracks of acid folk and pop. Mira Billotte’s unique vocal stylings remind me of any number of underground folk singer-songwriters from those long ago destroyed days. Her somewhat off-kilter piano playing, which dominates many of these tracks, is also reminiscent of the 60’s in both style and tone. One should not conclude, however, that this is some obvious, clumsy, and, as a result, relatively unsatisfying attempt to merely imitate the sounds of the ‘60’s. Rather, it’s more like Billotte has absorbed and integrated those sounds and now those influences have almost organically emerged in these songs to offer a nice blend of comfortable, familiar elements and a unique, modern sound. On many tracks (and these are the most developed/best tracks, too!) they are supported by a revolving cast of luminaries, including Samara Lubelski and the Dirty Three’s, Jim White. Gorgeous sounding and beautifully packaged, this album is excellent in every aspect!


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Gas Prices?!?

I don’t know if it’s the same all over, but here in the SF Bay Area gas prices started going up immediately after the Republicans got hammmered in last Tuesday’s elections and now, just a week later, are up 12 cents per gallon. Oil men in the Administration and the big oil companies lowering gas prices before the elections to help the politicians who are in their pocket? Oh, that’s crazy talk, you say. It’s just a coincidence.

And ironic, too, that Prop 87 (the oil tax that opponents warned would raise your gas prices at the pump if it passed!) failed, yet up go those gas prices, 5% in just one week! But, hey, it’s just a coincidence. There’s no collusion here. Stop being paranoid.

Yeah, right.

Music I Liked And Didn't - 11/13/06

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HIGGS, DANIEL (A. I. U.), INTERDIMENSIONAL SONG-SEAMSTRESS: Ancestral Songs LP (Holy Mountain) - Another installment from loner/outsider, Daniel Higgs. This one contains a couple of pretty straightforward acid folk tracks, with only acoustic guitar and vocals, a couple of lo-fi electro freakouts, and each side is anchored by a lengthy basement psych raga. The A-Side’s, “Thy Chosen Bride”, begins with some nice solo out-banjo (damn, second review in as many days with out-banjo, WTF?!?) before the LP’s most gripping lyrics/vocals begin around the middle of the track. The B-Side’s, “Are You Of The Body?” is an outstanding instrumental that combines drones with some tasty acoustic and electric guitar work.

NELSON, WILLIE: Songbird LP (Lost Highway) - A big, beautiful sounding recording from this true American icon. A nice blend of classic country, basic rock, and blues elements, combined with that rich voice delivering lyrics that speak to the human condition on many levels.


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Music I Liked And Didn't - 11/6/06 - 11/12/06

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HUNTSVILLE: For The Middle Class CD (Rune Grammofon) - This is the debut release from experimental Norwegian trio, Huntsville. The foundation for Huntsville’s sound (for the majority of this material) is the driving, relentless, repetitive almost to the point of being trance inducing percussion (on drum kit, a variety of “indiginous” instruments, like tablas, and electronics) of Ingar Zach. Over this foundation the other members layer, in varying combinations and intensities, experimental noise drones, hypnotic guitar figures, organ, and other interesting sonic accents. The album’s centerpiece is the 20+ minute, “Add A Key Of Humanity”, which features some of the most mind altering out-banjo I’ve heard since Joe Morris on the great, “Eloping With The Sun” CD from 2003. A unique, genre-busting sound, just the way the Sonictroubadour likes it!

Several new reviews (Isis, Daniel Higgs, and so on) to follow in the next day or so!


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HU VIBRATIONAL: Universal Mother 2XLP (Soul Jazz) - As much as I respect Hamid Drake and enjoy music that includes African influences created on authentic African instruments, I really am not that into percussion only LPs, which, with the exception of a couple of tracks, is what this release contains.


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Music I Liked And Didn't - 11/4/06 - 11/5/06

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More archival additions from my recent numerous Amoeba used vinyl scores:

GORDONS: Vol. 2 LP (Flying Nun) - Wow! I recently scored a copy of this NZ mega-rarity from ‘84. The Gordons were an early 80’s post-punk, noise-exploration trio who created heavy, evocative music that featured dense, shifting walls of distorted sheetmetal guitars. They had three releases (an EP and two LPs). The EP and the first LP have been reissued and are fairly easy to find, but, “Vol. 2” has never been reissued and is so rare that, even with all the hard-core collecters I know, I have never seen a copy nor heard the music it contains before now. I had heard that the material on, “Vol. 2”, was not as good/was a little more mainstream sounding than their earlier material. Personally, I found this description to be half true. I thought the material on the A-Side was fairly consistent with their earlier (and best) work. Some of the B-Side material does sound like the less developed, still unfinished work of a band that was breaking up and was just used to complete the LP. Or maybe it just reflects the changes in sound the band was going through, changes that may well have been the reason the band chose to split up (to soon morph into Bailterspace!). Whatever the case, some of the B-Side tracks do sound decidedly more song oriented, with more of a verse-chorus regularity and a few somewhat lamentable stereotypical 80’s sonic elements. Overall, I’m still thrilled to have this rarity and was pretty pleased with the sounds it contains, especially on the A-Side.


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Music I Liked And Didn't - 11/3/06

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WOODEN SHJIPS: Shrinking Moon For You 10” (Wooden Shjips) - Three more tracks of droning, fuzzy, Kraut/Spacerock bliss, this time with a somewhat more pop feel. Not as good as the 7” I discussed yesterday, but cool to have.


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Music I Liked And Didn't - 11/1/06 - 11/2/06

First off, thanks to the mysterious (and pleasingly named) DJ Martian for listing Sonictroubadour (unbeknownst to me/not at my request, as I’ve never even heard of him before, so this isn’t like the self congratulatory exchanges on myspace, which are virtually meaningless, as they amount to, “I’ll say you’re cool, if you say I’m cool” - so, what validity do such recommendations really have?!?) as being among his favorite sites for the Music Blogosphere based on his criteria, which is to find and promote weblogs for the discerning listener with an interest in creative artistic music across the contemporary sound spectrum. That’s certainly the sonic territory that I’m trying to cover and it’s good to get some positive feedback that I’m accomplishing that mission. Now, on to the music...


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SELDA: S/T CD (B-Music) - This reissue of the first Selda LP, originally issued in 1976 on the Turkuola label, comes hot on the heels of the reissue of her second LP (also from 1976 on Turkuola originally) earlier this year. As good as her second LP was, this one is even better. While it contains a similar mix eastern-influenced psychedelic rock and acid folk tracks, the balance of each type of track is reversed. On this release, outstanding electric (with fuzz guitars, electric saz, and primitive synthesisers) psych tracks dominate, while the acid folk tracks (which are also quite good) are in the minority. Frankly, the only real negative comment I can make about this reissue is that it is not from tapes, unfortunately, but it’s still well worth having, despite the slightly compromised sound. Another public service from B-Music.

WOODEN SHJIPS: Dance, California (Radio Edit) / Clouds Over Earthquake 7” (Sick Thirst) - Big thanks to Karl of Anopheles Records (I’d recommend you check his entire catalogue at www.anophelesrecords.com) for hooking me up with this 7” from local project, Wooden Shjips. A-Side, “Dance, California”, is an amphetamine driven mixture of white hot, acid punk guitar leads over crunching, Kraut/Spacerock rhythms that would fit quite comfortably next to bands like Simply Saucer, Chrome, and Shatter. B-Side, “Clouds Over Earthquake”, is an excellent, more traditional take on the classic Kraut/Spacerock sound. To make matters even better, Wooden Shjips also has a 10” out now (which will be reviewed here within the next day or two) and a full-length coming out on Holy Mountain soon. Outstanding !


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Music I Liked And Didn't - 10/31/06

Ain't it fun

Ain't it fun when you're always on the run
Ain't it fun when your friends despise what you've become
Ain't it fun when you get so high that you, well you just can't come
Ain't it fun when you know that you're gonna die young

It's such fun... such fun

Ain't it fun when you're taking care of number one
Ain't it fun when you feel like you just gotta get a gun
Ain't it fun when you j.j.j. just can't seem to find your tongue
Cause you stuck it to deep into something that really stunk
It's such fun

Well somebody come up to me they spit right in my face
But I didn't even feel it, it was such a disgrace
I punched my fist right through the glass
But I didn't even feel it, it all happened so fast

It's such fun, such fun, such...

Ain't it fun when you tell her she's just a cunt
Ain't it fun when she splits and leaves you on the bump
Ain't it fun when you've broken up every band that you've ever begun
Ain't it fun when you know that you're gonna die young

It's such fun, such fun, such...

Amen, Peter. RIP


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BODUF SONGS: Lion Devours The Sun CD (Kranky) - Boduf Songs returns to deliver another dose of atmospheric acid folk sounds, coupled with, at times, some pretty intense lyrical content. A couple of the later tracks go into slow motion and get quite repetitive, making an already dark and somewhat angry feeling release almost a test of endurance, but, overall, Boduf Songs has avoided the sophomore jinx fairly successfully.


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Music I Liked And Didn't - 10/30/06

In high gear, motivated to show all my detractors at KFJC (and I know you're checking me out!) just how far ahead of them I am, how much music I can process, how much of an asset I could be to them, if they'd only get over their fear and jealousy and let me contribute!

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OZKENT, MUSTAFA (AND ORCHESTRA): Genclik Ile Elele CD (B-Music) - This is a reissue of a 1973 Turkish rarity. Ozkent was apparently a musician, arranger, and producer of some note and he created this LP of eleven instrumentals that sound very much like the “exploito-psych” produced by LA studio musicians in the late 60’s/early 70’s, but with an added Turkish influence. Not very significant in a musical sense, but enjoyable nonetheless. To be filed under guilty pleasures.

MAURICE AND WALTER: Moolah LP (No Label) - First off, let’s get this straight, I believe the artists are Maurice and Walter and “Moolah” (probably, or could it be, “The Great Seal”? somebody needs to track down either Maurice or Walter and settle this controversy ASAP!) is the title of this release, not the band’s name being “Moolah” and the LP’s title being, “Woe Ye Demons Possessed”, as it is always commonly listed. Anyway, whatever ya wanna call it, this is a reissue of a 1974 private press LP, included on Stapleton’s legendary Nurse With Wound list. After one listen it is obvious that it was an influence on Stapleton, too. Six tracks of murky Kraut/Basement Psych jamming that sound very much like many NWW tracks I heard over the years. Somewhat over-rated, overall, but still cool to hear/have.


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Music I Liked And Didn't - 10/27/06 - 10/30/06

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PARKER, EVAN: Time Lapse (Tzadik) - Yeah, I know that it makes me uncool to pan a release by a legend like Parker. The fact is, however, that even though Parker’s execution is masterful and these tracks are, at times, fairly trance-inducing, these extendo-solo tape loop concepts sounded a lot more ground breaking 40 years ago when Terry Riley (and others) were blazing the trail.


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Oh, and as always - FUCK GRAWER, OPHELIA NECRO, AND DOC AT KFJC!!!!!

Music I Liked And Didn't - 10/25/06 - 10/26/06

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V/A: Prae Kraut Pandemonium, Vol. 15 (No Label) - My man Karl at Anopheles Records (http://www.anophelesrecords.com) hooked me up with the latest installment of this long-running and popular series of 60’s German beat, garage, and psych. Highlights include great tracks by The Joint (best brittle fuzz leads this side of the Plastic Cloud!), The Monks (an unreleased track!), and Berry Window And The Movements. Solid!


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Oh, and as always - FUCK GRAWER, THURSTON HUNGER, OPHELIA NECRO, AND DOC AT KFJC!!!!!

Music I Liked And Didn't - 10/20/06 - 10/24/06

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BORIS: Vein LP (Important) - Current leaders of the Japanese underground scene, Boris, are back with another blast. While Boris features a wide range of styles in their sonic attack (and their best releases demonstrate this variety nicely!), the material on this release focuses mainly on the hard core punk/metal spectrum of their sound. One great, long slothcore track and a couple of experimental noise drones, but otherwise, Boris are keepin’ the pedal to the metal on this outing. Pressed on clear vinyl, with a unique goat head border printed around the outer edge of the LP (making it, in essence a 10”, rather than a 12”), this, like all their other vinyl releases, is bound to quickly become another over-priced Boris collectable.

D’SILVA, AMANCIO: Konkan Dance LP (Qbico) - A lot of archival world fusion jazz recordings have been released in the past few years, such as those by Ethiopian great Mulatu Astatke, Egyptian jazzman Salah Ragab, and so on. Now, we get the Indo-Jazz stylings of D’Silva. Like the other artists mentioned above, D’Silva received a formal musical education in the west, specifically, England. The material on this LP, recorded in the UK in 1972, but unissued until now, is a pretty tasty blend of western jazz and Indian rhythms and instrumentation (such as sitar and tablas). The title and final track, “Konkan Dance”, is more rock influenced with electric guitar playing a major role in the sonic mix.

TALL FIRS: S/T CD (Ecstatic Peace) - This is the debut release from this long-running NYC trio who describes their music (quite accurately, in my humble opinion) as being “underground electric folk”. This is dark, deep contemporary folk, with lots of ambiance and intense lyrical content. Some tracks are augmented with organs, loops, and so on, which gives them a more fully developed, more “rock” sound, especially on the great track, “The Woods”. Excellent!

By the way, as coincidence would have it, they’re playing tonight in SF at the Bottom Of The Hill at 9PM, in case any of you Bay Area residents wish to catch them live. And Bert Jansch on Wednesday 10/25 at the Great American Music Hall if you want to get a more old school "guitar soli" vibe.

YOUNG, ROLAND P.: Isophonic Boogie Woogie CD (Em) - Roland P. Young was a figure in the Bay Area underground music scene, as both a DJ and a performer, from the 60’s to the early 80’s. He produced this solo release, Isophonic Boogie Woogie, in 1980. The material here is deeply personal, other-worldly jazz, which reflects the wide range of influences he must have soaked up in the fertile environment of the black underground culture of the 60’s. Free jazz freakouts, afro-centric influences and instrumentation, and the electronic experimentation that exploded in all genres the 60’s are all in effect on these tracks, crafted by Young on kalimba, sax, clarinet, bells, electronics and other assorted instruments. Like most deeply personal recordings, the material on this release isn’t uniformly appealing, as it’s usually difficult to fully relate to any other individual’s personal trip, but, overall, this is a pretty satisfying archival blast. A public service to those interested in Sun Ra, Brother Ah and so on.


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Oh, and as always - FUCK GRAWER, THURSTON HUNGER, OPHELIA NECRO, AND DOC AT KFJC!!!!!

Music I Liked And Didn't - 10/18/06 - 10/19/06

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JANSCH, BERT: The Black Swan LP (Drag City) - Legendary acoustic guitarist Jansch returns with his first release in 4 years. Aided by a guest cast of luminaries (such as Helena Espvall, Beth Orton, and David Roback), this is certainly also one of his better releases in recent years. Not uniformly great, but, overall, this is a pretty solid dose of well-developed and glorious sounding contemporary folk.

RASHANIM: Shalosh CD (Tzadik) - This is the third full-length release from self-described NYC “Jewish power trio”, Rashanim. As on their previous outings, Rashanim delivers an unique and satisfying blend of jazz, klezmer, rock, and surf. Whether they’re rocking hard on tracks like, “Ein Gedi” or cooling down with gorgeous sounding tracks like “Ar Aare”, Rashanim pretty much hits the mark on every track this time around - sweet!


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Oh, and as always - FUCK GRAWER, THURSTON HUNGER, OPHELIA NECRO, AND DOC AT KFJC!!!!!

Music I Liked And Didn't - 10/17/06

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TALAT: The Growl CD (Tzadik) - This is the debut CD from this New York-based quintet. They deliver 10 tracks of enjoyable, if somewhat unadventurous, klezmer-influenced jazz; kind of like Masada with less of an edge.


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Music I Liked And Didn't - 10/7/06 - 10/16/06

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CHRISTIE, SUSAN: Paint A Lady LP (Finders Keepers) - A well-hyped issue of demo-only recordings from the early-70’s by this Philadelphia-based folk singer. While the LP’s centerpiece, “Yesterday, Where’s My Mind”, is a pretty great track, it is hardly the dawn of proto-trip hop that it’s hyped to be; that’s just an attempt at utter sales generating bullshit! Overall, a passable mix of acid-tinged folk and more mainstream pandering folkish pop that would mainly be of interest to real afficionados of the (sub)genre, like me.

RED SPARROWES: Every Red Heart Shines Toward The Red Sun 2XLP (Robotic Empire) - There’s a lot of bands doing sweeping, dramatic, cinematic rock (GYBE, Mono, and so on) at the moment and, based on their split LP with the great, Grails, and this, their latest double LP release, I’ve got to say that the Red Sparrowes are quickly establishing themselves as the new leaders of that pack. More focused than some, like GYBE, who try to be too cute and end up meandering and becoming boring and more rocking than others, like Mono, who who seem to have almost dropped the “rock” from their “orchestral rock”, Red Sparrowes strike the right balance on this solid release.

VANDERMARK 5: A Discontinuous Line CD (Atavistic) - A Discontinuous Line, is the latest blast from Chicago-based, multi-instrumentalist Ken Vandermark’s long-running and great ensemble, the Vandermark 5. It marks a new era for the 5, with cellist Fred Lonberg-Holm replacing trombonist Jeb Bishop, whose contributions to previous V5 dates I really appreciated. As always, the V5 incorporates a variety of influences to cover wide range of stylistic ground: alternating between tuneful, post-bop passages; minimal, neo-classicism; slamming rock/funk rhythms; and awesome freedom chases. Outstanding!

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Oh, and as always - FUCK GRAWER, THURSTON HUNGER, OPHELIA NECRO, AND DOC AT KFJC!!!!!

Music I Liked And Didn't - 10/2/06 - 10/6/06

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AKRON/FAMILY: Meek Warrior (Young God Records) - Akron/Family are obviously a talented bunch with a wide range of musical interests, but I’ll readily admit that I’ve only had a limited appreciation for their previous work. I’ve enjoyed their folk ragas and their free music moments, but have found the hippy-folk/prog aspect of their varied sonic attack and their sometimes overly wrought vocals to be less appealing. Fortunately, their emphasis seems to be more on the aspects of their sound that I like on this somewhat short (only 35+ minutes) CD. Aided by a stellar cast of guest players (including percussionist extraordinaire, Hamid Drake, and an assortment of players on a variety of horns), they throw everything in their sonic arsenal, including the kitchen sink, at you right from the opening track, “Blessing Force”, which has acid folk segments, free rock segments and free jazz segments. There’s also a great folk raga, “No Space In This Realm” and, “The Dolphin”, is another solid and fairly raucous track. Still not uniformly successful, but always interesting, challenging and, ultimately, a rewarding listening experience.

RAGAB, SALAH (AND THE CAIRO JAZZ BAND): Ramadan In Space Time LP (Art Yard) - Ragab is a seminal figure in Egyptian jazz, forming the first jazz big band in Egypt (The Cairo Jazz Band) in 1968 and he was also the leader of the Military Music Department in Heliopolis. The music here is very similar to that of the great Ethiopian composer, musician, and band leader, Mulatu Astatke, combining African rhythms, scales, and instruments (including the nay and the baza!) with American jazz (and, to a lesser extent, soul). It is, however, a little less well executed and suave, as the compositions sound a little more “by the numbers” (especially on the A-Side), than Astatke’s best work. Still, if you’re into such things, as I am, this is a pretty cool slab of heretofore unknown (at least to me!) Afro-Jazz.


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Oh, and as always - FUCK GRAWER at KFJC!!!!!

Music I Liked And Didn't - 9/30/06 - 10/1/06

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SOTHEAR, SREI And Sin Sisamouth: Cambodian Psych-Out LP (El Suprimo / Defective Records) - At this point, there’s been a lot of archival releases of 60’s/70’s Cambodian material and, in general, the quality of the material they contain has been going down further and further since those great initial Cambodian collections (like the first, “Cambodian Rocks” LP on Parallel World and Sublime Frequencies, “Cambodian Cassette Archives: Khmer Folk & Pop Music, Vol. 1”, for example). This LP, however, changes that trend, as it contains some of the absolutely best, “east meets west", 60’s/70’s Cambodian material I have ever heard! A perfect blend of eastern-influenced song structures and those great, otherworldly, sing-song vocals, with over the top western electric rock treatments, such as fuzz and wah. In fact, the only small complaint I can make (and it’s a recurring thing with these types of releases) is that they should stick to original material, rather than doing covers of western “hits”, as those tracks are invariably the worst tracks, and they are in this case, too. An absolutely great and essential release!


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Music I Liked And Didn't - 9/26/06 - 9/29/06

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WARE, DAVID S. QUARTET: BalladWare CD (Thiristy Ear) - Unlike many contemporary beards, I can dig ballads within the Jazz idiom, at least when they’re well done by the right group of musicians. As the title suggests, ballads are what you get on this latest (and, sadly rumored, last - although I haven’t heard a reason stated as to why that would be the case, and he’s only 55!?!) release from the great David S. Ware Quartet. Ware is absolutely fantastic on this date, delivering intense, soulful, very lyrical solos throughout. Shipp (the best pianist in Jazz at the moment) provides an almost endlessly creative foundation for Ware’s sonic explorations. Brown is understated, but always tastefully “right there” with the brush stroke or sizzling cymbal that adds just the right touch. Parker (another member of this quartet that would be in the starting line-up of my personal current All-Star Jazz Band) is also fairly understated, as well, on this date, but helps hold things together and move them along quite nicely. Excellent!


More archival additions from my recent numerous Amoeba used vinyl scores:

KUEPPER, ED: Electrical Storm LP (Hot) - Scored a nearly perfect original copy of the solo debut from ‘85 from this former Saints leader. Nice mixture of somewhat melancoly acoustic numbers, sparse pop(ish) tracks, and tense rockers. Along with his recordings for the Saints and the Aints’, “Ascension” LP, this is his best material.


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Oh, and as always - FUCK GRAWER AND KFJC!!!!!

Music I Liked And Didn't - 9/23/06 - 9/25/06

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PHANTOM FAMILY HALO: The Legend Of Black Six LP (Rollerrinkrampagerecordings) - Some sounds escaped from this Louisville, KY, basement collective and the result is their full-length debut, The Legend Of Black Six. Musically, they’re all over the map, from darker acoustic numbers, to somewhat campy, glam influenced tracks to lengthy percussion and synth driven kosmische inspired pieces and a even couple of heavy rock groovers.


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Oh, and as always - FUCK GRAWER AND KFJC!!!!!

KSFO - Do They Ever Tell The Truth In Any Of Their Station Promos?

Ads running for their broadcasts of the Raiders claim that the Raiders are the “winningest” team in Pro Football.

Well, lets see as of the beginning of the 2006 season here were the stats:

Most Regular Season Wins - Chicago Bears 657

Most Post Season Wins - Dallas Cowboys 32

Most Combined Wins - Chicago Bears 671

Highest Winning Percentage Regular Season - Miami Dolphins .599

Highest Winning Percentage Post Season - Baltimore Ravens .714

Highest Winning Percentage Overall - Miami Dolphins .594

With their 0-2 start, the Raiders could not have improved their standing in any category.

That would seem to cover every conceivable “winningest” title, so - how are the Raiders the “winningest” team in Pro Football? Answer - They’re not! KSFO is just telling more lies!

Music I Liked And Didn't - 9/19/06 - 9/22/06

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GRAILS: Interpretations Of Three Psychedelic Rock Songs From Around The World CD-EP (Latitudes) - Grails kick off the limited Latitudes series with a trio of excellent and fairly faithful covers of classic psych from The Byrds (Space Odyssey), Gong (The Master Builder), and The Flower Travellin’ Band (Satori). Like I said about the, “In Demons In”, 10” a few days ago, it’s not gonna change your life, but it is pretty neat to hear/have.

NOTARO, MARCONI: No Sub Reino Dos Metazoarios LP (Time-Lag) - Reissue of the 1973 lone solo release from Brasilian Poet/scenester, Marconi Notaro, who was associated with the whole Satwa collective. The material here, not surprisingly, is mostly pretty tasty acid folk (though there’s one stoned pysch rocker, too!) similar to Satwa, whose members, Lula Cortez and Ze Ramalho, make major contributions to this release. A nice public service to make this available.

SMITH, STEVEN R.: The Anchorite LP (Important) - Steven R. Smith has long been a personal favorite and, again, on this limited vinyl release, he plays a stunning variety of instruments to create a stellar assortment of dark, late night tones, deep feedback drones, and murky acid folk.


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A Little Perspective On The Price Of Gasoline In The US

All the blowhards on right wing radio are whining about how Bush gets unfairly blamed for the price of gasoline when it goes up/is high, but is not getting any credit (except, if anything, for possibly making attempts to help the Republicans hold Congress) now, when gasoline prices are falling. Well, let me explain to all the brainless, right wing blowhards why nobody is really getting all excited about gasoline being down to a nationwide average of $2.50/gallon.

While I, like all Americans I would assume, am glad that the price of gasoline has fallen $0.50 in the past few months, a mere 2.5 years ago the nationwide average for a gallon of regular grade gas was a little over $1.70/gallon. That means gasoline is still up $0.80/gallon or 47%(!) in the last two years. That’s an annual increase of 18.8% per year! Excuse me, what else has gone up 18.8% per year for the last 2.5 years?!? Not many other consumer goods that people have to buy on a regular basis, not the stock market, and certainly not your wages, that’s for sure! That’s why Americans aren’t rushing to sing the praises of Ol’ G. W. for our “cheap gas”.

Furthermore, this is exactly the kind of psychology regarding gasoline pricing that the oil companies want to foster - after gasoline prices were up to over $3.00/gallon, naturally people will be relieved when gas goes down to 2.50/gallon and will think, “Gee, gas is cheap now.”, and be grateful to be paying 47% more than they were a mere 2.5 years ago. Yeah, well, fuck that. It only takes a little statistical analysis to cut through the bullshit and, sorry, but I don’t feel “lucky” to be paying “only” 47% more for gasoline than I was 2.5 years ago.

Rosie - Tellin' It Like It Is!

I want to preface this by stating that I’ve never watched anything that Rosie O’Donnell has ever done, so I’m not a fan. That being stated, I completely agree with her assertion that, "radical Christianity is just as threatening as radical Islam...”, and I’ll take this from a different tack than most people on either side of the political debate over her comments.

Forget the , “We’re killing as many innocent people over there as they killed here!”, argument. Although that is undoubtedly true, it just gets to be a “pissing match”. Instead, think about all the other negative effects of fundamentalist Christianity. Just a couple of the many potential examples:

How many lives will be lost and/or diminished by the anti-science agenda of fundamentalist Christianity? Directly - attempting to impede scientific studies (like on stem cell research, for example) means new cures and therapies that could benefit millions are not found (or, at least, are not developed as quickly). Indirectly, and over time, this anti-science attitude potentially undermines the development of future scientists and critical thinkers and, thereby, our abilities to make the scientific discoveries and technological innovations needed for continued advancement as a species into the future. Again, exactly how many lives will be lost and/or diminished as a result of these regressive attitudes agressively pursued by fundamentalist Christians? It’s hard to estimate that number, but nobody can dispute that it is potentially a lot people! Do their lives count/matter?!? Apparently not, at least to fundamentalist Christians.

Fundamentalist Christians have a world view that states, in essence, that humans are God’s chosen creatures, on top of the food chain, and, as a result, it is our "God given right" to do whatever we will with the earth and all its resources. So, hey, strip mine, pollute, use everything up, whatever you want. Nevermind the potential disasterous long-term consequences for humanity. After all, we’re God’s chosen people. God put this bounty before us to use as we see fit with our "God given intelligence”. And furthermore, hey, if we’re wrong, since God will provide, God will just bail his chosen people out, right? So, full steam ahead for the righteous world of commerce by God’s (arrogant) chosen people. Potential disasterous long-term consequences for humanity be damned!

By the way, I do note the irony in having a belief that God has impowered us to manipulate the outside, physical world in any fashion we deem fit, yet, with respect to our own bodies, God, apparently, does not trust nor want his chosen people to intervene at all in “nature’s way”!?!

And that’s just the tip of the iceberg! Yep, fundamentalist Christianity will lead us down the highway to hell, if we don’t fight back and expose their ignorant, regressive attitudes (and their negative effects!) and outright lies!

Right Wing Media Lies!

Bay Area right wing talkers KSFO obviously know how to emulate well our deceitful President and his Administration. Here’s two quick examples:

1 - They run promos stating that they’re, “...not the mainstream media, yet.”. Uh, excuse me, but KSFO is owned and operated by Disney and that’s about as mainstream as it gets! Another example that the alleged liberal mainstream (and other!) media is a myth!

2 - They run a variety of promos that claim they’re, “...the Bay Area’s talk leader.”. Huh?!? When in the last 25 years has any station other than KGO been number one? Even the regrettable Mr. Number One everywhere else, Lush Limpballs, doesn’t out pull middle of the roader Ronn Owens on KGO in the morning!

Yep, right wingers who lie - I’m sooooooo shocked!!!!!

Music I Liked And Didn't - 9/17/06 - 9/18/06

Adds -

LEDA SPYROS: Electrikos Aposperitis LP (Anazitisi) - Reissue of the 1972 debut from this Greek duo (Leda Halkiadaki and Spyros Vlassopoulos) who blend traditional Greek folk, with American folk and pop, and even add a hint Latin flavor on a couple of tracks. The A-Side is more mainstream oriented and is relatively unsuccessful, but the B-Side saves this release with an excellent dose of classic acid folk.


More archival additions from my recent numerous Amoeba used vinyl scores:

BLIND BLAKE: Ragtime Guitar’s Foremost Fingerpicker 2XLP (Yazoo) - While I was certainly aware of Blake through a few tracks I have from him on various collections of old blues 78’s, this double LP retrospective of his work was a revelation. 28 tracks, culled from the best of his recordings for Paramount between 1926 and 1932, that feature his complex and intricate fingerpicking style which created a distinctive guitar sound that is reminiscent in sound and style to a ragtime piano. Excellent!


Did Not Add -

None


Running Count For The Year

Adds 110/60%

Did Not Add 72/40%

Music I Liked And Didn't - 9/13/06 - 9/16/06

Adds -

JAMAL, KHAN: Drumdance to the Motherland CD (Eremite) - This is an archival release of recordings from ‘72. Very percussion oriented, with two other percussionists in addition to Jamal’s vibes. Some pretty trippy reverbed/delayed electric guitar work, especially on, “Inner Peace”. Not “high art” jazz, but more in the “feel the universal love sounds” jamming vein, but for the majority of this release, I’m feelin’ the love.

THTX: The Lost City (Cosmo-Revolution Technologies)- Third blast from this dependable metro-Detroit contemporary spacerock outfit. Similar to their previous outings, although they’ve augmented their sound by weaving in some jazzy horns on a couple of tracks. Excellent!

More archival additions from my recent numerous Amoeba used vinyl scores:

V/A: In Demons In 10” (Rocket Recordings) - Pretty cool collection featuring three contemporary psych bands (Plastic Crimewave Sound, Lillydamwhite, and The Heads) doing ripping covers of classic nuggets by three leaders of 70’s UK psychedelic “free festival” scene (The Edgar Broughton Band, Pink Fairies, And Hawkwind, respectively). It’s not gonna change your life, but it is pretty neat.

V/A: Strata-2-East 2XLP (Universal Sound) - Fairly respectable collection of tracks from the Strata East label’s cataloge. Obviously, no free jazz blurts here, just mellow jazz goovers, as would be the focus of Soul Jazz/Universal Sound, but still enough interesting influences and elements are present to make this worthwhile.

Did Not Add -

ESPVALL, HELENA: Nimis & Ark CD (Fire Museum) - One might have thought that this solo debut from Espers member, Espvall, might have been some kind of acid folk oriented release. Unfortunately, it’s filled with mostly dark, fairly atmospheric, experimental material, which may find a place in the hearts and ears of others, but not this listener.

LIFE FORCE TRIO: Living Room LP (Plug Research) - Despite being filed under “Jazz” by the know nothings at Amoeba, this release actually contains some pretty lightweight electronica as informed by jazz and hip hop. The A-Side’s tracks are really weak instrumentally and serve as a bed for some really lame vocals. The B-Side’s tracks are better, instrumentals, but it’s too little, too late to save this release by that time.


Running Count For The Year

Adds 108/60%

Did Not Add 72/40%

Music I Liked And Didn't - 8/31/06 - 9/12/06

Adds -

BRAINBOMBS: I Need Speed / End Up Dead 7” (Big Brothel) - I rarely buy 7”s anymore and, furthermore, I’ll admit that I had stopped keeping up on the Brainbombs, but this 7” is a pretty solid return to their grimy, riff heavy early form. My pick: End Up Dead.

GRAILS: The Burden Of Hope LP (Robotic Empire) - I ‘ve been sooooo into the incredible Black Tar Prophecies series, that I decided to catch up on their debut full length. Although similar, this release is more straightforward and less dark and heavy (and, therefore, less pleasing) than BTP. Still worth hearing/having.

3/3: Sanbun No San LP (Shadoks)- This excellent lo-fi proto-punk LP (as my friend Karl said/described it so well, “Is it blue jeans or spiked collar punk?”) from this pre-Friction unit is clearly one of the “roots” of the modern Japanese underground sounds (Gaseneta, High Rise, and so on) that people in my set are so into. While I’m thrilled to have this and on vinyl, as well, it’s too bad that it has been released by Shadoks, instead of a label like PSF, because many of the people who would normally be interested in such things might not ever be aware of its existence on a label viewed as being primarily a reissuer (and often of dubious quality, to boot! pun intended) of “Hippie” music and whose items sell for between $40-$50. Well, despite the high price, I’d advocate that you get on it now or lose out forever.

YO LA TENGO: I Am Not Afraid Of You And I Will Beat Your Ass 2XLP (Matador) - While I’ll readily admit to enjoying some of Yo La Tengo’s work and even to owning a few of their albums, overall, my impression of them has been that they’re an
over-rated bunch of fairly talented musical dilettantes. Their latest release doesn’t do much to change my opinion in the sense that they tackle a lot of styles, again, in an almost collecting merit badges for cogniscente cool fashion, but I have to admit that I enjoyed more of the material here than I didn’t and so it makes the grade. My favorites included the long, jam tracks (Pass The Hatchet, I Think I’m Goodkind; The Room Got Heavy; Daphnia; and The Story Of Yo La Tengo) as well as some well-crafted songs like, Song For Mahalia and The Race Is On Again.

V/A: Ghana Soundz, Volume 2 2xLP (Soundway) - Added the first volume a couple weeks back and I finally got around to checking out Volume 2. Just like Volume 1, this is Afro-Beat, Funk and Fusion from 1970's Ghana. If you’re into Fela, King Sunny, the Ethiopiques series, and so on, then you’re probably going to want/enjoy this collection of true rare (i.e., tracks that are not from the small circle of the genre’s known suspects) nuggets.

More from my recent numerous Amoeba used vinyl scores:

LOUNGE LIZARDS: No Pain For Cakes LP (Island) - This release was recorded by the Mach III version of the Lounge Lizards. I personally feel this is the strongest version, with performers such as Roy Nathanson (saxophone), Curtis Fowlkes (trombone), and the great, Marc Ribot (guitar), joining the Lurie brothers. Solid Avant Jazz! I‘m anxiously awaiting the “Voice Of Chunk” reissue (due out soon!) by this same version of the Lounge Lizards.


Did Not Add -

None


Running Count For The Year

Adds 104/60%

Did Not Add 70/40%

Music I Liked And Didn't - 8/28/06 - 8/30/06

Adds -

None - Again?!?

Did Not Add -

LAS MALAS AMISTADES: Jardin Interior CD (Psych-O-Path) - Bizarre mix of lo-fi punk, psych, and stoned loner vibe that was cool when it worked, but, unfortunately, didn’t work often enough to really hold this listeners attention. Keep tryin’, maybe next time...

PTARMIGAN: Ptarmigan CD (LION) - Another hyped psych reissue that failed to deliver - what a shock!

I swear the psych reissue game is just like gambling. Everytime I’m about to decide the well has run dry and give up on future “amazing, previously unknown/rare psych reissues”, a truly great one like the Bunalim or the forthcoming Maypole comes out and renews my faith that there’s still something new under the sun, even in this tired, nearly tapped out (sub)genre. That one good hit, will then push me through another batch of mediocre, bottom-feeding, completist bait, right up until I’m about to give up and then, bam, another good one comes along and the cycle, for better or worse, repeats. I’d estimate that I’ve got about five more losers to go before the next winner...uh, great.

SEX MOB: Dime Grind Palace (Ropeadope) - After picking up their latest, the great, “Sexotica” release, I reviewed my library and found that I did not have this Sex Mob title, so I picked it up. Now I remember why I didn’t have it. When it was released I was still deeply involved with KFJC, so I’m sure I was quite aware of this release at the time and had heard it and didn’t care much for it. For the record, it is a well-conceived and unified package, as everything (from the cover art to the music) evokes images of the swinging, sleazy side of the post-WWII entertainment scene (the late nights, the booze, the drugs, the sex!) when Frank and Co, ruled the planet. And that’s imagery that I quite like. Unfortunately, I’m not too into that whole uptown, suit and tie, big, white boy, blues heavy variety of Jazz and, as a result, this release did not make the grade.

ZAKARYA: 413 A CD (Tzadik) - Third release from this French group who make the interesting (at least on paper) attempt to fuse seemingly disparate elements - klezmer, experimental music, metallic free rock, and even a little glitchy electronica. Unfortunately the misses far outnumber the hits, which, while very good, are too far and few between to merit adding this release.


Running Count For The Year

Adds 98/58%

Did Not Add 70/42%

Music I Liked And Didn't - 8/27/06

Adds -

None


Did Not Add -

FREQUENCY: S/T CD (Thrill Jockey) - Frequency is a new quartet composed of veterans of the Chicago scene. Despite repeated spins this release just didn’t click for me - the more uptempo tracks never really got aggro enough to thrill and the more contemplative tracks were simply too meandering to satisfy.

GHQ: Heavy Elements CD (Three Lobed) - Although I added a release from GHQ earlier this year, their latest batch of drones failed to make the grade. At the risk of sounding superficial, it may simply be the case that a borderline release of mediocre drones that comes on CDR in a cheap paper slip case gets consigned to the Amoeba trade pile, whereas fat vinyl releases in deluxe gimmix packaging (that will become collectables in the future!) get added to my library.


Running Count For The Year

Adds 98/60%

Did Not Add 66/40%

Music I Liked And Didn't - 8/22/06 - 8/26/06

Adds -

GRAILS: Black Tar Prophecies Vol's 1,2, & 3 CD (Important) - Another dose of dark, building, doom ragas (and a couple of heavier tracks, too!) from Grails. Excellent!

SOUND IN ACTION TRIO: Gate CD (Atavistic) - It’s a soloist’s dream come true - having two percussionists lay down incredible foundations for amazing solo excusions. Vandermark and company run through a nice mix of covers and original compositions. The majority of the tracks are incendiary workouts on tenor and baritone saxophones, with clarinet and bass clarinet being featured on the couple quieter, more subtle pieces. Outstanding!

TITAN: S/T CD (Paradigms) - On their debut release Brooklyn’s Titan delivers their updated take on the 70’s German longform, AKA Krautrock with reasonable success. It would be better if their music ran a little more to the Neu! end of the spectrum than the Ash Ra Tempel side, but hey, it’s OK.


Did Not Add -

HYLOZOISTS: La Fin Du Monde CD (Boompa) - Despite an army of artists, apparently informed by interesting influences and playing an arsenal of instruments (including some unique ones, such as vibes, strings, and so on), this glorious sounding recording of mostly instrumental pop was just too sweet and straight to make the grade for me. Close, but no cigar.

LANE, ADAM FULL THROTTLE ORCHESTRA: New Magical Kingdom (Clean Feed) - Similar to the previous title, this release by Adam Lane’s Full Throttle Orchestra seemed that it would have enough going for it to make the grade. I, unlike many people, often like Big Band Jazz projects and I like (and am even personally acquainted) a lot of the players on this release. Nevertheless, despite repeated spins, this just never really clicked for me. Maybe it was simply a case of this release sounding weak in comparison to several other recent outstanding Jazz releases, such as those by Sex Mob, Bridge 61, and so on, that have dominated my stereos lately.

PAJO: 1968 CD (Drag City - I could relate to the fucked up loner vibe of the lyrics, but I couldn’t dig it musically. So, overall, this release didn’t make the grade and was consigned to the Amoeba trade pile.

V/A: So Much Fire To Roast Human Flesh CD (Bastet) - This collection gathers numerous “big names” in the folk psych scene together for a very worthy cause, but, unfortunately, the misses strongly outweigh the hits. I almost feel guilty panning this release, but it simply does not stand up musically, in my humble opinion.

Running Count For The Year

Adds 98/60%

Did Not Add 64/40%

Music I Liked And Didn't - 8/14/06 - 8/21/06

First off - FUCK KFJC!!!!! GRAWER SUCKS ASS IN HELL!!!!!

Now, back to the really important things, the new music!!!!!

Adds -

SEXMOB: Sexotica CD (Thirsty Ear) - Sex Mob returns with another blast of their patented slamming style of Jazz, informed by Hip-Hop, Electronica, and Film Noir. Excellent, as usual!

WOODEN WAND & THE SKY HIGH BAND: Second Attention CD (Kill Rock Stars) - The Wooden Wand travels to the SF Bay Area and teams up with talented locals (most notably, Glenn Donaldson of the Skygreen Leopards and Thuja) who provide the back-up as the Sky High Band. This is a much more straightforward, tuneful affair than the Wooden Wand’s earlier releases of improvisational freak folk, but still quite enjoyable

Running Count For The Year

Adds 95/61%

Did Not Add 60/39%

Music I Liked And Didn't - 7/11/06 - 8/13/06

First off - FUCK KFJC!!!!! Wasted way too much time on those fucking losers!!!!!

Now, back to the really important things, the new music!!!!!

Adds -

BRIDGE 61: Journal CD (Atavistic) - An outstanding new project led by Ken Vandermark. The first and last tracks are some of the most slamming modern Jazz I’ve heard in quite some time. The tracks in between, while much more restrained, are equally musicianly and only slightly less enjoyable. Smokin’!

COMETS ON FIRE: Avatar LP (Sub Pop) - The latest blast from local favorites, Comets On Fire, comes in hot with some of their best material ever, but quickly cools to levels of relative mediocrity for the majority of the album. OK, overall, and worth having, but nowhere near the greatness of their previous two releases.

DICKEY, WHIT: Sacred Ground CD (Clean Feed) - I normally don’t favor the somewhat restrained and academic style of free jazz that Dickey (among many others) creates, but strong performances by the primary soloists (top-tier trumpeter, Campbell, and the distinctive and usually interesting saxophonist, Brown) make this CD worth owning.

ONEIDA: Happy New Year LP (Jagjaguwar) - The latest release from Oneida is decidedly their least rocking, but still quite good, as they continue to explore the psychedelic inducing properties of rhythms and repetitions (which, by the way, are not at all the same thing)

V/A: Beyond Istanbul - Underground Grooves Of Turkey CD (Trikont) - Fascinating and very good collection of modern Turkish sounds, from straight up dance floor pop, to dub, hip hop, and everything in between. Some of the material here comes off as being second-rate, straight-up stylistic rip-offs, but most of the material really does fuse traditional Turkish and/or Eastern musical elements with modern Western musical styles quite successfully.

V/A: Ghana Soundz 2xLP (Soundway) - The subtitle of this compilation tells you all you need to know: Afro-Beat, Funk and Fusion in 70's Ghana. If you’re into Fela, King Sunny, the Ethiopiques series, and so on, then you’re probably going to want/enjoy this collection of true rare (i.e., tracks that are not from the small circle of the genre’s known suspects) nuggets.

Did Not Add -

ALUMBRADOS: Generation of Vipers CD (Important) - I lost interest in Bardo Pond a while back, but the description of this BP side project sounded interesting. Unfortunately, this releases’ somewhat noisy drones were not that interesting.

BALIFF, JESSICA: Feels Like Home CD (Kranky) - Baliff’s latest release isn’t that different nor particularly worse than her previous solo outings. I just find her to be only slightly above average, overall, anyway, so I just couldn’t see adding this CD, since I know that if I feel like hearing something by her in the future I would likely pull out one of her earlier, slightly better solo LPs or, better yet, her great Clear Horizon collaboration with FSA’s Dave Pearce.

FAY GROUP, BILL: Tomorrow, Tomorrow, And Tomorrow LP (Drag City) - I’ll admit that this is a glorious sounding recording, but, unfortunately, Fay’s complex pop isn’t really my cup of tea.

LOVE TIMES NOWHERE (TLXN): Into The Fire 12”- EP (Redgummy Records) - This release from locals, TLXN features 4 tracks of very sweet pop that demonstrates a heavy shoegaze influence. Unfortunately, these guys are no My Bloody Valentine. Or even Slowdive.

VETIVER: To Find Me Gone 2xLP (DiChristina Stair Builders) - Despite all the praise/hype surrounding these locals as being folk-psych practitioners on par with Espers (and despite the presence of several well-known guests, including some members of the aforementioned Espers), this is much straighter and more pop oriented than the great Espers’ releases and, as such, failed to impress this listener.

Running Count For The Year

Adds 93/61%

Did Not Add 60/39%

Oh yeah, and did I forget to mention...FUCK GRAWER!!!!! Lying loser and incompetent delivery boy. GRAWER SUCKS!!!!!

Music I Liked And Didn't - 6/24/06 - 7/10/06

Yeah, slow to update in these busy Summer days...

Adds - Mostly catching up on old releases that I found in used bins at local (and not so local) stores, but some new releases, too.

BRIAN JONESTOWN MASSACRE: Spacegirl And Other Favorites LP (Candy Floss) - A 1995 release on the local Candy Floss label that’s a collection of b-sides, demos, and rough mixes (described by front man Anton Newcombe in the album's liner notes as being "studio trash") from the band’s early years. Nice.

BRIAN JONESTOWN MASSACRE: Strung Out In Heaven LP (TVT) - The Spacegirl LP, renewed my interest in the BJM, so I also picked up this mid-period BJM title. More pop and higher production values than their earlier releases, but still enough droning psych-influenced tracks and post-Stones druggy rockers to satisfy.

CHILDISH, BILLY: Poems Of Laughter and Violence LP (Hangman) - Yeah, most everybody should be familar with Billy Childish’s work as the leader of such legendary raw, retro-punk outfits as Thee Milkshakes, Thee Mighty Caesars, and Thee Headcoats, among others. People may be less familar with the fact that Childish has also issued several books of poetry. This disc, as the title suggests, contains over 60 tracks of Childish’s cynical, dark, and very “real” observations on life, especially the conditions of the average working class “Joe” and his daily struggle for not only mere survival, but to find fulfillment in life. Gripping!

MAYPOLE: S/T LP (Colossus) - A friend of mine who is reissuing this LP recently turned me on to this group and their lone release from 1970. Imagine my surprise and joy, when I recently found a nice original of this nugget in a store in Santa Monica. An interesting release which reflects the changing musical times in which it was produced, featuring a mix of pop sounds, west coast psych influences, and progressive moves and production values. Overall, a cool (and overlooked) LP with a unique sound!

MIGHTY CAESARS: Don’t Give Any Dinner To Henry Chinaski LP (Hangman) - Yeah, some body must have dumped a bunch of Hangman vinyl at Amoeba in SF recently, as I also scored a copy of this late-80’s gem. Punk Rock as it should be: three chords, cheap gear, and a healthy dose of hatred and contempt for the outside world.

SPIRITUALIZED: Lazer Guided Melodies 2x12”+7” (Dedicated) - More of my recent Amoeba used vinyl binge. Somebody really dumped a lot of Late-80’s - Early-90’s UK vinyl recently - lots of stuff on Creation, Sarah, Hangman, etc. You’ll be seeing more stuff like this on my adds lists in the coming weeks.

Yeah, I always was more on the Sonic Boom side of the Spacemen 3 split than the Jason side, so, stupidly, I, in knee-jerk fashion, rejected this LP, Jason’s first post-S3 release, for years. When I stumbled upon the rare 2 x 12” + 7” version of this LP, which was exclusive to the “Chain With No Name” stores, I had to pick it up. I’m glad I did, too. Sure this is the more polished, pop oriented music that Jason has chosen to pursue since the demise of S3 (and is, therefore, nowhere as glorious as the best work of S3), but it still contains some pretty enjoyable, contemporary pop-psych.

Did Not Add -

LADYHAWK: S/T LP (Jagjaguwar) - Despite their association with the Black Mountain/Pink Mountaintops crew, I couldn’t really get into this debut LP from Ladyhawk, which seems to be inspired by late-80’s Mid-Western indie rock.

SAWYER, PHIL: Childhood's End LP (Guerssen) - This reissue of Australian Sawyer’s 1971 LP was hyped as being a lost gem of loner acid folk. Unfortunately, the majority of the material is fairly straight, mid-tempo folk that’s sadly lacking that electric acid edge. Too bad, too, as the LP was another high quality pressing from the solid Spanish imprint, Guerssen.

VARIOUS: Radio Thailand: Transmissions from the Tropical Kingdom CD (Sublime Frequencies) - When this latest spate of releases from the outstanding Sublime Frequencies label came out, I thought this would be my favorite of the three. I had really enjoyed SF’s previous Thai music releases and, usually, I’ve found that the SF releases compiled by Mark Gergis are the best in the SF catalog. So, I was quite surprised that this CD didn’t hit the mark. In fact, it’s hard for me to even explain exactly why that is, but, for whatever reason, it didn’t make the grade for me.

Running Count For The Year

Adds 87/61%

Did Not Add 55/39%