THE SWINGING SHINDIG August 1999
THE SWINGING SHINDIG
August 1999
*text version*
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SKYE'S PUBLISHING
http://hometown.aol.com//shaunaskye/skyepublishing.html
CONTENTS
- LETTER FROM SHAUNA
- SPOTLIGHT ARTIST: Shady Jane
- MP3 REVIEWS: (Hand in Mind, Scooter Rock, Sine the Band, EX-IT, Nostril Phactor, Alan Mackey, Goya, the Zetetics, Veronica Martell, Ripwrap, Elise Kermani, Likwid, The Puddle Jumpers, Liquidrone, Creosote, Jayanti Sahasrabuddhe, Angstrom, Yankee Celtic Consort, Uncle Mudfish)
- MAILBAG ...
- SPY GIRL by Valerie Hardin
- CLASSIFIEDS
- ALL THAT OFFICIAL INFO
LETTER FROM SHAUNA
Welcome to the second issue of TSS. This month has been extremely busy. I've been working on my CD slowly but surely. While at the studio I was looking for scratch paper to put lyrics on when I found a page the producer had scratched on. I didn't pay much attention at first until I saw my name at top. It said "Shauna's Never-ending Beginning" and was followed by a record of what I've been doing in the studio.
Yes, the CD is taking forever, but at least I have a title for it now. "The Never-ending Beginning."
Just so everyone knows, I have cut the pop culture ramblings in TSS, and am dedicating TSS entirely to music and reviews from now on. Thanks to all the reviewers who contributed to this issue, as well as the bands who sent links, etc. And welcome new subscribers!
OUR SPOTLIGHT ARTIST: SHADY JANE
I found Shady Jane in the alternative "twee" section of MP3.com, and the music reminded me of early Bowie. Shady Jane is from Finland, and the following is a brief interview.
SHAUNA SKYE: How would you describe your music?
SHADY JANE: It's melodic and rocks a bit, but not in a scary big way.
SS: How long have you been playing?
SJ: I've always been banging trash cans and stuff, and I got my first guitar when I was three years old. I started playing in bands when I was fourteen.
SS: Who are some of your influences?
SJ: Bowie, Bolan, Flaming Lips, My Bloody Valentine, Pavement, Pixies, 80's Prince...
SS: What's the music scene like in Finland?
SJ: I think we have very good and original bands here, but not enough audience for them because Finland is a small country. If you come here try to check out Jimi Tenor and 22-pistepirkko. They are the best. Finns make the best electronic music in the world. Pan Sonic and Jori Hulkkonen are the most well known.
SS: As a musician, what are some of your goals?
SJ: My goal is to write a really good song. And I'd like it if it would be easier for me to come up with reasonable lyrics. The main goal is to get those songs out from my head; they drive me nuts!
SS: Any words of wisdom for our readers?
SJ: I wouldn't need a hero if I wasn't such a zero. Just do your own thing and don't care what everyone says. Don't try to do something that your heroes do better. No more heroes!
MP3 REVIEWS
These reviews are of artists with music in MP3 format. What's cool is they're all available FREE for you to download, though you need MP3 software to hear them. Never fear though, there's a free version of the software available on MP3.com.
Just a note. Our review ratings are based on a 1-5 scale, 5 being the best. Please keep in mind that each review is based upon one person's opinion, not TSS as a whole. Music is a subjective thing, and we all have different tastes. So don't be discouraged if you're a musician who did not get a "good" review. Your next review (from us or someone else) may be terrific. Like I said, music is subjective, and some of the best bands can get crunched on by critics once in a while. So with that said, here we go.
ARTIST: Hand In Mind ... GENRE: Environmental Soundscapes
SONG: I Dream In Ochre Magenta ... RATING 5 stars
SITE: http://www.mp3.com/handinmind --The Gene
If you're into ambient music, give this track a good listen! Fantastic work that reminds me of Vangelis, ala Blade Runner soundtrack. Well composed and produced, the piece carries you through ever changing soundscapes, revealing new horizons of color with each wash of sound. Beautiful music!!!
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ARTIST: Scooter Rock ... GENRE: Alternative/General
SONG: Jam (with the ol' time feel) ... RATING: 4.5 stars
SITE:http://www.mp3.com/scooterrock --Shauna Skye
Scooter Rock is rumored to sound like Beck, so I thought I should check him out. After downloading "Jam..." sure enough someone walked into my office, and without being told what was playing muttered "Sounds like Beck..." OK sure, this song is Beckish (Loser Beck not Mutations Beck) but the Scooter vocals remind me more of that wacky band Cake. "Jam" is a nifty tune, and I happen to like "funky slacker white boy music."Yeah!
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ARTIST: Sine the Band ... GENRE: Acoustic Pop
SONG: Coming Home ... Rating: 4 stars
SITE: http://www.mp3.com/sinetheband --John McLean
Sine the Band plays meandering, strummy acoustic Dave Matthewsish pop. "Coming Home" features sweet 60s organ fills and perfect vocal harmonies. This simple, catchy arrangement and particularly the lead singer recall REO Speedwagon around 1976 (a compliment). Matchbox 20 seems an appropriate influence, but John Mellencamp's mid-80s stuff is very close, too.
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ARTIST: X-IT ... GENRE: Rock ...
SONG: Calling Me ... RATING 3 stars ...
SITE: http://www.mp3.com/xit --The Gene
This is a tough review. On the one hand X-IT's musicianship and song composition skills are quite good. The guitar ranges from in your face to funky and the bass and drums are no less versatile. On the other hand the vocals are a bit weak compared to the music. The delivery just seems a bit reserved. Even so, there's some tight rock n' roll in X-IT's track. Good work!
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ARTIST: Nostril Phactor ... GENRE: Electronica
SONG: Optical Orchestra ... RATING: 3.5 stars
SITE: http://www.mp3.com/nostrilphactor --Tom
It's a war between symphonics and electronics! This track is a testament to the eclectic, hard-to-pin-down music you'll find at this site. The beat seems to jump all over the place, yet somewhere in there is a danceable rhythm. Here's a hint; symphony wins.
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ARTIST: Alan Mackey ... GENRE: Electronic
SONG: King of the Sea Monkeys... RATING: 3 stars
SITE: http://www.mp3.com/artists/34/alan_mackey.html --Shauna Skye
This song sounds somewhat cheesy and demented, but in spite of that (or perhaps because of that) I kind of like it. "King of the Sea Monkeys" is short, and the sampled vocals talk about a sea monkey, Banjo (?), and how he's small now and his flippers are tired but that someday he will grow into the King of the Sea Monkeys! (Yep.)
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ARTIST: Goya ... GENRE: Experimental
SONG: Rocker ... Rating: 5 Stars
Site: http://www.mp3.com/artists/38/goya.html --Michael Raphael
Strictly for the musically adventurous, Dallas' Goya paints eerie, colorful, dying soundscapes with enough space for the listener's imagination to run wild. Named after one of its sampled sounds, this song evokes ghostly images that make you glad you're not on anything. I couldn't decide which song I liked best. Listen to them all.
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ARTIST: the Zetetics ... GENRE: rock'n'roll
Song: "Police State" ... Rating: 3 stars
SITE: http://www.mp3.com/artists/30/cosmic_trigger.html --John McLean
Early Judas Priest or AC/DC matched with quirky rhythms and tom-tom banging like the Feelies, Bongos or REM in 1981. "Police State" is decent classic rock, close to Cream or possibly MC5. Solos are reminiscent of Hendrix; long squealing bent notes. Excellent vocals, somewhat like Jim Morrison or Jack Bruce.
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ARTIST: Veronica Martell ... GENRE: Swing
SONG: Big City Swing... RATING: 3.5 stars
SITE: http://www.mp3.com/artists/16/veronica_martell.html --Shauna Skye
Veronica Martell has a full smooth voice, and the music is jumping--or should I say swinging?--with drums, horns, guitar and bass. The beginning reminds me of Ren & Stimpy. (Yes, I DO watch too many cartoons.)
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ARTIST: Ripwrap ... GENRE: Electronic trance
SONG: Ambiloopa ... RATING: 4 stars
SITE: http://www.mp3.com/ripwrap --Tom
"...like the sweet smell of wet leaves in autumn, with just a twist of chocolate ice cream..." Can I have seconds? A haunting electronic groove is perforated with dreamy melodies. One thing I miss: with such poetic descriptions of themselves, perhaps they should add lyrics. Just a thought.
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ARTIST: Elise Kermani ... GENRE: Experimental/Avant Garde
SONG: Kinderschlafe ... RATING 5 stars ...
SITE: http://www.mp3.com/artists/19/elise_kermani.html --The Gene
Another phenomenal artist. The track 'Kinderschlafe' is an excellent work, reminiscent at once of Loreena McKennit, Enya, and Diamanda Galas, but superbly original. The sounds, including her exceptional voice, guide the soul to a new level of understanding and reflection. Beautiful sounds!
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ARTIST: Likwid ... GENRE: Industrial Dance
SONG: Automated Malfunction ... RATING: 3.5 stars
SITE: http://www.mp3.com/artists/36/mind_candy.html --Tom
This is one of the harder songs from the aptly titled album "Mind Candy." Not what you'd expect to come out of Nebraska. The artist compares the song to Nine Inch Nails, but at times I find the stiff robotic beats remind me of Devo. Not that there's anything wrong with that!
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ARTIST: The Puddle Jumpers ... GENRE: Folk Rock
SONG: Troubled Road ... RATING 5 stars
SITE: http://www.mp3.com/artists/3/the_puddle_jumpers.html --The Gene
These folks aptly describe themselves as Jethro Tull meets CSN with a bit of Pink Floyd. I didn't think anyone was making this kind of music anymore (holy mandolins, Batman). The guitar work IS very reminiscent of Martin Barre's work. I picked up a Tullish vibe almost immediately, BUT it's still fresh and with emotion that rivals Tull's early days when there was a bit more fire in their blood. Great work!
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ARTIST: Liquidrone ... GENRE: Avant-rock
SONG: Bow Down ... RATING: 3 stars
SITE: www.mp3.com.liquidrone --John McLean
Backwards guitars, tribal drumming and vaguely-Seattle vocals make Liquidrone's music an eerie psychedelic junkyard. The riff in "Bow Down" is almost atonal but adds tension to a song that could be Pavement doing Nirvana doing the Misfits. Weird, urgent, unique.
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ARTIST: Creosote ... GENRE: Twee
SONG: Lunacy ... RATING: 3.5 stars
SITE: http://www.mp3.com/artists/10/creosote.html --Shauna Skye
This song has a late 80's early 90's alternative feel to it, and the female vocals are light and pretty with a pronounced European or British accent. Teenage fan club, heavenly, and pastels are listed as being similar artists. This band (based on this one song) is not extremely unique, but is likable nonetheless.
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ARTIST: Jayanti Sahasrabuddhe ... GENRE: Classical Indian
SONG: Ab mori baat ... RATING: 2.5 stars
SITE: http://www.mp3.com/artists/24/jayanti_sahasrabuddhe.html --Shauna Skye
This is described as a "traditional bandish in Raga Shuddha Sarang Tala Teental. Shuddha Sarang is an afternoon raga with a tranquil mood." I love the sound of the instruments (Tanpura, tabla, harmonium) and the vocals can be pretty at times. However, I have mixed feelings. Sometimes the singing becomes overbearing in a Yoko Ono sort of way, spoiling that "tranquil mood" and making me want to throw a shoe at the speaker.
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ARTIST: Angstrom ... GENRE: Rock & Roll
Song: Spirit of Ecstasy ... Rating: 2.5 Stars
Site: http://www.mp3.com/artists/16/angstrom.html --Michael Raphael
This song starts out great with a soulful, but laid-back atmosphere, and cool, Claptanesque guitar playing. Then the female vocalist comes in sporting way too much vibrato, cheesy lyrics, and hair metal ballad phrasing; and it's all down hill from there. This song also goes on way too long.
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ARTIST: Yankee Celtic Consort ... GENRE: Celtic
SONG: Keelhaulin' the Bos'n ... RATING: 4.5 stars
SITE: http://www.mp3.com/artists/24/yankee_celtic_consort.html --Shauna Skye
This is a tune performed on mandolins, guitar, whistle and accordion, and has a classical vibe mixed in with the Celtic. "Keelhaulin' the Bos'n" is knee raising, dancey and uppity, while at the same time beautiful and moving. I can dig it. Thumbs up.
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ARTIST: Uncle Mudfish ... GENRE: Grunge
Song: Blink ... Rating: 2 Stars
Site: http://www.mp3.com/artists/32/uncle_mudfish.html --Michael Raphael
There is absolutely nothing new or inventive here. It has too many power chords and 80âs metal lead guitar dressed up with flange and phazer effects to be accurately called Modern Rock or Alternative. The vocalist's unannunciated ramblings sound like a cross between the lead singers for Lynard Skynard (good), and Candlebox (bad).
OuR MaiLBaG
*where you write in*
HARMONICA IS PLAYED LIVE....NOT SAMPLED
[Letter directed to Jason (reviewer)]
OK mate, good enough on the review. But you seemed to miss one point - the harmonica is not a sample - it's being played live which is what differentiates that track from music created by someone like "Fatboy Slim". A short investigation into the "song story" @ MP3.com would have led you to this realization. I'm not trying to throw around any disrespect - not at all, but I have worked for newspapers and publications and I know that a thorough investigation of what is being reported is a necessity. Thanks for the review.
Peace, adamstarr.
~
A THANK YOU....
Hi. Thanks so much for that wonderful review! Let us know if you ever put together a "best of" compilation cd of mp3's or any interviews. We'd love to be a part of it and your magazine!
Kat & Billy (Girl Next Door)
You're welcome! We have no current plans to do a compilation CD, but you never know what the future holds. Thank you for the thank you. :)--SKYE
SPY GIRL (Confessions of an undercover writer)
by Valerie Hardin
I attended They Might Be Giants' chat on yahoo.com in July 1999. No, I didn't use my real name. No, I'm not telling you what name I used.
Though none of my questions were answered, it was a big thrill to attend the chat with one of my favorite alternative bands. I got to hear the full version of "Dr. Evil" which is in the opening of the second Austin Powers film. It's a really cool song which has the line "You are getting older" in it.
If you don't know who They Might Be Giants are you're missing out on witty, strange, mood altering music. Go to the record store, or download their latest album "Long Tall Weekend" available in MP3 format: http://www.emusic.com/a26cec7cd17efa30/albums/2353/
CLASSIFIED ADS
Mindspawn's music is a driving electronic tour de force, a sonic tapestry of beat-based dance and psychedelic trance. Prepare yourself for an intense journey through aural worlds of the past, future, and the recesses of the collective conscious. Hear Mindspawn music at: http://www.mp3.com/mindspawn and http://www.mp3.com/mindspawnambience
Need an outlet for your literary creativity? KAIROS is a new on-line literary magazine that's looking for poetry, short stories, science fiction, or whatever you have to offer! Send your submissions to Tom at KAIROS52@hotmail.com for review.
MUSICIANS! Let SKYEâS PUBLISHING convert your press/promo pack into an electronic book. It looks very cool, and is an inexpensive way to stand out. You can even save $$$. We also provide editing for those who need it. Write for FREE info: ShaunaSkye@aol.com. Put SAMPLE EBOOK in subject.
Dallas, TX. Experienced vocalist/songwriter seeks inventive guitarist, & keyboard/sampler/sequencer player to write songs, form band. Influences: Bowie, Nick Cave, Cure, DM, Dead Can Dance, Doors, Jane's Add., Ministry, NIN, Portishead, Radiohead, Smiths, The The, Tool, U2, & others. Interested in combining Ambient, Gothic, Industrial, World, Rock & Roll, and Pop. Email: mercury@ureach.com
PRiNE's EP "Desh Pardesh" is now shipping! Go to www.jason.prine.com for all the details. Buy your copy of "Desh Pardesh" through www.tarmedia.com and www.cdmama.com. More sites and retail stores to come! Don't forget that with every "Desh Pardesh" purchase you'll receive Tar Baby's "One Day I'll Marry a Human" CD for FREE!!! Check out the FREE MP3 single "And Furthermore" at MP3.com - http://www.mp3.com/artists/30/prine_jason.html - Riffage -http://www.riffage.com/Bands/1,2939,2349,00.html - and at Amp3.com - http://www.prine.amp3.net/
Prove your intellectual superiority and purchase an ebook by the famed and not so dignified poet Valerie Hardin. Impress your friends! Make your enemies jealous. Valerie Hardin's gothic poetry book on disk, Razor in The Brain, is now available at amazon.com. Her children's book Two Turtles is now on sale at Hard Shell Word Factory http://hardshell.com/twoturtles.html. New books include the children's books Bunny Moon, and Pop Pop Pop and the REFERENCE ebook Getting Published For Morons. The New Writer's Sanity Guide is at publisher Dreamcatcher Books http://www.cia-g.com/~jwaldie
ALL THAT OFFICIAL INFO
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