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SEPTEMBER 2005 ISSUE #75 
Hex Enduction Hour While they were a bonified hit band in the UK, The Fall has remained a relatively obscure underground favorite here in the US. While the average music fan in the States would probably give you a blank stare at the mention of their name, they are well-known amongst indie muscians, and in effect, they have influenced most if not all alternative music that has happened since the early 80s. How do you do justice to the legacy of the band,
almost a quarter century later? For one thing, you re-introduce
the band to a new generation of music fans by re-packaging a classic
album and adding a few extras for good measure. From beginning to end, Hex Induction Hour shows off the acidic mastery of Mark E. Smith and his compatriots. Crass, cruel, loud, abstract and obnoxious, they ramble through song after song, rewriting the punk manifesto with every note. Smith spits out his lyrical non-sequiturs while the band pounds away with noisy chord progressions and rhythmic dissonance. It's a blissful mess, and it still resonates with contemporary fervor, not showing one minute of its age. Disc two features a mix of live radio show tracks (John Peel from 1981 being the centerpiece) along with a few lo-fi live concert tracks. It's nice to have the live tracks to compare to the studio versions, as it shows that the band utlized a live sound to its advantage in both venues. While the studio recordings have a little more focus (if that's possible), the live tunes have an immediacy that showcases the band's weirdness even more. This is sure to please both old fans and newbies alike---as there's plenty to digest for both. By all means, if you haven't been exposed to the madness of The Fall, this is a wonderful place to start. MISH MASH Mandate: Totally Wired
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HEY BANDS! OPEN YOUR OWN ONLINE T-SHIRT SHOP FOR FREE!
BRIAN EWING ART SHOW September 24th 2005
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Mobius Band
Their latest effort---their first full length disc---has garnered a great deal of buzz in the past few weeks, as it firmly places the band right smack dab in the middle of the indie world map. Simply put, it's a pop masterpiece all wrapped up nicely in an abstract electronic rock coating. The group never settles on doing things the easy way, as they avoid the standard pop cliches and structures, allowing their songs to grow and blossom in an almost random fashion. You don't feel like you've heard it all before, yet you're eager to sing along almost from the first time you play it. They've found their indie pop muse, and she couldn't have done them any better than this. MISH MASH Mandate: Mobius Muse Friends Of Lizzy Perfect Little Pieces Self-Released 12 song CD
If the name immediately makes you think of Thin Lizzy, then just
hold on to that thought---especially if it makes you happy. While
I wouldn't be so bold as to make a direct comparison to Mr. Lynott's
band, the guys in Friends Of Lizzy keep the rock-n-roll faith, much
in the vein of the melodic hard rock of TL. Don't jump to conclusions though, because these guys aren't simply re-hashing. The songs are fresh and exciting, embracing catchy pop structures and big guitars without apology (and even the occasional string section). They do it right, and they do it well. It's a solid album, and a lot of fun to listen to. If you ever wonder what happened to rock, this one's for you. MISH MASH Mandate: Poor Romeo The Midget The Midget Impko Records 10 song CD
Right away, it's hard to take this one too seriously. Once you get past the name, you're met by the whacked out banjo-based groove of the opening track, I Am A Song. From there it only gets goofier, as the song titles Lesbian Jeep and Drum-n-Banjo can attest. The only thing subtle here is the approach, as many of the songs are built around acoustic instruments and the singing is done with an understated, almost spoken-word delivery. It's quirky and fun, even though the novelty does begin to wear
a little thin by the end. But then again, we are talking about
banjos. MISH MASH Mandate: Banjo Bandits Fusion Self-Released 10 song CD
MISH MASH Mandate: Pop Fuse Lindsey Yung Website Tom Beaulieu The Joker Paintings Donkulus Digital 9 Song CD
Let's just say Tom Beaulieu was transported here directly from
1968 and the Summer of Love. He uncannily sounds like Willie Nelson
singing for the Dead. And Beulieu is putting everything he has
into tripping us out. Way out. He's quite convicing, and he's
actually not bad at all. The old hippie apparently still has what
it takes. Hats off to you, friend, and keep on truckin'. Tom Beaulieu Website
Television Buzz Treasure Chest Glass Bag Records 4 song CD
MISH MASH Mandate: Calling Dr. Love Television Buzz Website Odiorne Heavy Wish File 13 Records 10 song CD
File 13 Records Website © 2005 Mish Mash Music Reviews, All Rights Reserved Thank you for any donations in support of MISH MASH. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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