Here are a couple of CDs outside my normal remit to mention. I am perfectly happy to review whatever comes my ways; if I have to admit that sometimes I am less than up on the particular genre of music. Most amusing of all is the fact that these "side" reviews do occasionally generate some emails from those whom I review.

Boston T Party s/t

This is for fans of the jazzy edge of Dream Theater and Zappa. It's jazz prog rather than rock or metal prog. This is great stuff and, naturally, it's amazingly well played. This sort of musoing is certainly not for everyone as you might imagine but if you have the ear or stomach for it there are lots of rewards to be found.

Neil Lamb — New Tunes for Jazz Guitar

Not exactly the normal fare for this column to be sure. This is a mellow collection of jazz guitar. Very much the type of thing you put on in a laid-back time to enhance the mood. It's a pleasant collection of well-played jazz guitar. If you like this sort of music then this is top quality stuff. It might not be rock & roll; but I like it.

Single Reviews;

Last Stop China Town — Just Ashes

A couple of tracks from this lot of nutters (and an album version of the first track) sees them forsaking the navel-gazing boredom of much of the recent crop of single releases and going for something far more aggressive. Melodic undoubtedly; but with the force of two guitars to add that extra edge. Tracks are taken from their debut album Vital Signs; both tracks are quality indy-rock in vein of Killing Joke. Last Stop China Town shine despite the daft name. I am certainly looking forward to their full length release.

As you can see its a wee bit of an eclectic bunch ranging from the uber-metal of Mendeed to the mellow Jazz vibes of Neil Lamb. Musical uppers and downers methinks. But hey I review them as I get em'.

Next week should be more of my normal fare with a gig by Thunder (supported by Toby Jepson (ex-Little Angels) and Roadstar (formerly known as Hurricane Party).

Got a few interesting CD that have just showed up. Look forward to seeing you back here next time.