Blogcritics Author: jen best

The Case of the Desperate Singles' Syndrome: Settling for Mr. So-So

jen best — Thu, 21 Feb 2008 12:47:17 EST

Lori Gottlieb says you should marry the junkie with bad breath who is on the brink of relapse because it's better than being alone!
In March's Atlantic, Lori Gottlieb writes, "Every woman I know - no matter how successful and ambitious, how financially and emotionally secure - feels panic, occasionally coupled with desperation, if she hits thirty and finds herself unmarried. If you say that you're not worried, either you're in denial or you're lying." I like Lori Gottlieb....

Announcement: Short-content feeds

Phillip Winn — Sun, 26 Aug 2007 12:00:00 EDT

Sunday, August 26, 2007, marks the switch of all Blogcritics.org article feeds from full-content to short-content. This is the result of several converging factors, and is unfortunately a permanent decision (as permanent as any decision can be on the web, that is). We are aware of all of the reasons that this is a Bad Idea, and we are aware that some of you will be quite upset about having to click on something to read the free content, and we're sorry. Unfortunately, despite great effort, full-content feeds are not currently economically viable. Two other factors are involved: full-content feeds have resulted in an unprecedented level of content theft, with BC content appearing on many websites, usually spam sites, without attribution or permission. This duplicate content causes a cascading set of problems, not the least of which is that search engines generally aren't favorable to duplicate content, and don't always guess correctly. Finally, our RSS advertising partner is strongly in favor of short-content feeds. We hope that you'll continue to subscribe to BC via RSS, and when an article grabs your eye, it's only a click away, still free on the BC website. Thank you for your understanding.

CD Review: The Coffin Lids - 'Round Midnight

jen best — Thu, 22 Dec 2005 22:30:54 EST

They're rock & roll. Wild, drunken rock & roll garage style. They're the 60's, 70's and today all wrapped into one gruff and sexy package I wouldn't mind unwrapping on Christmas morning.Compared to the Sonics, the Mummies and the Swingin' Neckbreakers, but at times they remind of a more 60's Ramones, and sometimes they remind me of the Stooges (listen to the fuzzy "Kick Out Of You"). The Coffin Lids play rock & roll stripped down to the bare essentials: amazing vocals, powerful buzzing guitars, sexy men and whiskey. The band adds just enough punk rock attitude in most of the songs but especially with songs like "I'm Going To Have My Way (with 5, 6, 7, 8's)", "Teenage Shakedown"When it comes down to it, it's simple: they're fun to listen to. They make you want to get up and do something, pump your fists in the air, break some bottles, anything as long as it's reckless, loud and a good time - which is exacly what the Coffin Lids are. Be sure to turn the volume way up when listening to "Teenage Shakedown", "Whiskey Drinkin' Woman" (my new theme song of the moment, thanks), "Action" and "Kick Out Of You".

CD Review: The Class of 98 - Touch This and Die

jen best — Wed, 21 Dec 2005 20:49:58 EST

No, they didn't graduate in 1998. The band's name is about growing and coming of age, about "getting out of your comfort zone and taking risks while not taking yourself too seriously". Touch This and Die. We all want to touch what we can't have. Even better when it threatens our life. However I have touched it, many times, and I'm still alive. The album's twelve tracks consist of enough pop to keep the kids happy, enough hand clapping to keep the hipsters clapping and enough of a good time to keep everyone else a-listenin'. "Everywhere You Go" is a nice bittersweet opener and a nice showcase of singer Steve Wilson's flawless vocals.The more whiny (in a good way) emo-rock tracks like "Anthem For Us", "If You Don't Believe" and "What I'm Dying To Say" are what makes this album more special than your typical pop-punk outfit out today. Wilson isn't just singing the words to a song, he's making you feel the song yourself. Since the band's start in 2004, they've played clubs and universities across Nashville, and have played with Superdrag's John Davis, Celebrity and the Juliana Theory. Some of their songs have already been featured on MTV as well as the WB's "Smallville". There ain't no denying that The Class of 98 are going to make their mark in '06. If you can't wait until the January release of Touch This and Die you can hear some of their songs at the band's myspace profile as well as watch their video for "100s & 1000s of Stars".

CD Review: Viva K - Viva K

jen best — Fri, 16 Dec 2005 20:32:13 EST

Sitar and punk guitar, electronic dance beats and retro synth and a little tabla make up the basis of Viva K's self-titled debut album. I can guarantee you've never heard anything like this before. Somewhere between hauntingly beautiful and exceptionally mind-expanding, Viva K delivers a rare and unusual sound that will have you feeling like you're floating over an endless sea of atmospheric pleasure.Ween Callas' vocals range between sex-kitten purrs and punk girl roars that work perfectly on some tracks ("Splendor", "Porch Raga" "Just One More" and "Ming") while on others I can't help but wish Callas was silent so we could hear the mesmerizing instrumental work in the background.The Los Angeles band's name is a reference to Vivekananda, the first philosopher from India to bring Eastern thought to the West, and was formed in the wake of the death of George Harrison. Harrison, much like Vivekananda, was able to successfully fuse Eastern influence into the west and in Harrison's case, it was modern rock music.Viva K has been compared to Siouxie and the Banshees, P.J. Harvey, the Yeah Yeah Yeah's and others.If you're interested in hot, innovative and darkly unique music, make sure you pick up Viva K and let the music move you. Literally. ~ Band website: Viva K / VivaK.netComplete track listing: Guru Dekoder No Better Time Does It Matter? We Are Safe Light Light Light Who Are You Splendor Porch Raga Love Everybody Just One More Ming

CD Review: Lagwagon - Resolve

jen best — Thu, 15 Dec 2005 17:22:02 EST

Emotions run deep on this latest release from Santa Barbara's Lagwagon. It's often said that great works of art are created out of pain and loss. While I can't say that this is a complete work of art, it is certainly a beautiful creation that was inspired out of a painful loss for the band when original drummer, Derrick Plourde, committed suicide in April 2005.Songwriter Joey Cape wrote the album only a few days after Derrick's death and is, in every way, the band's musical response to the death of their friend. The result? An emotionally charged, heartbreaking and heartfelt album with lyrics that touch the soul and a sound that doesn't wander from your typical Lagwagon sound, which is enough to keep longtime Lagwagon fans happy."Heartbreaking Music" sets the tone for the album which goes through a long line of emotional tracks where sadness, frustration, hope, desperation and closure are intertwined with love and respect. Songs of special note: "Heartbreaking Music", "Resolve", "Automatic", "Runs In The Family" and "Days Of New". Complete track listing: Heartbreaking Music Automatic Resolve Virus Runs In The Family The Contortionist Sad Astronaut Rager The Worst Creepy Infectious Days Of New

CD Review: Ray Davies - Thanksgiving Day

jen best — Wed, 14 Dec 2005 16:24:16 EST

Thanksgiving may have come and gone as it does every year, but ex-Kinks captain, Ray Davies' EP Thanksgiving Day, leaves a lasting impression all year 'round. Released in anticipation of the rock n roll legends first solo album, Other People's Lives, the EP contains only five songs, but each song proves that Mr. Davies is still capable of creating magic in all that he does. A widower missing his wife, a spinster wanting kisses all over her American face - more desolate than celebratory, "Thanksgiving Day" is a character study in the form of a beautiful song that tells the tale of a New England thanksgiving gathering. Also included is an alternate mix of "Thanksgiving Day", which manages to be everything that the original version is not. Which is better? You'll have to decide for yourself because both get my vote. "London Song" is the most rockin' track, bringing together Davies' exceptional vocals (in an almost-but-not-quite-rap rap) and his love for a little town called London, that makes this song more of an ode than anything else with plenty of name dropping nods. "Yours Truly Confused N10" was a song originally penned for Davies' daughter's punk band, but it ended up being rejected and was recorded in 2002 with Jools Holland and his Rhythm & Blues Orchestra. Complete with the big brass band sound backing the vocals, you won't confuse this song for anything Kink-like. Look. Whatever anyone says, Ray Davies is a storyteller and it just makes sense that "Storyteller" is included on this EP. The ballad is an intricate tale of a story being passed on from one friend to another......and the story of Ray Davies is one that will be passed on for years to come. Editor's note: This work of yours now has another venue for success - and more eyes - at the Advance.net Web sites, a site affiliated with about 12 newspapers.One such site is here.

CD Review: The Lovemakers - Times of Romance

jen best — Thu, 10 Nov 2005 22:26:39 EST

Former couple Scott Blonde and Lisa Light mix their dynamic chemistry, passion and sexual innuendo-filled lyrics on their second release, Times of Romance. The result is a synth heavy, dance-rock album with 1980's new wave era dance beats without all the cheesiness of the glitter filled decade."Falling Apart" is an interest track that starts off acoustically and kicks into high dance gear with Blonde's faux English new wave accent. What makes it interesting is that it's a song of despair, but also a great dance tune. "Shake That Ass" could have been a cheap and typical train wreck waiting to happen if in the hands of a hip hop artists, but the Lovemakers have taken the song and turned into something intensely seductive with Blonde's high pitched vocals and Light's purring sensuality, it takes on a whole new level - "You can have my love / Take my body / You can have anything you want if you shake that ass for me". Second to last song, "Fashion" is a questionable song, lyrically, that makes you wonder how it got included on such an exciting and sexually charged album. With lyrics like, "That's a nice shirt / Oooh and look at those shoes" and "Is that bag a Versace / Or a Louis Vuitton?", it's guaranteed to have the hipster fashionistas smiling.As mentioned before, Blonde and Light were a former couple and a good deal of the lyrics on Times of Romance seem to describe the somewhat gritty detail of the relationship. The lyrics in the gorgeous song "Set Me Free" are a good example: "Came home and you were on the phone with your girlfriend again today / So I went away / you're in my room tellin' her I love you I need you oh oh baby / Well isn't it time you moved away?"The few instances where the album flops lyrically, it makes up for with solid, fun and intoxicating dance beats that will have you dancing before you know it.Face it, the 80's never sounded as good as it does in 2005.

CD Review: The Rosebuds - Unwind

jen best — Wed, 9 Nov 2005 15:28:16 EST

Maybe I'm getting old, but more and more I'm drawn to the "slower songs" on albums. You know the ones, they're kind of weepy, mellow, a little nostalgic, winsome..Fortunately for those who know what the heck I'm talking about, we have the Rosebuds. The Rosebuds cater to two types of music: peppy, pop songs that are all sunshine and summer days and the other? Slow, moody and broody type songs that make you enjoy quiet, grey days even more.The Rosebuds are Ivan Howard (vocals/guitars/drums) and Kelly Crisp (keyboards/bass/keys/lap steel/and much more) - a husband and wife duo out of North Carolina. The two didn't take a honeymoon, but instead started the Rosebuds a week after their wedding. While performing around their home town, someone who didn't include a close family member or friend heard them and liked them. The rest, as they say, is history.On Unwind the Rosebuds are taking a slight vacation (maybe it's a musical honeymoon?) from their first release, Making Out. With only 6 tracks on Unwind, it passes too quickly and only half the songs (that would be 3) leave a lasting impression - "You Better Get Ready", "El Camino" and "Unwind". The opening track, "You Better Get Ready" is a bit like the odd kid out. It's an energized, poppy tune with plenty of rock 'n' roll influence and makes you excited for what's to come next on Unwind. However, the fun rock 'n' roll doesn't really make an appearance again until the last track, "I'd Feel Better" with the chanting, playful guitar and extra vocals in the background it's a great way to end it, but also leaves you wondering what happened to the songs in between the first and last."El Camino" is a personal favorite. Definitely moody, it's an ode to the wonderfulness that is the El Camino. It's about time someone paid tribute to one. It's a clever, melodic track with small acoustic parts and really, the most crafty song of the six.The title track, "Unwind" is a relaxed number, and suddenly the guy jumping into pool on the cover (circa 1950? 60?) makes sense. You can almost smell the sun tan lotion and barbecue with burgers grilling. And you know what? It sounds (and smells) awfully good.Unwind was recorded "in a cozy little place close to home" and it sounds like it. It gives off a warm and cozy glow and the more you listen to it, the more it seems as if Ivan and Kelly could just as well be playing in your living room.Complete track listing: You Better Get Ready El Camino Is There Room? Unwind Edmund Street I'd Feel Better

CD Review: The 88 - Over and Over

jen best — Wed, 9 Nov 2005 13:23:47 EST

The OC, MTV, MTV2, EXTRA, CMJ, KCRW, Indie 103FM - The 88 are, literally, everywhere, and with good reason. They're charming the pants off everybody who listens to them, whether it's their catchy songs that stay in your head for days, their boyish good looks, their plain and simple talent or all three, it's clear that the guys of 88 know how to rock, and they are more than willing to show bands how it's supposed to be done. Over and Over features 12 tracks ranging from incredible hook/up-tempo combo tunes and beautiful ballads ("Head Cut Off"), one about love ("You Belong To Me", in which Keith Slettedahl's vocals are stripped to an incredibly raw and beautiful level with a very quiet band in the background) and another about...Jesus ("Jesus Is Good"). The sound is a combination of those clean, catchy hooks, upbeat pop-rock done California style ands loads of Kinks and Beatles influence, yet the 88 still maintain a creative and unique sound all their own.Over and Over features that one little song you might have heard a couple hundred times since it aired on the season premiere of The OC, "Hide Another Mistake" and starts the album off on a high. The absolute best song on the album is the buzz-worthy "All 'Cause Of You", which has the catchy keyboard/guitar arpeggios that make the whole album so much fun to listen to, and which can also be heard on the charming track, "Everybody Loves Me". "All 'Cause Of You" might have the greatest hook ever to grace the music world. If you don't believe it, you can pick up the album for yourself and check it out. Between Slettedahl's flawless, stark vocals and the bands continuous perfect harmonies, it can best be described as musical rock bliss. Another noteworthy song is the heartbreak anthem, "Battle Scar", as well as the popular "Coming Home", which was featured in the 2004 film, Surviving Christmas.Slettedahl tells it how it is on "Nobody Cares" with the lyrics: "Nobody cares what you've been through / Nobody cares how much you do / Nobody cares what kind of drugs you're on.."The things that the 88 have accomplished in their short time together (their first album, Kind Of Light, was released in 2003), makes me tired just looking at the list. It makes one wonder what other bands are doing with their time. After listening to Over and Over more times than I can count, it's obvious why the band titled the album as they did - you will listen to it over and over (and not get sick of it).

CD Review: Jerra - Play Like A Girl

jen best — Tue, 1 Nov 2005 19:45:11 EST

Part power pop, punk and feminist action, Jerra's brand of D.I.Y. pop punk has just enough sugary sweet substance to not decay your teeth. Somehow, Jerra is able to combine powerful girl power lyrics with punk attitude, raising her above most female fronted power pop bands today. Bikini Kill, L7, Hole, PJ Harvey and The Breeders are all listed as influences, but Jerra's sound is definitely her own.Play Like A Girl was released by Jerra's very own record label, Sugar Hooker Entertainment (S.H.E. - get it?), based in Los Angeles. The album is a fast and lyrically intelligent one and is laced with feminist activism and D.I.Y. attitude.Songs like "Game Boy" are charming, cute yet carry enough snarl to know you don't mess with a girl and her Atari 2600. In the song, front woman and guitarist, Jerra Spence, tells about her first gaming experience with the classic Atari 2600. "I remember my first time, but / Everything's got to have closure / I press start, I press start / When I'm told: Game Over"The amazing track, "Drama King" is about the idiocy of male manipulation. A must listen for all women! The band also covers Danzig's, "Mother", which might not be to everyone's taste, but will certainly find fans with anyone who carries a torch for Jerra's flawless vocals. A very different cover of a great song that is worth checking out.The album's closing song, "Sugar Hooker" is a short and (bitter)sweet track, complete with Xylophones and attitude and Jerra purring, "Heartbreak, no thanks / That's what jawbreaker's for".Apparently popular with surfers, Play Like A Girl's opening track, the powerful "Don't Trust", can be heard in the surf film The Kill, which features pro surfers Kelly Slater and Tom Curren, while the third track, "The Others" can be heard on Surfer Magazine's clip of the Pipeline Pro Masters 2005. MTV's Real World and Road Rules has recently licensed tracks from the album to be used on the popular shows. On November 11th, 2005, Jerra Spence will speak at Seattle's ROCKRGRL Conference on a panel titled Building a Following: Grrrrilla Marketing. The panel will run from 1:00pm to 2:15pm. Jerra will be joined by four women, including artists Christine LeDoux and Lourds, as well as Bernadette Giacomazzo (Akasha Multimedia Group) and Jessicka (Scarling). The ROCKRGRL Conference's focus is to "promote, encourage and celebrate woman's achievements in the music industry".Songs of note: Drama King, Doris Day, Game Boy, Slow 2Burn, Mother and Sugar Hooker.Band website: Jerra.comComplete track listing: Don't Trust Drama King The Others Girl Gone Doris Day Game Boy Not There Blow Fish Little Robot Quick Fix Slow 2Burn Mother Sugar Hooker