From the Shelf: Blown Fuses Bloody Ears (2013)

Blown Fuses Bloody Ears
Volume Bomb Records

Like the greatest punk rock mix tape you were ever given, Blown Fuses Bloody Ears is the best punk compilation I've heard in years, if not ever. Showcasing the diverse pallet of Portland's independent punk scene this CD has songs from some of the greatest bands currently playing our local scene.

Laid out so that each song leads perfectly into the next; from Sumblebum's opening country tinged "Love Song In Reverse" to the closing gothic metal of The Thornes' "Wolfpack", this CD is masterfully built. The resulting album has an emotional presence that rises and falls in a naturally organic manner proving each song a space of its own to be appreciated long enough before wowing you with the next.

You're going to want to play this CD over and over, just save your self the hassle and by two copies now because your going to burn the first one out eventually. Yeah you're going to have your favorite tracks like the Thorntown Tallboys' "Whiskey(Black Eyes)" or The Anxieties' "Obsolete Man"but this comp is so good it's going to change almost every time you listen to it.

Now you you say your not a punk person, well I'd argue Blown Fuses Bloody Ears is so good if you have even the slightest hint of the primal human instinct in you that you'll be able to find something.  If your not willing to give it a try then the punk streak in me would say: "Why don't you sulk back to your snooty nuvo-jazz club and stop breathing my air."   

From The Shelf: MS MR - Candy Bar Creepshow EP (2012)

MS MR
Candy Bar Creep Show E.P.

Majestically grand songs fill MS MR’s debut Candy Bar Creep Show E.P. With a unique musical physics that is compellingly weighty without being oppressive this short and sweet collection of songs foreshadows greater things on the horizon. Lizzy’s hauntingly breathy vocals seem to be coming across some great expanse. Whether physical or spiritual in nature one can not discern. Disembodied and foreboding her voice is given lift, carried on the wings of Max’s musical arrangements. With a dreamy fluidity that’s nearly hypnotic in nature theses songs are understatedly powerful. Like the tides of the ocean or the tentative hold of the human mind on sanity, this music threatens to carry away its listener if they lose even the slightest measure of focus.

This four song E.P. is a must have and will wet your appetite for a full length album in the no to distant future. Catch this wave early because they are destined to be big.  

From the Shelf: Pussycat and the Dirty Johnsons - Exercise Your Demons (2010)

Pussycat and the Dirty Johnsons
Exercise Your Demons
Self  Released

Not free-based smack; nor crystal meth have the additive properties of the crunchy guitar hooks of “Trouble With the Devil,” the opening track off Pussycat and the Dirty Johnsons’ debut LP Exercise Your Demons. Pairing aggressive guitar frenzied rock’n’roll with playful lyrics and a ball busting seductiveness Pussycat and the boys have created a viciously fun punk rock album.

The boldly tight energy of this album is unrelenting. With sultry rhythms that chug toward swilling madness only to pull back with one limb over the edge. The tracks of this CD are like musical orgasms that threaten to driver the listener insane. At the center of this storm, like a punk rock mistress, Pussycat’s dominating assault of lyrics drips with sex even through digitalized translation. If she can get you hot and bothered off a rotating piece of plastic I can only wonder what damage she dose live.

In addition, I'd be a fool not to mention the rest of the band and the animal like aggression of their playing. Without them Pussycat would just be a girl in a cat suit.  Executing  a guitar style that is complexly assertive without the pointless fill of lesser players Jake gives these songs their lively environs. While the energy and foundation is provided by the dynamic duo of Antz and Mike on drums and bass. Together they play a music both gritty and bold. Like all the best punk rock, this is music you NEED to play loud.

If you love punk rock or just enjoy great music you must pick up this album.

From the Shelf: Bridgit Mendler- Hello My Name Is... (2012)

Bridgit Mendler
Hello My Name Is…
Hollywood Records

Bridgit Mendler's new cd Hello My Name Is…, Is great. The song “Postcard” is a tribute to all kids who want to do things that they are teased about, like a guy doing ballet or a girl who wants to play baseball. It is great. My favorite song is “5:15.” It talks about a girl who at 5:15 realizes that she like a guy a lot. The cd is a must have. Bridget Mendler is a great singer she has a spunky energy that comes through in her songs. I think she is a better singer than actress, even though she is a super great actress. You need to listen to some of these songs or even the whole cd.

*This CD Review was writen by my daughter Cassidy. She was very proud of  her first CD review and I am very proud of her for writing it.

Kasey Anderson and The Honkies - Heart of a Dog

Kasey Anderson and The Honkies
Heart of a Dog
Red River Records

Kasey Anderson, better known for his soft spoken songwriting is getting a little loud and ruckus on his latest effort. Teamed with his band The Honkies that brings a rich full sound to Anderson's signature storyteller lyrics; Heart of a Dog is ripe with a meaty blues-guitar salvation and a rhythm section that has the swagger and precision of a shot of good bourbon.
From the Rollingstone's Blues of "Mercy" to the echos of electrified Dylon in the opening growl of "The Wrong Light" this CD presents one amazing song after another. Easily each track could stand alone but tied together they make an awesomely tight album that propels the listener on a wonderful musical journey. Comparable to Bruce Springsteen's Born to Run, their is a consistent narrative to this CD that tells a story the audience can't help but to become emotionally invested.
This album documents an evolution in the creative lifespan of Anderson's music. Taking his already powerful lyrical stories and supercharging them with the power and speed of a top notch rock outfit. In addition to Andrew McKeags boisterous guitar, the powerful drum beat of Julian MacDonough and the luscious groove of Sean Cornin's bass, this album is populated with a long list of additional musicians who lent their expertise to this recording. A perfect example is the use of David Lipkind's harp on the track "Kasey Andersons' Dream" that takes an already great song and makes it awesome. With talent like this just waiting in the wings, it's no wonder this album sounds so good; as though a group of long time friends and musical collaborators sat down in the studio one afternoon and played the hell out of these songs with the same effortlessness of smoking a cigarette.
You can tell a lot about an album by who you'd recommend it to and Heart of a Dog is a one I'd give my good friend Eric. We use to tend bar together at a little place called the Driftwood Room. He loved the Stones, the New York Time's Crossword puzzle and taught me as much about life as he did about being a great bartender. I cherish the memories of closing down the bar and talking late into early morning over St. Pauli Girl and cigarettes. He has a great taste in music and I know he would love this amazing album as much as I.