Beauty Pill - The Unsustainable Lifestyle, 2004

In a previous review I looked at D.C.'s Smart Went Crazy, a Punk/Pop/Jazz combo lead by Chad Clark. Honestly, as I listen, Beauty Pill is practically the same band lead again by Mr. Clark, and a ragtag group of SWC survivors. A similar energy, Clark's songwriting and studio methodology, and a sensibility that makes them approachable and serious without being too overtly political. But, they're from D.C., and who isn't political there. But the secret seems to be, as a group, they're really only interested in telling real stories with great music, drawing us in with acumen and aplomb. And not without context. These aren't etherial musings on issues, but direct cause and effect questions. Will you come visit me when I'm in prison? Telling us the Mule's name is Consuelo, if we'd been introduced. And that, if we think about it, Idi Amin's violent dictatorship, and the assassination of John Lennon are just two terrible things that happened, why not go outside and stop them. It's a good question by a good band who just wants to know. This record suggests that it takes more than hooks and looks to make a point. Thanks, Beauty Pill, I think I get it.

Fu Manchu - Signs of Infinite Power, 2009

After hesitating for several days about this review, and having spent the last few years following other bands, I wanted to give this record a chance. Fu Manchu, in my mind, was once one of the most interesting stoner rock bands out there. Vital and raw, Brant Bjork's drumming set off an elaborate, gain fueled metal experience that spoke to the depths of my spirit. The spirit that craved this uncooked, unbridled rock and roll. But, now, I find myself wishing this record were over. Hooks that fall flat, solos that feel weak and uninspired, and, man, the lyrics are like a preteen describing his favorite comic book. Not that they ever expressed the depths of man's ennui, but honestly, what happened, Fu Manchu? I still listen to everything they put out for Mammoth (except 2000's King of the Road, I didn't like that one either) and Man's Ruin, especially the Godzilla's (Eatin' Dust) ep, but this record will never make it in my collection or my consciousness. It's a sad reflection of a good band falling apart in the wake of a promising career. Bands do fall apart, but the good ones know when to quit. Disappointment. That's what I feel right now.

Skeleton Key - Fantastic Spikes Through Balloon, 1997

From its inception, Skeleton Key stood out as a band that didn't care what people thought. Coming from New York's art punk scene, they take us to places not often explored. Erik Sanko's brilliance opens doors, and gives us insights we may not want. A nightmare reality, with "The World's Most Famous Undertaker," a song steeped in what becomes obvious metaphor, "Only Useful Word," and my personal favorite, and also the last track on the album, "Needle Never Ends." Musically, they feature a junk kit player as well as a drummer, something that sets the tracks apart from anything else that came out at the time. But it's not so far out that its confusing. It's centered, honest, and worthwhile listening. If I had to compile a list of the best albums of the 90's, it would be there somewhere, and not too far from the top.

Ministry - The Mind Is A Terrible Thing To Taste, 1988

What else can someone say in an immediate way, but wow. They took what Skinny Puppy was attempting to do, and brought it directly to the mainstream. But they did it without selling out. It's a wonderful follow-up to The Land Of Rape And Honey by not forgetting what they learned from Honey. The programming is better, the drumming is better. The musicianship and the overall production values brought them to a less eclectic audience, an audience willing to pay large dollars for a performance (If you haven't seen "In Case You Didn't Feel Like Showing, Live", then I highly recommend picking it up. It features a performance by Jello Biafra (of Dead Kennedy's fame), and puts a light on the then future relationship between Jourgensen and Biafra (LARD).

Rye Wolves - Oceans of Delicate Rain, 2008

I saw this band for the first time about three weeks ago, and they literally knocked my socks off (they being extremely loud. Think the volume of the Melvins). But what impressed me, was their stage presence and ability to keep an audience in thrall. Now, this says I'm reviewing Oceans of Delicate Rain, but really I'm talking about the band, themselves. Three of the most calm and kick back guys you'd ever want to meet, they put all their aggression and angst, ennui and anomie in the music, and keep their lives as clean and bullshit free as possible. The space they practice and put on shows, EpicSpace, has a sign out front that reads "Hate Free Zone." And you have to believe it. They welcome everyone, and at the end of the day, help everyone pick up all the socks (they've gotten used to it by now). Anyway, check out the wolves onmyspace, and I think you'll agree. THEY FREAKIN' ROCK!

Judas Priest - Unleashed in the East, 1979

I'm usually not a fan of live albums or Judas Priest, but this album rocks. In Japan, so I've read, it's considered rude to make any noise while the artist is playing, so this recording lacks any of the extraneous crowd noise that often ruins most live recordings. But this is Priest at their very best. They're young and ready rock, and Rob Halford is really at his screaming best. If you have to listen to a live album, and you must listen to Judas Priest, you couldn't do much better than this record.

Smart Went Crazy - Con Art, 1997

This album is a masterpiece from the now defunct Smart Went Crazy. Chad Clark went on to form Beauty Pill, but that is another album, and another post. Con Art was their final album, and it goes out with a bang. The final song, Now We're Even, is 20 plus minutes of ambient sound. And, after such a mind blowing record, it's really very pleasant. But I don't want to gush.

This kick-ass record came out on DISCHORD, and is still available. Download it, especially if you like Beauty Pill. Download it anyway, even if you don't.

Brand New - Deja Entendu, 2003

reviewed by Judasfry

The second release from this Long Island band showed marked maturity from their first, and contains some of the most interesting work in the 'emo-punk' genre (although this reviewer hates labels such as this... being a 'grunge-era' kid, I think enough has been said about these industry labels and I wont bore you with yet another diatribe about said labels). The title translates to mean 'already heard,' which is also a commentary on modern rock.

The tracks have more meaningful lyrics than the standard fare of that year's top-ten, including this reviewer's favorite 'Guernica,' which details the lead singers struggle with his grandfather's battle with lung cancer. The line that catches my attention, "Is this the way a toy feels, when it's batteries run dry?" It really hits home. As someone who copes daily with depression and pre-emphysema it is easy to identify with the lyrics/struggle that Lacey conveys in this very personal song.

Other favorites include one of the singles 'Sic Transit Gloria...Glory Fades', which covers taking advantage of someone else, 'I Will Play My Game Beneath The Spin Light,' and 'Me Vs. Madonna Vs. Elvis'. I can only hope that this review provides the reader with even an iota of the joy that this album brought to my ears and soul.

[Sometimes rock n' roll comes in many shapes and sizes (and as I've stated, smells), but Mr. Judas has made a very valid point. The micro-genre has become a way alienate audiences away from what is basically straight forward rock and roll. Music made to kick-ass to, whether that kicking ass is working out, cleaning up, or editing reviews. Well, done, Mr. Judas. But please move your desk to the warehouse, I've been getting complaints...]