CDDocumetary: The Clash (1977)

That the Clash proved both commercially viable and significant in popular culture is a testament to their fortitude and uncompromising style. With so much self-induced adversity, the Clash were destined to fall apart, but not before recording seven original albums- all of which are worth owning for different reasons. Here's the first. You can also download the CDDocumentary here.

Editor: It's official

Stupid how long it took me to post this link to the latest issue, now termed the "last" issue with a new one out any day. Anyway, here it is...click on the picture again once you get to the site.

CD Reviews: Rodney Crowell, Murry Hammond

That David Todd guy is of no relation. Really.

CDDocumentary: Radiohead- OK Computer (1997)

Not much was expected from Oxford quintet Radiohead when they came on the scene in the early 90's with a bad habit of trying to sound like an English version of U2. After they blew just about everyone away with their 1997 release OK Computer, fans now expect an equal level of greatness from every Radiohead album...

CDDocumentary: The Kinks- The Village Green Preservation Society

The singles "You Really Got Me," and "All Day and All of the Night," might have propelled the Kinks into UK stardom but in 1968 the Kinks concept album "Village Green Preservation Society," their lowest-selling album ever, would cement itself as one of the best of all time.

Profile: Martin Perna & Adrian Quesada are Ocote Soul Sounds

Right click and choose "open image in new tab"
to view article full-size.

You can download a copy of the entri issue here:

CD Review: Aimee Mann

AIMEE MANN
@#%&*! Smilers
Super Ego

Songwriter Aimee Mann has run the gamut: from movie soundtrack composer (Paul Thomas Anderson’s Magnolia), multi-instrumentalist, contractual standoff (CBS), record label creator (Super Ego) and the smash 1985 MTV video hit for “Voices Carry” by her group ‘Til Tuesday.

More than 20 years later one thing is for certain: Mann is securing her foothold as one of the best.

On her 2005 release The Forgotten Arm, Mann leaned on a more gritty and straightforward instrumentation, reflecting her strengths as a live performer and the energy of the album’s concept.

Her sixth and latest solo album, @#%&*! Smilers, is created with a completely different palate which includes Wurlitzers, Clavinets, analog synthesizers, and selective horn and string sections. The result a master chef serving up her delicious creation: full of flavor but sparse in texture; exotic in presentation yet delightfully simple.

Smilers continues her mastery of whittling human nature into a four minute pop tune. Mann has developed a keen musical and lyrical rhythm from each album release to the next, building on themes and not simply repeating them. Lyrically, she combines a seemingly innate ability to conjure up a vivid image, and to portray it in a way that is universal, not exclusive.

In stores June 3, 2008

CDDocumentary :: Prince- Sign O the Times (1987)

After the Revolution broke apart, this epic double album featured Prince playing every instrument and culminating in a synthesis of his forms, style and production techniques in creating one of his most dynamic albums of all time...

Austin Music+Entertainment: REVIEW- South Austin Jug Band

Austin Music+Entertainment: Marcia Ball Profile

Austin Music+Entertainment SXSW preview

Click on photo or click here to see magazine article.

CDDocumentary: Linda Ronstadt- Heart Like a Wheel (1974)

A milestone in Ronstadt's impressive career, Heart Like a Wheel saw her reach highs on country and pop charts. Never again would she be as convincingly tough and fragile as she was here, her 5th album at the time.

CDDocumentary: Liz Phair- Exile in Guyville (1993)

Love it or hate it, Liz Phair's 1993 Exile in Guyville broke the conventions of bubbly pop female singers of the time and the countless boy bands fearful of veering off course from the successful and formulaic blueprint. In her wake, Phair left one of the more notable efforts of the last 15 years of music. Download an iTunes and iPod playable version HERE. Also plays in Windows Media Player and Winamp.

CDDocumentary: Roxy Music- Country Life (1974)

Roxy Music was arguably the most influential rock group of the 70's and their impact has grown in the years since. Their recorded work stands as an important groundswell of nonconformity and successful art-pop experimentation. Download an iTunes & iPod & Quicktime-ready version HERE. Also plays on Windows Media Player and WinAmp.

CDDocumentary- Talking Heads: Remain in Light (1980)

A perfect mix of rhythm and pop meet world music flavorings...Byrne & Eno were really onto something. Remain in light would set new expectations in motion. It would create new boundries. It would also be there last new music for over three years.

CDDocumentary format: stream, download or both?

I have noticed 41 downloads of the Jimi Hendrix CDDocumentary since I posted. Recently, I moved towards a stream on demand version of the last few segments. Question: which format do users prefer...streaming only, download only, or should I make both options available with each new segment? Please let me know. I should have the latest: Talking Heads- Remain in Light (1980) posted up on Monday. Thank you!

CD Review: Austin's Magnet School- Tonight...

MAGNET SCHOOL
Tonight We Drink…Tomorrow We Battle The Evil At Hand
Arclight Records

Like freshman at their first college kegger, Austin’s Magnet School waste no time running to the tap, hitting a fast stride and head-bouncing attitude in their first full length release Tonight We Drink…Tomorrow We Battle The Evil At Hand.

“XX” begins the sprint. An immediate guitar riff followed by crashing drums is fitting intensity for a Friday night drive downtown. Vocals are big and production is clean with added distortion touches in “Seventensplit,” essentially the title track and reminiscent of Arcade Fire largeness.

Just when you think Magnet School can’t possibly keep up the evening’s rapid consumption, they strike with “Never Loose That Feeling,” possibly the best track on the album. Led by a bouncy guitar hook but never losing the soft-loud explosiveness of your favorite early 90’s indie rock.

Jason Fergusson provides a big sound on drums and Brandon Tucker carries the baseline. Mark Ford and Michael Wane play guitar and share vocals. Although more than competent as players, their guitar style leans towards repetitive. The second half of Tonight We Drink…continues with a diversity that hints at bigger things to come.

In stores November 6, 2007

CDDocumentary: Patti Smith-Horses (1975)

Recorded in Electric Lady studios and produced by John Cale, Patti Smith's first album saw the passionate and viceral performance poet break out from New York City's underground. Smith would go on to greatly influence the next generation of rock.

CDDocumentary::Uncle Tupelo-Anodyne (1993)

Uncle Tupelo's final effort is often considered their best, a perfect blend of country, rock and folk. This album was recorded completely live in an Austin, Texas studio and within a year of its release, Uncle Tupelo was history and Son Volt and Wilco would rise from the phoenix...

ACL Wrapup

Well, it's over. And it was successful. I have recovered, unwound and reflected. But seriously, all the follow up you can read, look at and interact with is right here. Start with a great article about Bob Dylan that reflects a time when Bob played in front of not so many people here in Austin.
I'll be getting back into the swing of things this weekend, starting with next weeks CDDocumentary (the station's are restless, a good thing) on Patti Smith's album Horses, and a review of Austin's Patricia Vonne and her newest album set to release next week. In the meantime, check out all the great Austin City Limits stuff from the Statesman at the link above.