Bite Me! CD Reviews G - R

Give Up the Ghost – We’re Down ‘til We’re Underground (Equal Vision Records/Blueghost PR) 1/4

Is there such a thing as emo-hardcore?  I think we’ve just found it.  Give Up the Ghost is as authentic as hardcore gets – driving guitar, progressive chord changes, banging drums, and a pissed off screaming lead singer all designed to make those who “don’t get it” run screaming from the room.  But as you sit down and listen along with the lyrics, you realize that lead singer Wes Eisold is hurting inside.  Not about authority or world atrocities – but love?  Whoa.  Give Up the Ghost is totally different while still having the “parents hate this” factor – unlike those other wussy emo bands we know.  –J

Godhead – Evolver (Reality Entertainment) 1/4

Godhead fans are probably very happy that the band found a home with Reality Entertainment.  However, some of the group’s followers may have mixed emotions about this disc.  Evolver is the album that Manson’s Posthuman label wished Godhead would have delivered.  Too bad the powers that be didn’t have more faith in this little band from DC.  Evolver is a tad bit more mainstream than past efforts.  The band’s new material focuses more on melody than mayhem and has a more guitar-oriented hard rock vibe. The industrial overtones are subtle and the choruses are strong.  But don’t fear Godhead fans, the tracks on this dynamic offering are not wimpy by any means.  However, some adjustment time may be required.  The tunes are catchy, so they’ll grow on you after a few listens.  Oh, and in case you haven’t heard, Godhead has a new member…Ken Jay formerly of Static-X.  Wayne Static makes a guest appearance on “The Giveaway,” so I’m assuming Ken & Wayne parted on good terms.  Overall, Evolver is a powerful album.  My advice, spend some time with this disc and let the songs sink in.   -NIN

Bobcat Goldthwait – I Didn’t Mean to Insult You But You Look Like Bobcat Goldthwait (Comedy Central Records) 3/4

I’ll be honest; I’m not a big fan of comedy albums.  You really can’t listen to them over and over like you would a musical recording.  However, I did find this disc to be highly entertaining.  In fact, every time I listened to it I laughed as hard as I did the first time.  Bobcat is one funny dude, and his latest comedy CD is a gut-buster from beginning to end.  Nothing is sacred.  Bobcat bags on the audience, he bags on himself, he bags on everyone and everything and it is hilarious.  The comedian draws from his experiences as a star (back in the day) and even acknowledges his “whatever happened to” status.  Things get funnier when Bobcat strays from the script and goes at it with the audience.  Did you ever watch granny porn?  Until now, I didn’t know it even existed.  Highlights include, but are not limited to: “Fabio and The Suicidal Goose,” “Star Wars Fans Are Uber Nerds,” “Salt And Pepper Nutsack,” “Johnny Depp and The Electric Razor Ad.” -NIN

Graffiti 61 - Mind Blossom (Ambidelic Records)

They call his music "ambidelic—a clever amalgam of ambience and psychedelic," and that's a dead-on label. These nine songs by artist Dominic Massaro are slow swirling soundscapes that I would only be able to enjoy if I was stoned out of my skull. Sober, it's quite boring and pretentious—it doesn't break away from the combo of spooky chanting or whispering over smoky, lo-fi electronica and space age psychedelia.  Besides, I've heard it all before and it was done by the likes of the Cocteau Twins, Radiohead, My Bloody Valentine, and even Brian bloody Eno.  Graffiti 61 is a generic, diluted version of music that was done greatly before. (And I don’t know if that's much of a compliment.)  “Mind Blossom” kind of sounds like what you'd hear in a new age shop or planetarium. -R-Lo

Greyfield – Soundtrack to the Summer (Search and Rescue Records)  1/2

So, I was just wondering what the next big thing would be.  It seems Greyfield may be ahead of me with a new brand of boy-band emo-punk.  You see, the four members of Greyfield are the type of innocuous hotties that the 13 year old girls will love, and their boyfriends can stand.  And they play poppy summer punk-pop music about chicks, parties and teenage angst without the shoegazing side.  All they need now are some slower, more reflective songs and Greyfield will be the next Dashboard Confessionals.  -J

Gruvis Malt - …with the spirit of a traffic jam… (Lakeshore Records) 

Sounding like Bay Area crazies Eskimo, Gruvis Malt keeps you guessing at every turn which direction their jazz-underground back room hip hop-rock will go.  Very eclectic with a smattering of lounge, Gruvis Malt will swing you.  -J

Jet City Fix - Play To Kill (King Bee/Infect Records) 1/2

From the first track on this band’s record you know it’s a dirty rock n’ roll thing.  Singer Shane Flaudling spits “You always make me feel so bad, cuz I’m the best you never had,” and to be fair it sounds like a lot of stuff that sounds a like a lot of other stuff, but its still pretty cool.  The vocalist strains a bit on some big glam moments, and that’s only the first song!  As I listen to the second song I’m reminded of a band from the UK I used to follow around years ago called The Wildhearts (Totally underrated.  Check out Fishing For Luckies or Earth vs The Wildhearts, it’s 10 years old by now but man it’s still a great record.)  Anyhoo, imagine my surprise as I check out the back of the CD and see a song called “Sick of Drugs” first performed by The Wildhearts.  Jet City Fix didn’t do a bad job, but what an obscure song to cover?  Especially since they don’t lend anything new to it.  Anyway, elsewhere we get glam rock, pop punk, AC/DC wannabee riffing and a bunch of other stuff that makes it sound like 1987 again.  There’s nothing wrong with the trashier stuff on here, but I’ve heard it all before the first time round (LA Guns anyone?) and so maybe I’ve just outgrown some of this.  But, maybe it is because I’m sober right now.  “Bullet” is pretty cool song, which leads me to believe that this band should be playing at the Viper Room Monday night’s at Camaro.  I’m sure they would throw down a storm.  -Glen

LaGuardia – Welcome to the Middle (Universal/Motown Records)  1/2

Dredg meets…Smashing Pumpkins perhaps with a smile?  I don’t know, there’s much more feeling here than in Dredg.  Sunny Day Real Estate maybe?  And LaGuardia definitely has some serious songwriting skills.  I’ve been listening to this CD almost constantly since I received it, and I still don’t know what to think of it.  There’s so many flavors in this package, it’s like Heinz.  But LaGuardia’s rock sound is immediately accessible.  And tasty.  An excellent debut by this Philadelphia band.  –J

Jonny Lang - Long Time Coming (A& M Records) 1/2

Jonny Lang is quickly growing up to be, well, Edwin McCain.  At the ripe old age of 22, on his third album Long Time Coming, Lang displays a knack for wailing away at the all-American anthem.  Going from offering hints of Martin Sexton on the cover “Red Light” to traces of White Snake on “Get What You Give,” Lang is all over the map with grandiose rock gestures.  “The One I Got” reminds listeners of Stevie Wonder and Michael McDonald.  On “Touch” suddenly Terrence Trent D’Arby is coming out of Lang’s pipes.  “Beautiful One” is beautiful and as close as Lang gets to McCain’s career changing song “I’ll Be”.  The hit is not there, but the song is beautiful none-the-less.  Next Lang brings the funk with “If We Try” - in addition to a scorching guitar solo the lyrics bleed passion: “Words can’t describe Honey just how I feel inside.”  With a little luck “Goodbye Letter” will be the prom song of spring 2004.  This North Dakota farm boy certainly sings like a man with big city dreams and heartache.  Long Time Coming continues to deliver the quality big blues guitar rock that Lang has built his young reputation on.  -Brendan McMahon

Life of Agony – River Runs Again: Live 2003 (SPV) 1/4

River Runs Again signals Life of Agony’s triumphant return.  Granted, there is no new material to be found; however, this two-disc set offers plenty of nostalgic moments from ‘River Runs Red’ (1993), ‘Ugly’ (1995), and ‘Soul Searching Sun’ (1997).  River Runs Again was recorded during the band’s sold out reunion shows at Irving Plaza in New York City in January 2003.  It’s not the best quality, but the recording does paint an honest picture of the band.  Disc two features bonus tracks from Alan Robert’s Among Thieves, Sal Abruscato’s Suppermassiv and Keith Caputo’s solo material.  And, if you are a die-hard LOA fan there is also a DVD version of River Runs Again: Live 2003, which includes in-depth interviews and video footage from the band’s personal collection.  -NIN

Limitpoint - We Call This Life (Aggravated Music)

Limitpoint is a perky, poppy, generic Southern California rock and roll band.  They muster their way through seven simple songs.  The last song is actually called “Simple” and simple they are.  That’s not bad and definitely not great, but certainly simple.  It reminds me of when emo goes wrong.  Learn more about them at limitpoint.net but take their advice and be super cautious. -Brendan McMahon

Limp Bizkit – Results May Vary (Flip/Interscope) 1/4

Well, the bad news is that Limp Bizkit can survive without Wes Borland.  The good news is that the band’s expiration date is just around the corner.  This aptly titled disc is mediocre to say the least.  At least Borland provided the one thing that is sorely lacking on this record - - creativity.  Limp Bizkit once copied KoRn and now they are borrowing from Staind.  Can we say “Identity Crisis”?  Borrowing aside, the Limp ones still fumbled on their cover of The Who’s “Behind Blue Eyes”.  What is the point of the ‘Fight Club’ reference?   Pretty lame, but not nearly as lame as Fred’s pathetic plea for girls to like him.  Hey Fred, F.Y.I. this picture of you grabbing your crotch will not impress the ladies. You should have left it on the cutting room floor.  Oh, and in the credits Fred states that he believes in U.F.O’s.  Perhaps he was the victim of an anal probe abduction.  Now that would explain everything.  Wouldn’t it?    -NIN

Macabre – Murder Metal (Decomposed/Season of Mist) 1/2

Armed with the thunderous power of a seven-string guitar and a six-string bass, Macabre belts out thirteen non-fiction tales of murder, mystery, and mayhem. Using demented nursery rhymes put in a comic/horror sense, you’re confronted with real life boogey men and 500-year-old folklore.  Listen and you’ll learn about Jerry Brudos—dubbed the ‘Foot Fetish Killer’—who was accused of killing five women, cutting off their feet and keeping them in the freezer.  His wife never suspected a thing.  This one even includes the legend of Peter Stubbe (the first known Werewolf) accused of chasing farm girls in the fields of Bedberg, Germany.  According to the half-century-old story, he would rape them before eating parts of their bodies.  Peter was eventually caught and put on the wheel of torture.  He was cut into pieces and his head was displayed at the entrance of town.  Murder Metal is a morbid history class that you don’t want to miss.  Join the party, all your friends are here.  -Colin Bowel

Maxeen (Side One Dummy Records) ½

It’s obvious to me that the members of Maxeen spent the 80’s listening to all the new wave they could get their hands on.  Personally, if I wanted to listen to The Police or (ugh) Rick Springfield, I would.  Although I know Maxeen spent a great deal of time and energy to both recreate these sounds and attempt to make them their own, this self-titled effort falls as flat as their lead singer’s voice does on these jaded ears.  -J

Moron Parade - Heal Slap (Parade Co. Records)

Should we still be happy that man has progressed so much in 2003 that they still churn out bad indie rock like it was 1991?  Should we be concerned that these bands feel it necessary to spit out 60 minutes worth of tunes, thus, filling up wasted future landfill discs?  Nay.  You don't have to worry, because even if bands like Moron Parade seem threatening enough to take over the world, you are safe knowing that they and their label are so small that you doubtfully would even see their discs in the $1 bin to even worry about the clutter it would take up on your shelf. -Repojay

MXPX - Before Everything and After (AM Records)

So here it is - - pop punk fan's long awaited brand new music from MXPX.  After a short intro the album breaks right into one of those feel good songs called "Play It Loud". The song sets the pace for the album, keeping any Hot Topic teen bopper looking forward to more.  Next up comes the all too well known "Well Adjusted ".  If I had never heard the song before I might have liked it, but all the Pepsi ads beat it with an ugly stick so it’s not my favorite.  For the most part, the songs on Before Everything and After are pretty upbeat and jumpy.  With the exception of a few slower depressed style songs such as "Quit Your Life" and its lyrics of "So quit your life. And stay with me."  The rest of the album goes by pretty smoothly with a fair number of good (sometimes overly) catchy songs that most pop punk fans are sure to enjoy.  -R-Lo

No Doubt – The Singles 1992 – 2003 (Interscope)

December is my favorite time of the year because I always seem to get a No Doubt CD for review just in time for Christmas.  Being the big No Doubt fan that I am, I made a mix tape of my favorite No Doubt songs a long time ago.  Needless to say, every song on this disc (with the exception of the fabulous cover of “It’s My Life” by Talk Talk) is on my mix tape.  But hey, I’m thrilled to finally have a mix CD of some of my favorite No Doubt tunes.  The group has a knack for writing hit singles, so Gwen and co. had plenty of songs to choose from.  The good thing is, the tracks that did make the cut flow smoothly into each other and emanate a good vibe from beginning to end.  The other cool thing about this disc is the booklet that accompanies it, which includes photos from various stages of the band’s career, lyrics, and a little story about the birth of each song.    No Doubt’s singles collection is a must have for any fan.  -NIN

OTEP - Sevas Tra (Capitol) 1/2

Welcome to the all-too-troubled world of Otep Shamaya.  With deep and powerful poetry, she tells tales of childhood sex abuse and the helplessness of being a young victim.  It’s a very disturbing monument to making right out of wrong and trying to find some sort of justice through musical expression.    Plenty of thought and talent went into this piece of work but, after a short period of time, this becomes very difficult to listen to.  Those overpaid dumb fucks over at Capitol must be doing acid again.  -Colin Bowel

Pinback – Offcell e.p. (Absolutely Kosher Records) ½

Pinback is about as solidly indie as a band can get.  Mixing beautiful melodies with layered vocals and good musicianship, this is the type of offbeat music only heard on college radio these days.  Totally unmanufactured and from the heart, Pinback makes me think of a more laid-back version of The Posies, or a Redd Kross on sedatives.  Languid and dreamy, Pinback’s soundscapes will make you hunger for more “true” music and want to banish ClearChannel forever.  -J

Primus – Animals Should Not Try to Act Like People (Interscope)

A must for Primus fans – Animals Should Not Try to Act Like People features a DVD with 13 music videos, the documentary “Cheesy Home Video” and much more Primus madness.  The CD has 5 new studio recordings featuring the whole group of reunited Primus members.  And it feels like they never left…  -J

REM - In Time: The Best of REM 1988-2003 (Warner Brothers)

Why do I like best of compilations?  Because they're the best! Beginning with the brilliant “Man On The Moon” and featuring the likes of  “Everybody Hurts?,” “Orange Crush,” and “Losing My Religion'”.  The list goes on to encompass 18 great REM hits, which includes two new tracks. This album is great for the novice fan who has no patience to rummage through 20 years of REM songs on their own.  It kinda just lays it all out for you in a perfectly configured compact disc.  It should be renamed REM's ‘Music for the Lazy’.  -R-Lo

Rooney (Geffen Records) 1/2

This is the eponymous debut from the shaggy haired, fresh-faced Californians known as Rooney.  The whole album is a great pop rock thing with a very definite 50’s vibe to it.  Starting at the beginning with the recent single “Blue Side,” I hear Beach Boys harmonizing and an overall sound that brings to mind Weezer in a major way.  It is as though any song here could have come off the ‘Blue’ album.  This self-titled offering is a happy, breezy affair, which also reminds me of another band from the city of angels - Phantom Planet.  But, Rooney is a slightly cleaner more retro version, and they don’t seem to possess quite the same punky urgency of that group.  Most of the tracks are catchy, especially “Stay Away,” which sings of an unrequited love.  In “If It Were Up To Me” we find ourselves in a silver airstream diner slurping on a vanilla shake with Buddy playing in the background.  Midway through the album things get a little moodier with the less bubblegum tinged “Popstars,” which is still very hooky and later still we get “Daisy Duke,” which is pure Rivers all the way.  Plagiarism aside, I like this record a lot. It is pretty short with just enough bittersweet, and it is a refreshing change to the billion bands that are doing the whisper to a scream thing.  -Glen