Bite Me! CD Reviews S - Z

The Sabians – Beauty For Ashes (The Music Cartel)  

The singer and drummer for this band were in that stoner-rock band Sleep.  After Sleep broke up, the singer denounced his lifestyle of drugs and debauchery and joined a monastery.  Yeah... weird, huh? (Is he related to James Baker?-NIN)  I’m usually all against cleaning up your act and going clean, but in The Sabians’ case it doesn’t seem to have affected their songwriting at all.  Beauty For Ashes mixes metal, chant and even folk music into an emotional sound that is more mature than their days in Sleep.  Don’t call it emo though.  And you can’t really call it stoner-rock; it would be more like sober-rock.  We’ll just say it rocks.  -TMP

Vinnie Santino - That's Him Officer!  (Pacific Force, Inc.)

Mr. Santino claims that this is a collection of Original TV Cop Show Themes, even though he professes to not be a fan of said shows.  Well, first it must be clarified that this is not themes from cop shows of today, but rather TV Land versions of cop shows.  If you really listen to those tunes, the reality is that most of them are bad noir jazz that were done cheaply in order to give atmosphere to the show.  So really this album is nothing more than half-baked original interpretations of themes and arrangements that were cheap and flimsy to begin with.  That's not much to sell off of, is it Mr. Santino?  The fact that the talents of Royal Crown Revue are the backing band to Santino's guitar and keyboards only allows this disc not to descend into a complete, turgid mess.  Someone please, book 'em so we don't get more of these CDs.  -Repojay

Slowjack - Get There From Here  (Silverlake Records)

California based Slojack’s second album, Get There From Here is theatrical at times, sounds like George Thorogood at others and then OUT OF NOWHERE a Metallica influence sneaks in.  At times their sound encourages legions of teenagers to amplify Bic lighters in filled theaters. During “Sad Eyed Romeo” they sound like a poor man’s Mark Eitzel.  Their opening track, “24 Hours,” sounds like Georgia Satellites inspired, gritty gas station, raspy punk rock.  Slowjack are all over the map with their open road rock and roll.   -Brendan McMahon

Solarized – Driven (MeteorCity) 3/4

Thank you, thank you, thank you Solarized and MeteorCity for doing something I adore in your very brief press piece: writing down WHICH TRACKS to initially check out.  Nobody does that for the press, just for radio, and I love it!  That way, your best tracks get in my brain first, and your best foot is forward.  I would best compare Solarized to the stoner rock bands Atomic Bitchwax, Sea of Green, and of course, Fu Manchu.  These guys are faster than all of the above mentioned bands, you’d have to mix some crank in with your weed to get the proper tempo.  Tracks to check out: “Conspiracy”, “Dig The Ride”.  -J

Streetwalkin’ Cheetahs – Guitars, Gold, & Guns (Triple X)  

With bands like The Strokes and The White Stripes getting so much hype there’s no reason why major labels shouldn’t be fighting to be the first to sign the Streetwalkin’ Cheetahs.  Guitars, Guns, & Gold is the latest testament to the undeniable energy and power of ass-kickin’ rock ‘n’ roll that only the Cheetahs know how to deliver.  If you are a longtime SWC fan this disc is a treat because it’s a wild and impassioned collection of rare recordings (featuring past and present members) that have been complied throughout the illustrious band’s career.  If you’re not a SWC purist, you will be after getting a taste of this disc, which oozes with a raw, hard-edged basement charm and displays the band’s obvious affinity for razor sharp hooks, bulldozer guitar riffs, and fist pummeling beats.  The anthemic “Generator” runs circles around The Stroke’s “Last Nite” or even The White Stripes’ “Fell In Love With A Girl“.  This song is your meal ticket, boys.  You’ll find it hard to resist the old skool punk stylings of “I Wanna Die For X-Mas” and the driving urgency of “Small Town Killer“.  And when it comes to covers, nobody does them better than the Cheetahs.  “Los Angeles” (X), “Sanctuary” (Iron Maiden), and “Kamikaze” (Boys) are all fabulous renditions that would make their creators proud.  The enhanced video footage on this disc is the icing on the cake.  Guitars, Guns, & Gold is the real deal.  Don’t waste your time on cheap imitations.  [Editor's note: damn straight.  Why aren't these guys sooo much bigger than White Stripes, et al?  Get on the ball, Triple X.  -J] -NIN

Sugarcult – Start Static  (Ultimatium Music/Artemis)

Sugarcult's debut disc is a quasi-sugarcoated power pop album with punk overtones.  They have mastered the don’t-bore-us-get-to-the-chorus approach to near perfection on this album.  Nearly every song on Start Static has the potential to be a single.  Highlights here include the restless teen anthem, "Stuck in America" and the down n out "Bouncing Off the Walls," which features a cameo from Foo Fighter's guitarist Chris Shiffett.  Although a majority of the songs on Start Static deal with relationships gone astray, Sugarcult also touches upon some social issues.  "I Changed My Name" deals with feelings of depression.  Overall, this band deserves an A+ for effort and for not sounding like another Blink 182 rip-off.     -R-Lo

Supersuckers - Must've Been Live (Mid-Fi Recordings/Ken Phillips PR) 3/4

You know how there are just some bands that you "get", but other people don't?  Well, I don't "get" Supersuckers.  Never have, most likely never will.  But other people really, really love them, and live for them!  So, if you are a Supersuckers fan, most likely you will want to have Must've Been Live in your collection.  And for those of us who aren't, this disc isn't likely to change anything.  Oh yeah, there are guest appearances by Amy Nelson and Mickey Rafael (both assoc. with Willie Nelson) and Audley Freed of the Black Crowes.  Woo.  –J

Sweatpant Boners - Cruisin' With The Masters  (Devils Head Records)  BIG FAT ZERO

Just the name of the band is reason enough to stay away.  But for those who have to at least give the music (if you can call it that) a chance…I did and I wish I hadn't.  Sweatpant Boners is the most ridiculous sophomoric group this side of Kappa Delta Crappa.  This Boston based band melds horrid Z-level punk with vomit-inducing vocals by Robby Road Steamer who seems content to sing about crapping after bad Chinese food, urinating with your dad, and treating women like crap.  If anything, I really hope this band gets sued by Billy Joel and Gloria Gaynor.  Their parody lyrics of "Always A Woman" and "I Will Survive" at the album's end are just too awful to even justify.  Since the liner notes don't suggest they got permission or are paying for the privilege of using their tunes, I implore Mr. Joel and Ms. Gaynor to PLEASE sue the crap [Crap.  Crappy crap.  Crappity crap crap.  –ed.]  out of this band so they will be forced to never allow anyone in the world to EVER purchase this album for all eternity.  And that’s not all; the group earned more negative points for having 42 minutes of silence at the album's completion only to deliver brief bits of idiocy at the end.  -Repojay

Switched – Subject to Change (Immortal/Virgin) 1/4

Switched’s Subject to Change is a scorching album that unveils a talented group of songwriters who possess the ability to incorporate aggression, dynamics, and melody into each tune.  On their Immortal record’s debut, the Cleveland based band immediately makes a powerful impact with the bruising “Inside.”  Equally impressive is the menacing grooves of “Four Walls” and the balls out angst of “Dead Fingers.”  “Reflection” highlights the group’s ability to smoothly shift from rhythms, moods, and vocal styles with ease.  Switched’s sound may not be revolutionary, but these boys are full of ideas and inspiration.  Their skilled musicianship and fiery passion gives them the edge they need to rise above the average nü-metal act.  -NIN       

Tijuana Crime Scene – Change of Venue (Arise)  

Listening to Tijuana Crime Scene (great name!) made me think of another band.  These guys really, really sound like The Anniversary.  It took me a while to put my finger on it, but when I did it all made sense.  Apparently, TCS’s producer has worked with The Anniversary before, and a whole bunch of other emo bands as well.  I can’t say definitively that TCS sides with emo but they really lean that direction.  Their song “Head of Mine” is like the fucking emo poster child, while other tracks are more in the Wilco or Gin Blossoms vein.  Not bad.  -J 

Variac - Hard Starward (Rustbelt Records/Fly PR) 3/4

Reminiscent of The Verve, Detroit's Variac has a nice little debut album in Hard Starward.  Mixing a little shoegazer with some nice rock chops, Variac has definitely taken a cue from other midwesterners who went before them -- like some of the other bands the members have been in, including Big Chief, Forehead Stew, and Big Block.  Variac has honed their sound over time, making an effort at creating a distinct sound for themselves.  The songs aren't bad, but there is nothing that will change the world anytime soon.  Just some enjoyable moody club-rock that the band hopes will "make the ladies swoon".  -J

Various – Because We Care: A Benefit For The Children’s Hospital of Orange County (Glue Factory Records) 3/4

Because We Care features twenty of Orange County’s brightest indie artists.  Reel Big Fish is probably the most recognizable name on this CD, but there are other talented bands on here that make this disc worthy of your donation dollars, especially if you’re an indie punk aficionado.  Standouts include: Yellowcard, Cheswick, D.O.W. Mind Drive, and Thrice.  -NIN

Various – Blade II, the Soundtrack (Immortal/BWR PR) 3/4

With Happy Walters’ (Immortal’s founder) success with soundtracks such as Judgment Night and Spawn, I was looking forward to Blade II.  I haven’t been disappointed.  Happy’s clout has put together such diverse artists as Ice Cube and Paul Oakenfold; The Roots and BT (the amazing “Tao of the Machine”); and Redman and Gorillaz (“Gorillaz on my Mind”) to explore collaborations that relate to the film.  I haven’t seen the new Blade, but judging from the soundtrack, it’s just as good as the first.  -J   

Various - Global Hits 2002 (Universal) 3/4

Presenting nineteen International chart toppers, Global Hits 2002 is more for the mainstream listener than the hardcore rave fanatic.  The savvier electronica lover may not be impressed with this album, but it’s a good little disc to keep on hand for your next big bash.  Highlights include Kosheen’s “Hide U,” Daft Punk’s “One More Time,” and Safari Duo’s “Played A-Live (The Bong Song)”.  -NIN 

Various – Happy Meals Vol. 3 (My Records)  

I really wish I had the bio to this because I’m not sure if the songs on Happy Meals Vol. 3 were released already or not.  I know that quite a few are new releases, and different performances of songs you love, like Lagwagon’s “May 16^th” gone acoustic.   Wish I knew more about some of the bands, like Bright Life and Blazing Haley.  That’s part of this CD’s charm – it makes you interested in more stuff from the bands on it that you don’t know…like a good various artists CD should.  –J

Various - If I Was Prince (Beggars Banquet)  

Tribute albums are never easy because it’s sacrilegious if you stray too far away from the initial structure but, at the same time, there’s no point in recreating the original.  The trick is to find the perfect balance between the two.  And while some people would praise the artists on this disc for their creative interpretations, I have a difficult time accepting them.  If I Was Prince is not quite the tribute I’d like to see.  On the plus side, some of the purple guy’s more obscure work is covered by European electronic artists, but the songs lack the magic that made them appealing to begin with.  A majority of these tracks stray so far from the beaten path they are completely unrecognizable.   -NIN

Various - Live & Unreleased from Farmclub.com (Interscope, TVT Records) PP

Okay, so I gave this disc to someone that I thought would appreciate it and after the first three tracks they ejected it from the CD player and threw it in the back seat.  The reason: “Most hip-hop artist don’t sound that great live.”  Having never been to a hip-hop show, I can’t agree with this statement.  However, after listening to this disc myself I have to say that these live recordings (from the now defunct cable show) featured on this eclectic mix are disappointing.  And it’s not just the hip-hop artists that sound bad, it’s the rock and pop groups as well.  -NIN

Various - Moulin Rouge 2 Soundtrack (Interscope) 3/4 

The second release from Baz Luhrmann’s tragicomical bohemian musical is more of a traditional Broadway soundtrack that spans genres, artists, and generations.  These original cast recordings recreate the emotions experienced while watching the movie.  Moulin Rouge 2 exhibits the colorful nature of the film ranging from Nicole’s lusty performance of “Sparkling Diamonds,” to the boisterous “The Pitch (Spectacular Spectacular)”.  Not to be overlooked is “Come What May,” the beautiful duet between Nicole Kidman and Ewan McGregor, and the comical “Like A Virgin”.  If you loved the movie, you will adore this disc.    -NIN 

Various – Plea For Peace – Take Action Tour (Sub City) 3/4

28 songs for how much?  $6.98??  Jeez, who cares if it’s an awesome line-up of bands with the likes of Alkaline Trio, Hot Water Music, AFI, Thursday, Good Riddance, At The Drive In, etc. on it?  Buy the damned thing and make a difference in people’s lives!  You can even take it out of your lunch money, it’s soooo affordable.  And, to top it off, Plea for Peace… is so good and diverse in it’s punk, it’s criminal.  This CD is a benefit for the National Hopeline Network (1-800-SUICIDE).  -J

Various - Pledge of Allegiance Live Concert Recordings (Columbia)  

Some things grow on you and some things don’t, and after being force fed System of a Down for the past six months, I like them less and less.  So, I was a little disappointed to find that this sonic documentation from last year’s Pledge of Allegiance tour contained three tracks by the band.  The good things is, they are the first three tracks, which makes it easier to fast forward to the good stuff like Slipknot.  “People = Shit,” which is probably the most brutally fierce track on here.  “Weapons of Mass Destruction,” also by Slipknot, would have been my choice as the lead track for this heavy-duty disc.  There’s nothing like getting a good ass kicking right from the-get-go.  Mudvayne’s contributions were a little disappointing, as they were taken from the band’s recent video/DVD (L(ive) D(osage) – 50) and not the tour itself.  American Head Charge delivered a strong dose of psychotic energy, and No One finished things off with a crushing rendition of “My Release.”   -NIN 

Various -  Resident Evil Soundtrack (RoadRunner) 1/4

Compiled by Marilyn Manson, the Soundtrack to Resident Evil perfectly matches the macabre level of the film it represents.  This dark and twisted compilation goes straight for the jugular with scorching tracks like Slipknot’s “My Plague“ (New Abuse Mix), “Invisible Wounds” (Fear Factory – R.I.P., sniff), and Ill Nino’s the day of the dead mix of “What Comes Around”.  Other highlights include Marilyn Manson’s “Fight Song” (remixed by Slipknot), “Name of the Game” (The Crystal Method), Static-X’s “Anything But This” and Depeche Mode’s seductive, slightly twisted take on The Stooge’s “Dirt”.   -NIN

Various - Scorpion King – Soundtrack (Universal)

Produced by Sully Erna of Godsmack, the Scorpion King soundtrack boasts an impressive line-up of hard rock heavyweights.  With the exception of a few tracks, it’s a pretty cohesive album overall.  The Tweaker (aka Chris Vrenna) remix of P.O.D’s “Set It Off“ is pretty sweet.  Mushroomhead’s remix of “Along The Way” was really surprising.  Godsmack’s “I Stand Alone” is another attention getter that calls to mind Alice In Chains at their heaviest moment.  There are also a number of unreleased tracks from the likes of Sevendust, Nickelback, Drowning Pool, and Hoobastank that make this disc worthwhile for those who like their rock hard.     -NIN

Very Metal - Hit And Run  (Beer City Records)1/2

What they lose from truth in advertising they make up with a solid Young Ones reference.  Ladies and gentlemen, this isn’t your youngest nephew's squeaky-clean version of punk.  No sirree.  This is the grimy stuff that predates Repo Man.  Yes, the good ol' days when it was fast, hard-hitting, squawking, confrontational, and oh so messy.  St. Louis' Very Metal doesn’t attempt to go down any new pathways with their speed punk.  They just aim to be gladly stuck in the roots of the sound with pounding quick shots of Jaeger like "Lie, Cheat, Steal" or "Sicko Creep".  Roots, of course, means remaining underground and there's no chance of mainstream success here.  Not that it matters to punk fans. They're probably already crying sellout as I even glance at the chance of it.   I don't give a shit.  The record label, by the way, is also a skateboard company.  Does that mean extra bonus points or free placement in skating videos?  I'm just asking.   –Repojay

Virgin Black - Sombre Romantic (The End Records)

The first track starts off with that real annoying fucked up chanting that’s supposed to mean something that I just don’t get.  I’m glad I lasted through that bullshit, because track 2 all the way to the end was a dark black instrumental masterpiece that would be almost impossible to perform live on stage.  This is an impressive chunk of change that I can best describe as a Black Metal Gothic Opera fit for Beelzebub himself.  A Blasphemy Symphony brought to you from a little known Australian band on a little known label from Pasadena.  -Colin Bowel

Alex Woodward - Nowhere Near Here  (Woodshack Music)

Ten years ago the image of flannel shirts and jeans represented one thing: grunge.  Today, listening to Washington State’s Alex Woodward they represent an anthemic vision of All-American heartland rock.  The image of flannel shirts and jeans walking across autumn leaves on an October day with a gray sky background is abundantly clear.  Roots rocker Alex Woodward’s non-threatening, full-length release Nowhere Near Here makes no attempt at breaking new ground.  This straight-ahead all-American rock n roll with a woodsy touch reminds one of The BoDeans, Marah, Wood, and The Borrowers minus the special thing that makes those bands special.  His big time band borrows alt-rock all-star members from Fountains of Wayne, Sunny Day Real Estate, The Poises, Gigolo Aunts, and Sky Cries Mary.  They deliver trusty power pop across interesting songs such as “Billie Holiday,” “Levitate,” and “Blindside”.  -Brendan McMahon