Bite Me! CD Reviews S - Z
Slick Idiot – Dick Nity
(Cleopatra/Itchy Records)
3/4
We have discovered what KMFDM sounds like without co-founder En Esch, now let’s see what En Esch sounds like without Sascha in Slick Idiot. Slick Idiot features not just En Esch, but Guenter Schulz, also from KMFDM, and some serious collaborations. Coming out of the gate, “It Won’t Do” sounds almost more like dance hall KMFDM than their rivals, down to the sexy back up vocals. The difference between En Esch singing/growling and Sascha is quickly forgotten as the Esch memory takes over. Lead off single “Make Me Believe” sounds almost the same though. Listening to the rest of the CD, though, I discover I was wrong – overall it is varied stylistically and really rivals past KMFDM releases – the guitar work is excellent in particular, and some of the collaborations work very well (“Lazy” for example). Overall, Dick Nity is a worthy purchase for any KMFDM, MDFMK, industrial dance or En Esch fan. PS: there is a Rammstein remix of “Xcess” as a bonus track. -J
Smile Empty Soul
(Lava records)
This trio from Santa Clarita has unleashed their debut. The opening track, “Bottom of a Bottle,” is a surefire hit with big catchy hooks that rock. Kids will just love this one. “Silhouettes” conjures up thoughts of Silverchair. In fact, since Smile Empty Soul is a threesome that comparison comes up a few times throughout this CD. “Nowhere Kids” is my absolute fave. The song comes out of the blocks like a cross between P.O.D and Papa Roach. There is a lot of angst to be found, but I’m reminded of a quote from a certain B. Simpson “Making teenagers depressed is like shooting fish in a barrel”. Don’t get me wrong; I’m not completely dissing it. I actually liked some of the album. However, I kept hearing Daniel Johns in the singer’s voice but, then again, Silverchair did pretty well, didn’t they? Things pick up again half way through the disc with “Your Way”. It would be easy to say that Smile Empty Soul is generic; being that there is nothing especially innovative here, but all three musicians are great at their roles and the nice mix of all out rockers and heartfelt ballads make for a more than decent effort. And, if they can deliver a good video for “Bottom of a Bottle” I don’t doubt these guys could become very big. – Glen
Smoking
Popes - The Party's Over (Double
Zero Records)
For all two of you out there who are cult completists of the short-lived Chicago group Smoking Popes, have I got news for you! Five years after it was made, the Popes album that Capitol shelved and caused the group to get dropped from the label is finally seeing the light of day! Aren't you happy? (Insert obligatory “I guess…” here. – BM) For the rest of you who probably don't even remember who the fuck the Smoking Popes are, you shouldn't have any reason to care. If a major record company decides to shelve a record and release the band from their stringent contracts, then chances are the record sucks or, worse, is mediocre. In this case, this album of all covers (!) is banal to oblivion. Before, the swagger of singer Josh Caterer seemed out of place in front of an alt-rock band. Now, when covering Judy Garland and Patsy Cline, it's the band who seems out of place and that actually makes things worse. - Repojay
Stryper – Seven: The Best Of Stryper
(Hollywood Records)
I think I find myself literally shocked that in 2003, I can actually be recommending a Stryper record to you, dear reader. That's right, a GODDAMMED FUCKING STRYPER RECORD! (and yes, the irony of that statement is fully intended). But after years and years of hearing about LA metal bands, Stryper is always kept off that list. Metal heads hate them for being Christians. Christians hate them for being metal. Yet through it all, after listening to this disc, I'm reminded that they had some big hits, good riffs, and the fact that they haven't been pushed down my throat in every cheesy 80s metal compilation makes it seem all the more fresher. Classic titles like "To Hell With The Devil" and "In God We Trust" are actually refreshing. (Is this guy serious? – NIN) After countless bad metal acts, hearing someone sing and play with such sincerity is refreshing. That's not to say there aren't some clinkers (why the cover of Earth, Wind and Fire's "Shining Star" is Track 3 and not buried is beyond me), but the 2 new songs are passable and after a nearly 13 year absence, I'm tempted to say Thank God they're back! I will now return to my normal indie rock cred posing. - Repojay
Turbonegro - Apocalyse Dudes (Burning
Heart/Epitaph)
1/2
Turbonegro are coming back and I think we should all be scared. I mean, not really scared. Sure, this group terrorized Europe throughout the nineties and built up a nice evil reputation, but listening to 1997's Apocalypse Dudes (originally released here in 1999 after their first breakup), things seem...well, tame. These openly gay dark metal rockers may have shocked a mere 6 years ago with "Rendezvous With Anus" and "Rock Against Ass,” but now it all seems very Spinal Tap. I suppose this is one of those "you have to see them live" bands and now that they're touring again, I just might. But, I wonder why people like Dave Grohl find the need to champion these guys. They rock hard, there's no doubt, but it all seems too tongue-in-cheek to really think it's all serious and deserving of the cult status that people are giving this band. - Repojay
Turbonegro - Ass Cobra
(Burning Heart/Epitaph)
While Turbonegro's later album is regarded as the classic, this raw slab of punk energy is easily the best example of the rawest, meanest band in the world. The lyrics are stronger, the songwriting is sloppier, and the production is cheaper. In other words, it communicates the raw essence of what it means to be a punk band. "Denim Demo" and "Sailor Man" are the most direct examples of the band's open homosexuality. "I Got Erection" speaks for itself. And then the band takes on plenty of other topics face on, including "Hobbit Motherfuckers" and the credo laid out at the beginning of "Imorgen Skal Eg Daue". This album was made before anyone knew them. This was made before they even remotely had to give a fuck. It shows, and it makes it better. - Repojay
Type O Negative – Life is Killing Me
(RoadRunner)
Here we have it…another great and, I do mean great, album from Type-O Negative. I’d love to give Life is Killing Me the rave review that it deserves; however, because I have a promo copy every single song (15 in all) is interrupted by an announcement that says, “Type O Negative, Life is Killing Me, The new album in stores in June.” I’ve heard this damn message so many times it repeats it in my sleep like some bad nightmare. At first I thought it was an infamous Type-O joke, but after the fourth time it got old real quick and by the 7th track it was really fucking annoying. Annoyances aside, Life is Killing Me combines the vintage Type-O doomy goth sludge revealed on ‘Bloody Kisses’ with the lushness of ‘October Rust’. Tracks like the cover of “Angry Inch” (from the movie Hedwig and The Angry Inch), “How Could She”, and “I Like Girls,” display every facet of the band’s dark humor. The title track, “I Don’t Wanna Be Me,” and “Above All Things” are catchy and unforgettable. Life is Killing Me is definitely worth checking out. Now, if I can only get the label to send me the official release I’d be a happy little goth kid. -NIN
The Unseen -
Complete singles collection 94-00 (Punkcore
Records)
1/2
It’s really been almost ten years? Ah, those spiky hair ones grow up so soon, don’t they! Seemed like just yesterday Toxic Bill pulled them out of the Boston underground flea market and made The Unseen somewhat seen. What is being presented here is a 30 track collection of what is most likely anything you can possibly be asking for and then some. The title sums it up. -Colin Bowel
Various – Crank Yankers
Vol. 3
(Comedy Central
Records)
1/2
I have to admit that Crank Yankers Vol. 3 is a hell of a lot funnier than Vol. 2. I was actually able to sit through the entire disc without getting bored. Crank Yankers Vol 3 features highlights from the second season. In case you’re unfamiliar with the show, it’s a half-hour comedy skit of demented puppets (voiced by talented comedians) making crank calls to supposedly real life people. Real or fake, the calls are pretty funny. Out of the 17 skits featured on this CD I’d say that two were tossers. Warning: don’t play this disc around children or those who are easily offended. -NIN
Various – House of 1000
Corpses
(Geffen)
1/2
I tend to appreciate a soundtracks a lot more after I see the movie. Unfortunately, I have not had the pleasure of viewing “House of 1000 Corpses”. However, I am under the impression that this disc is a pretty good representation of what the viewer is in for. I love a good horror flick and I’m hoping that this one doesn’t disappoint. In the meantime I’ll enjoy this CD, which contains soundbits from the flick interlaced with tracks by the Ramones, Buck Owens, and of course Mr. Gore himself, Rob Zombie. It’s an eclectic mix of hillbilly metal. I especially love the hip remake, “Brick House 2003,” which features Lionel Richie & Trina. I can’t wait for the DVD release. I hope that it’s the uncut version in its entire full blown gory. -NIN
Various -
Smoking Popes Tribute (Double Zero
Records)
Now this is exactly what the world needed…certainly what the world was clamoring for... THE tribute album for the Chicago band The Smoking Popes! It's somewhat fitting that this is being released at the same time as the unreleased Smoking Popes album where all they do is cover other people's songs. What a twist. The thing here is, how many people really care about this Chicago band enough to hear other obscure bands cover them? It's hard enough for anyone to be interested in a tribute album when it's songs by someone big like, say, Johnny Cash or The Cure. Now, the only "name" talent is The Ataris and Grade. Meanwhile, I think this would have more people liking the record if only because each band does the song without the swagger of the Popes singer. This way, those turned off by his voice might now get to enjoy his decent songwriting. - Repojay
Vaux – There Must Be Some
Way To Stop Them
(Volcom)
1/4
There must Be Some Way To Stop Them isn’t as intense as Vaux’s live show, but it’s a pretty damn good representation nonetheless. With their three-pronged guitar attack, these blistering tracks grab you by the throat and don’t let go until the last note is spent. This Denver hardcore sextet lives and breathes their art, as passion and angst drip from every chord. Just listen to “On Love And Cars” and you’ll get the idea. This song says it all with its meaty riffs and rock ‘n’ roll screams. Vaux has a knack for constructing brutal masterpieces that obliterate eardrums and pulverizes skulls. This technique is especially evident in the balls out paint peeler “Ride Out Bitch”. If you dig Refused and At The Drive In, you owe it to yourself to check out Vaux’s There Must Be Some Way To Stop Them. The album reflects an edge and fervor that can’t be ignored. -NIN
Sonny Vincent - The Good The Bad
The Ugly (Acetate Records)
1/2
Rocker/Artist/Filmmaker Sonny Vincent leads a Punk Rock Dream Team through 14 tracks of one-two fuck you punk rock on his Acetate Records release, The Good The Bad The Ugly. Guest appearances include members of Sonic Youth, MC5, The Damned, Velvet Underground, Television, Generation X, The Stooges and The Muffs among others. Sounding like a mix of Paul Stanley meets Sorry Ma, forgot To Take out the Trash era Replacements is no surprise as Vincent spent several years based in Minneapolis playing with the late, great Bob Stinson. Now based in Berlin Vincent brings a whole lot of passion to songs that are no more advanced than the late 70’s and early 80’s punk rock that Vincent was part and of and continues to emulate. As Sonny sings in That Sound, “You’re Just a Rocker”! And he can’t be stopped. -Brendan McMahon
Voivod (Chophouse Records)
Good soldier or bad citizen? Voivod claim to be both, but is it possible?!? I don’t fuckin’ know. I do know that this is their 13th release and the first time I’ve had the pleasure of listening to them. “Where the hell have you been?” You, me, and my ex-wife keep asking. Once again, I don’t know. Why is Voivod marketing a self -titled release after 12 albums and 20 years of existence? I don’t know, the fuckin’ bio doesn’t tell me why. History aside, my ears tell me they have the seasoned composure of an early Blue Oyster Cult, but with a more bone-crushing intense metal edge. Harsher than that good morning bong load you insist on having, yet smoother than the first shot of JD on a Saturday night. -Colin Bowel
Vue - Babies Are For Petting
(RCA)
San Francisco’s Vue are beautifully melodic. Their RCA debut sounds like America. Rex Shelverton’s vocal leads romp like a juke-joint rebel at last call. The miles of touring the band has logged jumps out of the speakers as the sounds of America passes by on the freeway of rock and roll. There is a crackling freshness played by Jonah Buffa on guitar, Jeremy Bringetto on bass, Jessica Ann Graves on keyboards and Rafael Orlin on drums. On The EP’s title track, Shelverton sings, “If you are for real show me more so I know who you are.” Vue know who they are, a west-coast rock band that sounds like the entire U.S. They remind one of Jonathan Richmond and the Modern Lovers 25 years later. Look for a full-length release later in 2003. Read more about Vue at RCA.com. -Brendan McMahon
Wax Cannon – Life Sized Animals Walking Around (Commie Martyr) 1/2
Why dear God are you punishing me with no less than 3 horrible CD’s in one day? Why? Wax Cannon don’t sing, they make noises that sound like it could be singing, but isn’t (more like humming, really), to a very rudimentary song structure that could best be described as “amplified strumming”. I made it through 1 ½ songs before I screamed. -J
Weekend Players – Pursuit
of Happiness
(ffrr)
If you are in pursuit of happiness look no further. The Weekend Players, featuring jazz-pop chanteuse Rachel Foster and Andy Cato (Groove Armada), have delivered a world-class debut. This collection of euphoric, up-tempo house drips with soothing sounds and chilled out lyrics. It’s a sultry offering that dishes up the best elements of the likes of Portishead, Violet Indiana, and a little bit of Everything but the Girl. Each blissful beat is enhanced by introspective moods and Foster’s soothing voice, which is warm and reflective of seasoned classic soul/disco roots. If you need a pick-me-up, I suggest you turn on the Pursuit of Happiness and get your groove on with the club friendly vibes of “Into The Sun”, “Play On”, & “I’ll Be There (Soul Mekanik Remix)”. Equally moving is the trip-hop beats of “Through The Trees” and the crackling energy of “21st Century”. Look for something a little laidback? Then slip on the ultra smooth “Angel” for comfort. There’s a lot to enjoy in this optimistic offering. It’s just what you need to get in the mood for summer picnics and days at the beach. -NIN
Zeromancer - Clone Your Lover
(Cleopatra)
For all you Zeromancer fans, unless you've been living under a rock you should know that they have re-issued their first album Clone Your Lover in the U.S. I would recommend this as a must have for your CD collection. However, I have to admit that I think their second album is better than their first. So, I definitely look forward to the band doing a new album. -Lucifer