Articles About Local Musicians [Archive]

Smoker29

12 Nov 2001, 07:14 PM

Larry Nager reviewed our Green Pop CD. It's not quite the review I'd dream of but I'll post it anyway. Couldn't find a link so I'll type it.

Good Timers Switch To 'Pop' in toned down. but Catchy CD.

Big In Iowa Green Pop 3 out of 4 stars.

Green Pop shows a band at a crossroads. Big In Iowa made it's name (and won a batch of Cammys) playing country-flavored good time rock that reflected everyone from Neil Young to the Stones to Pure Prairie League.

But frontman Bob Burns is a songwriter who bridles at being a soundtrack for beer drinking. So the fourth BII album trades some of the reckless rock for more focused songcraft. The music is still catchy, but occasionally too cautious.

The 12 Song disc does grow on you. The opener, "She's So Happy," is a bouncy rocker followed by "Bull In A China Shop," a song that packs too many words in its chorus. "Stupid Lies" meanders a bit, but "Move Along" is a road song with a bluegrass groove.

Green Pop really gets fizzing in a down-home cover of the Music Explosion's "Little Bit o'Soul," followed by "Gettin' Gone," and it's infectiously off-kilter guitar riff. "Joe Bladwin's Head" is a folky railroad ballad.

In the grand Big in Iowa tradition, there are odes to inebriation: "Green Thoughts," about getting drunk on a sunny afternoon; and the self explanatory, "I Forgot What I Remembered."

There's also an odd, hippie edge, in the neo-psychedelic country rock of "Natasha" ("Flowers in her hair, love's in the air, and little sun beams") and the full tilt acid rock of "1984 (Look At Me)."

Green Pop is a good, if somewhat disjointed effort. Guitarist Rick House has since left the band, and it'll be interesting to see where BII goes from here.

~ Larry Nager, The Cincinnati Enquirer

davepurcell

16 Nov 2001, 08:13 AM

I don't have time to type it in, but congrats to Messerly & Ewing for Larry Nager's kick-ass review in this morning's Enquirer:

3 1/2 stars and "one of 2001's best local CDs."

Sweet!

dp

Jeff

16 Nov 2001, 11:18 AM

Originally posted by davepurcell
I don't have time to type it in, but congrats to Messerly & Ewing for Larry Nager's kick-ass review in this morning's Enquirer:

3 1/2 stars and "one of 2001's best local CDs."

Sweet!

dp

The name of that CD is
"The Last 12 Hours"

Tarzan

16 Nov 2001, 11:29 AM

I thought it was called "Timmy and BigMan's Adventures in Never Never Land"

...i could be wrong tho....

lester bangs

yournamehere

16 Nov 2001, 06:23 PM

www.dagbladet.no/kultur/2001/07/31/272143.html

BigMan

17 Nov 2001, 12:40 PM

Nice review if you skip the first paragraph.

http://www.grossi.org/markandbrian/Enquirer.htm

Smoker29

18 Nov 2001, 02:04 PM

Great review M & E. I can't wait to hear the CD.

Bob

Horse Pill

18 Nov 2001, 02:43 PM

Bob, I've noticed that you promote a lot of other bands around this town besides your own which you do well. (Maybe a little to well. I'm on your e-mail list) You're always sending out props to people and I just want to say that I think that's cool. More people should follow suit. You Rock!

Smoker29

19 Nov 2001, 12:28 PM

Wow Horse. Send me your address and I'll put you on my Christmas Card list too.

Yesterday consisted of a movie, fried chicken, a foot rub and public praise on the 97X message boards. I am a lucky, lucky man.

Jeff

27 Nov 2001, 06:39 PM

http://cincinnati.com/freetime/stories/112101_thistle.html

davepurcell

05 Dec 2001, 05:15 PM

http://www.cincymusic.com/features/011204_pike27.shtml

Tarzan

05 Dec 2001, 05:21 PM

anudder....

http://www.citybeat.com/current/musicspillit.shtml

NorthernAggress

06 Dec 2001, 10:00 AM

Len's Loung & Pike 27 in the Cincinnati Post (http://www.cincypost.com/2001/dec/06/bird120601.html)

davepurcell

07 Dec 2001, 11:44 AM

By the lovely & talented Sarah Knott...

http://www.cincinnati.com/freetime/stories/120601_pike27.html

dp

Tarzan

14 Dec 2001, 12:25 PM

cincymusic.com introduces it's first IN STUDIO segment with Promenade. Check out the cool video clip!

http://www.cincymusic.com/instudio/011214_promenade.shtml

drexel dave

14 Dec 2001, 01:39 PM

drexel in the Dayton Daily News

http://www.activedayton.com/ddn/go/1214rock.html

Tarzan

18 Dec 2001, 09:58 AM

The Bears. Catch em live at 97x at 2:00pm

http://www.cincymusic.com/features/011217_bears.shtml

BigMan

21 Dec 2001, 09:39 PM

Here's a link to a nice review of Messerly and Ewing's "the last twelve hours" from Rockzillaworld.com (http://www.rockzilla.net/kunz23.html)

Smoker29

22 Dec 2001, 04:24 AM

I couldn't find a link. Here are a couple of new ones.

South Florida's Entertainment News & Views

Whether they really are Big In Iowa, or anywhere else for that matter, is anyone's guess. However, after a steady stream of albums filled with enthusiastic, embracing Americana, Big In Iowa ought to be big there and everywhere else. As a matter of fact, Green Pop, is a perfect case in point. It's as tasty and tart as the title suggests. For starters, it's simply hard not to get caught up in there effusive assault. From the opening bars of the opening track, "She's So Happy," it's an upbeat excursion all the way. The sound is big, boisterous and filled with rowdy revelry, from the snappy optimism of "Green Thoughts" to the affable attitude of "Bull In A China Shop" to the brash and bold "Stupid Lies." And that's just the first four songs. The rest of the album is equally effusive, whether it's realized in the good natured country carousing of "Move Along" or the earnest but affable "Natasha." And as if to forge the link between the pop purity of the present and a reverence for their roots, they pull off a near perfect knock off of "Little Bit O'Soul," a perennial party tune if there ever was one. That in fact is what Green Pop is all about; it's an irrepressible example of what happens when fun and frivolity are allowed to simply run rampant. Terrific tunes, an amiable approach and punchy performances make this one cool brew. Big In Iowa may not be ready for the stadium circuit just yet, but for the time being, Green Pop is one sweet treat.
Lee Zimmerman, South Florida's Entertainment News & Views

Fufkin.com

Another band better known for its roots-rock, Big In Iowa, also has another hit on its hands - Green Pop. Newlywed lead singer “Big Bob” Burns and his bandmates crank out jangle’n’twang rock tunes with notable dosages of Marshall Tucker Band, Bottle Rockets and Rolling Stones barroom rock. Green Pop is available from Europe’s finest indie rock label Blue Rose. Eric Sorensen, Fufkin.com

drexel dave

28 Dec 2001, 12:08 PM

from the Friday issue of the Dayton Daily News, from the Go Section Rock Insider Column:

http://www.activedayton.com/ddn/go/1228rock.html

bond

02 Jan 2002, 03:35 PM

the mitchells (http://www.datawaslost.net/mitchells/) ' debut ep from february just got a good review in indieville (http://www.indieville.com/revmitchellsmeet.htm)

bond

10 Jan 2002, 06:25 PM

quite a few new ones...

Delusions of Adequacy (http://www.adequacy.net) has a review of Mike Fair's (Throbs, Post-Haste) new solo cd, Travels the World (http://www.adequacy.net/reviews/t/travelstheworld.shtml), and a shaky take on the new Velcro One disc (http://www.adequacy.net/reviews/v/velcroone.shtml), which appeared the Indieville top 20 albums of the year list (http://www.indieville.com/bestof.htm) at number 2! If you haven't heard the disc yet, it's pretty impressive folk-pop with a dash of electronic experimentation, and is obviously starting to attract some national attention.

Indieville also posted a glowing review of the new 'Gossett' disc (http://www.indieville.com/revgossettcasio.htm), the solo project from the bassist for Swissfarlo (http://www.datawaslost.net/swissfarlo)

and, finally, splendid posted another review of the mitchells' ep (http://www.splendidezine.com/review.html?reviewid=3218651925476493)

BigMan

10 Jan 2002, 06:56 PM

Here is a review of Messerly and Ewing's "the last twelve hours" by

Rockzillaworld.com (http://www.rockzilla.net/kunz23.html)

Smoker29

10 Jan 2002, 07:06 PM

Thanks to Rick Bird for taking the time to write about us.

Read It Here (Click On This You Freak) (http://www.cincypost.com/2002/jan/10/bird011002.html)

BigSugar

11 Jan 2002, 11:43 AM

Originally posted by BigMan
Here is a review of Messerly and Ewing's "the last twelve hours" by

Rockzillaworld.com (http://www.rockzilla.net/kunz23.html)

"Everything" is one of those. Beautiful harmonies sung with passion, simple, yet evocative lyrics, and that indefinable something that lifts it above pack. It reminds me of "More Than Words," the out-of-character, early 90s hit for hair-metal band Extreme"

Ummm.....i used to love "Everything", but now i've got that god damned Extreme song stuck in my head.....i think i have to kill myself now!

Mary Kate Olsen (the cute one!)

streetjester

14 Jan 2002, 11:41 AM

The amazing Chris Arduser releases his solo album on Tuesday, January 15th....

http://www.cincymusic.com/

bond

14 Jan 2002, 08:58 PM

citybeat has a nice little review of the new dwl compilation this week..

http://www.citybeat.com/2002-01-10/musicspillit.shtml

Jeff

25 Jan 2002, 01:14 AM

http://cincinnati.com/freetime/stories/012402_lenslounge.html

Tarzan

25 Jan 2002, 07:12 AM

Originally posted by Jeff
http://cincinnati.com/freetime/stories/012402_lenslounge.html

And one more...

http://www.cincymusic.com/reviews/Lens_Lounge/Road_Dogs_and_More_Train_Songs.shtml

bond

25 Jan 2002, 12:48 PM

The debut ep from Swissfarlo (http://www.datawaslost.net/swissfarlo/) bassist Gossett (http://www.datawaslost.net/gossett/) is a featured review (http://www.splendidezine.com/review.html?reviewid=321968215347924) at national indie e-zine Splendid (http://www.splendidezine.com) today.. It's got a host of compliments for the singer-songwriter's first solo album, and has even posted a realaudio sample for listening.

This comes hot on the heels of being named one of the 'Top Albums of 2001' (http://www.indieville.com/bestof.htm) and scoring a 92% at Indieville (http://www.indieville.com/revgossettcasio.htm)..

Congratulations, Matt!

cuddlyevil

31 Jan 2002, 03:51 PM

Review of Saving Ray's show at the Nite Owl a few weeks ago, just recently posted on www.daytonbands.com You can click on the picture of Kevin or go to "Eye on the scene" it's the featured article. the site has been giving me some trouble lately, so if you can't get to the site--e me and i can send you the article

mattsledge

31 Jan 2002, 04:41 PM

It's all about MOTH:

http://enquirer.com/editions/2002/01/31/tem_moths_perseverance.html

Smoker29

31 Jan 2002, 06:35 PM

Another fine local review from the HUGE state of Texas. Go, Go Rockzilla! (http://www.rockzilla.net/smith128.html)

davepurcell

01 Feb 2002, 08:22 AM

Nice review of Clabbergirl's "I Feel Pretty"

http://www.splendidezine.com/review.html?reviewid=3220288578257776

dp

bond

02 Feb 2002, 03:15 AM

the new cincinnati indie rock compilation from datawaslost, 'building' (http://www.datawaslost.net/building/), just got a great review over at delusions of adequacy (http://www.adequacy.net/reviews/va/datawaslost.shtml)...
if you haven't heard it yet, the disc features a host of local talent, including chalk, post-haste & swissfarlo, and is starting to get the cincinnati indie/diy scene some of the attention it deserves.. more info and a tracklisting at the link above..

davepurcell

02 Feb 2002, 09:48 AM

Congrats to the datawaslost gang, who seem to be getting a lot of press lately. I haven't picked up the new comp yet, but plan to. The first Chalk record is righteous.

dp

freq42

02 Feb 2002, 03:21 PM

Mike did a nice job on this one...

staring at the sea CD release story (http://www.citybeat.com/2002-01-24/musiclocalsonly.shtml)

wojo

04 Feb 2002, 11:38 AM

Justin Lynch got some nice press about his new solo CD:

http://www.cincypost.com/2002/jan/31/bird013102.html

and here: http://www.citybeat.com/current/musicspillit.shtml (issue 12 if you're reading this late)

Thanks to everyone who stopped down to the CD release--we had a packed house and we got the whole thing on DAT!

Aaron
Wojo (http://wojo.sloth.org)

mattsledge

05 Feb 2002, 07:23 AM

A review of the MOTH show from Sunday night is riiiight here (http://enquirer.com/editions/2002/02/05/tem_moth_proves_ready.html).

Teed

06 Feb 2002, 12:32 PM

a nice review of the new-ish datawaslost comp (http://www.datawaslost.net/building) is available for viewing at the online zine, indieville (http://www.indieville.com/revvabuilding.htm) . check it out.

Tarzan

06 Feb 2002, 05:17 PM

Check out Annette Shepherd....great new disc too....

http://www.citybeat.com/current/musiclocalsonly.shtml

streetjester

06 Feb 2002, 11:19 PM

Originally posted by Tarzan
Check out Annette Shepherd....great new disc too....

Nice job, Tarz! I may have to check out the disc.

Orestes

06 Feb 2002, 11:21 PM

definitely check it out, the first few songs absolutely kick ass

GALAXY CDS

08 Feb 2002, 12:26 PM

Definitely check out the Annette, it's terrific! (Shameless plug alert) You can get it at GALAXY CDS (http://www.GALAXYDISCS.COM) along with tons of other local artists.

bond

08 Feb 2002, 08:45 PM

two new reviews of datawaslost's (http://www.datawaslost.net) new 'building (http://www.datawaslost.net/building/)' compilation... one from splendid (http://www.splendidezine.com) , the other from belgium.. some great press for the cincinnati indie scene!

http://www.splendidezine.com/review.html?reviewid=3221073541194456
http://www.dma.be/p/ultra/uzine/0203.htm

Artichoke

13 Feb 2002, 10:46 PM

Locally.......

Cincy Post
http://www.cincypost.com/2002/feb/12/bears021202.html

City Beat
http://www.citybeat.com/current/musicspillit.shtml

Close to home......

Lexington Herald
http://www.kentucky.com/mld/heraldleader/entertainment/2629709.htm

All for now......
Mary Bosken

Teed

14 Feb 2002, 10:56 AM

and if you still haven't read enough about datawaslost's 'building' compilation (http://www.datawaslost.net/building), here's yet another shining review. (http://www.actionattackhelicopter.com/music_reviews/)

Artichoke

14 Feb 2002, 07:41 PM

Here's a sneak preview of Larry Nager's 2.15.02 Bears article:

http://cincinnati.com/freetime/021502_openarts.html

Mary

Orestes

15 Feb 2002, 07:38 AM

the bears:

http://www.cincymusic.com/features/020214_bears.shtml

Tarzan

15 Feb 2002, 09:50 PM

Review of sexual icon Benj Clarke's cool new cd....

http://www.cincymusic.com/reviews/Benj_Clarke/Out_Through_The_In_Crowd.shtml

Artichoke

17 Feb 2002, 06:53 PM

Check out Larry Nager's Bears SH Concert review:

http://enquirer.com/editions/2002/02/17/tem_the_bears_prove.html

Mary

BigMan

18 Feb 2002, 10:43 PM

This is kind of odd, but what can i say...their British.

American UK (http://www.americana-uk.com/html/reviews.html)

c-lando

19 Feb 2002, 02:21 PM

Review of Bears ATL, GA show.....
http://atlanta.creativeloafing.com/2002-02-13/vibes_live.html

Tarzan

21 Feb 2002, 11:22 AM

Check out a review of Annette Shepherd's excellent release "Perils of Iva"

http://www.cincymusic.com/reviews/Annette_Shepherd/The_Perils_of_Iva.shtml

bond

04 Mar 2002, 10:12 AM

another review of the datawaslost: building (http://www.datawaslost.net/building/) compilation at 75orless.com (http://www.slatch.com/review/?archive/2002_02.php#001315). short and sweet.

Newky Stapleton

07 Mar 2002, 09:38 AM

THE STAPLETONS http://enquirer.com/editions/2002/03/07/tem_next_wave_whos_up.html

zippy

07 Mar 2002, 10:35 AM

http://www.cincymusic.com/reviews/Readymaid/This_View_Should_Never_Change.shtml

http://www.citybeat.com/2002-02-28/musicspillit.shtml

bond

11 Mar 2002, 10:27 AM

another review of the gossett disc.. they finally mentioned the hair! :)

http://www.adequacy.net/reviews/g/gossett.shtml

and for those who are interested, the big G (http://www.datawaslost.net/gossett/) will be playing his first solo show (with backing band) at the southgate house parlour March 27, so you may want to check that out.

Pussy Galore

14 Mar 2002, 09:48 AM

http://www.cincypost.com/2002/mar/14/kspot031402.html

davepurcell

14 Mar 2002, 05:54 PM

Here's a new review of Pike 27's Falling Down Hard from a writer in Minneapolis...

http://www.rockzilla.net/kunz46.html

dp

Smoker29

14 Mar 2002, 06:09 PM

Cool. That's three local reviews from Rockzilla that I know of. Messerly & Ewing, Big In Iowa & Pike 27. I wish I were in Austin right now. :(

Red Stapeler

18 Mar 2002, 08:20 PM

Speaking of Big In Iowa, I just saw your name in ICE magazine Smoker. Have you seen it?

http://www.icemagazine.com/digital/nn_178.shtm

I've always wondered, but I suppose you guys really do have a following overseas. I also saw your name on one of John Peel's BBC Radio 1 playlists. Rock On!

Smoker29

18 Mar 2002, 08:37 PM

Yes. I'm aware. Thanks for the heads up though. I do a "google" search about once a month to see if our name has popped up anywhere that we weren't aware of.

As far as Europe goes, I just make all of that shit up so you guys will think that we've got something going on. Instead of going to Europe for tours like I tell everybody, we just go to Brown County for a month and drink cheap beer. :rolleyes:

NorthernAggress

18 Mar 2002, 10:46 PM

Originally posted by Smoker29
As far as Europe goes, I just make all of that shit up so you guys will think that we've got something going on. Instead of going to Europe for tours like I tell everybody, we just go to Brown County for a month and drink cheap beer. :rolleyes:

Let me tell ya, Mt. Orab has some of the finest lookin' women anywhere.

Jeff

01 Apr 2002, 08:39 AM

http://www.americana-uk.com/html/reviews.html

davepurcell

02 Apr 2002, 12:42 PM

No, I don't know what it means either, but we got 3.5 horses on a five-horse scale...;-)

PIKE 27

Een van de complaints van bezoekers van Blue Highways was het gebrek aan de wat weirdere en wat hardere toon. Met louter de spooky-country Trailer Bride was dat te weinig. Bezoekers lieten Alt Country NL weten behoefte te hebben aan bands en artiesten als Handsome Family, Fred Eaglesmith, Slobberbone en Pawtuckets. Als we laatstgenoemde band als uitgangspunt nemen, dan mogen we daar ook Pike 27 aan toevoegen, een rootsrockformatie uit Cincinnatti. Falling Down Hard (Uprooted Music) heet hun debuut-cd, die met negen tracks en 35 minuten muziek wat aan de korte kant is. In de bijsluiter wordt een vergelijking gemaakt met Jason and the Scorchers en The V-Roys, en daar zit wel wat in. De rootsrock is knisperend, met lekkere catchy refreintjes en scherpe gitaren (Kentucky's Calling, Rivers And Brown Eyes, Joe McCarthy's Ghost, Wrecking Yard). Of net een tikkeltje ruiger, zoals te horen op Baltimore en Devil's Radio - een snerende aanklacht tegen commerciele radiostations dat ALt Country NL als muziek in de oren klinkt. Een enkele keer neemt de band gas terug zoals op het deinende Train en het minpuntje van de cd, de ballad 5/17. Om af te sluiten met een stevige countryrocker, Angel In A Pontiac, die me doet denken aan die andere rootsrockband, juist ja, Pawtuckets. Sterk debuut. Verkrijgbaar via Miles Of Music

http://www.xs4all.nl/~bebisch/recensies.html#pike

I finally got a translation:

<<
One of the complaints of visitors to Blue Highways was the lack of stuff with a weirder and harder tone. The spooky-country Trailer Brides just weren't enough. Visitors let Alt Country NL know that they wanted to hear about bands and artists like Handsome Family, Fred Eaglesmith, Slobberbone, and Pawtuckets. If we take the last named band as a starting point, then we should add Pike 27, a roots rock group out of Cinci, to the list.

Falling Down Hard is the name of their debut cd; with 9 songs and 35 minutes, it's a bit on the short side. In the press quotes there's a pretty valid comparison made to Jason and the Scorchers and The V-Roys. The roots rock is crackling, with nice catchy refrains and sharp guitar (Kentucky's calling, Rivers and Brown Eyes, Joe McCarthy's Ghost, Wrecking Yard), and sometimes just a hair rougher, like you can hear on Baltimore and Devil's Radio--a biting criticism of commercial radio stations that is music to the ears of Alt Country NL.

Only rarely does the band take its foot off of the gas a little, such as on Train, and the highpoint of the CD, 5/17. It wraps things up with a strong country rocker, Angel In A Pontiac, that reminds me of another roots rock band, yep, the Pawtuckets. Strong debut.

dp

cuddlyevil

02 Apr 2002, 01:13 PM

I think it means they like it Dave :D ;)

dunno if these will help at all...but, you never know...

http://www.ask-group.co.uk/publish/translation.htm

http://www.all-languages.com/

yes, I do have too much time on my hands, why do you ask?

bond

03 Apr 2002, 10:38 AM

last week's (this week's?) citybeat (http://www.citybeat.com) had a nice article (http://www.citybeat.com/2002-03-28/musiclocalsonly.shtml) on local synth-folk sensation gossett (http://www.datawaslost.net/gossett/).

not sure when he's doing another show of the gossett stuff, but you can catch him friday at cody's, lending his bass and pipes to noise-rockers swissfarlo (http://www.datawaslost.net/swissfarlo/)...

davepurcell

04 Apr 2002, 01:05 PM

From Tony Peyser, Santa Monica Mirror:

---
Falling Down Hard goes down easy. To Pike 27’s lead singer and songwriter, Dave Purcell, rock and roll is Bruce Springsteen and The Replacements —- not Metallica where crazed fans make goofy devil horns with their hands and go “Wooooo!” a lot. “Joe McCarthy’s Ghost” sounds like Blind Melon’s 1998 hit “No Rain,” but the rabble-rousing lyrics are something Woody Guthrie would have signed off on. It also suggests a collaboration between The Doors and The Byrds. “Wrecking Yard” hums like a vintage song by The Smithereens and “Baltimore” is like Tom Petty jamming with The Blasters. I’m not making these comparisons lightly. Pike 27 (who are from Cincinnati) are real comers who also know who came before them. If an album like “O Brother, Where Art Thou?” can spark interest in our nation’s traditional folk music, maybe a band like Pike 27 can rekindle excitement in no-frills, good old American rock and roll. Pike 27 brings to mind Ryan Adams, a musical Jackie Robinson who’s crossed over the alt-country line and become a bona fide rock star.
---

http://www.smmirror.com/volume3/issue42/bargain_cd_of.asp

dp

Orestes

18 Apr 2002, 08:19 AM

http://www.citybeat.com/current/musiclocalsonly.shtml

BUCKRA

18 Apr 2002, 09:17 AM

Show Review for April 19 2002 at Birdy's in Indiana (http://indianapolismusic.net/pics2/4_13_02_birdys_copy.htm) Damn them Indiana people are sweet.:D

davepurcell

25 Apr 2002, 09:10 AM

Matchbox 20 is mentioned in a review of our record. Surely, a sign of the impending apocalypse.

From Americana UK:

PIKE 27 “Falling Down Hard” Pike 27 hail from Cincinatti and class themselves as Americana, although it’s refreshing to hear from the opening chords of first track “Wrecking Yard” a strong hybrid college rock sound. The songs contained on this, their debut CD, are rootsy (particularly the Steve Earle-esque “Devil’s Radio”) without losing their edge, and while they’re not the most distinct band in the world, lead singer Dave Purcell’s ear for a good hook and passionate lyric can leave you blinded. Matchbox 20, this is where you should be now. Available from Miles of Music (http://www.milesofmusic.com/) .

http://www.americana-uk.com/html/reviews.html

dp

NorthernAggress

25 Apr 2002, 12:52 PM

This just in: Santana will be playing on the next Pike 27 album.

NorthernAggress

25 Apr 2002, 12:55 PM

The Uprooted Music Fest (http://www.citybeat.com/current/musicspillit.shtml)
is this Saturday! (http://www.cincypost.com/2002/apr/25/bird042502.html)

GO! (http://www.uprootedmusic.com)

Ron

25 Apr 2002, 06:59 PM

When is the next album coming out?

davepurcell

25 Apr 2002, 07:31 PM

Originally posted by Ron
When is the next album coming out?

Dunno yet, but thanks for asking. I'm hoping to start recording in the winter, late this year or early next year.

Cheers,
dp

Tonefarmer

01 May 2002, 08:23 AM

This is Alisha's first article on Cincinnati.com about a Cincinnati-based band. She did a great job if I do say so myself!

http://cincinnati.com/freetime/stories/042602_tonefarmer.html

davepurcell

13 May 2002, 06:40 AM

Larry Nager on the locals @ Jammin' on Main...

As for the home team, the local music scene is looking pretty good. Brash young ska-punk inflected Youngfellow put on a high-energy show Saturday opening the night's youth-oriented Kroger Stage; Clabbergirl front man Sean Rhiney again showed he's got the stage presence, the talent and, most importantly, the original songs, to make it as a major-league pop-rock star.

The Jammin' youth movement extended to Saturday's Riverbend Stage, where the William Menefield Quartet, led by the 21-year-old jazz piano whiz, played a fiery set of uncompromising jazz. But there were also fine shows by scene veterans such as soul singer P. Ann Everson Price, blues guitar master Greg Schaber (the Tristate's finest slide guitarist), jazz pianist Steve Schmidt, alt-rock overlord Dan McCabe and his band, Opi Yum Yum, and the return of the Lusters.

http://enquirer.com/editions/2002/05/13/tem_jammin_on_main.html

messerly

13 May 2002, 02:17 PM

Oddly enough, a review.

http://www.all-indie.com/article.php?sid=1455

messerly

GALAXY CDS

13 May 2002, 02:25 PM

Link doesn't work...

messerly

13 May 2002, 02:25 PM

oops! I screwed up. That's why we usually let Brian do anything involving a computer. Let's try it again:

http://www.indie-music.com/article.php?sid=1455

onest2.0

15 May 2002, 08:43 AM

I just saw this on pitchforkmedia.com.

(Read White Stripes part)

http://www.pitchforkmedia.com/news/02-05/14.shtml

Tarzan

15 May 2002, 11:34 AM

Can I get a "Hell Yeah!"....

http://cincinnati.com/freetime/stories/051002_ritc.html

Jeff

16 May 2002, 06:45 AM

http://www.rockzilla.net/kunz58.html

zippy

16 May 2002, 10:16 AM

http://www.citybeat.com/2002-05-16/musicspillit.shtml

cuddlyevil

17 May 2002, 09:24 AM

http://www.activedayton.com/ddn/go/0517rock.html

mentions semi-automatic, several dayton bands (shesus, standing 8, shovelhead, front row for the meltdown, etc) and howlin' maggie...

NorthernAggress

21 May 2002, 01:37 PM

Len's Lounge review on AlternativeCountry.com (http://www.alternativecountry.com/pages/reviews/cdreveiws1/lens_lounge.htm)

BigSugar

12 Jun 2002, 03:43 PM

lens lounge review at splendidezine.com

http://www.splendidezine.com/review.html?reviewid=3231942529149326

bond

18 Jun 2002, 09:55 PM

review of deltoro: ashtray yoga (http://www.indieville.com/reviews/deltoro.htm) at indieville (http://www.indieville.com)

deltoro (http://www.datawaslost.net/deltoro/) was the shortlived amalgamation of david enright (fudgie & fufu, haywards) meghan haas (lazy) & lisa kagen (siamese jets) - they played noisy indie rock with lots of minors and boy-girl harmonies, and dwl (http://www.datawaslost.net) released a nice lo-fi lp of their material in january, right before they played their final show.

bond

05 Jul 2002, 04:01 PM

another extremely positive review (http://www.splendidezine.com/review.html?reviewid=3233579193279334) of ashtray yoga is on splendid (http://www.splendidezine.com) today - it's even their top featured album!

BigMan

05 Jul 2002, 11:12 PM

This review was posted on Kinda Musik (http://www.kindamuzik.net/twang/article.shtml?id=1597) and InsergentCountry.com, Both in Germany

This is part of a review in this months No Depression (with Kelly Willis on the cover):

With this second CD they’ve gone full tilt into roots rock/adult power pop; at it’s best it’s plain infectious, and should appeal to fans of such a crossover combo. The emphasis is on melodic rock married to pointed lyrics adding up to a tale that says “exuberant despite everything.”

-Barry Mazor, No Depression

BigMan

05 Jul 2002, 11:17 PM

Here's one the Timmy tried to post from Indie Music.com (http://www.indie-music.com/article.php?sid=1455). This is what happens when he trys to use anything other then his speaking computer. He should know better by now.

LHDF

10 Jul 2002, 05:37 PM

maybe now we can afford that cup of coffee we've been wanting!
http://www.songramp.com/news.ez?viewStory=176&Form.sess_id=350084&Form.sess_key=1026340543

drexel dave

16 Jul 2002, 08:23 AM

an article discussing the paranormal phenomenon of drexel from the Dayton Daily News:

Click here (http://www.drexellent.com/Drexellent/press/ddn_disc_article.jpg) to read the article.

http://www.drexellent.com

drexel dave

16 Jul 2002, 08:29 AM

Click here (http://www.drexellent.com/Drexellent/press/impact_disc.jpg) for an artcile discussing the Dayton, OH based group drexel, and their relationship with hydroelectric engineering principals.

Drexel Dave - http://www.drexellent.com

zippy

16 Jul 2002, 12:30 PM

http://www.pitchforkmedia.com/watw/02-07/circle.shtml

dose one and boom bip! hell yeahhhh.

sadgirlseven

19 Jul 2002, 09:36 AM

from the august issue of jane magazine:

moth's gig from hell

"a few years ago, we were playing a really big show at our local sinkhole, sudsy malone's in cincinnati. i was nervous, so my crew bought me a few too many shots of jaegermeister. i had long hair and pursuing the seattle grunge wibe. during our fourth song, i inhaled a huge lock of hair. i gagged until i finally hacked my black locks out of my lungs. all i could see was saliva-coated hair, and in my drunken rage i didn't realize i was pounding the weak stage floor with my foot. suddenly, my foot slipped through, and i fell crotch-deep into the stage. my guitar slammed flat on the stage. drunk! i continued on. for the rest of the set, i sang horrendously out of tune and awkwardly falsetto. afterward, with a broken guitar, saliva-drenched hair and an ice pack on my crotch, i asked my friend, 'so?' he answered disgustedly, 'man, that was beyond punk rock." and somehow i don't think he meant it as a compliment." - brad stenz

i am also happy to report that they gave the new flaming lips record 4 of 4 yodas. ;)

zippy

19 Jul 2002, 02:29 PM

ampline at sponic:
Instrumental bands are a strange breed, simply because there’s little middle ground for them. Either the music is good and stands on its own, or the listener struggles to find (and keep) interest.

For Cincinnati, Ohio-based Ampline, “The Choir” proves that their brand of instrumental music has legs to stand on its own. I was immediately impressed with the solid musicianship. Intricate guitar lines feed off a tight rhythm section, constantly weaving in and out of each other. Equally impressive is the slick, well-balanced production, which brings the band’s strengths to the forefront.

“Losing Things to Find Them Later” starts the disc off at a blistering pace, setting the tone for the rest of the songs which, incidentally, make for some great driving music. “Oldest Fighter,” the best track on the disc, throws down a simple, melodic vibraphone on a healthy dose of rhythmic funk. The rest of the songs are just as good, offering an interesting mix of jazz, surf, and straight-up rock. Bottom Line – this is a great disc by a great band.

bond

22 Jul 2002, 11:21 AM

delusions of adequacy (http://www.adequacy.net) has two sort of disappointing reviews of locals in this week's issue - len's lounge (http://www.adequacy.net/reviews/l/lenslounge.shtml) and erik schmall side project the ohio riots (http://www.adequacy.net/reviews/o/ohioriots.shtml)

messerly

22 Jul 2002, 07:05 PM

Messerly and Ewing have a review in the latest issue of No Depression Magazine.

Reprinted here 'cause there's no link:

Mark Messerly and Brian Ewing got tired of late night requests for James Taylor covers and teamed up to produce the 1999 roots-rock-leaning collection Practice of Everyday Life. The mode was close to the Delevantes/Bo Deans neighborhood. With this second CD they've gone full-tilt into roots-rock/adult power-pop; at its best it's plain infectious, and should appeal to fans of such a crossover combo.

The "Americana tinge" is still in evidence, with backing on mandolin, pedal steel, accordion and viola as well as the basic rock band lineup -- all from top musicians from Cincinnati, where these boys are local favorites.

The emphasis is on melodic rock married to pointed lyrics adding up to a tale that says "exuberant despite everything." Ewing and Messerly penned numbers that work as harder rockers ("I Fell", "Drive", the title track) mid-tempo twangy pop ("I Own a Cemetery", "Lucky Town") and ballads ("How Long", "By Heart".) One scruffy rocker, "City of Sin", even comes off as a sort of Amercian variation on the Pogues' territory.
--Barry Mazor

zippy

24 Jul 2002, 02:56 PM

swearing at motorists review at pitchfork..

http://www.pitchforkmedia.com/record-reviews/s/swearing-at-motorists/this-flag-signals-goodbye.shtml

onest2.0

01 Aug 2002, 06:12 PM

Pitchfork (http://pitchforkmedia.com/interviews/b/boom-bip-02/) interviews Cincinnati's own, Boom Bip

davepurcell

09 Aug 2002, 11:03 AM

Greenhorns in USA Today:

http://www.usatoday.com/life/music/news/2002-08-08-garage-bands_x.htm

dp

BigMan

10 Aug 2002, 01:02 PM

This is a review of M & E on Great Lakes Twang (http://www.geocities.com/Nashville/Stage/9596/review.html).

Teed

21 Aug 2002, 02:14 PM

Datawaslosts' Building (http://www.datawaslost.net/building) gets quite a few cheers over at The Wood (http://www.the-wood.org/building.html) .

Teed

28 Aug 2002, 11:25 AM

mike detmer (of folk? (http://www.folktheworld.net) fame) gets a positive review (http://www.indieville.com/reviews/spectacularfantastic.htm) at indieville (http://www.indieville.com) for his solo project the spectacular fantastic (http://www.ionikrecords.com).

mike also released a few songs for the datawaslost split singles series (http://www.datawaslost.net/ss) with velcro one (http://datawaslost.net/velcro1).

sarahbell

12 Sep 2002, 07:58 AM

in this week's citybeat, 9/12 in case you have to search. the link below will take to you to the current week's story.

yep, shameless self-promotion. ;)

www.citybeat.com/current/music.shtml

drexel dave

26 Sep 2002, 08:22 PM

From Sponic Zine (http://www.sponiczine.com)

The diuretic dessert capping off our evening of bodily harm is Drexel’s latest, Drexel, Ohio, from our friends at Donger Records. After reading the three articles written on Drexel (all local newspapers and obvious friends) I understood that Drexel is aiming for the “Hillbilly Lounge” sound. First off, they sound more like a Vegas lounge act with a neutered, gay Nick Cave at the helm than anything worth discussing. Secondly, who in their right mind seeks out hillbilly lounge? There is a fine line between humorous rock (Ween, Wesley Willis, etc.) and unfunny, wasted time. I give Drexel props on attempting a nearly untouched genre, but I must admit it has remained untouched for a reason.

In your future, Drexel, I see your friends chuckling once and then dropping your CD off at a used store for a buck. Convince me you’re not covering up your lack of presence in “shocking” humor and then we can talk.

zippy

03 Oct 2002, 10:41 AM

last weeks city beat COVER STORY:

http://www.citybeat.com/2002-09-26/index.shtml

Geo_Zmed

07 Oct 2002, 04:52 PM

Here's an interview I did back in 2000 for a Canadian bass magazine.

http://www.globalbass.com/archives/nov2000/Geo_Zmed.htm

bond

14 Oct 2002, 07:57 PM

a few recent reviews of the datawaslost: building compilation, all short but sweet. get ready to scroll, though.

geek america (http://www.geekamerica.com/reviews/music/10-01-02.shtml)
impact press (http://www.impactpress.com/articles/octnov02/musicr101102.html)
americana uk (http://www.americana-uk.com/html/september_2002_reviews.html)

BigMan

14 Oct 2002, 09:59 PM

This is from AltcountryTab.com (http://www.altcountrytab.com/actforum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=6966&FORUM_ID=21&CAT_ID=7)

bond

15 Oct 2002, 04:00 PM

underwoods review over at splendid (http://www.splendidezine.com/review.html?reviewid=32428289101419235)

joe t

18 Oct 2002, 01:02 AM

Here is a review on the brand new album by Hilltop Distillery in the 10-17-02 City Beat!

http://www.citybeat.com/2002-10-17/musicspillit.shtml

Hilltop Sounds
BY MIKE BREEN

Experimental Northern Kentucky-based trio Hilltop Distillery have released their second full-length, ... Died In the Woods, on their own State Bird Records. The band formed in 1998 and features Joe Burns, Andy Perkins and Joe Thompson, who operate the Commonwealth Audio studios in Florence, Ky.

On the largely-instrumental Died, the band shows an inventive, winding aesthetic that is artful and hypnotic, meshing together creative rhythms and gloriously intertwined guitars. Using a guitar/bass/drum base (with other juicy additives thrown in throughout), the band creates fluid, textural compositions that sound tailor-made for movie soundtracks. The fluttering guitar riff and creeping crawl of "Ky. Suite," the moaning string sounds and plunking music box feel of "The Need to Stand Straight," the manic, ominous mayhem of "8 Ohm," and the jerking, angular outburst of "1st of the Month," each craftily arranged and skillfully pulled off, are vivid and visceral, conjuring different moods and emotions with each track. Streaming free-form yet seemingly carefully developed, Hilltop Distillery's aural concoctions are refreshingly free of pretense and contrivance.

You can see and hear Hilltop Distillery live Thursday at the York Street Café with Covington and Ohio Casket.

davepurcell

19 Oct 2002, 04:33 PM

http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/tribune-review/entertainment/music/s_96990.
html

The Bears might be older, but the band still growls just as loud

By Regis Behe
TRIBUNE-REVIEW
Friday, October 18, 2002

After "Mr. Bonaparte," a track on the new Bears live CD, a voice is heard saying, "Pop music is not dead!"

"That's me," says guitar maestro Adrian Belew, a member of the
Cincinnati-based band.

But pop music by way of the Bears is far different than what passes for the same on commercial radio today.

"Naturally, it's moved on to the next generation or two," he says from his studio in northern Kentucky. "When I think of pop music, I think of something that has a certain spirit about it, and has something really memorable about it. Even if it's just something that causes you to move your body. But what's unfortunate now is that so much of what's pop music just moves your body."

On Monday, the Bears will visit the Club Cafe in the South Side.

Belew is one of rock music's most versatile performers, having played with Frank Zappa, the Talking Heads, David Bowie, Nine Inch Nails and Paul Simon. Currently, he plays with the legendary Robert Fripp in the progressive rock band King Crimson, and also shepherds his own solo career.

The Bears - Belew, bassist Bob Nyswonger, guitarist and vocalist Rob Fetters, and drummer Chris Arduser - provide a different challenge and outlet.

"Originally, I was attracted to Rob and Bob because I knew of their great writing," says Belew, adding that he produced Fetter and Nyswonger's band, The Raisins. "They were cranking out great, wonderful pop songs. Originally, my intention was to take all the material the three of us could generate and see what we could do with it."

What the Bears have created over the course of three studio albums is vibrant music that recalls the energy, if not the specific sound, of NRBQ, Rockpile, the dBs and other groups that made it OK to like pop music. It's also a product of what Belew calls a songwriter's workshop.

"The first song we wrote, "Superboy," was actually a verse I had written and a chorus from one of Bob's songs from the Raisins," he explains. "We rewrote it and came up with a new song that had all the best components. That's kind of what the Bears are about."

That sort of musical alchemy has earned the Bears a small but rabid following. And it's not just older fans, but young kids who are now attending Bears' shows.

"I think they see and hear something in it they don't get otherwise," Belew says. "I think the real problem is the change in the music industry itself.
It's only geared toward people who can sell a lot of records. People who
aren't in that category, such as myself or the Bears or even King Crimson,
just can't get the kind of attention they probably deserve."

There is an artistic benefit to being ignored by the establishment: Belew
is free to create whatever music he wants, in three different entities.

"It's a conscious decision I've made all along throughout my career," he
says. "This is my art, and I don't want someone else fooling with it. You
suffer from that in a sense that what they want to do at record labels is
fool with it. They want to tell you how to make music when, in fact, they
don't know a thing about it."

That's too bad. "The Bears Live" features versions of "Dave," "Under the
Volcano," "Rebobo's Beef" and "Caveman," catchy songs that would sound
great on any radio station's playlist by a band that can trade riffs and
licks with the best of them - even if they're not exactly the newest kids
on the block.

"A friend of us who worked for us in the '80s came to see us recently in
Cincinnati," says Belew, 52. "He said, 'You haven't skipped a beat.' From
this guy, who worked with us on all our tours, that was an interesting
comment. It meant something."

The Bears

* 7:30 p.m. Monday
* $20 in advance; $25 at door
* Club Cafe, South Side
* (412) 323-1919

drexel dave

29 Oct 2002, 09:23 AM

another drexel review from the indie-rock herd, this time, the thrift store clothing clad Splendid Zine:

It's hard to imagine a more unlistenable album than Drexel, Ohio. Cats mewling at the moon? A test of the Emergency Broadcast Signal for the next 150 hours? The cold, hollow voice of Satan himself, speaking of death and pain and eternal suffering? Bring them all on. It would be better than sitting through Drexel, Ohio again. If this seems like needlessly harsh criticism, you need only listen to the album.

Drexel, you see, are best described as a country/soul band. A very white country/soul band that makes Michael Bolton look good. They think they're ridiculously funny and ironic because they sing songs about a guy who'd rather wrestle than have sex ("Wrestle Me), or because they're so witty as to name songs after lines from Planet Of The Apes ("Damn Dirty Apes"). The band may not realize this, but most people can tell how soulless Nashville country music is, and most of those people have also realized, thanks to Johnny Cash, Ryan Adams and a host of other country and alt-country acts, that not everything with a twang is automatically worthy of derision.

Being ironic and unfunny, however, is derision-bait. Avoid Drexel, Ohio at all costs. In fact, if you want to avoid feeling insulted, don't even listen to the sound clip. Just move along, and let us never speak of this band again. -- Matthew Pollesel

BigMan

05 Nov 2002, 05:39 PM

This was just posted on a Dutch site calles Rootstown. I'd give you the link but it's all in Dutch. We found and translater on the web that did a lovely job with it so here you go...

“The thirteen songs are varied and the guys write interesting lyrics… stirring melodies that easily lodge themselves under your skull.”

The two-high rolling mill (DM) of Messerly & (Brian) Ewing per the Seals & Crofts van Cincinnati could to call and then has I it especially concerning the fraaie samenzang of the two lords. Messerly & Ewing frolicking as from 1994 with each other. It started all in smoky ‘coffeehouses’. In 1996, the first album The appearred wringed Way; lofi-cd with 8 tracks. The music become in 1999, more serious at appearring The Practice or Every Day Life. Recently their third album The charge Twelve Hours, appearred which lies now for the conference on my office. The two-high rolling mill switched on a complete large plough musicians from Cincinnati at taking this fraai produced plate. The thirteen songs are alternating and the lords write interesting texts. The music is a species ‘rootsy folk rock’. Is used all kinds of americana-instrumenten as several jet ears, mandoline, accordion, viol, pedal steal and banjo. After two fraaie up-tempo numbers the auditor is treated on the folky Everything who is sung with much passie. The track The Story is contained sober of set-up with only accordion and jet ear and beautifuly philosophical texts concerning the changing manner of the kijk on the living. “De dead, the other one z’n is brood” is the topic of the absurdity song I Own a Cemetary. In this spicy rockertje she sings “As lung ash people grooves dying, I won’t be in debt”. By Heart is beautiful countrysong concerning the love. Messerly’s drive seems an ordinary road song but to the end of the song (full symboliek) it appears ordinary concerning it to live daily to go. Already with already schrijven Messerly & Ewing catching melodies which behaaglijk for each lord pan nests himself.

bond

05 Nov 2002, 08:55 PM

new review (http://www.demouniverse.com/review.php?did=2188) of the datawaslost (http://www.datawaslost.net) building (http://www.datawaslost.net/building/) compilation over at demo universe (http://www.demouniverse.com)..

bock

15 Nov 2002, 12:12 PM

Seattle's fine alt weekly "The Stranger" weighs in on the Greenhornes and Cincinnati...
http://www.thestranger.com/2002-11-07/music4.html

del

15 Nov 2002, 02:30 PM

mallory in citybeat's locals only

http://www.citybeat.com/2002-11-14/musiclocalsonly.shtml

drexel dave

15 Nov 2002, 04:14 PM

drexel, ohio: this is really a good album. If you like Plush, but
would like Elvis to sing instead of whatshisname, the band to pretend to be a yankee Allman Brothers/Doors hybrid, and pre-apocalyptic lyricism, then this is the album for you.

The piano player is incredible, which is a real waste in this band, which makes it all that much better.

Billed as "White Trash Soul Music For The Masses," that pretty much nails it on the head. I would book these guys for those types of musty-smelling bars where the lights are so low you can't see three feet in front of you on those types of nights when
free flowing fog mingles with a melancholy mist moistening the grey concrete under yellow sodium vapor glow. It sticks to the brain.

I'd put this alongside Twine as best self-produced underground CD I've heard this year. Twelve bucks might seem a little pricey, because most indie CDs like this go for five or ten, but it's a good price considering the production that went into it -- fine, professional-quality multi-track recording that's an homage to 70s production styles.

Kevan Smith
posted to alt.slack

bond

19 Nov 2002, 02:54 PM

review (http://cincymusic.com/reviews/cd.php?id=27) of the new swissfarlo (http://www.datawaslost.net/swissfarlo/) disc over at cincymusic (http://cincymusic.com)

Teed

21 Nov 2002, 03:19 AM

wacky interview (http://www.indieville.com/articles/datawaslost.htm) with datawaslost (http://www.datawaslost.net) over at indieville (http://www.indieville.com) ...

del

21 Nov 2002, 10:23 AM

mallory... "the first one hundred years" ....
cincymusic review... here (http://www.cincymusic.com/reviews/cd.php?id=28)

&.... a short review in citybeat... here... (http://www.citybeat.com/2002-11-21/musicspillit.shtml)

gardenweasel

27 Nov 2002, 05:34 PM

Wussy's first press:

http://www.citybeat.com/2002-11-27/musiclocalsonly.shtml

Artichoke

29 Nov 2002, 10:25 AM

Cincinnati Enquirer:

http://cincinnati.com/freetime/112902_nightbeat.html

Cincinnati Post:

http://www.cincypost.com/2002/11/28/bird112802.html

cincymusic.com's website:

http://cincymusic.com/features/?article=70

City Beat (scroll half-way down Spill It):

http://www.citybeat.com/current/musicspillit.shtml

joe t

05 Dec 2002, 05:36 PM

Here's a review of Hilltop Distillery's new album over @ Indieville:

http://www.indieville.com/reviews/hilltopdistillery.htm

Jeff

06 Dec 2002, 08:37 AM

http://www.cincinnati.com/freetime/stories/112802_ritc.html

c-lando

10 Dec 2002, 01:29 PM

Great new article on the Greenhornes in the new issue of Stomp and Stammer. But, it's not on-line......so, I can't link it. But, it is a nice write up from Jeff Clark - who can be a real arsehole if he doesn't like you.

www.stompandstammer.com
Maybe you can order a copy of the December issue on-line...

Edited to add that I hope people in the ATL take more from the article than the nice piece of gossip that the former guitar player is now dating Meg White.

Jeff

11 Dec 2002, 12:27 PM

Cincinnati Enquirer

Len's Lounge's earlier disc, Road Dog, was pretty much a solo album by lonesome troubadour Jeff Roberson. But as the title hints, String band is a real group effort. After countless local gigs, Len's Lounge has coalesced into a solid working unit.

Mr. Roberson's dry, world-weary vocals and downhome acoustic guitar remain the bedrock of Len's Lounge. But with a steady group of players, there are a few more dimensions to the band. Mr. Roberson has wisely kept it low-key. There's nothing flashy here, just simple songs (even one called "Simple Song") played and sung with sincerity.

Annie Winslow steals the show with her "Time Can't Take Away", an alt-mountain song that recalls Julie Miller, and her hopeful ballad, "You'll See The Sun Again." She's a talent to watch. Guests include Ass pony's Dave Morrison, Ed Cunningham, Swarthy and, on banjo, Newky Stapleton.

The 11-song CD ends with the anthemic "Big Spring Church", a slow, hypnotic ballad that gets a psychedelic edge from Toby Ellis' dreamy, arpeggiated guitar.

String band is a portrait of a group heading into some interesting new directions, and fans of rootsy, contemporary music should come along for the ride.

Larry Nager, 12/06/02

Newky Stapleton

11 Dec 2002, 05:45 PM

The Stapletons "Low Dealers ..and Hangers On" Interview by Mike Breen, Citybeat 12/12/02 (http://www.citybeat.com/2002-12-12/musiclocalsonly.shtml)

Jeff

12 Dec 2002, 07:53 AM

http://www.citybeat.com/2002-12-12/musicspillit.shtml

bond

01 Jan 2003, 09:22 PM

deltoro's (http://www.datawaslost.net/deltoro/) debut (and farewell, unfortunately) came in at number 12 on indieville's 'best of 2002' list (http://www.indieville.com/articles/bestof2002.htm)

Jeff

02 Jan 2003, 10:30 AM

http://cincinnati.com/freetime/stories/122702_ritc2003.html

joe t

03 Jan 2003, 12:00 AM

Another review of Hilltop Distillery's "...died in the woods"
over at Sponic:

http://www.sponiczine.com/review_detail.asp?wfArtist=Hilltop%20Distillery

Jeff

03 Jan 2003, 07:46 AM

I love articles where the writers enthusiasm is so evident. Nice use of the inches Mike!

http://www.citybeat.com/current/musiclocalsonly.shtml

Jeff

03 Jan 2003, 08:50 AM

http://www.citybeat.com/2002-12-26/music.shtml

bond

16 Jan 2003, 12:48 PM

ryan adcock review on splendid (http://www.splendidezine.com/review.html?reviewid=32494789001107808)

henry

17 Jan 2003, 08:42 AM

Dayton's Lab Partners are featured in the February issue of SPIN Magazine under the "Bands To Watch" section.

softy

17 Jan 2003, 09:16 AM

That rules the school.

acidwashed

18 Jan 2003, 01:00 AM

www.americana-uk.com/html/reviews.html (http://www.americana-uk.com/html/reviews.html) The review is for The Spectacular Fantastic debut released last summer. The NEW album hit local stores this week!

bond

23 Jan 2003, 10:59 AM

there's a short review of enduser (www.sonicterror.net/) in pitchfork's (www.pitchforkmedia.com/) new singles section (http://pitchforkmedia.com/repeat/) today

joe t

24 Jan 2003, 09:59 AM

Review of Hilltop Distillery's new album over at Cincymusic:

http://www.cincymusic.com/reviews/cd.php?id=34

Rock Machine

27 Jan 2003, 08:06 AM

Two articles:
Cincinnati Post, Rick Bird (http://www.cincypost.com/2003/01/23/bird012303.html)

and

CityBeat, Mike Breen (http://www.citybeat.com/current/musicgig.shtml)

Tonefarmer

31 Jan 2003, 09:07 AM

Big thanks to Rick Bird and Mike Breen!

http://www.cincypost.com/2003/01/30/bird013003.html

http://www.citybeat.com/current/musicspillit.shtml

Come on down to The Southgate House tonight to see us and Giants Judys and Swarthy ! (Friday Jan 31)

joe t

02 Feb 2003, 09:36 AM

Review of Hilltop Distillery's ...died in the woods over @ smother.net:

Hilltop Distillery presents a sonic yet adventurous journey into the heart of noisey yet rhythmic chaos with an allusion of free form and tangent of lo-fi indie rock. Using voices, drums, upright bass, keyboard, and guitars this Kentucky threesome find themselves with a stellar collection of breezy improvisational rock. If you’re in the mood for something different from the norm and about fifty steps to the left of most instrumental improv noise-core, then this is your album.

- J-Sin

joe t

02 Feb 2003, 09:40 AM

Another Hilltop Distillery review over @ A&A:

http://www.cent.com/abetting/238reviews.html#HILLTOP

Jeff

03 Feb 2003, 01:15 PM

http://www.kindamuzik.net/twang/article.shtml?id=2380

....I think it's Dutch.

mdewees

03 Feb 2003, 06:41 PM

Originally posted by Jeff
http://www.kindamuzik.net/twang/article.shtml?id=2380

....I think it's Dutch.

Rough translation with the help of freetranslation.com (http://www.freetranslation.com) (Babel get with the dutch!)

LEND' S LOUNGE | STRING TIE CD, 3rd Silo / Road Dog and Caps, the two previous cd’s of Lent’s Lounge, are not to compare with these new cd, where songwriter Jeff Roberson many more space let for the other musicians. String Tie, as the cd-tje manner body was titled, much more is characterized by string instruments and women song. As glitters Annie Wislow in the Your Miller-achtige ‘Time Can’t Begin Away’. The harmonieuze String Tie was put together according to the basis recipe for a good Americana-plate, where the different song votes and melancholy almost obviously be. Sum inclines the enthousiasm of the tie to psychedelica, especially when the typical Americana-songs of Annette Christianson, Collected Winslow and Jeff Roberson net something more run out then planned. The remain steep songs. That playfulness and the interaction of the musicians mutually make from Lent’s Lounge the ideal Americana-tie, already can yourself result of String Tie not astonished say that your zoiets not before have heard, but as you know, sit it mostly also well well with clichés.

through Maurice Dielemans

failurefirst

20 Feb 2003, 05:26 PM

two cincinnati bands made the latest bbgun issue #6 (v. gallo on the cover) under live reviews.

rogers sisters/greenhornes/holly golightly
maxwell's.hoboken, nj 3/21/02
"....What distinguished Cincinnati's Greenhornes from the million other 20-something garage bands with their hip hugger asses stuck in the 60s was the soulful Young Rascals style organ supplied by Jared McKinney. He's gone now and a guitarist has been replaced since their debut Telstar LP, not to say they still aren't rockin' enough for Todd Abramson and Jack White to head to the ring to fight out who will put out their next LP (Todd won) but I miss the keys...."

alpha-males/thee shams
mercury lounge NYC 4/11/02
"...Thee Shams are yet another band from the toilet [ouch] known as Cincinnati playing garage rock. The singer looks like Chas Chandler from the Animals and the guitar player looks like an extra from a Devo video. He shuffles all over the stage with a 40 ouncer balancing on his amp. With a cool rendition of the Stones It's All Over Now, Thee Shams could give the Hives a run for their money and make the Fleshtones think of retiring."

t.

bond

28 Feb 2003, 12:15 PM

1 enduser review (http://pitchforkmedia.com/record-reviews/e/enduser/15-tracks.shtml) in pitchfork (http://pitchforkmedia.com)

2 datawaslost (http://www.datawaslost.net) interviews in citybeat (http://www.citybeat.com/2003-02-26/music2.shtml) & cincymusic (http://cincymusic.com/features/?article=73)

3 datawaslost: one.two.three (http://www.datawaslost.net/123/) review in cincymusic (http://cincymusic.com/reviews/cd.php?id=37), and shout-outs from the post (http://www.cincypost.com/2003/02/27/bird022703.html) & enquirer (http://www.cincinnati.com/freetime/022803_nightbeat.html)

4 swissfarlo (http://www.datawaslost.net/swissfarlo/) article in the delhi press (http://www.communitypress.com/papers.1/delhi/fs3.ssi)

bond

09 Mar 2003, 01:37 PM

swissfarlo (http://www.datawaslost.net/swissfarlo/) review from across the pond at americana uk (http://www.americana-uk.com/html/reviews.html)

joe t

11 Mar 2003, 11:36 PM

Hilltop Distillery: in the current Top 10 over @ smother.net:

Smother's Current Top Ten
DJ Krush - Shinsou: The Message At the Depth
Everafter - Fading Into Bright
Since By Man - We Sing the Body Electric
Snog - Beyond the Valley of the Proles
Various Artists - Illogik: Insanity vs. Sanity
Greg Weeks - Slightly West
Hilltop Distillery - ...died in the woods
The Red Chord - Fused Together in Revolving Doors
Infinity Falling - Demo EP 11.27.02
Various Artists - Acuarela Songs Vol. 2

joe t

11 Mar 2003, 11:46 PM

A very short review of Hilltop Distillery's ...died in the woods
over @ impactpress.com

Hilltop Distillery • ...Died In The Woods • State Bird Records • This mostly instrumental band creates music that is engaging and hypnotizing at the same time. They incorporate elements from math rock and jazz, evidenced by their frequent seemingly improvised breakdowns. The few vocals that show up are given secondary importance. (AL)

**And another Hilltop review from Bettawreckonize:

http://www.bettawreckonize.com/album_reviews/main.html#hilltopdistdied

Jeff

13 Mar 2003, 12:04 AM

http://www.splendidezine.com/review.html?reviewid=325522599857644

teevee

14 Mar 2003, 09:51 AM

An article about morals galore in Citybeat Here (http://www.citybeat.com/current/musiclocalsonly.shtml ) !!!

Jeff

25 Mar 2003, 10:50 AM

Wilco, the Old 97s and other leaders of the much hyped alt-country movement have abandoned their revolution for a more diverse range of sounds. Their departure opens the door for a country-tinged rock band with clever storytelling.

Ohio's Len's Lounge fits the bill. The five members play darkly organic country rock that evokes as much Carter Family as Flying Burrito Brothers. The band has been together since 1992 but mainly as a solo project of lead singer and songwriter Jeff Robertson. He wisely brings a few friends on board for this release.

As the title suggests, much of the album is nothing but strings -- an acoustic guitar, a couple of mandolins and a big, thumping double bass. However, the band also borrows drummer Dave Morrison from Cincinnati's Ass Ponys, notably on "Tennessee By Moonlight," where he adds a rolling military beat to a Civil War story.

The album opens with "Soul Sucker," a biting rocker with a melody almost stolen from Dylan's "Don't Think Twice, It's Alright" and sarcastic lyrics that belong on those lists of country lines endlessly forwarded on the Internet. Robertson drawls "You make me laugh and cry with your toothless flirtation."

However, he can also write earnest love songs, such as his evocative ode to "Miranda," in which he sings "She's out chasing butterflies in the pale blue skies and that's alright with me cause I know soon she'll see she's the one for me."

His lyrics are consistently entertaining and thoughtful. Not every songwriter would drop "sublime" into a danceable number called "SimpleSong." The low point of the album is "Green," the first song written and sung by Annie Winslow. Although she has a beautifully sad voice, the song comes off as generic country pop worthy of heavy rotation on TNN. However, Winslow redeems herself with two classically lonesome bluegrass ballads later on the album. "Time Can't Take Away" is a forlorn love song for a dead husband. "I never knew my love was only a memory that time can't take away," she sings, sounding like a sad Allison Krauss.

In lyrics and music, "String Band" mines the rich traditions of the Midwest and the Southeast for a comforting set of acoustic love and loss.

bond

25 Mar 2003, 10:45 PM

sponic (http://www.sponiczine.com) also has a nice article/interview with underwoods that has some good things to say about the cincinnati indie scene..

joe t

14 Apr 2003, 10:23 AM

Hilltop Distillery review over @ Americana UK:

Hilltop Distillery “…died in the woods” (State Bird 2003) Perhaps one of the bravest promos we’ve ever been sent, and one likely to cause the Twang! side of our input massive coronaries, Ohio’s Hilltop Distillery in their own words “create music consisting of not only tones and rhythms but solace and vigor.” True to their words, it’s all vocal-free, intensely dark and indeed perfect comedown listening, but oddly brings you back for more in a compulsive “Wicker Man” way. Interesting, and not in the estate agent sense of the word. www.commonwealthaudio.com

joe t

14 Apr 2003, 10:26 AM

I just found another Hilltop Distillery review over @ invisibleyouth.com. it's kinda lame, but a review is a review:

Band: Hilltop Distillery
Title: …Died In The Woods
Review: For the most part these instrumental jams are laid back and relaxing. Imagine if Tortoise camped out in the woods for a couple of weeks. The flow is often broken with a slight choppiness. The violin in "the need to stand straight" is very nice. The following track is rather loud which is different from the rest of the album. Also, the changes in tempos will keep you on your feet.
Label: State Bird Records

joe t

14 Apr 2003, 10:31 AM

Wow!! 3 in one weekend!! very nice, Hilltop Distillery review over @ Splendid:

http://www.splendidezine.com/review.html?reviewid=3258251092333145

acidwashed

28 Apr 2003, 04:06 PM

a couple of reviews for the new Spectacular Fantastic album:

fake jazz (http://www.fakejazz.com/reviews/2003/spectacularfantastic.shtml)

indieville (http://www.indieville.com/reviews/spectacularfantastic2.htm)

3rd Silo Record

01 May 2003, 12:25 PM

Nice write-up by Rick Bird (http://www.cincypost.com/2003/05/01/bird050103.html

Broadside Ballads: Mountain music aficionado and musician Ed Cunningham has released a remarkably elegant and downright educational CD project, "Ancient Tones and Death Knells," recreating the centuries-old "broadside ballads."

The songs date from 16th and 17th century England and Ireland and tell stories of happenings of the time. It was the sound of the streets, sort of the rap of its day.

"These songs were the precursor to the newspaper. These guys would buy a pack of these broadside ballads, then go town to town and sing the songs on the street corner. That was the news."

Cunningham's historical recovery project, recorded under the band name the High Strange Drifters, took a year and a half of research listening to old recordings and finding lyrics on the Oxford University Web site.

The project is hardly a bunch of musty old songs. Each could play as a juicy TV mini-series. There are stories of treachery, nefarious dealings, and cheating husbands and wives. There are Robin Hood-style thieves and just plain mean-spirited folk, like the story of the man who cursed at the crowd as he was hanged.

"I just thought, what is it about these songs that made them last 300 years without being recorded much," Cunningham said. "There are universal truths in these ballads and something strikes the human condition that made these things last."

Cunningham's rich arrangements are brought to life with the help of the rhythm section from the Ass Ponys, Randy Cheek and Dave Morrison, along with several excellent local fiddle, cello and guitar players.

The finished product has an almost mystical feel, yet the arrangements are fresh and contemporary. Cunningham is looking to put the group together for live performances in June.

The CD is available at the usual independent record stores, or www.3rdsilo.com.

wojo

05 May 2003, 11:06 AM

This is an old one, but I've been off the boards for a while:

http://www.citybeat.com/2003-03-19/musiclocalsonly.shtml

A nice little email interview with Mike Breen. Here's the text:

Locals mix surplus of influences and strong songwriting skills for unique sound
INTERVIEW BY MIKE BREEN

When you ask songwriter/guitarist/singer Justin Lynch about the current line-up of his band, Wojo -- Mike Fair (lead guitar), Aaron Zlatkin (bass, backing vocals) and drummer Matt Retherford -- he makes it sound like destiny: "This is the ensemble I always dreamed playing my songs."

Lynch and Zlatkin met at 13, then reconnected at the end of high school and began playing unabashedly R.E.M.-influenced "College Rock" as a duo and with various rhythm sections ("Wojo is actually an ancient Japanese word meaning 'sounds like R.E.M.,' " jokes Zlatkin). More recently, they have hooked up with Fair, a local music vet who plays with the groups MC Blue and The Flock, and drummer Retherford, who was recommended by a mutual friend.

Drawing from a variety of influences, Wojo has come to a sound that straddles classic forms (Folk, Celtic, Blues and beyond) but also retains a modern feel. Last year, Lynch released a low-key but nonetheless grabbing solo effort, The Skywriters Penmanship Trials, the first Wojo-related product to hit shelves since the promising full-length debut, Exist On Cool, back in 1999.

The self-effacing, "conclusionally challenged" (as Zlatkin puts it) band is poised to get on a more prolific schedule with the release this summer of the new, How To Try Without Succeeding.

CityBeat: Wojo has a unique versatility and you seemed to have parlayed that into gig versatility as well -- playing Jack Quinn's one weekend and the Southgate House the next. Is this a conscious thing or just how the music comes out?

Justin Lynch: Now that you mention it, I guess our repertoire is kinda like free-form FM radio from the late '60s.

Aaron Zlatkin: Well, Justin and I began playing music while entrenched in New Wave and college radio and Punk, Mike is a Blues man at heart, and J. Matt is solidly in the indie scene, and we all have many other influences besides. And because our influences are all over the place, the songs we end up with are all over the map. So we have to work with that, and you end up with a bluesy song here, a "Y'alternative" track over here, and some good solid Indie Pop hiding in the corner, wondering why all the beer's gone. We all bring something to it.

CB: Tell me about your non-Rock influences.

Mike Fair: I got disenchanted with popular music in the '70s, and was really poor too. I discovered that the library had all this cool music -- Blues, Zydeco, Calypso, Celtic, Italian Baroque. This was ahead of the World music boom. I felt like I had stumbled on a treasure that nobody else knew about. It all creeps in when you play your own songs.

CB: Justin, you write a lot on your own. What is your process and what does the band bring to a song once you bring it to them?

JL: We are never happier than when we are learning new material. I've let myself relax a little now on the tune-side. I used to be very dictatorial, coming to rehearsal with everything set in stone. I've learned to trust the other guys' ears. Lyrically it's still a very personal process. It still feels like, when I'm writing, sorta like transmissions from the mother ship. It's a lucid and satisfying phenomenon that I'm lucky to be afflicted with. Over 14 years of songwriting it comes less frequently, but with more clarity.

CB: Are you actively pursuing things like record deals, fame and fortune, or are you content to just be creative and make music locally?

AZ: We're actually starting to play a little out of town. Record labels are a raw deal. The more I hear stories the less I like the large-scale industry of it. I think you can make a decent living as a band with just a lot of hard work, an agent, a product to sell and a van with an engine in it.

joe t

08 May 2003, 09:06 AM

A review of Hilltop Distillery's ...died in the woods over at Delusions of Adequacy:
http://www.adequacy.net/reviews/h/hilltopdistillery.shtml

cptrdspy

08 May 2003, 03:01 PM

interview with Johnnytwentythree in newest issue of artspike.
read online here:
http://www.artspike.net/publish/public_html/article.php?sid=1924
or go pick up a copy.

Red Emma

20 May 2003, 11:57 AM

check out
www.bettawreckonize.com

thanks

joe t

23 Jun 2003, 04:10 PM

Here's another review of Hilltop Distillery's "...died in the woods"
over at readmag.com.

Hilltop Distillery
…Died In The Woods
Spooky and fragmented instrumental indie rock amplified by dissonant buzzing over a competent rhythm section. As good as any band in this genre; I'm surprised this Kentuckian trio haven't been picked up yet.

joe t

24 Jun 2003, 01:16 PM

Here's a review of the Ralph Jones Band over at Smother.net

Ralph Jones Band (State Bird Records)

One of the members Joe Burns is a member of Hilltop Distillery, a band I absolutely love. Now he`s presenting the first record of the Ralph Jones Band, a trio of sorts from Kentucky. So I think I`ve found another band to get into with this album. And heck I think you should give them a listen too. With the emotional rock side that has a hand deep in the more intelligent math rock styles without sounding too strained or contrived. You gotta love the keyboard in “Lead Me Like Livestock”. It`s just unbelievable and the tones really just jump out at you through the speakers. Whoever produced this album (my bet`s on the band) is just a genius with the knobs and has the knack to give birth to beautiful creations like this time after time again.

teevee

25 Jun 2003, 10:07 AM

review of donerail here (http://www.indieville.com/reviews/moralsgalore.htm)!

davepurcell

26 Jun 2003, 09:37 PM

Nice Spectacular Fantastic review at Americana-UK. Well done, Mike...

http://www.americana-uk.com/html/reviews.html

Last year I also had the pleasure of reviewing the excellent self-titled debut from The Spectacular Fantastic and now with barely a pause to catch the breath, comes this follow up. As last time, this is actually the work of one man - singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Mike Detmer. Again recorded at his rented Indiana farmhouse, the outrageously prolific Detmer demonstrates his love of the pop song with another collection of hook filled gems. This time, there’s more of a 60’s influence at work, evident from the opening "All Alone" and "Depression". "Baby" and "Spaceship" both recall Wilco in pop-mode and "Dream Song" is exactly that. His vocal similarity to Neil Young was something that struck me last time out and is in evidence here too, most notably on " Why Did You Cry" and the sweet country of "It’s Allright" which would not be out of place on "American Stars n’ Bars". Detmer doesn’t restrict himself to any particular genre though and that’s one of the most pleasing aspects of the album, the only constant being the quality of his songwriting. Another reason to be cheerful is that Detmer has tons of stuff already recorded which is due to see the light of day soon. For those of us already familiar with his work this is great news indeed, and as for the rest of you, it’s surely only a matter of time. Visit www.ionikrecords.com for more information. PB

Smoker29

26 Jun 2003, 11:49 PM

Read Me (http://www.bigbobburns.com/forum/index.php?act=ST&f=1&t=46)

acidwashed

28 Jun 2003, 10:42 AM

thanks for the link dave.

sponic (http://www.sponiczine.com/main.htm) did a review of the disc this month as well. it went something like this:

An album called New Equations for the Simple Mind from a band called The Spectacular Fantastic might make you expect some kind of futuristic, out-there music, but in this case it's one guy in his living room, playing rock songs about self-doubt. Mike Detmer wrote, performed and recorded all of the 12 songs on the album, yet you would have fooled me if you told me it was a five piece band. New Equations doesn't sound like one person making tiny sounds in a little room somewhere, but like a band rocking the house, playing songs that draw from the so-called "classic rock" of the ‘60s and ‘70s but also have personality and atmosphere that make them sound new.

At times Detmer sounds like a one-man Crazy Horse, conjuring up an expansive desert landscape in his Ohio living room. Yet he also has a knack for pop melody and a slightly psychedelic side, meaning the album overall is something like Western-flavored rock meets twisted pop. But while the music has a certain old-meets-new quality to it, the lyrics seem straight out of Detmer's present-day state of mind. “Why can't I get over myself? Why do I feel like I'm so insincere?” he asks at the start of one song. “Why did you cry when I walked away?” he asks at the start of another. Sorting through the feelings and intentions of yourself and others is at the center of The Spectacular Fantastic’s songs, whether it's a catchy potential radio song like "Baby" or a darkly-tinged, electric guitar-loaded spaceout like "Wake Me Up."

But it isn't all worries and fears, as evidenced by the upbeat folk shuffle "It's Alright," which takes a brief moment of happiness as a sign that maybe everything will be OK. Of course, that song has at is base the idea that sadness and pain are everywhere, but that makes it all the more sincere. And honest emotional _expression is at the core of New Equations…, along with the ability to take familiar musical styles and inject them with life, showing how the classics can seem futuristic under the right light.

joe t

12 Jul 2003, 03:21 PM

Here's a review from the current City Beat of the new
Ralph Jones Band album "Drowning In Kentucky" out on State Bird Records:

The Ralph Jones Band is Drowning in KY
BY MIKE BREEN

· The Ralph Jones Band have unleashed their debut disc, Drowning in KY, and on Saturday at Art's Bar and Billiards they host a shindig to celebrate it. The CD is the second release from Florence-based, artist-driven label State Bird Records. Sonically somewhat representative of the geography of Northern Kentucky, on the edge of the Appalachian hills, honest art and urban high-falutin' city-livin', the Ralph Jones Band lay down an organic yet lush sound that can be alternately quirky ("Temptress") and rootsy ("Potato Shine"), but mostly it's enchantingly moody and modestly arty. "Leaving" achieves highlight status with its soaring embrace of a melody, Jazz-like chording, and the ghost-dance interaction of the band members. The emotional push of the music is irresistible. The bandmates (Nathan Newbury, Jason Hibbitts, Joe Burns) fill out the tracks with enticing additives (stray human voices, keyboards, etc.) to augment the ethereal drums/guitars/vocals anchor, but they never run over the song, utilizing space to create an atmospheric aura akin to the peak sparser moments of bands like Red House Painters and Spain.

Visit commonwealthaudio.com for further details.

crazyjoedrmmr

18 Jul 2003, 08:56 AM

Pickin' and punkin'

MULLETS, smashed-up Chevys and a love affair with your friend¹s drunk mother. These are not the angst-ridden tales of heartbreak touched on in songs by your typical band. Rather, these are the novelty pieces that complete the Enon-based rockabilly trio Crazy Joe & The Mad River Outlaws. Currently the top musical act in the 2002 Canal Street Tavern Band Playoffs, the group¹s members < "Crazy Joe" Tritschler (guitar and vocals), "Hep Cat Matt" Duffey (bass) and "Punkin¹ Pat" Lee (drums) < are not afraid of letting loose if it means hearty laughs from audience members. Along with a propensity for zany behavior on and off stage, the guys also possess a massive amount of musical talent. Whether it includes forthright, precise bass riffs, passionate drumming, or eye-popping electric guitar picking, the
young band proves that maturity and dedication do not only come with age.

And that talent has been recognized. Crazy Joe & The Mad River Outlaws¹ opening credits include such acts as Deke Dickerson & The Ecco Fonics, The Blue Moon Boys and The David Nelson Band. In addition, the group has performed at local venues including Canal Street Tavern, 1470 West, Wright State University¹s Rathskeller, Catfish Jones in Urbana and Jags in Kettering, among others.

Greenon High School provided the fertile musical breeding ground for the group. "Pat and I were in a bunch of bands in high school, like Dr.
Funkenstein," Tritschler said. "We played some funk, (Jimi) Hendrix and Beastie Boys covers." Meanwhile, Duffey befriended Tritschler and began performing in Overflow, an alternative-rock, radio-friendly band. Their other credits include P.O.D. (Pat on Drums), Pickled Lobster Explosion (Hendrix, Cream and Black Sabbath covers) and Tritschler¹s Switchblade Serenade (1998), which introduced him to the realm of rockabilly.

In April 2000, after Tritschler recorded two solo albums, he formed Crazy Joe & The Mad River Outlaws. His inspiration came from friend Will Archer¹s Wright State-based band, Double O Nothing, which participated in the annual WSU Battle of the Bands. "I saw them and thought, OMan if these dudes can get up on stage then so can I,¹" Tritschler said. Just one year later, Crazy Joe & The Mad River Outlaws were performing < amidst stage lights and smoke machines < in the Battle of the Bands at the Nutter Center. The band won the
competition, landed free recording time at FJM Studios and later recorded its first EP, the highly listenable Pants on Fire.

"MY DAD played for years, mostly in high school and college," Tritschler said of his inspiration. "When I was 4, I was in a grocery store that had a plastic guitar with Willie Nelson on it. I had to have it, so he gave it to me for Christmas. I ripped all of the strings off it the first day."

The trend would continue.

"When (Crazy Joe) first got together, we were God-awful up until our first gig at Twister¹s (on July 9, 2000)," Tritschler admitted.

However, during the past two years, the band has improved beyond its
expectations, which may, in part, be due to the fact the band¹s brand of
old-school rockabilly is a breath of fresh air in a scene heavily
concentrated with metal and punk-derivative groups. With the exception of the sporadically performing Ohio Silver, Crazy Joe is one of the few bands even playing rockabilly ¹round these here parts. "We¹re a little bit refreshing (to audiences)," Duffey said. "They see us on stage and they know we¹re not trying to be serious."

But Tritschler demurs.

"We take our music seriously, but we don¹t take ourselves seriously at all," he argued. "One of the main reasons I started this group was because I was so tired of all of the angst-y, self-pitying bands out there. The whole point is to be the craziest, weirdest rockabilly band ever. ... We all enjoy being smart-alecks."

Consider the story of one of the guys¹ first paid gigs < and what turned out to be one of their worst shows. The setting? A Fourth of July family picnic. "We were so loud that everybody kept moving their chairs back until they were all the way in the lawn," Tritschler said. "We had to wait until the pie auction was done, and then we set up next to the horseshoe-throwing contest."

SOME OF the band¹s most popular original songs include "I Was Drunk Last Night," "Pants on Fire" (with audience participation), "Springfield Special" (a song about mullets) and "R.I.P." (more swing, less hillbilly). "We started out (performing) all covers. We¹re about 50/50 now, but we keep writing new (original songs)," Tritschler said.

One of the group¹s newest, "Chopped, Slammed and Twangin," features longtime friend and band manager Richard Stockton¹s 1950 Buick and discusses getting arrested on the way to Enon Beach.

"We like to write songs that aren¹t very deep or philosophical," Tritschler said. "We don¹t have very many subjects. We just keep writing the same stuff over and over again. At least 50 percent of our songs have a Cadillac in them < or a Buick."

Given the possible "kitsch" factor < added to that a general sense of
self-deprecation < Crazy Joe is often plagued by comparisons to former Stray Cats¹ frontman Brian Setzer. "Every time I play the CD we have, the first thing people say is that we remind them of Brian Setzer," Lee said, "although none of us have ever owned a Brian Setzer or Stray Cats album." In fact, the group members¹ influences didn¹t even include rockabilly artists at first.

"The Amazing Royal Crowns were the first rockabilly group I ever heard. Before that, I was playing hippie music," Tritschler said.

Added Lee: "I¹m the oddball as far as musical influences go. I grew up
listening to Van Halen and AC/DC. ... (And then) I used to spin records
(drum-n-bass, house and trance) at a bowling alley, and I filled in a few
times at (Kettering nightclub) Area 51."

However different the members¹ musical influences may be (they also include bluegrass and old country musicians such as Hank Williams and Johnny Cash, to jazz artists such as Miles Davis and John Coltrane), one thing is for sure: "They are singing about the things they love," Stockton said. "They¹re not trying to be anything that they¹re not, and they¹re just out to play rock ¹n¹ roll."

The band is planning to record an all-analog, full-length album in
September.

IW freelance writer Leslie Benson is a regular contributor to the music
section.

By Leslie Benson

joe t

29 Jul 2003, 03:11 PM

A review of Ralph Jones Band's "Drowning In Kentucky"
over @ Splendid:

http://www.splendidezine.com/review.html?reviewid=12616659738984

Tonefarmer

04 Aug 2003, 03:02 PM

Thank you, Tonefarmer. You've quelled one of my biggest fears. It seems as if it's uncool to be an excellent songwriter, but with Where You Go, you've helped me to realize that melody and attentive detail to songwriting is, of all things, coming back into fashion. You guys have gotta know this, or you at least must be aware that there's a general lack of excellent pop music that doesn't automatically aim for the lowest common denominator. And it's good to hear that you guys aren't aiming for the disaffected upper-class teenage outsider market, either (Hello, Mr. Oberst, Ben Gibbard is on line one!). There's more to life than having cookie-cutter teenage kids listing you as an interest on Live Journal, too.

Tonefarmer--okay, let's just get this out right now, because it has to be said--sound like IRS-era R.E.M. At first, I even thought Where You Go was really Life's Rich Pageant by pressing plant mistake. When the first chords of "You Don't Turn Around" hit your ear, youll automatically think, "this sounds familiar." When lead singer Rob Hamrick opens his mouth, you'll swear you're hearing the long-haired Michael Stipe. I'm pretty sure that Tonefarmer are going to get sick of the R.E.M. comparisons, but darn it, Hamrick's a dead ringer for Stipe, and an excellent dead ringer at that! Lest you forget, R.E.M made some wonderful records before they were posterboys for alt-rock or the cautionary tale of being a band who are too long in the tooth.

While it's true that imitation might not be the forebearer of originality in this fickle music world in which we thrive, but all's fair in love and war, baby. R.E.M. dropped that jangle-country-folk-alternative-bliss crown a decade ago, so we really cannot hate Tonefarmer for finding the crown, picking it up, dusting it off and placing it on their head. In so doing, they've really taken a risk; the whole R.E.M. thing may or may not be out of date, depending on whom you ask. When you make totally and utterly wonderful songs like "I Need You to Be True" and "Where You Go," though, an expiration date should be the least of your concerns. The only way that these songs could be made better, mind you, would be having Mitch Easter behind the production.

While Where You Go may be brief, it is never slight. It's always a wonderful experience, finding an artist who can say so much and leave a vast impression on you over the course of six songs, and Tonefarmer have won me over. Does the world still like intelligent music? I hope so, for Tonefarmer's sake; they have quietly discovered a wonderful pop-song formula, and it's merely a matter of time until the world soon discovers their magic. Still, an excellent record like Where You Go should not go unheard; luckily, I have this distinct feeling that it won't.

--Joseph Kyle

To listen/buy etc. http://www.tonefarmer.com

joe t

14 Aug 2003, 04:21 PM

A review of Hilltop Distillery's "...died in the woods"
over at Mish Mash Indie Music Reviews

http://mashmusic.tripod.com/august03.html

Hilltop Distillery
...Died In The Woods
State Bird Records
9 song CD
Talk about dissonance! That's just about all that Hilltop Distillery is about. They take the angst-ridden noise to its logical conclusion, blending off kilter guitars and minor progressions into a disturbing aural smash that saturates every square inch of the record. There is no pop here, this is the anti-pop. Think of the Jesus Lizard, remove the vocals, remove any semblance of structure, and slow it down to a lazy drag, and there you'll have something close to it.

Host Of A Chance opens the disc with a droning guitar dual, and then they add to the cacophony on Mach. Studder by adding distorted radio voices into the mix, creating another abstract instrumental layer. There's an avant garde jazz feel to Ky. Suite, which meanders in directionless improvisation, sounding completely made up as it goes along. From there the band throws everything against the wall, hoping something will stick. The dynamic back-and-forth keeps it all moving along, at times creepy quiet and the next moment screaming loud.

It would be an understatement to say this is moody and depressing, but it caputures angst so purely that it's hard to ignore. Not to sound the cynic here, but it's hard not to when you're being bludgeoned over the head!

MISH MASH Mandate: Manic Digression