Choice Cuts: February 2002 - Page 2
© Adam McKibbin
Highlight Track: “Shoot The Lights Out” owes a certain debt to Wilco, to be sure. But it’s a great song, anyway, especially given its perfect placement on this EP. Just when you’re feeling weighted down by the brooding “Head of Mine,” the fuzzy guitars, foot-stomping percussion and sing-along choruses of “Shoot The Lights Out” pick the party up again.
Honorable Mention: “Head of Mine.” Because, make no mistake, I like to brood.For More Info: Check out the label sites at http://www.initialrecords.com or http://www.ariserecords.com
Artist: Daniel Johnston
Album: Rejected Unknown
The Scoop: Johnston’s life and career—for they are especially intertwined in this case—have been well-documented. For those not in the know, the Cliffs Notes version is this: battling fits of manic depression throughout his life, Johnston has harnessed his creative talents into batches of plaintive, quirky, strikingly heartfelt songs that have endeared him to legions of fans, some of whom have famous names themselves (Kurt Cobain, Matt Groening, Johnny Depp, et. al.). For Johnston, the naïve sparkle of youth is long gone, but the romanticism and yearning are still there, and the listener hears it in each of the many cracks in his voice.Highlight Track: There are certainly some parallels between Johnston and Wesley Willis—musical and otherwise—but tracks like the sweet “Love Forever” and the wrenching “Billions / Rock” point to where Johnston’s heart and mind are, while Wesley’s mind...well...seems to be on whuppin’ the asses of various animals and world leaders. Both noble aims, but Johnston will melt your heart faster. And while Wesley’s songs are all built around the same Casio pre-programmed melody, Daniel takes a lot more chances, musically speaking.
For More Info: Visit Daniel’s site at http://www.hihowareyou.com or the label site at http://www.gammonrecords.com
Artist: Cocktail Angst
Album: Our Big Top Parade
The Scoop: Five jazz musicians who turn the clock backward with songs about circuses, sex and sleaze. Wanna samba? Wanna tango? Come on in. Vocalist/lyricist Toby Williams and pianist/keyboardist Jon Dryden are the driving creative forces, and both are exceptional talents. Their live show must be a ball.Highlight Track: “Pineapples” is inescapable and irresistible. The music is of a different era. The lyrics are of a different world.
Honorable Mention: “Last Tango In Vegas” has obvious appeal, having been used in a couple of indie films (The Hot Shoe and Seal Tricks) as well as the 1998 Miramax release Wishful Thinking. The lyrics—about what a shame it is that Vegas has cleaned up its act—are great. I can’t, however, quite escape the echoes of the theme from Sex and the City. Not that I watch Sex and the City...
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