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CHOICE CUTS SEPTEMBER 2002
Music Reviews For The Attention Deficient
Album: Homesick and Happy To Be Here The Scoop: Quite possibly the summer's most charming album. The first half of the album, especially, is as pleasing as a sunset drive along the coast. Founders John Girgus and Beth Arzy were Palm Desert High classmates and former sweethearts who later went sour, but Homesick is an impossibly romantic album, the soundtrack for the fluttery aftermath of a date that's finally gone right. Arzy is currently working with the comparably lovely but more melancholy Trembling Blue Stars. Here's hoping that she finds time to spread the love between both bands because she and Aberdeen are rare gems.Highlight Tracks: "Sunny in California" and "Handsome Drink" For More Info: Visit http://www.thestateofaberdeen.com or listen to selected tracks at the label site, http://www.betterlookingrecords.com Artist: The Action Album: Rolled Gold The Scoop: No less than Phil Collins has proclaimed The Action his all-time favorite band (favourite band, rather). Matthew Sweet and Brent Rademaker (Beachwood Sparks) are big fans. So, apparently, was George Martin, who originally signed The Action to his AIR company. The Action never quite hit the big time in the 60's; Rolled Gold is a collection of demos for an album that never quite came to fruition. Until now. And, while their psychedelic mod sound is no longer as fresh as it would have been at the time, Rolled Gold has graduated from "fresh" to "timeless." The Kings-soulful singer Reg and guitarist Alan-shine brightest on this melodic masterpiece.Highlight Track: "Brain" Also Noteworthy: This is the first release on Reaction Records, a label founded by Parasol owner Geoff Merritt and Ric Menck (Velvet Crush). Their mission is to bring you melodic pop treasures that went mostly unnoticed the first time around. For More Info: Visit http://www.actionmightybaby.co.uk Artist: Carrie Akre Album: Invitation The Scoop: In the wake of this album and Orbiter's Sparks on a String (reviewed in July's Choice Cuts column), it's definitely possible to see the dissolution of Hammerbox as a relatively good thing. While Harris Thurmond went on to Orbiter, Carrie Akre decided to walk alone, and Invitation is her 2nd solo album in an already-rich career that spans 12 years in the Seattle scene. From Inviation, she checks her "Seattle sound" at the door and heads, early in the album, straight for the dance floor, led by the funky "House at the End of the World" and the poppy electronica of "Catch Me If You Can." The best songs, though, come later: soulful numbers that let Akre stretch her rich voice out on the wire. Former (very former) Pearl Jam drummer Dave Crusen provides support on drums. |
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