I Can Lick Any Sonofabitch in the House's- The Sounds of Dying (2010)
Posted by KB on 11/12/2025 to
Reviews In Brief
Some bands demand you get 100% immersed in their mindset, and in the case with I Can Lick Any Sonofabitch in the House's "The Sounds of Dying", angst and forboding. It's powerful and from the gut, not performed. They feel it and make you feel it. The graveled voices and grunged-up guitar and harmonica are the exclamation point. Occasionally we all need something cathartic that let's us know that life's not always a joyride.
Favorite Songs: Swear To God, Ghost, Bad Days Ahead, Scream
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Belair Lip Balms- Again (2025)
Posted by KB on 11/10/2025 to
Reviews In Brief
"Again" is a more polished, rounded edge version of Belair Lip Bombs. While a decent offering it is missing the rawer qualities that made "Lush Life" so enjoyable. The tempos are poppier, the vocals more tame and gone is that sense of adventure of taking a song to a different place. Still worth a listen, and if you like, go and check out their previous efforts.
Favorite Songs: Another World, Back of My Hand, If You've Got the Time, Smiling
Cast- Love Is the Call (2024)
Posted by KB on 11/6/2025 to
Reviews In Brief
Brit-pop with hooks galore. When "Love Is the Call" starts, actually when every songs starts, it would be easy to dismiss as just another run of the mill English pop/rock band. That would be a travesty because when the songs hit their stride and kick in they are quite infectious. Hand clap induced dance beats, guitar riffs and solos knitted in Oasis like song structures with Beatle-esque harmonies. Hard to dismiss.
Favorite Songs: Love Is the Call, Starry Eyes, First Smile Ever
Savak- Cut-Ups (2017)
Posted by KB on 10/30/2025 to
Reviews In Brief
Ever pull out an album and wonder, 'why the hell don't I listen to this more'? That's exactly what I thought when I decided to spin "Cut-Ups" by Savak from 2017. This Brooklyn outfit knits sparse, minimalistic riffs into a complex tapestry. As their songs build they add a splash of horns that play off their riffs to create a fuller sound- while still feeling uncluttered. Glad I re-introduced myself to this release and here's to digging deeper into their catalog.
Favorite Songs: Christo's Peers, Natural Light, Sick of War, I Don't Want to Be Defended
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Ty Segall- Possesion (2025)
Posted by KB on 10/29/2025 to
Reviews In Brief
Ty Segall, hands down, is the most prolific music artist of the current rock era. It seems like he has an album or collaboration or side project recording released monthly. The thing about it is that most are quite good or at least worth a spin. "Possession" is worth a spin, maybe multiple. Everything about the album is interesting and accessible by being just abstract enough without getting weird (as he can be at times). The arrangements, tempos, solos and lyrics keep your attention and the song structure from song to song varies keeping the pace from getting mundane. If you are unfamiliar with Segall's extensive discography, "Possession" is a good gateway into his world.
Favorite Songs: Shining, Buildings, Fantastic Tomb
The Subways- Young For Eternity (2005)
Posted by KB on 10/28/2025 to
Reviews In Brief
The Subways are a solid, straight forward brit-rock band. They can drift from being borderline metal, punk, Oasis-arena and EMO. Sometimes within the same song. "Young For Eternity", their introductory release, demonstrates this variety and lays the groundwork for future releases. I it wasn't for the distinctness of the dual male/female vocals, one could think that they are shuffling a Spotify playlist instead of listening to one album. For those who prefer their rock to be easily decipherable with slight variations, "Young For Eternity" for them.
Favorite Songs: Rock & Roll Queen, Oh Yeah, No Goodbyes, 1 Am
I Was A King- Until the End (2025)
Posted by KB on 10/24/2025 to
Reviews In Brief
I've been a fan of Norway's I Was A King from their initial release, "Slow Century", in 2019. This was the first time that I wasn't drawn into their ethereal, low-key delivery. "Until the End" isn't necessarily bad, it feels less inspired. All the pieces are there. The breathy vocals, gently nudged tempos, full refrains and a smattering of folky instruments. But it feels like something gluing it all together is missing. A lack of song differentiation. I will remain a fan and hope for re-gluing on their next release.
Favorite Songs: Dust Bunnies, House Warming
Ruen Brothers- Awoo (2025)
Posted by KB on 10/24/2025 to
Reviews In Brief
When "All My Shades of Blue" came out in 2018 it was my favorite release of the year (Review). Since then I feel like they are more interested in nuance than heart. Each new release, including "Awoo", has that one roots song that stomps you back in time and hooks you but the rest seems too embedded in the concept of being deeply emotional- but they don't resonate and instead sound repetitive. "Awoo", the sound of a coyote howl, is successful in creating that late night, campfire aura but it could use a little more midday tavern romp.
Favorite Songs: Mama Don't
Tom Petty- Let Me Up (I've Had Enough) (1987)
Posted by KB on 10/20/2025 to
On October 2, 2017 we lost one of the consistent greats, Tom Petty. Today, October 20, he would have turned 75. So in his honor I pulled out my personal favorite "Let Me Up (I've Had Enough)". Released in 1987 this album holds up quite well. It doesn't have any of the 80's muddled sound, it all out rocks at times and he doesn't mince words (just listen to Jammin' Me and the frustration with media and over-hyped celebs of the day). While popular in their heyday TP and the Heartbreakers were still underappreciated and taken for granted. If you have never listened to LMUIHE, or it's been a long time, take the time to give this a spin.
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Favorite Songs: Jammin' Me, The Damage You've Done, Think About Me, My Life/Your World
Lily Hiatt- Forever (2025)
Posted by KB on 10/13/2025 to
Like her dad, John, Lily Hiatt has comfortable consistency. Comfortable in that her alt-twang country-rock is accessible to any audience and consistent in her song writing quality that will drift from all out rockers to delicate ballads. "Forever" won't blow your doors off (not an insult) but it will fit into your day to day life as an enjoyable soundtrack. She's definitely inherited her father's sensibilities.
Favorite Songs: Shouldn't Be, Ghost Ship, Evelyn's House, Man
Ghostwoman- Welcome to the Civilized World (2025)
Posted by KB on 10/8/2025 to
Reviews In Brief
WTTCW has a 'cool' black clad vibe. Think Dandy Warhols, Raveonettes or Black Rebel Motorcycle Club with more emphasis on the state of our society. Fuzzy vocals, condescending delivery, quirky retro sounds, echo tremolo and smoke. Lotsa smoke. It starts with full on thunder but drones off to just overcast skies by the end. When its on its great when it slightly slows it energy it abates. Overall it is a solid release by a band I feel will continue to hone their noisy aura.
Favorite Songs: Alive, that jesus, 5 Gold Coins
The Linda Linda- No Obligation (2024)
Posted by KB on 10/8/2025 to
Reviews In Brief
The song quality and performances are extraordinary for lasses still in their teens. The variety, ranging from scream-o to power pop with dashes of punk and light metal make "No Obligation" a joy to listen to. And, if you get to see them live, again you'll scratch your head and wonder how they are all under 20.
Favorite Songs: All In My Head, Lose Yourself, Too Many Things
Field Music- Surrender Instead (2025)
Posted by KB on 10/7/2025 to
Reviews In Brief
"Surrender Instead" is a nice album. Nice delivery. Not abrasive. Songs with well constructed lyrics and intricate arrangements. I hear Dylan-esque phrasings, varietal songs styles and broad instrumentation. While nice is nice, it can also be a problem. The one thing missing is bite, especially with material that a listener can tell vexing him. This is for our anxiety laden society who thrive on chill.
Favorite Songs: Tricks & Illusions, Simply Obsessed, The Journey to the Center of Nothing
Big Thief- Double Infinity (2025)
Posted by KB on 10/2/2025 to
Reviews In Brief
Now a trio, Big Thief has updated their sound from folksy to music fest friendly, able to fill all the spaces required to do so. The vocals are out front and the music feels organic. They have retained their quirky charm and hypnotic capabilities with a breezy sound that wafts through the air effortlessly. This mini metamorphosis is quite welcomed.
Favorite Songs: Los Angeles, Double Infinity, Grandmother, Happy With You
The Hives- The Hives Forever Forever the Hives (2025)
Posted by KB on 10/1/2025 to
Reviews In Brief
The Hives have one way to play- like a buzz saw driving a race car- and they do to perfection. Gigantic beats, guitars that can cut glass and bass lines that give you a sore neck. The staged arrogance, attitude, and with "The Hives Forever Forever the Hives", anger at those who think they are better than the rest of us- it is relentless but so damn fun. Want to get a speeding ticket? Lose your mind? Smile? Put this on and press play.
Favorite Songs: Enough is Enough, Bad Call, Legalize Living
Pogues- Rum, Sodomy and the Lash (1985)
Posted by KB on 9/30/2025 to
Reviews In Brief
I have to admit, I'm late to the party with Rum Sodomy and the Lash. I decided to dive into this considered classic because I was seeing them at Riotfest 2025, and man am I chastising myself. Shame on me. This is virtually a perfect melding of traditional Irish instrumentation with modern (80's) stylings that allow the step into the punk ring. The storytelling is honest and true, touching on stories of yore that places you exactly where the song is taking place. After seeing this live I ran to the nearest vinyl outlet to add to my collection.
Favorite Songs: Pair of Brown Eyes, Sally MacLennane, Dirty Old Town, And the Band Played Waltzing Matilda
Kathleen Edwards- Billionaire (2025)
Posted by KB on 9/30/2025 to
Reviews In Brief
Few artists, over the last 20 years, consistently put out slate of songs as good as Edwards. Her Canadian upbringing keeps her music smart, straightforward and (though kind of angry about current events) politely on point. She has mastered the mid-tempo tune without sounding uninspired and lyrically she gets her thoughts across without being trite or obvious. Jason Isbell being at the helm as the producer doesn't hurt any either. Saw her at the Green River Music Festive and I strongly recommend doing the same while she is on tour.
Favorite Songs: Save Your Soul, Say Goodbye Tell No One, Need a Ride, Pine
Tyler Childers- Snipe Hunting (2025)
Posted by Kb on 9/29/2025 to
Reviews In Brief
Mr. Childers is at his best when he channels his Kentuckian heritage with twangy attitude. "Snipe Hunter" has that with foot stompers, Appalachian blues and country waltzes and it's paced nicely. The delivery is heartfelt and the musicianship is honest. Down Under may be the one throw away tune but one can overlook that with so many other good songs. Childers proves that he can deliver the goods like the ol' Childers without having the self-destructive lifestyle like the past.
Favorite Songs: Eatin' Big Time, Bitin' List, Nose On the Grindstone, Dirty Ought Trill
Reviews In Brief Have Returned
Posted by KB on 9/1/2025 to
Reviews In Brief
After a few years
respite, I am bringing back Reviews In Brief. Albums reviewed may be new
or old or hard to find. Basically, whatever I had spinning on my
turntable, CD player or stream account that I feel the need to spout
about. While I am adding a rating system with 4 being the highest, I
recommend giving each recording your own listen so you can form your own
opinion. I will be revisiting some past reviews and adding links to
some recordings so you can find hard copies, if you so desire. Feel free
to comment- but lets keep it fun banter and not vicious. Hopefully
you'll enjoy!
Meatbodies- 333 (2021)
Posted by KB on 11/19/2021 to
Reviews In Brief
"333" will not be for everyone. It's trippy, heavy at times, psychedelica. It's apparent that the use of mind adjustments may have been applied during creation with the songs exhibiting headphone swirls, body slaps, wah wahs, echoes, droning, raga beats and tons of fuzz. Hell the band name is Meatbodies. In the proper, may I say, frame of mind, this album could comfortably be slipped on as a perfect soundtrack. The music is simple but deftly played and the bass is the star and driving force. Think Primal Scream that stays in jam mode and was recorded with George Martin around the time of "Revolver". Intrigued- then give it a listen..
Favorite Songs: Cancer, Hybrid Feelings, The Hero
