What’s the skinny?
Goldcard
Self- titled
What the label says: Recalling The Grifters’ perverse soul, the sad pop aspects of Sparklehorse, an overall vibe of someone who is losing it 퀌� la Skip Spence, and happily in the shadow of the Pet Sounds legacy, Goldcard is truly a beautiful piece of work over which fans of mysterious, innovative pop music will drop to their knees, look upwards and thank the heavens the day these rare recordings were made available to the public.
What this reviewer says: I’ll admit that I am biased and that Pond, of which Charlie Campbell aka Goldcard was a founding member, is one of my all-time favorite bands. With my bias admitted, this album is a work of genius. Campbell revels in his shyness and the album is a wonderful collection of songs about dogs, rabbits, “IT” and instrumental interludes featuring his guitar “gimmick.” With appearances by Grandaddy, Pond and Quasi, this album is a pop lover’s must have.
Similar artists: Pond, Quasi, Pretty to Look At
Sample lyrics: “It bent down in a street to pet a dog/ A stray that might remember once it had somewhere to sleep/ It bent down on one knee and looked into the eyes of love/ Then it went back home/ Left the dog alone” – “If I Could Help It”
Best song: “If I Could Help It”
Worst song: “Birthday”
Rating: 9/10
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Poodle Hat
Volcano
Release date: May 20 (out now)
What the label says: “(Poodle Hat) features parodies of hits by Eminem, Nelly, Avril Lavigne, Backstreet Boys and Billy Joel, as well as a polka medley that includes songs by Papa Roach, System Of A Down, The Vines, The Hives, The White Stripes, The Strokes, Disturbed, Rage Against The Machine, Limp Bizkit, Staind, Kid Rock, P.O.D. and Eminem. There are half a dozen great new original tunes too, including homages to Bob Dylan and Frank Zappa.”
What this reviewer says: “Weird Al” is still on top of his game. Nobody gives this guy credit for his musicianship. Say what you will, but Al is out-harmonizing pretty much every hip band of Badfinger imitators out there these days. Also, his eight-minute tribute to Frank Zappa (featuring Dweezil, no less) is quite an accomplishment. Thank God he made fun of Avril Lavigne.
Similar artists: Dr. Demento, They Might Be Giants
Sample lyrics: “Look at all this garbage that I keep generatin’/ (Come on) I sit around all day and watch it biodegradin’/ Bet there’s a hundred health codes that I’m violatin’/ Even my dog passed out and needed resuscitatin” – “Trash Day”
Best song: “Angry White Boy Polka”
Worst song: “Wanna B Ur Lovr”
Rating: 8/10
Nedelle
Kimchee Records
Release date:
What the label says: “At times tender and romantic, at others lovelorn and drained, and sometimes downright sexy, Nedelle’s music mixes classic blues sentiment with modern pop stylings. Combining jazz melodies and lush production, the result is something new and quite obviously special.”
What this reviewer says: Although her label claims that she’s somewhere between Ella Fitzgerald and Everthing But the Girl, Nedelle seems to more be walking the line between Norah Jones and ’60s girl groups. If you’re into the neo-old-school jazz revival that’s going on then this is for you. Otherwise, it’s pretty run of the mill.
Similar artists: Norah Jones, The Shirelles
Sample lyrics: “I don’t need you/ Though it might be nice to have you by my side/ You’d only hurt yourself trying to catch me when I fall out of love” – “Lament”
Best song: “My Tendancy”
Worst song: “Grow Willow Grow”
Rating: 5/10
The Mist Beets
Dorkabilly Sounds
Get Fisted Records
Release date: May 20 (out now)
What the label says: “We tend to write demented funny songs about such things as hillbillies, low-quality toilet paper, Hondas with big spoilers and he-women. We are a total low-anger band; you will not find much angst within our music.”
What this reviewer says: These guys get props right off the bat for being from The Dalles. Anybody who can rock in The Dalles is a brave soul. That said, The Mist Beets can’t really decide if they are going for comedy or for seriousness. Personally, this jaded reviewer enjoyed the silly stuff a bit more, except for the overuse of studio effects which made the lyrics hard to hear. However, they do include a fairly accurate cover of “Hungry Freaks Daddy” by Frank Zappa, miraculous because they are only a three piece band and because it’s the second Zappa homage this week.
Similar artists: Weezer (blue album era), other 1994 rock.
Sample lyrics: “Oh no, oh no not again/ I got the shit on my hands again/ And it sucks/ And it stinks/ I’m a man on the brink” – “Poopy Hands”
Best song: “Shit Cinderella”
Worst song: “Mrs. Jones”
Rating: 6/10
