Re: criminally underappreciated albums of the '90s
I know we're done with this thread, but I can't resist: Neither can I. Tsunami - Deep end The hearts tremolo and since someone mentioned Spiderland the other day I have to add Rodan - Rusty Andy
Re: criminally underappreciated albums of the '90s
At 02:57 PM 4/16/99 -0500, you wrote: I also froze seeing him at Waterloo brewing Co. at SXSW 98. But it was soo worth it. He was f'n great that night even as I shivered my ass off. He was singing those heartbreaking songs and he meant every damn word of it! Jeff Miles of Music mail order http://www.milesofmusic.com FREE printed Catalog: (818) 883-9975 fax: (818) 992-8302, [EMAIL PROTECTED] Alt-Country, rockabilly, bluegrass, folk, power pop and tons more.
Re: criminally underappreciated albums of the '90s
I know we're done with this thread, but I can't resist: As others have said, I wonder about the definition of underappreciated, especially since many of my favorite records turn out to be critical faves too (though few are big sellers). Here are some that spring to mind: Lori Carson: Everything I Touch Runs Wild and (especially) Where It Goes Sam Phillips: Omnipop De La Soul: De La Soul Is Dead Karan Casey: Songlines Jerry Douglas: Restless on the Farm Jones and Leva: Light Enough to Find My Way and perhaps my number one choice for criminally underappreciated record of the 1990s: The Harvest Ministers: Little Dark Mansions --Amy
Re: Criminally Underappreciated Albums
On Mon, 19 Apr 1999, Steve Gardner wrote: Well, seeing as the Jimmy Murphy "Electricity" reissue on our label soundscanned 5 its first week out I'd have to say that he wins the prize. :^) I purchased this yesterday as well, primarily on the advice of a friend. Damn good advice, I tell you. What a find. Course, she found the Bear Family Jimmy Murphy disc. I wish I'd found both. Fabulous artist, do yourself a favor and check him out. Steve, please address my Sugar Hill check to.Big G! NP: Danni Leigh - you know what, this is good. Jerry
Criminally Underappreciated Albums
Well, seeing as the Jimmy Murphy "Electricity" reissue on our label soundscanned 5 its first week out I'd have to say that he wins the prize. :^) -- == Steve Gardner * Sugar Hill Records Radio Promotion [EMAIL PROTECTED] * www.sugarhillrecords.com WXDU "Topsoil" * A Century of Country Music [EMAIL PROTECTED] * www.topsoil.net ==
RE: criminally underappreciated albums of the '90s
er...ahm.I made these all up. But yeh, maybe it should be an album Sorry. I'm sure I have a real list somewhere.. M -Original Message- From: Michele Flannery [SMTP:[EMAIL PROTECTED]] Sent: Friday, April 16, 1999 6:00 PM To: passenger side Subject: RE: criminally underappreciated albums of the '90s Tell me more!! Are these performed by various Kill Rock Stars-like bands? Or is it just the title I find so appealing. - Michele From the underappreciated list of Matt Benz- "Pedal Steel Favorites Played on The Accordion" -Various Artists (Kill Rock Stars) '93
Re: Clem Snide (Was Criminally Underappreciated Albums)
In a message dated 4/19/99 12:18:24 AM Central Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: O.K., just the other day I saw a reference to the original Clem Snide, i.e. where the band got its name, but now I can't remember what it was. Help! tony -- snide was a character in a couple of william s burroughs novels. bill f-w
Re: criminally underappreciated albums of the '90s
Jacob London wrote: What are the 5 most criminally underappreciated albums of the '90s? Here's 10, IMO, from my collection: 1. Blood Oranges-Crying Tree 2. Cheri Knight-Northeast Kingdom 3. Daniel Lanois-For the Beauty of Winona 4. John Moony-Testimony 5. Geoff Muldaur-Secret Handshake 6. Kimmie Rhodes-West Texas Heaven 7. Ron Sexsmith-Ron Sexsmith 8. Pops Staples-Peace to the Neighborhood 9. Cassandra Wilson-Blue Light 'Til Dawn 10. Stephen Yerkey-confidance, man Rob McLane
RE: Criminally Underappreciated Albums
O.K., just the other day I saw a reference to the original Clem Snide, i.e. where the band got its name, but now I can't remember what it was. Help! I'm coming off of a 10-day pledge drive -- my longest night of sleep was 7 hours and that was only because I slept through my 4 a.m. alarm -- so I am BRAIN DEAD! Tony Renner KDHX St. Louis Community Radio 3504 Magnolia Avenue St. Louis, MO 63118 314 664-3955 314 664-1010 fax Clem Snide - You Were a Diamond - It just came out a few months ago, its amazing, no one is even reviewing it. it was reviewed in No Depression by yours truly, july/august 1998 issue #16. i've seen a couple other reviews since then, but i'm also surprised it hasn't spun more people's heads around. elaine np: 44 Long *inside the horse's head*
Re: Criminally Underappreciated Albums
This is being written under cover of night as there's relatively little twang content. Island - David Arkenstone (1989 actually) Auberge - Chris Rea 1991 Force Of Nature - KoKo Taylor 1993 Toward The Within - Dead Can Dance 1994 No Sant - Wasis Diop 1996 Rendezvous With The Blues - Jimmy Hall 1996 Phantom Blues - Taj Mahal 1996 Fundamental - Bonnie Raitt 1998 Twang content: Mike Ireland Holler - Learning How To Live 1998 Chris Knight - Chris Knight 1998 Connie Smith - Connie Smith 1998 I'm sure there's much more, but these are the ones which stick in my head. Tera
Re: criminally underappreciated albums of the '90s
It was not a huge throng! ..I was out there too. Ryan and Eaglesmith. Both great that night. Both of those Weiss brothers were out there too and Corrie, if I remember right. Hot coffee was definitely replacing cold beer. It was very late--and VERY cold. I was thinking that was the Waterloo Brewing Parking Lot tradition--cause it was the same way at 1 AM with Whiskeytown and the Blood Oranges the year before! Barry M And I've twice seen Ryan live. He's was fantastic. I also froze seeing him at Waterloo brewing Co. at SXSW 98. Jim Fagan
Re: criminally underappreciated albums of the '90s
I've been holding out figuring someone would mention my pick but if they did I missed it so I'll throw out the Davis Raines CD. Mike Hays http://www.TwangCast.com TM RealCountry 24 X 7 Please Visit Then let us know what you think! Mike Hays www.MikeHays.RealCountry.net For the best country artist web hosting, www.RealCountry.net
Re: criminally underappreciated albums of the '90s
Bob Woodruff "Dreams And Saturday Nights"
Criminally Underappreciated Albums
Clem Snide - You Were a Diamond - It just came out a few months ago, its amazing, no one is even reviewing it. it was reviewed in No Depression by yours truly, july/august 1998 issue #16. i've seen a couple other reviews since then, but i'm also surprised it hasn't spun more people's heads around. elaine np: 44 Long *inside the horse's head*
RE: criminally underappreciated albums of the '90s
I'd suggest damn near any blues album recorded by someone other than Buddy Guy. Bob
Criminally underappreciated albums of the 80's
Einsterzende Twang-baden: Dan Rigney's list of criminally underappreciated albums of the 80's (dating himself in no particular disorder) The Fall - This Nation's Saving Grace Husker Du - Zen Arcade Pere Ubu - The Tenement Year The President - self titled Monks of Doom: Soundtrack from "Breakfast on the Beach of Deception" CODONA: 3 Eric B Rakim: Paid in Full Minutemen: Double Nickles on the Dime Sonic Youth : EVOL Underappreciated debut 12" of the 80's: Game Theory: Distortion ep Underappreciated sound system of the 80's: On-U Sound Underappreciated single of the 80's: Chameleons: In Shreds Dan Rigney http://www.moths.com
Re: criminally underappreciated albums of the '90s
I could go on and on with this thread, but there's one that pops right to mind for me: Joe Henry's "Trampoline". This was generally written off when it came out, but I was taken by it (and still am). There was something about the whole feel of the record, both sonically and lyrically, that I couldn't shake. I find it to be head and shoulders above any of his other work (including the new "Fuse", although it has its moments). Another might be Neil Young's "Sleeps With Angels" . . . I thought it was one hell of a record; it kind of went back to the crazed feel of the "Beach"/"Fades Away" period, but updated. A far, far better record than "Mirror Ball", "Broken Arrow", "Harvest Moon", and on most days "Freedom". John -Original Message- From: Jacob London [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: passenger side [EMAIL PROTECTED] Date: Thursday, April 15, 1999 11:45 PM Subject: criminally underappreciated albums of the '90s Well, I was laying in bed last night struggling to fall asleep when it dawned on me that this would be a good thread to throw out to the list, given that the '90s are almost over, and people on this listserve seem to love making lists. What are the 5 most criminally underappreciated albums of the '90s? I know you folks won't let me down. I don't care about genre, although if you want to list five in each genre you can think of that's cool too. Be creative. Go year by year if you want. If you've got picks for the 5 most criminally underappreciated albums of '99 include those too. A plain list seems fine to me. But if you're inclined, a paragraph justifying each choice is even better. I wonder if there will be much agreement? take care, Jake Jake London
RE: criminally underappreciated albums of the '90s
5 off the top of my head: Matthew Sweet's "Girlfriend" Camper Van Beethovan's "Our Beloved Revolutionary Sweetheart" Pixies "Surfer Rosa" Violent Fems "1st Album" Son Volt's "Trace" rebecca -Original Message- From: Jacob London [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: passenger side [EMAIL PROTECTED] Date: Thursday, April 15, 1999 11:45 PM Subject: criminally underappreciated albums of the '90s Well, I was laying in bed last night struggling to fall asleep when it dawned on me that this would be a good thread to throw out to the list, given that the '90s are almost over, and people on this listserve seem to love making lists. What are the 5 most criminally underappreciated albums of the '90s? I know you folks won't let me down. I don't care about genre, although if you want to list five in each genre you can think of that's cool too. Be creative. Go year by year if you want. If you've got picks for the 5 most criminally underappreciated albums of '99 include those too. A plain list seems fine to me. But if you're inclined, a paragraph justifying each choice is even better. I wonder if there will be much agreement? take care, Jake Jake London
Re: criminally underappreciated albums of the '90s
In a message dated 4/16/99 12:12:13 PM EST, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Matthew Sweet's "Girlfriend" Violent Fems "1st Album" Wha? These were "criminally underappreciated"? I think Sweet did pretty well by "Girlfriend," didn't he? And that friggin Femmes album, or at least "Blister of the Sun" and a couple others, has taken on so much of a life of its own on Modern Rock/80s radio that it's impossible to listen to nowadays. Besides, that's a 1980s album. Anyhoo, two I'll suggest off the top of my head are Freedy Johnston's "Can You Fly" and Matthew Ryan's "May Day," two albums I've been thinking of lately as I listen to Pete Krebs' fantastic new one. It got me thinking that every once is a while the singer-songwriter mode is still vital. Anyhoo. Neal Weiss
Re: criminally underappreciated albums of the '90s
How about: Charlie Chesterman _Studebakersfield_ Sugar _Copper Blue_ Tom
Re: criminally underappreciated albums of the '90s
Neal: Anyhoo, two I'll suggest off the top of my head are Freedy Johnston's "Can You Fly" and Matthew Ryan's "May Day," two albums I've been thinking of lately Matthew Ryanyes, yes, yes. I dunno how this escaped so many people's radar (I was lucky to hear about him a little ahead of hte curve because of Neal). Lots of good reviews, and I bet it sold 10 copies. Without the benefit of my CDs in front of me, I'll cast a vote for all three of Mark Lanegan's solo records, Vigilantes of Love's Blister Soul, and Jason the Scorchers' Clear Impetuous Morning. as I listen to Pete Krebs' fantastic new one. Ok, this is the 14th time you've mentioned Krebs in the last day. What's the scoopage? Dave *** Dave Purcell, [EMAIL PROTECTED] Northern Ky Roots Music: http://w3.one.net/~newport Twangfest: http://www.twangfest.com
Re: criminally underappreciated albums of the '90s
The question that comes to my mind here is "underappreciated by what people"? I remember reading amazing reviews of "Can You Fly" when it came out. Paul Martin wrote an article in Musician that said it was one of the best records he'd heard in fifteen years. I don't know if it's sold much, pbut it got regular airplay on WXRT in Chicago when it came out. The Sugar record sold something like 200,000 units and got quite a bit of "modern rock" airplay. As for the Pixies record, it was plenty appreciated (and copied) by many bands over the past decade. For the 1990's, these records seem underappreciated to me in that few people bought, wrote, copied, hyped or talked about them much (even in retrospect): Graham Parker's _Struck By Lightning_ (RCA) and _Burning Questions_ (Capitol). Parker was dropped by each label within weeks of each album's release. Neither record got airplay or sold any units, and both feature wonderful songs. Themes covered include Joe Meek's insanity, consumer culture, being married and raising kids. _Struck By Lightning_ has a higher twang quotient, with Cyndi Cashdollar playing Dobro on several tracks. Karl Hendricks Trio, _Declare Your Weapons_ (Merge). The best hard rock record released in 1998, though since Karl didn't tour (and the best songs can't be played on the radio), few people talked about it. Twang content: minimal, though Brian Paulson produced the record. Warren Zevon, _Mutineer_ (Giant). Some of Zevon's most subtle writing and singing is featured on a record few people know about. Zevon once said of the title track: "Dedicated to my fans, none of whom bought this record". David Lindley adds some nice slide guitar. Holly Golightly, _Serial Girlfriend_ (Damaged Goods), as well as _The Main Attraction_ about dozen more cds, 10"s singles. Head Headcoatee Holly Golightly makes the best garage rawk going these days, but doesn't tour the States or get pushed to radio. Her discs are compilations of many brilliant singles, with _Serial Girlfriend_ including the awesome "I Can't Be Trusted" and an ace cover of Ike Turner's "Your Love is Mine". She is brilliant. Victor Krummenacher's Great Laugh, _Out In the Heat_ (Magnetic). After Camper Van Beethoven broke up, bassist Krummenacher led the Monks of Doom, and his inability to sing or write interesting songs in that band turned me off. I was happily shocked to find him writing top-notch singer-songwriter fare that rocked. This record received almost no distribution, and the only people I know who own it are Camper fanatics. Shame, it's better than anything the Monks (or Cracker) put out. Twang: fiddle by Mike Marshall, Dobro and pedal steel by Bruce Kaphan. Carl Z.
Re: criminally underappreciated albums of the '90s
Matthew Ryanyes, yes, yes. I dunno how this escaped so many people's radar (I was lucky to hear about him a little ahead of hte curve because of Neal). Lots of good reviews, and I bet it sold 10 copies. Indeed! What an amazing album! Every damn song on it knocks me out... "Guilty" Morgan
Re: criminally underappreciated albums of the '90s
I'll vote for Cheri Knight's "The Knitter." Almost impossible to find now. And why the hell wasn't "The Northeast Kingdom" on more year-end lists last year? It seemed liked the mainstream media gushed over it for a few weeks and then promptly forgot about it when it came to votin' time. Of course, that wasn't the case here... I listened to it last night (it's a great springtime album) and found it to be as incredible the 398th time as it was the first. William Cocke Senior Writer HSC Development University of Virginia (804) 924-8432
Re: criminally underappreciated albums of the '90s
On Fri, 16 Apr 1999, William T. Cocke wrote: And why the hell wasn't "The Northeast Kingdom" on more year-end lists last year? It seemed liked the mainstream media gushed over it for a few weeks and then promptly forgot about it when it came to votin' time. Of course, that wasn't the case here... Probably 'cuz it came out in January. Most critics have short attention spans.--don
Re: criminally underappreciated albums of the '90s
In a message dated 4/16/99 1:43:33 PM EST, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Just for the heck of it, I thought I'd make up a list of criminally underappreciated country and bluegrass albums of the '90s: Jon, wouldn't some people article that practically by definition, bluegrass albums are underappreciated? NW
Re: criminally underappreciated albums of the '90s
Jake London asked: Well, I was laying in bed last night struggling to fall asleep when it dawned on me that this would be a good thread to throw out to the list, given that the '90s are almost over, and people on this listserve seem to love making lists. Hey, I resemble that remark. What are the 5 most criminally underappreciated albums of the '90s? Seems to me like you could probably look at any P2 best of the year list and pick out likely targets pretty fast.Me, I'd start with Mike Ireland Holler's LEARNING HOW TO LIVE. Sure, it was big *here*, but. Then I'd add Cheri Knight's THE KNITTER, which sold even fewer copies last I heard. (Sure the recent one's better, but just sayin') But sales alone probably isn't the best criteria. I'd add the Posies FROSTING ON THE BEATER, dismissed by too many pop critics and fans as a betrayal of the pure Hollies-clone pop of DEAR 23, but in fact an even better record that successfully merged the early 90's guitar sounds (you know, "before grunge became an epithet" as Tom Krueger once said) from up your way with the Posies exemplary melodies and harmonies. It's always seemed to me that the Blood Oranges never really got their due, despite "our" appreciation of them. All the records are at least very good, but THE CRYING TREE should be considered a landmark for whatever you wanna call alternative country the way ANODYNE or STILL FEEL GONE are. And to return to Seattle pop, (sorry) I'm a big fan of Super Deluxe, who are dismissed as sort-of trashy and faux by most folks, but both records, FAMOUS, and VIA SATELLITE deserve more respect Not everything works, but there are tunes on both records that just thrill me. A plain list seems fine to me. But if you're inclined, a paragraph justifying each choice is even better. Or a couple of pages Jake...g b.s.
Re: criminally underappreciated albums of the '90s
Did anyone check out Farmer Not So John's last album RECIEVER? Matthew Ryan plays on a bunch of it, and a bunch of the FNSJ guys played on Mayday...xojns np whigs 1969 -- From: Morgan Keating [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: "passenger side" [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: criminally underappreciated albums of the '90s Date: Fri, Apr 16, 1999, 1:36 PM Matthew Ryanyes, yes, yes. I dunno how this escaped so many people's radar (I was lucky to hear about him a little ahead of hte curve because of Neal). Lots of good reviews, and I bet it sold 10 copies. Indeed! What an amazing album! Every damn song on it knocks me out... "Guilty" Morgan
Re: criminally underappreciated albums of the '90s
As Carl said, underappreciated by whom is the question... Although it was talked about here a bit, I would also think of "Bakersfield Bound" by Hillman and Pedersen. I was blown away by this album and I've probably listened to it as much as any other album this decade Incredible performances, a beautiful, classy, enjoyable, memorable album for me. Whenever I'm having trouble deciding what to listen to, it's one of the first things I reach for. I may just be forgetting but I don't recall it being talked about hardly at all outside a very specialized context like P2 --junior
Re: criminally underappreciated albums of the '90s
Morgan wrote: Indeed! What an amazing album! Every damn song on it knocks me out... Guilty Dave: Ok, so there's two of the ten copies that sold (Neal got his free). Anytime you're in a dark mood, strap a capo on your first fret and scream your lungs out on Guilty. It does wonders for my mood.Make that three. And I've twice seen Ryan live. He's was fantastic.Totally lived up to all my expectations. And Morgan and I had a very nicechat with Mr. Ryan during NEA. Remember that Morgan? Kind of fuzzy, huh? g np: Mandy, Mandy, MandyAnd about that cd cover. From what I hear it's all airbrushing, airbrushing, airbrushing.marie
Re: criminally underappreciated albums of the '90s
On Fri, 16 Apr 1999, William F. Silvers wrote: probably isn't the best criteria. I'd add the Posies FROSTING ON THE BEATER, dismissed by too many pop critics and fans as a betrayal of the pure Hollies-clone pop of DEAR 23, but in fact an even better record that successfully merged the early 90's guitar sounds (you know, "before grunge became an epithet" as Tom Krueger once said) from up your way with the Posies exemplary melodies and harmonies. It's always seemed to me that the Blood Bill, No more"Can I get a witness?" requests for you. I couldn't disagree with a statement further than the one I snipped below. I find the textured beauty of _Dear 23_ to be so wonderful, that it easily creeps onto a Desert Island short short list. As for _Frosting._, I find the sonic dissonance (along, with the heinous masturbation reference of the title) to be damn near a betrayal of everything I thought the band was about. That record basically, made me lose a lot of faith in The Posies. Faith, I never ever fully recovered. I would equate my disappointment in this record to my disgust with the Rank File record that came out on Rhino. You know, good-bye cowpunk, hello heavy metal (Rank File). Good-bye lush pop, hello grunge meets powerpop (Posies). Unfortunately, I think the Posies "cooked their goose" with this record and moved into an area that other bands were doing much better. Too bad they left their strengths behind. Funny, we were just talking about this very same subject on the Audities poplist but we could discuss it philosophically. The consensus is that the Posies received so much grief about being "uncool" in a town enraptured with grunge, that they altered their sound. It's a real bitch when you dig a type of music that either 1) was never considered "cool" or 2) is now considered passe'. I miss the Posies and hope to goodness, they one day reform and revisit those heady _Dear 23_ days. Sorry Bill, we'll have to chalk this one up to our rather severe "edgy pop" vs "lush pop" asthetic taste differences. NP: Don's Swingin' Doors show on Real Audio JC
Re: criminally underappreciated albums of the '90s
Marie wrote: np: Mandy, Mandy, Mandy And about that cd cover. From what I hear it's all=20 airbrushing, airbrushing, airbrushing. Yeah, well she's no Ashley Judd or anything Dave *** Dave Purcell, [EMAIL PROTECTED] Northern Ky Roots Music: http://w3.one.net/~newport Twangfest: http://www.twangfest.com
Re: criminally underappreciated albums of the '90s
Jo Carol Pierce: "Bad Girls Upset by the Truth" The only absurdist blasphemous feminist country rock opera I've ever needed.
The Posies (wa RE: criminally underappreciated albums of the '90s)
I think I'm one of the few who can appreciate both sides of the Posies. Initially I was pissed that "Frosting..." wasn't "Dear 23 part 2". But listening to that album now, I think the sound holds up very well. That "textured beauty" of "Dear 23" (produced by the guy that did that first Stone Roses album if I recall correctly) for me still evokes a time and place in 1990 and probably still has the better songs, but "Frosting" is not without its sonic pleasures. And I think their fourth album "Amazing Disgrace" is almost a happy amalgamation of the sounds of those two albums with some more great songs. Too bad their last album (last year's "Success") kinda sucked. Peace, Slonedog Jerry Curry wrote: I find the textured beauty of _Dear 23_ to be so wonderful, that it easily creeps onto a Desert Island short short list. As for _Frosting._, I find the sonic dissonance (along, with the heinous masturbation reference of the title) to be damn near a betrayal of everything I thought the band was about. That record basically, made me lose a lot of faith in The Posies. Faith, I never ever fully recovered. I would equate my disappointment in this record to my disgust with the Rank File record that came out on Rhino. You know, good-bye cowpunk, hello heavy metal (Rank File). Good-bye lush pop, hello grunge meets powerpop (Posies). Unfortunately, I think the Posies "cooked their goose" with this record and moved into an area that other bands were doing much better. Too bad they left their strengths behind. Funny, we were just talking about this very same subject on the Audities poplist but we could discuss it philosophically. The consensus is that the Posies received so much grief about being "uncool" in a town enraptured with grunge, that they altered their sound. It's a real bitch when you dig a type of music that either 1) was never considered "cool" or 2) is now considered passe'. I miss the Posies and hope to goodness, they one day reform and revisit those heady _Dear 23_ days. Sorry Bill, we'll have to chalk this one up to our rather severe "edgy pop" vs "lush pop" asthetic taste differences.
RE: criminally underappreciated albums of the '90s
Reply to: RE: criminally underappreciated albums of the '90s This morning I was listening to Grant McLennan's "Horsebreaker Star," wondering why it did absolutely nothing, also noticing that it sounded better now than id did four years ago. Mclennan was in the great Go-Betweens. "Horsebreaker Star" was produced by John Keane.
RE: criminally underappreciated albums of the '90s
Just for the heck of it, I thought I'd make up a list of criminally underappreciated country and bluegrass albums of the '90s: Jon, wouldn't some people article that practically by definition, bluegrass albums are underappreciated? Well, sure, but we're talking *criminally* underappreciated here, and besides, as a number of folks have asked, what the hell does underappreciated mean, anyhow? I'm taking it to mean underappreciated by otherwise savvy, tasteful folks such as the ones on this here list coff, gag. Jon Weisberger Kenton County, KY [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://home.fuse.net/jonweisberger/
Re: criminally underappreciated albums of the '90s
Jo Carol Pierce: "Bad Girls Upset by the Truth" Oh yeah, I forgot about this one. This is indeed a real piece of work, must be heard (or seen) to be believed. I heard her do the whole thing at a theater during a SXSW three or four years ago and absolutely loved it. I kind of wish she'd do another one of these narrative song cycles, but it's hard to think how she'd top this one. --junior
Re: criminally underappreciated albums of the '90s
Jerry Curry writes: Bill, No more"Can I get a witness?" requests for you. I couldn't disagree with a statement further than the one I snipped below. I find the textured beauty of _Dear 23_ to be so wonderful, that it easily creeps onto a Desert Island short short list. As for _Frosting._, I find the sonic dissonance (along, with the heinous masturbation reference of the title) to be damn near a betrayal of everything I thought the band was about. Gee, Jer, don't hold back your feelings As a longtime Posies fan, my thoughts on the matter: I remember having heard a few tracks from their first album, "Failure," when it first came out and thought it was pleasant enough but wasn't doing cartwheels over it. However, when "Dear 23" came out my head fell off. To this day I regard it as one of the five greatest power pop albums of all time; so lush it sounds like it was recorded on black velvet and chock full of witty lyrics filled with double and triple entendres. I saw that lineup open up for Marshall Crenshaw a few months after the album came out and was really surprised by how much harder they rocked as a live outfit than one would have expected from listening to the record. The difference was really striking. Later on I found out that the group had hired John Leckie as producer of "Dear 23" because he had worked with XTC, which is one of their all-time fave bands, but they were a little miffed that the sound turned out so lush. They were as surprised as anyone that it sounded the way it did. There are supposedly pre-production demos of the "Dear 23" songs that are closer to what the group sounded like live, though I've never heard any of that stuff. "Frosting On the Beater" disappointed me on quite a few levels when it first came out. It was really far more representative of what they really sounded like than was "Dear 23," but it was missing all but one of the songs that they had recorded for the unreleased *original* "Dear 23" followup, "Eclipse." The failure to include one song, in particular, "This One's Taken," struck me as particularly annoying. To this day I think a lot of those songs were better than what eventually ended up on "Frosting" In short, it wasn't the album that I was expecting, though I've warmed up to it since then. Having said that, "Dream All Day" was a minor radio hit for the group and probably more than half of the group's hardcore fans first heard the group as they sounded on that album. "Frosting..." might have seemed like a betrayal, but trust me: the group never really sounded like that outside of the studio to begin with. Posies fans tend to be divided into the camp that first heard the group around the time of the first two albums and those who first heard the group after that period. "Dear 23" fans rarely revise their opinion of that album and "Frosting..." fans are similarly loyal. Tenuous twang connection: the Posies' Jon Auer and Ken Stringfellow can be heard doing a solid Jordanaires imitation on Maria McKee's terrific "Only Once" from her second album. --Jon Johnson [EMAIL PROTECTED] Wollaston, Massachusetts
RE: criminally underappreciated albums of the '90s
Several LOVELY songs there that have made many a mix tape: "Keep My Word" and "Open Invitation" spring to mind. Chris -- From: Robin Hall[SMTP:[EMAIL PROTECTED]] This morning I was listening to Grant McLennan's "Horsebreaker Star," wondering why it did absolutely nothing, also noticing that it sounded better now than id did four years ago. Mclennan was in the great Go-Betweens. "Horsebreaker Star" was produced by John Keane.
Re: criminally underappreciated albums of the '90s
Excerpts from internet.listserv.postcard2: 16-Apr-99 RE: criminally underappreci.. by Robin [EMAIL PROTECTED] Mclennan was in the great Go-Betweens. There's a splendid compilation of 1977-78 era Go-Betweens tracks that's been out for about a month. Carl Z.
RE: criminally underappreciated albums of the '90s
Ed Mann - "Mann-wich"/"Mann Walks Among Us" ( (Polydor) '90'91, re-released as a double album in '98 The Ubangi's- "Stompin' All Over The World" (Dust) '96 "Pedal Steel Favorites Played on The Accordion" -Various Artists (Kill Rock Stars) '93 The Clowns For Hire:"I'm gonna live slow, die soft, and everyone's gonna forget about me" (Illustrious UK) '97 Albert O. -"Oh, ALBERT!" (Krankshaften) '95
Re: criminally underappreciated albums of the '90s
Ok, so there's two of the ten copies that sold (Neal got his free).=20 Anytime you're in a dark mood, strap a capo on your first fret and=20 scream your lungs out on Guilty. It does wonders for my mood. Make that three. And I've twice seen Ryan live. He's was fantastic. Totally lived up to all my expectations. And Morgan and I had a very = nice chat with Mr. Ryan during NEA. Remember that Morgan? Kind of fuzzy, huh? = g I bough a copy after hearing a clerk playing it at Duval Discs. One song from the CD, I think it was either The Dead Girl, or Watch Your Step, got some airplay on KGSR in Austin last year. Of course, maybe it was because they had him play their T-shirt party I also froze seeing him at Waterloo brewing Co. at SXSW 98. -- Jim Fagan| AIX Build Architecture and Integration | [EMAIL PROTECTED] Internal T/L 678-2458 | External (512) 838-2458 | Austin, Texas| fagan@austin
Frosting On The Beater(was re: criminally underappreciated albums of the '90s)
Jerry Curry wrote, re: my booming of FROSTING... Bill, No more"Can I get a witness?" requests for you. Aw Jerry, c'mon. If we pop-geeks can't close ranks we'll go the way of the dinosaur. g As for _Frosting._, I find the sonic dissonance (along, with the heinous masturbation reference of the title) to be damn near a betrayal of everything I thought the band was about. "heinous"? Shoot, everybody does it Jerry. g That record basically, made me lose a lot of faith in The Posies. Faith, I never ever fully recovered. You and many other people I've heard from, as I said. Funny, we were just talking about this very same subject on the Audities poplist but we could discuss it philosophically. And we can't? The consensus is that the Posies received so much grief about being "uncool" in a town enraptured with grunge, that they altered their sound. It's a real bitch when you dig a type of music that either 1) was never considered "cool" or 2) is now considered passe'. Well, my house-mate Dave's on that list and he sent me some of that. He sent a clip that I thought pretty effectively countered that "consensus", which I unfortunately don't have here at work. Here's a clip from Scott Miller, of Game Theory/Loud Family anonymity, that doesn't exactly speak for me, but says it well: The Posies probably shape my ongoing impression of '90s music more than any other group. I loved Nirvana, but to me most grunge bands seemed kind of purposefully backward-looking--a cross between early seventies Black Sabbath and mid-eighties abrasive hardcore stuff like Big Black. And nothing like "low-fi" or "electronica" or any of the hip-hop variations has struck my ears as being new and innovative. FROSTING ON THE BEATER is to my thinking a state-of-the-art record. It's the benchmark for that ultra-compressed '90s sound, which not everyone loves, but for better or worse nobody ever used to make records that sounded like that because the technology and the know-how just weren't there yet. Which is not to say it's just the production and mixing. They're extremely innovative with their guitar tunings, and the vocal harmonies are very sweet while at the same time having a sort of cinematic pathos to them. All their albums are terrific but that's the one that places them in my perception of history. I miss the Posies and hope to goodness, they one day reform and revisit those heady _Dear 23_ days. Well, I miss 'em too, and if it meant that I was stuck hearing DEAR 23 again, I think I could adjust, he said with tongue squarely in cheek. Sorry Bill, we'll have to chalk this one up to our rather severe "edgy pop" vs "lush pop" asthetic taste differences. Exactly. But we agree plenty too, and it's fun speaking the language. I know I broke off our engagement Jerry, but can't we still be friends? g b.s. n.p. Del McCoury Band- THE FAMILY (sure I finally bought it)
RE: Frosting On The Beater(was re: criminally underappreciated albums of the '90s)
Wow.. Best rant I read in a long time, Don. That's it, open up a can a whupass all over those popheads!
Re: criminally underappreciated albums
To the list already begun, I'd add: Slaid Cleaves, "No Angel Knows" Spoon, "Telephono" and the even better EP "Soft Effects" Bettie Serveert, "Palomine" Toni Price, "Hey" The Volebeats, "The Sky and Ocean" and Brad, "Interiors" Those are all pretty much late 90s, and I guess that is what is on my mind really. I consider Mick Jagger's "Wandering Spirit" also underappreciated because, and pretty much only because, of the fantastic song "Evening Gown." I was very excited to see the Alejandro Escovedo Orchestra play the song and hear Alejandro introduce it as one of his favorite songs...started thinking maybe it wasn't underappreciated cause they played the hell out of it. To weigh in on the Posies in a sort of fluff manner. I always find it interesting that the one album that each of the girls I have dated since 1990 have owned has been "Dear 23." Considering my fondness for the album (for the record I am also a fan of Frosting) I am not really surprised that the women I find attractive all like it, but always thought it was kind of an interesting album to be the ONLY one each had in common. I found Don's rant interesting if only his assertion that those in the NW "always thought the Posies were 'wussies' because, having never been to Seattle I relied on the 15 or 20 transplanted Wasingtonians who now make their homes in Texas who have always told me that the Posies were more appreciated than some of the other local acts who enjoyed greater national success. I always veiwed that with skepticism...just as I think Scott Miller's assertions should be viewed with skepticism. Just because one musician involved with Power Pop is off base about other genres of music doesn't necessarily imply all of of us who appreciate power pop are. Chad Cosper ** Chad Cosper Dept. of English Univ. of North Carolina at Greensboro 336-275-8576 http://www.uncg.edu/~cscosper
criminally underappreciated albums of the 90s
Well, great to see so much response on this thread. Hope a few more folks still speak to this issue. I can't believe Yates hasn't weighed in yet. I'm guessing he's still scouring his data base and compiling a top 5 list for each of the many genres about which he has encyclopedic knowledge. I purposely kepy my query open ended, but I guess I tend to go with the people who say that a record that for a record to be criminally underappreciated it had to sell less the 50,000 copies (and better still less than 8000). So anyway, here are a couple that I really liked. No twang I'm afraid. Northwesterners may not find these so obscure, but everyone else may: 1. Tarbabies: "Death Trip". The swan song from probably the best band ever to come out of Madison, Wi. That mythical hybrid of James Blood Ulmer and the Minutemen that everyone should have in their life. If you don't own this one and the three SST releases (recorded by Butch Vig--this is the shit he made his indy rock rep on along with Killdozer), you are missing out. Funky Funky FUnky. 2. Love Battery: Straight Freak Ticket. This record defines criminally underappreciated for me. It is a great psychedelic pop record. It's the only one on a major label. If you like Television style noir, check out "Nehru Jacket." This is a beautiful record. Ron Nine can write a pop song. 3. The Gits: "Frenching the Bully," "Enter the Conquering Chicken," Kings and Queens" IMHO, the Gits were the best punk rock band of the '90s (although the New Bomb Turks are close). Aside from maybe Exene Cervenka, there is no other female singer in punk rock who could hold a candle to Mia Zappata. She truly was the Janis Joplin of Punk rock, a singer perfect for the genre and yet so powerful that she transcends the genre's limitations. Unfortunately, this band was short lived. Mia was tragically murdered about five years ago right as the band was on the verge of breaking through to the next level (just think, it could have been them instead of Green Day). All three records are good. Frenching is probably the most fully formed. Chicken was finished after Mia died, so they had to use her scratch vocals. Nevertheless, it's a great work. Kings and Queens was released after Chicken. But it was actually the first demos the band recorded in 1987 live to 2-track. Nevertheless, it's all there and in some ways it's the best of the bunch. 4. The Meices. "Tastes Like Chicken." A real good Replacements style work out. Take a look if you haven't had a chance. Well, that'll have to do for now jake Jake London
Brad Jones (was RE: criminally underappreciated albums)
Okay, here's a criminally underappreciated album for ya: Brad Jones "Gilt Flake" I first heard this record way back in 1991 when a friend lent me a copy of it (okay, I'll namedrop. It was Tommy Womack's wife, Beth). I always regretted that I didn't make a copy of it back then. So I was pleasantly surprised when I found out that the record had been formally released on CD by some small label a couple of years ago (along with a couple of newly-recorded tracks, which also turned up on his buddy Ross Rice's album that he co-produced on E-Squared). For those of you who have any interest in mad-pop geniuses who create masterpieces in their basements, check this one out if you can find a copy. With records from the aforementioned Womack and Rice and Steve Forbert under his belt, he also has turned into a terrific producer. And he has done excellent work as a sideman for folks like Jill Sobule and Matthew Sweet. Still, "Gilt Flake" is simply some of the best pop music of the last decade. Anybody know if this guy has another "Gilt Flake" in him or if he has any other projects on the horizon? Peace, Slonedog
Re: criminally underappreciated albums of the '90s
Here we go. Something for everyone to ignore: The Muffs--S/T--1993 fIREHOSE--Flyin' the Flannel--1991 Urban Dance Squad--Life 'n' Perspectives of a Genuine Crossover--1991 Uncle Joe's Big 'Ol Driver--Chick Rock--1995 Treepeople--Just Kidding--1993 Nirvana--Nevermind--1991 (just kidding) Silkworm--Libertine (1994) and Firewater (1996) Overwhelming Colorfast--Two Words--1994 Fastbacks--Answer the Phone, Dummy--1994 Motocaster--Loaded--1994 Maria McKee--You Gotta Sin To Get Saved--1993 Nuisance--Confusion Hill--1991 Nova Mob--The Last Days of Pompeii--1991 Mudhoney--Every Good Boy Deserves Fudge--1991 Lance . . .
RE: criminally underappreciated albums of the '90s
Tell me more!! Are these performed by various Kill Rock Stars-like bands? Or is it just the title I find so appealing. - Michele From the underappreciated list of Matt Benz- "Pedal Steel Favorites Played on The Accordion" -Various Artists (Kill Rock Stars) '93 -Original Message- From: Matt Benz [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]] Sent: Friday, April 16, 1999 1:04 PM To: passenger side Subject: RE: criminally underappreciated albums of the '90s Ed Mann - "Mann-wich"/"Mann Walks Among Us" ( (Polydor) '90'91, re-released as a double album in '98 The Ubangi's- "Stompin' All Over The World" (Dust) '96 "Pedal Steel Favorites Played on The Accordion" -Various Artists (Kill Rock Stars) '93 The Clowns For Hire:"I'm gonna live slow, die soft, and everyone's gonna forget about me" (Illustrious UK) '97 Albert O. -"Oh, ALBERT!" (Krankshaften) '95
Re: criminally underappreciated albums of the 90s (The Meices/powerpop)
4. The Meices. "Tastes Like Chicken." A real good Replacements style work out. Take a look if you haven't had a chance. Jake I put Uncle Joe's on my list in lieu of their partners-in-crime, The Meices, but this was definitely one of my favorite rock 'n' roll albums from that period. In fact, seeing UJBOD and The Meices at Moe's--after the release of their respective albums--will always be one of the high voltage moments of my concert-going life. Mmmm . . . voltage . . . And I have to agree with Daddy Don about power poop. In general, I find the genre to be nothing more than boring rock 'n' roll. And I, for one, have no interest in hearing rock 'n' roll WITHOUT the edge because that's the whole point. Where I would slightly disagree with Yates' assertion, however, is in these band's ignorance of black music (although putting a little ass in their bass couldn't hurt). Not that I endorse a lack of R or B, but my ultimate problem with power pop isn't the pop--it's the lack of power. If you're gonna bother having the damn genre in the first place, then at some point, it would seem that power would have fit into the equation. Let the lips flame. Lance . . .
Re: Frosting On The Beater(was re: criminally underappreciated albums of the '90s)
Don Yates wrote: On Fri, 16 Apr 1999, William F. Silvers forwarded this: Here's a clip from Scott Miller, of Game Theory/Loud Family anonymity, that doesn't exactly speak for me, but says it well: Boy, I guess maybe I shoulda stood back just_a_bit further from this maybe? g And nothing like "low-fi" or "electronica" or any of the hip-hop variations has struck my ears as being new and innovative. I *knew* this sentence was a red flag. I didn't edit it out from my clip, though.I'd love to see you and Scott Miller debate it. Coupla pretty smart guys. But I don't hold this sentence up as my feelings on the matter. The guy's wrong. OK, that does it. Power pop has to be one of the most retrogressive rock styles imaginable. Most power pop bands pale in comparison to the old bands they obviously emulate and most often rip-off, the Beatles, Big Star, etc. Well, there's always a lot more mediocre or worse purveyors of whatever form than interesting ones."Retrogressive" or "rip-off" are value-loaded expressions, and it seems you don't place much value on this genre. I mean, aren't (to name just a few) Paul Burch or Wayne Hancock or Dale Watson or the Derailers (or most any bluegrass artist true to that genre) "retrogressive" or "rip-offs" by the same token? It doesn't surprise me that popheads like Scott Miller can't find anything new or innovative in hip hop, or in much anything else it seems besides his own little musical world. What's most hilarious is that *real* pop music left him in the dust decades ago. That's 'cuz -- unlike power poppers -- most folks have no problem appreciating modern black music. Jeez, talk about an insular musical universe -- most popheads act like black music doesn't even exist, or if it does, it's certainly not as "new and innovative" as their pasty-white Beatles imitations. Whatta buncha self-deluded nonsense. Hell, at least the Beatles knew that pop also encompassed black music (one important point that passes most power poppers by). No doubt, the genre is insular. I guess I don't see how that's necessarily a bad thing. I think folks play, or listen to, what pleases them aesthetically. Dismissing musical forms because they don't appeal much to you is a natural, if unadventurous, part of the process. And isn't that what you're doing with "power pop"? But yeah, Miller's been at it for 15-some years, two "different" bands, making records distinguishable from one another more to fans than anybody else. g His statement is pretty ignorant. Whether that's intentional or not I have no idea. As for the Posies, we always thought they were a buncha wussies up here in the NW, even when they pretended to "rock."--don Well, Marie, er, Don g, Mister "Midwest Pussy Boys", (a badge we're now wearing proudly, damn it!) I think the "power pop" genre in general, and the Posies in particular with their sweet, dreamy at times harmonies, invite this sort of macho bluster.And on the other hand folks like Jerry can't forgive 'em for cranking up and abandoning the "wussier" stuff. "Pretended to rock". Oh, whatever...g b.s. n.p. Dan Kibler CAPSULE
Re: Frosting On The Beater(was re: criminally underappreciated albums of the '90s)
On Fri, 16 Apr 1999, William F. Silvers wrote: Well, there's always a lot more mediocre or worse purveyors of whatever form than interesting ones."Retrogressive" or "rip-off" are value-loaded expressions, and it seems you don't place much value on this genre. I mean, aren't (to name just a few) Paul Burch or Wayne Hancock or Dale Watson or the Derailers (or most any bluegrass artist true to that genre) "retrogressive" or "rip-offs" by the same token? Well sure, but Miller was the one using "new and innovative" when he praised the Posies (the *Posies*, f'r chrissakes!) and slammed an entire genre of music -- one where you'll find plenty of examples of records that are a helluva lot more "new and innovative" than anything the backward-looking Posies ever did. I was mainly objecting to his ridiculous dismissal of hip hop as not "new and innovative" and thought I'd turn the tables on his silly argument. Besides, how in the hell could I have something against retro stuff -- I'm the guy in love with Mandy Barnett.g--don
Re: criminally underappreciated albums of the '90s
Time for the f*lkie to chime in with some nominations in this category. First, a second to a couple of great underappreciated albums already mentioned by others: Slaid Cleaves, No Angel Knows (my favorite 97 release!) Syd Straw, War and Peace And some others that didn't get their due: Mickey Newbury, Nights When I Am Sane (1994) Jack Williams, Highway From Back Home (1994) Lori Carson, Where It Goes (1995) Kris McKay, Things That Show (1996) Chris Buhalis, Kenai Dreams (1998) and those are just the ones that I thought were somewhat P2 friendly. The list is a lot longer in the acoustic/folk genre where so many outstanding artists just don't find an audience.
Re: criminally underappreciated albums of the '90s
Hey there, Rebecca off the top of her head... Violent Fems "1st Album" How is that under appreciated? Its been played on college and 'alternative' and even mainstream radio pretty much since it came out. It still pops up in rotation on Q101 and XRT in chicago. Later... CK ___ You don't need to buy Internet access to use free Internet e-mail. Get completely free e-mail from Juno at http://www.juno.com/getjuno.html or call Juno at (800) 654-JUNO [654-5866]
Criminally Underappreciated Albums
Hey there, Well, there's a couple folks have already mentioned Blood Oranges - Crying Tree Mike Ireland - Learning How to Live I'll add Everything Frank Zappa ever released The La's - The La's - fantastic liverpool Beatles-esque pop that vanished. Partially because the band members were bigger assholes than Oasis. The Wonderstuff - Never Loved Elvis - OK more UK pop stuff. Size of a Cow was a fantasic single and they get bonus points for backing up Vic Reeves on a cover of Dizzy. Clem Snide - You Were a Diamond - It just came out a few months ago, its amazing, no one is even reviewing it. Fig Dish - That's What Love Songs Often Do - Some Chicago writer rightly compared their lyrics to Sinatra songs, but played over punk / pop riffs. Rocket From the Crypt - RFTC - This is the new punk. The Offspring is on MTV, they are not. Nuff Sed. Later... CK ___ You don't need to buy Internet access to use free Internet e-mail. Get completely free e-mail from Juno at http://www.juno.com/getjuno.html or call Juno at (800) 654-JUNO [654-5866]
Re: Criminally Underappreciated Albums
6 more for the list... 1) vulgar boatmen - you and your sister ... yeah i know it was 1989... but it was 12/89 i think, thats close enough to 1990. 2) the schramms - walk to delphi 3) lonesome val - lonesome val 4) fellow travelers - just a visitor 5) michael hall - quarter to three 6) vulgar boatmen - please panic rob westcott www.themaryjanes.com
Re: criminally underappreciated albums of the '90s
My vote for this category is Lonesome Bob's release. Easily one of my favorite records of all time. I've bought the cd or taped if for many of my friends. Even those not into any of this crazy alt-country/roots stuff really dig it. What's not to like? Some people around these parts claim there are no good songwriters anymore. Well, I think ole' Lonesome is a great songwriter. Speaking of ole' Lonesome, I caught him, Kevin Gordon (that should get the Smilin' one frowning. g), and Phil Lee do a writers in the round thing at a tiny little cafe tonight. The first part of the set was acoustic. Both Lonesome and Kevin did all new songs. Lonesome's new songs are stellar. Kevin's songs were damn fine as well. Lee might have had some good songs, but I couldn't get past his obnoxious and irritating manner to notice. All three did about 4 or 5 older songs with a full band. Luckily, Lonesome and Kevin went on first, so we didn't have to sit through Lee. I think Gordon has one of the most soulful voices going. I could listen to him for days. And Lonesome just plain rips it up live. What a great night of music. One of the reasons I love living in Nashville. Look at me agreeing with a folkie! Strange, but true. John Kinnamon mentioned: Slaid Cleaves, No Angel Knows Lori Carson, Where It Goes I listened to both these artists a lot last summer/early fall. I haven't run into many people who own these cds (even on these lists). They are definately worth seeking out. marie
