GODSEND ONLINE : latest reviews 07.07

G.G. Allin & The Murder Junkies - "Hated" DVD - Ah, the immortal G.G. Allin. The poster-boy for scum-rock, Allin was a festering boil on the face of punk in his day, terrifying audiences with his positively, eh, biohazardous live shows and seriously violent tendencies. This documentary is likely the most comprehensive and well-done look at the man who promised to off himself on-stage, but ended up quietly overdosing back in 1993. From his brutal, knuckle-dragging live shows, to his crude and troubled personal life, Allin cornered the market on 'danger' in rock. All the ugliness is here, as well as the man's rather anticlimactic funeral. Onstage and off, Allin was a symbol of man's inner animal. His drunken and drug-addled excesses were a nihilistic byproduct of a troubled childhood and/or a fearless showman. This documentary brings this harrowing portrait into focus. An excellent film about an unusual and memorable character in rock history, and recommended only to those with strong stomaches, this DVD release also adds on lengthy modern-day interviews with Allin's brother Merle, band member Dino, and his mother, among other extras, all confirming the legend. (MVD Visual)

Animal Collective - "Strawberry Jam" CD - This odd group of musicians from the East coast undoubtably get tarred with the 'freak folk' or 'weirdy beardy' brush, and their spacious, expansive, and experimental singalong vibe certainly doesn't help, I'm sure. But this latest release from the group strikes in some other directions, notably with the freefloating psychedelia of '#1', which rides a crest of sequencer oscillators like classic Pink Floyd on a starry voyage into the heart of the sun. 'Chores' brings on a semi-staccato vocal style (and some huge bass beats) that hint at ragga or hip-hop, while stuff like 'Winter Wonder Land' is a nice amalgam of classic Pavement and swirly shoegaze. Sound like a pretty tweaked mix of sounds? Try the final song, 'Derek', which sounds like the Beach Boys if they were mixed by Timbaland. Or the Flaming Lips. Yeah, it's kinda like that. But seriously, this is a fine album of unclassifiable & quirky yet catchy little songs, and isn't that all you really need? (Domino)

Amiina - "Kurr" CD - If you're at all familiar with Amiina, it's likely due to their association with Iceland's (second) biggest musical icon, Sigur Ros. For some years, this quartet of fine Icelandic ladies have performed as the string section for Sigur Ros' studio recordings and tours. This is their debut full-length release, and it's a stunningly original set of playfully naive and innocently beautiful tunes. Amiina's songs are often semi-classical in nature, but their use of nontraditional instruments (wine glasses, xylophone, harp, glockenspiels, bells, accordion, zither, etc.) creates a mystical, earthy, and almost ancient vision - like seeing your surroundings through the eyes of a small child. It's really a lovely music, all full of chimes, wispy pluckings, and antique music box melodies. 'Kurr' is a captivating journey and a gorgeous collection of music from a group who is still developing, yet has touched upon a sound that our ears too rarely hear. (Ever Records)

Attrition - "The Attrition Of Reason" CD - This classic 1984 LP from influential English industrial/darkwave group Attrition shows the infancy of Martin Bowes and company's sinister, ghostly electronica. Far removed from his later forays into ambient and proto-classical music, 'The Attrition Of Reason' presents a much more experimental side of the band's development. Having much in common with kindred souls like the Legendary Pink Dots or Chris & Cosey, tracks like 'You Will Remember Nothing' are amorphous slices of moody, dark electronics, with wailing, pained vocals from Julia/Chryzz. 'Take A Walk' is a rhythmic kaleidoscope of early EBM, primitive and sounding oh-so-very 80's. 'Prayer For The Head' is a deeply foreboding track of morbid atmosphere, whereas the 4 songs included here from the later 'Voice Of God' EP are much more electro-pop oriented, with well-defined structures and melodies. A good piece of historical evidence from an often-forgotten innovator. (Two Gods/Voiceprint)

Attrition - "Esoteria" CD - Subtitled a 'collection of ambient and classical works 1982-2004', you already have an idea of what to expect here. That said, this is may be some of Martin Bowes' most timeless and mature work yet, which is amazing as some of it dates back as much as 25 years! Strong showings include the chilling 'Nine tails, to follow you round', which uses haunting piano and electro-acoustic sound to glorious effect. 'Cold Genius' is a classical study for strings, and 'Have a nice time' splices in children's voice samples for a ghostly, otherworldly experience. If dark soundtrack work interests you, this collection from the vaults of one of England's premier electronic acts will satiate that need. Superb! (Two Gods/Voiceprint)

Johnny Cash - "The Man, His World, His Music" DVD - This appears to be a simple digital transfer of an old late-60's TV program/documentary, and it's a wonderful observation on one small segment of this legend's life - both at home and on stage. From his live performances with wife June Carter to the historic studio recording with Bob Dylan to hunting (Cash cares for an injured crow, so animal rights people can rest easy), to family reunions, this is a seldom-seen portrait of one of America's greatest voices. The transfer isn't wonderful or remastered in any way, but nonetheless it's entirely watchable, and a fascinating series of vignettes and clips that bring into focus the intimate life of the enigmatic 'Man in Black'. A welcome addition to the collection, and highest marks. (Cherry Red UK c/o MVD Visual)

Charalambides - "Likeness" CD - I still think Charalambides' woozy, stoned-out folk/psychedelia is a little too meandering and lethargic, crossing the lines between 'song' and 'nonsense'. I must give them credit for being tireless purveyors of freaky-folk long before Devendra could shave his weirdy-beard. And, by my accounts, this is the Texan duo's 15 or so album, not counting solo and collaborations. Again, they get credit for perseverance. However, from the opening warblings of 'Uncloudy Day', the group's drowsy hippie improvisations (with lyrics here based on traditional songs) are just slurred enough to be perfect bedtime companions. Good stuff to drift off to, but little more, unfortunately. (Kranky)

Cloudland Canyon - "Silver Tongued Sisyphus" CDEP - The importance and impact of German experimental rock pioneers like Cluster or Can is nearly impossible to overstate. Cloudland Canyon's debut for Kranky summons these still-relevant ghosts and adds to them a profound drone that evokes even more ancient spirits and altered states of consciousness. The first lengthy track here, 'Dambala' begins as a mysterious ambient mist and moves, halfway in, towards a lighter, even lovely psychedelic swirl of syncopated effects and gentle melodies. Beautiful and otherworldly work. The second extended track, 'Silver Tongued Sisyphus', rocks harder, with a pulsing bassline and drums that pay homage to kings Czukay and Leibezeit. It's a powerful and affecting trance/drone rock track, with incantational vocals and an enveloping groove. Simply, this is a monster kraut/trance release that places Cloudland Canyon in the vanguard of modern psychedelia. I am breathless. (Kranky)

Echo & The Bunnymen - "Dancing Horses" DVD - Ian McCulloch and Will Sergeant's band was an 80's alt.rock cornerstone, melding moody post-punk guitar rock with darkly romantic poetry (but don't dare call them goth). Eventually, like most groups of the era, they fractured and ended up a sort of embarrassing parody of themselves. This 2005 live performance captures the band in their reformed, reinvigorated state, and it's not necessarily just another nostalgic cash-in. Sure, the Bunnymen parade out new-wave classics like 'Dancing Horses', 'Killing Moon', 'The Cutter', and 'Lips Like Sugar', but the set here focuses more on their recent material, which holds up favorably to their beloved and influential catalog. The show itself is well-shot, with multiple cameras and a 5.1 surround mix. The music sounds good and surprisingly modern. However, I do have one issue. Basically, McCulloch and company aren't all that energetic or interesting to watch. Mac's stoic, stationary stance leaves me cold, and, truth be told, quite bored. A bonus 47-minute interview with the band is insightful, too, but McCulloch appears cocky and self-reverential when discussing the history of his band. Bleah. I say longtime fans should pick this up, whereas casual observers look for a Bunnymen 'Best Of' CD and stick with that. (Secret Films c/o MVD Visual)

Einsturzende Neubauten - "Palast Der Republik" CD - This is the audio portion of the DVD of the same name (reviewed elsewhere), and even sans the intense visuals of the group performing in/on the former Parliament building in Berlin, this one is a winner. Functioning well as a live 'best of', this 14-song, 74-minute show hits all the band's favorites, from the opening 'Haus Der Luege' to the orchestral 'Armenia' to the melodic 'Youme & Meyou' to the epic 'Perpetuum Mobile' and back again. The sound is as crisp as studio, and the performance is powerful, punchy, and intense. Frontman Blixa Bargeld has mastered the art of subtlety and alternates between shrieking banshee madman and suave crooner, whereas the band creates inventive sculptures of unconventional instrumentation and metallic percussion. A landmark act and a CD title worthy of their unparalleled heritage and legacy. (MVD Audio)

Electro Group - "Good Technology" CD - Comparisons to My Bloody Valentine, Lush, or Stereolab aside, this brief (31-minute) set of songs from Sacramento trio Electro Group is strong, if a bit unmemorable. The simply structured, shoegazey guitars and delicate, femme-styled vocals remind me just too much of the aforementioned. I hold a special place in my heart for stuff of this ilk, but Electro Group's effort just seems a little too shallow and derivative to make any impression, sorry. (Clairecords)

The Fall - "Live At The Knitting Factory 2001" CD / "Live At The ATP Festival 2002" CD - These fairly lo-fi audience recordings barely rise above 'bootleg' in terms of sound quality, but musically, the venerable and timeless Mark E. Smith vehicle is as angry and individual as ever. 30 years and running, Smith's cynical and biting garage rock has parallels to punk and early alt. rock, as well as the Kraut stuff of the 60's-70's, but The Fall have always refused to fit into any category, to their credit. Tracks like 'Kick The Can' and the driving 'Jim's The Fall' are highlights, as is the ominous closer, 'Dr. Buck's Letter'(all from the 'Knitting Factory' disc). From the ATP disc, 'Cyber Insekt' is raved-up and lively, and 'Way Round' ends on a heavy riff-rock note. Performance-wise, both of these CDs are worthy and , but Fall novices should look elsewhere for a better starting point. (MVD Audio)

Genitorturers - "Flesh Is The Law" CD - Originally released as an obscure import a few years back, this stop-gap EP includes 4 studio cuts and 4 live tunes, showcasing this Floridian group's notorious brand of industrial-edged shock-metal. Songs like the electro-tinged 'Lecher Bitch' or the bold title track will easily appeal to fans of stuff like Marilyn Manson or Rob Zombie, maybe, but with simultaneously seductive and brutal female vocals. The live tracks here are rougher and more aggressive, whereas the studio works are more programmed and subtle. Still, this group, centered around professional body piercer/dominatrix Gen, won't be considered for any mainstream radio play anytime soon, as their songs deal with such sensitive issues as bondage and S&M play. It's not a bad set of tunes, but I can't help but feel as if 'Flesh Is The Law' (as well as the band's past releases) can't hold a candle to the real live performances, which apparently are quite the spectacle. (G-Force via MVD Audio)

Ginger Leigh - "And the Hallucinations" CDR - From the opening notes of the first track, 'al-Ironman', the mysterious Ginger Leigh's penchant for startlingly creepy sounds is evident. The second cut ('heaven's eye') is a trippy nest of Middle-Eastern loops, buzzing effects, and vocal chants - ultimately creating a tense atmosphere of both terror and beauty. 'Get It Right' is a swank slice of surf-pop -- a nice diversion before the dark carnival nightmares of 'The Cripple And The Mime'. A master of stylistic inversion and mood, Leigh creates a more innocent, less virulent strain in the lovely and melodic 'Walk With Me'. Superb, engrossing work and a great selection of uneasy listening. (Gingerleigh.com)

Charlie Hunter and Bobby Previte as Groundtruther with special guest John Medeski - "Altitude" 2xCD - The third and final installment of Hunter and Previte's forward-thinking post-jazz Groundtruther series, this one sees improv master John Medeski chiming in with his groovy keyboard (organ/Mellotron/Wurlitzer/Moog/etc.) textures. Disc A, subtitled 'Above Sea Level', is electric, jammy, and almost funky in spots, with a mostly laid-back vibe. The tempo ramps up, though, during the 15-minute final cut, '443m'. The second disc, 'Below Sea Level', focuses on the acoustic side of the trio, and seems even more successful. Here, Medeski's piano works itself around the spacious acoustic moods of Hunter and Previte in more dramatic and mysterious ways. This quieter, more intimate side feels a little more natural to these ears. Good stuff. (Thirsty Ear)

Heavy Trash - "Going Way Out With Heavy Trash" CD - Fathers, lock up your daughters (and wives). Indie rock legend and general mojo-revivalist icon Jon Spencer (Pussy Galore & The Jon Spencer Blues Explosion) returns with this new project in collaboration with Matt Verta-Ray (of Madder Rose & Speedball Baby). And boyee, is this ROCK!! 'Going Way Out..' is a heavy, sweaty, and libininal album which begins by channelling a little Cramps and Link Wray, then heading into a funky little demon called 'Double Line' that dares listeners to shake their boo-tees. Imagine if Iggy Pop recorded his initial work in the heyday of Sun Records in the 50s, and you might get something like 'That Ain't Right'. If you crave energetic, greasy-spoon rock that wails and swaggers like the best of the greats, Heavy Trash is your toxin. (Yep Roc Records)

Bob Mould - "Circle Of Friends" DVD - Punk rock legends don't often age gracefully. Bob Mould is the rare exception. He could easily milk the cash cow and retread his past favorites from his Husker Du & Sugar days, and coast on that retro trip, but this live in DC set includes a new electric band (including Brendan Canty from Fugazi), and looks quite forward, thank you very much. On 'Circle Of Friends', Bob and company scorch through a variety of songs from his past and future - with the electricity and energy set to '10'. Mould's trademark buzzsaw guitar is here, in all it's ferocity, and these 23 songs are insurmountable evidence that Mould is a world-class songwriter. He pours himself into every riff and melody, and his band back him up with equal tenacity. I can't understand why Mould's records aren't 'top 10' - such a combination of melody, power, and emotion are all too rare in music these days. How's the show, you ask? Energetic, spellbinding, and beautiful. I'll say no more. (MVD Visual)

New Model Army - "Live 161203" DVD - Emerging from the rich post-punk scene in England amidst the Thatcher administration, NMA have seen some turbulent times come and go, but they're still persevering, as evidenced by this document of a rare gig from 2003. Lead singer/guitarist Justin Sullivan's road-weary, working-class delivery is bold and impassioned, and the band conjures a fine mix of moody, often-heavy rock and folksy sounds behind him. The 'What A Wonderful Way To Go' is strong and beautiful, while 80s standby '51st State' is still fiery - and more than relevant today. 'No Rest' is another amped-up highlight, as is the climactic and hopeful closer, 'I Love The World'. Lyrically, Sullivan is still concerned with Imperialism and its' effect on the world's balance, and this stance has landed him in hot water with the US government (denying NMA's touring visas in years past). Undoubtably, this has hurt the group's following in the US, but New Model Army's music has nonetheless withstood the test of time, and this fine show, coupled with an informative and insightful interview with Sullivan himself (as a bonus feature) is more than worth a closer look. (Secret Films via MVD)

"The Pink Floyd And Syd Barrett Story" 2xDVD - This splendid set reprises a seminal documentary on the development of Pink Floyd with their original vocalist and guiding light Syd Barrett, who was forced to leave the group in 1968 due to drug-related mental illness. Additionally, it adds on an extra DVD packed with 'full unedited' interviews with all members of Pink Floyd (regarding Syd and their relationships), as well as acoustic performances of Syd's songs by Robyn Hitchcock and Graham Coxon of Blur. The documentary itself is likely the definitive one regarding Barrett and his short-lived but invaluable contributions to rock, as Waters, Gilmour, Wright, and Mason are given time to reflect on their fallen comrade. As well, clips of Pink Floyd's early performances, home movies, and photos are revealed to illustrate these formative days of a world-class rock act that never quite got over its' loss. A superlative set and invaluable for anyone who wants to explore further into the genius of Barrett's work. Apparently, there's also a 'deluxe' edition which includes extra souvenir artifact/reproductions. Either way, it's a great set. (Zeit Media c/o MVD)

Iggy Pop - "Live In San Fran 1981" CD - This dubious-quality audio recording taken from a seminal video release adds on two rare 1983 studio cuts ('Fire Engine' and 'Warrior Tribe') produced by Cars-mainman Ric Ocasek, but that's only an afterthought. One detriment is that the tracklist is incorrect and mislabeled. As well, the lack of any sort of liner notes or credits makes this one seem rather dicey, but the content, in all its' rough and jagged glory, is here. Iggy's intensity is felt through seminal cuts like 'TV Eye' and '1969', and the comparatively more recent tracks like 'Rock & Roll Party' reveal more of the same reckless abandon that Iggy Pop has epitomized for the better part of 40 years now. The studio recordings are a little less-Stooge-ish and more new-wavey, rather unsurprising with Ocasek's input. Anyway, this is a solid, if inessential recording of Iggy's post-Stooges live prowess - oft copied and rarely rivalled. (MVD Audio)

The Secret Meeting - "Ultrashiver" CD - Combining the talents of California darkwave-electronic duo Collide and former Curve programmer Dean Garcia seems like a pretty promising match, as both acts have specialized in swirly mixtures of moody yet sensual grooves and aggressive electro-rock. 'Ultrashiver' is quite possibly some of the finest and most developed work yet, from either camp. Ranging from the subtly-layered vocal melodies of the percussive 'Touch' to the delicate and melodic closer, 'Imaginate', which bursts into a swell of epic noise and drums grooves alongside the sweetly mysterious vocals of kArin, this trans-continental collaboration flows beautifully. Echoes of Curve lurk within the dubby electro-with-guitar-feedback of 'Every Little Thing', whereas Collide's penchant for ghostly texture and bold grooves envelop 'Beautiful Noise Machine'. Fans of edgier dance-rock with heavenly voices will find immmediate sustenance in The Secret Meeting. Wonderful music, and if you doubt me, check out their website (www.thesecretmeeting.net) and hear it for yourself. (Noiseplus Music)

John Sinclair - "20 To Life: The Life And Times Of John Sinclair" DVD - This informative and curious documentary covers the history of 60's "poet/revolutionary/political prisoner" Sinclair, who founded artists' workshops in Detroit, managed the MC5, and was arrested and imprisoned for marijuana possession back in those turbulent times. His arrest created a major coup, even involving John Lennon and Yoko Ono as spokespersons for his release and the challenging of the Constitutional laws regarding marijuana use. Rare and original footage of Sinclair, in all his beatnik/hippie glory, as well as supporters like Allen Ginsberg, and his own modern day blues/jazz band performances all serve as a telling portrait of a man who dared to speak up (and still does today). As well, it's an extraordinarily well-done peek into the whole artists' scene in the 60's, unbiased and rich in community activism (and hedonistic consciousness-changing). I was shamefully unaware of John Sinclair before this DVD, and I now consider myself informed. A fine work and worthy of a viewing if you're at all inspired by the revolutionary art of the radical sixties. (MVD Visual)

Stellar Vector - "You're Not Included" CDEP - This 5-piece Minneapolis band debuts with this wonderful 5-song EP combining modern rock elements, a slight electronic accent, and classy, stylish vocals that remind me a bit of forgotten Euro stylist Bill Pritchard (especially on the moody 'Escape Clause', which mixes in some almost industrial sounds to good effect). The well-developed and highly atmospheric 'Houston Complex' is an anthem in waiting - easily proving that this group has the chops to compete with the big dogs. The rest of the songs are just as good. Excellent and accessable adult rock that really hooked me from the get-go. Kudos! (stellarvector.com)

Tangerine Dream - "Madcap's Flaming Duty" CD - It's been a long and strange road for Edgar Froese's venerable synthesizer group. From pre-new age sequencer music to early ambient to Hollywood soundtracks to synth-oriented progressive rock, his ever-evolving group has broken new ground and inspired 40 years worth of electronic musicians. This new recording, dedicated to former Pink Floyd vocalist and guiding light Syd Barrett (who passed away in 2006), is a synth-prog-rock album full of melodic vocal pop. And it bears absolutely no likeness to Syd's rambling poetics. Vocalist Chris Hausl sports a rich and sonorous voice that reminds me of David Sylvian somehow, and the music is a light and pleasant enough mix of rock elements (guitar solos included) and Froese's analogue percolations. It's a nicely well done release, stylish and never imposing, though it may be a little too close to wallpaper easy-listening adult MOR rock for some tastes. (MVD Audio)

White Rainbow - "Prism Of Eternal Now" CD - A solo work of Oregon-based multi-instrumentalist Adam Forkner, White Rainbow's debut for Kranky is a dazzling set of cryptic psychedelic dronescapes that hover and float out of mind and into the heart of the third eye. 'Mystic Prism' evokes the stoned-out tribal-rock bliss of folks like Amon Duul II, and 'April 25th 11:14PM' is a drifty ambient piece that could be an outtake from an Eno & Cluster session. And that's followed up by the aptly-titled glitchy drone-ambient 'Warm Clicked Fruit', which pulses like a Chain Reaction dub minus the dub. Overall a lovely and narcotic organic set of moods and atmospheres, well-suited to spaced-out voyages into faraway dreamworlds. (Kranky)

Neil Young - "Under Review 1976-2006" DVD - This critical assessment of legendary folk/rock/country/noise songwriter Neil Young covers his later period. But don't expect this to be a slavish fanboy-stroke, oh no. Examining Young's career are such names as famed rock historian/critic Robert Christgau, Neil Young biographer John Einarson, and others, who basically present Young's output from a variety of angles. Beginning with Young's 1976 LP, 'Stars'N Bars'(which is seen as a mediocre effort aside from the memorable and oft-covered 'Like A Hurricane'), through Young's 80's Kraftwerk-ian electro efforts (which get slammed), to his rejuvenation as proto-grunge hero (and collaborator with fans like Pearl Jam), this DVD serves as a decent primer on this finest of rock personalities and innovators. Some archival live footage and clips from the LPs are helpful, and the whole of the presentation here is professional and tastefully done. (Sexy Intellectual via MVD)