GODSEND REVIEWS : B

Baal-Chamber Muzack CS-Crunchy noise and distorted sound from this rather prolific experimental artist. If you appreciate a good earful of dynamic, scorching power electronics , then this is for you. (AVA/Live Bait)

Baal-Ritual Invocation CS-A variety of jagged, noisy sound explorations in the classic industrial vein, complete with tape loops, harsh rhythms, and the obligatory Charles Manson samples. (AVA/Live Bait)

Baal-The Virginal Impurifier Trilogy 3CS-An impressive boxset of BAALs dark post-industrial music. These 3 tapes creep from spooky soundscapes to fierce noisework, striking a good balance and holding my attention securely. And great packaging too. (AVA/Live Bait)

Baal-Without Mercy CS-A mix of everything from sinister quasi-mystical ritual music ala early DEATH IN JUNE to skronky noisework. A moody listen. (AVA/ Live Bait)

Babes In Toyland-Nemesisters CD-Rough & jagged rawk from these angry women, including an unbearably tacky cover of We Are Family.(Reprise)

Bacillus-Black Plague CS-BACILLUS has been responsible for some of the most corrosive, damaged noise that Ive heard in some time. Black Plague is the sound of your body expelling its own putrefied organs just before death. Or something like that. (Clotted Meat Portioning)

Bacillus-Epidemic CS-Harsh, potent feedback work that blisters and numbs as well or better than anything else on the market. Excellent.(Clotted Meat Portioning)

Various Artists - "Bada Bing Bada Bong" CDR - A fine and engrossing (and apparently ultra-limited edition) mix CD from Floridian micro-indie sound system/publishing house Uroborus Press, this set was initially created as part of a package espousing Uropress' thoughts on the whole anti-drug war propaganda machine set forth by our so-called 'patriotic' government. Speaking from a musical standpoint, this private release includes a number of outstanding sound artists from then and now, mostly focusing on an ambient sort of mood. From late-70s/early 80s electro to post-rock IDM and traces of prog-rock to new-age flights of fancy, 'Bada Bing Bada Bong' is a lovely and dynamic trip into a history of music that both informs and energizes. Superb work! (Uroborus Press)

Bad Livers-"Blood & Mood" CD-Very unusual mixing of downhome bluegrass/country and modern punk/alt. rock. This duo use instruments like banjo alongside drum machines to strange effect, and come up resembling (or at least reminding me of) their fellow Texan BUTTHOLE SURFERS and maybe the MEAT PUPPETS in some ways. Their sense of humor permeates the album, with songs like 'Looky Here', 'Little Bitty Town', and 'The Legend of Sawdust Boogers'. Some catchy little pop tunes here, though the sophomoric lyrics seem to be a stumbling block. I'll give them points for not doing the usual, but 'Blood & Mood' doesn't quite seem to pull together into a cohesive whole. (Sugar Hill)

Amir Baghiri - "Ghazal" CD - Moving beyond his more ambient previous work, the prolific Baghiri here produces a highly percussive collection of instrumental sound pieces that range from trance-inducing tribal dance to mysterious fusions of ancient middle-eastern instrumentation and exotic location recordings (from Asia and North African deserts and natural environs). 'Ghazal' is quite the journey, presenting the listener with a rich travelogue of moods and surreal atmospheres, from distant ambient to positive dub to energetic drumwork to electronically-enhanced world music, 'Ghazal' is a world-class recording from an unheralded master. Recommendations. (Vivo)

Amir Baghiri - "Yalda" CD - A selection of 10 impeccable tribal/ambient/textural tracks here from this prolific Iranian artist. 'Yalda' charts a course for the faraway lands as Baghiri uses DAT source material from his visits to Asia and North Africa. Incorporating these field recordings into 'Yalda' lends the atmospheres a natural, earthy vibe--very successful indeed. Fans of the somber, moody soundscapes of Robert Rich, Vidna Obmana, Steve Roach, or even Bill Laswell would do well to seek out this marvelous release. (Vivo)

Amir Baghiri / Brannan Lane - "Lucid Circles" CD - This multi-continental collaboration between Iran's Baghiri and Nashville-based Lane is a wonderous trip into tribal/ambient sound waters. These artists are masters of space; of organic tones and earthly atmospheres, and with 'Lucid Circles' they weave an impeccable web of subtle enveloping tones and deeply mysterious atmospheres. The percussive 'Feather Dance' adds didgeridoo and drums for a more aggressive direction, while the 14+ minute 'Mystic Gardens' utilizes the sounds of thunderstorms to add tension to the cavernesque ambience. With 'Lucid Circles', Baghiri and Lane craft music that functions equally as deep or background listening, and this world-class release comes wholeheartedly recommended. (BrannanLane.com)

Bagman-"Wrap" CD-A full-on drum & bass onslaught from Lee Fraser of SHEEP ON DRUGS. BAGMAN's hyper rhythms and frenzied effects are more than competent, and often superior to bigger name junglists. Fans of SHEEP's recent d&b-oriented tracks should not pass this one up, nor
should non-SHEEP fans, as this lacks the silly sleaziness that SHEEP are so good/bad at. A fine, strong genre work that stands up well. (Invisible)

Jessica Bailiff - "Feels Like Home" CD - Jessica's first solo work in several years brings more of her trademark woozy, densely-textured guitarscapes and fragile, breathy vocals. Her songwriting continues to develop and her ghost-folk sound is uniquely her own, creating wispy songs full of introspective emotion and dizzying effects. 'Spiral Dream' is my personal favourite, and perhaps her most lovely piece yet, complete with piano and deeply-mixed vocal tracks. Imagine a cross between Nick Drake's romantic balladry and Kevin Shields' daunting effects setup, and you may come relatively close to Bailiff's gorgeous experimental pop. Quite nice and worth many spins. (Kranky)

Jessica Bailiff-"Hour Of The Trace" CD-With production and engineering assistance from members of LOW, Jessica Bailiff's 2nd solo album shines with a soft, delicate, melodic, and hallucinogenic beauty. On the surface, "Hour Of The Trace" displays a sound that is similar to the slowly-enfolding beauty of LOW, but Bailiff leans more towards a somber experimental angle than her fellow Minnesotan peers. Drones, hums, and processed electronics with jagged edges compliment Jessica's gentle, breathy vocals and mostly song-based tracks with a raw intensity that is as captivating as it is hypnotic. Even the 20-minute instrumental sound collage called "Perception" is an epic of stormy, abrasive, evocative beauty. Fully recommended. (Kranky)

Jessica Bailiff - "Jessica Bailiff" CD - Delicate, fragile, and ghostly drone/folk work from this Ohio-based-based songwriter/composer. Bailiff's clouded haze of muted guitars and gently wispy vocals wouldn't be too far out of place on the 4AD label or a LOW record (she has worked extensively with LOW members on past releases). Whereas her last album seemed a tad more experimental and soundscape-oriented, this self-titled work has a more song-based focus. That's not to imply that this is sugared pop by any means, as Jessica ties in unusual sound sources and minimal electronics as textural backdrops to her often sad and intimate musical portraits. Simply a gorgeous and personal collection of songs here, balancing an out-there palette of sound and just the amount of structure and melody. A superlative release in every way. (Kranky)

Baka Lykos-Delerium of Metamorphosis CS-Trance-provoking ethno-noise ambience suited for fans of stuff like ZOVIET FRANCE. Really quite good.(Pylon)

BAK XIII - "In Cauda Venenum" CD - Surprisingly intense electronic/post-industrial rock from a group I had never even heard of before. BAK XIII's opening cut, 'Good Old Time', reminds a little of classic LEAETHER STRIP, with tight sequences and distorted vox. Not bad. But the following tracks bring to the table a good mix of funky tempos, raging club rhythms, blistering noise, playful humor, and crossover guitars. The production is ace, and the diverse and heavy-duty sounds are a welcome change from the trendy electro-pop sounds of today. BAK XIII have the urgency and in-your face power to make themselves forces to be reckoned with amongst all the shady VNV clones. Very good work here, and anyone remotely interested in sturdy hardbeat sounds will hopefully be hearing more from these guys soon. (Urgence Disk Records)

Banco De Gaia-Last Train To Lhasa 2CD-2 hours of textural ambient techno with tons of ethnic and tribal samples and influences. Soothing and professional stuff.(Planet Dog/Mammoth)

Barkmarket-L.Ron CD-More of the usual dissonant, rough, and grimy -yet-melodic nihilist noise rock from Dave Sardy and crew. (American)

Syd Barrett-"Syd's Last Trip" DVD- This must be one of the shortest DVDs around--a grand total of roughly 10 minutes of rough footage dating way back to 1966. Admittedly, this is more than a little gimmicky, seeming more like unncessary material better suited as an add-on 'bonus' to a more substantial document. On the other hand, despite these shortcomings, the hand-shot 8mm tape is shaky and blurred enough to even appear intentionally abstracted, perhaps functioning as a sort of simulation of Syd's own mushroom-enhanced experience. This initial film is simply a young Syd set free in a sunny countryside while under the influence of psychedelic drugs. Not really very interesting, though somehow pleasantly blurred. The accompanying soundtrack (the original films were silent) by modern ambient techno artist DILATE is surprisingly appropriate--a light atmospheric ambient electronica that doesn't detract from the footage, despite it's dating some 30+ years after the fact. The second short film here is supposedly that of the initial incarnation of PINK FLOYD at Abbey Road after signing their record deal. There's plenty of 1967-era folks hanging around, more shaky camerawork, and a very different urban setting. Certainly, this release is one for the die-hards, as there's little here to go on unless you're dying for (admittedly rare) footage of the immortal Syd in his heyday. (Cleopatra/Music Video Distributors)

Battery-Distance CD-Another improvement from this female-fronted hardbeat act, as they splice in softer textures to their standard EBM fare. The cover of Gangstas Paradise is pretty opportunistic, though, and qute unnecessary. (COP)

various-Basquiat CD-This soundtrack is a surprisingly good collection of mostly old material, including classics by PIL, JOY DIVISION, TOM WAITS, GRANDMASTER FLASH, and JOHN CALE. And thats not to mention new tracks from PJ HARVEY, BOWIE, GAVIN FRIDAY, and more. A keeper. (Island)

various-Batman Forever CD-Only saving graces here are unreleased MAZZY STAR and NICK CAVE tracks.(Atlantic)

Battery-NV CD-Electro-darkwave-dance with both aggressive hardbeats and softer, synthpop accents.(COP)

various-Battlegrounds CD-70 minutes of intense, frenzied, hardcore techno gabba. X-tra hi-BPM nihilism.(Mokum)

Amy Lynn Baxter - "In Bed With Amy Lynn Baxter" DVD - Penthouse Pet Amy Lynn here presents a feature-length film that 'documents' a day in her life, from waking up to bedtime. In-between, you, the viewer, get to see her either (a) get naked, or (b) get naked again in a different location. So yeah, if you hadn't already figured this one out, it's a softcore erotic film. Nothing too extraordinary or unique about it, although Amy is certainly a lovely lass and evidently makes a good amount of cash for her, umm, nakedness. Still, from a creative standpoint, this one is just another technically well-done Playboy-style video floating in an endless sea of sameness. (Private Screenings c/o Eclectic DVD)

Beans - "Only" CD - This solo release from former ANTI-POP CONSORTIUM wordsmith Beans ushers living jazz legends Hamid Drake (percussion) and William Parker (bass) into the fray for an album of wild avante-electro-beat-jazz. The resultant sound collision is an unpredictable and bass-heavy series of abstract jams and out-jazz grooves, punctuated by flourishes of electronic effects and the occasional verbiage from Beans. 'Only' is a harbinger of 21st century music, while retaining essential elements from the past. Visionary and intelligent listening music for next-generation heads. (Thirsty Ear)

various-"Beautamous Loaf International: Somatic Dosing Unit" CD-The guys behind the Dallas label Beautamous Loaf put together this collection which showcases their many guises and projects. These groups, JETHRO TILTON, PRISON RAPE SCENES, SPHOTA, SANGUINARIA, and PANTHEON 23 range from melodic and intense breakbeat workouts to more chilly ambient experimental sound manipulations, all to good effect. They eschew vocals (aside from littered voice samples or tape manipulations) and focus on their inventive blends of techno, ambient, and experimental post-industrial percussion and noises. A very enjoyable and worthy album. (Beautamous Loaf International)

Beequeen-Sugarbush CD-Narcotic drones and mysterious soundmorphing from this Dutch duo.(Raum 312/Anomalous)

Beig Sitty Orckestrau So Much Cleaner Than A Subway CS-Collaged sound constructions that go from noisy, abrasive textures to silly noodly nonsense. (UBUIBI)

Bel Canto-Magic Box CD-A slightly more commercial sheen for this Norwegian atmospheric/ ethereal electronic group. Anneli Dreckers vox are effective and beautiful still. (Atlantic)

Benestrophe-Auric Fires CD-This project from MENTALLO & THE FIXER with JIHAD vocalist Rich Mendez is very much on the 80s industrial tip, with Bites-era Ogre (other tracks have very Leeb-like ) vocal stylings and pretty simplistic sequencers and beats. The pseudo-scary vocals are just plain cheesy. Sorry, guys. (RasDVA)

Benoit Pioulard - "Precis" CD - A little more straightforward than most of Kranky's impeccable roster, solo composer Thomas Meluch (aka Benoit Pioulard) crafts blurred popsongs out of effected guitars and vocals. He opens with the noise-laced 'La Guerre De Sept Ans', but from there it veers into a lonely and swirly form of indie-pop, with hints of field recordings and tape effects. Meluch's fragile voice is the guiding light amidst his highly-melodic song-sketches, which, for a reference point, can be compared to the dream-folk of fellow Kranky artist Jessica Bailiff. I like it but can't commit fully to the songs here. (kranky)

Tim Berne - "The Sublime And. Sciencefrictionlive" 2xCD - A fine double-disc document of veteran saxophonist/composer Berne's quartet performing live in Switzerland this last year, 'The Sublime And', mixed to perfection by David Torn, stretches and twists into an incredibly arresting array of diverse grooves. 'The Shell Game' burns itself up in a flustery guitar/jazz/prog melee before taming down again. The following cut, 'Mrs. Subliminal/Clownfinger', shows that Berne and cohorts aren't producing traditional jazz by any means, as Craig Taborn's electronic effects add a cinematic dimension to the track, extending itself beyond any genre limitations. After a few minutes, this 30-minute track evolves into a hypnotic and laid-back, almost pastoral vibe, which then in turn builds itself into a joyous and expansive (almost psychedelic) groove. Wonderful! (Blue Series/Thirsty Ear)

Various Artists - "The Best Of Flipside Video Vol. 1" DVD - Documenting the classic, early days of the LA/West coast punk scene, this video captures 4 legendary acts in their mid-80s heyday. Yes, way before corporate punk was 'cool', these bands slogged away with their own unique and intense brands of aggressive punk rock, often laced with dizzying social and political commentaries. BAD RELIGION, CIRCLE JERKS, THE WEIRDOS, and THE DICKIES are featured here, each with a 30-minute live set, and each putting their own unique spin on the American punk sound and vibe. Footage is admittedly sort of rough, but certainly better than bootleg quality, with multiple cameras giving a good view of the action and danger involved with these shows. This is a classic punk document and more than worth a look for those curious as to what it was like back when punk was punk and pop was, well, something else entirely. (Music Video Distributors)

various-The Best of Mind/Body CD-Selection of industrial music collected through the Internet. A lot of subpar acts.(Fifth Colvmn)

Various Artists-"Better Living Through Circuitry" DVD- An excellent documentary of the techno and rave scenes, the 80+ minute 'Better Living' boasts a large number of impressive interviews with many notable musicians, artists, and participants in this thriving semi-underground subculture. From well-known innovators like Frankie Bones, Genesis P-Orridge, Carl Cox, Wolfgang Flur, and Jack Dangers to relatively new names like THE CRYSTAL METHOD, RONI SIZE, UBERZONE, and BT, the many facets and ideas behind the modern electronic scene are explored and discussed--usually intelligently and (probably to the dismay of law enforcement) coherently. Topics explored include initial musical influences, music production and sampling, the tribal /spiritual connection, drug use, graphic and digital art, the connection to the early punk scene, and much more. Fans, visual artists, and rave participants are also given plenty of time to speak, while the impressive filmwork and editing--not to mention a superb audio soundtrack-- provide an explosive, high energy kick to the film. Added features include extended interview segments with several of the featured artists (most informative being those from Genesis P regarding the PSYCHIC TV acid house phase and Wolfgang Flur on his days in the legendary KRAFTWERK), and a full-length commentary by the filmmakers that provides amusing anecdotes and insight into what went into the making of this landmark film. A most interesting and very well-done summation of a music scene that continues to evolve and mutate well into the future. (Music Video Distributors)

Big Electric Cat-Burning Embers EP CD- This MISSION/ SISTERS copycat act commissioned industrial remixes by DEATH METHOD and HATE DEPT and still comes up devoid of ideas. Only Paris Skyes shows any sort of promise.(Cleopatra)

Big Hate-Big Hate CD-Does the world need another garage/rock band? (Flip)

Big Road Breaker-Dont Fuck With The Angels CD-Diverse, interesting collection of sharp, noisy post-industrial sound collages and manipulations. Ear-jarring stuff. (Muzamuza)

Big Satan - "Souls Saved Hear" CD - Beginning with the crushing 'Ce Sont les Noms des Mots', the trio of Tim Berne (alto sax), Marc Ducret (guitar), and Tom Rainey (drums) here compose a 9-track collection of improvised avante-jazz gems that coast from inquisitive and playful manoeuvres to power-trio shredding. Additional production by David Torn adds a clear and focused dimension, and 'Souls Saved Hear' is more than a worthy addition to any experimental and improv collection. (The Blue Series/Thirsty Ear)

Bile-Teknowhore CD-Throw down some hi-octane grindcore, add some post-industrial dance beats, season with lots of samples/noise, and there you have the raw, ugly sound of BILE. The GWAR of the electronic scene? (Energy)

"Biohazardous" DVD - Beginning with a faux TV news report by an anchor named 'George Romero', it's quite obvious that this tongue-in-cheek zombie flick is unquestionably an homage to the legendary Living Dead movies. And, despite a pretty derivative storyline that echoes Romero's great 'Night Of The Living Dead' and 'Dawn Of The Dead' movies, this low-budget indie horror tale does not disappoint. From the cinematography to the acting, 'Biohazardous' proves to be a very well-done alternative to mainstream teen-horror cack and I definitely see a bright future for this crew and writer/director Michael J. Hein. My interest was held for the full duration of the film, and that says a wealth from a lifelong horror fan like myself. Solid work all around and well worth a look for fans of zombie and B-horror films alike. (Eclectic DVD)

Biopsy-Nervate CD-Pretty fiery electro-metal-dance from Brazil, with fine production and a crispy, crunchy sort of SWAMP TERRORISTS feel to most tracks. But other cuts like Utopic Tranquility echo the soothing tones of DEAD CAN DANCE or DELERIUM. All-in-all, a diverse and professional disc that definitely warrants attention. (Cri Du Chat)

Bios+a+ic - "Blood For Oil" CDR - This ultra-limited (100 copies) release from Wesley Davis is a dedication to 'all the people in occupied Iraq'. Soundwise, this slice of atmospheric industrial sound collage tosses in fragments of political speeches, news reports, and interviews alongside tribal drums and enveloping swashes of ambience and radio transmissions. Parallels can be drawn to such textural sound artists as MUSLIMGAUZE or O YUKI CONJUGATE, but BIOS+A+IC come from an entirely different headspace. Political, yes, but 'Blood For Oil' also serves as an excellent (if unsettling) document of the whole fucked-up debacle that is the war/occupation. Absolutely effective (especially the masterful 24-minute opening track) and a highly recommended release, even if a close friend remarked parts of it sounded like a broken appliance. Hah! (Symbolic Insight/Parasomnic)

Bird Show - "Green Inferno" CD - Chicago-based acoustic/minimalist scenester Ben Vida (of PILLOW, TOWN & COUNTRY, and other projects) here presents his debut as BIRD SHOW. Starting out with the exotic noise/drones of 'All Afternoon Part #1' (which finishes up with augmented field recordings of birds, perhaps not-so-coincidentally), 'Green Inferno' is a uniquely individual set of songs that take inspiration (and sound sources) from natural locales and tribal musics. Vida's work creates a sort of psychedelic journey, with cross-cultural reference points that twist and transform his driftily unorthodox structures into landscapes that befuddle and confuse. It's not a familiar world he's created here, but rather a whole new one, using aspects of vastly different places and textures. I get more of a disjointed, haphazard vibe early in the disc, with these elements not seeming to gel quite enough. Halfway through, though, the pace picks up considerably and 'All Afternoon Pt #2 (Dawn Of The Dead)' gets really focused on a trance/drone mantra that successfully fuses the old and new. Astounding track. It's just a shame the whole CD doesn't resonate with quite the same energy. (Kranky)

Bird Show - "Lightning Ghost" CD - This second solo release by Ben Vida moves closer to song-based territory than his previous work, and that's a good thing. Honed during his live performances of 2005, BIRD SHOW's music joins loosely-organized tribal percussive patterns with drones, chants, and glitchy electronics for a freeform sort of psychedelic experience. Vida creates a mystical journey within these tracks, heavy of the atmospheres and laced with edgy melodies and fragile electro-acoustic meanderings. 'Lightning Ghost' is a wonderfully exotic release, bringing together disparate sound elements and collaging them into an organic whole that conjures visions of opium dens and deep-woods shamen. Remarkable and wonderfully unique. (Kranky)

Chris Bissonnette - "Periphery" CD - An excellent and thoroughly satisfying selection of ambient tinkerings from this Ontario-based composer and artist. Bissonnette's compositions are based on sampled piano and orchestral sounds, then processed into textural pieces that are both ambiguous and organic. Works like 'Comfortable Expectations' function well as background listening--truly 'ambient' in Eno's original sense of the word, but they also serve as mood-altering pieces for meditation or perhaps reading to. Bissonnette is adept at sculpting vast terrains of glistening drones and lingering tones that resonate warmly in the soul. An excellent disc and wholly recommended. (Kranky)

Black, Frank-The Cult Of Ray CD-Quirky pop/ rock from the legendary PIXIES x-vocalist. (American)

Black Lung-The Depopulation Bomb CD-Instrumental, minimalistic techno with dark ambient tendencies from a member of SNOG.(Fifth Colvmn)

Blackmouth-"Blackmouth" CD-This new collaborative project brings together the talents of John Bergin (c17h19n03/TRUST OBEY), Brett Smith (CAUL), and Jarboe, and it treads ground that seems unfamiliar to all. Without question, the disc is highlighted by Jarboe's diverse and often malevolent vocals and words. Musically, Bergin and Smith conjure somber atmospheres with a downtempo rhythmic bend. It's a creepy journey already, but with the addition of Jarboe's haunting stories and torch-style singing, it's an almost nightmarish swirl of tension and borderline trip-hop affectations. A new and colorful leaf turned by these visionary artists. (Crowd Control Activities)

Black Rain-1.0 CD-Mixture of fair hardbeat and excellent soundtrack atmospheres.(Fifth Colvmn)

Black Rain-Nanarchy CD-Diverse instrumental electro-beat music with tastes of both soundtrack (Das Dusenflugzeug) and rock (Nanarchy , an altered cover of the classic SEX PISTOLS track). (Fifth Colvmn)

Black Tape For A Blue Girl-Remnants of A Deeper Purity CD-Soft, gentle darkwave lullabies that soothe and ooze with passionate sorrow. At 78 minutes, its good value for the money but taken all at once, be prepared to be lulled off to sleep. Quite enjoyable however in smaller doses. (Projekt)

various-"Blatant Propaganda Volume 1" CD-A comp of "electronica, industrial, and darkwave" sounds from a variety of mostly unknown artists from Australia and the US. There's some standout work here, and a great deal of potential from several artists here. My picks of the litter include FATE RAZOR's dark and deep dub, DOGMACHINE's heavy and pounding "Fetish", with female vocals that remind me a little of ATARI TEENAGE RIOT's Hanin Elias, and ON's "Perpetuity", which is a slick and developed little melodic breakbeat gem. A good selection and worth a listen to those looking into the Australian electronic/darkwave underground. The zine this comp accompanies is a collection of political ideas and conspiracy theories that take me back to the old punk days. (Blatant Propaganda)

Blink Twice-Other Locations CD-A collection of dark soundtracks that rival names like DELERIUM or the Cold Meat stable in atmospherics and style. And at 72 minutes, this is quite a find. Very professional and definitely film score quality work. Excellent. (Broken Seal)

Blink Twice-Slow Escape From Sorrow CS-Excellent electronic soundtracks with finesse and a unique sound that deserves CD release. Tense atmospheres and a highly visual quality place this one well into the recommended category. (Sick Muse)

The Blue Series Continuum - "Sorcerer Sessions Featuring The Music Of Matthew Shipp" CD - Here, the prolific Shipps highlights his classical piano side, with the help of some disparate collaborators like electronic programmer FLAM, bass legend William Parker, BANG ON A CAN arranger/clarinetist Evan Ziporyn, and others. This recording transcends genre definitions, gelling into a cohesive and evocative selection of piano-driven, electronic and jazz-inflected soundtracks. At times sparse, subtle, and sad, these 12 tracks also reverberate with a peaceful air, seldom frenzied or much more than inquisitive or playful in nature. All said, these Sorcerer Sessions are a wonderous and touching set of unclassifiable sounds that should delight nearly anyone. (Blue Series/Thirsty Ear)

The Blue Series Continuum - "The GoodandEvil Sessions" CD - This new project seeks to team up various musicians from not-necessarily parallel dimensions to create unheard-of sounds and textures. This inaugural release features the groove-based production team GoodandEvil (who I admit to being totally unfamiliar with) alongside some major post-jazz players like Roy Campbell, William Parker, and Matthew Shipp. The resultant sound is an electronica-infused sort of film noir/jazz combo, reminiscent in some ways of BARRY ADAMSON's earlier stuff or SPRING HEEL JACK's recent work. The clubby rhythms place it into vaguely dub or funky drum&bass territories, but the contributions from the live players swing the sound into a free jazz sort of mode. But really, this one doesn't fit neatly into either slot. Awesome and evocative work that dares to move on it's own accord, free from the constraints of genre definitions. (Thirsty Ear)

Various Artists - "The Blue Series Sampler: The Shape Of Jazz To Come" CD - Those who think that jazz, as an art form, has seen it's heyday haven't paid attention to the Blue Series label of the past few years. Spearheaded by the visionary Matthew Shipp and an array of forward-thinking minds and musicians, the Thirsty Ear sidelabel has released some of the most 'out-there' jazz of recent times. Plugging electronica, hip-hop, dub, and rock into the 'free jazz' equation, like in DJ WALLY's groovy 'Out Of The Blue', or the ANTI-POP CONSORTIUM's beat-poetry mash-up on 'Monstro City', there's a whole new language being instigated here. DAVID S. WARE'S STRING ENSEMBLE brings a beautifully rich drone/string piece, while DJ SPOOKY's funky space-jazz is a welcome treat. An essential piece for starters and musical travellers wishing to explore the farthest reaches of modern jazz-hybrids. (The Blue Series/Thirsty Ear)

The Blue Sunrays - "The Sugar Bowl EP" CDEP - This new Detroit act presents their debut 5-song EP here, and it rocks in a variety of schizophrenic ways. Not ones to be easily pigeonholed, THE BLUE SUNRAYS prove themselves by touching upon several styles and feels. From the twangy, almost-rockabilly-sounding opener, 'Katy Bugs In The Sugar Bowl' to the heavier garage-pop-rock of 'Electro!', which ends on a spacy, meandering, almost psychedelic note, THE BLUE SUNRAYS are a band who know few limitations. Their playful nature makes for a fun, unassuming, and lightweight ride all the way through. (GaGa Music)

Blume-"Low Glider Bus Rider" CD-Weirdo modern rock from a Minneapolis 3-piece band, 'Low Glider' fuses post-indie-rock with shuffling hip-hop and cool jazz vibes. BLUME have a nicely-varied palette of sound, using everything from banjos, pedal steel, mandolin and cello to pots & pans and turntables in their diverse musical stew. BLUME's homespun songwriting is also varied, moving from woozy and silly to plaintive and introspective. 'Low Glider Bus Rider' is rock, but it's rock with an open mind and a wide open horizon. Cool stuff. (Artyzal)

Boduf Songs - "Boduf Songs" CD - BODUF SONGS is the solo project of Southampton, England's Mat Sweet, and his self-titled debut is a marvelous collection of gentle, wispy, even fragile folk in the same vein as NICK DRAKE or IRON & WINE, but perhaps more psychedelic and experimental than either. Sweet's minimal sounds are intimate and emotive, melodic and memorable, and he creates lonely, desperate moods with chiefly a guitar and vocals (and hints of field recordings). If atmospheric and personal, but ultimately accessable sounds seem appealing, this is one artist I'd easily recommend. I only hope that his future work can be as intensely raw, organic, and beautiful. (Kranky)

Boduf Songs - "Lion Devours The Sun" CD - Mat Sweet is a UK-based sound artist who produces soft-spoken avante-folk that reflects, as the title suggests, a darkly spiritual interest. 'Lion Devours The Sun' is a hauntingly powerful set of tunes, ripe with sensitive whispery vocals and a vibrant sense of melody that embraces the listener gently into Sweet's private nightmares and bitter reflections. It's a stark and lonely recording, like the last will and testament of a man quietly falling over the precipice into madness, perhaps awaiting his ultimate fate. Very impressive stuff if you, like I, need some vitriol amongst your beauty. (kranky)

Humphrey Bogart - "The Humphrey Bogart Era" DVD + CD - Combining the 1953 Bogart film 'Beat The Devil', his 1953 appearance on the Jack Benny Show, and a 65-minute audio CD compilation of classic 40s-era jazz and big band hits, this functions well as a time capsule of an era long past. The main course, director John Huston's 'Beat The Devil', is a satirical crime-at-sea adventure which pairs Bogart with stunning co-stars Jennifer Jones and Gina Lollobrigida and a strong supporting cast (including Peter Lorre). This was late in Bogart's distinguished career, and presents a lighter side to his usual hardboiled persona. A solid piece of filmwork, and an entertaining tale of double-crossing crooks and double-timing spouses. The Jack Benny episode of course features a guest appearance by Bogart, and is of poor quality, though nonetheless a curious watch. The enclosed CD includes some major players like Lena Horne, Bing Crosby, Charlie Parker, Miles Davis, Dizzy Gillespie, Billie Holiday, Artie Shaw, and the list goes on. All-in-all, a very worthwhile and memorable collection. (Stardust/Eclectic DVD c/o Music Video Distributors)

Bomb The Bass-Clear CD-Featuring a host of guest vocalists, Tim Simenon creates a variety of textural dub grooves, ranging from poppy soul to more experimental. (Island)

David Bowie - "Under Review 1976-1979: The Berlin Trilogy" DVD - These rock in-review releases should all be taken with a grain of salt. The fawning can be a mite overwhelming, but some valid points are made as well. Bowie's 'Low', 'Heroes', and 'Lodger' LPs are easily among his most creative and experimental, and they resonate even today. Unlike, say, 'Let's Dance' or Tin Machine. So this release may be warranted, on some levels. At 90 minutes, this documentary details some of the behind-the-scenes inspirations and insights behind this rock legend's retreat to Germany (with Brian Eno in tow), and includes interesting interviews with such 'I-was-there' cats as Dieter Moebius and Michael Rother (from inspirational German avante groups Cluster and Neu!, respectively). Snippets of studio material, rare photos, and live bits are interspersed between the opinions and accounts, and the whole package seems, although quite 'unofficial' - honest and well-intentioned. Very enjoyable. (Sexy Intellectual via MVD Visual)

Brain Leisure-Mindfire CD-More Euro-style electro-industrial with all the usual ingredients. A bit generic.(Cleopatra)

Breech - "Apron Strings" CD - Hailing from L.A., this band, led by the charismatic voice and attitude of the lovely Missy Gibson, has produced a marvelous modern rock album here, with world-class strong songwriting and production. Gibson's vocals range from tough-girl rock siren to a more sensitive, sorrowful, and charming temperament. Certainly impressive. And that's not to belittle the rest of the band, either, who combine rootsy rock influences with a strong, melodic and accessable slant. 'Bullet Song' is a high point, definitely a personal favorite with it's introspective mood and ultra-catchy hook--a beautiful song deserving of attention. 'Kindergarten Circus' is another gem, being a bittersweet confessional that is both stirring and poignant. 'Thistle' is an atmospheric and sad breakup song that will touch even the coldest heart. This is a superb album, more than worth chasing down if you're a fan of cool rock that stands on it's own feet regardless of trends. And Missy should be considered a national treasure. (Ru Records c/o Breech)

various-Brewed Awakening CD-A Nettwerk sampler of soft and mellow pop/rock, with predominantly female vocals. Some classy music here from SARAH McLACHLAN, DELERIUM, THE GRASSY KNOLL, and others. (Nettwerk)

Brighter Death Now-Innerwar CD-Those of you who miss the morbid early industrial glory days of SPK or TG look no further, as BDN dishes the serial killer sick death noise quite well. (Release)

Broken Key - "Advent...Turntables From Hell" CDR - An all-too brief (6 tracks in 18+ minutes) selection of self-termed 'experimental techno' from Hello Shadow Media kingpin Kris Day. And it's some really excellent stuff, much in the same realm as early DOWNLOAD or SPEEDY J, with perhaps a twist of Detroit techno thrown in. 'Advent' is packed with corrosive noisescapes and heavy-duty rhythm/breakbeat patterns that twist and turn with a feverish intensity, while shards of film dialogue filter in around the edges. These awesome and potent tracks definitely warrant some attention from those of you needing more venom in your electronic music. 'Nosebleeding Clowns' would even garner some attention in the clubs. Solid, solid work here and I definitely am looking forwards to hearing more from BROKEN KEY. Bravo! (Hello Shadow Media)

thebrotherkite - "thebrotherkite" CD - From Providence, Rhode Island, comes this 5-piece act that brings the driving wall-of-sound guitars to the forefront while drifting afloat in a gauze-like fashion. 'The Music Box' is a triumphant and brilliantly breathtaking pop song that, in a perfect world, would be all over the radio. The label press info jokes about calling them 'Death Cab For Shoegaze', which may not be completely accurate, since this release revels in pretty loud rock sounds, albeit with sensitive male vocals that do recall Ben Gibbard at times. A standout release that I hope garners this band substantially more interest and exposure. (Clairecords)

TheBrotherKite - "Waiting For The Time To Be Right" CD - The second full-lengther from this Rhode Island 5-piece dares to fuse Beach Boys-infuenced harmonies with shoegazey guitarwork, to wonderous effect. TheBrotherKite crafts deep and well-mixed songs that reverberate with shimmering atmospheric guitars and big open hooks that should find them all over indie radio. The triumphant 'Hold Me Down' is uplifting and epic, all the while remaining introspective and haunting. 'Lay Down Your Burden' is a wall of sound that packs a dynamic punch and a gorgeous bit of songwriting that radiates warmth and passion. A very strong effort that's worth seeking out, 'Waiting For The Time To Be Right' is the crowning jewel of TheBrotherKite's catalog, and a wonderful record to chill out to at home on a quiet night with a glass of wine in hand. (Clairecords)

James Bruce - "Headless Body In Topless Bar" DVD - This little indie flick begins like a sleazy, cheesy B-grade thriller yet manages to elevate itself a few notches higher thanks to some fine and tense acting and some riveting situations that manage to be unpredictable and, in spots, darkly humourous. The seemingly sensationalistic title is taken from an actual New York newpaper headline (from which this film is loosely based), and what 'Headless Body' lacks in blood and sex (there is little of either), it more than makes up for in psychological tautness. In actuality, this film highlights the dynamic interaction between widely-disparate and seemingly-unrelated characters who are all forced, at gunpoint, to reveal their darkest personal secrets to one another as they are held hostage in a topless bar. The troubled ex-con (played convincingly by Raymond J. Berry) brings these characters together in a sort of pop-psychotherapy session that unites them all as they contemplate the life and death situation at hand. And as the hostages quietly plot against their captor, they unexpectedly find some semblance of truth in his deranged babble. An interesting and memorable flick that's worth hunting down. (Eclectic DVD)

Brume Vs. Aphasia-Series One:Round One CD-Split CD from 2 sound sculptors, both in the environmental/concrete style. BRUME contributes 3 tracks of excellent & subtle collages, while APHASIAs 4 cuts are more ear-jarring and abrasive, using harsh blasts of static noise in-between electro-acoustic filterings. (Atmoject)

Brutal Juice-Mutilation Makes Identification Difficult CD-High-octane rant & roll with an edgy punk feel and singalong choruses.(Interscope)

B-Tribe-Suave Suave CD-Spanish/flamenco flavored ambient dance with the accent on commercial. (Atlantic)

Tim Buckley - "My Fleeting House" DVD - This fully authorized documentary and historical collection is the definitive Buckley video reference, bar none. Compiling many ultra-obscure TV appearances, live footage, and interviews with Tim as well as his most intimate musical conspirators, 'My Fleeting House' brings into focus the enigma of this influential and unique singer-songwriter. Tracing his start as a sort of 60s folk-troubadour, then embracing far-out jazz, improvisational, and avante-garde structures, and finally taking an ill-fated turn into more conventional rock and funk, Buckley saw little success or record sales in his time. Sadly, only in the years since his untimely death has the breadth and scope of his work been revealed and 'discovered' by historians, fellow musicians, and fans. Tracks like the elegant and spectral 'Song To The Siren' (performed here on 'The Monkees Show', oddly), the sultry 'Come Here Woman', or the beautifully sad rendition of Fred Neil's 'The Dolphins' show the stunning range of this tragic artist who's career lasted less than a decade, but covered more musical ground than most artists do in a lifetime. A rare look at an artist who has become a legend of sorts, 'My Fleeting House' is essential viewing for fans or those curious at just what made Buckley's work so very special. (MVD Visual)

Carol Bui - "This Is How I Recover" CD - A bold and potent debut from this Virginia-based singer and songwriter, 'This Is How I Recover' is a solid indie rock record that moves effortlessly from raw post-punk stomp to more sensitive indie-pop. Bui's vocals are distinctive and confident, while her band complements her with a strong, though not overly distinctive backdrop. Fans of strong indie songwriters like PJ HARVEY or KRISTIN HERSH should find plenty to enjoy in Bui's work. (Drunken Butterfly)

Burnt Bacharach-"Burnt Bacharach" CDR-EP- Half-expecting some sort of bizarre lounge-coctail parody, BURNT BACHARACH surprised me with it's twisted and trancy electronic sounds. Compete with thunderous bass-beast beats and ominous synth tones, Burnt creates mini-soundtracks that dip their fingers into post-industrial techno/hip-hop as well as more experimental, surrealist sound excursions, without actually being either. The pedigree is evident (hey Mike), and this 31-minute EP will undoubtably please those into such great heavy-beat stars as SMERSH or MAD MONKEY. 'Cool Weave' does manage to bring some cool alien coctail vibes before diving into a huge extended percussion freakout that maintains the mutant credibility. Solid work and more than worth a look-see. Diggin' it! (Mirandette Popular)

Butthole Surfers - "Blind Eye Sees All" DVD - Capturing the raw, mad, anarchic genius of the early BUTTHOLES, this long out-of-print live film documents a pair of shows from 1985, plus some whacked interview bits. This Texan bunch crafted a unique postpunk psychedelia, embracing both the twisted surrealism of CAPTAIN BEEFHEART and the nihilistic tendencies of the early punk movement, pretty well subverting the 'rock' format into a hallucinogenic funhouse mirror of tribal drums and experimental 'jams' that ranged from dadaistic ramblings to deep-fried incoherence to all-out primal terror. Yet it was all thoroughly provocative and engaging--even inspirational. 'Blind Eye Sees All' showcases the brilliance of the band's earlier work, and this DVD even throws on a bonus 1991 live track, a cool photo gallery (with a number of classic show flyers and promo pix), and, for all the kids, 'Butthole Karaoke', so you, too, can sing along. (Music Video Distributors)

Butthole Surfers-Electriclarryland CD-In a much more conventional rock vein than their classic early days, this does have some moments of drug-addled weirdness, and some good songs even. One of their better albums in some time, actually, though it doesnt even come close to the baked brilliance of their Touch & Go years. (Capitol)