Lunch of Champions

Bitches are throwin’ up gang signs on the corner of South & Main

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (2.4MB)

Those lyrics got your attention yet? They’re probably the best place to start with Cryns #3 (a.k.a. Toby Cryns) in this debut album, …If Howard Roark Could Dance.

My favorites:
“I’ve been late for my job, I’ve been kicked in the seat, my feet are hurtin’, and my Geo is beat”- How’s that for desperate and low?

“There’s a younger hand, there’s a bible man. There’s a light that shines on the darkest nights. A singer grooves with the Thundercat moves, and a hooker soothes as a doctor would. Gettin’ on down with the Scooby Snacks. You’re gettin’ a hooker to scratch your back. Drawing a line in the sand. You’re stealing the sound of your brothers’ band. You’re tellin’ all the lawyers to back that ass up. You’re listening to a person that won’t shut up. You’re making certain that the siren sounds. You’re firing on all cylinders, releasing the hounds.” – Spit out fast like Bob Dylan dropping flash cards.

“You’ve got to get down on your knees and pray, pray for someone like me, to come along and give a damn about someone like you.” – That’s some harsh sympathy, and tough love.

“I think of you everyday, sometimes twice” – Just downright honest and frank!

A couple sample tracks:
Track 4 – Speak
Track 7 – Kids

Is it punk or is it jazz? It might be. Mixed with a score of largely acoustic instruments, the arrangements turn the simplest songs into ensembles. There’s a sweet trombone solo in there, and he’s got kids singing with him. He even exhibits the art of lyrical reprise. How lovely! Truly heartfelt. Selfless. No pretense. You gotta see this guy live.

And if you can dig the off-key caterwauling falsettos of any of your favorite rockers, you’ll get along with Cryns #3 just fine. The most honest feedback? Children like this album. I have one and know another two who can’t get the songs out of their heads.

Something I respect most about an album like this is that the songs are short. If you like ‘em, you can’t get enough, if you don’t, they’re not long enough to annoy you.

Teague Alexy with the Feelin’ Band | A New Folklore

Teague Alexy with the Feelin’ Band

The sound on Teague Alexy with the Feelin’ Band’s new album, “The New Folklore,” is a compelling mixture of avant-guard jazz, old-school bluegrass, John Denver, and the Meat Purveyors. It is mostly upbeat and tells stories of everyday life.

My favorite track, “Huckleback Jenkins Train Gang,” has, in addition to one of the quirkiest titles I have ever seen, an infectious groove that will have you stomping your feet and looking for a cowbell to bang on.

Most of the songs are written by Teague Alexy, however, it is Nicholas Mrozinski’s piano parts that make this album stand out from others in the folk-bluegrass genre. Never faltering, Mrozinski drives both the rhythm and the soul of these songs with his melodies and solos. Supported by group vocal parts, the songs have a party feel that reminds me of the unforgettable late-night jam sessions I used to have with friends while I was in college.

Unfortunately, the vocals are largely lost in the mix, and for the most part I had to work hard just to hear the words. For this reason, “The New Folklore” will become one of those albums that I enjoyed a few times but will largely collect dust on my shelf. While it is clear that there are some great things going on in the music, the recording and mixing of the album ultimately make it a forgettable listen.

It is clear that this band has promise, but that potential is more likely better showcased in a live environment.

Hatebeak: Death Metal From the African Continent

This is completely awesome.

“HATEBEAK is a fucking metal band with a parrot singing, no fucking joke.” - Quote from Hatebeak’s website.

Hatebeak | God of Empty Nest

I haven’t thought death metal was cool since the early 1990′s, but after reading about Hatebeak at Parrot Chronicles, it is clear that a metal-revolution is afoot…er…abeak or something.

Hatebeak consists of two human lads and an African grey parrot named Waldo. The two humans play some lightning fast, make your ears bleed guitars and drums, while Waldo sings.

It is really something to behold. Both of the band’s 7″ vinal records have completely sold out, which is testament to the novelty of the act as well as the skill and precision with which the band members nail their parts. In any case, due to factors related to supply and demand, you will have to wait to get your hands on a copy. For now, just enjoy the mp3 above!

Pretty and Nice: Vermont Band Maintains Both Adjectives on Debut

Though relatively unknown to the world outside of Burlington, VT and Boston (the band’s home away from home), Pretty and Nice’s debut Pink & Blue will undoubtedly pave the way to…something good, whatever that may be. The quartet calls on the sounds of The Jam, XTC, The English Beat, and The Futureheads as musical starting points, though the subject matter of the songs may bring to mind groups that tend to deliver lyrical innocence–The Unicorns, etc.

Pretty and Nice – “Busy Bees”

The taut, stop/start rhythms and carefree hooks are the disc’s most obvious strengths, but to the band, the most important facet is something not as obvious:

Eric, bassist of Pretty and Nice: “I think this is an album defined by dualities; musically and thematically. Juxtapositions are what give breath to the record. I think that starts to come across in the album title (and maybe even the band name itself), and is evident even moreso in the music itself.”

The disc will be available near the end of October, but as the band has yet to acquire a label, your best bet is to check ‘em out online on Myspace.