Ten years after it was released, this album still gives me a bit of the shivers. The debut album of this trio, Doves, was a big step forward that did not get a lot of initial notice, but gathered momentum due to its atmospheric qualities, and paved the way for their second, and even more commercially successful album, The Last Broadcast. I chose this album because of my experiences
The Cult, Sonic Temple – Retro CD Review
I reviewed the album Love by this band some months ago, and talked about how the band was still in the process of harnessing their sound. 1989′s Sonic Temple was the apex of the band’s popularity, with the enormous success of “Fire Woman” and “Edie (Ciao Baby)”, although their sound had expanded beyond the psychedelic/southern blues-rock synthesis into the realm of arena sounds, although the still maintained their unique
House of Love, Butterfly – Retro CD Review
To say this is a Britpop album would be far too simple; however, it really is one of the forerunners to that movement. The sounds of the guitars of Guy Chadwick and Simon Walker jangle like Britpop, but distort, delay and float like a Jesus & Mary Chain that’s in love with the beauty of the world. Chadwick is effortless and casual with his vocals, and almost wry in
Underworld, Second Toughest in the Infants – Retro CD Review
I never thought I would be a “techno guy”. And I’m certainly not a raver. When this album came out I was not initially aware of it. It took exposure from a party girl with whom I made out once or twice, back in late 1996/early 1997, for me to become hear this group at all. I feel pretty certain that a good percentage of my readers, all four
The Clash, London Calling – Retro CD Review
Joe Strummer was the ideal front man for a rock & roll band. His preeminence is showcased on London Calling, The Clash’s Third Full-length release. It is considered one of their best albums by many, and though I don’t agree totally, that’s mainly because so many of their releases are so thoroughly well-structured. That having been said, London Calling is an excellent album. Thirty years after its release, it is still
The Romantics, Self Titled – Retro CD Review
Also in January 1980, the rest of the world other than Detroit finally got its first full-length taste of The Romantics, with the release of their debut, self-titled album. The Romantics is straightforward power-pop, guitar-based, catchy and boppy. The next few years would give the band moderate success, with a few singles charting and the band eventually breaking through with the later single “Talking In Your Sleep” (not featured on
Black Flag, Slip It In – Retro CD Review
This record is a masterpiece. I will start this review by making this statement. Black Flag, as you know, were the ORIGINAL hardcore band, even though their sound really was NOTHING LIKE subsequent bands in that scene. They were also, of course, the vehicle for the jumpstart of Henry Rollins’ career, and I know you all LOOOOVE him. Slip It In is their third album, released in December of
Punk O Rama: Volume 2 – Retro CD Review
The second entry in the now well-known catalog of various artist compilations by Epitaph Records, Volume 2 was released in December of 1996. It is now considered one of the better punk compilations in existence. I will rate it track by track, since there are so many artists involved that it would be a crime to lump any of the efforts together. The album starts with “Coffee Mug†by
