Release us

A look at new recordings

by John O'Neill

We here at Phoenix headquarters get lots of goodies in the mail from various sources, not the least of which, in most cases, are CDs (as well as a few 45s and demo tapes) from all over this great nation and, more important, from local bands. Although it isn't easy to get to all of them in a timely fashion, what follows is proof positive that we do indeed give them a listen before we use them as drink coasters. And now a little fodder for your press kits, or a chance to send an angry letter to the know-nothing columnist.

The Mitchells -- None Too Awful Bright

(small batch) three-song EP

All the earmarks of a NoHo band (jingle-jangle guitars, up-front, meandering bass, and understated vocals), and sure enough these guys are based out of Amherst. Caleb Wetmore's vocals fall somewhere between the Wedding Present's Gedge and the dead guy from Joy Division. Although there's nothing groundbreaking here, this is still pretty solid swirling, nuanced indie-pop along the same lines as neighboring contemporaries New Radiant Storm King and Tizzy. All things considered, none too awful bad. In fact, pretty darn good.

Babaloo -- Punk Mambo!

(Butcher's Ghost) 14-song CD

What with the big lounge-music revival over the past four years it was only a matter of time till folks made the natural leap to the Latin rhythms Prez Prado, Xavier Cugat, and Hugo Montenegro made famous. From Boston come Babaloo, the self-described punk mambo -- hardcore ju-ju pioneers, who perform November 14 at Jillian's. They're actually a bizarre cornucopia of bossa nova, samba, mambo, cha-cha, and merengue rhythms married to ska, reggae, and calypso styles. What ensues are 14 songs (sung in English, Spanish, Arabic, French, and Portuguese) of very danceable, ultimately listenable background music. Featuring ace percussion, Babaloo, for all their oddness, are actually pretty traditional. The only punk evident here is the use of sparse electric rhythm guitar and the screwy vocal styling of Oopsy Wallace. The overall result is a surprisingly smooth gumbo of mongrel sounds and exotic beats that beg you to shake your ass.

Popgun Picnic -- Stinks like Truth

(self-release) 11-song CD

Wormtown expatriates Popgun Picnic return from their collective digs in Needham with an absolutely terrific new CD that finds a wonderful balance between heavy alterna-rock and flat-out power-pop. The opening salvo of "Makeshift Toothbrush" and "Stinks like Truth" is an awesome one-two combo that kisses you lightly on the lips right before it hauls-off and socks you. From the galloping punk of "Get Off My Foot" to the understated power on "Trampoline," Stinks like Truth is a confident and compelling listen. Todd Charbonneau's gritty vocals are reminiscent of Stone Temple Pilots frontman Scott Weiland à la the Tiny Music album (which isn't an insult) only far more expressive and genuine.

The real star of this venture may well be the production, which is virtually flawless. The sound is big and heavy, yet restrained and tuneful. The guitars blast power-chords and the rhythm section strains at the harness, but producer Mark Berry is able to keep everything in check. The result in an album that is catchy and radio-friendly, but still manages to chuck the finger at the mainstream.

Stan McDonald -- A Real Love Strong

(Blue Horizon) 16-song CD

Stan McDonald (New Black Eagle Jazz Band, Blue Horizon Jazz Band) has been playing saxophone for more than 40 years and throughout the duration has maintained his stance as a disciple of traditional New Orleans jazz in general and to sax great Sidney Bichet specifically. The result of his diligence is a recording full of passion, elegance, and an unbending faith to the original artists (all 16 songs are covers, ranging from George Gershwin to Jelly Roll Morton), while he also puts his own indelible stamp of interpretation on every number. Whether he's ragtiming through a classic like "I Got Rhythm" or blowing plaintively on the sparse "Song of Songs," McDonald uses his sax as an extension of his soul; romance, urgency, joy, exuberance, and brooding pour from him like absolute truths. The tracks were recorded live, giving the CD a lush, intimate appeal, as though the listener is part of the audience. A Real Love Strong is a fine offering from a true talent.

Heroine Boy -- Sea of Soul

(Big Tom) 8-song cassette

The first time a band get into a studio chances are pretty good they're gonna fuck up their natural sound either through studio gimmickry or through lack of experience with the recording process. It's happened to the best of them and now it's happened to Heroine Boy. Vocals that are recorded far to hot play against an almost nonexistent bass track and drums that sound like they were phoned in from the next county. To their credit, Randell White plays a mean '80s, metal-influenced guitar and drummer John Leite can really pound the skins. The problem is that the recording really borders on demo-quality to the point where it's a labor to get through both sides, which is a shame because these guys have the chops to make a really good album. Chalk it up to a case of ignorance and keep an ear to the ground for Heroine Boy. They're only going to get better.