Rock from the vault

Or, how my band interview fell through at the last minute

by John O'Neill

The mail sack here at the new Phoenix HQ is once again about to spill over, which means it's time for yours truly to dig in and sift through all the CDs and tapes that you've been kind enough to throw our way. The rules haven't changed -- if it's good we'll say so and the same goes if it's a clunker. Sorry, that's the way it is. If you want a pandering review try slipping in a sawbuck next time.

SK8 Jam 98 Compilation
(Mezzowreck)
18-song CD

Originally a freebie handout at August's SK8:98 festival, this comp finds Wormtown's own talent up against national big deals like Murphy's Law, H2O, Corey Glover, and Shootyz Groove. And not only do our homeboys hold their own, they actually account for the bulk of the better material. Forced Fed Shovelhead announce their return with the heavy-hitting "Corruption(weezil)," and 7 Hill Psychos, Split, Chillum, and Eastcide ("AOP," "Big Slam," "3rd Poopball from the Sun," and "Ire" respectively) prove they belong on the national playing field of the hardore/rapcore genre, though the Chillum track is a throwaway compared to their previous album. North Brookfield's wunderkids, Sticker, turn in a fabulous pop-punker "Sammy the Pimp," and Huck close out the CD with yet another indelible pop gem with "Catchy Phrase."

This compilation should do more than serve as a souvenir of a good concert; it's proof that Wormtown has an incredible amount of talent (this is the tip of the iceberg) that not only deserves national attention but is commercially viable. The CD will be used as a marketing tool at the upcoming CMJ seminar in New York.

You can acquire a copy of the SK8 Jam compilation by calling 791-8470.

Angry Johnny & the Killbillies
What's So Funny (Tar Hut)
18-song CD

From the woods of the Pioneer Valley comes number-one psycho and old local fave Angry Johnny (he's in the Northampton phone book as such) with his second outing on Boston's Tar Hut Records. The album kicks off with the incredible All American Girl, and then the shit flies for the next hour as the Killbillies stomp, hoot, holler, and roll in the aisles while singin' songs about death, coming up short, getting dumped, and redemption. Big rigs crash, bank robbers get shot, brothers avenge sisters, women leave for other men, trailer chicks screw a lot, the devil comes calling, the dead go on dates, and voices say kill again.

Although What's So Funny spends a fair amount of time with tongue firmly in cheek, there's no denying that Angry Johnny is actually a great songwriter -- the perfect amalgam of Johnny Cash, Mojo Nixon, and Ezra Brooks. It's a tremendous trip down the seedy side of the street; Angry and the boys have turned in this year's finest 2 a.m. drinking album.

Lee Totten
Could Have Been King (ninibuda)
12-song CD

Totten may be the most underrated cat on the local circuit by virtue of the fact that he keeps such a low profile. And he writes hook-filled singer/ songwriter fare in a music community that, for the most part, digs it fast and hard. But Totten's second release, Could Have Been King, is as close to perfection as anything that's ever come from the Worm City. Great melodies, smart lyrics, impeccable production value, and a top-notch backing band make for an album that screams contemporary adult radio hit.

Where '96's Sleeping Alone showcased Totten's smart songwriting, it lacked the punch of a great pop album. Could Have Been King solves that problem as the band roll along like a cross between a restrained Gin Blossoms minus the angst and the Barenaked Ladies with actually something witty to say.

How Lee Totten still belongs to us is a mystery, but if there's any justice in the world, we'll soon only be welcoming him back to town every now and again.

(I Quit) (demo)
Five-song tape

The band formerly known as Battle of the Network Stars trade in their name just in time to release their first tape. Loaded with the same high-intensity punk spirit and intelligent lyrics (especially Kind Sirs I Thank You, Turned Out, and the best of the bunch, Postcards and Scenery) à la the Washington, DC, hardcore scene and its flagship band, Fugazi, (I Quit) belt out five quick odes to alienation and pointed concerns. Chugging, buzzbomb guitars, lurching rhythms, and shredded vocal chords deliver the missives in the form of two-minute rattling bursts of raw energy. Though not quite ready for prime time, (I Quit) are a refreshing change of pace and are worth keeping an eye on.