What’s more fun than reviewing new music? Reviewing old music! We go back to 2001 for Kevin Seconds’ classic, “Heaven’s Near Wherever You Are.”
The voice sounded familiar to me, and I was finally able to place it: Pansy Division. The subject matter is clearly different, however. This modern sound was starting to fade away in the late ’90s, but fans of Harvey Danger, Fastball and the like will enjoy the trip down memory lane that this record gives. I’ve used all of my back-in-time analogies, and I still have more of these to write. Now what will I do?
“Chin” has female backing harmonies that keep the song moving, as does “Anti Me,” which just might be the best song on the record and reminds me of the Lemonheads. “137 Song” has a Gin Blossoms feel to it. You can’t really go wrong with any of these.
“Better Picture” has more pep if that’s what you’re looking for — not that any of these are sleepy ballads. “Down” is as slow as it gets, and it still could get you through a mountain pass.
If you missed this one the first time around, take the time to get to know an underrated power-pop performer from the turn of the millennium: Kevin Seconds.
Kevin Seconds “Heaven’s Near Wherever You Are”
March 24, 2010Episode 1342 is up
March 24, 2010Episode 1341 is up
March 23, 2010Episode 1339 is up
March 22, 2010Episode 1338 is up
March 20, 2010Episode 1337 is up
March 19, 2010Various Artists “Phase Five NZ Music”
March 18, 2010I picked up this one for two reasons: New Zealand is the only other country I have been to, and the first track was from Bang! Bang! Eche!, which was one of the first bands I reviewed for KSCU.
Bang Bang Eche, as they are called here (no factorial), are showcased on the record with “Fist Full of Dollars.” It makes sense because I had not heard of any of these other bands. The Naked and Famous do “All of This,” and it has a familiar ’80s modern rock sound.
Kidz in Space is an excellent happy hardcore name, but instead they are some sort of Everlast ripoff. “Ocean of Drugs” doesn’t impress me. Surf City presents “Kudos” and makes us long for some Catherine Wheel. It’s quite proficient at this. Collapsing Cities remind me a bit of She Wants Revenge in “Tazers.”
Motocade is the only act on a label other than Control (Mushroom), but this Duran Duran-inspired doesn’t seem to be any worse for the wear because of it. And the hidden gem that these comps always have? It’s from your good friends Kingston, who bring us “Good Good Feeling.” Pure power-pop happiness is found on this one.
David Dallas was inspired by westside rappers, and I feel comfortable saying this because I am 10,000 miles from him. It’s not bad. It sounds like the rap music that was in The Sims Online. Oh, the song is called “Indulge Me.” Smashproof picks up the rear with an East Coast rap-inspired “Ordinary Life.” I withhold comment why these two tracks are buried at the end. They are both layered a little bit too much, but there’s a vibe, and it’s not lame, and you wouldn’t think it was from New Zealand. It’s good for the Facos and Versatiles of the world.
Episode 1336 is up
March 18, 2010Dadfag “Scenic Abuse”
March 17, 2010The unfortunately named Dadfag are angry in a suburban way. I cannot take this band seriously. Musically, they sound like Operation Makeout, I guess, but you can tell the local influence in songs such as “Hangover Head.” But if you want to go that route, I might as well listen to Glitter Mini 9. You can really taste the goat.
When the band is more focused, there is some fun and dirty results. “Down Baby” is much tighter than most of the tracks on the record. This, this right here. This is what they need to be doing. King Missile has done a lot of noise like this, although obviously with dudes. “Lookout” is also OK, but by the time you get halfway through the album, the songs start to run together. This should have been an EP.
“Tits” has an old-school Yeah Yeah Yeahs vibe to it. I can dig it. “Of a Mind” sounds like Bratmobile.
All in all, I’d pass on this one.
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