TonyDoug's CD Review

by tonydoug wright

Scott Crowder, Foolish Beauty (Dry County 2006)

The Artist: Scott Crowder

The History: Scott Crowder was a founding member of the Richmond, VA band Dark Little Rooms. This is his first solo release.

The Review: When I open a package of CDs for review, it is nice to see new releases from artists who I have reviewed in the past. I was particularly excited when Scott Crowder sent me his first solo album for review. Note to Spiv: I’m still waiting for your latest album, mister.

Dark Little Rooms 2003 self-released eponymous CD was an impressive piano-driven album featuring the soulful vocals of Scott Crowder. Three years later, Crowder is back with a solo album that is a slight departure from Dark Little Rooms but it does not completely break away from the blue eyed soul sound. Foolish Beauty is a hauntingly beautiful effort that blends a modern electronic influenced sound with spiritual vocals full of pain, longing, and regret. ‘Devotion Song’ and ‘Nothing I Wouldn’t Do’ definitely stand out as the album’s best tracks and draw comparisons to U2 and Tom Waits.

Website: http://www.drycounty.net

Songs From the Movie Fortunes (Pravda Records 2006)

The Artists: Tobin Sprout, The Mulchmen, Chris Day, and Ronald Raskin

The History: Tobin Sprout is a former member of Guided By Voices and has had success as a solo artist and as a photo-realist painter. The Mulchmen are a surf-rock band from Dayton, OH.

The Review: It’s tough to review a soundtrack when you have not watched the movie because you want to see how the music is used in the film, especially Fortunes featuring the music of Tobin Sprout, former guitar player and sometimes lead-singer for Guided By Voices. ‘Good Gurdy’, ‘Gas Daddy Gas’, and ‘Toaster’ are three examples of Sprout’s infectious indie-pop-rock. Sprout’s solo material makes up a majority of the soundtrack and many of these songs are from previous albums, but crazed Guided By Voices collectors should add this one to their collection. Also included are two surf-rock inspired instrumentals from The Mulchmen and three pop selections from artists Chris Day and Ronald Raskin.

Website: http://www.pravdamusic.com

Great Lakes, Diamond Times (Empyrean Records 2006)

The Band: Dan Donahue and Ben Crum

The History: Diamond Times is the third album from Great Lakes.

The Review: First of all, it should be noted that Great Lakes have trumped other bands who have named themselves Erie or Ontario. Those bands are named after a single great lake, but these guys have decided to be the whole collective. Dan Donahue and Ben Crum have a catchy little 1970s pop and country thing going on with Diamond Times and they top it off with vocals that are eerily similar to David Lowery. It starts off with some upbeat pop numbers like ‘Farther’ and then becomes a toe-tappin’ alterna-country album.

Website: http://www.empyreanrecords.com

The Shimmers, The Way You Shine (Transit of Venus 2006)

The Band: Dave Bielanko, Ronnie Vance, Eden Daniels, and Andrew Chalfen

The History: Billed as a ‘Philadelphia folk rock supergroup’, The Shimmers feature members of Marah, Baby Flamehead, and Gimmie. The Way You Shine is their debut album.

The Review: Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young were a folk rock supergroup that recorded some wonderful folk tunes and found time to deliver some great rock numbers. The Shimmers' album has plenty of wonderful folk tunes while the great rock numbers are nowhere to be found. Nine beautiful and calming tracks are featured on The Shimmers debut, which is a fantastic album. Tracks ‘You Want More’ and ‘Small Grey House’ stand out due to Eden Daniels soothing and magnificent vocals.

Website: http://www.transitofvenusmusic.com

The Theater Fire, Everybody Has A Dark Side (Undeniable 2006)

The Band: Donald Feagin, Curtis Heath, Mark Castaneda, Jesse Brakefield, Sean French, and Nick Prendergast

The History: The Theater Fire’s history can be traced back to 1995 when Donald Feagin and Mark Castaneda formed a band called Vena Cava. New members were added to the band and Vena Cava became The Theater Fire.

The Review: Everybody Has A Dark Side is a great Americana album featuring various musical influences from the band’s home state of Texas. Comparisons can be made to Smog and The Silver Jews, but The Theater Fire has an enjoyable sound that demands listeners to sing along to their fantastic tunes. ‘Valentwine’ is a good bluesy number for those who are weeping over some lost flame, ‘Fiddleback Weaver’ takes you to a border town drinking establishment, while ‘Barrel Riders’ is a marvelous tune. Everybody Has A Dark Side is one of the best albums I’ve reviewed this year.

Website: http://www.theaterfire.com

What Made Milwaukee Famous, Trying To Never Catch Up (Barsuk 2006)

The Band: Jeremy Bruch, John Houston Farmer, Michael Kingcaid, and Drew Patrizi

The History: What Made Milwaukee Famous (WMMF) hails from Austin, TX and their claim to fame is that they performed on Austin City Limits as an unsigned band, a rare occurrence for the show.

The Review: If you are debating what made Milwaukee famous then the answer is beer and not Laverne and Shirley. WMMF’s album Trying To Never Catch Up does not have a particular sound because the band is all over the musical map. On one track you get the “Oh these guys have an electronica-influenced sound” vibe while on another track it’s “These guys really dig The Strokes”. WMMF refuses to be complacent, and that’s great, but their potpourri of tunes may be viewed as the band’s attempt to appeal to everyone. Trying To Never Catch Up does have some fantastic tunes like “Mercy Me”, “Hellodrama”, and “Curtains!”, but it is difficult choosing the best tracks when a majority of them are forgettable.

Website: http://www.whatmademilwaukeefamous.com