Review From The Grave- Inside Outlaws LIVE LP

From the rustic look of the cover, it looked to me like it would be another wannabe Indie comp but after a closer look, I see the awesome list of bands on the cover: Doop and the Inside Outlaws, After Dark Amusement Park, Katie Grace, and a ton more. This is Motor City at its finest friends, and man does it feel good. I’m tired of ‘Indie’ rock, and finally, here’s some relief. Don’t get me wrong though, for a live record, this has a ton of spunk. The record has its roots in country, but has a more evolved sound. When I was in Nashville this past summer, these are the kind of jams I would hear passing down Broadway inside the whisky joints. The coolest thing though is how eclectic the cast of characters is here. There’s Katie Grace, whose sound is rhythmic and Americonic (Is that a word?), and Screamray who sounds more like a hard rock outfit. It doesn’t sound like it would go together, but the sequencing of the record makes it right. Oddly, I’m not that big of a country fan, and my favorite on the nine song compilation is Patrick Davy’s contribution, “Something Going On” I can’t describe it on paper at all, and the vocals and acoustic guitar add to its craftsmanship. More so something that has to be heard in person. Ty Stone also sings on the final song with the ‘Inside Outlaws All Stars’, whom are truly the best of the best Detroit musicians. It’s vinyl only too, which makes it even more cool and tangible. Really, go get it. There’s been a ton of records released this year, and this is definitely one of my favorites.

The ‘Inside Outlaws LIVE’ LP release show will take place on Saturday December 29th at the Park Bar, and there is an $8 cover charge. Bands include Doop & the Inside Outlaws, Matt Dmits, and After Dark Amusement Park. The show will be recorded for a future Motorcity Special release.

-Originally Published on the Metro Times Blogs on December 24th 2012
Link- http://blogs.metrotimes.com/index.php/2012/12/inside-outlaws-live-lp-and-release-show/

Review From The Grave- Amy Gore and The GO!

(Based on the title, no. Amy Gore is not playing with The GO! I have to admit it would be pretty…interesting).

Amy Gore and her Valentines
In Love
 Label: Space Lion
By now, if you’re a Detroiter, you should’ve heard the first single off of Amy Gore and her Valentines debut album In Love.
(If you haven’t go search it on your beloved interwebs) The first whiff of the Valentine’s dream-pop came out in mid 2011, and was called ‘Drivin’ Around’ If you loved that, you’re sure to be In Love with this whole album. (See what I did there? In Love? Man, I’m good…) To fill some gaps in her solo band, Gore recruited Jackson Smith (Elton John and Leon Russell, Patti Smith group), Joe Leone (Grayling), and Leann Banks (Von Bondies) for a one off show that eventually turned into a real band. There’s also a ton of guests on the album, Luis Resto and Dennis Coffey to name a few, that make this record cooler than it already is. Believe me, all of the tracks here are solid jams. Go pick it up.
Get it here on split color vinyl and/or MP3- http://thisisamygore.com/gore-topspin/
—-
The GO!
Unreleased 1996-2007
Label- Burger Records
This set is pure gold. Set aside the fact that it’s packaged with special care, this insanely huge collection packs in 99 full length tracks on 5 cassette tapes. Who makes cassettes anymore? Burger Records does and they’ve been doing a great job at it.. They’ve has been putting out great music out on cassette for almost three years and with over 200 cassette releases to boot, it doesn’t look like they’restopping anytime soon. All of the tunes on here are jams (Jack White has an never before heard song on the set called Turn Your Little Light Bulb on. I think that’s worth the $25 price tag alone). There’s live tracks, demos, and completely unreleased jams on here, so if you’re a fan of the GO! or just a fanaof Detroit music, pick it up at the Burger Records online store. Also comes packaged with a Go photobook and a mini-zine made by an old member, Marco Delicato. Burger also just put out the new go album, Fiesta on three different colors of vinyl. Yes, three. It’s a collectors nightmare.

Buy the unreleased cassette box set here- http://www.burgerrecords.org/apps/webstore/products/show/3385396
Buy The GO!’s new album Fiesta here- http://www.burgerrecords.org/apps/webstore/products/show/3583651

-Originally Published on the Metro Times Blogs on December 21st 2012
Link-  http://blogs.metrotimes.com/index.php/2012/12/jumblejumble-amy-gore-the-go-unreleased/

Review From The Grave- Jack White's New Single 'Freedom At 21'

Earlier this year, Jack White released 1000 helium balloons from the Third Man Records headquarters in Nashville,TN. The balloons were accompanied with a flexi disc of the third single released off of his debut album Blunderbuss. So far, only six of the records have been found. Several of them have been found in pastures and other weird places. After a while of looking at that webpage, I had a thought. ‘Why does Jack come up with all these awesome ideas?’ This thought, along with the gap in my collection has haunted me until today at noon.
I looked on thirdmanrecords.com, and the big nugget of news was that White will be wide-releasing “Freedom At 21″ on an unlimited 45 RPM single. Along with that, all of the covers from the singles released on Blunderbuss fit together to form a nice panoramic picture. (It’s cool, believe me!) The flip-side contains the previously unreleased JW track “Inaccessible Mystery.”
Pre-Order ‘Freedom At 21′ here: http://store.thirdmanrecords.com/jackwhite-freedomat217vinyl.aspx
And check the status of those helium balloons here: http://thirdmanrecords.com/balloon

-Originally published on the Metro Times Blogs on May 21st 2012.
Link- http://blogs.metrotimes.com/index.php/2012/05/jack-whites-freedom-at-21/

Review From The Grave- Indie Singles Roundup

Jeffery Drag Records-
This label is really cool, and listening to just one of their records proves it. I had no expectations when I asked for copies of these, but that changed very quickly. Not only does the label release almost exclusively to 7” and cassette, their bands are well known too (Turbo Fruits, Natural Child, Pujol) and the stuff that JDR records releases is never short of brilliant.
The cool record swag I received:
Turbo Fruits/Bad Cop split single ‘Tennessee Love’ b/w ‘Wet Lips’-
                         

Turbo Fruits/ Bad Cop

Turbo Fruits/Bad Cop
The Turbo Fruits tune sounds like it fits on their newest LP Butter, and has wicked solos and is slightly reminiscent of Jeff The Brotherhood’s summer jam ‘Sixpack’ The song is just about good, wholesome fun; Loving Tennessee, going to the lake, and drinking beers (Until they disappear, as singer Jonas Stein puts it….) The flip side is a Cramps style jam by another Nashville based band, Bad Cop. It’s a wild punk tune, and that’s all I really can say. I mean, you have to hear this thing to really appreciate it. It’s that good.
Listen to both tracks here: http://jefferydragrecords.bandcamp.com/album/turbo-fruits-bad-cop-split-7
And buy it here: http://www.jefferydragrecords.bigcartel.com/product/turbo-fruits-bad-cop-split-7

Natural Child

Natural Child ‘Mother Nature’s Daughter’ b/w ‘Bodyswitchers Part II’
Maybe it’s a coincidence that this tune is called ‘Mother Nature’s Daughter (Mother Nature’s Son anybody?) because this sounds just like a White Album outtake, with delicate equally measured guitar, bass, and drum tracks that pour into each other like syrup on a pancake. This is totally unlike Natural Child, Track one weighing in at a hefty five minutes. Track two is bare bones psych-rock with chilling vocals and hypnotizing guitar and bass synchronization.

Listen to both tracks here: http://jefferydragrecords.bandcamp.com/album/mother-natures-daughter-7
And buy it here: http://www.jefferydragrecords.bigcartel.com/product/natural-child-mother-natures-s-daughter-7




Grimtale Records-

White Buffalo Woman

I’ve heard about this label for a while, but with only one release on the market, I wasn’t drawn in quickly. Now after making the biggest mistake of my life, I’ve found out how much impact on the vinyl collector industry this company has made.
White Buffalo Woman ‘My Days’ b/w ‘This Town’
This gem is nothing short of spectacular. Starting off like a wild blues-rock jam, the A side to this rad single ‘My Days’ has singer Evan Rutledge howling and shouting over the wicked slide guitar. But don’t get me wrong though, the shouting is a great thing. Both tunes show that with a little digging around in the bins, you can find something truly great.
Go listen to both tracks here: http://whitebuffalowoman.bandcamp.com/

-Originally published on the Metro Times Blogs on September 17th, 2012

Link- http://blogs.metrotimes.com/index.php/2012/09/indie-singles-roundup/

Review From The Grave- After Dark Amusement Park's 'Walk Alone...Skin N' Bones'

On the first album from this super group of musicians, They keep to their glam rock roots, and hard rock influence. The group composed of Gregory Beyer (Grayling, Sherry, Ty Stone and The Truth) Eric Hoegemeyer (Crud, Gold Cash Gold) and Troy Gregory (The Dirtbombs, The Witches) are all but underground, having performed at UDetroit recently, among other full house gigs. From the first track on the album Jack Knife, you know this is going to be great experimental, powerhouse rock. Holy Roller Suicide; another jam, is packed to the rim with musicianship, and great lyrics. “I love the band. I first met Eric when I was 14, recording my first demo” says Beyer, the guitarist and vocalist in the 3-piece band. “It’s a pure power trio. I want others to discover the music and realize how cool their sound  is. We’re in the studio finishing up our 2^nd release, and It’s gonna be awesome!” Troy Gregory, a Detroit native and legend, makes a great addition to this band musically, and in the sense of star power. Hoegemeyer adds just as much with his insane fills and wild beats that leave you hankering for more. A fan favorite from the album, Spector, is meaningful, and beautiful in it’s own right. “I’ll be waiting, I’ll be waiting today” a line from the song, shows how much insight into your future these cats have. Prior to the vinyl release, ADAP will be selling the album in download form on Bandcamp.
It's cool. Check it out.
Really.It's great.
http://afterdarkamusementpark.bandcamp.com/

-Originally published on the Metro Times Blogs on May 11th, 2012
Link-  http://blogs.metrotimes.com/index.php/2012/05/teen-a-rama-walk-alone-skin-n-bones/

Review From The Grave- Record Store Day: Twenty Twelve (Inch)

Jarrett Koral just turned 14. He's the world's youngest rock critic.

One of my favorite things is visiting a local record store. The dusty feel of undiscovered vinyl leaves you coming back and back again for that one record you'd wished you picked up.  Record Store Day was created in 2007, based on the celebration of your local mom & pop vinyl store. Every year, bunches of companies have banded together to unleash a bevy of releases for you to pick up on vinyl. Here is a few releases you should pick up. Prepare for Record Store Day, which falls on April 21st.

David Bowie 'Starman' picture disc for RSD 2012!

-David Bowie: "Starman": A 7” picture disc with the remastered version of "Starman" (There’s a STARMANNNNNNNNN waiting in the sky…) On the flip, is the Top Of The Pops performance of said song, which is really cool. It’s a picture disc, it’s Bowie, buy it.

Lips unleash the Psych mayhem!

-Flaming Lips: The Flaming Lips And Heady Fwends: Hot of their set of collab LP's, the Lips unleash a new set of tunes to drive you wild! It's the Flaming Lips with Ke$ha and Bon Iver. BUY IT! On randomly mixed colored vinyl, and it may or may not be made of the bands' blood. It's insightful. It's groovy. It's ... weird!

Foster The People, the best band on the indie scene right now.

-Foster The People "Broken Jaw/Ruby": My new favorite band is back with two previously unreleased tracks that sound like they’re popped right off of their debut album Torches. If you liked "Don’t Stop" and "Pumped Up Kicks," run for the counter.

-Iggy & The Stooges "All Tomorrows Parties": Tracks from Iggy’s performance, hand selected by Papa Stooge, with an interview. (Iggy is this years’ Record Store Day Ambassador!)

Totally rad, but do we need to see him shirtless again?

This years' releases may cut a little short on the "amazing" factor, but it's worth it if you're the completest or every day fan who wants to own said plate of wax. Have fun, and I hope to see you at your favorite local record store.






 -Originally published on the Metro Times Blogs on April 16th, 2012
Link- http://blogs.metrotimes.com/index.php/2012/04/record-store-day-twenty-eleven/

Review From The Grave- Jeff The Brotherhood's 'Hypnotic Nights'

From the very first tune, you know this is going to be a weird album. Jake Orrall of the two-piece Nashville band (neither of whose members are named Jeff, actually) snarls, "I want a place where I can smoke meats." It makes no sense at all, much like the Brother Orrall's (Nicknamed the Bogus Bros by fans) other lyrics. But, the brothers aren't new to the business aspect of music either; Jake runs a record label, Infinity Cat Recordings, which has released such artists as PUJOL and Cy Barkley. Their first brotherly recording, a 2002 CD by the Sex (their first band), shows their raw punk upbringing at a young age. They also released a single and a live LP on Jack White's Third Man Records in 2011. To sum up the boys in two words, Nashville reps. On their 7th studio album, their sound progresses much from 2011's We Are the Champions, and it is produced by mega-music-mogul Dan Auerbach of the Black Keys. When most people hear that Auerbach produced an LP, they think of an overproduced album by an artist who just needs the extra push. Luckily, this new jam collection shows that nothing will change Jeff and their punk ways. I think that's a pretty good thing.

-Originally published in the Detroit Metro Times on September 12th, 2012
Link-  http://metrotimes.com/music/jeff-the-brotherhood-hypnotic-nights-warner-brothers-infinity-cat-recordings-1.1371535

Review From The Grave- Alabama Shakes' 'Boys And Girls'

The radical stuff erupts out of "Hold On" with such anguish that I'm amazed that singer Brittany Howard's vocal chords are still intact. In fact, I'm amazed so many people have heard it. When "Hold" dropped as the first single, nobody ever heard of Alabama Shakes, and three months later, the CD is available at every Starbucks location in the United States. Such hipster trending! When the Shakes began making TV appearances, (Conan, Letterman, etc...) the public began investing in (or stealing) this little chunk of Southern soul, and that's a good thing. Better this than Kelly Clarkson. 
"Hang Loose" takes a drive through the Motor City circa '63, and Miss Howard can wail like young Aretha. The disc also has its fair share of piano ballads, with little more than a crash cymbal and some light guitar inter-working. The title song and standout, "Boys & Girls," shows how ballads can work magic when the singer means it. Anyone who loves blues-rock must get this. There are lots of surprises to be found in this little band from Athens, Ala., who are suddenly getting all the boys and girls with true authenticity.

-Originally published in the Detroit Metro Times on June 6th, 2012
Link-  http://metrotimes.com/music/alabama-shakes-boys-girls-atc-1.1325469

Review From The Grave- Dr. John's 'Locked Down'

The Doctor is back, and finally you can get a little taste of what he's prescribed.
Giving off the flare of voodoo funk, this time with Black Keys front-man Dan Auerbach, he delivers what you wish the Black Keys sounded like. Even though this is more like a Black Keys plus Dr. John album, the tunes are all but arena rock. The first single, "Revolution," is driven with an underlying baritone sax, something that's not often recognized in rock anymore. It's catchy as hell too, and halfway through, Dr. John bangs out a crazy organ solo, which, with Auerbach's catchy riffs, throws naysayers in the dumpster. "Big Shot" sounds like it's a modern soundtrack for a talkie, (dang those newfangled talkies!) but it comes off as much more. By the finale, "God's Sure Good," Danny boy pulls off a modern rock riff, but combined with Rebennack's "organistics," it emerges as something special — straight outta 1972, kids. But it's something out of 2012. It comes out of anywhere where there's great music, and now the good Doctor is reborn. So, yeah, the Doc delivers his magical healing powers: "Let's all just pray on it ... right now."

 -Jarrett is 14 years old. His album collection is massive because he knows good music isn't relative to a recording date.

-Originally published in the Detroit Metro Times on May 9th, 2012
Link- http://metrotimes.com/music/dr-john-locked-down-nonesuch-records-1.1312157

Review From The Grave- Foxy Shazam's 'The Church Of Rock And Roll'

There was only one Queen. With only so many albums recorded before singer Freddie Mercury's death, fans have wanted more Queen for almost 20 years. Foxy Shazam is the Queen of my generation; an American band from Cincinnati, Ohio who charted on the Billboard 200 with "Unstoppable," the first single from their eponymous third album. On the sextet's fourth album, they rely on heavy distortion and Roger Taylor-like drum fills. The entire album flows together like a three-ring circus, showing off all kinds of rock 'n' roll surprise. Flashback to 1975, and imagine spinning this on your turntable. Amazing. 
The album's best song, "Forever Together," shows the soft and personal side of the band's time on the road. It's the perfect Foxy experience. But album closer "Freedom" is Foxy's worst yet. Eric Sean Nally's vocals are shallow, pointless; he wails like the deer you hit with your car last Thursday. The vocals ruin the entire song, tearing apart both the guitar and string parts. Rule No. 1: Don't talk about how great America is in a rock song. Don't be Kid Rock. But the other 10 songs are fab, and show how, with hard work, you really can be heard.

-Originally posted in the Detroit Metro Times on April 11th, 2012 
Link- http://metrotimes.com/music/foxy-shazam-the-church-of-rock-and-roll-i-r-s-records-1.1297898

Review From The Grave- Paul McCartney's 'Kisses On The Bottom'

Sir Paul is finally at home, paying respects to musical greats, such as Fats Waller, and Irving Berlin, who he was raised on, so if you want to end up like Sir Paul, (highly unlikely; no — impossible) listen thoroughly. Otherwise this is exactly what you'd listen to on a date night. (Though I've never been on a date. I've seen them on the TV. Fun times. ...) 
Take a gander at the star-studded guests such as Eric Clapton, Diana Krall, and Stevie Wonder, who make this better than it already is. The album's first hit single "My Valentine" is a beautiful homage to his new wife, and to his loyal fans. You might remember it being performed on the Grammys (with the wonderfully flatulent Paul McCartney). For a standards LP, it follows in the footsteps of Rod Stewart's Great American Songbook series and several McCartney originals are sandwiched between the classics. Be sure to pick up the deluxe version of the CD for great packaging, and two extra songs, including a cover of "Baby's Request" from Wings' classic Back to the Egg. The edition also includes a download card for four additional tunes recorded live by Sir Paul at Capitol Studios.

-Originally published in the Detroit Metro Times on March 7th, 2012
Link-  http://metrotimes.com/music/paul-mccartney-kisses-on-the-bottom-hear-music-1.1282008

Review From The Grave- John K. Samson's 'Provincial'

The lead singer of Canadian band the Weakerthans has gone solo with a pack of jams, and you most likely haven't heard anything about it. Too bad because it's extremely easy to listen to and every song's reminiscent of a good Neil Young album. The first few songs are slow going, but it rolls along, and starts getting great by "When I Write My Master's Thesis," — a little nod to Dylan — which name-drops almost every nerdy thing you love. Plus, this isn't overproduced at all. It has the old feel of a folk-garage band. (Is there such a thing?) This album is also great for anyone who likes looking for insight from (poetic) lyrics. Next time you're on a wintery afternoon trip though Canada, listen to this, kick back, and enjoy.


-Originally published in the Detroit Metro Times on February 8th, 2012
Link- http://metrotimes.com/music/john-k-samson-provincial-anti-1.1268748

Review From The Grave- The Black Keys' 'El Camino'

The Keys have now officially graduated from the laid-back "folk-blues" recording style, and have slung into the Top 40. From the start, this 38-minute, 11-jam collection doesn't catch on to the brilliance of 2008's home run Brothers, but producer (du jour) Danger Mouse has had a major pop influence on them. "Lonely Boy" keeps on track with electro funk beats, fuzzy guitar licks and spontaneous drumming (not to mention the hilarious video of the song), though "Little Black Submarines" comes off as a Dylan-influenced, folk-sounding piece that halfway erupts into a Zeppelin-influenced ballad. (The words in each song make no sense though; the Keys supposedly went to the studio sans lyrics and worked mainly on instrumentation.) The catchy "Run Right Back" is a worthwhile listen with its great riffs, sounding more like an outtake from the previous album. "Hell of a Season" is too much like Vampire Weekend's Contra, or it sounds like every single garage band in Michigan. (And we don't need another one.) "Mind Eraser" is the only song here that whiffs of blues familiarity; it brings us back to the old days in 2000, when two guys were just recording in their Akron, Ohio, garage, before becoming an overcommercialized pop band. The dig-down-deep rhythm and murky vocals are a remembrance to all things past and present. Think of this album as a friendly transition between sounds, and a sort of "place-holder" of what's to come.

-Originally published in the Detroit Metro Times on January 11th, 2012
Link- http://metrotimes.com/music/the-black-keys-el-camino-nonesuch-1.1255812

Review From The Grave- Taylor Swift's 'Speak Now LIVE CD/DVD'

Taylor Swift has never released a live recording, and now you can enjoy it without paying more than $100 for a decent seat. If you were at her Ford Field concert earlier this year, you should be excited, as parts of this package were recorded in Detroit. The CD contains all but two tracks of the complete Speak Now album from last year spliced in between acoustic covers of popular songs including "Drops of Jupiter," "Bette Davis Eyes," and the Jackson 5's "I Want You Back," which not only shows her fantastic talent, but her ability to play. The sound quality is great (with little to medium screaming fan interruption) and legendary rock producer Bob Ezrin mixes the audio. Although no songs from her previous two albums are on the CD, it's amazing to hear Taylor in her natural environment. The DVD features most of the CD tracks along with other hits including, "You Belong With Me," "Love Story" and "Fearless." The DVD was filmed during all 15 shows of the first leg of the tour, featuring the best performances of each song, without leaving fans disappointed. The special features have footage from the tour rehearsals, and home movies shot throughout her career. Definitely worth buying for the hard-core Swift fan.


-Originally published in the Detroit Metro Times on December 21st, 2011
Link-  http://metrotimes.com/music/teen-a-rama-1.1247717

Review From The Grave- Alice Cooper's 'Welcome 2 My Nightmare'

This highly anticipated sequel to 1975's Welcome to My Nightmare gets back to basics, only this time Detroit native Alice Cooper's crazed fantasies aren't exactly on par with the original masterpiece. Album opener, "I Am Made of You," even has some Cooper fanatics rightly disappointed in its fusion of AutoTune and high-octane rock 'n' roll. The album also sports a list of sometimes questionable guest artists, including Ke$ha, Rob Zombie, Vince Gill and John 5, who almost makes this a true monstrosity. ("I'll Bite Your Face Off," the Ke$ha-guesting first single, doesn't exactly come together.)
Because we get the original Alice Cooper Group (minus guitarist Glen Buxton, RIP) on three songs, Welcome 2 isn't a waste of shelf space. "A Runaway Train" is purely guitar-induced mayhem, a sound that could only rise from the original band. 
Alice next awakens from his nightmare to find himself in a sideshow-esque world. "Last Man on Earth" sounds like an early Rankin-Bass holiday special song. Alice trips through hell with Rob Zombie on "The Congregation," and the fairly good hook and guitar craftsmanship should leave you in stitches by the last note. Alice hits a zombie disco party in "Disco Bloodbath Boogie Fever," and, after a wild night, he bids his zombie girlfriend goodbye in the Coop's most touching ballad ever, "Something to Remember Me By." Cooper then winds up in the devil's lair with Ke$ha in "What Baby Wants." Ke$ha's appearance here was a smooth marketing move, but awkward; she doesn't fit the part. 
The finale, "The Underture," is a great contrast between this and the '75 original, giving the vibes of classic rock 'n' roll. Guesting on the instrumental is Detroit's Dick Wagner, who was involved in the original album and co-wrote "Only Women Bleed" among other Cooper hits. Though the album doesn't match the classic Welcome to My Nightmare, it's a fine compilation of what Cooper's about — giving his loyal fans what they need, '70s rock with a bizarre twist.

-Originally published in the Detroit Metro Times on December 7th, 2011
 Link- http://metrotimes.com/music/alice-cooper-welcome-2-my-nightmare-universal-1.1241592