MARK MALLMAN - MR. SERIOUS

"Is that an Earthquake???  No - It's Mark Mallman!!!!"

I remember the first time I saw Mark Mallman.  I didn't know what to think.  I saw him perform live and I couldn't decide if I was freaked out or utterly and completely blown away by his onstage presence.  After I'd had time to reflect on it, I realized this was a dynamic musical force I'd just discovered.

Slowly, but surely, I've been picking up his back catalog on eBay and Amazon.  I'm exploring his work and I'm finally ready to put some of my thoughts down in this blog.  I've noticed a few problems with my writing lately and I'm trying to avoid making them again.  Sometimes, I get caught up in a band or an artist and I lose perspective.  When I try to write a fair review of someone I'm obviously fascinated with, it often comes out sounding like a sugary gush of rainbow word vomit I mean to sound fair and objective, but instead, it sounds critical or downright negative.

I've decided there's no point in trying to deliver an objective review.  Why do I need to find something wrong with a piece of music I'm listening to if I enjoy it?  Obviously, reviews ultimately reflect the taste of the reviewer.  They're just opinions; and since I buy this music and consume it, I might as well say exactly what I'm thinking.  Even if it comes out like a heaping pile of unicorn poo.

Mallman is the American amalgamation of David Bowie and Elton John.  Have you ever seen the absolutely brilliant Hedwig And The Angry Inch?  As stunning as the soundtrack to that film is, Mallman's music on "Mr. Serious" is just as intriguing.  He snatches the very essence of that blues based rock and roll sound, coupled with unusual subject matter I find absolutely compelling and drives it through this disc like a semi-truck bearing down on unsuspecting roadkill.  

I'm always drawn to musicians who find the nerve to write about something other than the standard pop fare of love and sometimes politics.  And Mallman does this extremely well.  He's not limited to conventional thinking about composition or lyrical content.  Take 'Executioner'...  This highly reflective and distinctive tune sounds like it could appear as a haunting background track for a Tarantino thriller.  There's so much happening in the ponderance he conveys in this track.  Listen especially to the lines about killing the sparrow.  There's regret, but simultaneous resigned acceptance.  Highly effective. 

In the grand tradition of musical storytellers, Mallman takes us on a journey with songs like 'Still Wasted' and 'Hard Night'.  There's the bubbling pent up Americana in songs like 'Anesthesia' and 'I Work Here, I Grew Up Here'.  

I'm torn between choosing a favorite on this disc.  'Heart Is A Loaded Weapon' is a track I repeat over and over in my truck because I love the sentiment while at the same time, I dig the pounding piano punctuation creating a rhythm that's so much fun to blast out of my truck windows.  I'm also deeply drawn to 'Hardcore Romantics' and 'True Love'.  'Still Wasted' is another track I can't stop repeating.  It's got all the pop sensibility of a radio hit and let's face it...  It's absolute joy to sing along with.

This rock sound, Mallman expresses sounds both classical and modern at the same time.  He's created a hybrid sound that sweetly frames his emotional voice.  You hear vulnerability and depth in the way he delivers his secret messages.  Words you feel are for you alone.  Listen to 'Simply In The Distance' and try to believe he isn't singing directly to you.

If you appreciate strong songwriting, unique voices and craftsman quality musicianship, Mark Mallman is an artist you need to explore.  And I mean as soon as possible.  My final words:  CLIMB ON YOUR ROOF, FLOAT OFF INTO SPACE AND GET WASTED ON THIS CD!!!

MARK MALLMAN - MR. SERIOUS
01. I Just Want To Play Paino
02. Hardcore Romantics
03. True Love
04. Simply In The Distance
05. Still Wasted
06. Executioner
07. Midnight Man
08. Hard Night
09. Proof Is What You Get
10. Anesthesia
11. Heart Is A Loaded Weapon
12. I Work Here, I Grew Up Here

PET SHOP BOYS - HOME AND DRY

This is the second disc in the "Home And Dry" single release.  This would be the one normally reserved for mixes and additional music.  Oddly enough, there are only three tracks on this disc.  The first is a mix of 'Home And Dry'.  It's an ambient mix.  Normally, I'd find this type of mix a little boring but I think it suits the song well.  I alternate between this mix and the original version depending on my mood.  But I like it enough to be happy it's on this release.

The next two tracks are versions of 'Break 4 Love'.  This is a collaboration between the Pet Shop Boys and Peter Rauhofer.  Rauhofer was a popular DJ and mixer.  He famously mixed music for artists like Madonna, Kylie Minogue, Elton John, Justin Timberlake, Lady Gaga, Rihanna, Cher and Alicia Keys.  The song was originally recorded by techno pop dance band, Raze.

The first cut is an edit of the song while the second is an actual mix.  The song is OK and they do an excellent job interpreting it.  If I had one complaint, it would be the extreme start and stop of the beat throughout the track.  It feels like they're dropping the bottom out and just leaving you hanging.  The song doesn't have enough substance to maintain a flowing narrative one can listen to without a solid beat happening underneath.  Neil does his best with the vocals, but they're just not strong enough to carry the track all the way through.

Sadly enough, they do the same thing on the mix.  They keep dropping the beat out or strip out all rhythm tracks with the exception of the bass drum.  That just creates a dull throb instead of momentum.  Still, it's nice to have these tracks on the single as they don't appear on any of the Pet Shop Boys albums except as bonus tracks on deluxe editions.

Like its counterpart, CD1, this disc comes in a slim case.  My final words:  A NICE COMPANION PIECE TO CD1 WITH AN EXCELLENT MIX AND MORE B-SIDES!

PET SHOP BOYS - HOME AND DRY
01. Home And Dry (Ambient Mix)
02. Break 4 Love (UK Radio Edit)
03. Break 4 Love (Friburn & Urik Hi Pass Mix)

STEVIE NICKS - THE WILD HEART

"The Wild Heart" is Stevie Nicks' second solo album.  Released in 1983, it's her follow-up to 1981's "Bella Donna".  At this point in time, Nicks was at the top of her game.  Her success with Fleetwood Mac was at superstar levels and her solo records were making her an international household name.  She was in demand.  Without a doubt.

I've never fully researched Stevie Nicks or bought all of her material either solo or with Fleetwood Mac.  But I've always wanted to.  I respond to the mystical in her.  She touches a part of my soul.  Whether it's her voice or her lyrics, she can often find her way into my thoughts and feelings.  I'm a child of the 80's and Fleetwood Mac always seemed like a product of the 70's.  I avoided 70's music and culture as much as possible as most kids coming up will do.  You embrace the pop culture happening around you and see what came before as old fashioned or a waste of time.

Fleetwood Mac and Stevie Nicks were part of what I rejected as a kid, but secretly, I loved their music and I had "Rumors" as well as other Mac material hidden in my collection.  Around the mid-80's, when "Rock A Little" came out, I finally came out of my Nicks closet and opening admired her. 

Imagine my surprise when I discovered....

Nicks had actually worked with Prince!!!!!  But it was kept on the down low.  That particular  collaboration appears on this album.  Inspired by 'Little Red Corvette', Nicks contacted Prince and he contributed some music to 'Stand Back'.  Oddly enough, this was one of my favorite Nicks tunes and it seemed a fated coincidence that he was a part of it.

It wasn't until I found out he'd worked with her that I absolutely had to have this disc.  And I'll be honest, there are many tracks on this album I wasn't familiar with when I bought it.  I owned some live tapes and more recent releases.  I had some Mac material...  But this was the first of her older albums I was buying.

The overall sound of this disc is very 70's.  There's a lot of that blue collar rock happening on this album. It reminds me of 70's Bruce Springsteen and Elton John.  Most of the songs blend into that sound with certain tracks standing out more than others.  'If Anyone Falls' is the first number to really branch out.  The music arrangement is what really drives the track.  It became well known just for the opening keyboard motif.  The second most recognizable song is 'Nightbird'.  This lovely number suffers from some odd production and percussion, but the music itself is similar to something Fleetwood Mac would do.  I've always believed the song would've fared better if it'd been arranged and produced by Lindsey Buckingham.  

It's followed by the Prince collaboration.  Nicks recognizes the intensity of his contribution to the song by giving him a writing credit.  His additions change the dynamic of the tune utterly.  Nicks describes the tempo and rhythm as having a different TimeSpace unique to Prince.  And anyone who listens to her knows this song moves in a completely different frequency from what she normally creates.  It compliments the music on the album but also kicks the entire sound up a notch.

Tom Petty And The Heartbreakers contribute 'I Will Run To You'.  As much as I've enjoyed some of his work, I don't really think this number does much for the album.  I think they sound great together though.

'Sable On Blond' is another number I think would've done better under Fleetwood Mac.  The most well known and possibly the most popular song on the album (certainly the most personal) is the final track, 'Beauty And The Beast".  This is a very tender song.  It's written and meant for a very personal relationship.  Anyone who's loved a man and lost that love can find a reason to look for solace in these words.  In one song, Nicks creates an anthem of love and loss.

I put so much of the loss I've experienced in my own life in this song.  Once again, she reaches me deeply.

Although this isn't an album I listen to on a regular basis, I do appreciate what's happening here and there are songs on it I find incredibly beautiful.  And the magic lingering all these years later on this disc, continues to cloud my vision and wash over me like a blanket of soft aching.  It increases my tender feeling for this artist.  My final words:  A WORTHY ADDITION TO ANY COLLECTION & A FINE EXAMPLE OF AMERICAN ROCK AND ROLL.

STEVIE NICKS - THE WILD HEART
01. Wild Heart
02. If Anyone Falls
03. Gate And Garden
04. Enchanted
05. Nightbird
06. Stand Back
07. I Will Run To You
08. Nothing Ever Changes
09. Sable On Blond
10. Beauty And The Beast

ELECTRIC SIX - ZODIAC

The first time I saw Electric Six play live, it was in support of this CD.  I bought the disc at the show and I listened to it for the first time driving home from the show.  They played some of the songs live that night and they were new tracks for me.  I loved every second of the show.  

Truthfully, the first time I heard the disc, I wasn't partial to it.  But over time, it's become one of my favorite discs.  There are so many strong songs on the record.  I think the reason it took awhile to grow on me is for exactly the reason Dick Valentine suggests in various interviews.  Each song represents a sign of the Zodiac and as each sign is assigned different qualities and attributes, so indeed do the tracks on this disc possess a variety of musical styles and sounds.

It's a wild ride.  Without a doubt.

There are two additional internet tracks I'm including in my review.  One was a bonus track included only with the iTunes purchase and the second was a demo track the band posted online for their fans.  The demo cut was intended for the album, but was left off.  Sadly, because it's one of the strongest numbers recorded for this project.

The first track is 'After Hours'.  Every album has an opening track that's very similar.  They're all rock oriented and aggressive.  These songs are often used as the opening songs in the live performance and sometimes rotate between shows.  I've had the pleasure of seeing this song performed a few times and every single time, it's been an absolute joy.  I dismissed it at first.  Until I caught myself singing it under my breath while I worked or humming it as I drove.  This is an incredible song and there's a quality about it (probably the strong piano track), that makes me think of Elton John.

Next up is 'American Cheese'.  A rock n' roll track for sure, it continues the Americana of the album thus far and benefits from a complicated musical arrangement.  There's a rush to the song.  A need to push forward.  Much like February, a month that is almost always in a hurry, this track moves quickly to completion.  It's followed by one of my all time favorite E6 tracks...  'Clusterfuck!'  There's no way to describe this one other than to say from the outset, it hits a groove you can't escape.  It rocks you like a lover and delivers a sonic brain pounding unlike any other.  This is one I sing along to at the top of my lungs!  And it's awesome live.

'Countdown To The Countdown' is the 4th rocking track on the disc and thus far, everything's been coming on like a Mac Truck until 'Doom And Gloom And Doom And Gloom'.  Although not a show stopper or a bottom dropper, this track definitely slows the pace of the record somewhat.  After it, you're not quite sure where the album will go but 'Jam It In The Hole' brings the tempo back up and sets you right back rocking your socks off.  This is another popular live track.

'I Am A Song!' has a more traditional pop flare and even features some doo wop singing towards the end.  It's followed up by another track I consider a favorite, 'It Ain't Punk Rock'.  As nonsensical as this song can be, it's also one of my favorite so sing along with and party down to.  I absolutely love this number.

'Love Song For Myself' sounds almost like something Evil Cowards would do.  It's got all the techno bells and whistles they're famous for and are sometimes featured heavily in other E6 songs.  Here, it keeps the tempo but adds a techno twist that's highly enjoyable.  It's followed by 'The Rubberband Man'.  It's a cover of a track done by The Spinners and although the song is almost note for note a direct cover of the original, Electric Six make it more interesting, more fun and more entertaining.  Highly recommend listening to this track a few times.  It's fun!

'Table And Chairs' is an interesting number but probably my least favorite on the album.  I'm much more partial to the final track, 'Talking Turkey'.  It's another strong track and one I absolutely love.

The final two internet tracks are 'I Can Translate' and 'Typical Sagittarius'.  This song has a strong Tait Nucleus influence and it sorta describes the direction the album was supposed to go.  It's very techno and seems to be another Evil Cowards outtake.  You can still find it online on youtube.  

Ultimately, Zodiac is another masterpiece disc from E6 and is quite enjoyable from start to finish.  My final words:  ALL SIGNS POINT TO ZODIAC BEING IN YOUR HOUSE TONIGHT!  BUY IT NOW!

ELECTRIC SIX - ZODIAC
01. After Hours
02. American Cheese
03. Clusterfuck!
04. Countdown To The Countdown
05. Doom And Gloom And Doom And Gloom
06. Jam It In The Hole
07. I Am A Song!
08. It Ain't Punk Rock
09. Love Song For Myself
10. The Rubberband Man
11. Table And Chairs
12. Talking Turkey
INTERNET ONLY TRACKS
13. I Can Translate
14. Typical Sagittarius

PET SHOP BOYS - FUNDAMENTAL

The Pet Shop Boys usually release a regular and a bonus edition of their albums.  "Fundamental" was no exception.  I was able to get the double disc edition and I've been pleased to no end with the results of my efforts.  

My focus with PSB is usually the lyrics.  I love groups who write songs that grab you and tell you a story.  PSB is one of those bands for me.  Except you often feel like you're walking into the middle of a story and watching something happening in the moment.  This record is no exception.  

Still, my enjoyment of their music can be hit and miss at times.  And this CD certainly has a few misses in my opinion.  However, the good material is strong enough to bear up under the weight of the filler stuff; so ultimately, you win here.  What you'll find lacking is a cohesive overall theme.  The CD seems to jump around without focusing anywhere.  As a whole, it can be challenging to listen to.  On a song by song basis, the material is much more accessible and pleasing.

Normally, I'd do a song by song breakdown, but in the case of this CD and considering how late it is, I think I'll just write about the impressions I get from the discs.

I like 'Psychological', but I'm more impressed with the mix on the second disc.  I find the build quite exciting and ethereal.  I get excited when I listen to it.  Let's face it, the first few songs are very strong and keep you on the edge of your seat.  'The Sodom And Gomorrah Show' is absolutely astounding and I've had more than a few fantastic moments singing along while listening to my ipod and having someone look at me like I'm smoking crack because of this tune's lyrics.  They're wonderful and bring to mind Armistad Maupin's "Tales Of The City".  All about discovering the world and embracing a less traditional lifestyle.  Seeing through the crap and finding enlightenment free of superstitious inhibitions.

'I Made My Excuses And Left' is a song I quite love, but I'm also uncomfortable when I hear it.  I've actually had moments like that in my life and it's difficult to listen to a lovely ballad describing feelings I'd prefer to forget.  'Minimal' kicks in and lightens the mood with a refreshing beat reminding you PSB are masters of dance floor hits.  This one made the circuit all around the world I'm sure.  If it didn't, it should've.  'Numb' is a rather doleful number.  I think it's a clever tune, but reminds me heavily of sentiments expressed by Nine Inch Nails and other industrial bands rather than a pop duo.  Still, the issue of avoiding one's feelings is a subject I can't expect master song writer's like Neil and Chris to avoid.  

The next notable track is 'I'm With Stupid'.  It's common to think you're mentally superior to others.  I used to think I was smarter than most people.  In fact, I had a superiority complex because of it.  As I've grown older, I've changed my views quite a bit.  It doesn't stop me from feeling superior when I'm hanging around people who haven't devoted time or energy researching politics or paying attention to what's happening in the world.  My critical mind also feels an ego boost when I listen to people spout nonsense they hear on programs like Rush Limbaugh or accept some radical propaganda as reality instead of researching the truth.  My initial reaction is to pity them and view them as weak minded.  Fortunately for me, I work in an industry where I'm not the smartest or most talented individual in the building.  Quite the opposite, I'm usually the one wondering what's going on.  I've grown to realize people are different and smarter in different areas.  I've been able to see past my own bias and find the strengths of others rather than finding a reason to feel superior.  

Whew, that was a long ramble...  And all to say, I can certainly understand the meaning of this song.  I've often found myself in this position.  

'Twentieth Century' is a wonderful number.  The tempo is slower, but the chorus is simply brilliant and lovely to sing.  It's one I belt out at the top of my lungs.  No matter where I am.  It leads into one of the most wonderful ballads ever written, 'Indefinite Leave To Remain'.  Absolutely beautiful.  

The second disc is loaded with some truly memorable tracks.  From exciting mixes, b-sides and new versions of older songs...  There's something for everyone here.  I love 'Fugitive (Richard X Extended Mix)'.  As I mentioned before, I also love the Alter Ego Remix of 'Psychological'.  I think it's stellar.  About the only thing I'm not impressed with is the updated version of the tune PSB wrote and produced for Dusty Springfield, 'In Private'.  It's performed as a duet with Elton John.  I much prefer the original version to the remakes.  But that's just me.  A name like Elton John is sure to draw some interest in the tune.

So to wrap up, "Fundamental" is a strong record with minimal filler tracks.  You can safely purchase this disc knowing you'll have some great songs to look forward to and enjoy.  For fans of PSB, it's heavenly.  For those who are just discovering them or enjoy them in passing, this is a record you will find many of their styles showcased in great form.  It's definitely worth the purchase price.  The bonus disc is also worth the effort to track down.  It's just brilliant.  You won't go wrong there.  My final words: IT'S GOT EVERYTHING YOU NEED FOR YOUR COMPLETE ENTERTAINMENT AND INSTRUCTION.

PET SHOP BOYS - FUNDAMENTAL

01. Psychological

02. The Sodom And Gomorrah Show

03. I Made My Excuses And Left

04. Minimal

05. Numb

06. God Willing

07. Luna Park

08. I'm With Stupid

09. Casanova In Hell

10. Twentieth Century

11. Indefinite Leave To Remain

12. Integral

FUNDAMENTALISM

01. Fugitive (Richard X Extended Mix)

02. The Sodom And Gomorrah Show (Trentemoller Remix)

03. Psychological (Alter Ego Remix)

04. Flamboyant (Michael Mayer Kompakt Mix)

05. I'm With Stupid (Melnyk Heavy Petting Mix)

06. In Private (Stuart Chrichton Club Mix)

07. Minimal (Lobe Remix)

08. The Sodom And Gomorrah Show (Dettinger Remix)

MARCELLA DETROIT - JEWEL

My first exposure to Marcella Detroit happened while living in Europe. Shakespear's Sister had a huge hit on the radio with 'Stay'. I was immediately taken with her voice. If you know me, you know I don't usually take interest in vocalists. I did really get caught up in that song. Enough to buy the album years later and when I discovered she was more than just a legitimate voice, but a songwriter and musician as well my interest grew. I bought 'Jewel' without hearing a single song from the disc.

My continued impression of the disc is favorable, though I do find it inconsistent. The cover tunes, although probably appropriate, are somewhat lackluster and really don't fit her. Marcella has a magnificent powerful voice. She's also got an off beat dark writing style. On this record she tries to blend that with Motown sounding R&B styles with varying degrees of success. In my opinion, she would have fared better focusing on developing her own original sound rather than integrating Motown. She covers Sly And The Family Stone's 'I Want To Take You Higher' using a bluesy 90's beat. However modern the music sounds, the vocals are mixed so far back in the track there's no power and the club layers only serve to slow the beat further. Ashford And Simpson's 'Ain't Nothing Like The Real Thing' is performed with Elton John. Once again, the vocals are mixed back on the track and the music is so subdued there's no intensity. I suspect both of these tracks were recorded in the same session.

The rest of the disc is broken up between some really interesting and different songs with those Detroit arranges with the Motown feel. 'I'm No Angel' and 'You Don't Tell Me Everything' are both songs with that straightforward Motown drumming. 'I'm No Angel' also incorporates Detroit's interesting lyrics and some great vocals.

The title track, 'Jewel' is an amazing number with tense vocals and an urgency you can almost cut with a knife. The vocal distortions create a feeling of confinement and apprehension. It's because of this mood, the song is effective. As she changes keys and maneuvers through the song, Detroit evokes a feeling of Old English chamber music. It's an odd but completely satisfying number. 'I Believe' sounds like something from "The Crying Game", but it's a very pretty if unremarkable number. 'Perfect World' has an interesting drum motif and though the lyrics are somewhat cliche, it's still an enjoyable tune. 'Art Of Melancholy' is a masterpiece. Truly something original and exciting. The vocal delivery is powerful! 'James Brown' is lackluster and would have served better sung by someone in a lower register. A song she should have donated to someone else. 'Detroit' is a brilliant tune. Not only is it awesome for her, it could easily have been a major staple for other artists. It's got an amazing drive. It's one of those tunes with lasting potential.

'Cool People' is probably my favorite track on the disc. Both this song and 'Prima Donna' are songs that fit neatly into the Marcella Detroit sound. 'Prima Donna' features some Beatles sounding background vocals. 'Out Of Mind' has the feel of a 1950's ballad. I could picture this song being played at a high school formal with couples waltzing sweetly across a gym floor. I really enjoy this song. The chorus is beyond sweet and sentimental.

So my overall opinion remains inconsistent, but amazingly brilliant at times. An amazing talent showcasing some of the things that should have made her one of the biggest names in the business. If you can find it, you should certainly try it. My final word: INCONSISTENT.

MARCELLA DETROIT - JEWEL
01. Jewel
02. I Believe
03. Perfect World
04. Art Of Melancholy
05. James Brown
06. Detroit
07. Ain't Nothing Like The Real Thing
08. I'm No Angel
09. I Want To Take You Higher
10. You Don't Tell Me Everything
11. Cool People
12. Out Of My Mind
13. Prima Donna