Joel Jett’s 7”inches of love & hate part 2!
So this is my second column for reviewing 7” records. If you haven’t check out part 1, click HERE. I typically buy all the records that I review. It is a rare occasion I get any kind of promo at all so if I give a record a bad review you can bet that part of the reason I can be harsh is because I just dropped about 6 bucks or more on the fucking thing. I would also like to mention before you start in with the stupid question of “Why should we care about any of these indie bands that we have never heard of?” just give me a bit to try and explain something to you. I DON’T GIVE A FUCK WHETHER A BAND IS ON AN INDPENDENT OR MAJOR LABEL!!! IF THE MUSIC IS GOOD, IT’S GOOD. AND IF IT’S BAD, IT’S BAD… IT REALLY DOESN’T MATTER WHAT LABEL IT’S ON!!! EVERY BAND STARTS SOMEWHERE! AND NOW YOU HAVE HEARD OF THEM AND YOU MAY EVEN LIKE THEM! Now that I have clued you in on that little concept you will probably notice that most of the records I review will be of the independent variety because that is where most of the vinyl records are coming from these days. I also don’t really like dropping tons of money on some major label import 7” with two songs on it. If it’s cheap then I will take a chance. Now if you really do want to send me a record for review then by all means send it to my office at:
Sonic Jett Records
4926 East Burnside ST.
Portland Oregon 97215
Now let’s get down to the real business shall we?
Suspect Parts “Maneater” (Hovercraft Records)
Suspect Parts features Justin Maurer of Clorox Girls along with members of new wave punk rockers the Briefs and a few other dudes from around the globe. This one is I believe the 2nd of 4 singles that are currently out. I have to say it’s a winner! You get two songs one being the title track that is nothing less than a pop gem. If this doesn’t have you singing along by the second chorus you are a boring human being. The flip side is a fucking barn burning cover of the Modern Lovers classic “She’s Cracked”. Beach punk rules! Get this!
Brilliant Colors “Never Mind” B/W “Kissing’s Easy” (Slumberland Records)
These three ladies from the bay area are back with two new loft pop tunes that are catchy yet intelligent. This one’s produced by Ty Segal! Both tunes rock but “Kissing’s Easy” is my fave of the two because it’s got some genius tempo changes. I don’t give a fuck what you think. This band is fuckin great! Fuzzy pop done right!
Brilliant Colors – “Kissing’s Easy”
Rough Kids “Why So Serious” 7” e.p. ( Rough Records)
Fucking great record we have here folks! Great live too! I was lucky enough to catch em here in P-Town with the Clorox Girls. These L.A. Kids play some authentic sounding punk rock that would not be out of place on one of those “Killed By Death” Compilations. Fucking Tough sounding! “Can’t Stand You” sounds like a long lost Kids demo or something. It’s played dirty lean and mean. Fuck! L.A. is starting to not suck as bad.
Rough Kids – “Can’t Stand You”
King Louie & The Missing Monuments “BlackRainbow” 7” (Douchemaster Records)
Ahhh! King Louie! What can I say? The man is a genius and everything he’s involved in pretty much rules. This single is no exception and His band was tops at the Slabtown Bender this year. You get two pop songs that have so much soul infused in them you wouldn’t know what to do with it all. His lyrics are what I am really in love with cause he’s like a fucking storyteller. Just pay attention to the words in “Black Rainbow” and you will be captivated. So glad Louie is with us! His songs help me get through the tough times.
http://www.myspace.com/missingmonuments
Happy Birthday “Shampoo” B/W “Alien” 7” (Sub Pop)
I Really like this bands lp. I only bought it cause the main dude is in King Tuff which I think put out a near flawless album. Although this is different and has a bit more of a indie pop feel to it rather than a 60’s influenced power pop vibe I think It’s still good. So many people are complaining about this band. I guess it’s not everyone’s cup of tea but fuck….it still beats half the shit that gets hyped up these days. Happy Birthday deliver more great bubblegum pop rock on this one. The B-side is the better of the two. It was one of those record store day releases but it was worth grabbing a copy. People are stupid.
http://www.myspace.com/brattleborohousecartoon
White Load “My Wall” 7” e.p. (Ken Rock Records)
Man…I don’t really know where these guys are from and I don’t care. I am way too lazy to look it up too. All I know is this is some shit sounding hardcore punk with over the top trashy sounding vocals. The music itself sounds like it’s held together with scotch tape or something and it’s on the verge of falling apart. White Load somehow keeps it together to finish the songs and as it turns out they have managed to record a punk single that is pretty fucking great. This is the real deal. Now shotgun another beer and call me in the morning! WARNING: This record is not for pussies.
Mind Spiders 7” e.p. (Dirtnap Records)
Alright! 4 songs on this one! More bang for your buck! This is Mark Ryan from the Marked Men’s solo project. I think he plays all the instros on this record as well delivers the vocals. Great stuff here as expected. Kind of a dark feeling to it but the songs still have those hooks that hit you right where it counts. Reverb drenched vocals all over this thing make it kind of creepy. Maybe I should call it creep pop. There! I have tagged a new genre of music. I just know Mark already has more material recorded that is gonna blow your mind. Don’t snooze on this project. You will be kicking yourself later.
Mind Spiders – “Dirty Secrets”
Superior Units “Take Her In The Classroom” 7” (Plastic Idol Records)
This is one of the best singles I have heard all year! Fucking retarded pop punk done right. Kind of has a Simpletones vibe to it or something. Catchy, Stupid , and great! The world needs more records like this one. Thank god Berkley has something in it besides a bunch of spare changing hippie scab pickers. I can’t get “Take Her In The Classroom” Out of my head. That my friends is a good thing!
