Coquettish [High Energy Politics]

Coquettish – High Energy Politics (c) 2005 Asian Man Recordsco·quette n. (ko-ket') – A woman who makes teasing sexual or romantic overtures; a flirt.Coquettish on the other hand are a sweet ska-tinged punk rock band outta Yokohama (where also sweet tires come from) Japan. “High Energy Politics” is the full-length debut from this quintet, the follow up to the “Total Pops Madness” EP and their first release in over 4 years. 4 years seems to be an exceedingly long amount of time for a band to wait between releases. Usually this signifies a breakup or lineup change. I can't say for certain what was the case, but I think it was worth the wait. Listen to “High Energy Politics” and see if you don't say to yourself, “I'll be damned. This sounds like Japanese-accented Suicide Machines.” This stands all too well to reason, as it is produced by the Suicide Machine's own Dan Lukacinsky. Not to say that Coquettish are coping on someone else's sound, they certainly have style of their own, but the influence is certainly there. “High Energy Politics” is a fun fast rocking CD. It's out now on Asian Man Records. Go'n get yerself a copy. Oh, and for the record, they are ninja, not geisha.http://www.justrock-store.comhttp://www.asianmanrecords.com-Jerry Actually

Screeching Weasel [Wiggle]

Screeching Weasel – Wiggle(re-release) © 2005 Asian Man Records Wiggle was their fourth full length album originally released in '92 on Lookout Records. Its been out of print for quite some time. Now its back, Remastered and redesigned with bonus tracks, never before seen photos, and special liner notes. This is a fantastic album with the rockin' and rollin' line up consisting of who else but Ben Weasel on vocs, Jughead on Guitar, Johnny Personallity on 2nd guitar, Dan Panic on Drums and Dan Vapid on bass. With their silly lack of seriousness in lyrics add some great music and voila you have a magical mix of wonderfullness. I highly recommend this album to all Screeching Weasel fans and everyone else because it totally rocks!http://www.screechingweasel.comhttp://www.asianmanrecords.com -Shann13

The Lawrence Arms

The Lawrence Arms [Cocktails & Dreams] © 2005 Asian Man Records“Cocktails & Dreams” is the long awaited B-sides release from Chicago’s The Lawrence Arms. The disc contains mostly tracks from now out-of-print split cd’s, however it isn’t just factory seconds and cans of creamed asparagus. There is an exclusive new song and 2 (count ‘em 1, 2) new versions of previously recorded material. Fans of the member’s former bands The Broadways and Slapstick will appreciate the melodic Chicago style punk rock. I know that I am pigeon-holing but the Chicago sound seems to be embodied by a quick paced (relatively) emo-laden punk. “Cocktails & Dreams” is 16 tracks of bittersweet melodies and cold grey weather anxiety. With songs about drinking, drinking too much, and not doing so in the future, cocktails and dreams is a must have for anyone that likes to sit in dimly lit rooms knocking back the last swig of malt liquor before finding their bottle of booze, all the while wondering where the hell this life is going to; Probably Pensacola.http://www.thelawrencearms.nethttp://www.asianmanrecords.com-Jerry Actually

Talco – Tutti Assalti

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© 2005 Black Butcher / KOB Records

I tried to translate “Tutti Assalti” from Italian into English with the Google Tranlslator. It came out something like “All You Onslaught” I’m not sure exactly what they mean, but if you want me to make the attempt, it means sweet freakin’ ska from Italy. Talco sounds to me like part Streetlight Manifesto, part Potshot. It works well, resulting in fast paced upbeat ska and ska/punk.

I don’t speak Italian, but I get the sense that the music is motivated and politically aware. Something important to mention, from the bio sheet, “Talco are a highly antifascist and against racism ska-punk band. They believe in music independence and in the massage it has to send against every kind of discrimination.” I say bravo! Keep up the damn fine ska. I hope to hear more from Talco. Maybe someday I’ll even know what they are singing about.

–Jerry Actually

Satori – Savor Every Moment

(c) 2005 Asian Man Records
Rating: ★★★☆☆

Comprised of the Rx Bandits with guest spots by Chris Murray and members of The Exit, is the outfit known as Satori. “Savor Every Moment” is their debut album out now on Asian Man Records. I insist that you do, in fact, savor every moment of this CD. All the elements of Dub, Rock Steady Reggae and Ska are artfully combined to create a soulful and soothing record. I’ve listened to “Savor Every Moment” about 4x in a row now and I’m still interested and still discovering new hooks and melodies. There are striking similarities to Sublime and Long Beach Dub All-stars. However, where as the aforementioned bands seem a little locked into 1 style, Satori runs the gambit of Jamaican musical styles as well as displaying R&B influences. The songs often recall the likes of Skatalites and early Wailers, yet infused with modern tones and beats, an dI’m not kidding when I say that these guys have some serious Stevie influence. “Savor Every Moment” is a beautifully restored classic car, refined with modern luxury appointments. Truly a must have disc for all fans of Jamaican music. As a bonus, check out the bands website for an audio stream of the first 3 tracks off of the CD.

http://www.satoriband.net
http://www.asianmanrecords.com

–Jerry Actually

Between The Buried and Me – The Silent Circus

(c) 2003 Victory Records

Rating: ★★★★½

Between the Buried and Me has struck me to be one of the most intriguing bands that I have come across. This five piece band out of NC has shown a refreshing side of the “metalcore” scene. They express their diversity in many ways throughout the entire album that can send you on an emotional rollercoaster. “Lost Perfection” starts you off with countless mathematically sequenced rhythms leave you begging for more. From Clutch to Six Feet Under riffs you never lose interest on what the band is revealing to you. From there you get about half way into the album and it takes a heart felt anthem feeling with some ambient guitar tones, completely different from what the album began with. Lead singer Tommy Rogers continues to show his varied singing attributes throughout the clean softer part of the album. You get an abrupt awakening when “Ad a dglgmut” opens up, and the album continues its precise placement of speedy “riffery” to the end. This CD has not left my stereo yet….

Fulcrum

Chris Murray – Raw

(c) 2002 Asian Man Records
Rating: ★★★★½

I’ve said it previously. I’ll say it again. Chris Murray is a genius. Raw the new full length CD from Chris Murray will be out in late October and damn is it worth it. Venice Shoreline Chris proves to the world that all the high tech equipment that you can muster isn’t what it takes to make a great album. With softly understated brilliance and a depth of soul to overcome the most lo-fi of recording means, Raw shines in a way I didn’t know was possible.Tracks 1-13 were recorded on a portable cassette recorder and track 14, a live version of Rock Steady, was recorded with a portable DAT. Despite the audible differences in the recording means, the disc comes across impressively, as if Chris were playing right in front of you in your garage or basement.This time around Chris Murray has quite a few guest musicians, including some from The Specials Hepcat and Go Jimmy Go. The special guests only lend to my belief that Chris Murray is one of the greatest singer/song writers of the last decade. Give your musical horizon some expansion and get Raw.www.chrismurray.net

–Jerry Actually

Tiger Army

Tiger Army II: Power of MoonliteTiger Army II: Power of Moonlite is the second release from the Bay area trio. They purport themselves to be aggressive American Psychobilly. I don�t know about any of that, but they are a three piece with upright bass and a bit of a country metal twang. This is the first Tiger Army I�ve listened to and well, I liked it. The songs are dark and at sometimes mysterious and all the while drive home a fierce grinding beat. The vocals are very reminiscent of Misfits and TSOL. Furthermore they do put on a good live show (Live review coming). And as the band says anyone who relates to or appreciates their music is part of the Tiger Army�Tiger Army never die. I had to give this a three, not too shabby.

Chris Murray – 4-Trackaganza

(c) 2001 Asian Man Records
Rating: ★★★★☆

I first heard of Chris Murray, AKA Venice Shoreline Chris about 6 years ago. forgive me for not being aware of King Apparatus… But none the less I was at a show in Lawrence Kansas at the Grenada, with a lineup of Venice Shoreline Chris, Less than Jake and Skavoovie and the Epitones. Chris Murray impressed the hell out of me with his "Campfire Ska" and on top of his opening set he played keyboards for Skavoovie. Damn, what a show. I was quite pleased when I learned that Chris was going to put a new acoustic album out, and it does not disappoint. I think the true brilliance of Chris Murray is exemplified in this album. from cleverly constructed lyrics to rich melodies. This CD is a perfect companion on a rainy Portland day. You can listen to track 3 "California Time" and feel the sun shine in. I gave this disc a 5, which I rarely if ever will do. But when you combine the excellent singing and song writing with the fact that it is all done on a four track, the points really stack up in it's favor. Go get this disk!! www.chrismurray.net

–Jerry Actually