Category: Reviews

All reviews

Chris Murray – Raw

(c) 2002 Asian Man Records
[rating: 4.5/5]

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: 4/5]

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

Jon Cougar Concentration Camp – Melon

This is some of the best damn Punk Rock I’ve listened to in a while. Melon, the second full length release by San Diego’s Jon Cougar Concentration Camp out now on BYO Records, Brings back the feeling of early 80’s SoCal Punk.

It has all the energy, guts, toungue in cheek lyrics and snotty vocals that I like to hear in an album. It is fast paced and melodic. J.C.C.C. takes no prisoners on this one. (no pun intended.) I wasn’t sure whether to go with four or five “UP’S”, but after a couple of listens I really warmed up to the Disc and was thrashing around my living room.

Highlights include “My Favorite Place” “I Ain’t The One” and “You Either Got It Or You Don’t”. Go out and get this CD at your favorite store or visit the BYO Records web site to listen to some sounds of this and their other bands. Support the labels that support you!!!

-UPstarter