Tag: LA

Cherry Bomb

by Carrie Borzillo-Vrenna

SSE 2008

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[rating:2.5/5]

I always thought of myself as a rock chick so I thought Cherry Bomb would be a fun read. My overall conclusion is that it is a cute book but I not sure it can make me a better rock chick. Well, if I lived in Hollywood it might. It has some good parts and some boring parts.

The book starts off with a lessons on drinking Absinthe and making apple martinis which I may have to try someday. Carrie bounces back and forth between how to land a rock star boyfriend and how to dress like a rock star. Not being one who cares too much about fashion and designer clothing I found the chapters about famous rock designers boring.

Also I find that I have no need for a rock star boyfriend due to the fact that I have been married for 16 years. I believe being a rock chick is a state of mind, not the because I am wearing Gaultier or have my tongue pierced. In my book, rock chicks care less about what others think and do whatever the hell they want. Seems more like a promotion for her famous friends than a guide on how to bring out the inner rock chick.

–Kiki D

Roll the Tanks – Suffer City

(c) 2008 INR
[rating: 3/5]

Fire the guns and Roll the Tanks! Here’s the new disc from (now) L.A. based band Roll the Tanks. Suffer City is the sophomore effort from the band. Originally from the Boston area, the band now contends with sunshine and smog. I’m not familiar with the bands prior work, but what I’m hearing on the new disc is enjoyable so far. What you get is 11 tracks of somewhat unique sounding punkish rock somewhere between The Clash and Modest Mouse. In all honesty, I’m rushing through this, but for real I do like what I’m hearing. It (the disc) has a distinct early 80’s vibe to it. I’d even go so far as to say I’ll listen to it again.

–Jerry Actually

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Satori – Savor Every Moment

(c) 2005 Asian Man Records
[rating:3/5]

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