Deep Elm Split EP, Willis Alan Ramsey, Mike Merz and the Can O' Worms, Beluga...On the Rocks: Round 2
Two Lone Swordsmen, Carl Hancock Rux, The Hang Ups, Bolt Thrower
Yongen, Sunday Smoke Kit, Rose Polenzani, Robyn Hitchcock

	Various Artists / Split EP / Deep Elm (CD) Sample 30 seconds of Appleseed Cast's "Staggerswallowswell" This 6 song, three-band split EP is another delicious helping of the pop-punk we've come to expect from Deep Elm. It kicks off in ferocious style with Planes Mistaken for Stars' "staggerswallowswell". Propelled initially by Gared O'Donnell's raucous vocals and Matt Bellinger's chugging guitar, the song eventually explodes into a cacophony of feedback, melodic guitar chime and O'Donnell's furious howl. Next up, Houston's Race Car Riot offer two punky-yet-compelling instrumentals -- "Broken" and "Racing California" -- as well as "Raincheck", which showcases Jason Jordan's subdued vocals over screaming guitars and a racing rhythm. Last but certainly not least, Appleseed Cast bring us two tracks from completely different ends of the sonic spectrum. "Tale of the Aftermath" combines pounding drums, slashing guitars and Chris Crisci's Enigk-like vocals to form a distortion-fueled firestorm, while the infinitely more subdued "Remedios the Beautiful" employs gently strummed guitars and whispered vocals to evoke a mood that's spooky and gauzy, yet no less affecting then their full-on sonic assault. In all, fine efforts from all three bands. -- jj
	Willis Alan Ramsey / Willis Alan Ramsey / Koch Records (CD) Sample 30 seconds of "Goodbye Old Missoula" Willis Alan Ramsey was at the top of Austin's singer/songwriter heap in the early 1970s, yet by the mid-70s he had more or less disappeared. His 1972 self-titled debut (and basically only) album, recorded when he was 21, has just been reissued by Koch. It's considered a classic of intelligent folk/country/rock by many, and tracks from it have been covered by the likes of Jimmy Buffett, America, Waylon Jennings, Captain & Tennille and more recently Shawn Colvin and Lyle Lovett. Koch put a sticker on the jewel box alerting us to the fact the Mr. Lovett thinks that "Willis Alan Ramsey's record is one of the greatest records of all time." While I'm not sure that I'd go that far, it is a lovely CD, filled with great songs and warm, heartfelt performances. -- ib
	Mike Merz and the Can O' Worms / The Odd Side of the Street / Archangel Media Empire (CD) Sample 30 seconds of "Human Resources" Is it just me, or is there something about the name "Mike Merz & the Can O' Worms" that screams "novelty record"? Well, it isn't, so don't panic. Merz's guitar pop bears no resemblance to the collected works of Weird Al. He's more of an Americanized Elvis Costello, with elements of Syd Barrett and Will Oldham sprinkled liberally through his tunes. There's also a strong resemblance to REM -- particularly on "Higher Beings Command", which does REM-style songwriting better than the band can do it themselves these days. "The Gates of Hell" makes an intriguing and creative diversion, though ineffective sequencing hurts it -- as track eight of ten, it comes in too late to make an impact. Merz's lyrics also intrigue -- they sometimes seem clumsy and trite on paper, but interact perfectly with the music, creating sibilant sonic interplay while telling their stories. Bonus points are scored for the sparkly purple mailing envelope in which The Odd Side of the Street arrived -- how can I fault any band gutsy enough to send us one of those? -- gz
	Various Artists / beluga... on the rocks: round 2 / Beluga (2CD) Sample 30 seconds of The Baldwin Brothers' song "Highway Patrol'" Do you want a taste of the music scene in Chicago, ca. 1999? Beluga... on the rocks: round 2 gives you 34 tracks from as many bands, on 2 CDs. CD 1 has the "lightweights" -- the more pop-oriented outfits -- and CD 2 has the "heavyweights", the metal and punk wing of the clan. As is the case with many compilations, you have to shovel through some crap to get to the gem. In this case the gem is The Baldwin Brothers' neo-funk-fusion jam "Highway Patrol". It's the answer to the question "What would Return To Forever sound like in a post hip-hop world?" Other strong showings come from heavier groups like The Baltimores and Jupiter Down. -- nw
	Two Lone Swordsmen / Stay Down / Matador/Warp (CD) Sample 30 seconds of "The Big Clapper" Stay Down is a subterranean, catacomby sort of disk -- full of shadowy complexity, interwoven rhythms and peculiar melodies in which to lose oneself for weeks at a time. Like most of Warp records' output, this isn't body music -- though you could easily dance to most of Stay Down, it doesn't sport the extroverted "housiness" of earlier TLS material. This is a listening album -- a soundscape of blips and bleeps and proto-d'n'b constructions, rendered in realtime, ripe for picking by armchair travelers everywhere. Matador has thoughtfully tacked the Bag of Blue Sparks EP onto their stateside release of Stay Down, putting the disc well over the seventy minute mark and assuring volume (if not quality) for money. This isn't an album that'll change your life, but it'll make a good soundtrack the next time you pause for reflection. -- gz
	Carl Hancock Rux / Rus Revue / 550/Sony (CD) Sample 30 seconds of "My Coon Gal" This beat poet embarks upon his verbal tirades with a combination of spoken word and hip hop that's rough and raw -- not only in its verbiage, but in its presentation as well. This rootsy revue can be construed as repulsive or as an intelligent societal criticism, depending on your political and cultural viewpoints. Either way, Rux Revue will have you immersed in deep thought after a few listens while your feet keep the beat and your head casually sways to and fro with subconscious approval. -- am
	The Hang Ups / Second Story / Restless (CD) Sample 30 seconds of "Second Story" On the back of this disc, in small and rather modest type, is a significant piece of information: "Produced, recorded and mixed by Don Dixon and Mitch Easter". That makes me feel old -- I can remember the days when Dixon and Easter's involvement would've justified a big "Produced by Mitch Easter and Don Dixon" sticker on the front of the (vinyl) album. Sigh. Anyway...given those behind-the-board credentials, you'd be wise to expect crisp -- but never overproduced -- midwestern jangle pop from this Minnesota quintet, and indeed, that's what you get. As a listening experience, Second Story is consistently "good", but never quite manages to drag itself into brilliance territory -- it's enjoyable, but ultimately not as memorable as the band presumably wanted it to be. -- gz
	Bolt Thrower / Who Dares Wins / Earache (CD) Sample 30 seconds of "World Eater '94" Culling tracks from the long deleted Cenotaph and Spearhead releases, the mighty metal machine of Bolt Thrower lurches forward once more. The band's classic musical formula is intact here, as purposely repetitive, temperamental guitar riffs and cyclical drumming complement the harsh themes of warfare, anger and delusion. A flawless execution of classic metal that's equal parts heavy and intense, Who Dares Wins does a superb job of satiating fanatical fans in search of rarities while opening the door for newcomers with the sound that has already conquered thousands of metal fans. -- am
	Yongen / Floating World / igi (CD) Sample 30 seconds of "Science of Farewell" Floating World is gorgeous. Though they've combined electronic pop, drum 'n' bass, world music and ambient influences, Yongen actually wind up sounding very much like an updated Roxy Music; there's the same air of lush sophistication, the same luxuriant expansiveness to the music and a familiar, almost intoxicating sense of stately majesty. Floating World also resembles Bows' Blush, though Floating World is slack and comfortable where Mr. Sutherland's band is rigid and ornate. The vocals here are pure pop with a spot of 4AD for flavor -- they help keep the more somnolent tunes accessible, though occasionally they sink too deep in the mix. Mostly, however, Yongen offers a dreamy, sensual mix of warmth and strength -- as pleasant and welcoming as a hot bath. -- gz
	Sunday Smoke Kit / Summer Dress / Planting Seeds Records (CD) Sample 30 seconds of "Fall Into Me" It has taken me a while to really get into this CD. At first listen, the tunes just sort of floated by -- pretty, mellow and rather unremarkable. Slowly, though, after repeated hearings, they've made their way into my brain. There's a certain lazy, gentle vibe that permeates the whole CD, and each song has something in it -- a clever lyric, a pretty melody, a fuzzy guitar line -- that keeps my ears interested. I could criticize Sunday Smoke Kit for not being terribly adventurous, but that would probably be beside the point. They make nice sounding pop music, and they do it well. -- ib
	Rose Polenzani / Anybody / Daemon (CD) Sample 30 seconds of "Or" It would be easy for you to toss this disc aside as another Lilith/coffeehouse/folkie-angst knockoff. But don't -- Anybody is deep and vibrant and brimming with artistic sincerity. Polenzani clearly loves and lives for her music, and while for most artists this translates as "irritating as hell", there's something fresh and underdoggish about Polenzani that makes her instantly likeable. For Anybody, Polenzani and Daemon suprema/Indigo Girl Amy Ray skimmed the cream from several years of home and studio recordings; some are mournful, others joyous, but all are clever and erudite. Rose earns kudos, too, for looking beyond her own life for subject matter -- she manages the difficult task of taking on different characters and perspectives without seeming contrived or artificial. On the musical side, Andrew Bird adds his distinctive violin flavoring to Polenzani's guitar and organ, and Amy Ray contributes some timely ex post facto harmony. Make the effort to find this one -- it's worth it. -- gz
	Robyn Hitchcock / Jewels for Sophia / Warner Bros. Evil Empire (CD) Sample 30 seconds of "Viva Sea-Tac" There's no question that Mr. Hitchcock's getting older. As an opening act-cum-elder statesman on the recent Flaming Lips tour, he looked old and tired...but he also captivated an audience that proceeded to sleep through Sebadoh. Now lodged at the "his new stuff isn't nearly as good as his old stuff, but..." phase of his career, with many of his fans now more interested in buying Volvos and vacation homes than music, Hitchcock still manages to be one of the most distinctive and creative voices in music. He hasn't lost his touch with lyrics or melodies -- "Viva Sea-Tac", "NASA Clapping" make that abundantly clear. He's just slowing down a bit. -- gz