25 demos

(Franklin Castle)

A fine collection of demos by 60s pop singer/songwriter Margo was pretty overlooked as a singer although her songs were covered by the likes of Mamas and Papas, Julie London, Glen Campbell, Harry Nilsson, Astrid Gilberto, etc. The 70s stuff on here is pretty weak, but her best songs (from the late 60s) will go perfectly with Holly Golightly and April March.

Matanzas, Cuba, ca. 1957: Afro-Cuban Sacred Music from the Countryside (Smithsonian Folkways)

This is just amazing stuff! Authentic ritual trance music from 1950’s Cuba. Drums, songs, chants...more drums...this should be enjoyed beyond some ethnomusicology class. It comes with a typically extensive booklet. Good God, man! Smithsonian folkways rocks my world.

Green Goblin Project

(Bony Orbit)

This good Florida band plays swampy, punkish rock-n-roll with touches of melodic power-pop and plenty of originality. Some of their songs remind me of the early Twin/Tone stuff (old Replacements and Suicide Commandos) as well as the Wipers. The are less impressive when they try to sound "alternative," but the weak songs are at least succinct.

I Am Lucifer

(Mad Deadly Worldwide Communist Gangster Computer God)

Music, song, sermons, exorcism and demonic possession, I am Lucifer, a classic novelty record from the early 60’s, is now available on cd in its full satanic glory. This great artifact will amuse everyone who hears it.

The Sound of Changing Places

(Drive-in)

Classy space-pop from this Australian band made up of ex-members of the Cat’s Miow. Dig in if you dig Stereolab, MVB, Pram, Broadcast, Movietone, Can, or stuff on Elephant. This is one of the better releases on the often shitty Drive-in Label.

The Four Kingdoms of…

( Peek-a-Boo Industries)

God Damn this is a good album. This Austin based band which includes former Kiss Offs members Travis Higdon and Phillip Niemeyer play Velvet Underground-esque rock’n’roll. Some other obvious influences include the Modern Lovers, Television, and the Talking Heads. Black Lipstick joins the ever-growing list of rock revivalist bands like the White Stripes, Strokes, and the Pattern.