Liberation

(Roadcone)

Portland Oregon’s avant-rock ensemble, Jackie-O Motherfucker return with their seventh full-length. Combining elements of jazz, bluegrass, and rock, Jackie-O play music that varies from free-noise to composed ballads. Needless to say, this album is complex and challenging but definitely worth at least a couple of listens.

Tomahawk

Ipecac

A rather disappointing release from some real rock’n’roll legends. Despite the promise of having Mike Patton (Faith No More, Mr. Bungle, and Fantomas), Duane Denison (Jesus Lizard), John Stanier (Helmet), and Kevin Rutmanis (Melvins and Cows) in the same band, tomahawk falls well short of its potential. Tomahawk sounds tired and uninspired as they fumble through 13 indistinguishable tracks. Definitely pass on this one.

Bootleg Series Vol. 1: The Quine Tapes

(Universal)

This is an absolutely essential piece to the Velvet Underground collection. It is four hours of live recordings from the Velvet’s 1969 post-Cale shows in San Francisco and St. Louis. Although these recordings completely destroy the debauched "junkie-fag" reputation created in their four studio albums, the collections presents a world-class live band that lives up to its legend. Be sure to check out the 11+ min rendition of "I’m Waiting for the Man" in which Lou Reed whistles and makes up verses. Other highlights include the "Sister Ray" closer on all three discs as well as "Heroin" on disc two.

Face the World

Soeilmoon

Mr. Z’ev came from the same early 1980’s NYC no-wave music scene that produced the likes of Sonic Youth, SWANS, and Lydia Lunch. He then put out a few great solo percussion records in the 80’s. Yes, Z’ev is important and influential! This is his first new release since 1995, and it’s quite good. Z’ev has definitely embraced modern technology. This CD is about the interplay of samples, beats, textured percussion and words. If it’s less ardent than his older stuff, it is also less one dimensional, and the interesting, hypnotic and accessible array of sounds may just win Z’ev a new generation of fans

State of the Union 2.001

Electronic Music Foundation

Jad Fair, WE, Loren Mazzacane Connors, Phil Niblock, Foetus, Duck Baker, Voice Crack, Merzbow, Ikue Mori, White Out, Marc Ribot, Harriet Tubman, Zoot Horn Rollo (of Capt. Beefheart’s Magic Band)...these are just a few of the more well-known names found on this amazing and massive 3-CD compilation put together by the venerable Elliott Sharp (he did two impressive volumes in the past). 171 artists/musicians/bands doing one-minute long pieces of No Wave Rock, spoken words/poetry, electronic bleepage, folky instrumentals, improv spasms, tape loops, ensemble elegance, and more. Fun,idiosyncratic, creative, and perfect for those of us with short attentions spans.

Rhythm and Wait

Self-released

Katie the Pest is two girls from Downey playing wonderful garage pop. Although reminiscent of the Rondelles, Katie the Pest is somehow more adolescent, more sweet. Although the recording quality and band aren’t quite perfect on this six song EP, it’s a lot of fun and should be played.