Tag Archives: Ohio

Album Review-The Gits- Frenching the Bully

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a black and white photo of a group of young adults

Back in the spring of this year when I first heard that Sub Pop was going to compile and release a bunch of material by The Gits…well I was seriously pumped for sure.  I was not part of the Ohio scene where they started or the Seattle scene that they moved to but was of course paying attention to that latter sound as it developed.  At the time the only music that I had heard from them were the two songs they contributed to Bobbing for Pavement (A Seattle Compilation) which I had somehow come across at a record store in Oceanside, CA.   Right away the energy of the music and the voice of Mia Zapata caught my attention and stuck with me.  In the many intervening years since I have heard a few other songs here and there (each of them reinforcing that first impression) but have never been able to land any of the full releases from the band.  I have a vague memory of seeing a copy of The Best of the Gits in a bin around 2012 and not having any spare cash to purchase it.  Oh well at the time but now it is a brand new day with these fresh re-issues coming from Sub Pop.  

I went with purchasing Frenching the Bully first as it was the one I always thought of as “the one to have.”  It was the only album released while Zapata was still alive and also the one most talked about in conversations with others.  It is hard to explain just how blown away I was by the full set of 13 songs but let’s just go with – this is an absolute powerhouse band, operating at a very high level and the true range and versatility of Zapata’s voice is on full display.  Even though they came out of the Seattle scene that also spawned the “popular grunge” sound that we may all roll our eyes at…this is not grunge music in any way.  The Gits manage to blend a few different punk styles with rock and a little metal.  A really furious and glorious combination.  

Musicians on this:  Mia Zapata (vocals), Matt Dresdner (bass), Steve Moriarty (drums) and Andy Kessler (guitar).

Once you check this one there are more out there – all available from the link below.  If you own this or any of them, well, you have a real piece of music history.  

https://thegits.bandcamp.com/music

And if you have the inclination …think about purchasing it if you can as steaming music does not pay well even times a thousand. 

And support your locals – community is powerful!

Album Review- Megan Bee- Fiction

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A woman in a brown tank top and print skirt, sitting down with a guitar on her lap. She appears to be deep in thought.

Courtesy of Adam Dawson and Broken Jukebox Media I had the good fortune to be able to preview this album which is set for an official release on October 10th (radio date October 1st).  The information that came along with the details on Fiction included references back to her prior albums which have received much positive recognition.  As I was unaware of all of that I decided to jump backward first and started with 2017’s A Sense of Place.  That is a solid set of songs that range from the bluegrass sing-along styled “Carry Me Away” to the slightly sassy alt-county feel of “Cincinnati.” Like a Canyon also is listed as an earlier 2017 release that has more good songs on it although I found it lacked a little of the stylistic range that was present on A Sense of Place.  Of course, I also found “Little Birdie” (which is the notable change-of-pace song on Canyon) to be just too darn happy of a song for me so who I am to complain about  stylistic range?  Bee’s 2020 album Waiting was the last one I made it all the way through before writing this post and you can hear the development of her talent and voice on every track.  The songs are stark in composition but the instruments are right on-point, adding harmony and background that let you into every story.  “Back Home Again” and “Dreams I Don’t Remember” are the stand-outs tracks for me on that album. 

After two times listening through Fiction I was struck by the strength of the lyrics which are so poignant and sung with real feeling.  They tell stories with a clarity and simplicity that make the message in each song all the more powerful.   That songwriting ability was present on the other albums I mentioned above but it is really in full force here.  The songs remain generally simple in form with mostly acoustic instruments that are handled masterfully and add to the intimate, in-person feeling of this album.  “Now I Know” and the title track struck me as especially noteworthy.  Fiction is definitely worth waiting for so keep an eye out for this one to drop.  

I am not sure if this is a complete list of musicians on the album but the info available listed (in addition to Bee on guitar, piano and Wurlitzer); Kate Wakefield (cello), John Borchard (pedal steel), Ammed Solomon (drums) and Chris Justice (bass).  

You can keep up-to-date and also purchase her music here:

https://meganbeemusic.com/home

Remember to  support your locals – community is powerful

Song Review- TRUSS – “Concession Stand” from the album Fluorescence

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Before I get to my favorite track on this album I definitely want to shout out this DIY effort from these Cleveland rockers.   As mentioned by Eric Kennedy (guitar & bass) in their release info, “The entire project was DIY – written, recorded, produced, mixed, and mastered in our own homes.”  All efforts at self-sufficiency deserve to be applauded in my opinion and this one is a solid example of what can be done by dedicated musicians.  The production quality here is very good and the sonic atmosphere they deliver on these tracks really sets a great vibe for the entire album.  

In several places in the press release there is mention of nostalgia and I have to agree that the songs definitely brought me back a few decades.  TRUSS certainly have a handle on that tone and groove some bands of the mid-90’s / early 00’s were bringing to the table.  For me “Concession Stand” really hit that the best and I found myself clicking “repeat”…well, repeatedly.  

A soft guitar melody starts this off with just a little bass overlay giving way to a tight, rising drum and then dipping back down to mellow vibes with great sonic atmosphere.  The vocal parts on this that dart in and out of the drum line have a nice dreamy effect that kind of sticks with you.  

Available via your usual streaming places of course.  You can also check out the first single from the album (“Numb”) here:

If you go out and give “Concession Stand” a listen…think about purchasing it if you can as steaming music does not pay well even times a thousand. 

And support your locals – community is powerful! 

Song Review- Whatever… “Our Decline” from the album Our Decline

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Well, I have to admit that I was surprised to see this release pop up from these Cleveland rockers.  It was quite a long time ago that they had bowed out and to see them back in the groove again in very cool.  

This track is nice, loud and driven right from the start and can get you a little pumped up.  The lyrics are delivered in a punk style a bit reminiscent of a Bad Religion / Pennywise mixture.  Backed by some tight guitars, a solid bass and really good drums this song has much to offer.  Whatever… have come back around with good energy and a style similar to what they had back in the late 90’s.  

If you have the time, also check out their 1997 release Youngsters – it is well produced and worth a listen (“I Want To Be” is my fav track).  

You can check out more of the music and information on the Bandcamp page https://whatever-punk-ohio.bandcamp.com/

Remember to get out there and support your local businesses – they need you and community is powerful:) 

And please think about purchasing this song after you listen – streaming music does not pay much even times a thousand…

Song Review- Doug McKean “My Heart’s Playing Tricks on Me” 

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Just a short time ago I had the pleasure of checking out Doug’s discography on Bandcamp and was definitely impressed with the range of genres he brings to his music – and he also has some very insightful lyrics that will give you some thoughtful moments.  

This recently released track almost has a hopeful melancholy to it…moody lyrics come in at the beginning tinged by some brighter strings underneath that push you forward until you hit the melodic guitar part around which this song revolves.  That pattern repeats accompanied by an understated drum beat, a progression that keeps this song sounding straight-forward while it builds up in your memory.  It will stay with you and is well worth a listen.  

You can check out more of the music and information on the Bandcamp page https://dougmckean.bandcamp.com/

As always, please get out to support your local musicians and other talent – they need you and community is powerful 🙂 

And please think about purchasing this song after you listen – streaming music does not pay much even times a thousand…

Song Review- Jackknife Powerbombs “Paid In Full” from the album Mors Certa Vita Incerta

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Ok, so sometimes it is good to just crack open a boomer and let it roll and you are going to get plenty of that on this track.  The info tag on their Bandcamp account includes a claim to be “equal parts Black Flag and Motorhead” and I think that is an apt description.  I hear more of the Motorhead on this track but you can pick up that BF groove on other selections.  

Drums from go on this one, rolling guitar and a heavy bass that bleeds to the front on occasion, “Paid In Full” does not let up at all for the full 3:36 of allotted time.  Some nice solo work mid-song gives this one a little space and the vocals ring true to the midwest that these musicians call home.  Oh yes…and they wear cool shirts…just saying. 

You can check out more of the music and information on the Bandcamp page https://jacknifepowerbombs.bandcamp.com

Please remember to support your local folks…community is powerful 🙂 

And please think about purchasing this song from them after you listen – streaming music does not pay much even times a thousand…

Song Review- Good Reverend “Hell of a Dog” from the album Deliverance

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I just ran across this group on Bandcamp and so far have not found much additional info…I guess I will just have to track down a show and see what is up:) 

This one comes in on guitar with a little bit of the edgier Pearl Jam vibe for a few seconds.  That gives way to a slightly hypnotic heavy drum and guitar groove that takes you through the first part of the track.  There is an interesting pacing change at the chorus to add some variety after which…well, some interesting things happen.   A bit of slow chant-style lyrics covered by a moody ambiance, a soaring approach to the second chorus, and then we travel off the beaten track a little bit to a final forty-five seconds of controlled chaos.  Very satisfying! 

You can check out more of the music and information on the Bandcamp page https://thegoodreverend.bandcamp.com/

Yes…as always, please remember to support your local musicians – they need you!  And community is powerful 🙂

Song Review – Nick Cross “Azalea City” from the album The Multiverse Waltz

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I had picked up this song while looking through releases by Just Because Records out of Cleveland.  I was in a super-chill mood at the time and this track fit right into that groove.  Since then I have listened to other ones from this album and would definitely also recommend “Turn To Blue.”  If you listen to it…just wait out that hard stop in the middle…it turns out just fine in the end:) 

Anyway, back to Azalea City…so this kicks right into groovy from the first hard clicks of the minimalist drum beat and the vox’ed up guitar.  The melody line keeps you tapping your foot and Nick’s voice has a bit of a softened up raspiness to it, kind of lulling you into calmness.  This is a solid, mellow tune which is easy to listen along with but also has a few deeper intrigues if you take the time to find them.  

I believe I read on the Just Because FB site that Nick played all instruments on this record so many props for those talents! 

You can check out more of the music and information on the Bandcamp page https://justbecauserecords.bandcamp.com/album/the-multiverse-waltz

As always please remember to support your local folks doing all the good things ….community is powerful 🙂 

Song Review -The Gabbard Brothers  “Little Mama” from the album The Gabbard Brothers 

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Hmmm…that is what I thought as I listened through this song for the first time.  Having been a fan of Buffalo Killers and also Andrew Gabbard’s solo endeavors (recently reviewed here) I was waiting for this collaboration to come out.  This track, an early release from the upcoming album set to drop in July, had me intrigued for sure but uncertain on exactly how I felt about it.  

Ten repeats later, I can say that I like it more every time I hear it.  The mix on this is interesting with the instruments just a little but forward of the vocals and the atmosphere of the music has a bit of the Beach Boys to it.  There is a very cool guitar part around the 1:30 mark and the pacing changes at several places throughout provide nice space.  And that lead out on piano at the end…very nice 🙂 

You can check out more of the music and information on the Bandcamp page https://thegabbardbrothers.bandcamp.com

If you are interested in diving a little bit deeper you can find Buffalo Killers here https://buffalokillers.bandcamp.com

As always, please support your local businesses, artists and friends – community is powerful.  

Song Review -Olathia “Believe” from the album Madness Reigns

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Strange things happen.  I know I have said it before and it still mostly holds true…the cover is never better than the original.  Then, just the other day I was kicking around online looking for music from Ohio-based bands and came across Olathia.  More specifically, I came across their album Madness Reigns which contains covers of two Savatage songs.  How long had it been since I had thought of that band?  Well, it had been awhile indeed, although I did remember the song Believe from their Streets: Rock Opera album.  Thinking about Savatage took me on a little rabbit hole adventure involving the death of Criss Oliva, Trans-Siberian Orchestra and that oddly unsettling cover to their Gutter Ballet album….I pulled the plug at that point and went back to to this cover of Believe by Olathia.

I have to say…I was pretty impressed and it might actually be…better than the original.  Chris E. has a great voice and is backed by solid musicians.  They give this song that soaring yet somber tone that makes these kind of anthem-style songs really work.  There is a better depth of sound and ambiance in this version that the original…in my opinion anyway 🙂   Definitely take a few minutes to listen to it  and let me know what you think.  

You can check out more of the music and information on the Bandcamp page https://olathia.bandcamp.com

Keep getting out there and supporting your local people and businesses 🙂 – community is powerful.