A Baker's Dozen: More Critics' Picks
Fri., Sept. 22, 1995
The Chumps: Lester Bangs once remarked the true fan transcends his fanaticism to do the deed himself. The Chumps are true fans, rising out of local punk/garage audiences to team with ex-Crying Out Louds drummer Mike Leggett to create a harsh, minimalist punk noise of their own. The results are monstrous and fun. (Stegall)
Kacy Crowley & Renee Woodward: A former street musician duo who have stellar voices and more than a couple of guitar-cases full of songs. They recently got tired of walk-by harassment on Sixth Street and have taken their separate acts into the clubs. (Langer)
De Orheo: A very new group of bass, guitar, trumpet, and clarinet that blends old standards, movie theme riffs, and low-volume blues into a splendid contemporary European street jazz. (McGuire)
Glueboy: Former Rocketbaby songwriter/guitarist Richard Weiss' new outfit features two former Panic Choir alumni and an impressive early grasp on concise pop and oddball guitar distortions. Also of note is the steadily maturing sound of Rocketbaby's other co-founder, Johnny Goudie. (Langer)
The Hamicks: True to the spirit of minimalist new wave, the Hamicks revel in unabashed dorkisms and gratuitous references to masturbation instead of hiding behind big, dumb guitars. At the same time, they're simple, boppy, and not afraid to admit they like the Beatles. (Beets)
Los Locos: A striking Latino/rock band in the South Central L.A. tradition. Songs are short, sweet, and potent, featuring both originals and covers like a "Tequila" rendition rivaling the Champs' '58 version. Very nice trumpet work. Look hard for this act, last seen at Aussie's and White Rabbit. (McGuire)
Miss Universe: Miss Universe have wisely bided their time, gigging steadily for the last few years (remember their version of "Our Lips Are Sealed" on Deja Phooey), and with a new release on Rise Records, Duh!, prove they're no one-night stand. (Moser)
Nipple 5: This is as close as you're going to want to get to the swaggering bombast of Seventies hard rock. The Nipple 5 throw down a drunken brawl of sound while flamboyant vocalist Danny Ray Texas screams out lyrics like, "Shake those titties, mama, like you know you should," with all the ferocity of Bruce Dickinson and only a hint of irony. (Beets)
The Paranoids: Meet the most effective neo-punks in town: a guitarist who'd rather powerchord than play lead, a ridiculously tight rhythm section built around a bare-essentials drumkit, a thorough understanding of "groove," and a collective imagination large enough to tackle Daniel Johnston covers. Where's the single? (Stegall)
Plowman: A writer friend jokingly called Plowman "industrial lite," but judging from their recent CD, the only thing lite about their music is that there isn't more of it. Fiercely dedicated to industrial's churn und grind but with unexpected grace, Plowman shoulder their musical load with all the strength their name suggests. (Moser)
7 Stones: Still notable as a Black Cat band that realizes a steady riff will beat a lazy jam every time, it's 7 Stones' songwriting (a rootsier Soundgarden?) that's shown the most promise of late - just in time for a recent trip into the studio. (Langer)
Velvet Hammer: They've played under a number of monikers while honing their mix of folk and metal. The music is clean, sharp, and on-time, if a little ponderous. The robust sexiness of this all-female band is an undeniable commercial lure. (McGuire)
Wounded Turkey: Composed of assorted Gay Sportscasters, the Turkeys soak Seventies rock clichés in plenty of Jack Daniels and spit them back out at double the speed and triple the volume. The band recently broke up, but should be regrouping soon under another name. (Gray)
