Recently, I was going to
do reviews, when I discovered that all the albums I've been listening to
lately are old, and are also albums that were kind of passed over by most
people. So, I've decided to throw some attention on these records and,
hopefully, spark someone to buy them. I will note that most of these albums
can be found in the bargain bins of your local used record store. I will
also note that you should periodically pick up some of those bargain dollar
CD's because sometimes you will find something amazing.
First on the list is a
CD by a band called Crown Heights. The album is called ‘More Pricks Than
Kicks’ and was released on Rick Rubin's American Recordings back in 1997. A
3 piece band with some major talent, these guys play moody indie rock
similar to say Sebadoh, maybe mixed with Sonic Youth, and Nirvana. The
highlights of this album are "Greed Kicks In" and "Learn to Breathe". The
latter may be one of the best indie rock songs ever written. It's too bad
these guys aren't still rocking. I've been looking for more info on them,
but it's hard to find. Check this one out, because it's definitely a
diamond in the rough.
Second is fabulous album by
a band with a not so fabulous name: The Ass Ponys. They had a hit back in
the 90's called "Little Bastard", but then sort of fell off the radar. They
did continue to record on indie labels, and the record in question here is
one called ‘Some Stupid With A Flare Gun’ [Editor’s note: the title is a
reference to Deep Purple’s song “Smoke on the Water” for you youngsters out
there]. The record is pretty amazing all the way through, but the songs
that shine the most are "Fighter Pilot" and "Casper's Coming Home". Fans of
bands like the Flaming Lips will really enjoy this record.
Next is a band that
everyone knows, but sort of wrote off after a few annoying hits clogged up
the radio. That band is Presidents Of The United States Of America. This
crazy trio had a bassist with 2 strings, a guitarist with 3 strings, and a
drummer whose set was pretty minimal to say the least. You may remember
hits like "Peaches" and "Lump", the latter mocked by Weird Al Yankovic as
"Gump". A look deeper into their debut self-titled album and you will see
an amazingly creative band that was quite a change from what was going on at
that time. There are some really great tracks like the self-deprecating "We
Are Not Going To Make It" and the social commentary and buried in joke of
"Naked And Famous". Get this record, and get it fast.
Another fine, but
overlooked, album is the strange, strange side project from the former Limp
Bizkit guitarist Wes Borland, called Big Dumb Face. His album ‘Duke Lion
Fights The Terror!!’ was released in 2001 on Fred Durst's label, Flawless.
Now, some might hold the fact that he was in Limp Bizkit against him, but,
let's be honest. He made enough money off that band so he is now able to
make weird, bugged out albums for as long as he likes. Sounds like a fine
trade off to me. This album is a pure whacked out space journey. It's not
really a record you can blast while driving, but one to explore and wonder
what he's smoking. It's definitely an interesting trip and one worth
looking into.
Lastly is an album by
the Refreshments called "Fizzy, Fuzzy, Big & Buzzy". You may remember them
from the 90's alterna-rock hits "Banditos" and "Down Together". Both were
staples on modern rock radio and video shows like 120 Minutes. They never
really achieved that kind of success again, though. This 1996 album is
actually one of my favorites. The lyrics are kooky, but quite real and
refreshing. The music is a moody mix of alternative rock, light punk, and
even some western and Mexican influences. It's quite the eclectic album.
The best song on the album is "Suckerpunch", a sing-along that will also
make you think a little.
So, while the rest of the
world is checking out the new Nickelback album for 15 bucks, you can go flop
down a buck or two on some albums that are far better than anything those
Canadian hacks will ever have to offer. Some of the best things in life are
unexpected, so give these records a shot.
First on the list is a
CD by a band called Crown Heights. The album is called ‘More Pricks Than
Kicks’ and was released on Rick Rubin's American Recordings back in 1997. A
3 piece band with some major talent, these guys play moody indie rock
similar to say Sebadoh, maybe mixed with Sonic Youth, and Nirvana. The
highlights of this album are "Greed Kicks In" and "Learn to Breathe". The
latter may be one of the best indie rock songs ever written. It's too bad
these guys aren't still rocking. I've been looking for more info on them,
but it's hard to find. Check this one out, because it's definitely a
diamond in the rough. 
Second is fabulous album by
a band with a not so fabulous name: The Ass Ponys. They had a hit back in
the 90's called "Little Bastard", but then sort of fell off the radar. They
did continue to record on indie labels, and the record in question here is
one called ‘Some Stupid With A Flare Gun’ [Editor’s note: the title is a
reference to Deep Purple’s song “Smoke on the Water” for you youngsters out
there]. The record is pretty amazing all the way through, but the songs
that shine the most are "Fighter Pilot" and "Casper's Coming Home". Fans of
bands like the Flaming Lips will really enjoy this record. 
Next is a band that
everyone knows, but sort of wrote off after a few annoying hits clogged up
the radio. That band is Presidents Of The United States Of America. This
crazy trio had a bassist with 2 strings, a guitarist with 3 strings, and a
drummer whose set was pretty minimal to say the least. You may remember
hits like "Peaches" and "Lump", the latter mocked by Weird Al Yankovic as
"Gump". A look deeper into their debut self-titled album and you will see
an amazingly creative band that was quite a change from what was going on at
that time. There are some really great tracks like the self-deprecating "We
Are Not Going To Make It" and the social commentary and buried in joke of
"Naked And Famous". Get this record, and get it fast. 
Another fine, but
overlooked, album is the strange, strange side project from the former Limp
Bizkit guitarist Wes Borland, called Big Dumb Face. His album ‘Duke Lion
Fights The Terror!!’ was released in 2001 on Fred Durst's label, Flawless.
Now, some might hold the fact that he was in Limp Bizkit against him, but,
let's be honest. He made enough money off that band so he is now able to
make weird, bugged out albums for as long as he likes. Sounds like a fine
trade off to me. This album is a pure whacked out space journey. It's not
really a record you can blast while driving, but one to explore and wonder
what he's smoking. It's definitely an interesting trip and one worth
looking into. 
Lastly is an album by
the Refreshments called "Fizzy, Fuzzy, Big & Buzzy". You may remember them
from the 90's alterna-rock hits "Banditos" and "Down Together". Both were
staples on modern rock radio and video shows like 120 Minutes. They never
really achieved that kind of success again, though. This 1996 album is
actually one of my favorites. The lyrics are kooky, but quite real and
refreshing. The music is a moody mix of alternative rock, light punk, and
even some western and Mexican influences. It's quite the eclectic album.
The best song on the album is "Suckerpunch", a sing-along that will also
make you think a little. 