by Erin Eddins, Source Publications

I’ve written a lot in my life and I don’t find it at all surprising that much of that writing has been about things I am truly passionate about. In fact to be quite honest, I find it difficult to write more than a few lines about things I am not naturally drawn to.

In line with this thinking now seems to be the appropriate moment to admit that I have written about Don McLean a number of times. In fact I have even given two speeches about him and his music. The most obvious angle has always been his anthem “American Pie.” I have stood in front of large groups and dissected the song line by line, explaining the metaphors and undertones of every phrase. But I have a sneaking suspicion that many of the readers of The Regular Joe are at least semi-familiar with the musical epic. So, in my review of his album by the same name I will choose not to delve into the classic “American Pie” and instead share some of the other equally great songs. (Full story)

Most folks have at least heard of Frank Zappa, the crazy, rock icon. Younger generations may know the Zappa name from his progeny, Moon Unit, and Dweezil. (The latter was actually named for Frank’s nickname for his wife’s misshapen little toe. (Full story)

reviewed by Jimmy “Hambone” Hamilton

Wherever I have hung my hat over the years there has always been a music default. A switch you automatically hit when you come in the door that provides the soundtrack for your personal bio-pic.
        
In high school it was my first stereo, with the dial permanently tuned to KY-102.
        
In my college apartment it was an 8-track deck, and the rotating selections were Frampton Comes Alive and Alan Parson’s Tales of Mystery and Imagination.
        
Over the years the stations and formats have evolved with the technology, but the need to have music in the background has continued unchecked. These days, the default has turned out to be a channel provided by my local cable tv box.
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by Johnny Piranha

If I had to choose five CD’s to take to the wilderness in a hurry, “Sunrise on the Sufferbus” would be one of them. “Who?”, you ask. That’s right, it’s a somewhat obscure band of musicians from somewhere in Syracuse, N.Y. A group of not so well known players except for one always incredible drummer named Ginger Baker; mostly known for his contributions to Cream, that lil’ ol’ psychedelic blues rock band from the 60’s. If I have to tell you who the other members were, then this won’t mean much to you, and you should just move on the next article.

Masters of Reality really had some genius moments on this particular collection of songs; each a little story with an abstract sense of humor added in for spice. The guitar work is unique but still basic rock and roll. Nothing pretentious. (Full story)

Reviewed by Jeff Johnson
Everyone likes rainy days, the perfect time to lie in bed past noon or perhaps curl up on the couch with a good book. I, personally like to listen to music that enhances the storm, an album that is warm and soothing despite the conditions on the other side of the windowpane. My favorite album on such a day is Ugly Casanova’s “Sharpen Your Teeth,” released in 2002 on Sub Pop Records.

The band is a side project for Isaac Brock, frontman for the indie rock group, Modest Mouse. The rest of the band consists of Tim Rutili (Califone and Red Red Meat), Pall Jenkins (The Blackheart Procession), John Orth (Holopaw) and Brian Deck.

The album has 13 obscure and almost dreamy songs that kick off with the eerie intro to the first song, Barnacles, a nice acoustic tune with ghostly harmonies. Brock’s vocals offer simple yet meaningful lyrics like “I don’t know me and you don’t know you, so we fit so good together, cuz I knew ya like I knew myself.”

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