Last Stop Records
Pacific Times
CD
Baby
Toy
House
JJ
Schultz
Crystal and the Wolves
REVIEWS:
July 31, 2004
Toy House - "Desert Road"
Last Stop Records
Shouts of "TOooooooY!!!" are often heard around open mics in the
city, and when the band "Toy House" takes the stage.
I love my friend, Toy, I have to say. Who doesn't? She's a
beautiful blend of asian femininity, soft sensuality and kindness,
with the vibrant spark of an artist and new american.
She's also not been around as much of
late. So, I was really happy to see her at Nina Jo's show at
the ICAN this last Wednesday. She graced me with a copy of her
brand-spankin' new CD, "Desert Road" that evening, too.
While I've barely had time as of yet
to get all the way through it (just once completely), I have to say
that it has touched me. Besides the very fine production values
that we've come to know and expect from Last Stop Records (e.g. of late: "Freedom Fried" by J Neo Marvin and The Content Providers" and "Bustin' Outa Town" by JJ Schultz),
"Desert Road" showcases Toy's solid and from-the-heart songwriting
ability. The record also showcases Jeff Cotton's rich lead guitar
stylings, and features some really great modern rock music.
From the opening title track forward
the music grips you. Cotton's tone and chord variations, mixed
with some timely lead licks, and the tight full band sound of Ian
Hall on bass and Dean Cook on drums, reminds me at times of some of
the very best Toad The Wet Sprocket. Toy's acoustic guitar
rings through in appropriate spots, providing a quality mix. On
top of it all is the voice.
Now, I'll admit that, like most
folks, I often have a difficult time deciphering Toy's lyrics through
her raw english. I appreciate that she included the lyrics in
the six-panel CD cover. Without that, the CD would, more than
likely, not have quite the same impact.
The range of emotion here moves from
desperate sentiments of fleeing pain, longing for home, finding
feedom, and grappling with guilt. It's a strong record,
even from the first listen.
From the opening title track, you
know you're there to be rocked. I have to admit, though,
that I was captivated by the third track, "Cab". Toy reveals
herself here. The chorus repeats "you don't know me", Then "you
don't know anything/you don't have to know me". She then goes
on to tell us in a late verse, "I put a mask on my face/smiley little
creature/I wanna be good to my friends and my dream/so I have to kill
myself."
From reaching out for help, she then
moves into her ever-popular "Hallelujah", a beautiful song, which has
been covered nicely by the likes of the San Francisco group,
Marzipan.
Knowing Toy, and having heard her
perform most the tracks on this record - both solo acoustic and with
Toy House - this is a CD for which she should be very proud.
The production captured the live feeling of her performances, solo
and with her band, while bringing forth the music in a powerful way.
Check it out.
Make sure you get to their CD release party... in the p.m. 8/14 at
Tongue n Groove. Should be a fun night.
www.GoGoToyHouse.com
July 26, 2004
J. Neo Marvin and The
Content Providers
CD Release Party - at the Odion, Mission St., San Francisco - July
25, 2004
"Freedom
Fried"
Last Stop Records
I was there, I'm proud to say. What a great show. J. Neo Marvin and
The Content Providers fuckin' ROCKed the Odeon! Introduced by the
effervescent Dayla Soul, the band went on just after 8:30.
The first couple of songs (including an opening cover of Leonard
Cohen's "Democracy", followed "Take Me By Surprise" from Neo's last
record, "What Is Truth") effectively drew the listener in... enticing
and welcoming you. It was the third song in their first set, "Happy
Fun Ball", that blew me away. The extended crescendo-building
progression took off from high heights to full-blown colors of
brilliance.
I have to say that the recent line-up changes in the band have opened
a whole new level of Providerdom. Deirdre Fogarty and Les Harris
holding down the driving rhythm, with the able-bodied assist from
Jeremy Hanberry sitting in on Dumbek, gave the big sound a tight
center from which to meld.
Deirdre's vocals... damn! I've heard her many times... have sung with
her quite a bit... but never have I heard her sound so committed to
it... and passionate in her delivery. Her stage presence on bass adds
some sweet eye candy to the band, too. Les not only is a frickin'
metronome on the kit, but doubled up with a flute solo treat, I think
in the second set. Everyone sang. Neo was strong and confident, with
a strong band director role working in addition to his song
presentation.
Davis Jones has grown, not only in her vocals, but what impressed me
most was her apparent ease on the keyboards, especially considering
that I know she hasn't really been playing that long. Her sound
enriched the bigness. Cynthia Wigginton played some sweet violin, and
her vocals were impressive, as well. The sax and horn guy, Nik, he
smoked, as well.
Ok, here's the kicker for me on the night, though... Aaron Sears, who
many may know as a singer-songwriter type from such places as the
Utah, gave the sound a rockin' overdrive tone and feel that so
compliments the nature of Neo's music. He had his Telecaster singing
and rockin' thru his Vox rig all night. I've been a Content Provider
fan for quite awhile now. Never have they had the drive they had last
night, though. If you missed it, you missed out. Other songs from the
new album that stood out for me included "Pills" and "Little
Emperor".
There was an intermission set provided by Asza and Wiseproof that
blew my senses, too. Maybe Neo or Davis could expound on that. Yes,
they are doing the feature at the Utah tonight. Aaron indicated to me
after the show that they might go with an acoustic set, but hadn't
yet decided for sure.
A band that big that has space in-between all that was often going on
is a quality band, indeed. I was impressed just in pondering all the
talent and music that the combined group up there has going on.
Also, the marketing idea of $10 gets you in AND a copy of the new
CD... brilliant. I've been enjoying my new copy of "Freedom
Fried".
Ok, enough said already.
Bryan
Check 'em out:
jneomarvin.com
noodlebrain.com
The JJ
Shultz Beer Drink'n Acoustic Show, Saturday, July 24,
2004.
"Bustin' Outa Town"
Last Stop Records
'twas a really good show. Jen Walsh wowed the crowd with her
stellar vocal style and original songs. JJ Schultz showed why
his new CD, "Bustin' Outa Town", is receiving rave
reviews. He played a very strong set, including opening with
his rendition of "A Boy Named Sue". That was very cool.
James Moore then treated the Brainwash to his pristine vocal
style, contrasted with often darklyrics. He featured a fine
young violist, Sharon I believe her name is, on one song, and Jeff
Belbey sat in with him on mandolin for another.
With a little time to kill between acts, JJ invited Jeff Belbey
and me to fill-in with an impromptu set of our own. We had big
fun. It was a treat for me. I didn't even have my
guitar. Thanks to Neil Howard, who sat in for a set of his own
following our's, for the use of his guitar. I was told by
numerous people thereafter that they especially enjoyed our rendition
of "Harvest Moon".
Neil Howard gave the crowd an intimate solo abbreviated version of
the fine show he performed a week or so ago at the DuNord.
The other bands that filled out the night sounded great,
too. I got a little busy chatting out front to tell you much
more, though.
Props to JJ Schultz for his efforts. He does a great job
bringing diversity to his Beer Drinkin' Acoustic show.
I picked up a copy of his CD that night and have been enjoying it
immensely. I particularly like the way in which JJ offers
little peeks at his inner being throughout the record. There's
a nice variety of introspection and humour, too. Check it out,
if you have yet to: www.jjschultz.com
Bryan
www.beerdrinkinacoustic.com
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