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^^^^UNDERGROUND SOUND^^^^
Ezine / Email Text Version
Issued Every 3-4 Weeks
News from the united underground
No regard as to genre or format
August 22, 1997
Circulation:
759,122 direct via email
To Subscribe/ Unsubscribe:
ugr@compuserve.com
Webzine Address:
http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/ugr/sound.html
Print Version Available
Email for advertising rates
Editor: Contact by Email: MarsCat@aol.com
For UGR Business Questions, call Todd West @ 770-769-9126
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Hello....
This is the INVITATION FOR PARTICIPATION Issue!!!!!
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NEW DISCUSSION FORUM
I would like to expand this E-zine to include input in the form
of articles from our vast readership. My philosophy of the
Underground scene is: a "grassroots/by the people" view of music.
I would like to invite you, the reader, to participate in a
monthly discussion on a particular topic. Submission
requirements: 1 page or less, ASCII text. I don't want to edit
your stuff, will only use material "as is", so though I am not
particularly formal, please remember that we are a world audience
and the purpose is to communicate, so try to use intelligible
grammar and spelling. "Sign" your material as you wish it to go
out to the Underground readership. (E.G. Martha in Atlanta,
screen name@domain.com). Don't ask for $, we all do this for
free (including yours truly) out of love for the music.
DISCUSSION SERIES: THE DEVELOPMENT OF PUNK
For the next several issues, I would like to initiate a series
of discussions on one of my favorite topics, The Development of
Punk. The next issue of Underground Sound will examine the
beginnings of punk. Subsequent issues will deal with the
politics of punk, and the neo-punk movement aka grunge, and
finally modern and retro punk.
1st DISCUSSION: The Birth of Punk
I consider myself to be a reasonably well-traveled American. I
have discovered in my treks to Britain that there is a
near-perfect "continental divide" in views as to the birthplace
of punk. Americans believe they spawned the movement, Brits are
certain it began in the UK. Please send me a discussion of your
feelings on this issue. Explain where you are coming from: talk
a bit about your own musical background, what musical scenes you
are/have been part of. First generation punks who "were there",
U.S. and U.K., are particularly invited. Also original punkers
from other countries: what is your view of the US/UK debate-- is
this artificial regionalism? Did you see punk as forming
everywhere at the same time? What realities, political and
musical, led the punk movement?
Send submissions to:
Editor
Underground Sound
Mars Cat@aol.com
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Keep your demos coming. Considering this zine has 3/4 million
readers, I receive comparatively few demos. In this business,
talent is half the game, perseverance is the other. If you would
like some great publicity for your band, send a demo, tape, or CD
for consideration to:
Underground Sound Reviewer
c/o 13707 Rossburn Ave.
Hawthorne, CA 90250
(Include bio. and publishable contact info. (Addy, Phone, FAX,
E-mail addy). Bio. should include info. on band's geographic
origins, members names, ages, influences, etc.).
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Article 1. DANIEL EDER music available
From: daniel@technohouse.com
http://www.relaxed.com/vision.ram
TRACKNAME: VISION (live mix)
ARTIST: DANIEL EDER
LABEL: TECHNOHOUSE RECORDS
http://www.relaxed.com/
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Article 2. WAXing Phillysophic: WAX, the Philly Dance Club
From: "Henry K. Addo" <hka@seas.upenn.edu>
WAX
Every Friday
at the Club Skyline on
12th & Arch Streets
Philadelphia.
Ladies free before 11pm
All others $5 before 12pm and more after
Hip and Reggae on the main floor
featuring The Consortium's
DJ Boss
Soul One
and upstairs
Rough beats and massive basslines
Drum and Bass Style
featuring Substitution's
KPAKPO Lorne Starchild Mis-Ty MC Flex
Mr. Hugh
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Article 3. TV
From: grey <grey@cyberramp.net>
Hi, I produce a cable access TV show here in Dallas, TX called
Sarcastic Existence. We play the videos of the big bands but are
looking to give more support the un-signed/independent/smaller
bands. If you have any videos that are professional or
self-produced (of broadcast quality) and are interested in
getting air play let me know. If you know of any bands in your
area that would be interested please spread the word. If you
need air play for your videos in the future shoot me an E-mail
then, we'll be around.
BTW, the show's home page: http://www.cyberramp.net/~grey/se.htm
Thanks,
Jason
To have Underground promote your band via video promotions, and
in our new Underground TV website, please send all kits to:
Underground Entertainment Network
Attn: Underground TV
6422 Hwy 140 NW
Adairsville, GA 30103
Los Angeles Number 213-621-7665
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Article 4. 10 years old Band Singer???!
From: Fyodor Yarochkin <fygrave@freenet.bishkek.su>
hey Folx.. Have you read last CoC? amazing.. there is the band
mentioned DeathKids, and it says that their growler is 10 y/o..
it is unbeliveable.. i wonder if any of you have heard it: "and
am still regretting it were the Hanson of death metal, The
DeathKids. The band consists of a 10-year old growler, a 12-year
old drummer, and their biker-esque dad on bass. It was said that
they were comparable to a lot of 'premium' death metal bands.
It's a shame I didn't catch 'em.
First surprise I had Saturday night had to have been
Cryptopsy. Although I knew som.." quote from CoC review on
Milawokee Fest.
---
Fyodor Yarochkin aka Xiz0L (3312)474465
fygrave@freenet.bishkek.su
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Article 5. Mic Check Records NEW SITE!!!!!!
From: MicCheckk@aol.com
MIC CHECK RECORDS
NEW SITE NOW OPEN
<A HREF="http://www.poboxes.com/miccheckrecords">Mic Check
Records</A>
<A
HREF="http://www.poboxes.com/miccheckrecords">http://www.poboxes.
com/miccheckrecords</A>
Check the new Mic Check Records site. Information about upcoming
releases from KGB, Nocturnal 7 featuring Sunz of Man and about
our current release by Positive K featuring M.O.P. title "How Yah
Livin" wit write ups on HipHopSite.com, Insomniac, and 12th Hour
Productions. Also look out for write ups in The Source, Stress,
and On The Go. Also Positive K was 14th on the London charts
with the "How Yah Livin" featuring M.O.P. Next up on Mic Check
Records along with Black Dragon Entertianment and Protect Ya Neck
Mangament is KGB wit they future underground hit "Rap Bashers"
b/w "Miss You". You can hear a clip of the two joints in the
real audio section on the Mic Check Records site.
ON THE LOOK OUT
Be on the look out for Nocturnal 7 droppin' Oct. 7th, 1997. Why
are me pushing it for the 7th???? Well the number seven is the
number of members are in Nocturnal 7, and thats also Ikey-C's
birthday, who is the producer of Nocturnal 7.
LINK EXCHANGE
We need yah help. Anyone wit a web site looking to exchange
links just send your url and we will bless you with a link!!!
<A HREF="http://www.poboxes.com/miccheckrecords">Mic Check
Records</A>
<A
HREF="http://www.poboxes.com/miccheckrecords">http://www.poboxes.
com/miccheckrecords</A>
Web Site Designed and Maintained by Eric Hernandez(THRILLAGY)
E-Mail E at <A
HREF="mailto:Thrillagy@aol.com">Thrillagy@aol.com</A>
BE DOWN AND TELL YOUR PEEPS ABOUT THE MIC CHECK RECORDS WEB SITE
Mic Check Records
249 West 34th Street
Suite 605
New York, NY 10001
Phone: (212)967-8201
Fax: (212) 967-8197
e-mail: miccheckrecords@poboxes.com
web site: http://www.poboxes.com/miccheckrecords
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Article 6. Welcome @ the Central Station EuroDance Club
From: Central Station records<hotline@centralstation.de>
Hi!
A few weeks ago we said that we're gonna send you a Sound Clip of
New Eurodance on a regular basis. In the beginning we wanted to
mail out WAV-files. But this consumes many bits and bytes on
your computer, and the Sound Quality is really poor. And
morever, it's old fashioned. So we made something different!
From this moment on, you can access the "CENTRAL STATION -
EURODANCE CLUB"
@ http://www.centralstation.de/eurodance/eurodance.htm, and
listen to the following titles in Real Audio Quality.
- MR. PRESIDENT Jojo Action
- IDP feat. NANA Spirit of the Night
- WHIGFIELD Baby Boy (new)
- C-BLOCK Summertime (new)
- C-BLOCK Time is Tickin' away
- MASTERBOY La Ola Hand in Hand
- BACKSTREET BOYS Everybody
- T-SPOON Sex on The Beach (new)
- CORONA The Power of Love (new)
- NO MERCY Kiss you all over (new)
- BROOKLYN BOUNCE Take a Ride
.. and many more are about to come soon. We keep you updated.
No worries!
Please let us know your opinion of this new site. What you like,
and what it needs so that you like it... Just straight out.
We look forward to hearing from you soon!
See Ya!
Your Central Station Germany Team
Central Station Records Germany
D-92318 Neumarkt/Germany -
Woffenbacher Strasse
Tel.: ++49 / 9181 / 48 62 -0
Fax: ++49 / 9181 / 48 62 - 20
home: http://www.centralstation.de
mailto:hotline@centralstation.de
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Article 7. The Smokejumpers Return to Berkeley
From:kingteen@sirius.com (The King Teen)
The Smokejumpers return to their favorite stomping grounds, 924
Gilman Street in Berkeley, Friday Aug. 22 for an all-ages show
with Pansy Division, Wetnap, DBS, and No Fraud.
The music starts at 8, and the Smokejumpers play their hoppin'
stomp second to last, before Pansy Division. It's $5 to get in.
king
The Smokejumpers
San Francisco, USA
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Article 8.
Review: The Sound of the Color of Sound
Band: TriAna
CD: The Color of Sound (1996)
M 8/11/97 by Camille Juliana (Mars Cat@aol.com)
This CD is a production of TriLab Recordings, located in
Brooklyn, NY which first appeared as a label and studio in 1994.
The "band" is essentially Daniel Triana accompanied by studio
vocalists. Daniel has been producing solo project music since
1986. Prior to this, he was a member of the gothic alternative
band "Bellas Artists". The literature which accompanied the CD
describes the music as "deep dark electro-dance with ambient
textures". I am an enthusiast of Industrial music, and like some
types of techno, but am not really fond of ambient. So, the
first question: is the description of "deep dark electro-dance
with ambient textures" accurate? I would have to say 'somewhat':
this is electronic music, and there is definitely an ambient
element, but it is only moderately deep and moderately dark, and
some cuts border on being too slow for dance music. IMO techno
dance and ambient are at cross-purposes. One is energizing, the
other is relaxing. This makes for an interesting dichotomy
musically as well-- techno tends towards mechanization, and
ambient tends towards rambling developmentalizations-- how do the
two mix? Reasonably well, but I had the feeling that I just
wanted this record to 'take off'-- become heavier, louder,
faster, less restrained. I felt that the ambient aspect tended
to drag some tracks down a bit. Song structure within the CD
ranges from a more standard structure to developmental pieces.
One major difference I found with this CD versus many techno and
ambient pieces was the use of vocals, which I see as definitely
positive. The absence of vocals is an aspect of techno and
ambient that I have always found weak: even stronger than the
guitar vs. keyboard debate is, IMO, the (especially American)
need for vocals and lyrics in song structure. Even the best
instrumentals in my view don't have the meat or the teeth without
vocals.
But we are veering into personal preference here, and I
admit it. However, though this record is definitely improved
with the use of vocals, the choice was to use studio vocalists.
IMO, studio vocalists tend to be more mainstream, with less
character to their voices. In addition, the vocals were
occasionally way over-produced. There is a delicate balance one
must maintain with this type of music. It is synthetically
produced, but should sound reasonably organic. This is difficult
to achieve but some bands, like Britain's Orbital, manage it
beautifully. This CD was somewhat uneven in this balance: some
cuts are nicely layered, with the various elements interlacing in
a complementary fashion. Other times, the 'feel' of the music is
more synthetic, 'right out of the box', with the elements not
particularly well patched or blended together. But overall, I
definitely liked this CD, especially after the 2nd and 3rd plays.
The feel/atmosphere of the music and vocals reminded me a bit of
Bauhaus, with a more techno/industrial/ambient flavor. The
second cut "Blue Angels" was very nice. I could see this as a
tasty addition to MTV's AMP show. This cut was beautifully
layered, with the elements interacting nicely together. Another
good cut was "Spirit Dance"-- very very fine instrumentals. My
least favorite was "Inside of Me", because the vocals were overly
produced IMO. They were not identifiably male or female, which
may have been intentional, but I found this unappealingly
synthetic.
The instrumental in this cut really ripped it though.
I am perhaps being more critical of this CD because for me,
though it was good, it could have been incredibly great if
infused with a little more energy and a little more integration
between effects and tracks. This lower energy level is probably
due to the ambient 'texture', which tended to drag down the
sound, IMO. I had the feeling I wanted to supercharge this music
up to a higher, more energetic level. But, the artist was going
for a somewhat mellower sound and it did work reasonably well. I
would not presume to assume that my high energy tastes are
everyone's. If a really world-class singer could be found, and
only slightly more consistency in blending instrumental elements,
TriAna could be the American equivalent of Orbital or Future
Sounds of London. And though usually indistinct, the man's
lyrics are wonderful. This record would be good for end of the
night dancing, or, in a dance club, for slower breaks in between
faster songs. Generally good, often very good. Those of you
looking for techno which is an energized ambient with vocals,
this is your ticket. It will give you a nice ride.
CJ=Mars Cat@aol.com
Several recordings are available: Alone (1986), Selections
(1990), Snap Shots and Short Stories (1991), Various Artists
(Sisters of Mercy Tribute) (1993), TriAna (1994), Live at TriLab
(1995), Moody (1995), The Color of Sound (1996).
Contact:
TriAna/TriLab Recordings
P.O. Box 612
Elizabeth, NJ 07207
(718) 832-0278
Email: trilab@aol.com
Web page: http://www2.cybernex.net/~trilab
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Article 9.
Review: Aliens for the Masses (at least some of them)
Band: Alien Vinyl
Tape: Sampler (1997)
M 8/18/97 by Camille Juliana (Mars Cat@aol.com)
I have to confess that I solicited this band. I believe I
spotted their E-mail addy listed in some group E-mail I received.
There are some bands, that from their names, you just know you
are going to like. Then finally, after much arrangement, I
received the demo tape. The cassette labels and "bio" are in
dayglo green and orange. It reads 'Hello Humans', which of
course I loved. The graphics are like DEVO meets Marilyn Manson.
And not-so-incredibly-enough, so is the music. OK somewhat. The
sound is derived, like that of many bands these days, from
hybrids of different sounds. The band reminds me most of-- what
is that band that made top 10 in Britain last January '96 or so?
Babylon Zoo, was that it? Jeez, my memory. Spaceman was the
song. For those of you with not so eclectic or international
tastes, the sound of this band is perhaps a more trebly form of
Manson. Not as dark, more zany and tongue in cheek. To further
qualify the DEVO reference, I think some DEVO people would like
this, but it veers more toward artsy industrial-- think an
Industrial form of Hardcore I and II. Artsy in my book of
definitions allows for a bit of looseness and for a wider
artistic license in sound structure and musical tightness. Most
industrial is mechanized by definition, and fairly tight and
regimented musically. So, I think my term 'artsy industrial'
fits well for this band's sound. Vocally, I would go for a combo
of the Babylon Zoo/Spaceman guy + Al Jorgensen of Ministry with
maybe a touch of Bowie in his Ziggy days. The band describes
themselves as a cyber industrial devil dance band. I suppose
this is a reasonable self-description.
Technically, the sound could perhaps be more meshed-- there is the usual
addition of B movie bits, but these are generally added as before and
afterthoughts. The sound is overall more trebly than what I like
personally-- the keyboards, percussion (snares), and vocals all
have a high pitch. A heavy bass sound would give this a tad more
punch and offset the tenor vocals perhaps a bit more nicely. It
stays up in the lighter, kind of retro new-wave vein. There is a
cover of the New Wave classic "You Spin Me Round" by Dead or
Alive, but this is not appreciably different from the original.
The last cut "Eliminator" reminded me quite a bit of Prodigy's
"Firestarter" in its percussion and vocal style. The "band" is
out of LA and is actually a solo project by Randy Hurst. I
always appreciate individuals who have music inside of them that
they need to get out. I think we all should support that as
well. On a radio-friendly/mass market scale, I don't think Randy
has aspirations to that end. But I could see on a dark and
stormy night a spot on AMP or 120 Minutes. Perhaps the cut
"Figure", with an appropriately complementary video, would fit
here. This cut tended to be more traditionally structured and
mixed, though still plenty wild and crazy.
Bands like this should content themselves with the 5% of the population who are
non-sheep mentality folks (like me) who have a taste for
something different and who thoroughly understand how damned
important it is to support an individual's primal musical
expression against the continual inundation by the waves of
homogeneic mass-mediaed mediocrity. (Whew, thanx had to get that
out). A nice record for the drunken end of a dance party. I
suspect that their live show would be lots-o-fun (I wouldn't mind
reviewing that, Guys! :) ) This review will now self-destruct.
CJ=Mars Cat@aol.com
Contact: ALIEN VINYL
505 S. Beverly Dr. #731
Beverly Hills, CA 90212
(310) 289-4145
Email: VINYLALIEN@aol.com
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Article 10.
Review: A Heavy Wall of Sound from Maryland
Band: A.D.D. (Attention Deficit Disorder)
Tape: Brighter Visions (1997)
Tu 8/19/97 by Camille Juliana (Mars Cat@aol.com)
This band describes themselves as "a heavy band with a melodic
groove". OK, to start off, I am not a major metal rock or
alter-metal fan for that matter. The closest I probably come to
that genre in musical tastes is Alice in Chains, who I consider
to be a really fine band. So, it perhaps attests to the quality
of a band that someone outside of its usual audience can be
appreciative. Such is the case for me with this band, Attention
Deficit Disorder. The band's sound is aggressive and unabashedly
testosterone-driven. I find their guitar work really solid; the
instrumentation is fine as well-- tight, good decisions on
arrangements and mixing. The guitar work produces a wall of
sound that is thick and enveloping like a swirling cloud of black
smoke. It is definitely the high point of the band's sound.
Just really nice. I am not a drummer or bassist, but the
basslines seemed very competently done, and the opening drum
sequence on the third cut "Mask" was very nice indeed. The
resulting overall sound is rich and well-orchestrated. Vocally,
I would like to see perhaps a little variety, maybe some back up
vocals or harmonizing-- it would augment the full rich
instrumentation a bit better, IMO. The band members all have
strong musical backgrounds, theoretically and practically, and
have played with other area bands, including Lost Youth, and the
Drool Monkeys. They cite bands like Kiss, Black Sabbath, Led
Zeppelin and early Metallica as influencing their musical style.
The current band lineup is relatively new-- May 1996-- and is
based out of Rockville, MD. I would compare this band to another
MD band which is gaining national attention, Jimmy's Chicken
Shack. In fact, ADD would be an ideal opening band for such an
act. I really enjoy seeing regional similarities in music. I
grew up in MD and have long had the sense that the area has a
particularly strong tendency towards guitar-driven rock. My
working theory is that this is due to the influence of the
traditionally blue collar Baltimore. (Feedback, anyone?)
The band has, according to the brochure, nearly completed working on
a full-length CD "Ritalin", and has provided this 3 song demo. 3
songs are not quite enough to get a good feel for the range of a
band. I would suggest something on the order of a 5 song demo,
with maybe 3 of the most radio-friendly songs in the band's
repertoire, with a slower acoustic no., and maybe a wilder,
heavier, or more artistic piece. The first cut on the demo is a
bit slow, perhaps not the best to start off with. The demo
definitely left me wishing for more. Band members include Dan
Graham (lead guitar, vocals, formerly of Lost Youth), Tony Clerch
(guitar), Dan Gagne (bass, former lead guitarist for Drool
Monkeys), and Aaron Stevens (drums).
CJ=Mars Cat@aol.com
The band is very capably managed by Roseann Gallo, who sent me a
complete packet of info. along with the demo.
NY area, leave message at: (718) 234-1038
Tapes are $5. T-shirts also available, $10-ish.
Bookings:
Attention Deficit Disorder
P.O. Box 5827
Rockville, MD 20855-9996
(301) 963-3469
Email: chipg@dclink.com
For upcoming show dates and times, check their
Web page: http://www.dclink.com/chipg/add
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HAVE A GREAT END OF SUMMER, EVERYONE!!!!!
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