The Doll Test, I Love Myselfs and Jonathan Rundman

The Doll Test “Mosque Alarm Clock”
Seattle’s Doll Test were reviewed this past summer on many other blogs and the top ten for 2008 hype is well deserved. It reunites several members of The Model Rockets and takes it’s lead from The Who, Sloan and Cheap Trick. Evidenced by the opener “I’d Rather Be Asleep” with it’s smooth as silk melodic guitar. The great hooks and Beatlesque touches are all over some tracks. The jangle and Lennonesque “Ballad of Your Blue-Eyed Boy” is another wonderful song, but my favorite here is a damning assault against hippies from a psycho point of view in “Shoot The Tamborine Man” it’s both lyrically and harmonically perfect. It also pokes a finger at America post 9/11 with “The Decider” and “The Last Rung.” This deserves a spot on your ipod without a doubt.
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The I Love Myselfs “Show Stopper”
Riffbroker guitarist Eric Olson and Young Sportsmen guitarist Ryan Maxwell have combined together for this blistering mix of AC/DC meets Nirvana rock. The heavy riffs come out on “Born To Lose Nothin'” and “I’m Not Dead” and then you hear the benefits of two lead guitars. Olsen’s warble is closer to The Hoodoo Gurus or The Black Crowes than Ozzy, so this makes for excellent road music. “We Love Ourselves” is a great mix of Joe Walsh riffs and Rolling Stones cockiness, it makes that perfect theme for this band. Every opening riff begs you to turn up the volume and start your air guitar right away. Fans of Jet will also appreciate “Golden Child” and multi-tracked guitars on “How’s Yer Sister.” Overall nothing remotely boring here, as this album is full of high energy gems that should not be missed.
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Jonathan Rundman “Insomniaccomplishments”
Jonathan Rudndman tells his story with simple arrangements and an acoustic guitar for the most part. As the title suggests, these tunes were born in his basement studio in the wee small hours. The songs range from forceful folk of “If you have a question” to the Neil Young-ish pop of “New Eyes.” Some songs have a more traditional instrumental angle (“Kuortane”) and others have progressive rock feel (“Nothing Downtown”) so stylistically it has something for everyone. Duet partner Beki Hemingway add her harmonies to “I Thought You Were Mine” to make it the best track on the album for me. Some of the indie pop tones recall a mix of Nick Lowe and Marshall Crenshaw. And that’s fine with me. Jonathan also has a “Best-of” collection that will give you insight into the man’s previous works.
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