The Popravinas "Everybodys Fault But Ours"

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The Popravinas are a lot of fun, especially if you enjoy a Rolling Stones-meets-Whiskeytown sound. The Americana-bar party begins with “Popravina Weekend” and continues with twangy guitar licks. Lots of great tracks are here, including the foot stompin‘ narrative of “Biggest Shot” and the power pop hooks are all over “She’s Got Fashion” which recall the strut of The Georgia Satellites. Things get even peppier with “Long Walk Back” with quick fast drum beats and regular rhythmic riffs. The closest thing to a ballads here are “She Feels 101” and “Girl With A Workface” and they lean more to The Stones sound here. The other tracks follow a similar formula and tracks like “Johnny’s Gotta Girlfriend” and “Nearest Pretty Girl” have a bit more of that fuzz guitar and energy of The Replacements. No real clunkers here, although many tracks toward the albums end don’t stand out so much. I would love for these guys to write a humorous novelty track, like Mojo Nixon or Guns N’ Roses– they definitely have the ability. A great CD for driving with the top down and the stereo up loud.

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The Histrioniks "Thin"

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The guitar pop of the Histrioniks have much in common with the Garage Rock Revival movement. Like a lot of other bands with echoing fuzz guitar leads and tambourine (like the Cynics and the Ugly Beats) they can be traced down to the late sixties. Now add to this mix the Lene Lovich-like vocals of Cat Levy. What comes out isn’t as retro sounding as Outrageous Cherry, but the organic minimalist quality of the songs make good listening. Immediately you’ll recognize this is great Beatnik pop music highlighted by the amazing “Too Black” with furiously pounding drums, monster guitar rhythms and Cat’s spoken/sung lyrics about suffocating memories “too black to see in.” The album is consistently good, “Shattered Youth” has elements of dance pop, and very much in the spirit of the B-52’s (without all that shiny optimism). The mystical “Miss” enters a more goth place and lovers of Bauhaus will appreciate the mope rock lyrics of “Misery.” The guitar work here is so compelling you get a reprise at the albums end. Well crafted, “Thin” is the epitome of music for a smokey dark room.

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Nelson Bragg "Day Into Night"

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Nelson Bragg normally spends his time as a drummer and percussionist for Brian Wilson’s band. While working on the legendary SMiLE album tour, he put together his solo CD “Day into Night.” It’s got a great opening with the rich harmonies in “Forever Days” that combine The Hollies and the California sound to something unique and wonderful. He tops that with the pristine “Tell Me I’m Wrong” with lush production and a hook that won’t leave your head. The album is split into two sides (“Day” and “Night”) and the folk-rock-pop combo is primarily on the Day side. The shimmering rhythm of acoustic guitar is hard to resist in “Return the Love You Take” and is comparable to the sweetness of The Posies’ “Dear 23” in feel. A Beach Boys-like vocals tribute makes it’s way on the Night side with “Death of Caroline” – it’s a beautiful song, about recovery from depression. The remaining tracks here, while very good don’t quite reach the highs of the earlier tracks, even though the ending “Turn The Darkness Into Gold” weaves CSNY and George Harrison into richly orchestrated ear candy. Overall an excellent release that shouldn’t be missed. 

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