The American Devices
25 (independent)
If there’s a local band that merits a box set, it’s the American Devices. Of course, if there’s a local band that would have to burn their own CDRs for such a set and package them by hand, one by one, it’s also the Devices. As the Me Moms and Arcade Fires come and go, the Devices (feat. Mirror contributor Rick Trembles) remain a Montreal perennial—perennially overlooked. But this set (available at some local stores and through www.snubdom.com) thoroughly illustrates their history, and by extension the evolution of the city’s first wave of punk rockers. In fact, the first two CDs cover pre-AD efforts the Normals and the Electric Vomit, while the third spotlights the prototypical D-vices. The final two gather everything (demos, live tunes, vinyl releases, whatever) by the actual American Devices, from 1980 to now. The band’s character shines through clearly, at once nimble and noisy, alluring and annoying, obtuse and obscure. Contradictions, sure, but they’ve kept these devices in motion for a quarter century. 8.5/10 (Rupert Bottenberg) CD launch and Normals doc screening at Casa del Popolo, Fri., Dec. 9, 9 p.m., $5
Living Things
Ahead of the Lions (Zomba/Sony BMG)
“One of the most ferocious rock albums since Nevermind,” boasts the sticker on the front of the CD. Pretty ballsy indeed, and it of course ends up being utter bullshit, but that aside, the way these glamour pusses belt it out has more to do with the Dead Boys than Nirvana. Steve Albini’s production increases the damage factor, but Living Things realize early on that the rock ’n’ roll posturing and lip gloss doesn’t translate for a full 40 minutes, so they actually write some seriously catchy songs like “I Owe” and the T-Rex-fuelled “Bom Bom Bom.” Their real trick is managing to write good songs without losing the classic swagger. 7/10 (Johnson Cummins)
P:ano Ghost
Pirates Without Heads (Mint/Outside)
One of the perks of indiedom is artists’ ability to retain creative control. That’s just fabulous. But this band could use some serious third-party interference, some authoritative constructive criticism. Or perhaps singer-songwriter Nick Krgovich, who has said that he wrote this album in two days, “as a distraction” from P:ano’s eight-month old LP Brigadoon, could get a hobby. To be fair, Krgovich deserves praise for writing such colourful lyrics and cute hooks so fast, but the record’s quaint charm is muddied by poor performances and cheap, skeletal production. Goose it up a little! 5.5/10 (Lorraine Carpenter)
Blackavar
self-titled (Transsiberian/Scratch)
Not recommended for the easily depressed, this debut LP pairs stark lyrics and elegant melodies, its faintly dreamy arrangements starring acoustic guitar and piano, subtly dotted by cello, sax and organ. Fortunately, this lays a soft foundation for Vancouver singer-songwriter Laura Cartwright’s deep, sullen deadpan, which barely clings to key but somehow haunts your mind (which is a good thing, unless you already hear voices). Still more fortunate are Cartwright’s infusions of vocal syrup on songs like “Well of Tears,” occasionally channelling a sweet Joni Mitchell rather than a slurred Nico. 7.5/10 (Lorraine Carpenter)
The Hypstrz
Live at the Longhorn (Bomp)
What we have here is the unearthing of a live show from 1979 that crowns these troglodytes the kings of hi-energy garage. Knowing full well that all of the best songs have already been written, the Hypstrz only sneak in two originals and pack the 37-song set list with nuggets from the Music Machine, the Troggs, the 13th Floor Elevators, the Shadows of Knight and ? and the Mysterians. These versions are hyper-charged, completely obliterating their contemporaries like DMZ, the Plimsouls and, dare I say, even the always-fab Flamin’ Groovies (they even smoke the Groovies on their own “Slow Death”). Trust me, the garage hasn’t shook this much since that one fateful night in the twin cities in ’79. 9/10 (Johnson Cummins)
Korn
See You on the Other Side (Virgin/EMI)
After guitarist Brian “Head” Welch split for “spiritual reasons,” Korn scrambled for redefinition. They found it—kinda. Their nursery-rhyme riffs haven’t changed, but now they’re just bloody weird. Production, song structure and style vary in this gloomy carnival of teen angst (and post-teen reflective angst), but in a way that seems a bit awkward. Meanwhile, singer Jonathan Davis croons one minute and sounds like a cross between Marilyn Manson and Tom Waits the next. Korn have passed the peak of their formula days. But their next step could take a very interesting direction—or send them tumbling down the stairs. 6.5/10 (Lateef Martin)
Susumu Yokota & Rothko
Distant Sounds of Summer (Lo/Fusion III)
With Montreal’s hellish decent into Hoth-level coldness painfully imminent, this avant-rock/electronic collab might just ward away the winter blahs. Organic minimalist Susum Yokota has always been one for delicate sounds and quiet repetition, and post-rock outfit Rothko have also been known to captivate with blissed-out lushness. Together, the team brings a neo-classical refinement to home listening that is warm, inviting and mysterious. Live instruments, like lonesome guitar, mellotron and flute, drift effortlessly through the ether as sampled rhythms and pulsing beats plod along lazily, wrapping the listener like one of those cozy, multicoloured blankets from the Bay that grandmothers have. 8/10 (Raf Katigbak)
The Pharcyde
Sold My Soul: The Remix & Rarity Collection (Funky Chemist/ Fusion III)
The Pharcyde will be remembered as one of the most animated and energetic hip hop groups of the mid-’90s, with a number of songs that have been burnt into the brains of those of us who were along for their bizarre ride. Here we find some of the remixes that upstaged the originals, as well as alternate mixes of tracks that many never heard. Producers like LA Jay, Jay Dee, J Swift and Kenny Dope shine next to questionable contributions from the Funk Mob, V-Luv and Rae & Christian. This comp is right on time, considering the current incarnation of the Pharcyde can’t seem to get the magic back. 7.5/10 (Scott C)
Breakestra
Hit the Floor (Ubiquity)
Those of you who were getting tired of Breakestra re-hashing classic hip hop beats and breaks on record, will be happy to know that the new album consists of entirely new and original material from the L.A.-based funk band. Building once again on the growing movement of authentic funk music, recorded and performed the way it should be, they pay homage to the past and keep the future raw. Guests include longtime buddies Jurassic 5 and People Under the Stairs, making the hip hop connection stick like glue. Check “How Do You Really Feel” or “See Sawing” for some prime cuts. 7/10 (Scott C)
Montreal Jubilation Gospel Choir
Jubilation X: I’ll Take You There (Justin Time/ Fusion III)
The Jubilation Gospel Choir is a Montreal institution. Twenty-three years and 10 albums deep into their esteemed career, founder and director Trevor Payne once again takes listeners on a journey, this time to the roots of the music that inspired him. Payne has always pushed the choir to the limits of gospel music and beyond, and Jubilation X is no exception. Here, he honours gospel-inspired R&B staples like “I’ll Take You There” and “People Get Ready,” and less obvious material like U2’s “I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For” and Ray Charles’ “Blue Waltz.” A joyful rendition of “A Soulful Hallelujah” caps off another fulfilling set by one of Montreal’s own. 8/10 (Gerard Dee) At St-James United Church, Fri., Sat. and Sun., Dec. 9–11
Herskowitz Rozenblatt Project
Forget Me Not (Tout Crin/ Fusion III)
NYC pianist Herskowitz (a Montreal fixture in recent years) and drummer Rozenblatt need not fret. This effort is anything but forgettable. The principles of jazz underlie explorations of neo-classical, world music and pop ideas, assembled and exploded in a sly, even playful manner (Terry Gilliam fans should note the two versions of Ary Barroso’s “Brazil”). The dynamic, capricious “Concerto en Fou” and propulsive title track (featuring Rémy Sealey’s tasteful scratching and a vocal line aped most capably by Lew Soloff’s trumpet) start things with a bang, but even the most placid moments crackle with quiet energy. 8/10 (Rupert Bottenberg) At Upstairs, Fri.–Sat., Dec. 9–10, 8:30 p.m., $15
Tim Hagans
Beautiful Lily (Pirouet)
Oscar Peterson & the Singers Unlimited
In Tune (MPS/Universal)
A couple more gift ideas for jazz lovers. The former is a wonderful new German CD by an overlooked trumpeter. He’s joined by a stellar group made up of Marc Copland, Drew Gress and Bill Stewart on 11 tracks including Wayne Shorter’s “Footprints”—challenging material. The latter is a reissue of a most musical meeting of the trio with George Mraz and Louis Hayes, and a great vocal group. Nine tracks include “Once Upon a Summertime,” “A Child is Born” and, for the youngsters, “Sesame Street.” This is but one of a series of superb Peterson MPS sessions just reissued. Both 10/10 (Len Dobbin)
Mini CD Reviews
Various Billy Crystal Presents the Milt Gabler Story (Verve/Universal) Crystal presents a loving tribute to his record-producing uncle—from Eddie Condon, through Billie Holiday to the Weavers—with a bonus DVD thrown in. 9.5 (LD)
Various Contaminated Vol. 7 (Relapse/Koch) The cream of the crop from Relapse—Mastodon, Dillinger Escape Plan, High on Fire, Pig Destroyer etc. Questions? 8.5 (JC)
Harmony Trowbridge Amoraphobe (independent) A six-pack of no-frills sweet trills from a fine Toronto indie folk songstress. 8 (LC) With the Adam Brown, Dorian Hatchet at the Friendship Cove, Sat., Dec. 10, 9 p.m., $6
The Politik “Money (Don't Let it Catch You)” 12” (Antipodean) Mark de Clive Lowe and Bembe Segue’s new soul project bucks boundaries and breaks beats. 8 (SC)
Al Franken The Al Franken Show Party Album (Artemis) Pretty solid political sketch comedy from Franken’s radio show, feat. the likes of Tina Fey and Bebe Neuwirth, whose Ann Coulter is unnervingly accurate. 7.5 (LC)
Missill Mash Up (Discograph/Statik) The 22-year-old French DJ brings a wild blend of everything from M.I.A. to Funkstorung, Sander Kleinenberg, Adam Freeland and Ghislain Poirier. Electro, hip hop, breakbeat, ragga madness! 7 (RK)
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