Was Black Flag a Free Jazz Band in Disguise? by John M. Ellison IV

Listening to the semi-instrumental and instrumental EPs “Family Man” and “The Process of Weeding Out” respectively, I’m noticing a strong undercurrent of free jazz/avant-garde jazz from Black Flag. No, this isn’t a sequel of the “One Drop” article per se; just consider this kind of a quick nod to the previous articles though.

In this case, I’m going to focus on one of my favorite Black Flag songs, “Screw the Law.”
With “Screw the Law,” I noticed that this has a main theme on bass that’s played by Kira Rosseler for 22 seconds before Ginn doubles up on guitar and continues to solo throughout the song. Greg Ginn has stated that he’s more influenced by horn players than other guitarists in his technique. This makes sense, because the timbre of distorted guitar can be similar to the brass timbre of saxophone, trumpet etc. Actually, as I’m writing this, I just realize that Ginn’s approach is kind of similar to first wave free jazz guitarist Sonny Sharrock when you think about it.

In closing, on albums like “The Process of Weeding Out,” just think of it as a classic hardcore punk album that can potentially introduce punks to a side of their musical heritage that some of them probably weren’t aware existed.

mr sterile Assembly’s “Transit” review by John M. Ellison IV

Just got this album from one of my favorite New Zealanders, “Transit” by mr sterile Assembly. “Transit” is an album peppered with horns, bass, drums, vocals, unorthodox time signatures and more song structure changes than a politician with commitment issues. I would imagine most amateur and some seasoned drummers would get a wrist cramp by just even listening to this album! How can I put a label on an album like this? I can describe the overall sound of the album of being reminiscent of late 60’s mid 70’s era Frank Zappa, a funkier variant of Devo and an artier ska-punk sound with one of my favorite cuts off the album “I Robert.”
Readers, this is actually one of the rare reviews that are going to be less than 300 words because this album has left me speechless.

Even though I enjoyed all 11 songs, I would say the choice cuts off of here would be compositions such as “Jesus Heals the Blind”, “I Robert”, “Stella”, “Axe and the Olive Tree” and the title cut, “Transit.”
In closing, mr sterile Assembly’s album “Transit” is great for punks trying to get more into jazz or anybody in a Frank Zappa or Primus state of mind.

mr sterile Assembly Transit at Bandcamp

Separated at Birth 2: Vanilla Ice vs Chris Brown by John M. Ellison IV

Well folks, after the surprising success of Bobby Brown G.G. Allin Separated at Birth; I felt it was time for a sequel. Chris Brown vs Vanilla Ice!

On 3/22/11, Chris Brown was on Good Morning America promoting his new album F.AM.E. Good Morning America anchor Robin Roberts asked about Chris Brown’s previous domestic assault issues. Chris Brown slightly agitated; he brushes it off and downplayed it continues with the interview. Everything seemed cool…Well, until Brown goes in his GMA dressing room, screams manically, shatters a window and tears his shirt off.

You can find more info here

I thought after hearing this I thought…”wait, an artificial blonde losing his shit in TV studio in Times Square? Didn’t Vanilla Ice do this already?” Vanilla Ice did what? Let me explain… in 1999, Vanilla Ice was featured on a “25 Lame (Worst Music Videos)” a countdown show with overplayed videos featuring Janeane Garafalo, Jon Stewart, Chris Kattan and Dennis Leary providing smarmy comments.

Anyway, Ice was on the set and was given the honor of destroying the master video of “Ice Ice Baby” with a baseball bat given to him by Jon Stewart. Well, Rob doesn’t just destroy the station’s master copy of “Ice Ice Baby” but also gets a baseball bat and tears the studio up for good measure. After decimating the set, the tape was still fairly intact. Well, after realizing this Ice continues to smash the video and the remainder of the set. Hearing Chris Kattan saying “No Vanilla!” was probably one of his most amusing moments since…anyway.

Here’s the video of Vanilla Ice going berzerk.

I’m not a fan of Chris Brown’s music, oddly enough; I saw some of his drawings and dude’s a surprisingly talented cartoonist. I’m not going to “roast” him because that’s for cowards behind a keyboard. Besides, until he gets certain issues addressed he’s going to burn himself out anyway.

In closing, I hope Chris gets some help for his anger issues and chill. Peace.

Leila Adu “Ode to the Unknown Factory Worker” review by John M Ellison IV

When talking about music and the name Leila Adu comes up, the word “conventional” does not belong in the same conversation let alone sentence.

Like Adu’s previous album, “Ode to the Unknown Factory Worker” this is stripped down to piano, organ, keyboard, vocals and on some songs, drums. Also, unlike “Dark Joan” which was produced by Steve Albini, “Ode to the Unknown Factory Worker” Leila Adu takes over the helm as producer.
To describe Leila Adu’s music, I wouldn’t describe them as songs. In this case, I would call Leila Adu’s songs “audio murals.” Kind of like how Frank Zappa called his guitar solos “air sculptures.” Well, here are a few of my favorite selections from her “exhibition.”

Brazen Hussy

A jazzy tune that’s title is self-explanatory. Even though it’s called Brazen Hussy, there’s nothing sleazy about the song but it’s very playful though. I also enjoyed the slip into the Latin vibe at 3:22 to 3:56

Trojan Cow

The slight dissonance brings an unsettling tension that compliments the imagery of some of the lyrics. It also switches into something that kind of goes into a “cha cha” rhythm. Also the title stuck out to me.

One Minute Pastry Song

Well, this is a one minute waltz that sounds like something you would hear in a French black and white film.

Slick Department Store

This is a song about pretty much a bad day at the mall that only Leila Adu can make sound special. If anybody else did a song like this, it would be trivial. But Leila makes it sound great.

Cigarettes & Circus Puffs

Surprisingly, this might be the only song that has anything remotely conventional sounding on the entire album.

In closing, if you’re in a singer/songwriter mood that lives up the labels of “unclassifiable” and “eclectic” this is definitely the album you want to hear.

Rebelmatic-”Prey for the Vulture” review by John M. Ellison IV

A few weeks ago on Twitter, I mentioned that I was going to reduce the amount of production article wise to work on more of my music. So, out of nowhere a guy by the name of Creature hits me up. Apparently he knows the guys from Amul9 and dug my review on them and wanted to know if I could do a review on Rebelmatic. I thought “Well, why not? Besides I need the material anyway.”

For those who aren’t familiar with the band, Rebelmatic is politically charged…not really sure honestly. I guess I would call it “New York City Hardcore” that consists of Creature on Vocals, O on BASS, Alkatraz on Guitars/ Vocals and Stiks- Drums and are reminiscent of Atlanta Black Hardcore band, AMUL9.

Rebelmatic’s overall influences the usual suspects of Public Enemy, Bad Brains, NWA, Suicidal Tendencies, but surprisingly Goodie Mob, Motorhead, Ramones, The Doors and just New York in general. With the conscious overtones and loose execution of the band, most of the album sounds like a cross between Black Panther meeting, jam session and one man cypher.

“Prey for the Vulture” goes 10 tracks deep of Creature voicing and venting his frustrations and pointing out social ills over mostly rap-rock and one reggae-tinged song “Set Myself on Fire.”
I feel this album has potential but it still has to grow on me. For the political rap/conscious crowd that enjoys loosely executed musicianship and “anti-dance rap song” lyricism will really enjoy this.

Donnie Darko-Letting Go review by John M. Ellison IV

Well folks, DJ Bless and his trusty MPC are at it again with the Donnie Darko release “Letting Go.” With Bless’s production work that’s usually in most cases a shuffle pattern with heavy drums and a sample from a “core” subgenre. In this case, Bless samples something less sonically abrasive in this case, specifically Sacramento alternative rock band Middle Class Rut and their song “New Low.”

What grabbed my attention were the lyrics used in the intro of the song.

I’ve been right, I’ve been left
I’ve been wrong, I’ve been left behind
I’ve been up, but mostly down

Then listening to the hook…

I make mistakes just like everybody else
But instead of letting go of it, I can’t forgive myself

Well, the lyrics grabbed my attention. The usage of the “New Low” sample sets the tone for Darko to share lyrics that sounds more like the introspective poetic confession rap that’s reminiscent of “Suicidal Thoughts” by Notorious B.I.G.

In closing, even if you’re not into alternative rock/indie rock whatsoever, Bless’s production work makes Middle Class Rut more palatable to the hardcore rap crowd and Middle Class Rut has gained a potential fan.

Leila Adu-”Fortuna” review by John M. Ellison IV

Hey folks, yeah…I’m not going to the usual “psychological analysis” regarding Leila Adu’s song “Fortuna.” Breaking this down would tarnish the beauty of the song. Leila Adu is that rare kind of artist who can render me speechless with her music. Knowing that I talk a lot and analyze music very seriously, hearing a song that rends me speechless is a feat in itself. With “Fortuna” from the images she paints lyrically to the haunting organ sound with drums that compliment her playing is hypnotic.

This is something you have to listen to for yourself and let resonate and you don’t need me to kibitz on in this instance. Enjoy!

Theophilus London-Lovers Holiday review by John M. Ellison IV

Hey folks, yeah…I’m going to be blunt, I don’t have a lot of information on Theophilus London, The only information I can piece together background wise is that he’s a “new wave” Rapper from Brooklyn, NY and DJ/producer Mark Ronson digs him. Well, the main focus in this case is that Theophilus London put out a 5 track EP called “Lovers Holiday” that was produced by Dave Sitek, Devonté Hynes, Jokke Ahnuld. Actually, the new wave label fits well because the EP sounds like it was found in a time capsule from the 80’s along with a bunch of first edition of New Order, Prince Albums and a Linn Drum Machine.

After listening the first time, I wouldn’t consider this “pop-rap” because this is closer to the original formula of 80’s rap that had some hip-hop ballads. Yes, kids before Drake sensitive and romantic rappers existed. In fact, guys like LL Cool J, PM Dawn are probably the reason why you’re born.
Anyway…I have no clever segue let’s just get to the review.

Why Even Try (feat. Sara Quinn)
Well, this song is a very minimal 80’s era sounding big beat rap with a simple bass line with some bite to it tone wise.

Girls Girls $
In this case, this is more electro influenced, lyrically sparse straight out party jam. But, this sounds like it’s more for the “hipster” set than the “swagger” set. So yeah, I guess it depends on what parties you enjoy or going to or DJ often.

In closing, if you’re a 90’s baby and looking for some 80’s nostalgia. This is definitely something that you would probably be interested in listening to.

Hey Folks Pardon the Delay on Articles

Greetings readers, I’m kind of back logged on articles over here so bear with me on the updates. To tide you over and to continue with the theme of rock instrumentals, check out Metallica’s cover of the Ennio Morricone composition of “The Ecstasy of Gold.”