May 26, 2025

Bal-Sagoth - A Black Moon Broods Over Lemuria (1995)

*First pressing. 
Contains 9 tracks total.
Country: United Kingdom
Genre: Black Metal
Style: Symphonic Black Metal
Label Number: NIHIL 4CD
 
© 1995 Cacophonous Records
*No professional reviews are available for this release. 

 tags: bal sagoth, a black moon broods over lemuria, 1995, flac,

Bal-Sagoth - The Power Cosmic (1999)

Country: United Kingdom
Genre: Black Metal
Style: Symphonic Black Metal
Label Number: 27361 64212
 
© 1999 Nuclear Blast Records
On The Power Cosmic, their first album to be released domestically in the U.S. since their recording career began in 1995, English death-metallers Bal Sagoth blend the cruel symphonic elegance of Scandinavian black metal with fantasy/sci-fi-obsessed lyrics and the chilling Gothic overtones of countrymen Cradle of Filth. It all makes for a pretty original sound within the group's chosen genre, and a fine entry point for American audiences.
 
 tags: bal sagoth, the power cosmic, 1999, flac,

Bal-Sagoth - The Chthonic Chronicles (2006)

Country: United Kingdom
Genre: Black Metal
Style: Symphonic Black Metal
Label Number: CDL0302CD
 
© 2006 Candlelight Records USA
From emo to post-grunge to screamo, introspection has been a prime ingredient of so much of the post-Nevermind alternative rock of the '90s and 2000s. But one area of post-'80s rock where introspection does not prevail is black metal. With their corpse makeup, shock rock theatricality and odes to the Occult or paganism, black metal bands often provide big doses of fantasy and escapism for the folks in the mosh pit, and fantasy-based escapism is exactly what one will find on Bal-Sagoth's The Chthonic Chronicles. This elaborate, highly conceptual effort isn't the least bit introspective; combining black metal with elements of power metal and progressive rock, The Chthonic Chronicles underscores the ambitious nature of the symphonic black metal style. But while other symphonic black metal discs are obsessed with the Occult and satanic themes, The Chthonic Chronicles has more of a sci-fi outlook. If black metal (like death metal) often functions as the metal equivalent of a horror movie, this album has more in common with Buck Rogers in the 25th Century or the Star Wars movies. Some black metal purists have argued that Bal-Sagoth's work is too prog for its own good, but then, an album like The Chthonic Chronicles was not recorded with black metal purists in mind. Forceful yet melodic, complex and intricate, this CD is not for those who believe that only the harshest, most extreme black metal bands have validity. But someone who is broad-minded enough to enjoy Dream Theater, Queensrÿche, and Rush as much as they enjoy Cradle of Filth and Dark Funeral will find The Chthonic Chronicles to be an excellent addition to Bal-Sagoth's catalog.
 
 tags: bal sagoth, the chtonic chronicles, 2006, flac,

May 15, 2025

Trisha Covington - Call Me (1994)

*A photo of the disc is included in the RAR file.
Country: U.S.A.
Genre: R&B
Label Number: CK 57324
 
© 1994 Columbia
*No professional reviews are available for this release.
 
 tags: trisha covington, call me, 1994, flac,

Various Artists - The Delinquents - Original Soundtrack (1990)

*A photo of the disc is included in the RAR file.
Country: U.S.A.
Genre: Rockabilly, Pop, Doo Wop, Stage & Screen
Label Number: HFCD 11
 
© 1990 PWL Records
*No professional reviews are available for this release.
 
tags: various artists, the delinquents, original soundtrack, ost, 1990, flac,

Various Artists - Elektra: The Album (2005)

*A photo of the disc is included in the RAR file.

Country: U.S.A.
Genre: Alternative Metal, Post Grunge, Alternative Rock
Label Number: 60150-13107-2
 
© 2005 Wind-Up
 Elektra: The Album repeats the post-grunge sins of the Daredevil and Spider-Man soundtracks. It would have been nice if the film's musical choices accentuated or commented on its main character's mix of formidable fighting skills and emotional conflict. Instead, but for a lukewarm attempt at featuring female rockers, the collection serves mostly as a showcase for plodding modern rock yeomen and the Wind-Up Records roster. Strata's "Never There (She Stabs)" is an odd choice for a first single; its title reflects the glint of Elektra's sais, but otherwise it's leaden and unhappy. Entries from Finger Eleven, Submersed, and 12 Stones don't fare much better. They vary in their use of trademark elements like chunky distortion, pleading choruses, or acoustic breakdowns. But the collective effect is to hear one long, loud, and rather unimaginative song. Elsewhere, Switchfoot and Taking Back Sunday get lost in layers of moody drama and echoing piano, with the latter's "Your Own Disaster" a close cousin to its placeholder entry on 2004's Spider-Man 2 soundtrack. Evanescence's Amy Lee has proven her ability to carry a piano ballad, and the previously unreleased "Breathe No More" is no exception. It softens Elektra a little, like a white curtain billowing in a cold stone room. And nods to the Donnas ("Everything Is Wrong") and a rising coed outfit from New York City called the Twenty-Twos (the fun Veruca Salt throwback "5 Years"), who give the set some kicky pizzazz. However, with only a faceless hard rock grind from Alter Bridge and two different hopefuls (Megan McCauley, Full Blown Rose) trying to channel that Evanescence mix of passion and rock power, Elektra: The Album never really makes its point.
 
 tags: various artists, elektra, the album, soundtrack, ost, 2005, flac,

May 02, 2025

Cake - Fashion Nugget (1996)

Country: U.S.A.
Genre: Alternative Rock
Label Number: 314 534 228-2
 
© 1996 Capricorn Records
Sounding like a suburban, melodic, white funk-injected version of King Missile's performance art/standup comedy, "The Distance" became a novelty hit in the fall of 1996, sending Cake's second album, Fashion Nugget, to platinum status. Certainly, "The Distance" was the only reason Fashion Nugget went platinum, because the remainder of the album is too collegiate and arcane for mainstream music tastes. It isn't because it's obscure or intellectual -- it's because the band is smirking. An "ironic" cover of Gloria Gaynor's "I Will Survive" is the key to the album, sending the signal that nothing is too insignificant to make fun of. Their blend of collegiate musical styles -- funk, hip-hop, alternative rock -- makes the music easy to digest in small doses, such as "The Distance."
 
tags: cake, fashion nugget, 1996, flac,

Cake - Prolonging The Magic (1998)

Country: U.S.A.
Genre: Alternative Rock
Label Number: 314 538 092-2
 
© 1998 Capricorn Records
Supposedly their attempt to make a smugness- and irony-free album, Cake's third release does hold back the barbs a bit more than usual. And the strain shows. In these guys' hands, love songs without smirks and pop tunes straight up come out forced. So, they often fall back into familiar territory: postmodern takes on postmodern life. Flipping between earnest alt-rock rhythms and jittery, funky jazz that somehow manages to whitewash both styles, Prolonging the Magic works best when Cake lay on the irony extra heavy, or when they make their sober ambitions mesh slightly with the type of smart-ass pop they've based a career on (like the formulaic "Never There"). At least they seem to realize their place in the alt-rock universe as a novelty band with chops, counteracting the genre's overwhelming seriousness with a light dose of heavy-handed yuks.
 
 tags: cake, prolonging the magic, 1998, flac,

Cake - Comfort Eagle (2001)

Country: U.S.A.
Genre: Alternative Rock
Label Number: CK 62132
 
© 2001 Columbia
While so many rock bands try to reinvent themselves with every new album, Cake has made a name for itself by sticking to its brand of smirking funk-pop. Blending jazz, rockabilly, experimental rock, and a little less country than usual, Comfort Eagle, the band's first album since leaving Capricorn Records for Columbia, carries on the Cake tradition of offbeat humor and catchy melodies. While some fans may be waiting for its sound to evolve, singer/songwriter John McCrea and company seem content to reign over their quirky little corner of the popular music landscape. "Opera Singer" and the first single, "Short Skirt/Long Jacket," follow in the footsteps of Cake's previous hits, but are no less enjoyable because of it. "Shadow Stabbing" is one of the most straightforward rock songs the band has ever recorded, with McCrea forgoing his usual half-spoken vocals for an almost irony-free delivery. While it is still unmistakably Cake, it would sound right at home on a Cars album. The rest of the album is by the numbers Cake, which is comforting and slightly disappointing at the same time. The group has certainly perfected its sound, and one can understand why it would be hesitant to turn its back on its extremely distinctive style, but with Comfort Eagle Cake comes dangerously close to simply remaking its previous release, Prolonging the Magic. While new fans might enjoy Comfort Eagle on its own merits, Cake followers may feel as though they've bought the same album twice. However, both albums are strong enough that they probably won't mind.
 
 tags: cake, comfort eagle, 2001, flac,

Cake - Pressure Chief (2004)

Country: U.S.A.
Genre: Alternative Rock
Label Number: CK 92629
 
© 2004 Columbia
Released in 2004, Pressure Chief marks Cake's tenth year with a set of sardonic, engaging alternative pop that shows the Sacramento band's economical sound unwilted after all these years. Chief features artwork and typography typical to the group, as well the familiar three-color print scheme and stiff cardstock paper. John McCrea's wit is as dry as ever, and his tongue has grown sharper with the addition of a social comment streak that occasionally goes quite cynical. Single "No Phone" decries the encroachment of technology, while "Carbon Monoxide" is an upbeat, Beatlesque number that nevertheless wonders cynically, "Where's the air?" Later, the wispily funky "Tougher Than It Is" encourages listeners to take it easy, because life's going to keep throwing curve balls anyway. Cake have always positioned themselves as cultural observers, but McCrea's opinions on Chief rely more on clarity than wryness. This doesn't make the album a downer. It opens with "Wheels," a song built from the best parts of Cake's thrifty yet effective arsenal. McCrea's narrative mostly concerns a breakup, and life moving on ("Wheels keep on spinning 'round..."). But his imagery is on overdrive once he hits the singles bar, where the "Muscular cyborg German dudes dance with sexy French Canadians." The song's punctuated by a classic Vince Di Fiore descending trumpet line and some fan-favorite "HEY!"s from McCrea. In the tradition of "I Will Survive," the band tackles another cover song, this time reinterpreting Bread's "Guitar Man." With its vintage synthesizers squiggling off the cues of an acoustic guitar, their version meanders at a comforting pace akin to Flaming Lips' "Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots, Pt. 1," and even gives McCrea a chance to sing a little. Other highlights include "She'll Hang the Baskets," where guest Chuck Prophet fills out the mournful melody with some fuzzily toned electric guitar, and "Dime," where the charmingly home-recorded quality of Pressure Chief really stands out. Smart, subtly subversive, and always catchy -- if it ain't broke, don't fix it
 
 tags: cake, pressure chief, 2004, flac,

April 25, 2025

Lush - Gala (1990)

Country: United Kingdom
Genre: Shoegaze, Indie Rock
Label Number: 9 26463-2
 
© 1990 4AD/Reprise Records
Serving as an introduction to the U.S. market, Gala compiles the band's first three EPs and adds a couple outtakes. One thing that went overlooked about Lush was their ability to veer from violent and edgy noise breaks to pop effervescence. They were always capable of spewing out Saturday morning glow and Sunday evening doom from song to song. Their early reliance on sheets of distortion, buried vocals, and production issues didn't help this situation. As a result, their out-the-gate raw talent went rather unnoticed, evidenced on their earliest works. Scar demonstrated their under-appreciated diversity immediately. "Thoughtforms" is an example of their heavenly pop greatness, with the vocals sweeter and lighter than angel food cake. The haunting, atmospheric vocals and jittery tempos on the doomy "Second Sight" would end up laying the foundation for Chapterhouse's early material. Not a bad start. Guthrie and his beard hopped on board for the Mad Love EP, immediately chucking the guitars through the Guthrie-izer(tm). Most criticism of the EP pointed at the Cocteau Twin himself, who was accused of heavy-handedness. The guitars do sound a bit like Guthrie's own, but in a more assaultive, jabbing manner. A bad thing? No. All four tracks are goodies, from the cascading and shimmering walls of "De-Luxe" to the darker and heavier middle tracks. Production was an issue again on the Sweetness and Light EP. Tim Friese-Greene kind of polarizes the band's extreme ends, separating the noise and pop just a little too much. Despite a patched-on noise break during the title track, it's still one of the band's career highlights. "Sunbathing" is left in the sun too long, muffling the guitars and shrinking the sparse percussion. "Breeze" wafts by gracefully.
 
tags: lush, gala, 1990, flac,

Nephew - Swimming Time (2000)

Country: Denmark
Language: English, Danish (dansk)
Genre: Alternative Rock
Label Number: MR 006
.FLAC via Florenfile
.AAC 256 kbps via Florenfile

 
© 2000 Martian Records
*No professional reviews are available for this release.
 
tags: nephew, swimming time, 2004, flac,

Nephew - USADSB (2004)

Country: Denmark
Language: English, Danish (dansk)
Genre: Alternative Rock
Label Number: CPHREC0004
 
© 2004 Copenhagen Records
*No professional reviews are available for this release.
 
tags: nephew, usadsb, 2004, flac,

April 23, 2025

Asylum Party - Borderline (1989)


Country: France
Language: English
Genre: Post Punk, Coldwave
Label Number: ARTY 9 CD
 
© 1989 Liveley Art
*No professional reviews are available for this release.
 
 tags: asylum party, borderline, 1989, flac,

Siglo XX - Under a Purple Sky (1989)

Country: Belgium
Language: English
Genre: Post Punk
Label Number: BIAS 145 CD
 
© 1989 Play It Again Sam Records USA
*No professional reviews are available for this release.
 
 tags: siglo xx, under a purple sky, 1989, flac,

Marquis De Sade - Dantzig Twist (1979)

*First pressing. 
Contains 13 tracks total.
Country: France
Language: English, French (français)
Genre: Post Punk
Label Number: 837 901-2
 
© 1979-1989 Barclay
*No professional reviews are available for this release.

 tags: marquis de sade, dantzig twist, 1979, flac,

Babel 17 - Shades (1991)

Country: France
Language: English, French (français)
Genre: Post Punk, Coldwave
Label Number: ARTY 34 CD
 
© 1991 Lively Art
*No professional reviews are available for this release. 
 
tags: babel 17, shades, 1991, flac,

April 14, 2025

Poésie Noire - Tales of Doom (1987)

Country: Belgium
Language: English
Genre: Coldwave, Gothic Rock
Label Number: ANT 053-CD
 
© 1987 Antler Records
*No professional reviews are available for this release.
 
 tags: poesie noire, tales of doom, 1987, flac,

Poésie Noire - Tetra (1988)

Country: Belgium
Language: English
Genre: Coldwave
Label Number: ANTLER 074
 
© 1988 Antler Records
*No professional reviews are available for this release. 
 
tags: poesie noire, tetra, 1988, flac,

Deine Lakaien - Deine Lakaien (Re-Release) (1986)

Country: Germany
Language: English
Genre: Darkwave
Label Number: CRO 0612
 
© 1986 Chrom Records
*No professional reviews are available for this release.
 
tags: deine lakaien, deine lakaien album, 1986, flac

Deine Lakaien - Dark Star (1991)

 
*First pressing. 
Contains 9 tracks total.
Country: Germany
Language: English
Genre: Darkwave
Label Number: GYM 601
 
© 1991 classX Records
*No professional reviews are available for this release.
 
tags: deine lakaien, dark star, 1991, flac,

April 06, 2025

Code Blue - True Story... (1983)

*Photos of the record are included in the RAR file.
Country: U.S.A.
Genre: Pop Rock
Label Number: LP THREE E 1008
 
© 1983 Index
*No professional reviews are available for this release.
 
tags: code blue, true story,1983, flac,