[an error occurred while processing this directive]

Return to Frames 'Zine

Return to Non-frames 'Zine

Rating Scale: to

Artist:	"JEFF SCHEETZ"
Title:	"PAWN SHOP"
Label:	Bam-Zoom! Records
Available:	Most Major Music Stores
Reviewed By:	Francesca Garten
Rating:

For those of you who have wondered where all the guitar heroes have gone, wonder no more. You need look no further than the great state of Missouri. It's here that "Jeff Scheetz" resides, along with his own particular brand of guitar music, delivered in pure and powerful tones, in a variety of styles ranging from blues to funk to acoustic to rock. Be warned, however, there are no vocals on this album. Just instrumentals, instrumentals, instrumentals. But instrumentals so textured and image-filled, I promise you won't miss 'em. Jeff Scheetz has released two prior solo albums, "DIG!" and "Woodpecker Stomp," both on Re-Flexx/Starr Song Records. On "Pawn Shop," he is joined by Jim Riley on drums, Eddie Pruitt on bass, and Ted Gardner on organ. All other acoustic and electric guitars, banjo, guitar synth, and Dobro is handled entirely by - you guessed it - "Jeff Scheetz." "Pawn Shop" opens with a great little blues track called "Coffeehouse Blues." This number reminded me a lot of the "Led Zeppelin/Deep Purple" type blues-based tracks from days gone by. Heavy on guitars, of course, with a deep and pounding bass-line underscoring powerful and unapologetic drums. And just for that perfect touch of nostalgia, the organ mixing it all together with just the right amount of blues flavor. I dug it. "Pike," the next track, is a selection dedicated to the fish of the same name. It seems Mr. Scheetz is a fishing fiend, and his pleasant experiences in the pursuit of the sport of fishing is what inspired him to compose this lighthearted tribute to his favorite catch. The musical theme here is intricate, yet clear. It's easy to visualize the concept of water teeming with life. Another track with a heavy concept line is "Soaring," Scheetz's attempt to musically recreate the flight of an eagle. "Lakota," one of my favorite tracks on the album, is a track inspired by the history of Native Americans. Heavy in drum work and rich in emotion and musical imagery, it's a lovely selection to lose yourself in. Another favorite is "Return of the Wolf," a track that does its best to capture the essence of an animal that once roamed freely and undisturbed in the wilds, but is now faced with extinction. And a sweet interpretation of the old inspirational favorite, "Rock of Ages," is at the same time reverent, yet strong. Scheetz credits the old hymn as having a stabilizing and calming effect in his life, and he certainly treats the song in as careful and respectful a manner as any of the renditions I've ever heard. All in all, "Pawn Shop" is a great effort. Scheetz's exceptional musical abilities grace the album from beginning to end. This man likes to use music as a descriptive tool rather than words, and he does so very well. Yet, he never comes across as pretentious or self-involved. The high quality of musicianship, as well as the painstaking amount of attention he gives to technical detail, makes this album a must-have for anyone who loves music in it's purest, simplest terms, without the distraction of lyrics to interrupt the compositional flow. Definitely a good investment for anyone looking for a guitar-driven, guitar-based treat.

Artist:	"THE REPLACEMENTS"
Title:	"ALL FOR NOTHING/NOTHING FOR ALL"
Label:	Reprise/Warner Bros.
Available:	Any Major Music Store
Reviewed By:	Francesca Garten
Rating:

"The Replacements," as they appear on this 33-track, 2-disc, multi-media enhanced, best-of compilation, is comprised of Paul Westerberg (vocals, guitars, and songwriter), Chris Mars (drums, backup vocals), Tommy Stinson ( bass), Bob Stinson (guitar), Slip Dunlap (guitar), and Steve Foley (drums). Once called "the last best band of the '80's" by "Musician Magazine," the Minneapolis-based "Replacements" were considered by many to be one of the more innovative bands of the post-punk era, composing and releasing material from 1985 until 1991. What we find on this latest Reprise release is a collection of highlights from the band's four albums, "Tim," "Please to Meet Me," "Don't Tell a Soul" and "All Shook Down," all originally released on Sire Records. Actually, the collection's first disc, which is the portion named "All For Nothing," is where a "Replacements" fan will find the 16 "best-of" tracks. The second disc, "Nothing For All," is comprised of 17 additional selections, all previously unreleased tracks, B-sides, outtakes, and other rarities and oddities. All selections on this release have been specially remastered for this album, and as a bonus, Reprise has included video versions of the songs "Merry Go Round," "Bastards of Young," "Achin' To Be" and "The Ledge." Although my advance copy didn't contain this, the store copies are also packaged with liner notes from well-known "Replacements" fans, producers, and collaborators. So, as a collector's item for the true "Replacements" fan, all the above-listed features alone makes this disc a worthy addition to the old CD collection. But can the compositions on this record stand alone for the casual listener who is discovering "The Replacements" for the first time? If that listener is into such modern-day bands like the "Gin Blossoms" or the "Refreshments," there may be something of interest to be found. After listening to the tracks, it's not at all difficult to imagine that "The Replacements" may well have served as a main musical influence for these two Tempe, Arizona-based bands. Tracks like the slow-tempoed ballads "Here Comes a Regular" and "Skyway," and the more up-tempoed selections "Max Chilton," "I'll Be You" and "Someone Take the Wheel" in particular, show a surprising similarity in vocal and compositional style - minus the jangling, stripped down sound that has been making the rounds on many college-radio circuits for some time now. "The Replacements" sound is chunkier and bolder, with full-bodied, traditional, guitar-bass-drum sound taking a front seat with no apologies. Other selections like "Left of the Dial," "Kiss Me On The Bus" and "Bastards Of Young" have decidedly more of a punk flavor to them. Though delivered in a lighter, less-abrasive, more melodic style than what is typically associated with the genre in that particular era, the same hint of frenzied energy abounds. Meanwhile, disc 2, or "Nothing For All," as I stated before, is a "Replacements" collector's dream. The material found on this portion of the album is more likely to appeal to the true fan than the newcomer to the band's material, admittedly. But nevertheless, the nature and diversity of these little rarities are well-placed in a collection such as this, which was, after all, undoubtedly planned more for the long-time fan than the new listener anyway. Buy, or don't buy? For the fan and collector, absolutely. With sixteen tracks of previously-released selections to be found on disc 1, there isn't much that hasn't been included from their past albums. For the new listener with an affinity for more contemporary bands like the ones mentioned before, the investment may prove worthwhile. Again, with the amount of material to be found on the record, it's a fairly safe bet there will be something of interest.

Artist:	"RICHARD CARPENTER"
Title:	"PIANIST-ARRANGER-COMPOSER-CONDUCTOR"
Label:	A&M
Available:	Any Major Music Store
Reviewed By:	Colette Engel
Rating:

I don't think there are many people around who have never heard of Richard Carpenter. At least, I'd be very surprised if there were. One half of the famous duo, "The Carpenters" and brother to the late Karen Carpenter. The duo had twenty top 40 singles, twelve of which were top 10's, and they enjoyed a successful musical career together for nearly fifteen years. They were also the #1 best-selling American group between 1970 and 1980. Richard is still enjoying a successful career in music. He has worked continuously since Karen’s unexpected death, in February of 1983, from heart failure. He has gone back into the studio several times to remix many of "The Carpenters’" hits for compilations, such as the boxed set, “From the Top” released back in 1991. He also served as executive producer on the made-for-TV movie, “The Karen Carpenter Story,” back in 1989. In 1987, Richard released his first solo album entitled, “Time,” which included his own vocals mixed with those of guest vocalists such as Dusty Springfield. “When Time Was All We Had” was the highlight of that album - a haunting tribute to his sister Karen. In 1994 “Interpretations” was released. It was a new collection of his favorite Carpenters’ songs, assembled and digitally remastered by Richard, written by outside songwriters. Richard’s new release, “Pianist-Arranger-Composer-Conductor” combines new material with many of Richard’s favorite Carpenters’ tunes. It is truly a showcase for his tremendous talent on the piano. He's created new arrangements of each song which are delightful to listen to. On “Yesterday Once More” he has created a playful piece, while at the same time sounding very much like a classical composition. I found myself singing at times, but I was also content to just sit and let the music wash over me. This is a beautiful instrumental of this song. Many of of the hits are put together into a 12 minute medley. It starts off with “Sing” which always makes me think of "Sesame Street," no matter how many times I hear it. “Goodbye to Love,” “Rainy Days and Mondays,” “Look to Your Dreams” and “Someday” are also included in there. It’s a nice sound, but I missed the vocals on most of these songs. “For All We Know” is one of my favorites on the CD. Richard creates a new arrangement that is a delight to listen to, and although I still missed the vocals, I found myself sitting and just trying to absorb the sound of each instrument. “We’ve Only Just Begun” has a beautiful new sound. I’ve always loved this song and Richard has added depth to it in this instrumental version. “Karen’s Theme” is the last track on the CD and definitely a stand-out. You can really feel the emotion come through. I’ll admit that I am easily moved by music. This song did it for me. This is a nice collection of instrumentals, but I prefer the originals. I miss the vocals and it just doesn’t seem the same without them no matter how beautifully they are arranged and performed. If you enjoy classical music and instrumentals. and are a big fan of "The Carpenters," then you might want to pick this one up. Personally, I think it may be time for Richard to move away from the old tunes and put out something brand-new. This is an enjoyable CD but it’s still the same old songs.

 

Back to New Releases