This has got to be one of the most intense, Jazzed-up Trip-Hop experiences of my life. The disc explodes with an exquisite waterfall of instrumentation and layers. The beat is your foundation while a myriad of sounds swirl around your head like a swarm of hipster bees.

The tracks flow seamlessly. It feels like you’re a part of an experience as opposed to listening to a CD. Listen to “One-Armed Bandit” and you’ll know what I’m talking about!

Where others have failed, Jaga Jazzist succeeded. Every layer and change meshes evenly and is not choppy. I would love to experience this live. Not your typical Jazz ensemble!!!

Click here for a free track from the album:
http://www.ninjatune.net/jagajazzist/eflyer.php

The album “One-Armed Bandit” is available now. A must for anyone who is into: Red Snapper, Lamb or experimental Jazz

For more info:

http://www.jagajazzist.com

I only knew of Lou Rhodes as the soulful vocalist for Lamb – A Jazzy, Trip-Hop group that still exists in my daily rotation of music. Needless to say, I was intrigued when her upcoming release “One Good Thing” was sitting on my desk.

Before listening and reviewing this solo album, I decided not to listen to Lamb for the previous week to clear any pre-existing notions regarding her voice and the difference in music I was about to experience.

One Good Thing is a real look into the talented writing and singing of Lou Rhodes. Many of the great singers we hear on the radio are often over-processed and don’t write their own songs. How refreshing is this album to know and understand the songwriters songs – sung the way they intended and in their own voice.

I wouldn’t classify this album as folk, nor would I classify it as blues or country. Consider this 11 tracks of someone bloodletting. Poetry in motion sounds very cliche, but that’s exactly what this is.

Anyone who digs jazzy, smokey soulful vocals will love this very chill album. Most of the tracks are just Lou and her guitar. Very honest and straight-forward musically. Her vocals and finger picking bring the complexity.

Stand out tracks:

Why Wait for Heaven?

One Good Thing

The More I run

The album comes out Mid-March. Get ready!

http://www.lourhodes.com

 

I have to admit something to you right now. I had not been exposed to the work of Blockhead until “The Music Scene” was passed my way. As I sat listening to it, my first thought was  “Who is behind this layered madness!?!?”  Let me explain…

It’s an ethereal mix of organic layers with solid beats that are ultra-infectious. Almost to the point of being ridiculous. It teeters on the edge of darkness, but then a layer of strings pulls you back towards the light for the ultimate balance of yin and yang.

My favorite tracks on “The Music Scene” are:

The Music Scene

Which One of You Jerks Drank My Arnold Palmer?

The Daily Routine

Cool if you’re into: DJ Krush, Red Snapper or DJ Shadow.

Check out Blockhead’s MySpace:

http://www.myspace.com/theblockishot

 

 

This album has a little something for most people. While it does lack a solid rock song, it does have several flavors of blues and country tracks to satisfy you. Personally, I feel the music is very tight and well layered, it felt like it was a different singer on every track. I really wonder which voice is easiest for this musical chameleon to pull off!

Overall, the disc is good. I do however feel that Ted needs to find himself musically. I would love the opportunity to see him live to see how well he can recreate his recorded sound.

The stand out tracks for me are:

“March of the Working Class Hero”

“A Lot Like Me”

“It’s About Time”

For more info:

http://www.tedgarber.com

Ancient Astronauts – “We Are to Answer”

This is just one of those albums that you want to take with you everywhere. The tracks I immediately locked on were ‘I Came Running’, ‘Classic’ (w/ the Pharcyde) and ‘Everybody’. There’s something for everybody on this release.  If you like DJ Shadow, DJ Krush or are just a break beat fanatic then the Ancient Astronauts are what you’ve been looking for. The cuts are deep, the guest appearances are rich  – a crowd pleaser for sure. The hooks are tight, and the layered environment keeps you wandering around listening over and over again.

http://www.myspace.com/ancientastronautsswitch

Asobi Seksu – “Hush”

I first learned about Asobi Seksu from one of our readers. Intrigued, I looked up their music and was immediately enthralled.  I’m a huge fan of etherial, shoegazer music and Asobi Seksu have filled an empty hole in my heart left by the likes of LUSH and The Cocteau Twins. I received their latest release, “Hush” and have not had a day go by that I’ve not listened to the album.  Another thing to note is that I also tracked down their previous releases and purchased them all!  Their sound is inventive and reminds me of the innovations that Jimi Hendrix was always pushing.  This is one of those groups where you wonder what they sound like live. I can’t wait for them to come to the Detroit area! Asobi Seksu is what is missing from your music catalog~!!

http://www.asobiseksu.com

 

Colin Healy & the Jetskis – “Or Just Don’t Go”

 

 At first glance, you would think these cats were seasoned musicians. Hard to believe they are under 25~! Their sound is very radio-friendly and you can almost hear their music being played on prime time tv shows.  A polished, upbeat style. You can tell these guys are absolutely enjoying themselves. It’s almost like the pressures of being in a working band have not affected them – yet. I’d expect to see their sound maturing and the next album to encompass stories from the road, challenges of the business and hearts that have mended. This group would appeal to those who like Blink 182 and the Gin Blossoms.

http://www.colinhealyandthejetskis.com

 

Astronauts of Antiquity – “Rocket Science for Dummies”

 Another great group from NYC~! You’ll love Astronauts of Antiquity if you’re a fan of RES, Zero 7, Portishead and Esthero. A thick, hearty, lush sound with the soothing vocals courtesy of India make this album a perfect match to the rest of your chill-out collection. This album is versatile in a sense that it goes well with everything. The Astronauts of Antiquity are on to something here. The stand out tracks on this album are ‘Everywhere’ and ‘Supa Soul’. You’ll be surprised to learn that their sound sorted of happened by accident. They were playing a gig in Poland and their last track had some dub influences. Apparently, the crowd when berserk and they knew that they were onto something.

http://www.astronautsofantiquity.com

 

Justin Trawick – “Starting Over”

 First of all, you gotta respect a man who turns the loss of a job into a reason to focus on his passion of music. Justin’s music is honest, full of fresh piano and full of acoustic charm. Great coffee house music. A little mix of blues combined with hipster shapes. You’ll dig this if you like The Flaming Lips, Ben Folds, John Denver or Better Than Ezra.

http://www.justintrawick.com

These are the picks for summer. Such an interesting mix of genres and musical stylings.

What’s your summer hit list? Leave a comment and let us know. Know of someone we should be listening to? Tell us!

From listening to this EP, you’ll learn 4 things about Ms. Finch from her lyrics:

1. She’s confident

2. She’s the baddest Bitch (she tells you herself)

3. She’s all about designer gear name dropping (even her bed sheets!)

4. She shouldn’t write her own material

OK – Let me clarify each of those points above.
Ms. Finch exudes confidence – In her emails, twitter posts and in her lyrics.  She also makes no bones about telling you she is the baddest bitch on the scene. Musically, these tracks are tight. The opening cut’s backing track was definitely influenced by Benni Benassi’s “Satisfaction”.  That’s about the only reason I endured that song. The lyrics were weak at best. A Few good one-liners that were just layered one on top of the other. Then those one liners just repeated. This was pretty much the entire EP. 

If Ms. Finch would let someone help her write the lyrics based on her ideas, I believe she would do well. Vocal’s were a bit pitchy and you could tell someone behind the scenes was altering the pitch so she remained close to being on key.  I was disappointed that every song had her vocals over-processed. I’m dying to just hear her voice in the raw so that I can really guage her ability.  While the songs are not radio friendly, they would do well in Miami at the clubs (Space, for example). I just don’t see anyone wanting to rush out and buy this.

You can visit FF’s homepage here: http://www.frankiefinch.com/

I wanted to start this review off by drawing attention to the opening song Adeline. It’s important to understand that Noush has substance in her creative vision. She’s a confident singer who doesn’t need to over do it with ridiculous runs flexing her vocal muscle. The song leaves enough open to interpretation so the listener can allow it to become personal to them.

Her vocal style has a little Joan Jett and Mick Jagger influence. She must write lyrics constantly, because her songs always have a specific theme and don’t stray from the topic. I would love to know the story behind these songs. One can’t help but wonder after listening to Goodbye or See Clearly if these songs weren’t written from past experience. Musically, I get the feeling that studio musicians were too involved in that process. It sounds over polished and rigid. Don’t get me wrong, I love Adeline and Wake Up. Those were my two fave tracks from this album. However, I’ve heard Noush playing on her couch – just her and an acoustic guitar and you get so much more feeling from that couch session than you do on this studio recording. That is the reason why I must encourage you to not judge Noush solely on the studio record, but go and see her live.

I do want to challenge Noush to rock out more. Wake up was a great departure from the rest of the tracks and you seem like you’re holding back on the rest. Flex your muscles!! You’ve got a powerful voice!

I’ll post tour dates once I know them from time to time.

In the meantime, check out her homepage: http://noushskaugen.com/

The video for Adeline can be seen here: http://www.muzu.tv/noushskaugen/adeline-music-video/156463

I’ll let the photos speak for themselves, but this has got to be one of the more creative press kits we’ve received at Tuned-Out in the past 8 years!

The raven colored enveloped with silver hand-written address caught my attention.  Upon opening the envelope, I noticed two things immediately: the smell of burnt paper and red feathers.  It was clear to me this was going to be an attack on all my senses – not just my hearing!  Even the paper was thicker, with a nice earthy texture.

The band put a lot of effort here.  This is confirmed upon finding a personalized, hand signed letter at the end of the press kit.  Well done Ms. Mullaly.

The attention to detail doesn’t stop there.  The EP artwork was clever. Reminded me of something Edgar Allen Poe might have done had he ever put artwork with his dark stories.  This credit is owed to Philippa (drummer/artist).  Most indie bands don’t put this much effort into a 3-song EP.  But I guess we’ve already figured out Bird Eats Baby are different.

I have to tell you, when I first dropped this EP in I really had no idea what to expect.  My first thought was “This is a throwback to the times of Cabaret. Vaudeville aligned with some dark, suspense inspiring lyrics.”  As song one (China Doll) ended and track two (I Always Hang Myself with the Same Rope) began, I felt like I was listening to a razor sharp off-broadway play.  Don’t get me wrong, but I hate musicals.  That being said, if Bird Eats Baby were to put one on, I would break necks to make certain I was there for opening night.  I would love to see Bird Eats Baby touring with the Jim Rose Circus.  That would truly be a match made in heaven. (Are you reading this Jim?)

Bird Eats Baby is not for the mainstream listener.  Will this hurt them down the road?  I don’t believe so.  They’ve got their niche and it’s really hard to compare them to any other act you have heard before.  I’m curious to hear their full-length album to see where the story goes from here. 

As I was listening, I kept wanting to hear some guitar. It felt like there was a layer missing to their sound, but I couldn’t quite put my finger on it.  Again, this was all intentional. Listen carefully to everything that’s going on with the Keys and Drums. Ragtime never had it so good (Philippa is my new secret crush!) I would love to hear reader comments on their live show and how it differs from the studio recordings.

You can learn more about Bird Eats Baby here:

http://www.birdeatsbaby.co.uk

Three things you need to know about UME:

1. They hail from Texas

2. They’re a 3 piece band with a fierce front woman

3. They ROCK

When I was first sent the Sunshower EP I wasn’t sure what to expect.
East of Hercules (the first track) quickly set the tone for what was to become my infatuation for UME.
The EP as a whole was well put together.  The order of the cuts lends itself to the total package. I gotta tell ya, if this EP is any hint at what we can expect from their next full-length release I will be first in line.

If I had to pick two tracks from this EP as faves it would have to be East of Hercules (track 1) and The Means (track 4).

The 5 track Sunshower EP is out today.  Make Haste – This is perfect for you if you like Jucifer, Lush or early Stone Temple Pilots.

Tracks available for Download or Stream:
The Conductor:
http://umemusic.com/epk/songs/Ume-EP-The_Conductor.mp3

Sunshower:
http://umemusic.com/epk/songs/Ume-EP-Sunshower.mp3

 

I was fortunate enough to interview someone I have a lot of admiration for: Mariko Fujii – former lead singer/guitarist for the power rock trio Super Egg Machine. After their recent split, we chatted with her about what she’s doing nowadays and what’s coming up on the horizon.

This is our first dual-language interview posted. You’ll notice the Japanese and English text. This was done to keep the interview intact and to allow this article to be posted in Japan.

Tuned-Out: Thank you for taking the time to answer some questions for us. Would you mind starting off by introducing yourself to the readers?
お忙しい中、私達の質問に答える時間を作って下さってありがとうございます。早速ですが、スタートは自己紹介からお願いします。

Mariko Fujii。 私は藤井万利子です。2000年から５年間SUPER EGG MACHINEというバンドのボーカルギターをしていました。 今年の４月末にSEMが解散することになり、５月からピアノの弾き語りを中心にソロ活動をしています　。
８月には、ソロ活動と並行して、新しいバンド「左折成功」を立ち上げる事になりました。

Hi, I’m Mariko Fujii. I was the vocalist/guitarist of a band called “Super Egg Machine” from 2000 for 5 years. In April this year, SEM split up and from May I am doing solo work concentrating on piano.
From august, I’ll be working as a solo artist and with a new band called “Left Turn Success.”

TO: Since the split of SEM, what have you been working on musically?
SEMの解散後、音楽的にどんな方向に進んでいますか？

MF。A1と重複しますが、自分が音楽で表現したい形が確実に二つ見えて来て、ソロ活動では歌をしっかり届けれる表現方法をとっています。そして、これから新しく立ち上げるバンド、「左折成功」ではボーカリストと同じくらいギタリストにも徹し、赤裸々な歌詞とそれに見合うサウンド作りをしています。

Right now, I have two things I am focusing my energies on: My solo career where I can be more expressive in my songs and the future of “Left Turn Success” where I want to express myself openly in the lyrics and the music corresponds to it.

TO: When were you first introduced to music?
いつから音楽に振りあいましたか？

MF。４歳の時にクラシックピアノを始めたのが最初です。

When I was 4 years old, I started classical piano. That was my first introduction to music.

TO: What was the first song you wrote about? How old were you when you wrote it??
あなたが書いた最初の歌は何ですか？ それは何歳のとき書かれましたか？

MF。たしか、１０歳の頃にジュニアオリジナルコンサートのコンテストに出す為のピアノの曲を書いたのが最初です。 歌詞と曲を一緒に初めて書いたのは、高校生になってバンドを組んだ時です。

At around 10 years of age, I wrote music for piano for a junior original concert contest. The first time I had written both the music and lyrics was in high school when we formed a band.

TO: What influences your song writing? Real life experiences or your imagination??
歌の執筆の影響は何ですか。それは実際の経験又は想像によるものですか？

MF。私の詩はほとんどが実体験によるものです。体感しないと詩は書けません。

My poems/lyrics are all real experiences. Without feeling, I cannot write.

TO: Who are your musical influences? Who were you listening to when growing up? When I listen to your songs, I can hear traces of Chuck Berry and Kurt Kobain. Am I way off with that?
音楽にだれの影響を受けましたか。 子供の頃だれの音楽を聞いていましたかか。 あなたの歌を聞くとき、私はChuck BerryおよびKurt Kobainの影響を受けれいる気がします。もしかしてそれは 私だけ！

MF。確かにNIRVANAやHOLEはよく聴きますが、影響されたのはRAGE AGAINST THE MACHINEや、FACE TO FACEのアルバム「ignorance is bliss」、FOO FIGHTERS、それからRED HOT CHILI PEPPERSなどですね。 子供の頃は日本の歌謡曲や、OLIVIA NEWTON-JOHN、CARPENTERS、Simon And Garfunkleなど両親が聴くものを聴いていました。

I listened to Nirvana and Hole a lot. But I got influences from Rage Against the Machine, and Face to Face’s album “ignorance is bliss”, Foo Fighters, and Red Hot Chili Peppers, etc.
As a child, I listened to Olivia Newton-John, the Carpenters, Simon and Garfunkle and popular Japanese songs as my parents listened to them a lot.

TO: Who are you listening to now?
最近だれの音楽を聞きになりますか？

MF。最近はBjorkやCIBO MATTO、日本女性アーティストのYUKIなどです。

Nowadays, I’m listening to Bjork and Cibo Matto, and Japanese female artist, Yuki.

TO: Besides playing guitar, I also understand you play the piano as well. Do you play any other instruments?
ギターの演奏のほかに、ピアノを弾くってことが分かりました。その 他にどんな楽器が出来るのですか？

MF。楽器はこの二つだけですね。中学生の頃はアルトサックスを吹いていましたが、今はたぶん吹けません。

Those are the only two instruments I play. When I was in junior high school, I played Alto Sax. Nowadays I doubt I could play it.

TO: What is your primary guitar setup? What guitar and effects do you use? What gauge and brand of guitar strings do you use? Do you use standard tuning? Have you ever experimented with alternate tunings or using a capo??
あなたのギターの基本的な組み立て（セットアップ）は何ですか？ どんなブランドのギター又はどんなサウンドイフェットを使用していますか？ ギターの線はどんなゲージ又ブランドを使用していますか。 標準的な（スタンダード）調整を行いますか。tuningsとかcapoを変えて実験したりしますか。

MF。ギターの弦は、レギュラーチューニングの方がERNIE BALLのREGULAR SLINKYを使用しています。 ６弦をDに落とすチューニングの方は、ERNIE BALLのPOWER SLINKYを使用しています。専属のギターメンテナンスがいますので、頃合いを見て調整をしてもらっています。

I use regular tuning, and for guitar strings I use Ernie Ball Regular Slinky. When I tune the guitar to the key of D, I use Ernie Ball Power Slinky strings. I have my own guitar tech that makes the adjustments for me.

TO: Do use different instruments when recording in the studio than you do when performing live concert? Have you ever experimented with different sounds in the studio??
スタジオで録音する時とコンサートの時同じ又は別の楽器を使いになりますか。 スタジオで色々なサウンドを実験したりしますか？

MF。レコーディングの時はもちろんギター以外の楽器もチャレンジしています。エレキシタールや、エレキピアノなど弾いています。 ギターのサウンドエフェクトも沢山試して、これだという音を探します。

I definitely try other instruments when recording. I play electric sitar, electric piano, etc. I experiment with a lot of different guitar sound effects until I find the sound I am looking for.

TO: How easy is it for you to recreate the studio sound live? I’ve seen many bands who sound great recorded in a studio, but just don’t cut it live.
スタジオで録音された音楽とライブで聴く音楽にどれ位の差がありますか？スタジオ録音で素晴らしく聞こえる多くのバンドがステージでよく聞こえなかったりすることがありますので。

MF。SEMの頃は、もちろんレコーディングの音作りにもこだわりましたが、ライブが良いと言われたかったので、それほど差はなかったと思います。

While in SEM, we took every precaution to ensure that our live sound was similar to our studio sound by using methods we could easily recreate live. We wanted the fans to say our live show was better! I like to think there was no difference between the live show and the studio recording.

TO: There’s seems to be quite a stir of rock and roll in Japan as of late. Any plans to spread your music overseas?
現在に当たっても日本のロックンロールはかなりの勢いがありますが。 あなたの音楽を海外に広げる計画がありますか？

MF。もちろん広めれるのならば、海外にも私の音楽を聴いてくれる人を増やしたいです。計画を立てたいと思っています。

If possible, I would like to have more of a fan base outside of Japan and I am planning to perform overseas, too.

TO: Why do you think it’s so hard for Japanese artists to get exposure in the U.S. Market, when the American artists are readily available in Japan?
アメリカンアーチストの音楽が日本のマケットで簡単に手に入れることか出来ますが、なぜ日本人アーチストががとても米国マケットで進出しにくいと思いますか?

MF。まだアメリカではJ-POPの価値が低いと思われているからでしょう。

It is because of the desire and value of J-POP in the United States is low.

TO: What can the readers of this interview do to help you promote your music??
このインタビューの読者は、あなたの音楽促進はどんな形で手助けすることができますか？

MF。まず私の声と音楽、そしてギターパフォーマンスを見て欲しいです。それで気に入ってくれた人が１人でも増えれば幸せです。詳しくはお世話になっているRobert Miltenbergさんの会社のHPに問い合わせをして欲しいです。

First of all, I want you to experience my voice, music and guitar performance. If the number of fans increases, I’ll be happy. If you enjoy what you’ve experienced, I would encourage you to contact Mr. Robert Miltenberg at Mutato Musika via email: mutatosuperman@yahoo.com and let him know as well!

TO: If you were to headline a tour in the U.S., who would you want to tour with?
あなたは米国でツアーに見出しを付けさせることになったら、だれとツアーを組みたいですか？

MF。FOO FIGHTERSの前座をしてみたいです。

I’d want to be the opening act for the Foo Fighters.

TO: Do you have any wild stories on the road or of crazed fans?
ライブの帰り道で、発狂させられたファンに遭遇する経験がありますか？ もしありましたら是非聞かせてください。

MF。日本で言う、秋葉原系のオタクが待ち伏せしていることがありました。

There were a few “Akihibara Otaku” (as we say in Japan) who would follow me around from time to time.

TO: Besides being one stellar musician, do you have any other interests outside of music?
ミュージシャンであり、あなたは音楽の以外に興味を持っていることはありますか?

MF。音楽以外には特にないですが、常に楽しい事を探そうとしています。

I’m always looking for things that make me happy, but there really is nothing but music.

TO: Currently, your website is in Japanese only. Any plans to have it translated for your English-speaking fans?
現在、あなたのウェブサイトは日本語だけです。英語を話すファンのために翻訳く計画がありますか？

MF。必要に迫られれば、もちろん英語バージョンも作るつもりです。

Of course I will make an English version if it becomes necessary!
——-

Will you be in Japan in the not-so distant future? If so, here are some dates/locales where Mariko will be appearing:

「左折成功」 is the name of Mariko’s new band.
Translated, it literally means “Left Turn Success”

8/11　FUKUOKA hakata ekimae onpo 「左折成功」

8/16　NAGASAKI Drum Be-7 「solo project」

8/18　FUKUOKA Drum Be-1 「solo project」

8/31　TOKYO omotesandou FAB 「左折成功」

9/8 　 TOKYO roppongi morph-tokyo 「solo project」

For more info visit http://www.fujii-mariko.com