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Sountrack to Cindy
Side 1

stunt.jpg (13020 bytes)Barenaked Ladies - If you have spent even a little bit of time at On That Note, you already know this is my favorite band, with the BNL Corner dedicated entirely to the numerous concerts of theirs I have attended.  Their newest effort, Stunt, proves to be their most successful release yet.  Stunt represents the combined experience of this talented group by offering the whimsical quality of their first release, Gordon, the serious, insightful impact of Maybe You Should Drive, and the maturity of Born On a Pirate Ship.  The first single from Stunt, "One Week", is a delightful pop song, perfect for the modern rock format that incorporates a catchy chorus with clever rap verses.  Their sound is diverse, with influences of rock, country, jazz, and humor that make for a unique entertainment experience.  For a taste of their live show, check out their live project, Rock Spectacle, and then make sure you see them live when they come to your town!!!  Side projects of members include keyboardist Kevin Hearn's Mothball Mint and bass player, Jim Creeggan and brother Andy (former BNL keyboardist) with Brothers Creeggan I and II.
Barenaked Ladies Discography at cc_cdnow_logo.jpg (5850 bytes)
Kevin Hearn Discography at cc_cdnow_logo.jpg (5850 bytes)

whatever.gif (3740 bytes)Ben Folds Five - A great band out of Chapel Hill, NC (home of my alma mater, University of North Carolina), this trio (Ben says he miscounted) consists of Ben Folds on grand piano, Robert Sledge on bass (both standup and regular), and Darren Jesse on drums.   Yes, that's right, no guitars.  This makes for an unique pop sound with the energy of punk and lyrics that are often sensitive, yet unsentimental.  Their first self-titled CD is a great introduction to the band with great tunes "Philosophy" and "Jackson Cannery".  Whatever and Ever Amen put them over the top with the hit "Brick", about a troubled relationship, "Battle of Who Could Care Less", an ode to the power struggles in relationships, and "Song for the Dumped", pretty much self explanatory.  Do you get the feeling that someone in this band has had some bad luck in love?  It comes off flawlessly with melodic piano that is reminiscent of Billy Joel and Joe Jackson, while adding the Southern rock of their roots of the Allman Brothers, the sensitivity of Elvis Costello, and the energy of the Sex Pistols.  Their recent release, Naked Baby Photos, highlights some of the groups most proud moments with a collection of early versions and live performances, a must for the die hard BFF fan.
Ben Folds Five Discography at cc_cdnow_logo.jpg (5850 bytes)

stilllife.jpg (30874 bytes)Connells - The Connells are the longest running of my favorite groups, my interest in them dating back to my college days at UNC-CH (any body detect the Chapel Hill/Canada them running in my picks?).  They have been together for years and have not yet reached the ultimate in pop success, probably due to poor management or lack of label backing. These guys should have been big long ago.   They have changed some membership over the years, but mainstays are the Connell twins on Guitar and Bass, and the addition of Doug....... as the vocalist several years back.  They have many great CDs in Fun and Games (tunes include "Something to Say", "Upside Down", and a favorite "Uninspired"), Ring (great song "Slackjawed"), and the current Still Life. This CD is a tightly produced one that is reminiscent of the early work.  The first song "dull, brown, and gray" as well as the title tune "still life" remind me of things from Fun and Games.  Melodic guitars, just a twing of the southern influences from their southern upbringing, and vocals that have some Brit pop influences reminding me of Oasis (although they've been around long before), give this group a mild, pleasant edge that would appeal to any modern rock market.  I hope the Connells will be on the road to Houston soon.
Connells discography at cc_cdnow_logo.jpg (5850 bytes)

nest.gif (8154 bytes)Odds - I discovered the Odds as the opening act for Barenaked Ladies last year.   This is a great group of four men from Vancouver, Canada that offers high energy pop songs with cute, clever, and sensitive lyrics.  Heavy guitars characterize this group, but don't overpower.  Their most recent effort, Nest, has 11 catchy tracks that will have you humming along in no time.  The first, "Someone Who is Cool" is a tune about pretending to be someone you're not.  "Make You Mad" and "Say You Mean It Wondergirl" continue with the strong electric guitar focus and neat lyrics, while "Nothing Beautiful" offers the more sensitive ballad. Other CDs include Bedbug, with the song "Heterosexual Man" which has the cute, ironic video starring members of cross dressing Kids in the Hall fame.  This is a great group to see live, but since they don't come to the US much, I've got my CD collection to remind me of the fun I've had seeing them.
Odds discography at cc_cdnow_logo.jpg (5850 bytes)

On That Note,  I'm outta here....

C

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Last updated: May 02, 2001