Sountrack to Cindy
Side 1
BarenakedLadies - 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 oftheirs I have attended. Their newest effort, Stunt, proves to be their mostsuccessful release yet. Stunt represents the combined experience of thistalented group by offering the whimsical quality of their first release, Gordon,the serious, insightful impact of Maybe You Should Drive, and the maturity of BornOn a Pirate Ship. The first single from Stunt, "One Week",is a delightful pop song, perfect for the modern rock format that incorporates a catchychorus with clever rap verses. Their sound is diverse, with influences of rock,country, jazz, and humor that make for a unique entertainment experience. For ataste of their live show, check out their live project, Rock Spectacle, and thenmake sure you see them live when they come to your town!!! Side projects of membersinclude keyboardist Kevin Hearn's Mothball Mint and bass player, Jim Creeggan and brotherAndy (former BNL keyboardist) with Brothers Creeggan I and II.
BarenakedLadies Discography at 
KevinHearn Discography at
Ben Folds Five - A greatband out of Chapel Hill, NC (home of my alma mater, Universityof North Carolina), this trio (Ben says he miscounted) consists of Ben Folds on grandpiano, 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 ofpunk and lyrics that are often sensitive, yet unsentimental. Their first self-titledCD is a great introduction to the band with great tunes "Philosophy" and"Jackson Cannery". Whatever and Ever Amen put them over the topwith the hit "Brick", about a troubled relationship, "Battle of Who CouldCare Less", an ode to the power struggles in relationships, and "Song for theDumped", pretty much self explanatory. Do you get the feeling that someone inthis band has had some bad luck in love? It comes off flawlessly with melodic pianothat is reminiscent of Billy Joel and Joe Jackson, while adding the Southern rock of theirroots 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 andlive performances, a must for the die hard BFF fan.
BenFolds Five Discography at
Connells - The Connellsare the longest running of my favorite groups, my interest in them dating back to mycollege days at UNC-CH (any body detect the ChapelHill/Canada them running in my picks?). They have been together for years and havenot yet reached the ultimate in pop success, probably due to poor management or lack oflabel backing. These guys should have been big long ago. They have changedsome 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 manygreat 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 tightlyproduced 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 thingsfrom Fun and Games. Melodic guitars, just a twing of the southerninfluences from their southern upbringing, and vocals that havesome 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. Ihope the Connells will be on the road to Houston soon.
Connellsdiscography at
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 songswith cute, clever, and sensitive lyrics. Heavy guitars characterize this group, butdon't overpower. Their most recent effort, Nest, has 11 catchy tracks that will haveyou humming along in no time. The first, "Someone Who is Cool" is a tuneabout pretending to be someone you're not. "Make You Mad" and "SayYou Mean It Wondergirl" continue with the strong electric guitar focus and neatlyrics, while "Nothing Beautiful" offers the more sensitive ballad. Other CDsinclude Bedbug, with the song "Heterosexual Man" which has the cute,ironic video starring members of cross dressing Kids in the Hall fame. Thisis a great group to see live, but since they don't come to the US much, I've got my CDcollection to remind me of the fun I've had seeing them.
Oddsdiscography at
On That Note, I'm outta here....
C
