Soundtrack to Cindy
Side 2
Semisonic -Semisonic isreally the reincarnation of a band that I loved a long time ago, called Trip Shakespeare. TS is one of those obscure groups that I used to listen to on college radio thathad some cool songs like "The Slacks" and "Turtledove". Theirsound is characterized by the combination of guitars and keyboards with unique vocals thatrange from a high falsetto to a deep monotone, that is strangely sensual. Twomembers of TS are now Semisonic with their current CD Feeling Strangely Fine. They bring the same combinations that made TS unique but have jumpedto the mainstream modern rock format with the current hit "Closing Time." This is a song with great lyrics, using the metaphor of a bar closing as being the endingas well as the beginning. This song is destined to be the closer of every highschool prom, last party song, and has already found multiple duty on MTVs The RealWorld. I'm really very happy for their success. The entire CD is awesome with"Never You Mind" and "Singing in My Sleep", aboutthe ultimate mix tape, and "Completely Pleased", an erotically, sensual number("I want to see you come, Completely Pleased"). A previous Semisonic CD, GreatDivide, is also great.
Semisonicdiscography at 
TripShakespeare discography at
Lemonheads - TheLemonheads have been around a while, but the only constant in this group is Evan Dando,lead singer, guitarist, and songwriter extraordinairre. I feel that he is the poetof our time. He writes one perfect pop song after another, each with unique catchyhook and melodies. While Evan usually appears baked, his guitar stylings are simpleyet accomplished. On the recent CD, Car, Button, Cloth, the Lemonheads arein rare form with "If I Could Talk I'd Tell You" and "C'mon Daddy" andmy personal favorite "The Outdoor Type" a country sounding ode to being a"city boy". Previous CDs include It's a Shame About Ray and Comeon Feel the Lemonheads, which include some of my favorite songs,"Rudderless", "Into Your Arms," ,"Bit Part," (featuring thevocals of another favorite, Juliana Hatfield), and a greatcover of Simon and Garfunkel's "Mrs. Robinson." While Evan Dando is agreat musician and songwriter, the Lemonheads have lacked the focus to acheive mainstreamsuccess. Too bad, because it is the loss of the masses not to be exposed to thistalent.
Lemonheadsdiscography at
Recliners- The Recliners are a lounge band from Austin, TX that offer a twist on the serious loungetrend going on today. They do fun covers of popular songs in lounge fashion. For instance, imagine "Back in Black" being sung by Frank Sinatra or "Fighfor Your Right to Party" by Tony Bennett. They mix the cheesy, Donna summer's"Hot Stuff" with the classisc, Ramones, "I Wanna Be Sedated" and itall comes out bouncy and fun. Their CD, Cosa Caliente, is a greataddition to any CD collection and it is perfect for parties. It's fun to seeeveryone's expression when they recognize the song out of its normal musicalcontext. With very talented personnel, Cosa Caliente offers some originalRecliners tunes like "It's All Talk" and my favorite "Deeper andDeeper" which could easily cross over to the pop format. With bands likeSquirrel Nut Zippers and Cherry Poppin' Daddies making a name for themselves in the Swingmarket, the Recliners can capitalize on this trend while still offering something thateveryone can love.
Reclinersdiscography at
Juliana Hatfield -Juliana Hatfield is another of my favorite artists that I have been following for a longtime. Also an underachiever in the mainstream markets, Juliana has suffered from"label hopping syndrome." Maybe she's just misunderstood. She offersthe contrast of powerful guitars and childlike vocals all being delivered by a waif of a woman. My favorite song is probably one that she hates "EverybodyLoves Me But You" off of her CD from 1991, Hey Babe, buther credits also include other favorites of mine "My Sister" and"Ugly". Juliana was a part of a group called the Blake Babies before goingout on her own and I would also recommend their CD Sunburn.
JulianaHatfield discography at
BlakeBabies discography at
Sarah McLachlan- Sarah McLachlan is the pride of Canada, as well as her management company, Nettwerk and her label, Arista. Sarah wasdiscoverd as a teenager in a pop band, but with backing and support, went out on her ownto craft some of the most beautiful and insightful songs. She really captures theessence of being a modern woman in the rock format. The founder and brains behindthe extremely popular Lilith Fair tour, Sarah has had marvelous success with her recent CD Surfacing as well as the previous Fumbling Towards Ecstacy. Sarah's songs "Good Enough", Ice Cream", "Possession,""Adia", and "Building a Mystery" have been great hits. Othernotable tunes on Surfacing include my favorite "Do What You Have to Do"which is about getting over a loss. She has a powerful presence and has done a greatdeal for women in music over the past year.
SarahMcLachlan discography at
