music reviews by Natalie Kardos
Driftless Pony Club Cholera
The Driftless Pony Club show off their (modest) mousey roots on this CD that’s characterized by abrupt tempo changes and vocals that alternate between singing and shouting. But even with their roots showing as obviously as bleached blonde’s, they manage to carve out an original sound that stands all on its own. The musicianship is outstanding, especially in regards to the rhythm section. In fact, the only downside to the album is the lack of confidence during tempo changes in a few of the songs. However, this band is still quite young, and with time they will (hopefully) mature and fully be able to realize the type of music they are aiming for. Better to aim high and miss slightly than to attain mediocrity. [http://www.driftlessponyclub.com] – NK
John Ralston Needle Bed
If you think Needle Bed sounds somewhat like a collaboration between Elliott Smith and Ben Lee, you may be on the right track. This is rainy day pop music to bring out the depression in all of us. At times beautiful, with multi-tracked vocals and pretty piano lines, and at times overblown (can anyone really feel this bad all the time?), the album is best listened to while curled up on the couch with a hot cup of tea and a good book in hand. [http://www.john-ralston.com] – NK
Vinyl Radio Fancy with a Pistol EP
Listening to this EP, you get the feeling that this band is a helluva good time live. The songs are in the vein of punky honkey-tonk (punky-tonk?); however, at times, like on “The Glimmer is Dimmer” it sounds like the band is just going through the motions in the studio. You get the feeling (or at least hope) that they step it up a bit when there’s interaction with a live audience. They are musically solid (although the keys could stand to be a little more prominent in the mix) and not lacking in humor – the last song of the EP, ironically titled “Messin’ Around,” lifts the piano lick from Journey’s “Faithfully.” An acceptable joke, given the talent that backs it. [http://www.myspace.com/vinylradio] – NK
Wendy Starland Dancing with the Sea[Single]
Wendy Starland strikes me as just another pretty face with a pretty voice to match. A pretty, yet bland and uncharacteristic voice. The type of voice that you hear once, maybe ask who it is, and then almost immediately forget. This would be forgivable if her music was at least memorable…but to me, it sounds like something you’d hear in an elevator at a Sandals Resort. It’s been engineered to be pleasing to the ear – the better to open TV shows with, or to sell cars. Or to bore me to death. [http://www.wendystarland.com] – NK