PLUSH More You Becomes You 1998

by request

Discogs

Artist Biography by Joslyn Layne

Vocalist, pianist, and guitarist Liam Hayes (known for his work with Will Oldham's Palace) has been songwriting for his group, Plush, since the dawn of the '90s, but didn't record with the band until 1994 when the single "Three Quarters Blind Eyes"/"Found a Little Baby" came out on Chicago's Drag City label. This first effort for the seldom-gigging band garnered some surprisingly big attention from the music press; notably, the B-side was named Single of the Week by one British magazine and received critical praise from several others. It was another three years, however, before the band created a follow-up. 1997's "No Education" came out on Flydaddy, and it was a much shorter wait between releases this time, with their full-length debut coming out the following year. 1998's More You Becomes You actually finds Hayes at the piano singing sparse, vulnerable, and romantic songs along the heartfelt lines of Carole King and Burt Bacharach ballads. Following the album's release, the band continued together with Hayes on guitar and toured with the Japanese band Ghost and with Yo La Tengo. One can also catch Hayes performing in the background of a bar scene in the film High Fidelity (2000), a movie about an obsessive music fan living in Chicago. In 2002, the Japanese After Hours label released Hayes' next achievement, Fed -- an album as lush and ambitious as the previous one was sparse. Hayes returned in 2009 with Bright Penny, a lovingly constructed "ode to pop music" that was released under the moniker Liam Hayes & Plush. Hayes appeared in and composed the soundtrack for director Roman Coppola's 2012 independent comedy A Glimpse Inside the Mind of Charles Swan III.  

Tracklist

1	Virginia
2	More You Becomes You
3	(I Didn't Know) I Was Asleep
4	The Party I
5	The Party II
6	Soaring And Boring
7	(See It In The) Early Morning
8	Instrumental
9	Save The People
10	The Sailor

TINSEL Quit While You're Ahead 1996

Discogs 

AllMusic Review by Nitsuh Abebe

Quit While You're Ahead makes a great leap from Tinsel's earlier work, which fell very much in line with North Carolina's indie-rock scene (Archers of Loaf, or, to some extent, Superchunk) -- the record takes Tinsel's songwriting out of standard territory, attempting a number of more varied and original pop constructions, and winds up finding a unique voice for the band outside of its Mid-Atlantic rock peers. The resulting album is far more artistically worthwhile than its predecessors, retaining all of the band's melodic rock sensibilities, but taking them into more mature territories.

Tracklist

1	The New Machine
2	Major Warning
3	If I Had A Seizure
4	Gotta Get Some
5	Here Comes The Scum
6	Good To Loose
7	Esquire
8	Bottles And Tires
9	Spooky
10	Great White Hopeful
11	Scarface

SPATULA Even The Thorny Acacia 1994

by request

 

 

Discogs

Tracklist  

1	Minute Hand
2	Yoohoo
3	Jules And The Termites
4	Salus
5	Kuskus
6	True-Life
7	Untitled
8	Laughing Like A Statue
9	Confessional Tutor
10	Even The Thorny Acacia
11	Pachinko
12	Algae

HAMELL ON TRIAL Big As Life 1995

 

 

Discogs 

 

 

Artist Biography by Stacia Proefrock

Ed Hamell, who performs under the name Hamell on Trial, managed to build a steady following for his anti-folk, punk rock-influenced acoustic music. Alternating between brash and funny, his sound has more in common with rock than the gentle folksingers of yore. Hamell on Trial got his start in upstate New York, where Hamell split from the band he was playing with and embraced the notion of playing as a solo act. After recording his 1989 debut as Hamell on Trial, Conviction, for Syracuse's Blue Wave Records, he eventually decided that a journey south might be beneficial to his musical career and relocated to Austin, Texas.

Soon after arriving in Austin, he won a steady gig playing Friday nights at the Electric Lounge. His first shows alienated the audience with his fierce attack and sarcastic tone, but he soon built a fan base that appreciated his style, and his shows began to draw more than 500 people every week. He signed a recording contract with Austin's Doolittle Records in May 1994 and released his debut album, Big as Life, soon afterwards. His performance at the South by Southwest Music Conference won him a contract with Mercury Records, which re-released his debut, as well as subsequent albums including 1997's The Chord Is Mightier Than the Sword and 2000's Choochtown.

Hamell did his part to promote these releases with his relentless touring, playing up to 250 shows per year until May 2000 when he was seriously injured in a car accident. After recovering from head and spinal injuries, he released Ed's Not Dead: Hamell Comes Alive in 2001, and could often be found playing shows near his new home in Brooklyn, New York. A collection, Mercuroyale: The Best of the Mercury Years arrived the following year, and in 2003 he struck a deal with Righteous Babe Records, the indie label founded by Ani DiFranco. Hamell on Trial's first album for Righteous Babe was Tough Love, followed in 2006 by Songs for Parents Who Enjoy Drugs and in 2008 by The Terrorism of Everyday Life.

In 2012, Hamell turned to Kickstarter to crowdfund a new album featuring songs he'd written after giving himself an assignment to write a new tune each day. (Hamell ended up writing close to 400 songs, and posted performances of many of them on YouTube.) The campaign was successful enough that he raised $10,435, well over his $7,000 goal, and he recorded a digital EP that was expanded into a full-length album, produced in part by Phil Nicolo of the Butcher Brothers. The full-length, The Happiest Man in the World, was released by New West Records in February 2014. Hamell's tenth studio long-player, Tackle Box, was co-produced by Nicolo and released in 2017, again via New West.

Tracklist

1	Sugarfree	2:29
2	Harmony	2:56
3	Blood Of The Wolf	5:22
4	Brother Franklin	3:35
5	Big As Life	5:34
6	Pep Rally	2:55
7	Z-Roxx	2:53
8	Dead Man's Float	4:01
9	Piccolo Joe	3:56
10	In The Neighborhood	3:39
11	Open Up The Gates	2:50
12	Get In The Game	3:11
13	Untitled	2:20

DOWNY MILDEW Slow Sky 1994

 

 

Discogs

Artist Biography by AllMusic

This Los Angeles, California, USA quintet comprises Jenny Homer (vocals, guitar), Charlie Baldonado (guitar, vocals), Janine Cooper (bass, ex-Pet Clark), Rob Jacobs (drums, percussion) and Salvador Garze (violin). Cooper replaced original, long-time bass player Nancy McCoy, who opted to devote herself to motherhood, in time for Slow Sky. Downy Mildew’s origins can be traced to the mid-80s when renowned independent label Texas Hotel Records released their debut EP and two follow-up albums (these were later reissued on new home, High Street Records). Recalling California’s vintage 60s pop mood, with the group weaned on the sounds of the Beach Boys and Mamas And The Papas, songwriters Homer and Baldonado used these influences as a platform for their simple but affecting pop songs - often orchestrated in tandem with unexpected lyrical twists. With the duo writing both individually and collaboratively, this three-pronged approach led to considerable stylistic diversity within the band’s albums, with Baldonado’s enduring affection for Burt Bacharach (including a cover version of ‘Walk On By’) noted by several critics. Earlier, Broomtree had announced these disparate songwriting approaches, with Baldonado’s writing more rooted in the folk rock tradition, contrasting with Homer’s harder, up-tempo style. Comparisons to 10, 000 Maniacs were, at this stage at least, not too far wide of the mark. Another unifying factor in the band’s appeal, that of accomplished musicianship and self-reliant production, was further evinced with Mincing Steps. A cohesive collection of songs performed in a quasi-orchestral style, it managed to balance grandeur with harmonic pop essentials. An Oncoming Train, Downy Mildew’s acclaimed debut for High Street Records, saw them enlist the services of Mitchell Froom associate Tchad Blake, who had previously worked with Los Lobos, Suzanne Vega and Tom Waits. Their relationship together continued with Slow Sky, which refined the group’s sound further. The familiar elements - lush male/female vocal interchanges overriding darker lyrical sentiments - were offered a new sheen by virtue of the group’s evident self-confidence and poise.

Tracklist

1	Your Blue Eye	3:16
2	Left Foot Down	4:18
3	Release	4:30
4	A Polka Dot-Scarved Woman	3:34
5	Girls By The Lake	5:49
6	A Liar Needs A Good Memory	4:18
7	That He Wrote	4:26
8	Them That Dream	3:36
9	Machine	4:03
10	Sidewinding Home	4:09
11	Don't Change My Mind	3:53
12	I Remember Yesterday	2:26

NAKED PREY Jumbo's Shinebox 1992

 

Discogs

Artist Biography by Rovi Staff

Green on Red drummer continues w/ country punk "84-87."

Tracklist

1	Touch The Ground	2:50
2	Love Letters	3:15
3	Automotive Tips From The Master	0:54
4	Souvenier	4:36
5	Beside Me	2:55
6	Its Allright	4:45
7	Why'd Ya Do It Jimmy	4:34
8	Edge Of A Knife	3:36
9	Lizard Car	2:47
10	The Sensitive Number	4:44

MAGOO The Soateramic Sounds Of Magoo 1997

.

Discogs

 

 

Artist Biography by Mike DaRonco

Playing a handful of empty shows at various Norwich watering holes is how the Magoo story started in 1993. They would spend two years living this lifestyle while gigging throughout England before becoming studio addicts in 1995. With three singles on their own Noisebox Records -- including "Mudshark," "Robot Carnival," and 1996's "Eye Spy" -- as well as some recognition from radio personality John Peel, Magoo found their setting in the British indie rock environment with their first album The Soateramic Sounds of Magoo. Released by Chemikal Underground in 1997, this opened a few more doors for Magoo, including some dates with Guided by Voices, the Delgados, and a split 7" with Mogwai. After another handful of singles such as "A to Z and Back Again," "Red Lines (Are Fine)" and the singles compilation "Close Continental D.N.A." all released in 1997, the following year saw another tour with The Delagods, Cornershop, the EP Swiss Border Escape and their second album Vote the Pacifist Ticket Today.  

Tracklist

1	The Starter's Gun	2:54
2	A To Z And Back Again	3:47
3	Your Only Friend	2:22
4	Telling You Lies	3:00
5	Red Lines (Are Fine)	2:12
6	The Guilt Club	1:28
7	The Advantage Of Noise	4:44
8	Have You Heared ?	0:42
9	The Social Event Of The Year	3:15
10	Soaterama	1:07
11	The Queen Of The 8-Bus Singers	4:35
12	It's Not Going To Stop	2:58
13	Hello...	1:21
14	Playing Cards With The Stars	3:11
15	British Cars	2:54
16	This Red Earth	3:20
17	Say Goodnight	1:53
18	Lonley Legionairre	2:27
19	Careering Dice (A Loose Dear Santa)	1:32
20	Melodra	1:00
21	Bebe Alights	3:13
22	Dutch Dynamico	1:18
23	Train Of Thought	2:16

THE GRAVELBERRYS Bowl of Globes 1991

by request

 

Discogs

Artist Biography by John Bush

An offshoot of the Paul Meyers Band, the Gravelberrys were formed in 1991 by drummer Rob Greenwood, guitarist Ray Montford, bassist Glenn Olive and vocalist/guitarist Paul Meyers (the brother of Wayne's World star Mike Myers). The group released an independent album, Bowl of Globes, in 1991.

 Tracklist 

1	Wonder Where You Are Tonight	3:24
2	Rocks And Bones	3:45
3	It's Raining (It's Pouring)	2:31
4	Felt This Way Before	3:22
5	Landlord (Radio Edit)	0:02
6	Rome Wasn't Built In A Daydream	3:14
7	Everyday She Wants Tomorrow	3:57
8	English Trains	2:41
9	Landlord (Extended Dance Club Mix)	0:05
10	Always In The Morning	3:07

RUBY FALLS Heroines 1996

by request

 

 

Discogs 

 

 

Artist Biography by Steve Huey

Ruby Falls was a math rock quartet from New York that was composed mostly (or, later in their history, entirely) of female musicians. In keeping with the punk and riot grrrl spirit, most of their lyrics had a distinct feminist subtext, and they wove elements of punk into their volatile yet complex music as well, not to mention more straightforward rock and pop. Formed in 1992, the band originally consisted of bassist/lead vocalist Cynthia Nelson, guitarist/vocalists Jennifer Rogers and Letha Rodman, and drummer Andrew Bordwin. Over 1992-1994, the band issued three self-released, cassette-only EPs and toured extensively behind them; they also issued several 7" singles on small indie labels like Spartadisc and Villa Villakula and appeared on several compilations. Drummer Bordwin left in 1994 to pursue a career in photography, and was replaced by Rogers' sister Laura. Also that year, Nelson appeared in the cult indie rock film Half Cocked alongside Rodan bassist Tara Jane O'Neil; the two had met on tour late in 1993 and became lovers not long after. Meanwhile, Ruby Falls contributed the track "Dusty" to the soundtrack.
When Rodan broke up in late 1994, Nelson and O'Neil began collaborating in the rootsy indie pop duo Retsin, and Nelson took a hiatus from Ruby Falls to move to Louisville. She returned to New York in 1996 to rejoin Ruby Falls, who'd kept playing together in the meantime. The group first issued the EP What She Does on the Personal Favorite label, then followed it not long after with their full-length debut, Heroines, on Silver Girl. Nelson subsequently took another break to focus on both Retsin and the alt-country project the Naysayer, in which she played drums. Ruby Falls reconvened in 2000 for their second album, For the New Crop, which was released by Heartcore Records; following its release, they officially disbanded. The Rogers Sisters reteamed under exactly that name, and released an album in 2002.

Tracklist  

1	Heroines
2	Extracts
3	The Guest
4	Pretty Feet
5	Pennies
6	Drawn To
7	I Knew You When
8	Amended
9	Thirst
10	20 Mile Bridge
11	Out Of Town

 

 

 

WALKING BY A BUILDING Various Artists 1995

compilation on Hat Factory Records out of Baltimore, Maryland

Not On Discogs

I've tried to read all of the bands' names correctly but there may be errors in names and/or titles.

 1. BIG HEIFER Loopholes
 2. PALENTINE Voltage Vincent
 3. HASSASSINS Hassassins
 4. THE COCKLES Tea Kettle
 5. HELEKOPTER Stench
 6. EDITH The Loan Was A Bad Idea
 7. BERSERK! 5 Strings
 8. UNIVERSAL ORDER OF ARMAGEDDON Flux
 9. THE JENNIFERS Pretty Things
10. THICK SHAKE Star Storm
11. UV-373 Marble
12. PEDGE Crooked
13. PLOW Whale Songs For Frogs
14. MATT CLARK 5 The Ape Dance
15. PORNFLAKES It Sure Looks Different
16. JAG Try
17. BLISTER FREAK CIRCUS Mr. Gup's Div
18. FAT Prozac Polka
19. OCTOPUS Guidance Counselor
20. NORD EXPRESS Intro
21. SUBMENSAS I'm Glad You're Dead
22. THE SHIT Don't Bury Me

SHOESHINE CHARTBUSTERS Various Artists 1997

compilation on the Shoeshine Records label

 

 

Discogs

Tracklist  

1	–Speedboat (2)	Satellite Girl	2:57
2	–Speedboat (2)	Speedboat	2:32
3	–Speedboat (2)	On The Run	3:42
4	–BMX Bandits	Help Me, Somebody	2:28
5	–BMX Bandits	Golden Teardrops	2:24
6	–BMX Bandits	Let's Go Where The Action Is	2:08
7	–Radio Sweethearts*	Beer And Whisky	2:30
8	–Radio Sweethearts*	New Memories	3:08
9	–Radio Sweethearts*	Crazy Heart	2:49
10	–Frank Blake	Don't Let Love Pass You By	2:49
11	–Frank Blake	Plastic Bag	2:55
12	–Frank Blake	Any Way The Wind Blows	2:50
13	–Alex Chilton	We're Gonna Make It	3:02
14	–Alex Chilton	A Lot Of Livin' To Do	3:27
15	–Alex Chilton	Margie	2:35
16	–Alex Chilton	Hide And Seek	3:15
17	–Alex Chilton	There Will Never Be Another You	3:01
18	–Astro Chimp	Draggin'	3:29
19	–Astro Chimp	She's My Summer Girl	3:57
20	–Astro Chimp	The Last Refugee Of The Talentless	5:45

MONSULA Sanitized 1992

 

Discogs

AllMusic Review by Mike DaRonco

Along with the likes of Jawbreaker and Cringer, Monsula helped define the East Bay pop-punk sound during the early '90s: the songs are complex, mature and none of this three-chord bone-headed, brainless song structure that this genre is always stereotyped as. Monsula will have none of that. Rather, these guys have more of a mid-'80s D.C. hardcore influence with such names as Rites of Spring, Embrace, Dag Nasty and Fugazi. With inspirations such as those, Sanitized has more of a level-headed perspective on the world around them. Lyrics on the title track that start off with "Say we could live without leaders/Where would all the corruption go/Say we should rise above our standards/Do you think we could bear the load?" clearly demonstrates this.

Tracklist

1	Down Inside	2:53
2	Ocean Walked	2:32
3	Sanitized	2:59
4	Starch	2:34
5	Pound	2:19
6	I See	2:07
7	Grow	3:32
8	We Need	2:18
9	Two	3:21
10	Wither	2:39
11	Meant For You	3:59
12	Concession	2:35
	Bonus Tracks: Structure LP
13	Safe	2:01
14	Ride	3:02
15	O.T.B.	2:57
16	Pre-Past Tense	1:49
17	Sleep Tight	2:27
18	Razors	2:24
19	Abandoned	3:10
20	You Always Give Up	2:01
21	Indestructible	1:41
22	Don't Lose Your Way	3:08
23	When Will It End	2:27