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The Year 2000 Opened My
Ears to… |
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Buck Lead singer Lisa Marr's vocals have a dynamic range that covers all bases, from the soft and sweet singing of "The Day I Died" to the loud and forceful, yet melodic, yelling of "Sucker." She carries a playful twang in her voice which can be heard throughout the album but which is fully recognized in the hillbilly-esque song "Dear John." Guitarist Pepper Berry and drummer Lisa G add backing vocals and give the songs that always needed extra kick. Buck has a unique sound which can only be described by hearing them. I will definitely be keeping an ear out for them in 2001. For tour dates and other information about Buck, visit www.sympathyrecords.com/buck. Ann Beretta Ann Beretta's debut album "To All Our Fallen Heroes" came to me in the mail courtesy of a friend at Lookout records, the bands new label. I had heard little to nothing about them and was in no hurry to have a listen. When I eventually did put in their CD I was instantly converted to a fan. They have a forceful sound, a sort of cross between Good Riddance and Avail with a hint of Operation Ivy. Their songs all make for good listening with some naturally standing out more than others. My favorites were the speedy "Bully Me Now," the upbeat "Like a Riot," and the lively "Haywire." One of my favorite CDs of the year and they're only getting started. Flogging Molly When I listen to Flogging Molly I have this incredible urge to move my body. I wouldn't go so far to call it dancing because I simply do not dance, but it is definitely a noticeable movement of the body which involves much arm waving and marching motions. It's a good thing I live alone. Listening to "Swagger" has only made me want to see Flogging Molly perform live. They have an amazing energy on their studio recording and I have heard it is only intensified on stage. Next time they're in town I will definitely be there. The Bitch Allstars I am always a bit skeptical when a friend of a friend gives me his band's CD and asks me to review it. Well actually, this is the first time that it has happened to me but I was no doubt skeptical when it did. Thankfully the band turned out have talent, enough to cause me to listen to their CD for my own enjoyment rather than purely as a result of peer pressure. The band is called the Bitch Allstars and I don't always know whether I should be offended or amused by their lewd marketing campaign (their artwork is a cross between Varga pin ups and Penthouse centerfolds while their stickers bluntly bear the slogan "Music to Fuck to"). But perhaps all this show is simply due to the fact that the band consists of three young men who, as they declare on their website's bio, formed the band in an effort to meet girls. (Good luck to you, guys.) But despite their occasional lack of taste, one thing's for certain about the Bitch Allstars: they know how to rock. Their 7 track E.P "Las Putas Magnificas" (translation: "the magnificent whores") is 27 minutes of wild fun. The Bitch Allstars are true rockers, circulating the bar scene of Los Angeles. The Coconut Teaser will showcase their talents on January 11 beginning at 8pm. For more info or audio samples of their album check out their site at www.bitchallstars.com or email them at info@bitchallstars.com.
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It's
not often that I go to a show and come home raving about the opening
band, but that's exactly what happened when 
After
hearing about Flogging Molly for so long, mainly from other Barflies
writers, I was itching to have a listen. I finally got hold of their
13 track album "Swagger" around Thanksgiving and didn't take it
out of the stereo until almost Christmas. And it already has much
of the new year booked in advance.