We’ve Been Had Again

reviewed by Carey Dean Potash

Originally published on October 1, 1998

The next time your friend asks you what you’ve been listening to lately, tell him Huffamoose. Your friend will no doubt cock his head to the side like he’s just seen Rupaul out of makeup and say “Huffawho?” “Huffamoose!” you’ll say louder this time, enjoying the way it sounds leaving your lips. “Huffamoose, Huffamoose!” you’ll [...]

Coil

reviewed by Carey Dean Potash

Originally published on September 1, 1998

TOAD THE WET SPROCKET, 12 years old, of Santa Barbara, California died July 24 at home. Cause of death was band members’ desire to “move in different directions.” With a name inspired by a Monty Python skit, Toad the Wet Sprocket was known for writing ear-pleasing, catchy melodies with nicely layered harmonies. Toad was involved [...]

Gargoyle Wings

reviewed by Carey Dean Potash

Originally published on September 1, 1998

Gargoyle Wings is sensational. Gargoyle Wings redefines music. The future of music depends on albums like Gargoyle Wings. This is how I would describe Gargoyle Wings if I had stabbed a crack needle into my frontal lobe. My first guess was that this was a 16-year-old kid who just finished listening to an audio cassette [...]

Success

reviewed by Carey Dean Potash

Originally published on September 1, 1998

From a basement-brewed first album titled Failure in 1988, to the ironically titled swan song Success in 1998, The Posies quietly head off to Splitsville after rocking for 10 years and putting out four criminally overlooked albums. Wrong place at the wrong time: Seattle during the dawn of grunge. Around the same time that Kurt [...]

Still Life

reviewed by Carey Dean Potash

Originally published on August 1, 1998

Around the same time that REM was making rapid movement in Athens, Georgia, in the mid-’80s, The Connells were whipping up jangly, southern-style pop songs just north in Raleigh, North Carolina. REM climbed aboard the money train, first class. The Connells couldn’t find a seat. 14 years, seven albums later, The Connells are still waiting [...]

Try Whistling This

reviewed by Carey Dean Potash

Originally published on August 1, 1998

A brief history: Big brother Tim invites little brother Neil to join his band Split Enz. Neil says ‘I Got You,’ then forms Crowded House, taking Enz drummer Paul Hester along for the ride. Little brother Neil invites big brother Tim to join the “housemates” on 1991′s Woodface album. Brothers bicker. Locks are changed. Tim [...]

This Euphoria

reviewed by Carey Dean Potash

Originally published on July 1, 1998

I went down to the local record shop to unload some CDs I’ve been using as coasters and some others that were getting dust crusty in the closet; unworthy of residence in the compact disc carousel. I handed 12 CDs over to a pin-cushion faced, green-haired girl at the counter. After 15 minutes of careful [...]

Feeling Strangely Fine

reviewed by Carey Dean Potash

Originally published on June 1, 1998

Don’t fight it. You won’t be able to. Semisonic’s latest release, Feeling Strangely Fine will have you regurgitating the tunes long after the CD has ended. The trio from Minneapolis has released a well-balanced four-course sophomore spread following their strong debut of Great Divide in 1996. A spinoff of Trip Shakespeare, Semisonic has a knack [...]

10 Cent Wings

reviewed by Carey Dean Potash

Originally published on June 1, 1998

 In an industry where major labels offer big bucks to be a bitch, it is refreshing to discover the honest and beautiful songwriting of Jonatha Brooke. After ending her previous project The Story, Jonatha Brooke has proven with 10 Cent Wings that she can live happily ever after on her own. The CD is chock-full [...]

Other Songs

reviewed by Carey Dean Potash

Originally published on June 1, 1998

Once again I have followed the path of producer Mitchell Froom (Crowded House, Elvis Costello, Los Lobos) in yet another venture – Ron Sexmith’s warm and fuzzy second release, Other Songs. Warning: This is not pregame locker room steroid-ingesting rock and roll. Do not listen in the getaway car on your way to the Mexican [...]