The Audio Nut
May 17th, 2005

Deftones

Adrenaline

1995 Maverick Records

Grade: A

http://www.deftones.com

http://www.thedeftones.com

http://www.deftonesworld.com

Sacramento’s Deftones appeared on the music scene in 1995 with their Maverick debut Adrenaline. Mixing melody, emotion and charm this group has been one of the most overlooked bands, but yet a favorite in the music world for the past decade. While they haven’t actually broken out and became a band that sells a million records with every release they still seem to put quality music into every recording. It’s a shame the Deftones always take a back seat to bands like Korn, Limp Bizkit and Linkin Park when it comes to commercial success, but I guess that’s one of the ironic pitfalls in the music business. One problem I have always noticed is that whoever picks which song is to be released, as a single from the records never seems to pick the right song. I don’t think the general public has ever heard the best stuff that these guys put out on their records; unless of course they are fans and have purchased the album and then I’m sure what I have said is truly understood. Check out the songs “Bored,” “Lifter” and “7 Words” to get a good example of what this style of music is supposed to sound like.

If you are into any of the bands I mentioned above I strongly urge you to get into the Deftones and find out what you are missing.

Deftones
White Pony
2000 Maverick Records

Grade: A

White Pony is a beautiful and uncanny release from the Deftones in which they added a DJ to the group and saturated their songs with tons of harmony and elegance. Am I talking about a band that’s labeled in the nu-metal and rap-rock categories here? Yes, it’s true this album alienated some fans, but brought plenty more onboard the bandwagon for the curvy and unsettling ride this group has been on. Songs like “Rx Queen,” Digital Bath” and “Elite” are some of the best songs that the band has ever recorded, while “Change (In The House Of Flies) got the band more airplay than any other song they had ever released before. The song “Passenger” includes Maynard James Keenan the singer from Tool. There isn’t a bad spot on this recording and I hope that fans that may have over looked this effort would give it a second glance. In my opinion this is probably the best album the group has put out to date. Be sure to check out Around the Fur and their self-titled release Deftones as well.

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Jethro Tull
Aqualung
1971 Capital Records (Released on CD 1999)

Grade: A

http://www.j-tull.com

This recording is an exceptional mix of great song-writing and excellent musicianship. Jethro Tull has been a very influential band over the past thirty years and have recorded plenty of songs that hold strong to today’s musical standards. This album is packed with tons of Tull classics; whether it be “Locomotive Breath,” Crossed-Eyed Mary,” “Hymn 43” or the title track “Aqualung” this recording has truly stood the test of time and is a must get for music fans of all ages. If you once owned the vinyl recording of this I suggest getting it on disc, because it sounds even better than that old record which is probably worn out by now. Fans of the growing alternative-country movement, acoustic/folk rock or fans of the ever popular classic rock this should be an essential addition to your music collection.

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To be considered for The Underground Spotlight send me an e-mail with contact information to jsohn@nutzworld.net or theaudionut@nutzworld.net

LeAnna Mosley
My Yellow Brick Road
2005 Music Moonk Music (BMI) Unsigned Artists

Grade: A

http://artists.iuma.com/IUMA/Bands/LeAnna_Mosley/ (hear the whole c.d.)
http://www.myspace.com/leannamosley

Hailing from Virginia, LeAnna Mosley is bringing a pleasant and appealing mix of singing and song writing to the table on her release, My Yellow Brick Road. This release is more than a woman with her guitar; Mosley has a well-crafted back-up band that accentuates her style very well. Songs like “Moving Deep,” “Right Now,” “Under the Sun” and the title track “My Yellow Brick Road” are great examples of the talent that LeAnna posses as a singer/songwriter. Mosley doesn’t overdo it on any of the songs and none of the tracks seem to drag out making you wish they’d just end. The musicianship is impressive and the lyrics are warm and sincere.

I last heard that Mosley is pursuing a recording contract and I doubt she’ll have much of a problem getting a deal that will suit her. If you like artists and groups like Paula Cole, Sarah Mc Lachlan, Heart or Fleetwood Mac I would suspect that you’d enjoy taking the journey down the yellow brick road with LeAnna Mosley. I was told that this disc isn’t for sale or release, but it wouldn’t hurt to try. Please check out LeAnna’s IUMA web page to hear the disc in its entirety.

Toast
Crater 9
2005 Unsigned band

Grade: A

http://www.toastwebsite.com
http://www.purevolume.com/toast

If you like your bread a little burnt then Toast is for you. Originating from Minnesota, Toast brings the butter and most importantly the jam on this release. There are eleven servings of crispy rock-n-roll on Crater 9, all of which contain a full portion of the chunky guitars; funky bass licks, rocking drums and musical nutrition that your heart and ears so richly desire. “I Don’t Know,” “You,” “Smile” “The End” and “Confession” are all upbeat and driving songs that could and should get airplay on just about any college or rock radio station. If you are a fan of Chevelle, Victim’s Family, Incubus or 311 then I advise you to get a copy of Crater 9 to help keep you regular on your musical diet. You can get information on how and where to buy this c.d. by viewing the bands web pages.

SoulStream
SoulStream
2005 Unsigned band

Grade: A

http://www.soulstreammusic.com
http://www.myspace.com/soulstreammusic

This is an amazing four-song c.d. from New York’s SoulStream. Mixing a wide variety of styles into their own sound, SoulStream shows pure talent and heart with this release. “Bed of Nails” and “Make a Change” are excellent thought provoking songs. I’m not lying when I say that I listened to this disc five times in a row the day I got it in the mail. Then I loaned it to a friend and have yet to get it back.

The downfall is that there are only four songs on here, but the upside is that all four songs are remarkably written and can get this band on just about any major label; in my humble opinion. Don’t waste anytime in getting this recording, you can get more information about getting a copy by viewing the bands web pages listed above.

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The Reader Review and response section is currently in exile, but I did get an email with a question that I thought I would share with all of you and hopefully it will explain the rating difference between signed and unsigned bands.

Kevin F. Miami, FL

Hey J,

I was wondering why some of these “underground spotlight” bands get a higher grade in your reviews than some of the bigger and better known bands?  

Kevin, that is an excellent question. The reason why you will see a higher grade for ‘unknown’ bands on some occasions is because; I feel that I have to hold ‘bigger and better known bands’ to a higher standard when it comes to reviews. Most of them get a recording budget in a world-class studio and get to work with more ‘professional’ people when it comes to recording, mixing and sometimes even writing their songs.

Most of the bands that you will see in the Underground Spotlight aren’t even on a record label and they are probably pooling their money together to get to record in an ‘average’ recording studio and end up putting those releases out on their own and don’t usually have the luxury of having PR (Public Relations) people or a worldwide or even national distributor to get their music to radio stations and into record stores.

So, I guess I grade on a curve. That isn’t to say that a band that gets an ‘A’ in the Underground Spotlight would end up with a ‘B’ or ‘C’ if they had major label support, but it is my way of saying that these artists and bands are as good if not better than some of the ones you’ll see and hear on a regular basis. Thanks for writing in Kevin.

Q. Who are you and what do you do in the band?
A. I'm Matt and I play bass.

Q. How did you come up with the name, Monet, Madrid Madagascar?
A. The name is akin to things like William Burroughs, Getrude Stein, kind of like the cut up things or cubist writing. Basically putting things together that you normally wouldn't see together. The way someone's mind takes things and the varying results that come from that, hopefully everyone will get something different out of it.

Q. I see where you are playing plenty of shows all over the mid-west. What can we expect from a live performance from the band?
A. I think our goal while playing live is to put on the most entertaining show possible yet still have the music come through. We all have a good time but Ryan (vocals) and Sean (korg stuff) are definitely the most entertaining, it's a completely different experience than just listening to a recording.

Q. Are there any plans for any upcoming releases?
A. Yea, we're actually going to Chicago mid may to record our first full length. We're just putting it all out ourselves and then touring for as long as we can from it, just kind of making something happen for yourself I guess.

Q. Who are some of your influences both musically and non-musically?
A. This answer, obviously, would be different for everyone, but for me I've been listening to a lot of classic rock stuff. I'm really into Pink Floyd, King Crimson, and some Bob Dylan at the moment. As for non-music influences I guess a lot of writers, basically whoever I'm reading at the moment, Dostoyevsky or Dave Eggers right now.

Q. If you could be anyone in world history who would you be? Why?
A. I think I'd probably be myself, I can't even think about "being" an actual other person. I suppose it wouldn't even be me being that person, it would just be that person and I wouldn't have experienced at all. That is a messed up question.

Q. What are you listening to in your home/car stereo?
A. I've actually been listening to the radio for a while, my cd player is horrible. I'll just scan through the stations and try to listen to each one for like 5 minutes.

http://www.monetmadridmadagscar.com
http://www.myspace.com/monetmadridmadagsacar

Note: See the review for their 3-song demo in Issue #9

Scattered Ink

Q. Who are you and what do you do in the band?
A. (RF) My name is Richard Fink IV; I’m the lead vocalist.

(JC) I’m Johnny Cummings and I play piano, strings, sing back up vocals and at live shows I play some guitar.

(MQ) My name is Matt Quistorf and I play guitar and I also played all the bass tracks on the album.

Q. How did you come up with the name Scattered Ink?
A. (JC) We were sitting around thinking of a band name when all of a sudden the pen we were using to write down ideas leaked all of its ink onto to the table miraculously forming into near perfect images of all the band members. Anyways a couple weeks later, we got the name by putting together random words that sounded cool.

(RF) Which coincidently was also in the lyrics of one of our songs… hmmm…

Q. What would you like to tell us about the CD you have coming out May 21st?
A. (MQ) It is our debut CD as Scattered Ink, which has an underlying dark, yet thought provoking theme throughout. Anyone that listens to the likes of Tool or Sevendust will definitely enjoy "Save Naive".

(JC) It’s very neat. I would definitely buy it if it weren’t for free downloading.

Q. What are you listening to these days?
A. (RF) Audioslave and A Perfect Circle.

(JC) Muse, The Beatles White Album and the Beach Boys.

(MQ) I've been listening to a lot of Tea Party over the past few weeks, which Richard turned me onto a few years ago. Then again my Beatles' CDs have been seeing a lot of action as well :)

Q. If you could be anyone in world history who would you be? Why?
A. (MQ) I would have to say John Lennon during the Beatles Invasion. I couldn't imagine what it would be like to visit a city and look out to a sea of screaming fans that are just waiting to catch a glimpse of the band. That and I'd make sure Yoko didn't enter the picture! Die Yoko!! :)

(JC) The Quaker Oats guy. If there’s a more famous face on this planet, I’d like to see it.

(RF) I can’t think of anyone I’d want to be in history. I suppose anyone with independent wealth, a beautiful wife, and no one trying to kill me would suffice.

Q. Any plans for a tour or any upcoming live performances?
A. (MQ) We have a few events that are in the works but nothing concrete as of yet. I can safely say that we all have the itch to get out there and perform as soon as possible!

(JC) I think our plan is to practice the songs first, and then play them for people.

Q. Read any good books lately?
A. (RF) A Way To Love, by Anthony De Mello

(JC) Awareness, by Anthony De Mello

(MQ) The last book I read was my shop manual for a 1973 Dodge Charger. As you can tell I am an avid reader. TV is gooder than books!!! :)

http://www.scatteredink.com
http://www.myspace.com/scatteredink

Note: check back next issue for a review of Scattered Ink’s debut c.d. Save Naive.

Blessed By A Broken Heart

Q. Who are you and what do you do in the band?
A. Hugh I scream

Q. How did you come up with the name Blessed By a Broken Heart?
A. After being in numerous BAD relationship that were drawing me away from God, I started hanging out with Christian kids and I rededicated my life to Christ and realized that I had been "BLESSED BY A BROKEN HEART"

Q. I know that you guys are looking for a substitute guitarist for touring this summer. How is that going and is there anything you'd like to say to anyone that may be interested in the gig?
A. Right now Frank has a friend that is crazy good but he's still thinking about it so we're just prayin'

Q. Who are some of your influences both musically and non-musical?
A. Jesus, Rush, Motley Crue, Bon Jovi ................

Q. If you could be anyone in world history who would you be? Why?
A. Johnny Cash ......... I just love the dude and he's been through a lot and knows the Grace of God

Q. What are you listening to these days?
A. LoveDrug, Rocket Summer, 3 Inches of Blood, Motley Crue, Copeland, Children of Bodom............

Q. Care to add any additional information about the band or dedicate a song to a long lost love?
A. Keep rocking for the Flock

http://www.blessedbyabrokenheart.com
http://www.bloodandinkrecords.com
http://www.myspace.com/blessedbyabrokenheart

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http://www.boomboomhuckjam.com

1.About a Burning Fire by Blindside
2.Absolution by Muse - Reviewed in Issue 1
3.Summer of Darkness by Demon Hunter - Reviewed in Issue 1
4.This Type of Thing (Could Do Us In) by Chevelle - Reviewed in Issue 3
5.Deja Entendu by Brand New - Reviewed in Issue 1