The Raveonettes - Lust, Lust, Lust

The Raveonettes
Lust, Lust, Lust
(02.2008, Vice)
Verdict = White Hot Rock

This is my first Raveonettes records and therefore my first impression of the band. That said, for those who are already familiar with the band my observations are probably going to rehash a lot of ground that has already been covered with the band. For instance, I would be lying if I didn’t immediately note the band’s sound descending directly from the late 80s/early 90s guitar blitz started by Sonic Youth, My Bloody Valentine and Jesus & Mary Chain. It seems like you can’t really avoid referencing bands like these when listening to guitar feedback as applied to no wave pop and truth be told, who isn’t playing detuned guitars with amps turned to eleven while crunching a maze of effects pedals? While guitar fuzz is in, (a fact I couldn’t be happier about) there are a rare few that are applying it as effectively as The Raveonettes. There is something about the bands buzzing guitar ruptures that translates to a mouthful of sugar. I think it is this type of feedback that is the best: the kind that is underwritten by melody and it is this that makes Lust, Lust, Lust so successful. The Raveonettes really aren’t doing much to differentiate themselves from the forefathers of fractured guitar punk, yet there is something entrancing about this record that requires repeat listens to continually produce results. I really wasn’t expecting to like this record as much as I do and I have to say I am liking it more and more every time through. As I have said before, I don’t know exactly what came before this, but Lust, Lust Lust should be a great entry point for anyone new to The Raveonettes and is surely a testament to what long time fans have known all along.

-Mr. Thistle

Black Lips - Good Bad Not Evil

Guest Review
Black Lips
Good Bad Not Evil
(09.2007, Vice Records)
7.5

They always say that you only get one chance to make a first impression. I’m not quite sure who they are that always say that, but it seems true enough. And so it goes with albums. For some reason the first song from Black Lips’ new album that I listened to was the third track, "Step Right Up." My first thought was that they want to be The Velvet Underground. Since that inauspicious beginning I have hardly been able to extract the Lou Reed from my impressions of Good Bad Not Evil. And when I finally do, it’s only to replace the direct lineage of Black Lips songs from one historic band to another. "O Katrina!" is a band trying to be the Animals. "It Feels All Right" is the B-52’s. "How Do You Tell A Child That Someone Has Died" was meant to be on the O Brother Where Art Thou soundtrack.
In truth, I really like this album, and more so with each listen. However, Black Lips lack an identity of their own that would add credence and power to their catchy, bluesy songs. In fact the few songs that don’t reflect a direct influence from some other band are the weakest ones of the bunch, and to their credit, Black Lips limit those numbers to a curious few. Whether my perceptions of direct influences are accurate or not, Black Lips’ Good Bad Not Evil, is an album that buoys itself up with the strengths of past bands, and not necessarily to its detriment. Their songs don’t seem out of place, or dated, and their energy and straightforward presentation adds to the bands character. This is not an innovative band, nor an album of far reaching influence, but it is one that will appease any inclination to rock, and encourage you to nod your head as vigorously as your uppity hipster attitude will allow.

-Spruce Lee

Justice - Cross

Justice
Cross
(2007, Vice Records)
8.0/10

Bent on the thickest, rubberiest beats, Justice goes for the jugular straight out of the gate. With a tight grip on your jaw it can be pretty hard not to nod your head and grin mindlessly as Justice provides the most amazingly awesome dance beats that where ever inspired. This album is absolutely nuts; not only does it force you to dance but it destroys all of your inhibitions forcing you to create ridiculous new dance moves. The production here is immaculate with every sound meticulously mixed making sounds you have only imagined in your wildest dance dreams (come on, you have them too). The French duo’s debut harkens Thriller era Michael Jackson being infused with a distinctive 1980’s affected soul. There is also a mandatory name check here: Daft Punk, yeah - these guys are influenced. Anywho, Cross is hitting the summer a bit late but with enough bass to vibrate your scrawny behind warmly through the winter. An unashamed dance album that is instantly accessible and endlessly fun.

-Mr. Thistle