Thursday, May 29, 2008

The Midgetmen - Show Pony


Yet more cool music has popped up in my inbox! One of the guys from The Midgetmen emailed me with some info about the band and I was only too happy to check out their third album, Show Pony.
The Midgetmen - Show Pony
Show Pony is a lot of fun! So many bands have the technical skill but no heart. You can tell that The Midgetmen, who you can hear have the tech skills in spades, bring their love of the music to the fore in Show Pony's collection of 16 short but sweet rock tracks. Each song has its own charmingly grubby, distinct personality, but nothing sounds too individual for its own good - everything works together to make a really enjoyable album.

All the songs feature clever lyrics (in particular 'Trickle Down,' 'Euphoric Doom,' and 'Lethargy') to go with the rollicking instrumentation. There are also some lighthearted moments on the album, like on 'Bunk Sock,' which manages to get in a mention of 'boobies!' (I'm easily amused, what can I say?) The downbeat final track, 'Words,' is the most surprising. The guitar work has a tinge of sadness to it, and the track as a whole is rather beautifully melancholy. Perhaps there's more to The Midgetmen than they let on?

So! Show Pony is a great album to check out, and you can even try before you buy - The Midgetmen have been so kind as to offer three songs from the album to download on their official website. You can also listen to and download some more tracks on their MySpace!

Cheery bye, Scarlett

The Midgetmen - Show Pony

Lucibel Crater


Lucibel CraterA band I was emailed about recently, Lucibel Crater, is one to watch out for. Their sound is sort of jazz-laced electronica and is absolutely hypnotic on tracks like 'Threadbare Funeral' (which features Lou Reed on guitar!). Lead singer (and cellist) Leah Coloff's vocals are enchanting but have a lovely strength, and the ambient, lush production (like on 'Holy Then Now') is hauntingly gorgeous.

The songs on their MySpace (you can download a few there, as well as at musicSUBMIT) are such a refreshing mix of electronic, jazz, and psychedelic influences that I have no doubt that their new album, The Family Album (available to buy at CDBaby), is full of the same new, exciting sounds. So go have a listen to Lucibel Crater!

Cheery bye, Scarlett

Lucibel Crater

Wednesday, May 28, 2008

Wicked Lester - The Original Wicked Lester Session [1972]


Wicked Lester - The Original Wicked Lester Session [1972]
Country: USA
Year: 1972
Line-up: Stanley Eisen (vocals), Steve Coronel (guitar), Gene Klein (bass), Tony Zerella (drums), Brooke Ostlander (keyboards)

TRACK LISTING
1. What Happens in the Darkness
2. She
3. Sweet Ophelia
4. When the Bell Rings
5. Simple Type
6. Love Her All I Can
7. Keep Me Waiting
8. We Want To (Shout It Out Loud)
9. Long, Long Road

Fletchanator's comment: Yesterday I uploaded a taste of Pantera before they were big, and now it's KISS before they were KISS. Well, half of the original KISS anyway, and the guys who've kept the band going all these years. Stanley Eisen became Paul Stanley, and Gene Klein became Gene Simmons. This is a bootleg, not an official album, since none was ever released by Wicked Lester. The sound is raw and even more simplistic than the subsequent KISS material, but is a must have for any fans of the make up-wearing glam legends.


Wicked Lester - The Original Wicked Lester Session [1972]

Tuesday, May 27, 2008

Monica Naranjo - Tarantula (2008)


Monica Naranjo - Tarantula (2008)Monica Naranjo - what a voice! I'm so glad I tried out her new album, Tarantula, because I have really been loving it. I hadn't heard of her before this album but I'm trying to catch up with what I've missed - she's a fantastic artist! Her voice is so expressive and engaging - she's one of those singers who could sing the phone book and you'd be entranced.

Tarantula is dance at its most epic. It's actually rather operatic in parts! Monica's mighty vocals are supported and enhanced by beautiful production. This album makes for truly satisfying listening - every element works perfectly.

'Europa' kicks the album off in grand style. It's ambient, orchestral, and rock n' roll all at the same time. An absolutely stunning track. The intense vibe of the first track continues on into 'Todo Mentira,' with deep beats and big vocals. Things slow down a bit with the lovely 'Para Siempre,' but the dark, ethereal feeling is still very much there.

That darkness vibrates throughout the whole album - I say 'vibrate' because it's not depressing darkness; rather, it's thrilling and dramatic. Speaking of dramatic, 'Usted' has some cool choral backing amidst the heavy drums and synths. 'Amor y Lujo' is a driven, urgent dance track with Monica giving a forceful vocal performance. The album finds an oasis in 'Idilio,' a delicate, airy, magical little track with tender vocals from Monica and featherweight instrumentation. Gorgeous.Monica Naranjo - Tarantula (2008)

It's back to rock n' roll dance with 'Diles Que No' and its deep, gritty synths. 'Kambalaya' is less rock and more dance/tribal, and it is another wonderfully over-the-top album highlight. (The whole album is one big highlight, really!) 'Eva' comes up next and is a pretty, melodic ballad - not quite as good as 'Idilio,' but still beautiful.

'Amor Y Posesi?n' amps up the tempo and volume with a great chorus and more nifty, growling guitars. 'Revoluci?n' is slightly slower but no less intense, with aggressive vocals from Monica and a driving dance beat. Again, the production of this album is just flawless.

The album closes with the vocalized, orchestral 'El Descanso.' The album ends as majestically as it began and leaves you wanting to experience the whole thing again.

This album is probably my favorite of the year so far. Give it a listen and hear for yourself how great it is! :)

Tarantula (2008) (m4a)
Monica Naranjo - Tarantula (2008)1. Europa
2. Todo Mentira
3. Para Siempre
4. Usted
5. Amor Y Lujo
6. Idilio
7. Diles Que No
8. Kambalaya
9. Eva
10. Amor Y Posesi?n
11. Revoluci?n
12. El Descanso

Enjoy! Cheery bye, Scarlett

Monica Naranjo - Tarantula (2008)

Kiss - Peter Criss (1978)


Kiss - Peter Criss (1978)
1. I'm Gonna Love You
2. You Matter To Me
3. Tossin' And Turnin'
4. Don't You Let Me Down
5. That's The Kinda Sugar Papa Likes
6. Easy Thing
7. Rock Me, Baby
8. Kiss The Girl Goodbye
9. Hooked On Rock 'N' Roll
10. I Can't Stop The Rain

http://rapidshare.com/files/117914870/Kiss_-_peter_criss_1978.rar

Kiss - Peter Criss (1978)

Monday, May 26, 2008

Pantera - Metal Magic [1983]


Pantera - Metal Magic [1983]
Country: USA
Year: 1983
Line-up: Tony Lee Glaze (vocals), Darrell Abbott (guitar), Rex Brown (bass), Vinnie Paul (drums)

TRACK LISTING
1. Ride My Rocket
2. I'll Be Alright
3. Tell Me If You Want It
4. Latest Lover
5. Biggest Part Of Me
6. Metal Magic
7. Widowmaker
8. Nothin' On (But The Radio)
9. Sad Lover
10. Rock Out!

Fletchanator's comment: Before they were one of the biggest groove metal bands of the 1990s, Pantera were an unknown glam band from Texas. This is their small-time debut, with second vocalist Glaze, who would give way to Phil Anselmo when the band changed to a more heavy sound. It's almost hard to believe this is Pantera, but Darrell 'Dime Bag' Abbott (RIP) is at his blistering best, shredding up the fret board. You can hear various influences, including Van Halen and KISS, and there's a hint of NWOBHM in there as well. Definitely check this one out!


Pantera - Metal Magic [1983]

We're back!


That's right folks - House of Hairspray is back from the dead.

I just haven't had time for the blog over the past few months, with stuff like moving house and a month-long overseas trip getting in the way.

But I'm back and ready to make House of Hairspray once again the kick ass source for rare and hard to find hard rock!

We're back!

Saturday, May 24, 2008

Four Year Strong - Rise Or Die Trying


Four Year Strong - Rise Or Die Trying
Four Year Strong - Rise Or Die Trying
Myspace
Purevolume
From MASSACHUSETTS USA.
01-four_year_strong-the_take_over
02-four_year_strong-prepare_to_be_digitally_manipulated
03-four_year_strong-abandon_ship_or_abandon_all_hope
04-four_year_strong-heroes_get_remembered_legends_never_die
05-four_year_strong-wreched_em_damn_near_killed_em
06-four_year_strong-catastrophe
07-four_year_strong-men_are_form_mars_women_are_form_hell
08-four_year_strong-bada_bing_wit_a_pipe
09-four_year_strong-beatdown_in_the_hey_of_happy
10-four_year_strong-if_hes_here_whos_runnin_hell
11-four_year_strong-maniac_(r.o.d)
12-four_year_strong-beep_beep_(bonus_track)
13-four_year_strong-gotta_get_out_(bonus_track)

Download

Four Year Strong - Rise Or Die Trying

Say Anything - Shiksa


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