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http://www.senbaltimore.com/music/music_reviews/revolutions-issue-2.shtmlRevolutions: Issue #2
Reviews by Dave Policastri, Originally published Nov/Dec 2006
Portastatic
Be Still Please
Merge, 2006 ••••
Most people would be satisfied with playing in a band or running a fairly successful label. Mac McCaughan does all of this and more. Besides being the front man of Superchunk and co-owner of Merge records, he has still found time to release a bunch of Portastatic records. “Be Still Please” is a solid album the whole way through, with gentle orchestrations that compliment Mac’s distinctive vocals perfectly.
Tommy Guerrero
From the Soil to the Soul
Quannum Projects, 2006 ••••
In 1998, this former Bones Brigade member traded in his skateboard for a keyboard and hasn’t looked back since. Guerrero plays the majority of the instruments himself, and even does a little bit of singing for this album. This is his fourth full length release, and may be the best of the lot.
Chrome Children
Chrome Children
Stones Throw Records, 2006 •••••
If you are a fan of [adult swim], then you have probably heard all about this album already. If not, this is the latest collaboration between [adult swim] and Stone’s Throw records. Consisting of nineteen tracks by a virtual who’s who of indie hip hop, Chrome Children also comes with a DVD filled with interviews and performances to enhance your listening pleasure.
Tom Waits
Orphans
Anti., 2006 •••••
Part career retrospective, part rarities/B-sides collection, this three disc set contains tracks from soundtracks, obscure tribute albums, 30 unreleased treasures, and even a few spoken word pieces. With 56 songs and a 94 page booklet, “Orphans” is essential for any and every Tom Waits fan.
Originally published Nov/Dec 2006