There's several ways to run a commercial studio. You can be outspoken, you can be highly visible on the local "scene" or you can quietly stay in and do some great work. In Portland, I sometimes feel that there's a misconception that my Jackpot! Recordings is the only game in town for "commercial" indie-rock type recording. Wrong. Mike Lastra has been quietly running Smegma Studios out of his house, recording Godheadsilo, The Spinanes and many others for many years. The No- No's are recent graduates of Mike's recording studio and all the better for it. Where I might have leaned toward a more drum-heavy, murkier guitar tone, he elicits a bright, almost new wave, feel and it gives the band a perfect sound for their skewed pop. More proof that there's a lot of recording going on in Portland. (Chromosome, 3559 SE Francis St. #B, Portland, OR 97202)
Music Reviews | No. 11
Birds Don’t Think They’re Flying (Enchante) CD, American Water (Drag City) CD
by Larry Crane
People like Nicolas Vernhes and his Rare Book Room in NYC are the backbone of honest, real recording in this country. I'm not joking. There's million dollar studios with well-trained staff and full...