: Personal Life
reviewed by Larry Crane
For album number five, The Thermals hook up with producer Chris Walla (issue #19) at Jackpot! Recording in Portland, OR (I know, that's my studio, but screw you if you think I'm doing this to serve my...
Music Reviews
by Larry Crane
: Majesty Shredding
reviewed by Larry Crane
In issue #76 I cornered Mac McCaughan in a donut shop and picked his brain about different recording scenarios. Mac hinted that producer/engineer Scott Solter (issue #67) would be an interesting...
: The Age of Adz
reviewed by Larry Crane
In issue #70 we got the scoop on Sufjan's unorthodox recording techniques. This new album is more "electronic-y" with some "real" instruments mucked around with in some crazy ways. I think I like it a...
: Rubber Soulive
reviewed by Larry Crane
I interviewed drummer/recordist/producer Alan Evans in issue #76, and found his positive, creative attitude infectious. Here the band delivers instrumental versions of Beatles songs (not all from...
: Band of Joy
reviewed by Larry Crane
With guitarist/co-producer Buddy Miller (issue #34) and two surprising covers of songs by Low (issue #31) it's a Tape Op love fest here. Fans of Plant's collaboration with Alison Krauss will love...
: The Seven Degrees of...
reviewed by Larry Crane
In issue #12 we chatted with guitarist Stephen about the Blasting Room Studios and his time recording in The Descendents and All. Here he delivers an album chock full of guest vocalists (members of...
: Love of the Amateur
reviewed by Larry Crane
Dan Stuart (Green on Red) and JD Foster (issue #34) got together and recorded this interesting, kinda low-key collection of songs. I've worked with JD in the studio, and I can hear the touches that he...
: The Inevitable Past is the Future Forgotten
reviewed by Larry Crane
In issue #71 I chatted with Pall Jenkins (bass/vox) about his SDRL studio in San Diego. Here his "original" band returns after 13 years and their projects, like Black Heart Procession and Pinback. The...
: Mines
reviewed by Larry Crane
In issue #47 we chatted with these guys about their unique way of constructing songs on their first album using member Brent Knopf's Deeler program. Four albums later their sound remains similar yet...
: A View of the Sky
reviewed by Larry Crane
In issue #66 Roy Silverstein checked out Paleo (David Andrew Strackany) and his song-a-day for a year project. Here he presents comparatively modest set of 13 songs in his ragged, enthusiastic style....
: Skyscraper Crow
reviewed by Larry Crane
The leader of Varnaline and a member of Space Needle, Anders was interviewed way back in issue #2. Wow. Here he presents two albums for the price of one: Skyscraper and Crow. It's pretty cool, as...
: Content
reviewed by Larry Crane
In issue #71 I interviewed guitarist Andy Gill at his private studio in London. He mentioned Go4 would be working on new material. Here it is. They made it at Andy's. It rocks.