March 2002 – Page 9 – Lollipop Magazine

Spiritualized – Let it Come Down – Review

March 15, 2002

That Jason Spaceman didn’t lose his marbles like Phil Spector or Brian Wilson eventually did is probably no mean feat. Come on, you try that.

New End Original – Thriller – Review

March 15, 2002

Chock full of childish radio rock, aimless shoegazer, and laugh-out-loud amateur lyrics, Thriller is a posturing shell with absolutely nothing in its belly.

No Use For A Name – Live in a Dive – Review

March 15, 2002

This band is everything pop-punk should be – tight playing, great harmonies, great hooks, driving intensity, humor, and awesome production.

Bill Laswell – Points of Order – Review

March 15, 2002

Sub-sonic bass grooves, meandering melodies, rappers with more than a passing SAT vocabulary, and more musicality than any one person should have a right to.

Electric Frankenstein – The Buzz of 100 Volts! – Review

March 15, 2002

It’s got hefty, ballbuster, mid-tempo tunes pulling good stuff from rock history. Meaning: There are cool stripper tunes here! Honest!

DJ Swamp – Never Is Now – Review

March 15, 2002

It may sound like this is some suburban-slasher-hip-hop-crap like ICP or somethin’, but this is better, and not just because this guy is Beck’s DJ.

Zimmers Hole – Legion of Flames – Review

March 15, 2002

I love Zimmers Hole! Mind-numbing brutality and a sense of humor, what’s not to like?

VPN – For Nearby Stars – Review

March 15, 2002

Deliciously digestible pop hooks, surrealistic lyrical twists and kind vocals. This is prime material for the next John Hughes soundtrack.

Hundred Reasons – Garrison – Split – Review

March 15, 2002

Two songs each from these two barb-wire-coated pop bands, slicing your ears while trying to hide their understanding of melodies underneath.

Hey Mercedes – Everynight Fire Works – Review

March 15, 2002

Later Braid stuff (and Hey Mercedes debut) had unexpected hooks and punchlines, but wait ’til you hear “Every Turn,” “Que Shiraz,” and “Let’s Go Blue.”