Lollipop Magazine

The Thingz – Review

February 14, 2005

This scratches the itch for garage rock with brilliantly retarded lyrics. Only people who like silliness and a damn good time are going to let The Thingz loose.

Reverend Glasseye – Happy End and Begin – Review

February 14, 2005

The drunkenly pitched waltz tempos, the seeming interest in calliope music, and the heavy reliance on percussion makes me think of Tom Waits.

Red Giant – Devil Child Blues – Review

February 14, 2005

The members spent the time at the gym, listening to classic rock records. Devil Child Blues is a ferociously muscular, blues-based hard rock sledgehammer.

Me First And The Gimme Gimmes – Ruin Jonny’s Bar Mitzvah – Review

February 14, 2005

When they start “Strawberry Fields Forever,” mess it up, babble, and then start over from the beginning, it’s ok because these are the Gimme Gimmes.

The New Transit Direction – Wonderful Defense Mechanisms – Review

February 14, 2005

A fine slab of post-hardcore, pop-flavored jagged punk this is. But no recording could ever translate the band’s blistering onstage energy.

The Kickz – Activate Me – Review

February 14, 2005

The Thingz, are not angry or malevolent in any way. They are, in fact, hyperactive kids who can’t keep themselves from twitching and squirming.

The Dresden Dolls – Review

February 14, 2005

Amanda Palmer and Brian Viglione twist out thick, sometimes jazzy, sometimes waltzing, syncopated and minor-key music, redolent of pantomime and German cabaret.

The Crown – Crowned Unholy – Review

February 14, 2005

The “re-vocalizing” of Crowned in Terror. Original vocalist Johan Lindstrand proves he’s more dynamic, urgent, and emotive than the ex-At The Gates dude.

Stiv Bators – Disconnected – Review

February 14, 2005

Reissue of Stiv Bators’ debut solo album from 1980. Disconnected is a power-pop album. That may seem strange if you only know Dead Boys’ Young Loud and Snotty.

The Ends – Sorry, XOXOXO – Review

February 14, 2005

An Austin supergroup. When you’ve got a unique sound like The Ends, it’s going to be an acquired taste, but it makes you a milestone band for comparison.