Sell Out Records - A Music Review Blog

It was last July that I first was introduced to Susto. If you didn’t read my review of their release from last year, then you need to go see it now. I’ll wait. Go HERE . I am a fan of music. I’m a fan of Susto, and now that I’m in the Midwest, I may be able to finally see them perform. But before I get to a show, I wanted to review their latest release. They have a live record out called “Live From The Australian Country Music Hall of Fame” and I love it. That’s right, this release came hitting hard, under the radar of most, but it’s such a powerful live performance. If you’re familiar with the songs from the previous record, then you already know some of these. However, there’s subtle touches, guest performers, and a live, living room feel to the record that makes you reminisce a little. You’re going to want to pour yourself a shot of whiskey, because this will put you in an introspective mood. When you hear the powerhouse of “Black Jesus featuring Johnny Delaware”, "County...

I remember driving from Palms Springs back to Culver City when my friend laughed at me for wanting the latest 311 record. At the time, “Sunset in July” was popular, and they had preorders for the new record that included vinyl pressings and lots of good stuff. I got laughed at. The notion that I would want to pick up a 311 record was beyond their frame. I didn’t order it. Fast forward to this morning, and I have found an incredible example of how great the band is. I don’t need to preach to the choir of fans that love 311. But if you haven’t really invested in the band’s catalog since they released “Down” in the 1990s, you need to really go back and check out some of their records. Case in point, “311 With the Unity Orchestra” from 2014 . This is a record that was recorded live on 311 Day in New Orleans. That’s a day when they go out and play to their massive fan base. The band has been doing that showcase since, well, since I can remember actually. On this record, you will get 9...

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Jacko Poli’s latest release “Jagged Recollections” hit my desk today and I was floored by the balance and tone across the record. I’m a bass player, so whenever I hear bands really incorporate bass, I’m in love. On this record you first get hit with a strong bass line that really sets you up. “Because It Burns” is the perfect blend of strong vocals, trumpet sounds, drums, and of course bass heavy tuning. I love the tuning on the track and the vocals that layer through the wall of sound. This is a balancing act that is hard to pull off, but Jacko Poli has done that so well here on the opener. As you listen to the record, you start to get a feeling for the band’s pop sensibilities. There’s a lot to listen to here. The melodies are perfectly tuned, layered, and positioned for you to admire. If you’re a music fan, you can’t help but love the way the trumpet, piano, and guitars work so well on the tracks, alongside harder rocking elements. “Jagged Recollections” is by far one of the bes...

Labor day, I hate it. No, I take it back. I don’t hate it. I just have found myself working on another holiday, and despite a nice weekend full of clients, I still feel the sting of bills and problems. It’s muggy here in Indianapolis, so what better way to celebrate another Monday than to reminisce about a record that came out in 2008 and taught me to grow up faster than I was developing. Beck put out “Modern Guilt” and I didn’t hear a lot of people talking about it . My coworkers at the time barely heard, with the exception of Will from Car Crash Set (say what’s up via Twitter here ). He always knew what was out, what was new, what sucked, and would be quick to tell me if something was lame. Then again, he was quick to also play unreleased music, b-sides, and so much more. Beck’s “Modern Guilt” is an interesting departure from what most people thought about the artist. Before this record came out I was listening to “Guero” in Santa Monica and Brentwood. My coworker at the time was ...