Author: bryan

  • Wallmen – Mr. Happy Man

    Wallmen – Mr. Happy Man

    1988 Cassette – Dead Judy No.1863 GAJOOB Review by Bryan Baker, 4/1/1989: These guys have the strange-white-boy blues thing down pat. This is not “Blues” by the accepted definition, however. Styles range from late 70s punk to Barrettesque pop. And it sounds to me like they must be having great fun recording, which makes listening…

  • Doctor Pocket – Turn It Around

    Doctor Pocket – Turn It Around

    (CD, 2002) No.5251 Doctor Pocket’s “Turn It Around” is an exhilarating excursion into the realms of hard rock and funk, with a versatility that captivates from the first note to the last. Released in 2002, this album not only showcases the Syracuse-based band’s impeccable musicianship but also their ability to seamlessly navigate through a multitude…

  • Eric Muhs: A Master of Eclecticism and Collaboration

    Eric Muhs: A Master of Eclecticism and Collaboration

    Eric Muhs is a prolific and versatile musician known for his wide-ranging electronic and experimental compositions. His music spans multiple genres, from progressive rock to ambient and noise. Muhs frequently collaborates with other artists, resulting in a diverse and ever-evolving body of work. Bret Hart‘s “Dickless: Bret Hart’s “Korean Chaos: Vol. IV” and Fricative are similar in…

  • Tom Furgas – Quantum Geometry Networks

    Tom Furgas – Quantum Geometry Networks

    (Digital, 1984) No.5250 The 1984 release “Quantum Geometry Networks” by Tom Furgas stands as a testament to the boundless creativity that can emerge from the most unassuming materials. This digital album, now accessible via Bandcamp, is an immersive journey into the world of ambient music, crafted with an eclectic mix of sounds that Furgas had…

  • Dino DiMuro Remembers Cassette Culture

    Dino DiMuro Remembers Cassette Culture

  • X°=1 – The Art of K7 vol​​​.​​​#2

    X°=1 – The Art of K7 vol​​​.​​​#2

    (Digital, 2024) No.5249 GAJOOB Review by Bryan Baker, 4/7/2024: In the realm of experimental music, few projects dare to dive as deep into the essence and nostalgia of cassette culture as X°=1’s latest release, “The Art of K7” vol.​​​#2. This digital album, a profound homage to the compact cassette medium, unfolds like an intricate tapestry…

  • snacks – the cinnamon show

    snacks – the cinnamon show

    no.5247 (CD, 2002) In the landscape of modern music, where genres blend and identities often merge into a homogenous mix, Snacks’ album “The Cinnamon Show” emerges as a delightful anomaly. This 2002 release, steeped in the traditions of keyboard-based pop/soul R&B, taps into a rich vein of musical nostalgia while forging its own distinct path.…

  • Online Discussion: Popular Music Books in Process

    Online Discussion: Popular Music Books in Process

    The resurgence of the compact cassette as a significant format in popular music is a fascinating phenomenon that underscores the nostalgic and intimate connection many have with physical media. In a virtual session titled “Popular Music Books in Process” held on March 18, 2024, three authors delved into this topic, providing insights into the cassette’s…

  • Preserving the Artistic Freedom of Cassette Culture

    Preserving the Artistic Freedom of Cassette Culture

    Cassette Culture, a movement that emerged in the 1980s, is characterized by a profound commitment to artistic freedom and the democratization of sound recording. Unlike traditional music industry models, Cassette Culture embraces an ethos of accessibility and inclusivity, empowering individuals to express themselves through music, regardless of their background or resources. At the heart of…

  • Cassette Culture: Then and Now

    Cassette Culture: Then and Now

    Cassette culture, the vibrant subculture centered around independent music production and distribution via cassette tapes, has undergone significant shifts over the past three decades. Here’s a comparison between the cassette culture of 1990 and its present-day manifestation in 2024: 1990 Cassette Culture: 2024 Cassette Culture: Despite these changes, the spirit of cassette culture remains alive…

They say there’s a song inspired by William Shatner, the Blair Witch Project and Spinal Tap.gajoobzine.com/albums/monkey-power-trio-future-past-present-vinyl-2001/

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