I guess it is obvious that there have been no updates to Lucky13 in quite some time…that is my fault and I do apologize, but sometimes life gets in the way of our hobbies and our passions and it is out of my control that I simply do not have the energy and resources available to bring you the latest news and reviews of some fan-fucking-tastic records I have had the pleasure of hearing these past years.
I’d like to thank everyone that sent their records my way, hopefully I did them justice in taking a fresh approach to album reviews (since it’s really tough to fully evaluate an album and relay what I am feeling to other people) and I am not finished, I enjoyed writing them thoroughly and wish to again.
I will start another site, and continue to keep my corner of the internet in much better fashion than what I was able to do here.
If you need to contact me about anything, try me at stefanbrierley at gmail.com. I am without facebook so that is your best bet.
Thanks!
Paper The Operator Solemn Boyz Viper Bite 2008
Written by stefan
Friday, 19 December 2008
I’m not sure what the name means…Who’s papering what operator and why would they do such things? Unless the persons name is paper and he’s an operator? Or is it a command, suggestion we provide the operator with paper?
Fucked if I know.
There is something I do know though, and that Paper the Operator play some damn good infectious pop-rock. It’s tight, it is slick but it is neither childish nor insincere and it packs quite a big punch from such a small package (It’s an EP and it’s 6 songs).
I’m going to be honest here and it’s that PTO remind me of hybrid of Weezer and this Canadian band Treble Charger (Anyone remember?) and the reason being is that PTO have a very subtle way of not taking themselves too seriously without losing that kind of maturity and professionalism one needs to succeed in this musical climate.
The musicianship is very predominant on this EP, the guitars are LOUD and don’t falter for the entire time and the vocals are very clean and on pitch – I can’t really find much at fault with this debut from Paper the Operator. If you enjoy indie/rock with a coating of pop, why not check them out?
That means I will have more time to update with news releases and more reviews! Thanks everyone for your patience
Annabel Now That Were Alive Self Released 2008
Written by stefan
Wednesday, 08 October 2008
I think it’s important to establish where a band comes from – It is the place they were born that shapes the outcome of a record and I don’t mean something like a young Robert Zimmerman leaving the dusty roads of Minnesota to find fame on the hard avenues of New York City. I’m talking something more genuine, like a couple of guys from Kent, Ohio (on the northeastern side of the state) who, unlike other small-town brethren before them, just sat tight and started making music to their own fancy – fuck the stardust a days drive away and just get down to business.
There is something honest and pure about Annabel that comes across as plain as day when you give the EP a listen – it’s fresh and their blend of indie-pop peppered with xylophones and scurrying rat-a-tats from a snare drum make this Anytown, USA group of dudes instantly loveable. I feel like hugging them if they ever play a show in my town.
That’s not to take away from their ability to craft almost perfect pop-songs, they sure are capable of that and the grain of the recording adds to their honesty in an intangible way. As if to say “This is what we have, love it or leave it” while making no excuses that yes, we do things our way, and yes, music transcends all.
The disc is packaged by hand that looks similar to a flannel shirt pocket for fucks sake – how is that not amazing?
We know you’re alive Annabel, we hear you, loud and clear.
