Americana/Folk Rock/Grassroots
40 Watt Bulb
Ben Wilinski
Dave Owens
Davis?
Ian Hilmer
James Apollo
Steven Green
Moedell
Alex Clark

HipHop
Toriano Sanzone

Rock/Altnerative/Pop/Punk
Filthy Divine
Moaning Lisa
The Bottlehouse
The Common Place
The Gaskets

Jazz/Blues/Avant-garde
1Fish2Fish
Chill 7
City Mouse
Fat Rudy
Lonnie Knight
Skinny Lou Kingston
Solution
Test Type Trio

Comedy
Andrew and Aaron

Comps
Fat City Music Samper
Punk Comp ‘Cheaper than Doing it Yourself’
Tornado Relief CD

Fat City Music Sampler - No Alternative Music Group

Disc#`1
"Fat City Sampler," the latest No Alternative Music Group compilation CD, is here. This two disc set boasts a healthy collection of indie artists from a wide range of local labels including No Alternative Records, Aquarium Records and other music recorded by Two Fish Studios.

The No Alternative Music Group is a highly devoted group of individuals whose goals are to pool their collective industry resources and create ground-breaking music and entertainment. Over the past couple of years, The No Alternative Music Group has exploded in all directions to include not only music labels, but promotion companies, bands, radio stations, and music showcase conventions as well.

This thirty-four track assortment of music represents the very best material produced by The No Alternative Music Group over the past years as well as songs from albums yet to be released in 2005. Bands featured on disc one include, The Apparitions, Dylan Hicks, Sunday Runners, City Mouse and a host of others.

In short, there's something for everyone on this disc. Whether it's Dylan Hicks' Ben Folds-sounding, piano-driven "Pushin' My Car," or The Apparitions' Strokes-like, "God Monkey Robot," you can rest assured there's more than enough diversity to keep this album in your CD player for the rest of the winter.

-Seth William Page, STATIC Magazine-

Disc #2

All I have to say is: holy indie talent rush, batman.

A new CD has been released, the Fat City Compilation, with artists who have wowed the public and a certain recording studio that took these guys in and put their music in solid, reproducible form. This compilation, released by No Alternative, Aquarium Records and KDOG, chronicles many of the artists that have passed this way and have created great music in our area. Here I have the second disc of the Aquarium listing which I picked apart to review and most importantly, enjoy. Everyone is entirely talented and unique and make independent music a thing to be proud of in these here parts. Pick up a copy and find out what's going on in the land of frets and whammys.

The first song is a poppy, upbeat, head bobber, 'Mileage' by The Commonplace who to me suggests the catchiness and energy of the entire Empire Records soundtrack. Made up of lead vocalist Joe Bernard, lead guitarist/backing vocalist Brendan Viele, drummer/backing vocalist JT Viele, bassist Chris Amundsen, and guitarist/backing vocalist Josh Johnson, The Commonplace jazzed it up all over Minnesota for a little over three years but sadly decided to call it quits in April 04.

Song number two is 'Lack of Friends' by Filthy Devine. It's a rockin, catchy tune by the popular metal group from Minneapolis. Filthy Devine is known for the powerful, gripping lead vocals of Viva Long, the ripping, creative lead guitar styles of Nick 'El Gato' Torres, the solid percussion of Scotty Albrecht, and grounded bass rhythms of Marcus Hall. Filthy Devine has a ban of devout followers pretty much wherever they play in Minnesota, and definitely please their audiences with rumors of stellar live shows.

Moaning Lisa's 'Pick Up the Pieces' is numero 3, breaking out the sound of the old Live, Collective Soul, and Foo Fighters energizing stylistics. Moaning Lisa rocks it hard core and remains true to the serious aspect of music, which they've been truckin at for years and have made impressive success. Originally from Kansas City, MO and now out in L.A., Minnesota has definitely been charmed by the style of lead vocalist/guitarist David George, lead guitarist/vocalist Desmond Ramos, drummer Dennis Dunbar, and bassist/vocalist John Chambers.

40 Watt Bulb takes the 4 spot with 'Laramie', portraying a kind of Counting Crows 'August and Everything After'/Mason Jennings 'Use Your Voice' magnetism that captures its listeners immediately and keeps them holding on and asking for more. Band members Drew Peterson (lead vocalist/guitarist), BJ Haldy (guitarist, banjoist) Dustin Brown (drummer), Mike Kylochko (mandolin-ist) and Chris Durow (bassist) all stem from the cities area and have created quite the reputation and, needless to say, quite the following in their run around the state.

Davis is 5-er on the list with "Problem," a poppy upbeat jig with combination Harry Nilsson/Ben Folds/John Darnielle vocals. Titillates the foot-tapping senses for sure, and the melody has beautiful harmonics with backing vocals.   Ike Morsch's lead vocal is amazingly unique and engaging.

Fat Rudy dominates the funk-blues it was going for in 'Left My Lips', song number 6. Known well around these parts, Fat Rudy was comprised (at this time) of vocalist/guitarist Jesse Smith, saxophonist Andy Lawton, bassist Wayne Burgess, and drummer Randy Anderson. With the entirety of a John Martyn, Little Feat, and Muddy Waters Smoothie (and if you're not following me, all those mixed together), Fat Rudy creates an awesome blend of genres that delight the musical senses and a talent for tickling the blues spot in all of us.

James Apollo docks in at song number 7 with 'Libertyville', a mesmerizing display of his talent. The song shares the name of Apollo's hometown in Arkansas, but he calls the charming Minneapolis home now (when not touring across the world) and, like many of his other compilation buddies, is buried deep in the surroundings of a great musical subculture. With a voice so powerful and memorable and the instrumentals so intricately considered, his passion for music is definitely revealed.

The Gaskets pick up the beat in song number 8, 'Easy Life' which suggests an influence of the great, early Modest Mouse hyperactive style, and the groovy Shins' contagious excitement. Definitely bootie-shaking material, Teddy Blanks and Ross Harmon pump out some cool, addicting music and have created quite the well-deserved thing for themselves nationwide with venues everywhere. They're cool, and they intend to rock it up very hard wherever they are.

Number 9 is none other than the rocking Skinny Lou Kingston with 'Lots a High Hat, Lots a Snare' that gave me some of my favorite genres of music all rapped neatly together in awesomeness. Its style in a whole, reminds me of the Cymande style of funk/groove, Antibalas Afrobeat Orchestra's reggae/funk-twist style, and John Scofield Band's fusion/chill trip-hop/electric-beat-mixing style. Skinny Lou Kingston is the alias for the solo project of talented and crafty musician Andrew Feyder, and his pseudonym also in his equally awesome group Algo Underground.

Ben Wilinski pushes forth with strong vocals in 'Unemployment', to complete song 10. His vocal chords dominate and cast a range of emotion that cannot be equaled. The song has a funny unexplainable kind of charm, yet the voice empowers the seriousness and passion that only an emotional pop-rocker like Wilinski can pull off. Wilinski made big locally and all over Minnesota as a member of "Dazy Head Mazy" but left to pursue his solo career, which is flourishing.

Ian Hilmar strikes song 11 with 'Dig a Hole', a bluesy reconnaissance into Joe Cocker/John Mellancamp vocal styles and Van Morrison-esque groovy-love-flow. Hilmar is playing everywhere these days and is creating a large name for himself as a fantastic songwriter and performer who usually stuns his audience with his graceful musical ability and beautifully written and interpreted words.

1 Fish 2 Fish brings out the funk-jam with a head-bobbing, shoulder shrugging number 12 "For Every." With references to famous literature and a great groove dance rhythm, 1 Fish 2 Fish makes it happen with a hint of Beck avant-garde craftiness, and dynamic flavored chorus line and instrumentation.

  Lending Out Tommy at lucky number 13 holds a striking resemblance to three of the most awesome acid jazz/groove bands in existence today: John Scofield Band, Bela Fleck and the Flecktones, and Cymande. Kickin it back, blowing on a sax, and a peddling at some electric organs seem natural for the fellas of Lending Out Tommy, guitarist/bassist Jeremy Davis, saxophonist/electronic man Sean Behler, and drummer Andy Fuller. They certainly do a dancing body good.

  "Missed Aches" from Cleva with the very Davis of number 5 whips up a little funk, a little smart hip hop/rapping, and a little unique indescribable flavor to number 14.   Cleva, aptly named for his quick wit and ability to dominate the battle scene, is a legend in the underground music scene.   He's collaborated with many of the very best of the Mpls hip hop scene for years and will be releasing his freshman solo album this Spring.

  Bottlehouse slows down the pace in song 15 entitled "Pessimist" and centerpieces a great soothing female voice that is reminiscent of Diana Krall, Bonnie Raight and Eva Cassidy, the greats of contemporary female blues. Emily Olson is her name and she shares the stage with a solid band of songwriter/vocalist/guitarist Karl Obermeyer, songwriter/guitarist/vocalist Steve Dupuis, bassist Aaron Pruitt and drummer Kirk Hall. A band of equal amazing talent, Bottlehouse has become diverse and strong and solid and will continue to grow to the height at which it deserves to be; which is high.

'Andrew and Aaron' whipped out number 16 called "Behind the Musicians" which is an amusing satire on bass musicians who talk funny. I laughed. The minds behind the satire are comedian bros Andrew and Aaron Madrid who have quite the reputation for their unpredictable, off-kilter, Longmount Potion Castle-like humor, and always love to surprise the unsuspecting. Andrew and Aaron came out with a comedy CD from Two Fish and have a public access show titled "The Show", which they stage their comedic infestations in often hilarious sequences.

Lonnie Knight and the Big Shoes get their jam on in 17's "Just Let Me Walk On Through" with a Big Wu/String Cheese Incident flavored dish. Lonnie Knight himself, is well renowned in the local scene as one of Minnesota's greatest guitar players, and he is supported by a band who cushions his very talent with a unique sound all their own. Knight is accompanied by keyboardists Carolyn Gronfield and Jeremy Radjenovich, and the rhythms of drummer Bart Guthrie and bassist Reid Papke which all hold solid, the roots of a strong band.

Jessie Smith takes it solo from Fat Rudy in song 18, "Dandilione Wine" in a ballad which showcases his great voice. Smith holds his own and creates a musical story-tale that forces its listeners to really listen . "Do I sing for the music, and play for the song?" Indeed Smith has great talent for music as well as a notion for capturing his audience in every way possible.

City Mouse has been in existence for 33 years and has been enchanting Minnesota the entire time. This song "Let Me Down Easy" wraps up the album at song number 19 and certainly leaves a satisfying and fitting finish for one of the band members, Gus Dewey, who died in January 2004 at the age of 57. He had been an integral part of City Mouse since the 70's and had meant much to the band as well as to the community through his music. This song includes Gus in one of his last recordings with City Mouse, so for this we pay tribute. The remaining members of City Mouse are founder and leader Billy Steiner who plays the harmonica and sings, keyboardist Dale Haefner, acoustic guitarist/vocalist Ron Arsenault, drummer/vocalist Mike Pengra, bassist/vocalist Dave Pengra, electric and steel guitarist/vocalist and Tim Waters.

So there you have it, my chums. I hope you are helped by my opinion on music enough to go out a pick up a copy today! Support local music as well as local anything, because it's the community that we live in that is necessary to maintain in order for it to flourish. All of these artists are incredibly talented and would appreciate your support in helping them fulfill their gift, so attend local shows, and heck, contact the band and make a donation, I'm sure it wouldn't go unnoticed.

-Emily Meyers, STATIC Magazine-

$15.99

AR - Disc #2

1. The Common Place - Mileage [mp3]
2. Filthy Divine - Lack of Friends
3. Moaning Lisa - Pick up the Pieces
4. 40 Watt Bulb - Laramie [mp3]
5. Davis - Problem
6. Fat Rudy - LeftMyLips
7. James Apollo - Libertyville
8. The Gaskets - Easy Life [mp3]
9. Skinny Lou Kingston - Lots a High Hat Lots a Snare
10. Ben Wilinski - Unemployment
11. Ian Hilmer - Dig a Hole [
12. 1Fish 2Fish - ForEvery
13. Lending Out Tommy - Your Festivities
14. Cleva (w/Davis) - Missed Aches  
15. Bottlehouse - Pessimist [mp3]        
16. Andrew and Aaron - Behind the Musicians
17. Lonnie Knight and Big Shoes- Just Let Me Walk on Through
18. Jessie Smith (from Fat Rudy) - Dandilione Wine [mp3]
19. City Mouse w/Gus - LetMeDownEasy