Karling Abbeygate
"Christmas With Karling" (self)


Mindful of the yule-season's bouyant imperative, flawless-toned Karling decks these halls with lissome jocularity, her every caress endearing. The cheered listener is struck by the first-chair professionalism - this thanks not only to Karling herself, but also to the dedicated toils of Bob Gother, Jason Eoff, Russell Scott, and Johnny Palmer. (Additional vocals are lent by Big Manny Gonzalez.) Lighthearted melodic frolickings suit this warming moment, as loved chestnuts are mixed with wonderfully-apt originals. Laughing beauty gambols amongst evergreen wreaths and sparkling, variously-colored decorations. Cock your cap, slug down your nog, and kick up your mucklucks!

Recommended "What's In the Box," "Christmas Party," "The First Noel," "Angel Tears," Santa's Got a Crush On Me," "Auld Lang Syne"


http://www.karlingmusic.com/
http://www.facebook.com/karlingabbeygate



Video: http://youtu.be/D3vCJLgTymQ (This is an earlier tune)

Black Pussy
"On Blond"
by
DC Larson

A nimbus-planed soaring wah wah-rocketship, tricked out with all the fun-cool of early '70s sub-cult-in-the-sun young narratives audacious and daring to be actual. Not some benign time capsule, but an exhuming of that sparkly moment's salvational vibe -- with steadily-pumped today swerve.

Recommended "Marijuana," "Can't Take Any More," "Blow Some Steam Off"

http://www.blackpussy.bandcamp.com/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Black-Pussy/127305757295752
http://www.xopublicity.com/

Red Hill Ramblers
Getting By (Spine PunchMusic)

by
DC Larson

This rough-and-tumble threesome wisely mixes the time-tested teachings of 'billies before (traditional and generally easygoing bop) with a modern, serrated blade-edge. Just as listeners are digging smooth grooves, up jumps a howling proclaimer. And that's when you know something serious came in from the back alley to prowl the hardwood. Fireplug guitarist/singer Steve and double bass-beatin' Mike Mallon, and hard-wired drummer Joe Covell have much of which to be proud.

Recommended "Jaded," "Pink Slips," "Hot Rod For Sale," "Look Out"

http://www.redhillramblers.com/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Red-Hill-Ramblers/162962863742515
http://www.spinepunchmusic.com/

TO BUY CD http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/redhillramblers

VIDEO "Hot Rod For Sale" (live) http://youtu.be/7DM95_9epGY

Dex Romweber Duo
"Is That You In the Blue?" (Bloodshot)

by
DC Larson

Only from within the demonstrative Dex dimension can one best appreciate its duality. Ethereal, echoed intonings, voodoo-pulse toms, "kitchenware" that rattle-clanks like skeleton-rib percussion, and striking word-murals tear back the curtain hiding strange terrains most oft untrod. At once, though, Dex and Sister Sara vent uber-sized, the gutter-blast blusterings and fraught guitar rampages seized up from a familiar and lava-loved rock'n'roll cauldron. It seems our 'real world' and a funhouse zone more shadowy and tilted were as one, all along. No one gets out. No one desires to.

Recommended "Jungle Drums," "The Death of Me," "Midnight Sun," "Brazil," "Climb Down," "Is That You In the Blue?"
VIDEO: "Jungle Drums" http://youtu.be/IV_fG7as1VQ
http://www.myspace.com/dexromweberduo
http://www.rockandrolltshirts.com/RNR_Store/Dex-Romweber-Duo
http://www.ruraltone.com/dex
http://www.bloodshotrecords.com/

Buzz Campbell
"Shivers & Shakes" (self)

by
DC Larson

I've followed Buzz's ear-arresting endeavors through much: Hot Rod Lincoln, Lee Rocker, Sha Na Na, and solo turns. His loud and strapping guitar, with which he handily revs roots bents into modern-cat style, could conquer single-handedly. But it doesn't have to: tower-tumbling standup and drums -- plus Buzz's own vocal pipes-of-persuasion and razory writing pen -- dispatch juking listeners all into the Fracture Zone. Of course, critical praise is a poor stand-in for listening.

Recommended "Rawk-A-Billy Fever," "Scot Mo," "Rockabilly Heart," "Crazy When She Drinks"

http://www.buzzcampbell.com/
http://www.facebook.com/#!/buzzhotrod
Buy CD: http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/shivers-shakes/id436205635
video, "Scotmo" at Revival Festival (Austin) 2010: http://youtu.be/cNmkEhlttLg

end

There are pies, and then there are pies
by
DC Larson


By this moment, all have heard about it: Rupert Murdoch, testifying before Parliment, unceremoniously decorated with a shaving-foam pie. It's been the topic of hard infotainment chatter --assailed by some, cheered by others.

From a tactical standpoint, it was counterproductive. It shifted focus from larger and more substantial matters, making Murdoch a sympathetic figure (for some), casting his wife Wendi as heroic defender, and giving the Fox friends something else about which to fill airwaves.

Remember, though, we're dealing here with people who've amassed international fortunes from manipulating images, constructing "realities," channeling public sentiment, and choreographing photo ops to arouse desired emotions. It's what they do and they're quite good at it. They know well its effectiveness.

Behind that, is it really hard to conceive of Team Murdoch, their characteristic Jolly Roger a-flap in the political-press current, contriving the attack? After all, the wizened, media baron bullfrog couldn't have hoped for more felicitous results. Yes, critics and investigators continue to hound him. But he has melted some hearts.

Now, it is true that the simplest answer is often the correct one. And perhaps it was just as it appeared: an unknown comic, seeking the front page-moment's luster, uncaring as to circumstances or his shenanigan's impact on weighty issues.

But maybe -- just maybe -- we've all been played again. Duped onlookers to the latest example of news media diversion, Rupert Murdoch style.




end