Eleven21 - Stratos, 7/19/08
When television news anchor Tracy Kornet (CH 11 and C H21) and her band Eleven21 entertained fans this night, Kornet proved she has the pipes. Even though she’d been sick the week before, her talent shone through. Band members are Tommy Hiet (guitarist, who has played with Elton John), Richard Frish (sax… Gatlin Brothers, Lee Anne Rimes and the Dixie Chicks), and True Tidwell (keyboards), who’s played as a hired gun with various bands. A donation of $1,000 was made to the music program at Happy Hill Farm, a school and shelter for at-risk kids (Scotty Mankoff)

The Fratellis - Here We Stand, Interscope Records
These English Beatniks remain true to their original and straightforward sound, which is fan-freakin-tastic, and a fun album, all aspects considered. Though it isn’t as fun as their last one, Costello Music. It does have, however, a consistent feel and groove. Nothing is too serious or complicated here, and those facets give them surprising and uncompromising depth. The substance lies in its simplicity- whatever that means. Some of the best tracks are “Mistress Mabel” and “A Heady Tale.” None of the songs on Here We Stand suck-at all - but those two tracks rock a few notches above the rest. Rock? You bet your fish-and-chips-munching, New Castle Ale swilling and bad British teeth having ass, that it rocks.
(Shane Epting)

(hed) p.e - The DIY Guys, Suburban Noise
Been a fan of these hardcore die-hards for years? Then you will enjoy this new CD with a bonus DVD. If you think they suck, this album will not change your tune. They haven’t changed theirs, at all. The CD and DVD illustrate (hed) p.e.’s version of punk rock ethics to the fullest, which either sucks or rocks depending on if you care or not. They do have some choice words for President Bush, which is great if you also have some choice words for him! If hardcore punk with a touch of hip-hop “gets you all wet,” pick this one up. If not, avoid it like a drunken chick with an Adams apple.
(Shane Epting)

Prima J – Prima J, Geffen Records
If you only buy one pop album by two smoking hot Latinas this summer-this is it. Even though most gringos will not understand the occasional Spanish verses, that doesn’t matter. It rocks. Not like Frank Zappa circa 1980, but it rocks. Many songs will sound best on the dance floor, but they’ll also rock properly while smoking blunts with your girlz. On that note, chicas and chulas will enjoy this one more than chollos. But, hey, that’s how Prima J rolls. If you wear lots of eyeliner while drinking mojitos-this will make a crunk-ass soundtrack.
(Shane Epting)

MC Chris is Dead - MC Chris, self recorded
According to the title, MC Chris may be dead, but his music is surely alive! Filled with nerdcore, hip-hop goodness, MC Chris nimbly raps about all sorts of nerdy subjects not found on most rap albums.
Please know that MC Chris is an acquired taste. These tunes won’t ever be played at your average hip-hop club. His chipmunk-on-helium vocals tell stories about comic books, Reese’s Pieces candy and his lack of sexual prowess. Songs are very goofy and self-deprecating. That being said, the 16 tracks provide nearly an hour of absolutely addictive songs and skits. “Pizza Butt” is a wonderfully sarcastic play on all the generic booty-shaking tunes on radio today. “Nrrd Grrl” is a tale of ultimate geeky love, filled with sci-fi and video game shout-outs.
For music fans wanting to get in touch with their geeky side, MC Chris is definitely NOT dead. In fact, his fresh take on the stale hip-hop genre brings a breath of fresh air.
(Jason Janik)

American Steel - Destroy Their Future, Fat Wreck Chords
You ever heard of “emo repellant?” Well, amigo, you have now - it’s American Steel. This band kicks the living shit out of all of those pansy-ass bands that wear and sound like - girls’ jeans. American Steel is not a force to be f#*ked with lightly. The sound is not too heavy, not too repetitive and it isn’t too limited, tunefully. It’s familiar enough; however, that their sound is recognizable as American Steel - once the first few songs pass. The album as a whole is an experience rather than a simple encounter. That means you do not want to download one or two tracks. Listen to the entire CD.
They will not make it to the radio-ever, which is fine because this album doesn’t swim with the mainstream salmon. [Take that, Sum 41!] If you used to get tanked while rocking out to the Murder City Devils… and miss them, then get this album.
(Shane Epting)

Kelley McRae - Highrises In Brooklyn, sonaBLAST! Records
Coffee house regulars that miss Lillith Fair days will immediately take to Kelley McRae’s new disc. The rest of the world may wish to take a look but may not find much.
It’s not that Kelley isn’t supremely talented, because she is. Her voice walks that perfect line between silk and grit. Her stories feel genuine, and the simple, folksy R&B music is toe tapping good. So why not fall in love with the ten tracks on her new album? These days, it just isn’t in fashion to be sincere with your heart on your sleeve. Artists need to be kooky and quirky like Feist or crazy and wild like Amy Winehouse.
“Last Call Town” is the standout track, with its bold attitude – reminiscent of early Sheryl Crow. “BQE” is delightful, unlike any of the other songs, with electronic chirps and beeps added over a bouncing rhythm.
It’s a shame that modern music lovers expect so much more from their singer songwriters these days, because Kelley McRae offers a great little package of classic tunes. When did simple and straightforward go out of fashion, anyway?
(Jason Janik)