Girl in a Coma - Poor David’s Pub, 3/15/08
Girl in a Coma came to Dallas to donate their time to the Rockin’ For Rescue benefit to raise money for rescued animals Lisa Clarke and Lisa Umbarger (original bassist for the Toadies, who’s now in Tile) founded the organization.
Girl in a Coma was named after The Smiths’ classic song “Girlfriend in a Coma.” Lead Singer Nina Diaz - often referred to as “The female version of Morrissey” - put on a slammin’ show with Jenn Alva (bass) and sister Phanie Diaz (drums).
The band has garnered several kudos. Gibson Guitars recently featured Nina online and “Clumsy Sky” won the 7th Annual Independent Music Award for best song. GIAC is currently on a nationwide tour. From Hoboken to Hollywood, everyone loves this band. See them live just once, and you will too. (Scotty Mankoff)

The Weakerthans - Reunion Tour, Ant-Epitaph
It has been a few years since The Weakerthans have cranked out an album, but Reunion Tour proves that they still have more flavor than a pot of well-seasoned neck-bones. This album has many aspects that make it rock: it has quirkiness, spunk, and it’s fun. These Canadian indie-folkers prove that Canada has more to offer than...hockey players. The tracks do not suck, though some are better than others. For instance, “Hymn of the Medical Oddity” and “Civil Twilight” rock harder than the rest. One could compare the sound, abstractly, to hanging a disco ball in a country music dance hall - whatever that means. If you’re searching for an album that will help you take life as it comes-this is it.
(Shane Epting)

Marnie Stern - In Advance Of The Broken Arm, Kill Rock Stars
Recorded in her N.Y. city apartment, Stern has produced a lo-fi indie pop album that is anything but. “In Advance…” is a masterful, creative marriage of the Sonic Youth indie rock aesthetic with the musicianship of Belew-era King Crimson. Although she has unwittingly resurrected the 80’s metal guitar technique of tapping (think Eddie Van Halen), Stern is no shredder. In the same way Robert Fripp uses arpeggiated ostinato sequences to outline chord structures, Stern does so here with a tapestry of hammer-ons. The end result is somewhat cacophonous, yet possesses rich, unorthodox melodies. Her sometimes-shrill caterwaul coupled with Zach Hill’s frantic drum arrangements can make this a meticulous listen for the casual listener. For the musically adventurous, however, this is a gem.
(Jason Robert)

Emery - I’m Only a Man, Tooth and Nail
These cats, like Starbucks, call Seattle home; only they are not as mainstream as their caffeinated counterparts are. Technically, this release is pop punk; however, they manage to rise above the numerous pop-punks bands that suck badly. Emery avoids sucking by considerably varying their sound from one song to the next. This ability is a powerful tool and, without which, they’d sink to the bottom of the pop-punk cesspool. After a careful peruse of the lyrics, it’s clear they’re not strictly catering to the “high-school-broken-heart-song-and-dance” routine, either. If you enjoy snorting cocaine with strippers, reading Nietzsche and break-dancing nude -this album is for you, Amigo. KKKK (Shane Epting)

Bayard Russell - Self-titled, Self-Recorded
Solo albums can be a tricky affair. When written, produced and mixed by the artist, results can be clumsy and slapped together. However, New York City’s Bayard Russell straddles the fine line between pretention and brilliance. This is electro-indie-pop at its finest, or worst, depending on how you want to look at it. Since acoustic guitar with laptop beats and swirling keys abound, this album is perfect for either a bright sunny day or a dark, cold rainy one. Standout tracks include: “Living At My Moms,” with its melancholy delay-soaked synth lines; “Uh-Huh,” an upbeat number that will bounce in your head for days and “I Will Chase You” with some 8-bit Nintendo funk. Sugary-sweet vocal hooks and lush lo-fi instrumentation make this a great listen for fans of The Postal Service or Of Montreal.
(D.J. Ivie)

Heath Street - Self-titled
Heath Street’s debut album takes you to the roots of folk music. The record is covered with lyrics that paint a vivid landscape. Lead-man Scott Fruhan, which pretty much makes up the band, pulls inspiration from the strangers that passed along Heath Street’s abandoned train line in Boston. His beautiful sense of how to play the guitar and piano are equally as nice as the vocals which you can actually understand. On the other hand, bringing all those elements together to form a memorable impression does need to be worked on. The slow tempos are from start to finish, so don’t plan to drive with this CD in rotation because you might fall asleep at the wheel. Also, since it puts you in such a peaceful state, maybe it should be listened to at bedtime or while watching the sunrise. In comparison, Heath Street would go good with John Denver.
(Misty Johnson)

Eddie Vedder ‘s new song “No More War”- Sire Records
If you been waiting for a former grunge rock singer to articulate all of your anti-war sentiments into a Dylan-esque number, your ship has just sailed in, amigo. This song is neither riddled nor complex. The title says it all-no more war. Ben Harper, probably in a stoned haze, strums along without much effort of enthusiasm. Maybe, that’s part of the charm. This song either sucks or rocks, depending on the following: 1. You hate or love the war. 2. You love or hater Eddie Vedder. 3.You are a card-carrying folkster who may or may not have a strong affection for things such as rusty screen doors or original brass spittoons. Does it rock? No. Does it folk? Yes.
(Shane Epting)

Itis - Exit 420, Self-released
While Itis isn’t a band that everyone will enjoy, to say the least, Stoners will highly enjoy this collection of songs. It’s obviously influenced by America ’s favorite couch surfing past time: bong rips. Ironically, the album’s best songs are not about smoking weed. One of the better ditties, “Somebody I’m Not” is fun and worthy of some slight head-bobbing action. Psychedelically inspired number, “Hey Mom, I Smoke Pot,” smolders like a bag of wet Mexican dirt weed. Exit 420 either sucks or rocks, depending on how much you enjoy songs about weed and pornography.
(Shane Epting)

Drautran - Throne of the Depths, Lupus Lounge/ Prophecy Productions
Wurde Sie möchte gern Ihre Musik laut und schnell? Dieses ist laut und schnell. Aber, Drautran ist sehr dunke-das ist toll. Die Guitarren sind gut. Der Sänger, HerrThamuz, hat gute Stimme für die schnelle und langsame Musik. Dieses ist gut, weil das Tempo ändert. Einige der am besten Liede sind “An den Pforten des Sturmes” und “Zum Haff Hinaus.” Einige der Liede sind besser als andere Liede. Aber, keine der Liede sind schrecklich oder furchtbar. Alles in Allem, niemand von Drautran sicher!
(Shane Epting)

Yes, this CD is by a German band… in German. Man, our HB writers have many talents - many we never knew about!