The Stiff Sheet

The Phoids
Mushyheadgoogoomouth
NG Records 

“Lil’ Suzy” makes this whole record worth owning. Yippee for the rest of the CD, cause it relates well to my generation—the “got a cool dog, sit on the couch, too old to drink till 5:00 a.m., listen to better music” generation. The Phoids are for those who haven’t given up on hard music, but can no longer listen to bands like Fear Factory. Melody, harmony and hooks are also served with the mushy-headed dish so you can have some variety in your diet. Best songs here besides “Lil’ Suzy” are “Croak” and “Before Us”. There are some scorchers too, like “Won Jimmy!” and “Splinters.” The record is topped off with the all too cool unrequited love song “Anymore.” An absolute keeper from NG the guys with the cool ads and the sick minds.—Maxx

Red Hot Chili Peppers
One Hot Minute
Warner Brothers 

After two full listening sessions of this record, you can tell it is the Chili Peppers’ best record by far. After 10, you can tell that Anthony Keidis is the weak link in the chain. As far as rock singers go, he is in the weak category anyway—which explains his white rap tendencies—but this CD shows more than the previous ones. Fortunately for our hero, he is surrounded by one of the best bands around; Not only do they make up for Keidis’ shortcomings, they make him better than he is. So, in that regard, I guess it is his best effort also. The brightest star on this record is Dave Navarro. His playing is stellar and his unique dynamic approach to the songs on One Hot Minute propel the band to a new level. Especially on tracks like “Tearjerker,” “My Friend,” and “One Big Mob.” Flea and drummer Chad Smith also seem better as a rhythm section, if that is possible. So as all time-tested bands do, RHCP have gone to a different plane on sound taste and songwriting. This is one of the best records of the year and a standout Chili Peppers album. Oh yeah, Flea does this little tune that should be a poem called Pea, about homophobic rednecks. What can you do? He’s Flea. —Mr. Pink 

Gang of Four
Shrinkwrapped
When/Castle Communications 

There is a song on this record that reminds me of when I was a small child, walking down the dirt alley behind my street in the rain, not going too fast but not wanting to become completely soaked. It is called “I Parade Myself.” Any song that can do that is worthy of large amounts of praise. Combine that with the fact that this is a NEW GANG OF FOUR RECORD, with original song masters Andy Gill and Jon King, and you have enough ammo to use the word “great.” Besides, it is as close as you will ever get to Entertainment, which is quite possibly one of the best records ever made. This record doesn’t stop there, as they offer more Gang Of Four standard moodshakers like “Showtime Valentine,” “Better Him Than Me” and the opening psychopop “Tattoo.” This just goes to prove that the best music in the ‘90s is being made by people who were out of school by 1985. 

Donna Reed’s Dinner Party
Nick At Nite/Epic 550

This is the coolest CD ever made. Retro guys/gals will be all over this CD like cinnamon on a cappuccino. Nothing but classics. “Johnny Angel,” “Chances Are,” “Blue Velvet” and “Moon River.” What else could you possibly want? Recipes? You got it! One for chicken tetrazzini and for dessert, none other than Donna’s dark chocolate cake. This may just be the only CD you’ll ever need to own. —Mr. Pink

Black Grape
It’s Great When You’re Straight… Yeah!
Radioactive 

I figure people don’t get something unless you tell them three or four times… Black Grape is the style council of the ‘90s. Black Grape is the style council of the ‘90s. Black Grape is the style council of the ‘90s. Black Grape is the style council of the…—Maxx 

Into Another
Seemless
Hollywood Records

Into Another is an early-’90s hardcore band from NY that survived the identity crisis that the NY music scene has been going through for the last five years. The band has changed members and reformed for their debut release Seemless on Hollywood Records. They obviously remember their hardcore beginnings, because this CD rocks hard! It’s very guitar intensive, laced with cool basswork and even cooler songs. Singer Richie Birkenhead (formerly of Underdog and Youth of Today) compliments the texture of this band about as appropriately as can be. He goes from rough and smooth to screechy and passionate, as he follows the mood of each of the songs. This is a real cool CD to listen to. It gets your attention almost immediately, and doesn’t let go, as it flows from one song… Into Another. Okay, that was bad, but don’t hold it against the band. Check out Seemless, it will make your day seem less than difficult. Heh, heh, heh… —Maxx 

Read more from the SLUG Archives:
A Shot of Blues: October 1995
Headshake:  October 1995