Amoeba Music

The Altons did an in-store at Amoeba and low-key wowed the spot. From Southeast L.A. this band is simmering to a boil. “Heartache in Room 14,” their debut album feels like an instant classic. It’s got the backyard BBQ timelessness and that type of melancholy soul that sounds “effortless” because it comes from such an authentic place, but is forged by the blood, sweat and tears of holding onto your vision. I felt so lucky to get a chance to see such a dynamic vibe. I know their story is just beginning.

Still listening to Kingbird, my recommendation from our last issue.

I am loving the soundtrack of Season 3 of White Lotus. Can’t wait to get that.

I’m excited for the new Lady Gaga. That video drop during the Grammys was so great! The dancing for it along with Doechii’s performance on the actual Grammys showcased a new (to me) type of body language that is really exciting to watch. The category truly is dance or die. Joy is resistance!

I was happy to hear that "Jet Set" had been reissued. Los Straitjackets are always cool, but this album is a notch above their other efforts. It's one of my all-time favorite instrumental albums with great tunes like "Aerostar," "Jet Set" and "Fur Sophia." Give it a spin!

ACL is a long running video showcase for (mainly) roots artists. Johnny's performance kicks off with Folsom Prison Blues and proceeds to tear through a number of his famous hits, including my favorite, "Big River." Then he veers into the family portion of the show which is kind of schlocky IMO. However, any JC is good, and much of it is great!

If you like well-crafted songs with a twist, you need to check out Robbie Fulks. For some reason, he still flies under the mainstream radar although he is a premier songwriter guitarist and has a deep catalog. In his latest album he uses acoustic and Bluegrass instrumentation to beautifully compliment his tunes. My two favorites are "When You Get to the Bottom," and "Sometimes the Grass Is Really Greener."

Kelly was previously known for his work with the Monophonics. Here he steps out with some silky '70's style soul. My favorites are "Prove My Love" and "Cold World." I enjoyed hearing him when he played an in-store at Amoeba S.F. I also remember his dad Mike, who was a legendary singer/organist with the "Serfs" and the "Jerry Hahn Brotherhood" among others. The apple doesn't fall far from the tree!

1975's Supervixens is a bosom filled fever dream full of sex, cartoonish violence, and sexual antics that are sure to amuse, horrify and delight! Featuring the square jawed Charles Napier, a bevy of buxoitcs: including Shari Eubanks, Uschi Digard and Sharon Kelly. Also look out for the usual RM day players like Stuart Lancaster and Haji. With fast paced editing, luscious cinematography and delicious dialogue, this salacious comedic roughie even features an uproarious commentary by Russ Meyer himself. ENJOY!

1966's Black Tight Killers is campy spy action to the max a la James Bond, Modesty Blaise and Dean Martin's Matt Helm Films. Visually stunning, fast paced, hyper-charged and full of outlandish situations. Incredibly helmed by action and exploitation director Yasahauru Yasebe (Massacre Gun, Stray Cat Rock, Assault Jack the Ripper) and Starring 60’s pop icon Akira Kobayash and Cheiko Matsubara (Tokyo Drifter.)

Aerobics were all the rage in the 80’s and this sweet little exploitation movie is a surprisingly heartwarming. Samantha (Cynthia Dale) and her friends make their dreams come true when they open their own fitness center. Samantha an ambitious single mom, tries out for and gets the part for a tv fitness show (Think Demi Moore in the substance or the 20 Minute Workout.) Unfortunately the competition is pissed and connives the rival gym owner into buying Samantha's building from her landlord in order to end her dream business. It seems the only way to settle the score is to have a dance off between the rival gyms! Full of hardbodies adorned in fabulous leotards and leg warmers, this is surprisingly tender comedy will work you out. You'll surely break a sweat while watching Heavenly Bodies!

19988's Iced is a coveted release for those who follow the Code Red forum on Blu-ray.com. I'm looking at you Joel Goodson! Code Red Owner Bill Olsen (RIP) would become incensed as some of his most voracious customers/antagonists would often request this horrible little film. Well, the wait is over as Degausser has released this cherished turd worts and all. Even though it’s on blu-ray don’t expect a clear picture. This film was shot on 16mm and edited on video tape. The source for this movie was master tape giving it an SOV quality, and that’s part of the charm. Joseph Alan Johnson (Grad Night, Slumber Party Massacre) and Lisa Loring (TV’s original Wednesday Addams) star in this low budget slasher on the slopes. Featuring a convoluted plot, unintentionally hilarious dialogue, and a high body count. This ain’t Ski School, so suit up, get your lift pass and be thrown over the edge by this forgotten 80’s slasher. You won’t be disappointed.

1995's Amanda and the Alien is a super fun comedy. Starring: Nicole Eggert, Michael Dorn and Stacey Keach. This fun body switcheroo centers on Amanda (Eggert), an apathetic twenty something who spies an out of place alien (in the form of a human lady) in a serious coffee shop. The alien has just escaped from a government installation via a spikey tentacle that enables it to takeover and inhabit human bodies. Amanda and the alien become fast friends as Amanda teaches the alien how to act human. Their relationship becomes more intense as the alien switches bodies and genders. Hijinks ensue when the two try to evade the government and return the alien home. Kinda like John Carpenter’s Starman meets 1987's The Hidden with a similar tone to Tammy and the T-Rex. Don’t sleep on this forgotten 90’s gem.

Good playing, fun tunes. I'm not always a big jazz violin fan, but Scheinman has a focus on what makes a good record/session, and she makes it happen here.

I'm late to the Jeff Parker party, but I like what he's doing with long form group improvising here, with Josh Johnson, Anna Butterss, and Jay Bellerose. Extra points for the audio verite live recording on a Nagra tape recorder.

Featuring Laurie Anderson, Georgia Anne Muldrow, Sex Mob, Marshall Allen, Terry Riley, Laraaji, Secret Chiefs 3...all doing their takes on Sun Ra compositions, or inspirations thereof.

Tomas Fujiwara, Mary Halvorson, and Michael Formanek seem to be workshopping and recording together every year, so I'll try to keep up.

What a nice surprise this is: a 34-minute meditation on Amelia Earhart's final flight. I recommend the CD to take in the suite's uninterrupted flow.

Vibraphonist Brennan gathers some up-and-comers to tear it up. At this point, I'm tempted to buy anything Pyroclastic Records puts out.

All-star backup featuring Jason Moran, Reuben Rogers, and Eric Harland...and that makes all the difference.