Music We Like

What would two guys passing tracks back and forth from Denver to Dayton sound like? Wicked Immigrant tries to answer that question. White Nuns on Red Wines is a collection of slow-folksy-acoustic guitar-led songs that are well crafted with lyrics p...

What would two guys passing tracks back and forth from Denver to Dayton sound like? Wicked Immigrant tries to answer that question. White Nuns on Red Wines is a collection of slow-folksy-acoustic guitar-led songs that are well crafted with lyrics possibly from role-playing aficionados. (I have no idea if John Wenzel and Chris Jones play D & D). Typical songs discuss (symbolically?) medical mysteries and supernatural villains. "Veranda Myth" is the perfect example of the White Nuns on Red Wine sound. Villagers deal with the repercussions of a monster with a sad cello in the background. But, my favorite track is "Fake Virgins Arrested!", whose title may incorrectly lead listeners to a Guided By Voices comparison. Wenzel's usual somber vocals have a angrier edge and the song structure is pure folk-pop. Wicked Immigrant will not be heard on FM radio, but White Nun on Red Wine is fine example of a niche that can only be met by home-recordings.

For me, Pete Wylie's Sinful was a $0.10 purchase from a McCrory's in the Sherwood Shopping Center. Part of a veritable pile of bargain "finds," this cassette was part of a purchase that probably doubled my music collection sometime around the turn o...

For me, Pete Wylie's Sinful was a $0.10 purchase from a McCrory's in the Sherwood Shopping Center. Part of a veritable pile of bargain "finds," this cassette was part of a purchase that probably doubled my music collection sometime around the turn of 1990. Sharing the limelight with the likes of Ranking Roger's Radical Departure, this particular album was interesting to me as a kid, something that sounded like something bigger. Sinful is the 1987 solo release by the leader of Wah! (in its various incarnations). Having never heard any Wah!, I am unable to draw comparisons. However, this album can stand on its own. A slice of the 80s, with bombastic percussion and guitars, Sinful is stadium rock for the gentle set. And, I mean that in a good way. The songs are slogans of love and hope and caring. The cynical or staunchly alternative listener will shrug this off as an artifact. But, those who can escape their stereotypes and just enjoy some big rock and roll may just find a gem. The title track was a hit in the UK and a catchy lead to the album. Note the use of synthesizers and backing vocals; feel the energy and enthusiasm - they'll be there for the entire journey. "Shoulder to Shoulder," "Break Out the Banners (of Love)," and "If I Love You" are the medium volume rockers that lay the foundation that culminate in the "We Can Rule the World" and "All the Love" climax on tracks 7 & 8. This is a guilty pleasure listening experience. Turn it up and feel it. And, in the midst, enjoy one of my favorite songs. Period. "FourElevenFortyFour" is very much in line with the rest of the music on this album. It fits. But, it's the composition that makes you feel that there's something deeper going on with Pete Wylie's lyrics. Leading with the almost silly sounding: "My love is a rainbow and my love is falling grey rain...", this is a great love song and a lament. I think. The title has historical reference to gambling, sex, and penis size, but these don't seem to be Wylie's topic. He is (or was) in love and the object of his love is gone. In the past, I debated the meaning of the title and who was the recipient of his caring. It's beyond my feeble mind. Regardless, it's a diamond among gems. Enjoy.