From: owner-sycophant-digest@smoe.org (sycophant-digest) To: sycophant-digest@smoe.org Subject: sycophant-digest V8 #78 Reply-To: sycophant@smoe.org Sender: owner-sycophant-digest@smoe.org Errors-To: owner-sycophant-digest@smoe.org Precedence: bulk sycophant-digest Tuesday, June 24 2003 Volume 08 : Number 078 Today's Subjects: ----------------- sycophant Chicago review [John Byers ] sycophant Liquid Pig review-Bloomington Alternative [John Byers Subject: sycophant Chicago review http://metromix.chicagotribune.com/mmx-g1h15qhnu.4jun20,0,3210817.story - ------- The Ectophile's Guide to Good Music: http://www.smoe.org/ectoguide/ - ------- To unsub, mail majordomo@smoe.org with the message: unsubscribe sycophant If you gave an infinite number of monkeys an infinite number of computers, they would all get AOL accounts and send unsub messages to the list address. AOL users please read the instructions six lines up before unsubbing. ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 23 Jun 2003 13:16:11 -0500 From: John Byers Subject: sycophant Liquid Pig review-Bloomington Alternative Lullaby for Liquid Pig by Lisa Germano Ineffable/Artist Direct Reviewed by J.L. McRuth What if you could hold a mirror to your soul and see yourself exactly as you are? Would you detest or love what's revealed? Or would you find a middle ground, rationalizing fault and deprecating strength. But what if you were capable of near brutal self evaluation, and what if you were able to report what you found in lyric and melody? You might just be Lisa Germano. Her latest release, "Lullaby for Liquid Pig" brings that mirror, shimmering from the depths of an ominous pool, to reveal "your secrets, hidden inside." Don't listen if you don't want to know, but if you're the least bit curious, headphones and a darkened room might allow you to see and feel the intricate tapestry that has become the trademark of this woman's music. As with some of her previous albums which have dealt with the cravings of the soul, Liquid Pig is a thematic work about needing too much. Though alcohol seems to be the subject here, it's only a metaphor for excessive human need. The Liquid Pig becomes a mode of self-mockery in order to reveal self-doubt. And the Lullaby puts those doubts to rest in dreams that are really awareness in coded form. Sorting out the code is up to the individual, but plenty of clues are here to guide the way. Chief among the guideposts is the craft and care Lisa has taken with the music itself. At first, it may seem a bit jumbled, but after closer inspection (remember the headphones?) sounds sort themselves into a rich texture that is full, but never overproduced. The sound of a breeze blowing across an inexpensive microphone, keyboards manipulated by techniques known only to her, and layered, luscious strings help provide what may be an unintentional bridge between popular and contemporary classical music. Recorded at home to keep costs down, Lisa was able to include a number of her friends from afar thanks to audio editing software. Contributors include Wendy Melvoin (Prince), Sebastian Steinberg (Soul Coughing), Neil Finn (Crowded House), and Johnny Marr (The Smiths). Though the subject of much critical acclaim, financial success has eluded this Indiana born artist. When not touring with Neil Finn, or contributing to albums by the likes of David Bowie or the Eels, she's likely to be found behind the counter in a West Hollywood bookstore just to make ends meet. She's not the least bitter, saying she gets satisfaction by hoping she connects with people who understand the message her music conveys. And as long as she feels that connection, hopefully she will keep making her unique, seminal music. Lisa is currently touring with Denise Bonis, whose first album, "The Biggest, Smallest Place" was produced by Lisa. They are appearing Friday, June 20, at Birdy's in Indianapolis along with Jenny Devoe. - ------- The Ectophile's Guide to Good Music: http://www.smoe.org/ectoguide/ - ------- To unsub, mail majordomo@smoe.org with the message: unsubscribe sycophant If you gave an infinite number of monkeys an infinite number of computers, they would all get AOL accounts and send unsub messages to the list address. AOL users please read the instructions six lines up before unsubbing. ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 23 Jun 2003 14:49:29 EDT From: TRman2323@aol.com Subject: Re: sycophant Chicago review Not a bad review, though it sounds like the author didn't quite get "Victoria's Secret." But of course we've all been thrown by Lisa's implied quotation marks at one time or another.... In a message dated 6/23/2003 11:15:24 AM Pacific Daylight Time, byers@bluemarble.net writes: > > http://metromix.chicagotribune.com/mmx-g1h15qhnu.4jun20,0,3210817.story - ------- The Ectophile's Guide to Good Music: http://www.smoe.org/ectoguide/ - ------- To unsub, mail majordomo@smoe.org with the message: unsubscribe sycophant If you gave an infinite number of monkeys an infinite number of computers, they would all get AOL accounts and send unsub messages to the list address. AOL users please read the instructions six lines up before unsubbing. ------------------------------ End of sycophant-digest V8 #78 ****************************** ======================================================================== Please send any questions or comments about the list to sycophant-owner@smoe.org