HALF-GIFTS

6/11/2013

Review: Cedar Skies - "Out of Reach"

Cedar Skies - Out Of Reach

(Self-Released 2013)

"Pointillist guitar, earthy drone brushstrokes"

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6/08/2013

Overview: Hot and Ready Records

Hot and Ready Records

Label Overview: I assumed that the days of sending away for a tape or record were long gone now that it's so easy to create your own website with Bandcamp and Tumblr. The package I received from California's Hot and Ready Records this week proved me wrong, and I couldn't be happier about it; it's interesting to see music distributors and artists paddling against the current of technology. The label, whose name may or may not be a nod to Little Caesar's Pizza, operates from a bare-bones webpage (you can view it here) which is little more than a list of titles to order with no cover art provided. I really like the idea of focusing on the music while also creating a bit of mystique. I also find it quite interesting that the catalog the label mails its customers actually lists much more music than its internet counterpart and includes a description of each release. It's as if it reveals all its secrets and quirks to you at a gradual pace; you'll get as much out of Hot and Ready as you put into it! You can also buy some rad zines and comics from the same address, my favorite is Throat Culture, which features rather conversational reviews of lo-fi bands like The Shivas, Hunx and Cassie Ramone's solo project.

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6/06/2013

Review: Dakota Bones - "Ø"

Dakota Bones - Ø

(2013 MJMJ Records)

"Consistently elusive"

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6/05/2013

Overview: Lost Sound Tapes

Lost Sound Tapes

Label Overview: As a packaging geek, the first things to catch my eye as I opened the latest batch of cassettes from Lost Sound Tapes were the cases the tapes were housed in. The Seattle-based label's owner, Jon Manning, tells me they're called "soft poly boxes". Rather than swinging open on a hinge, these cases are made of one piece of pliant plastic, shutting tightly with a satisfying snap. There is also a small circle lightly imprinted on the face of these boxes, which remind me of the cases harmonicas come in when you win them at a carnival game. Though it may just be the novelty of seeing them for the first time, I think these soft poly boxes are really cool! Don't let them distract you from what lies inside them, though. Each of the four new tapes I've listened to channel the fuzzy, DIY ethic of the early 90's and should be a treat for fans of bands like Yuck and Teenage Fanclub. You can buy the tapes listed below here: lostsoundtapes.com

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6/04/2013

Interview: Duane Pitre

I'm a fan of his sparse, slowly evolving musical compositions. My dad was a fan of his skateboarding style in early 90s. It doesn't matter what medium Duane Pitre's working in; the product always leaves an impression. I recently had the opportunity to ask him a few questions about his music. You can read his answers below.

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6/02/2013

Cassette Corner: Mole People - "Mole Scroll"

Mole People - Mole Scroll

(Tolmie Terrapin 2012)

"Dark auras rife with muck"

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5/31/2013

Review: No Paws - "Healthy Men"

No Paws - Healthy Men

(2012 Family Time)

"Deceptively simple...mesmerizing[ly] mechanical"

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Zine Issue 4 Officially Out Now!

Now that my final exams are finally over, it's time for me to start sending out zines! Issue 4 was just printed up, and is officially out today. If you're in the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky area, copies will soon be made available at Everybody's Records and the Erlanger Public Library (as always) and now at Black Plastic Records. As for everyone else, get your free mail-order copies now, they're going fast! E-mail me your address and I'll hook you up with a zine. This issue features interviews with Leif Gutschow of Tripping the Light Fantastic, local garage rockers PURE Predication and Pennsylvania lo-fi duo Ratburn. Stickers will be made available for as long as they'll last.