"Clicking With Quizby" - Jazzoo

This is a band with a lot of ideas and potential who really could do with a better vocalist, a bit of consistency, and louder, stronger production. The track Jazzoo Twist, once it gets started, is an excellent attempt at the B-52's unique wacky sound. Radio Dunlop sounds like a demo of a Beastie Boys song without verses written yet, and is unforch watered-down just enough not to hit it's potential punches. There's a lot of weakness - for example, you can almost hear them say "Hey, let's do a blues song" on Daddy's 7 Wood, with it's cliched piano stabs and harmonica that leave you no richer. But there's some substance to be had too. Interesting disc by a band that might have gone somewhere.

The liner notes on this one say it all:

"Sydney based band consisting of Guitar, Bass, Drums, Percussion, Keys & Dj, JAZZOO is a fun loving outfit who pride themselves on being handy around the kitchen. JAZZOO sprung in the spring of '98 & quickly morphed from a 3 to a 6 piece. The reocrding of this debut album is a testament to the enthusiasm & determination of their DIY attitude. These days it is possible to get a CD out there with minimal cost & with technology how it is, you can spread it world wide if your keen."

01. Jazzoo Twist
02. Radio Dunlop
03. Y2KOI
04. Give Me Some Chords & I'll Write You A Song
05. Daddy's 7 Wood
06. Reflections & Goodtimes
07. Puppet Starker
08. Readily Relaxed
09. Forcast Ride
10. Itchy Terry
11. Why Did
12. Till Next Time...

My MP3 gem of the week: ''Mama Made Me A Pimp'' by Kennedy. I found out about these guys after information leaked that they'd been produced by the legendary Gregg Alexander (the guy from the New Radicals). But you'd never be able to tell from the slick bittersweet housey sound. And oddly enough their other songs sound nothing like this at all. In any case, this is their official site.

I was fortunate enough to be able to watch Pink Floyd's Live8 performance as it happened via AOL stream, and you can catch it on-demand here. Was absolutely beautiful to watch. Note that Gilmour's voice is nearly untouched in thirty years, while Waters has lost much to old age - when he first sings in "Wish You Were Here", Gilmour and Mason exchange this priceless look like "We showed him.". Gilmour has confirmed that there will be nothing further under the name Pink Floyd, apparently comparing the performance to "sleeping with your ex-wife again". Probably a good thing too. Nice to see they wrapped up the saga with a display of international goodwill, however brief.

More CD's in the next few coming days.