Ghetto Blaster

This was a present for a friend. She was super excited about it.

Terri Wahl; vocals, guitar, Kerri Davis; vocals, guitar, Lesley Ishino; drums, Debi Martini; bass. Ah, where should I start? How to describe what I would call a rock n roll masterpiece. Loved by some and hated by many, the Red Aunts are one of the bands whose existence in the 90s I will never forget. Though I do not like to compare, to describe their sound I would say it sounds kind of like the Cramps, just not as silly. Each member in this band holds their own place in my heart as contributing the best they knew how. Usually the most overlooked instrument, the drums, Lesley Ishino is an outstanding drummer. They started out with a raunchy blues/punk sound and graduated with an album worthy of praise from those fans of this style of music. They made quite an impression on me when I heard their album "Saltbox" for the first time. Fast, explosive punk rock with that blues edge and screaming vocals, with songs so short, you wonder how much of a hurry they were in to record. Anyway, back to "Ghetto Blaster," such a seriously underrated album in this genre. Let me explain what I love about each song.1. I'm Cryin'- The song starts out singing about a loss, then reveling in it by the end of the song, with very loud guitars, just listen closely to that twin guitar attack. watch out world.2. Poison Steak-This song has a good melody, 'think I'm gonna kill you 'cause I cant forget you/gonna poison you tonight'3. The Things You See/The Things You Don't- I once read this is one of 'the most annoying songs ever,' I will beg to differ. What you call annoying, I call one of the catchiest keyboard parts I have ever heard.4. Midnight in the Jungle-The lyrics are fantastic, one of my favorite R. A songs ever. Very catchy guitar solo, 'I'm waiting on true love.,'5. Exene-Upon the first listen, obviously inspired by one of my favorite female singers, Exene Cervenka from the all mighty bands X and the short-lived Auntie Christ. Guess you have to hear the vocals to understand what I mean, background ones sound like a ghost howling, fits so perfectly in this song. So Exene-like, vocal wise.6. Fade In/Fade Out- I love how they give 'shout-outs' in their songs, so rare these days! I love the lines, 'your a pearl inside the sky/the world is your oyster/and I just stood their and cried..alone'7. Alright!- The end of the song changes direction completely, morphs into what sounds like a completely different song, very freaking cool.8. Who?- My favorite song musically, okay, well in between this one and M.I.the.J, the lines 'you will rot..', so enjoyable. once again, excellent guitars.9. Skeleton Hand-No real description here, just cool.10. Wrecked-One of the 'lovely' songs on here, about love gone wrong and lost, catchy keyboards and lyrics.11. I'm Bored with You-About sums it up in the title, very short and right to the point =D12. Cookin', Cleanin', and Cryin'- Mick Collins from the Screws sings backup on this one, EXCELLENT album closer, always blows my mind the way it changes direction so suddenly from slow to fast. I think I have said it all. If you like ANY of their music, check this one out, and the Screws also. Featuring Terri Wahl and Kerri Davis (except this time around she plays the drums).When I listen to this, it leaves me longing for more music by them. The only band I will listen to one album after another. My only complaint, along with the other albums, it ends all too soon! Rock out! I love you ladies!

The Red Aunts have done it again. On their fifth and final release, the Red Aunts bring back all of the sound that has made them so unique. Doing it for no one but themselves, the Aunts combine the slow and sad appeal of real old school country with a strong overcurrent of true guitar sound. They do it like no one else can, or ever will. One of my favorite tracks is the blueseque "Midnight In The Jungle" in which Kerri Davis's voice sounds almost haunting with the opening lines of the track. Overall, their bass and guitar work proves to be one of a kind, beatufifully entertwining with their infamous off- beat drumming. If you love the Red Aunts, this album a must. Not Riot girl or punk rock sound found here; the Red Aunts are truely unmatched and uncatagorizable.

Far, freakin-out. This album is phenomenal. If you have to cat. them, call them a cross between the Pixies and the B-52s. It's got the verve of post-punk sounds, with the injection of a decidedly female angle. Goddam, I'm impressed,,, and I'm so, so happy I have this cd in my ears and on my stereo.