new site

We're done here!

You can go to ReviewerMag.com/press now!

No more posting original articles and editorial feeds here. Reviewer Magazine went online first nine years ago. Tried out the ease of a GeoCities site for a few years, moved over to Livejournal and stayed there until April of 2009, then came here to blogger.com because it seemed to be where the action was as far as online journeling. After one of our other blogs mysteriously became inaccessible here at blogger.com due to a password not working, it was finally decided to place all content at our own website.

So now visit ReviewerMag.com/press or go through our main page and check out the new blog. Most of our online archive stretching back to 2004 should be up there, if there are links or images that are nonfunctioning let me know: editor@reviewermagazine.com.

(ad) James Haitchwai

James Haitchwai

Catchy, passionate punk/pop/folk artist
ISO help w/promotion/exposure/possible distribution.

myspace.com/jameshaitchwai
JamesHaitchwai.com
jamesmichaelhaitchwai@yahoo.com

book review

The Last Stage

by Jim Cherry

reviewed by Kathryn Reade

Michael Gray, a 30 year old liberal arts student, losing support from his parents and unable to further his degree. He is at a crossroads with his girlfriend and life. He comes up with an idea.

Through kismet he meets a younger group of musicians and plots to turn his idea into the dream of a lifetime. They form a tribute cover band of the legendary Doors, Jim Morrison in particular. The band tours and Michael Gray lives out his simpatico with Jim Morrison.

The tour leads the band to various venues, ending ironically at the famed Whiskey a Go-Go where the Doors first played and had their start. Unfortunately for Michael Gray and his Jim Morrison personae it is the end, but he has his kicks before the whole shit house goes up in flames, to paraphrase Jim Morrison.

I recommend by Jim Cherry for anyone how has a dream or if your a Doors fan. Cherry has well researched his subject matter and placed it in a well written 240 page book.

jymsbooks.com
THE LAST STAGE on Amazon
at Barnes & Noble

New Music from Austin, TX

The Service Industry

Review by Jude Huzicko

In the 70s and 80s, Bruce Springsteen and John (Cougar) Mellencamp became champions for the working class through songs that people could relate to. The lyrics were about the life and times of rural American society, and it’s not surprising that they were forever adopted into American culture as the voice of the blue collar.

Enter “The Service Industry,” an indie rock band out of Austin whose latest album, “Keep the Babies Warm,” showcases their diverse sonic influences and ability. They are an act with definite opinions, and I wish that I could’ve spoken with them before writing this to pick their brain. I will be the first to admit, on first listen, it all seemed a bit forced. But after reading about them more, and listening more, the earnestness of their lyrics began to shine through. They are a collective of ideas and ideals on the state of the nation who has managed to put to words and harmony thoughts and feeling we all have; no-holds barred, no B.S., take it or leave it riffs and rhythms that make their music easy to relate to. There isn’t anything false about their music, it comes from the heart and soul. “The Service Industry” is empathy for all the blood and sweat and angst and doubt we all feel.

The album runs the gamut of sonic appeal that for ultimately comes together in “Liquid Meat Into a Form,” an utterly melancholy, delightful harmony between Mike McCoy and Julie Lowery that is both hard-hitting and delicately beautiful. The track is jumps out as a sound to be reckoned with and demands the attention of the listener, at first for the subtle crashing kettle and classic strumming sound of a lazy summer day in the south, combined with endearing vocal harmonies. But then, as you delve deeper into the song, it stirs something inside of you that makes you want to take action. And that is the sign of a great song or great album, the one that moves the listener, whether it’s hurt, love, anger, disbelief, sadness or anxiety. “Keep the Babies Warm” will almost definitely move the listener to one of these areas, most likely all of them.