RRCA Record Review

OK, here's the chance for you to have your say on what you listen to! In this section we review records. All records not JUST the latest releases. If you have a record that was printed in 1980 and another in 1998 and you wanna tell the world about them then say it here!

We use the following grading system:

         A = Excellent a MUST buy!
         B = Very good, worth the money. Only slight flaws.
         C = Not bad, but not perfect. Buy it when you get around to it.
         D = Minor flaws buy it at your own risk.
         E = Major flaws buy it only if you see it in the bargain bin.
         F = Pure crap! Recommend to only your enimies! I can't believe they
             wasted our natural resources to print this smut!

Note: There is no '+' or '-' system in effect (ie: A+, C-).

This area is updated every two weeks.

To find out about submitting your own reviews see the end of this page for details.

Please note that the RRCA considers ONLY Records, Audio-CDs and Audio Cassettes as collectable. Transmissions over the Internet, CD ROMs (with or without music), videos and books on cassette are NOT 'records' and are not recognized as such by the RRCA.

UNDERTOW
Undertow
N/A (1996)

When my cousin slipped me this tape at the recent family reunion, a tape he had been planning to give me for some months, I didn't know what to think. I called these fellows on the phone and listened to their demo tape and was pleasantly surprised as to what I heard. Professional guys with a clean and professional sound. Their first demo has simple but effective cover art. The songs contained on it are somewhat on the lighter side and I tend to like my music strong but they were nontheless professional with what they had. It was well recorded. The first song: Easy Way Out and the Last: The End, IMO were the best on the tape. But just as I was debating which, if any to use, they presented me with some new work with the name of: Confusion, a single. This had a heavier and very catchy beat without loosing their radio savvy professionalism. This band hails from my family's traditional stomping grounds of Port Hope and Cobourg Ontario and it's quite refreshing to see some quality work come from those parts. Canada often claims that it supports its music industry and yet this band repeatedly finds itself without a record contract, and less qualified bands do, it makes one wonder about the genuine intentions of the Canadian music industry. Undertow are being featured on the up and coming ALLIANCE/ERC-1 compilation. See this edition of the Gramophone at this site for more details.
Grade: A

RAGGEDY ANEURYSM
Milk Carton Babies
N/A (1997)

Thanks to Oliver at Nightshade Magazine for putting me in touch with another fine band. B. (Barry) W. Hocking Jr. and David E. Williams of Exxplorer set out on their own to create some unique music. Sometimes "disturbing" but always "stimulating" this band offers a professional attitude with a unique musical sound. Their music is one of melodic but dark tones with lyrics depicting society and it's darker side, as in "Hitch-Hiking Teenage Girls Are Going To Die" (my favourite). It also borders on satire, almost comical in nature with skits like "Ext. # 666." Other excellent pieces are Hatemouth, Open Your Eyes and Violent Pop Song just to name a few. Marilyn Manson, Motorhead and a whole bunch of others are mixed together to form a soup of 7 songs to stimulate the mind. This band is being featured on the up-coming "ALLIANCE" CD compilation. See the Gramophone at this site for more details.
Grade: A

SUBMITTING REVIEWS

To submit your entry tell me the title, the band, the year of publication, the company it was published by and your opinion of the record. Send graphics if you like (keep them small). The RRCA reserves the right to publish what it deems fit. Opinions such as 'This is crap: F-' is NOT accepted unless supported by facts, and F- is NOT part of the grading system!
You are welcome to submit as often as you like!

If you have a band and want exposure through this record review section please don't submit a review of yourself! This, in the end is counter productive. Send a copy of your album or demo (all expenses paid) to the RRCA and it will be reviewed in a non-bias journalistic manner. If its garbage, I will spare you the embarrassment of telling the world unless you say: 'BE HONEST', in which case be 'man enough' to take what is said here. Do not expect me to send the recording back, everything is kept on file and the Copyright laws are respected. You can find the address in the Contacting Us section.
Please send only: Cassettes, CD's or 33/45RPM Vinyl. Only in special circumstances are old 78s or 8-Track systems accepted. No other format can be played. If possible send as much information on you as you can (bios, press releases, etc).
Submitting your bands work for review is an excellent way to guage how others feel about your work, a great opportunity for marketing exposure and it's just an over-all fun thing to do! A WIN-WIN situation.
Remember you have to tell the world you are here. It's better you tell us and stand out in the crowd then we discover you at the local record shop and lump you in the queue with all the rest. SUBMISSION GURANTEES A REVIEW!
For a more complete promotion see the: Band Promotions page.

DISCLAIMER: Please note that the RRCA does not gurantee that your exposure at this site will lead to increased sales, radio play, etc. all that is claimed here is that your work, if accepted, will be reviewed.

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