GODSEND REVIEWS : W

Waiting For God-Quarter Inch Thick CD-This band from Vancouver unleashes a well-balanced mix of strong female vocals and hard electronic programming. Some good songwriting here too. Quite strong, especially for a debut release. Also includes remixes by COLLIDE, CHRIST ANALOGUE, and Michael Balch. (Re-Constriction)

Tom Waits - "Orphans: Brawlers, Bawlers, & Bastards" 3xCD - Waits is unquestionably one of America's greatest musical treasures, and this is a huge 54-song collection of rare and unreleased cuts. This set begins with 'Brawlers', which showcases Waits' penchant for world-weary tin-pan alley blues numbers, including a cover of Huddie Ledbetter's 'Ain't Going Down To The Well', and the scathing indictment that is 'Road To Peace'. The second disc is the gentler 'Bawlers'- an album of Waits' wonderous ballads and love songs. Holding up the rear is 'Bastards', which is where his oddball, unclassifiably experimental sound-poetry, spoken bits, and generally weird stuff (including some works by Daniel Johnston, Jack Kerouac and Charles Bukowski) finds refuge. Sure, many find it tough to get past Waits' gruff, weathered, froggy-vocals, but for those who can withstand his rough-and-tumble exterior, his songs resonate warmly like a great noir film. For novices, look into any of his later works on Island (the 'Beautiful Maladies' collection is a superb place to start) or anything on Anti- ('The Mule Variations', 'Alice', etc.). Nonetheless, 'Orphans' is one for the converted, and will prove to be just as essential as anything in Waits' rich and storied history. (Anti-)

Beth Waters - "This Little Piggy" CD - Folk-pop-songwriter Waters' 3rd album is a very solid and instantly appealinig affair, full of diverse, mature, and confessional songs that can be compared at times to Sarah McLachlan. But that's selling Ms. Waters kinda short, as her own music swings into corners that are solely her own, as in the calypso-tinged pop of 'Afraid Of Love'. The opening cut, 'White Dogs In The Moonlight' is a hopeful bet for radio single-land, with a soaringly ethereal melody, groovy rhythm, and nicely-layered sound backdrop that could give Delerium a run for their money. 'White Rabbit' is another lovely and triumphantly dynamic gem, while 'Nice Guys' is a moving torch/love song that showcases Waters' breathtakingly earthy voice alongside little more than a plaintive piano. For her final song, Waters transforms Paul Simon's 'Slip Slidin' Away' into a mellow, sorrowful paean to loneliness. Beautiful work here, to be certain, and one that I hope doesn't get lost amidst the flood of sappy mass-marketed 'adult contemporary' music out there. (Mermaid Mafia Music)

Wake, The-Christine EP CD-ROSETTA STONE remixes that still sound like total SISTERS copyists. Why? (Cleopatra)

Wake, The-Nine Ways CD-Production by Fluffy still doesnt help these guys over their oh-so-obvious SISTERS OF MERCY worship. Nine Ways is a derivative dead-ringer, sorry. (Cleopatra)

Watermann, John-Testing The Jammer CD-Interesting electro-acoustic abstractions/ manipulations with an ominous, cloudy feel. Excellent work.(Raum 312/ Anomalous)

The Weathermen - "Deeper" CD - After 12 years of dormancy, this Belgian EBM group has returned with a new set of tunes and a renewed vigor. Best-known for their 80s-90s releases on PlAS and their work with FRONT 242, THE WEATHERMEN's sleek electronic pop/dance sounds fall right in line with where they left off so many years ago. Fans of countrymen THE NEON JUDGEMENT or prime FRONT 242 will find this an entirely enjoyable release. Never ones to take themselves completely seriously, Bruce and Jimmyjoe satirize everything from Dubya's international political policies to Burt Bacharach's 'Close To You' and 'House Of Blues', which is apparently an ode to Phil Spector. Believe it. Solid work and a must-hear for those who miss the classic electro days. (Urgence Disk Records)

Weed-"Hard To Kill" CD-This new project of Dan Handrabur focuses on electronic beats and textures with the breathy and accented vocals of wife Cristina Handrabur supplying a welcome change from the usual instrumental ambient techno stylings. "Hard To Kill" is a strong electronic/techno/pop album that's a new leaf turned for Handrabur, who's best known for his work with Phil Western in OFF & GONE and for his solo projects like DREAMLOGIC, VUEMORPH, and MERE MORTALS. WEED create a variety of techno and d&b grooves that range from frenetic and upbeat to darker, weirder moods. A fine release well worth looking into. (Nettwerk)

Ween - "Shinola Vol.1" CD - Dean and Gene Ween (not their true names) have been at it for many years now, even flirting with mainstream success some time back. This collection of odd and rare cuts presents the guys at their more deliriously silly and, alternately, at their most poignant. WEEN move stylistically all over the map, and do it all with conviction and with no apologies. The weird and nonsensical joke tracks like the party-favorite 'Big Fat Fuck' catch the attention initially, then the boys change gears and dive into the straight-forward Elvis Costello-like pop of 'Gabrielle'. The psychedelic sci-fi space rock of 'The Rift' follows a few cuts later, leading into the funky 'Monique The Freak', which somehow channels both Prince and George Clinton, simultaneously. The starry-eyed popsong naivete of 'Someday' shows a more sensitive, indie rock side, and that closes out this 12-song work of twisted musical genius. If you have a well-developed sense of humor, as well as an appreciation for rock in all it's forms and variations, you can, and should, 'get' the magic that is WEEN. (Chocodog/MVD Music)

Ralf Wehowsky-Nameless Victims CD3-The mastermind behind P16.D4 here presents 3 tracks of subtle sound that seem more natural than some musique concrete, reminding me slightly of very early NWW. Exceptional. (Metamkine)

Wendigo-Wendigo CD-Charming and beautiful synth/space music that resemble TANGERINE DREAMs more angelic moments. Enjoyable. (Spharenmusik)

various-Were All Frankies CD-A tribute to Martin Rev and Alan Vegas prime SUICIDE work, this comp includes covers by DIVE, BLOODSTAR, NEON JUDGEMENT, PSYCHE, and others. The artists twist Rev/Vegas songs into a variety of configurations, from hard electro-rock to bass-n-drum-influenced grooves. A good listen. (Fifth Colvmn)

various-Werks Like A Twelve-Inch CD-Astralwerks breaks down and releases soome of their DJ-only 12es on CD, this one including SOUL ODDITY, SPACETIME CONTINUUM, 777, FREAKY CHAKRA, STEVE FISK,and BEN NEILL. And each track is edited together into a nonstop ambient/techno/trance monster. A great roster and a fine comp. (Astralwerks)

Phil Western & Tim Hill-"Dark Features" CD + 10"- This long-awaited collaboration between DOWNLOAD/PLATEAU conspirators Western and Hill sets it's sights on uncharted sonic vistas. A logical followup to Western's previous solo work, this new album sees his first real attempts at fairly straight-ahead vocals, while embellishing the predominantly electronic work with numerous live instruments. There's still an undeniable groove to it all, but Western and Hill aim much higher than simply 'dance music'. This incredible work is lush and scenic--teeming with rich melodies and exotic, deep listening effects. There's some very successful stabs at dreamy, drug-addled 'shoegazer' pop (like the SPIRITUALIZED-sounding 'Fight No More'), as well as incredibly atmospheric film music (the lovely 'Dirty'). 'He Never Showed Up' uses sampled dialogue and builds a healthy and propulsively rhythmic song around it to great impact--like NEU! with stronger production and infinitely more layers. Simply put, this work proves that Western and Hill are in the upper echelon of electronic music composers. 'Dark Features' is packed with radiant and colourful moods, textures, and tight grooves that are impossible to passively listen to. Possibly one of the finest releases of the year! The very limited 3-song 10" includes more of the guys' hybrid electronic grooves with more of an emphasis on the beat. Superb work. (The Record Company)

Phillip Western - "Worlds End" 2xCD - Following up his superb 2001 release with Tim Hill, 'Dark Features', Vancouver-based producer Western here drops a double-CD set of his hybrid electronic/ambient rock grooves. Disc A is full of exotic sounds and deep rhythms, all set to a playful near-club backbeat--quite beautiful work that simultaneously energizes and relaxes. Dub strains are present thoughout a number of the 14-songs on disc A, and this music is ideally suited for chilled-out evenings or hazy latenights. Disc B is basically one extended ambient piece that floats and glides in a sea of amniotic guitars, understated vocals, and textural synth washes. Western's fusion of clubby techno and swirly guitar psychedelia is melodic and unique, and 'Worlds End' tastefully manoeuvers between melodic headphone-blissouts and groovy rump-shakin' beats. Western and cohorts have created a gem of an album, laced with exploratory directions yet fully accessable to listeners who appreciate a good sonic voyage. Recommended work here. (The Record Company)

Various Artists - "What The Punk?!" DVD - A cool and to-the-point promo sampler focusing on MVD's punk/post-punk music DVDs, and including 49 minutes of clips from BAD RELIGION, DEAD KENNEDYS, SUBLIME, PATTI SMITH GROUP, GENITORTURERS, TSOL, CRAMPS, PSYCHIC TV, OFFSPRING, BUTTHOLE SURFERS, and many more. Clips are nothing more than short edits (most are all of 2-3 minutes)--functioning very well as a taster. Well worth the $7.98 retail. (Music Video Distributors)

Where Echoes End-"My Sweet Grotesque" CD- This new female-fronted Australian act surprises and impresses with this excellent set of electronic dance/rock with heavy edges. Vocalist MichelAngela possesses a charisma, presence, and attitude that puts this band along the same lines as better-known acts like GARBAGE or CURVE. 'My Sweet Grotesque' is full of cool melodies ('One Silver Dollar' is a highlight), potent electronics, and exotic touches (like the Middle-Eastern touches in 'My Sanctuary', which screams for club play and is an obvious single choice). The band's assimilation of everything from the moodiness of post-goth to the seductiveness of trip hop to the hummability of pop places them comfortably outside of any one genre, and the potential is here for serious international label interest and success. WHERE ECHOES END have the songwriting, the production, and presence...you name it. This is a damn cool release and I trust you'll be hearing more from this group quite soon. (Where Echoes End)

Whirlaway - "Pompano" CD - Brisk and clean shoegazer-style rock from these Floridians, with some fine songwriting and superb production. Comparisons can be drawn to bands like RIDE or CHAPTERHOUSE, and WHIRLAWAY stack up very favorably next to those acts, thank you very much. They lack the experimental angle of MY BLOODY VALENTINE or SLOWDIVE, as these songs don't stray all that far from their light and subtle melodies. But that's not a complaint, as 'Pompano' holds my interest all the way through. They bring the nicely-layered guitars with a bit of dissonance around the edges, and the quiet, understated atmospherics convey enough mood and emotion to keep me listening to the glistening harmonies and dynamic rock-out moments. Excellent work! (Whirlaway Music)

White Rainbow - "Prism Of Eternal Now" CD - A solo work of Oregon-based multi-instrumentalist Adam Forkner, White Rainbow's debut for Kranky is a dazzling set of cryptic psychedelic dronescapes that hover and float out of mind and into the heart of the third eye. 'Mystic Prism' evokes the stoned-out tribal-rock bliss of folks like Amon Duul II, and 'April 25th 11:14PM' is a drifty ambient piece that could be an outtake from an Eno & Cluster session. And that's followed up by the aptly-titled glitchy drone-ambient 'Warm Clicked Fruit', which pulses like a Chain Reaction dub minus the dub. Overall a lovely and narcotic organic set of moods and atmospheres, well-suited to spaced-out voyages into faraway dreamworlds. (Kranky)

Keith Fullerton Whitman - "Antithesis" LP - This vinyl-only release measures only 27 minutes, but the beauty and purity in this recording more than makes up for it's brevity. 'Twin Guitar Rhodes Viola Drone (For LaMonte Young)' is vibrant and altogether breathtaking drone piece from 1994, followed up by the crackly sound-manipulations and playful experiments of 'Obelisk (For Kurt Schwitters). The most recent cut here, 'Schnee' is also the most melodic and structured, even nearing a sort of folky psychedelic vibe, albeit with some unusual percussion and incredibly affecting textures. A wonderous and warm album of guitar atmospheres and subtle song/sound craftsmanship. I am thoroughly convinced and impressed! Highest marks. (Kranky)

Keith Fullerton Whitman - "Lisbon" CD - Hazy, gauzy visions of glitchy electronics and proto-ambient field recordings from this prolific contemporary composer. Recorded live straight-to-disk in October of 2005, 'Lisbon' is a raw and evolving 40+ minute piece that features Whitman manipulating and synthesizing his computers, the performance space itself (he mics up the performance space and uses environmental sounds in his compositions), guitars, and any other sonic detritus that finds it's way into his gear. 'Lisbon' is a shifting, amorphous audio journey, ranging from the freefalling psychedelic to the loud and electro-abrasive. It's a volatile and beautiful trip here, with rewards for those willing to accept the challenge. (Kranky)

Keith Fullerton Whitman - "Playthroughs" CD - Whitman, who has also recorded under the name HRVATSKI, recorded this 5-track album using only guitar as a raw sound source. Not that it would be obvious, though, as these pieces have been manipulated and mutated to the nth degree via software and electronic effects. The opener, 'track3a(2waynice)' is an extended drone that reflects the artists' interest in minimalism and tonal phase. From there, we move to the more active and evocative vibes of 'feedback zwei', a lengthier drone that approaches a level of melody, albeit submerged below the layers of fleeting frequencies. In summation, 'Playthroughs' presents a gentle, lullaby-like series of organic-meets-digital sound manipulations that resonate with warmth and clouded ambiguity. (Kranky)

Keith Fullerton Whitman - "Schoner Flubengel" LP - A pressing on vinyl-only and limited to 1000 copies, this release has the likely unfortunate fate of remaining quite obscure, which is a shame as this is a world-class release worthy of a great deal of attention. Whitman creates wildly complex instrumental sound-pieces that juxtapose structured 'song' with playful experimental soundscapes. Opening with the percussive 'Lixus (Version Analogique)', Whitman then delves into the tense and dark dronescapes of 'Bewusstseinserweiternd Tonaufnahme (Einer & Zweiter Teile)', which builds to a sinister foreshadowing before mellowing out to a slightly pained series of tones and electronic reverberations. Elements of glitchtronica filter in through tracks like the acoustic-guitar-led 'Weiter', while other cuts are more abstracted and unconventional, all the while remaining quite visual and even melodic. 'Schoner Flubengel' is moody and cinematic, and altogether a superb LP. One of my favorite releases in some time. (Kranky)

Keith Fullerton Whitman - "Multiples" CD - The prolific composer (and former Harvard lecturer) Whitman here unleashes his fourth full-length solo work for Kranky, and it may be his most realized and diverse yet. Starting out with the gong-like deep serenity of 'Stereo Music For Hi-Hat', the album then veers off to the jagged-yet-celestial 'Stereo Music For Serge Modular Prototype - Part One'. The wide range and often abrasive collisions of predominantly-electronic sound here places Whitman's work firmly in the avante-garde world, although the piano-based melodies and urgent introspection of 'Stereo Music For Yamaha Disklavier Prototype, Electric Guitar, and Computer' could be the soundtrack to a sad and tragic film. And the closing two tracks, descriptively-titled 'Stereo Music For Acoustic Guitar, Buchla Music Box 100, Hewlett Packard Model 236 Oscillator, Electric Guitar, and Computer - Parts One and Two', weave looping guitars and pastoral strums into a repetitive and lovely cluster of mood and repetition, which then deconstructs itself into a series of bleeps and glitchy tonalities. Superlative and unpredictable work that startles, surprises, and inspires. (Kranky)

The Who - "Endless Wire" CD - Much has transpired since the last Who album. 24 years, to be exact. 1982 was a long time ago. Kids born back then are now college grads. That is some serious downtime, but this comeback release by Daltrey and Townshend (and friends) successfully picks up where their earlier work left off, with little concession to modern radio or commercial concern. There's surprisingly lovely old-style folk, anthemic stadium rock, theatrical interludes, and even an excellent country croon ('Endless Wire'). Really solid stuff. And before you write this off as dinosaur rock or a lame, mercenary cash-in attempt, keep in mind that these guys still rock better than a lot of bands who could be their grandkids by now. I, for one, am convinced. (Universal)

Wicked Immigrant - "Reunion Of Cynics" CDR - The result of a long-distance Zipdisk collaboration, the duo of John Wenzel (Denver, CO) and Chris Jones (Dayton, OH) here present a hospitable collection of indie-folk tunes. It's a really homespun sound, with masterstrokes of melody and nice layers of cello on nearly half the tracks. WICKED IMMIGRANT's sensitive and highly listenable tunes are emotive and pleasing to the ears. Fans of honest, down-to-earth indie rock should look into this group (and label). Excellent work. (Friendly Psychics Music)

Wicked Immigrant - "White Nuns On Red Wine" CDR - The second album from this long-distance Zip disk collaboration (Denver and Dayton, OH) further hones the cool, homespun indie/folk exhibited so convincingly on their 2004 debut. In fact, 'White Nuns' shows that these guys are capable of sensitive ballads that recall a more confident ELLIOTT SMITH or MATT POND PA at times--pretty high praise, indeed. Truth be told, I have heard countless other indie rock acts that resolutely pale next to these guys, so I'd hope for a more prominent distribution deal imminently. I especially liked 'Brittle Sisters', 'Veranda Myth', and 'Fake Virgins Arrested!', but the rest of this disc is really equally as solid. I am impressed. (Friendly Psychics Music)

Webb Wilder - "Pueblo Sin Suerte" DVD - This small-time indie Western features cult actor/rocker Webb Wilder as a slightly shady but driven Texas lawman bent on solving a brutal double murder. Aside from some ocassionally cool cinematography, there's not a whole lot to go on here, as I found myself getting too easily distracted from this one. Wilder's enigmatically deadpan portrayal of the small-town sheriff, and the sleazy temptress/murder suspect's wife (played convincingly by Astrid Hadad) are highlights, though. Add on a couple of interesting tunes from Nick Lowe to the soundtrack and you have just about the only memorable things in this forgettable 75-minute flick. The lone 'bonus' feature, a very brief short film, 'Position of the Bodies', is an evocative slice of artsy Western moods and textures that fares far better than the main course. But seeing as how 'Position of the Bodies' only lasts a mere few minutes at most, it's just not enough to push this one into 'recommended territory--by far. (Fly By Night Films c/o Music Video Distributors)

various artists-"Wild Planet" CD- After many setbacks, this collection of unreleased odds and rare ends from Phil Western and cEVIN Key's vaults finally sees the light of day, and it's as solid as can be. The proceedings begin with a remix of DOWNLOAD's 'Toooly Hooof' by Key that is quite pleasantly different from the original album version, including some vocal samples no doubt obtained by Key in his travels to Jamaica. Following that is a solo track by late SKINNY PUPPY/DOWNLOAD keyboard genius Dwayne Goettel (as ADUCK). 'Quackerz (revision)' is actually a remixed version of 'Phenethylamine Backwash' (originally released on a scarce German compilation back in 1993), and still sounds remarkably modern in it's acidic, hyperkinetic techno revelry. platEAU's 'Three Years' seems unlike other recent platEAU work, as it's a downtempo ambient triphop track that feels very Philth-y and would fit well alongside stuff like MASSIVE ATTACK. Next is DOUBTING THOMAS, with an archival 1992 cut that was composed by Key and Goettel for the LaLaLaHumanSteps dance troupe. This track echoes the feel and vibe of the earlier DT work, and is remarkably similar to PUPPY's instrumental work circa 'VIVIsectVI' in it's disjointed, staggered rhythms and exotic ethno-accents. After that, it's full steam ahead with an unreleased Hiwatt Marshall remix of SKINNY PUPPY's 'Rodent', which dispenses with the subtlety of the previous few tracks and successfully brings the noise. This track, originally recorded in 1989, showcases PUPPY at their most direct. Insistent, driving beats and Ogre's impassioned rants make this one to savor. Marshall maintains the song's original feel while grafting new guitarlines and a deeper, more layered mix. THE TEAR GARDEN's 'Things That Go Bump In The Night' is more electronic than other recent TG offerings, and as per usual includes Edward Ka-Spel's amazing improvised fairy tale narration. Ryan Moore's wonderful TWILIGHT CIRCUS offers a 'brain melter mix' version of the track 'Ultra Binghi', which deviates from his usual old-school dub a little and veers in a slightly more 'dub-rock' direction to great effect. PHILTH (Phil Western solo) provides some fine melodic trancey techno and FLOATPOINT (Western with Dan Handrabur of WEED, MERE MORTALS, OFF & GONE, VUEMORPH, etc.) adds some heavy dubby electro in the same vein as 'III'-era DOWNLOAD. cEVIN KEY's bizarre and experimental 'I Still Ate Her' originally started life as a DOWNLOAD track on a now-rare 1996 comp CD accompanying an issue of the UK's 'Future Music' magazine, and gets a new lease on life here. Interestingly, this track samples PUPPY's 'Download' prominently. LUSTMORD make a surprise appearance here with the brilliantly evil 'Infinite Domain (version)', and OFF & GONE (Western/Handrabur)'s contribution is an energetic breakbeat piece with a blurred grin. The LEGENDARY PINK DOTS break up the electronic beats with a version of their hauntingly poignant 'Fate's Faithful Punchline', and closing it all out is the DEAD VOICES ON AIR / DROPSTAR collaboration 'Rijn'--a deliciously mysterious textural soundtrack that successfully builds tension through it's nearly 7-minute duration. A superb compilation, not just for fans of Key and Western's work, but for modern electronic music in general. 'Wild Planet' stands above. (Nettwerk)

Wild Strawberries-HeroineCD-Mellow, laid-back pop with Nettwerks usual classy chick vocals. These songs just dont do it for me, though. (Nettwerk)

Pete Williams - "Undergrads: The Complete Freshman Season" 2xDVD - Compiling the first 13 episodes of this MTV-funded/produced animated series, this collection is a wholly enjoyable 300 minutes of adult humor. Based around 4 high school friends who remain close into their college years, 'Undergrads' is a delightful (and insightful) look at life in college and the campus life. It's not heavyhanded or clean by any means, and I found myself enjoying this comic (yet oh-so-true-to-life) tribute to dorm culture. Full of (mostly) likeable characters and storylines, 'Undergrads' has me already looking forward to the second semester. And that's something I couldn't say about my REAL college days. (Laffstock/VSC/Decode c/o MVD)

Wesley Willis - "The Daddy Of Rock 'N' Roll" DVD - This documentary on the now-legendary Chicago 'rock & roll' star Willis is an endearing look into the life and lifestyle of this artist who's often seen as little more than a novelty because of his self-described 'chronic schizophrenia'. And, truth be told, the music Wesley's band produces is little better than average punk rock. What makes Willis so unique is his personality and charisma, which shines through effortlessly as he converses and interacts with his close friends and fans. Here, you get to experience Wesley chatting up people on the streets, selling his CDs, visiting the zoo and being inspired, working on song lyrics in Kinko's, and much more. There's some genuinely funny stuff on here, as Wesley's humor is always intact and quite original. And you get to see some of Wesley's amazing ink renderings here, too, which are more than impressive. Steve Albini guest stars in a brief interview regarding his appreciation for Wesley, and this DVD was altogether a pleasure to view. A nice deal for those curious about the brilliant mind and originator of the catchphrase 'Rock Over London, Rock On Chicago'. (MVD)

Windsor For The Derby - "The Emotional Rescue LP" CD - Fresh from a remixed mini-LP and some other notable collaborations, WFTD move into some new directions with this release, further gravitating from the abstracted guitarscapes of their early work and into more accessable and moody singer-songwriter territory. WINDSOR's poignant and gentle atmospherics are wholly intact, but with more of a focus on the concept of song. Dan Matz's soft and melodic vocals are growing in both confidence and presence, while the band's elegantly interweaving guitars are accented by drums and electronic drones. The track 'Awkwardness' even has a sort of new wave/indie spunkiness that's, well, sort of awkward. Perhaps an attempt to deflate critics who may accuse WFTD of being dour or 'slowcore'? Nonetheless, this is a genuinely superb release, and 'The Emotional Rescue LP' gets the official GODSEND stamp of 'recommendation'. (Aesthetics)

Windy & Carl-"Consciousness" CD-Another great and unique release from Kranky, WINDY & CARL's first new release in 2 years presents a very satisfying combination of beautiful, shimmering drones and elegant, subtle melodies. It's a little too 'ambient' to be called 'pop', but too 'pop' to be called purely 'ambient'. WINDY & CARL's warm and inviting sounds will easily appeal to fans of labels like classic 4AD or even stuff like Robert Rich or Steve Roach, though minus the ethno-rhythmics of the latter. The 6 compositions on 'Consciousness' are simply beautifully layered and fragile, crafted predominantly by guitars and effects. Just a splendid release that gently envelops the air and coaxes the senses into a state of relaxed awareness. Quite recommended. (Kranky)

Windy & Carl - "The Dream House / Dedications To Flea" 2xCD - Consisting of 2 lengthy EPs in one convenient package, this set from Michigan's finest atmospheric guitar-experimental drone duo is a lovely and touching release. 'The Dream House' is an extended 2-song EP of narcotic drones with gently unfolding melodic turns, all executed with honesty and warmth. 'The Eternal Struggle', the 30+ minute opener, is a gorgeous psychedelic mist of fleeting electronic reverberations and gentle guitar haze. The second disc is a reissue of a limited 2-song EP that is a dedication and remembrance of Windy & Carl's beloved dog, Flea. 'Ode To A Dog' is a 19-minute waterfall of stream of consciousness guitars that are crystalline and gorgeous. 'Sketch For Flea' integrates recordings of Flea himself with the group's sweet and emotive improvisations. A wonderful set full of mood, texture, atmosphere, and, above all, feeling. (Kranky)

various-Wipeout XL CD-An incredible comp featuring some of the cream of the modern techno crop. Names like LEFTFIELD, UNDERWORLD, PHOTEK, PRODIGY, CHEMICAL BROS, FSOL, and more. Though most of the cuts are released elsewhere, this is a great sampler disc and a cohesive comp. (Astralwerks)

various-Wired Injections CD-78 minute sampler of Cleopatras industrial/gothic/electro roster, including names like DIE KRUPPS, PSYCHIC TV, DOWNLOAD, SYNAESTHESIA, CHRISTIAN DEATH, KLUTE, etc, all with LP tracks.(Cleopatra)

Doris Wishman - "Satan Was A Lady" DVD - Legendary and longtime exploitation (think 'The Deadly Weapons' and the immortal 'Bad Girls Go To Hell') director Wishman continues to create well into her 80s, and this recent film shows she hasn't lost her touch nor her taste for sleaze. 'Satan Was A Lady' presents the (naturally) busty and lusty Honey Lauren as the curvaceous cutie who uses her 'powers' to get what she wants, by whatever means necessary--blackmail, extortion, murder, prostitution...you name it. Glyn Styler plays her John Cale-lookalike musician boyfriend who contributes some really great music to the film--definitely a high point. The acting is passable, and Lauren is indeed a pleasure to behold (especially in her various states of undress). Fans of trashy B-cinema could do a lot worse. (Fly By Night Films c/o Music Video Distributors)

various-"Wish You Were Queer - A Tribute To Ministry" CD-Invisible resurrects, with mixed results, a long-aborted project from the defunct Fifth Colvmn Records label (who had planned to release several of these tracks on an unreleased tribute album called "With Sympathy"). Barker and Jourgensen have indeed jumpstarted an entire genre (with proper respect due to SKINNY PUPPY), though they seem to have lost their touch since what, about 1992? Nonetheless, tribute is paid here to songs spanning all of MINISTRY's varied career--from the synthpop infatuation of "Effigy" (crafted lovingly by HATE DEPT) to the more recent "Scarecrow" (handled very interestingly by MEG LEE CHIN of PIGFACE "fame"). Others like JULIAN BEESTON ("The Angel"), PIG ("Just Like You"), and TRUST OBEY vs. PAVED IN SKIN ("Revenge") create intense and faithful reinterpretations of MINISTRY, while adding their own modern touches to some songs that really hold up well through the years. Some other artists here drop the ball, creating cheesy parodies (MEATHEAD's awful "Say You're Sorry"), too-similar soundalike covers (TRS-80's "Halloween"), and assorted duds (DEATHRIDE 69, ECO-HED). Old and new fans of Al and Paul will want to hear this, but it's another in a seemlingly endless stream of sacriligious covers albums, so don't expect a lot. (Invisible)

Wisteria Losenge - "Strange Halo" CDR - 20 tracks of mostly silly nonsensical soundtracks from members and friends of the growing SAVAGE GENTLEMEN/Octopoid posse. WISTERIA LOSENGE seems like an outlet for way-off-center, semi-musical ramblings that touch upon tweaked opera, decadent goth dramatics, wild out-jazz, classical guitar, and fried electronics. And that's just track 3! Plus I can't shake the fact that several tracks sound suspiciously (and unintentionally I'd bet) like SMITHS/MORRISSEY parodies! For those of you looking for a dizzying, tongue-in-cheek listening experience, check into this one...you will be left utterly confused and perplexed. (Octopoid)

Womb-Live CS-Potent walls of feedback grind from a BACILLUS project. Absolutely scalding, dense, and recommended.(Clotted Meat Portioning)

Wolfe, Julia-Arsenal Of Democracy CD-Contemporary chamber/prog/classical music with an air of stress and tension. Released through Philip Glass label. (Point Music)

Wonderbird-"Because Chicks Dig Assassins" CS-More wacked-out musical highjinks from this rowdy bunch of folks who, in various configurations, occupy most of the IMMP roster. This 6-song tape features everything from lo-fi breakbeats to alien electro-space-jazz. Kinda. Like most of the fine stuff I've heard from IMMP, WONDERBIRD is really hard to pin down, and very tough to describe. And this lack of categorization is what makes them so refreshing. Fine experimental electronic music for those with an ear for the unusual. (IMMP)

Wooden Stars - "People Are Different" CD - Hailing from Canada and boasting of The Arcade Fire (among others) as fans, the Wooden Stars' first release in 8 years shows a very capable indie-pop act whose angular, odd arrangements belittle their keen sense of songwriting and melody. Hipster cuts like 'Pretty Girl' seem to these ears to be a bit precious and annoying, but the mature and accessable 'Blackouts' more than makes up for it. I credit Wooden Stars with crafting a work that's not easily pegged or predictable, and their sparse and honest setup shows attention to nuance and space in their songs, but the songs themselves just don't hold my attention as well as they should, sorry. (Sonic Unyon)

various-World War/Wired Underground-A collection of mostly remixes and unreleased cuts from some of Fifth Colvmns finest acts. Included are CHEMLAB(a remix by KMFDM), EN ESCH(covering MINISTRYs Work For Love), DESSAU, THC, INSIGHT 23, and others. A joyride for industrial rockheads. (Fifth Colvmn)

Wrens-Secaucus CD-Loud but melodic indie rock/ power pop. Convincing enough I guess. (Grass)

wumpscut:-The Mesner Tracks CD-Collection of rare remixes and comp tracks. Theres a good variety of sounds here, from dark semi-gothic instrumentals to bruising, torturous noisebeats that resemble early DIVE. Best are the newer cuts like Mother, which are highly evolved atmospheric hardbeat. (Discordia)