Live In Japan by Leafhound!

If you don't know Leafhound your father might. And that's not meant as a slight. Leafhound released their iconic album Growers of Mushroom in 1971, so the band might ring bells with the more "experienced" listeners. But younger listeners might know a song or two. Afterall, Lowrider covered their tune "Freelance Fiend" on Small Stone's Sucking in the Seventies compilation. But the influence of their back catalog is not their only contribution to modern Stoner Rock. No sir or ma'am. Leafhound are still alive and playin'. And though the lineup has changed, the voice remains. Vocalist Peter French hasn't missed a beat, still belting out his bluesy tunes with grit and conviction. And unlike most rock and roll lifers who've been in the game this long, time has been kind to his voice. Live in Japan is everything a live album should be; clean sound coupled with varied renditions of the tunes you know. Even those old school fans who've worn out Growers of Mushroom will find something new on this album, usually the expertly executed solos offered up by Luke Rayner.

Give Leaf a chance.

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Album Of The Day-Lowrider-"Ode To IO" (2000)

The Album Of The Day is "Ode To IO" by Lowrider.



Pretenders to the stoner rock throne, Lowrider was hailed by many as the new Kyuss, and indeed they sound remarkably similar to the original masters of '90s retro-metal. Too similar, unfortunately; for despite their very impressive and unusually focused songwriting (a rarity in this genre; why do you think they call it stoner rock?), Lowrider seems to owe an insurmountable debt to their biggest influence. Excellent tracks like "Flat Earth," "Dust Settlin'," and "Anchor" are simply rife with the auditory signposts (crushing riffs, spacy interludes, an understanding for heavy/light dynamics) which point to Kyuss, making it almost impossible to award them the respect they deserve. The only notable exception is the slow-grooving "Riding Shotgun," which sounds just like Fu Manchu instead. They just can't win. But when placed in a historical vacuum, thunderous riff-rides like "Caravan" and "Saguaro" cannot be denied, and quite honestly leave a much more lasting impression than most anything issued by the likes of Nebula and even Fu Manchu. Therefore, serious fans of stoner rock are encouraged to put aside their prejudice and give Lowrider a chance. (Ed Rivadavia, All Music Guide)

Track Listing:

01. Caravan
02. Flat Earth
03. Convoy V
04. Dust Settlin'
05. Sun Devil
06. Anchor
07. Texas Pt I & II
08. Riding Shotgun
09. Saguaro
10. Ode to Io

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