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Beat Street

By Todd S. Inoue

Split Decisions:
Local bands share space on new split CDs

Here's a roundup of some of the latest musical offerings available from local bands. The latest trend seems to be towards split CDs, so pop the top and enjoy. Janitors Against Apartheid b/w One Eye Open/Nerds/Dill: On the Janitors' last release, the Doany LP, I had no clue whether I was playing it at the correct speed (some of us do read label stickers). At 45rpm, it sounded like hyperfrantic ska. At 33rpm, it sounded like good, heavy ska-core fronted by Ronnie James Dio on Quaaludes. With Nerds, the confusion's wiped out; the Janitors' sound is ska-punk, with jerky guitar and horny horns. The CD jacket spoofing the popular Nerds candy is downright dandy, and the music contained within is equally spiff. I do miss hearing Dave Massung's cartoonish squalor, but Brian "Snoop Lodgy" Lodge provides competent, corrugated phlegm on "Here to Stay" and "Choose Your Identity." If you're into arcades, pizza, netsurfing and thought Ducky got a raw deal in Pretty In Pink, this Nerds' for you.

One Eye Open is more on the Fishbone, funky hardcore side of things, a nice contrast to the flailing ska of the Janitors. The CD ends 11 minutes later with an excerpt from the Atari Asteroids Read-along album and book. Funny as hell and worth the price alone.

Hi-Fives b/w The Odd Numbers/Split 7"/G.I. Productions: This connection was destined to be made. Hi-Fives goes garrulous with the toe-tapping guitar on "Hypnotizer" and "Rip It Up." The Odd Numbers flail through a Buzzcocks-like "All Worked Up (Fight Your Friends)" and an unconscious live version of "From Cradle to Grave." Folks are burning out on lo-fi and punk pop, and the mod, R&B-influenced rock craze will take over. Get on the apple cart early with these two bands destined to lead the charge.

Get It Together

Two enticing music opportunities have opened up for local bands. North by Northeast, South by Southwest's Canadian cousin, hits Toronto this June. If you think you can make a splash up north, get a request form by calling 416/469-0986. I've got a handful of applications at the office, so call or email me, and I'll get em to you. ... Next is Disc Makers 1996 San Francisco Unsigned Band/Artist World Series. Six finalists will be showcased for music-industry leaders at the Great American Music Hall on March 21. The winner gets a huge recording package, including 1,500 CDs, 30 hours of 24-track recording time and a fully produced music video. Contact 1-800/468-9353 for more information.

Plus, rumor that a local music show has been reincarnated at KSJS-FM (90.5) has been confirmed. Tune into the newest material issuing from area garages (plus interviews with local scenemakers) on Local Motions, Tuesdays, 1-2pm. If you're a band looking to get a little airplay, send a demo to Local Motions c/o KSJS, San Jose State University, Hugh Gillis Hall, Room 130, San Jose 95192-0094.

Hard Drive and Hard Beats

Following a tip from respected hip-hop DJ and promoter Billy Jam, I peeped out a new hip-hop night at Ola's Caribbean in Cupertino. Hip-hop in Cupertino? You can imagine my wariness. The DJ was all over the place, playing "Don't Gimme No Bammer Weed" one minute and "Tootsie Roll" the next, without much skill on beat mixing or crossfading. But the mood is relaxed and positive, with live acts rolling in around midnight to perform, including an Apollo-style open mic. If you're into East Bay, Fillmore, Hunter's Point and Vallejo styles of rap (think 11/5, Mac Mill, JT Tha Bigga Figga), then this night is for you. The dress code is pretty relaxed (jeans and sneakers okay, but leave the logoed sportswear at home) as is the vibe.

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