Bonus Tracks
Fri., Jan. 23, 1998
One for the Road
With an album that owes more to Clint Black than Back in Black, ex-Dangerous Toy guitarist and Thunderfoot frontman Kevin Fowler has gone country - not alt-county, but full-on KVET country. And only partially because this self-released, self-written, and self-orchestrated CD probably cost a hundredth of the average Nashville project, One for the Road is a genuinely impressive crossover. Sounds like Fowler may have discovered just which side of Babes he always belonged on.
- Andy Langer
JUMPTRAIN
Chalk this up as another entry in the "Sister 7 Also-Ran" category. There's nothing offensive about Jumptrain, but there's nothing enticing about them either. They play well, turning out fresh-sounding milky-white blues/metal riffs, but for the most part these songs could be distributed throughout a number of albums by other bands (from Extreme to the Nixons) and no one would have been the wiser. - Christopher Hess
STEVE UHLER
Crossed My Heart (Cambria)
Steve Uhler is a disillusioned romantic with the spirit of a southern folkie, which might explain why he recently relocated to Austin. His first solo CD is full of slow blues and placid folk, the duets coming off nicely, though sometimes the lyrics seem so forced and contrived ("Mystery of Love") that it's as if Cat Stevens has returned with greater enlightenment and less soul. - Christopher Hess
MARK SOLAGE
Oneironaut (Tranquillity Base)
Sounding somewhat like an early Howard Jones, Mark Solage's D.I.Y. first album of 11 songs shows musical accomplishment beyond his young years. The personal nature of his lyrics are not for everyone, but they're surprisingly not preachy or clichéd. Most of the songs are composed of piano and synth sounds, but Solage shows refreshing musical creativity in a few instrumentals and the inventive drum beat in "In My Bed." - David Lynch
THE JUBILETTES
Saviour's Arms
This joyful gospel collective of hometown renown has released a cassette tape of evangelical proportions, full of traditional songs as well as a contribution from member Katie Morrison and disciple Monte Warden. Five different vocalists take turns at the lead, and every one of them can belt out the Word 'til Kingdom Come. The Gospel according to the Jubilettes is a Word worth spreading. - Christopher Hess
JOE KENNY
El Niño (Cool Groove)
With such legendary players as Robbie Shakespeare and Sly Dunbar, El Niño can stand by itself instrumentally. Too bad it isn't all instrumental. Kenny sings past his vocal range resulting in Jamaican-flavored cool jazzy songs with heavy grooves. Nah, mon. - David Lynch
"Bonus Tracks" reviews all Texas-related releases. Send to: "Bonus Tracks," The Austin Chronicle, P.O. Box 49066, Austin TX 78765
