January Birthdays 
came upon this review posted in several Yahoo Groups of the new CD by VENICE BEACH MUSCLE CLUB
thought it worthy of re-posting here
UNSTEADY FREDDIE
_Venice Beach Muscle Club, 2008 self titled CD release
Evan Dawson, Lead Guitar
Melina Coppa, Rhythm Guitar
Steve Leroy, Bass
Todd Martin, drums
Have you ever gone to see a band play live and been disappointed because they didn¢t have a CD you could purchase and bring home? That was happening to fans of Venice Beach Muscle Club until just recently with the release of self titled CD Venice Beach Muscle Club, or simply VBMC to their friends.
This CD has been a long time in the making and well worth the wait. Listening to the slow sultry sounds of Apache brings me back to VMBC¢s outdoor summer shows at the LIC Bar. The original Coney Island (Here I Come) by drummer Todd Martin sounds exactly like a trek down the boardwalk stopping briefly to soak in interesting sites that only Coney Island holds for you. This song is very fluid and the guitars talk to the rhythm section like two friends passing the time on the sands.
But nothing can compare to Evan Dawson¢s inventive and erotic guitar on Taste of Honey and Sleepwalk. You¢ll also be amazed as the band covers White Rabbit and Paint It Black. When I close my eyes I am reminded of the first time I heard them play Paint It Black at Otto¢s. The place went nuts! Evan, Melina, Steve and Todd make is oh so clear that lyrics, while beautiful, are sometimes over-rated. The CD closes with another original by Todd Martin, a raw hard twangster called Grinder. Driving drums and string-bending sounds end this CD on a high note with some serious high energy surf.
This is not a complex CD, just the artists and their instruments. I have personally listened to the CD more times than I can remember and have played for so many others, from my 15 yr. old son to my Mom (whose age I can¢t tell you!). This CD creates the same reaction for both, they love it! The band has made a very memorable compilation CD consisting of the band¢s originals and covers. They kept it simple and beautiful like the music should be heard. The mix of songs on VBMC¢s CD are timeless. I heartily encourage you to find the time to catch this band live and pick up a copy of your own.
http://www.venicebeachmuscleclub.com
http://www.myspace.com/venicebeachmuscleclub.com
Aloha, till we meet again my lovelies, I remain
Blue StingRaye
NESMA Reviewer and Sultany of Shimmy
Myspace.com/ bluestingraye _
