Issue 20-- August '99

After a two month hiatus, the Laid With Cool is back in full swing...and hopefully it will stay that way.

This issue features: the latest news on the Lassie Foundation, a concert review by Victoria Romero, and an album review by Forrest Cokely.

News

In October the Lassie Foundation will be releasing either  a CD single of El Rey with one new song called Shogun/Promise Ring, a new clean version of "Stealin'', and "Crown of the Sea" off of the "Pacifico" LP-or- an EP again headed by our good friend "El Rey," with the same songs as previously mentioned for the single, as well as some new songs, which are undetermined at this point.  Regardless, something worthwhile will be coming out in October through Anisette Records.  This will be available in the very least at your local Indie Record stores and hopefully some of the major record stores.
Also, we are going to have a new song called "Look All Ways" on a compilation, by Fast Sofa Records, out here in California with some real  fresh bands, such as Teen Heroes, The Killingtons, The Pressure, all which are great bands that we have had the opportunity to play with.  So this compilation should be pretty rock and if not for the foundation, well worth your investment to hear some real great local acts-from California.  We will have a few copies of this compilation to sell in October as well.   Thanks for your patience.  We are trying our best to move forward and give everyone some sort of follow up to "Pacifico."
Blessings,
the foundation
 

*Danny Gibson, a graphic design major, recently designed a logo to be used on the website (http://www.rollanet.org/~johnston), he did a great job so go take a look at it.
*Check out a great new review of "Pacifico" on the net at http://www.rocket-fuel.com
*Catch them live August first --Club Sucker @ the garage, AUGUST 1, 4519 Santa Monica Blvd., @Virgil, in Silver Lake,  CLUB SUCKER'S ALL DAY, ANNUAL ROCK EXTRAVAGANZA, Doors open at 2PM The Lassie Foundation plays @ 5:30
Free BBQ, Dollar Beer Specials,
21 and over-$5, with
LOS VILLAINS, THE SUPERKOOLS
BUCK, LOS SUPER ELEGANTES
THIRD GRADE TEACHER
THE BELL RAYS

Shattering the "Glass House"
 by Victoria Romero

     Listening to new bands can be a disappointing experience.  You expect so much, and hope for a new discovery.  More times than not, the actualization of your dread is repeatedly found.  I was growing weary of the band selection at the Glass House that Saturday night.  The explosions were loud and pretty, but the damage was minimal.  I was left indifferent and disappointed.
      I heard the announcement of a band on the small stage.  I wandered in, not expecting much.  By genuine enjoyment and surprise, the melodies of Lassie Foundation gripped my ears with an iron grip.  The group was not a gaudy sensationalist effort-all show and no go.  Lassie was going home, leading me along to a sanctuary of sweet sounds.  I listened enthralled by music that, simply, just flowed.  Wayne Everett explored a vocal register that was reminiscent of the "La's" and the hip-hop stylings of "Maxwell."  I stood listening with not only my ears, but with a subconscious rhythm that willed my body to move, even if I felt completely still.
     I could tell by a quick glance at the crowd surrounding me, that this band was an essential listening element to a seemingly idle, L.A music scene.  Many bands in Los Angeles, and the O.C world, create an image that is often better than the actual music.  "Lassie Foundation" played solid sounds that needed no sell.  The band members played together, and listened to eachother.   They moved together and overcame inadequate microphones that could not carry the lilting, ethereal voice of Wayne Everett.
     The six hour evening was coined by my discovery of  the "Lassie Foundation".  This band is well worth a $7 fee, and the additional funds expended for the compact disk.  For those that enjoy a solid band, whose passion for music exude through their vocalizations and fingertips-"Lassie
Foundation" is a renewal of faith in a serious art that is most definitely not dead.
 
 
 

Forrest Cokely, a friend of the band's, will be writing a review for each issue of the "Laid With Cool."  He will review music, literature, books, movies, etc.

For my first review the legendary drummer of The  Lassie Foundation, Frank Lenz, suggested that I write about the Sam Prekop record. This seemed like a good idea because if offered me something I really wanted-- a reason to listen to this record over and over, for hours and hours,
and I did . . ..
This record is Fantastic. A delicious blend of subtle Latin grooves, smooth soul, and brilliant pop textures wrapped into one exquisite collection. This eponymous solo album made as a creative outlet for Sam, and guitar player Archer Prewitt while their band  (The Sea and the Cake)
was on hiatus is a masterpiece of a debut. In this humble setting truly beautiful music was born; a cross between Donovan' s playful poppy soul, and Juao Gilbertos surreal Bossa Novas. With breathy vocals, intelligent lyrics (mostly), sweet melodies, and crafty changes this whole album is
tasty ear candy. Sporting string/ horn arrangements that would make Bjork giggle with delight, and players so connected with the needs of each song Sting would listen in pure Pavlovian jealousy. This record is a necessity; A must have, at least borrow it, (but you can't borrow it from
me, mine is busy), and good listening..
If anyone would like to comment on my comments, or make any suggestions for future articles  my address is: ForrestCokely@Juno.com
Remember -- everyone is a critic, and so am I.
--Forrest
 
 

Links

ANNIE- http://listen.to/glamrock

Battered Fish- http://www.powerup.com.au/~battered

Dumpster- http://www.powerup.com.au/~dumpster

Havalina Rail Co. Website-    http://www.havalina.home.ml.org

Nzine-   http://come.to/nzine

Official Lassie Foundation Website- http://www.rollanet.org/~johnston

Sukafoi-   http://come.to/latemag

The Redcrown Republic    http://327.com/redcrown

Three Twenty-Seven     http://www.327.com/

Toupee Records- http://www.ozemail.com.au/~toupee
 

Send any comments to: johnston@rollanet.org
Contact the band at theLassief@aol.com
Send any links with a site explanation w/ a subject of "LINKS" to johnston@rollanet.org
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Thanks to--Victoria Romero, Forrest Cokely, and the Lassie Foundation

-alyssa johnston