I wouldn't be surprised to find out if most press releases nowadays were simply sent out on floppy disc in ASCII format so that lazy-ass "reporters" would have an easier time rearranging and reformatting the info for their highly informative articles. I have been attempting to be put on the mailing lists of film companies to get press packs in order to verify my theory that 90% of the reviews I read are verbatim copies and the other 10% is hearsay based on what the journalist thinks the movie will be like. I just doubt sometimes that some of the local and national film critics have seen half of the films they review and just wait to see what everyone else is saying about them.
Oh ye of little faith!
I know Charles Koller fell under fire from the rest of the staff here at CdC for taking some of the adjectives and the general tone of his review of Combustible Edison's "I, Swinger" album from liner notes, but let me just preface this article by saying that I am blatantly plagiarizing the press release that Leon sent me in my review of "The Exciting Sounds of Leon," 'kay?
"From the saucy streets of Ypsilanti, MI (the city that brought you such other notable underdogs as Iggy Pop and the B-17 Bomber) comes one boy's brand of aspartame-laced bile, slicing cleanly through the bullshit and kicking the collective lost-innocence consciousness of today's common folk. Or something like that."
I actually cut a tape with Leon where we covered Craig Dee Anderson's "Untitled Poem #1" (see article in future issues for more on Mr. Anderson) and I must say that he certainly has come a long way since those rough and tumble five-seven chords.
In all seriousness, Leon has always been a pretty talented singer-songwriter and I was pleased as punch to have such a nicely recorded collection of a few of his latest original compositions.
Leon says, "I don't know when (or if) the next 'Stewie' will happen (see review last issue—ed.). My energies have lately been diverted, as evidenced by the E.P. 'The Exciting Sounds of Leon.' In terms of 'ironic commentary under a veil of innocence,' it's the musical version of 'Stewie.' Also, don't listen if you're diabetic... Hope you dig it, crank it, review it, whatever. If you do mention it in 'Cashiers' just let people know that it's available from me (211 Ballard #2, Ypsilanti, MI 48197) for $3 or $2 and 3 stamps."
Couldn't have said it better myself.
Track listing, from the E.P.'s liner notes:
Side One: "Nice Guy," "Birkenstock World"
Side Two: "Bondage Queen," "Postpunk Lament"
All songs written, performed, and produced by Leon Chase. Copyright 1995. Portions of "Birkenstock World" are respectfully borrowed from "The Pinball Song," property of the Children's Television Workshop.