P544ORACLE 544 Mon 3 Mar C4 1711:07  1/2    Friday Folksinger by PHRANC (Stiff) PHRANC is a Jewish American, lesbian feminist folk singer, signed by the very brave Stiff records for distribution in this country. Having played with American underground bands like CASTRATION SQUAD and NERVOUS GENDER in the past, PHRANC has now gone solo with a view to getting her lyrics heard. And as she sings with her guitar and little else, you won't miss any of these lyrics. TheyWre often humorous, always to the point and most times, set to palatable tunes. continues > BSVs Index - 540 Fanzine - 545
P544ORACLE 544 Mon 3 Mar C4 1728:14  2/2    Monday Folksinger by PHRANC (Stiff) I suppose the problem with this album for me was that at times, she reminds me of JONI MITCHELL (and occasionally JOAN BAEZ) but that her songs are never as good as either of theirs. "Female Mud Wrestling" is punchy and amusing, and her version of DYLAN's "Lonesome Death of Hattie Carroll" is sung with conviction, but her voice grates after a while and there's little in the production to complement it. I'd like to hear her with a band and some backing singers, because her ideas are good. This album, however, is tough going. XJulian Newby) more > BSVs Index - 540 Fanzine - 545
P544ORACLE 544 Mon 3 Mar C4 1704:20  3/3    Weekend Seven Singles Deep by THE ICICLE WORKS (Beggars Banquet) They even take a stab at their critics in "Hollow Horse" ("We'll be as one/ When all the fools who doubt us fade away"). The album only sells for £3.49 and the cassette includes an extra seven tracks including the TOM WAITS-ish "Hometown" and the beautiful "Let's Go Down To The River". As an introduction to a great band, you really can't go wrong with this album. by this weekend's guest reviewer STAV SHEREZ more follows > BSVs Index - 540 Fanzine - 545