Introducing........Red Lolli

So, that's me!  Your blogger extraordinaire.......not tooting my own horn or anything!  I figured it was about time I introduce myself.  My name is Becky "Red Lolli" Harriss.  I'm a 27 year old music fanatic!  As some of you may know I'm the lead singer of a small time local band called Party Naked.  Not to worry, this blog is not intended to shamelessly promote MY band.  This page is for everyone else, and past this post you won't ever see me mention my band again!

I've been singing since I was in the uterus (most likely).  I play several instruments, have taken many many many music classes, and am well known for my eclectic taste in music.  I love everything from Billie Holiday to Otep to Gretchen Wilson to Twista.  I don't discriminate.  Good tunes is good tunes.  If you've got a jam that speaks to my soul, I'm gonna listen.

I appreciate REAL talent.  I don't like voice overs, I don't like auto tune, I don't like pre-recorded live shows.  I want real, in your face, I hear every mistake music.  Hence the reason I prefer a live show over a studio album.

Red Lolli is a nick name given to be my good friend Tim.  Red because of my hair (yes, it's chemically dependent), and Lolli because every time he talked to me, when he typed in LOL his auto correct suggested the word lollipop.  Hence a nickname that stuck.  I have others, but they aren't family friendly.

Anyway, now you know a little about me, and we're clear that my intentions are in no way selfish in nature.  I have love for every band I post on here, and have earned mutual respect from each of them.  I've obtained permission from each artist to use every photo on here, so please don't start screaming copyright shit.  Calm down, its all cool!  Most of the pictures have been emailed to me by the bands or artists themselves.

I'm getting ready to move this blog to a private .com address, and once that takes place things are going to get interesting!  My goal is to implement a star rating system, put up a monthly calendar of reviews, start posting concert dates for some of the bands I'm promoting, and last but not least, at the end of each month the band with the most views, comments, and stars will win an exclusive promotion including Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube promos.  So if you're one of the bands, get your fans over here to vote for you.  If you're a fan, for pete's sake, pick a band and vote for them.

Remember first and foremost, this is a page about the love of music!  Please respect my opinion and the artist's feelings.  No haters.  Unless a Nicki Minaj fan shows up running their mouth.  Then by all means, everyone attack!!  Thanks for being a faithful reader!

Also you guys can check out more content by following me on Twitter @redlolli2012 or checking out the Facebook fan page at https://www.facebook.com/RedLolliMusic?ref=ts&fref=ts!!

XOXOXOXO Much love guys and gals!  - Lolli

***Have a band?  Know a band you want to see reviewed?  Send me an email and some links @ redlollimusic@yahoo.com***

Zac Nelson

From the great state of California comes a sound probably unlike anything you have ever heard.  Zac Nelson provided me with music that I'm officially at a loss of words for.  An amazing sound, his stuff put me in a total trance.  I don't really have any way to describe or compare.  This guy's sound is totally unique, and radically wonderful.

In a brief interview with Zac, I asked him to tell me where he found inspiration for his music.  He excitedly started naming performers such Bjork, Blind Melon, Steve Roach, and Charles Ives.  He also said that one very important influence on him was longtime hometown friend, Adam Morton, who introduced him to sound editing with the computer programs Sound Forge and Vegas, which he says he still uses today.

I have to say that I went to high school with Zac.  He was a senior during my freshman year.  I didn't know him very well at all, but I did know (Thanks in part to a talent show that year) that he was an AMAZING drummer.  After high school, he packed up and headed to CA for a while, and headed back to Illinois where he met Monte and Zach.  They started a band called "Princess Sweepstakes", and during that time his eyes were opened to a vast world of new music.  He then discovered that he really liked a lot of ethnic music from around the world.

He plays in a couple bands (Alak and Biosexual), but hasn't played a solo show in a while.  However, the great news is he has a solo album out called "Charbroile" courtesy of Debacle Records out of Seattle.  I listened to the whole thing, and I have to tell you, although unlike anything I've ever heard, it is absolutely amazing!  The track "Good Ole Boy March" was my favorite out of the 11 tracks.  It has a catchy beat, yes, but the lyrics and the way they were placed in the song were pure genius.

You can find his stuff on YouTube.  I'm also going to post a link to the site where you can preview and purchase his album.  The album is a mere $7, and absolutely worth the buy!  Leave me some comments and let me know what you think of his stuff!  Very different, but very very very genius!  Keep it up, Zac!  You've definitely got one die hard fan in me!!  Kudos!

http://debaclerecords.bandcamp.com/album/charbroile
https://www.facebook.com/zacnelsonart

***Have a band?  Know a band you want to see reviewed?  Send me an email and some links @ redlollimusic@yahoo.com***

Here Come The Mummies

Okay my fine feathered readers, this may be the longest review as of yet, but this band is absolutely hands down my favorite "local" band of ALL time!  I saw these guys on YouTube doing the Bob & Tom show.  They performed a song called "Pants", and I INSTANTLY fell madly in love with them.  I'm not talking I'm a huge fan kind of love, I mean I absolutely would run away naked and join their Carnal Carnival if ever given the opportunity!  These guys are a gift from the music gods!

There's a lot to say about this 12 member funk band, so bear with me!  Trust me, the read is totally worth it!  There is a shroud of mystery surrounding this band.  Every member is a professional musician, but none have ever been named.  The band is extremely secretive about their real identities.  It's rumored that between all members there are several grammy awards, however a very limited number of people know who the men are under the wraps.  I am not one of the few, so I can't confirm or deny said rumors.

Well known by some for the double entendre lyrics, Here Come the Mummies has built a HUGE following for themselves.  I've always said that unless you really listen to the words, you would think that they're huge perverts, but the lyrics tell otherwise if you listen closely!  Pants, for example, is a song about going on a date, however without paying attention all you notice is the line "Oh Oh OH I'm coming in my pants".  Wildly comical, all of their songs follow in the same suit.  There isn't a song that they perform that I don't enjoy thoroughly!

I understand that funk music may not be for everyone.  My husband had never really enjoyed listening to their music, BUT I made him go to a show with me in Joliet, IL and once he saw them live, his exact words were, "It's unreal the talent that those guys have!  Every one of them was amazing, and knowing what they put into it makes them awesome!  That was a ***** blast!"  I have to agree.  Their live show is absolutely one of the most entertaining shows I have ever attended, and believe me, I've been to a lot of shows!  For the most part, tickets are a mere $20, and worth every penny!  Bonus, they do shows all over ALL the time!  They are definitely an "on the road lifestyle" kind of band!

Proudly promoting not one but SIX albums on their label Sphinxter, the Mummies have definitely created a brand for themselves.  Reading the bios on their Facebook page and their personal website is entertaining.  They market themselves as though they are REAL mummies.  They stay in character so much so, that when I did meet them and got autographs they didn't speak, simply grunted and groaned at me!  Albums include "Terrifying Funk From Beyond The Grave" and "Bed, Bath, and Behind".

There are a million things I could gush about like a high school girl, but I'm going to let you do some digging for your own Mummies experience!  I am going to post some pictures from the show I went to and several links where you can find them!  Let your freak flag fly guys!  Take the journey!!!

And just in case any Mummies do read this, I have a freak flag on my mic stand at every show!  I love you all!!!  Please don't ever stop doing what you do!

• Mummy Cass - Guitar, Lead vocals: Mummy Cass(annova)
• Java Mummy - Percussion, Vocals: Java (born 1974 B.C. as J Mummy Love)
• Eddie Mummy - Drums, Vocals
• Mummy Spaz - Keyboards
• K.W. Tut - Bass, Vocals: K.W. 'Big Bomb' Tut
• Mummy Rah - Tenor Sax
• The Flu - Baritone Sax
• Teste Verde - Trumpet
• Ramses Mummy - Bass
• Bucking Blanco - Trumpet
• Midnight Mummy - Baritone Sax
• The Pole - Bass

http://herecomethemummies.com/
https://www.facebook.com/herecomethemummies
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Here_Come_the_Mummies
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eB5EE42So7I

You can also find their music on iHeartRadio, Spotify, Myspace, MOG, Rdio, simfy, and Deezer!!!!

***Have a band?  Know a band you want to see reviewed?  Send me an email and some links @
redlollimusic@yahoo.com****

Susan Tedeschi

I was beyond thrilled when I got word I had permission to do a write up on this woman!  One of my idols, Susan Tedeschi is a blues artist with amazing talent!  My friend Tim turned me on to her about a year ago.  Since then, you can find me singing her songs regularly!  She has an amazingly soulful voice and a guitar playing style that resonates throughout every song she has ever written.

Very rarely do I find someone who I consider an equal to Janis Joplin, but I really believe she was reincarnated in Susan Tedeschi minus the heroin addiction.  I recently received a copy of her "Live from Austin, TX" album, and it hasn't left my cd player once.  Just a few songs that I highly recommend are "It Hurt So Bad", "Rock Me Right", and "Angel From Montgomery".

She has been playing the blues circuit since the early 90's and proudly promotes six amazing albums.  She has recently abandoned the solo career, however, to join up with her husband forming the Tedeshi Trucks Band.  Equally as amazing and no less impressive, their stuff is definitely worth a listen as well.  In June of 2011, Tedeschi Trucks Band was signed with Sony Masterworks and released their first album "Revelator".

This woman has captured my soul and done a lot to inspire my own musical abilities and for that I am beyond grateful!  She is the pride of Boston, and beloved by her fans.  Although wildly popular in her circles, I really feel that more people need to experience what Susan has to offer to the music industry.  In a time where Nicki Minaj is more well known than someone with real talent I'm sad.  I hate seeing amazing talent get buried by a girl dressed like a clown rapping about not paying her rent so she can party.  Some of you really need a reality check when it comes to what you consider talent.  That being said, here is a TRUE talent.  Very much a gem in the music industry.

You can check her stuff out anywhere.  YouTube, Spotify, iHeartRadio, iTunes, and many more.  I will post a couple links down here, but I highly recommend that you just type her name into google search.  Please, check her out guys!  Well, well, well worth it!

http://www.derekandsusan.net/
http://www.myspace.com/susantedeschi
http://www.allmusic.com/artist/susan-tedeschi-mn0000043520
https://www.facebook.com/susantedeschi?ref=ts&fref=ts

***Have a band?  Know a band you want to see reviewed?  Send me an email and some links @ redlollimusic@yahoo.com***

Remission

Holy crap!  Thanks to the beautiful Anne Marie Cunningham, I am proud to offer up a review for these guys!  She sent a request asking me to review this local band from Pontiac, IL.  I checked out their stuff and really enjoyed it.  I let her know, and the shock just kept rolling!  Every member of this band is between the ages 18-20.  Wanna talk about some for real talent?  These guys have seriously got something special!!

First, I checked out their song "Feed the Fire" which starts out with a killer guitar riff.  I was hooked literally 2 seconds in!  Once that one was done I listened to "Say Anything" which was a stark contrast to the fast pace of the first one.  It starts mellow with a very nice vocal track.

More shock here guys!  The tracks I was checking out were two years old!  Can you imagine how much better their new stuff will be?  I talked with one of the guys and he told me that they have been working steadily on new material but that "we are spending tons of time to craft them nicely".  In talking to him I gained the impression that despite their young age, these guys are very professional and know what they're doing!  I see great things happening from them!  Check them out by clicking the links below, and get shocked like I was!  Bravo guys!  Some serious mad props from me!

http://www.reverbnation.com/remissionofficial
https://www.facebook.com/remission.official.band

***Have a band?  Know a band you want to see reviewed?  Send me an email and some links @ redlollimusic@yahoo.com***

Brainchild

Okay guys, here's one straight from my heart to yours!  These guys hail from my fair city Peoria, IL!  I have witnessed the funk live and in person!  Brainchild first came into my life when I saw them open for Sublime in 2011.  Their song "Morning Sun" caught me and reeled me in.  By the end of their set, I knew I was a die hard fan!

Combining funk, jazz, and some serious guitar shredding, Brainchild has bred a very big local following.  They play Summer Camp every year, and actually do shows all over!  I have tickets to see them Feb. 10th at the Peoria Civic Center as a matter of fact.  This is a band who, to me, have an iconic summer sound.  When I hear their music I instantly take in the smell of salt water, taste of margaritas, and the sound of some smooth jams at the beach.

A very fun band to see live, they give one hell of a show!  This is definitely one of those bands you can stand up and dance to or sit and chill too.  All super nice, awesome guys that have created a brand for themselves!  You should seriously give them a shot!  Follow the links below and check 'em out!  Party on Brainchild!  You Rock!

Roy Ponce - Guitar, Vocals
Jake Schultz - Guitar, No Vocals
Brandon Mooberry - Bass, Vocals
Pony Boy - Drums, Vocals
http://www.brainchildjam.com
http://www.myspace.com/brainchildjam
http://www.youtube.com/brainchildjam
http://www.reverbnation.com/brainchildjam
You can also look these guys up on these: iHeart Radio, Spotify, Slacker Radio, Rdio, MOG, Deezer, Rhapsody, Jelli, simfy, and/or Zvooq


***Have a band?  Know a band you want to see reviewed?  Send me an email and some links @ redlollimusic@yahoo.com***

The Krank Daddies

In a style that reminds me of Motorhead meets Johnny Cash meets Elvis, The Krank Daddies slam their music in your face with force of a category 5 hurricane!  Their song Pedal to the Metal is insane!  The first time I listened to these guys I was really taken aback by how in your face they really are, and it takes a lot to surprise yours truly!  If you're big into bands like Motorhead and Dropkick Murphy's you are sure to enjoy what these guys have to offer!

Boasting two albums with a third on the way, these guys are ripping their way to the top!  They have shared bills with Social Distortion, Rob Zombie, Motorhead, and more!  I love reading their responses to negative comments on YouTube!  This is not a band for all the pansy ass One Direction fans.  However, if you want some seriously raw rock n roll, babies you have found it!  They put the pedal to the metal and give it all they've got guys!

Based out of Chicago, The Krank Daddies play shows all over.  Their Facebook page is packed with show bills!  Give it a chance and I promise you won't be disappointed!  Follow the links below and give them some attention!  Leave a comment for them!  Rock on boys!!

Chops McClintock: Big loud Guitars, straining vocals and throat clearing
HiTops Farrelli: Stand up Bass slappin Wildman and lots of spectacular yelling!
Nutzzy Sweet Meat: Drums and card tricks! Now ya see it, now ya don't!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N9qDXt_17xo
https://www.facebook.com/thekrankdaddies
http://www.thekrankdaddies.com/fr_home.cfm

***Have a band?  Know a band you want to see reviewed?  Send me an email and some links @ redlollimusic@yahoo.com***