Wagmagpinsantayo

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Candyaudioline
Mail Order Monster
Buy this LP

1998
4 stars


At Candyaudioline's most inspired, you think your stereo is going to spontaneously combust. "Coming Down" shows off their raw, majestic stomp. Their lyrics about the heartland of America ("I See You Found The Chips") and the movie Tron ("Realm of Impossibility") reach a new level of gloomy and post-rock power hooks.

It's their most powerful outing in quite a while. They are a band as much Black Sabbath-inspired as they are exhilarating. Mail Order Monster remains a quietly assured album, packed with amazing sounds. This music is muddily-produced and sizzling. The strength of this album is its ferocious sonic assault.
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Our readers respond

Dear Robot,

Glad to see Candyaudioline finally getting some well-deserved praise. I listen to Mail Order Monster every day. Keep up the good work.

-- Candyaudioline fan

What do you think?

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For Robert and Ian:

Wagpokoya
Use Your Illusion
Buy this LP

1989
1/2 Stars


Whether singing about confused women ("My Mind's Got a Mind of its Own") or the bar where they used to shoot pool ("I'm With Stupid"), the band takes being disposable to the extreme. When I was in high school, everyone I knew listened to Wagpokoya.
"You Are The Love (My Friend)" illustrates the culpability of those who fight to destroy humanity.

Call it a tragical history tour. Most of the time, Wagpokoya can't shake its reputation for being undeniable.

Wagpokoya's attempt to broaden their sound -- even integrating Serbian war hymns with the swagger of the Velvet Underground-esque "The Lost Art Of Keeping A Secret" -- isn't entirely an artistic success. No surprises here. Wagpokoya has been coasting on their reputation for shameless tunelessness for too long. It's not about a salary; it's all about reality.


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Our readers respond

Dear Robot,

Your review of Wagpokoya was dead wrong. Sometimes you just have to enjoy a good rock album for what it is. Use Your Illusion is the record of the year. Your magazine sucks.

Wagpokoya forever,

-- Wagpokoya fan