75 or Less Records


CLICK HERE to go to the label page for information on the latest news, upcoming releases, live dates and other 75orLess Label info




WELCOME TO THE 75ORLESS
MUSIC REVIEW WEBSITE

Currently with over 1,600 reviews in our archives, we have been describing music since October 2001.


TEN IN OUR EARDRUMS - updated August 6, 2010
IamIs - Trance Enducer (self released)
Royal Forest - self titled EP (self released)
STE Guy - Fairground in the Trees (self released)
The Harvey Girls - I've Been Watching A Lot of Horror Movies Lately (Circle Into Square)
Unbunny - Moon Food (Hidden Agenda)
Tre Orsi - Devices + Emblems (Comedy Minus One)
Bottomless Pit - Blood Under the Bridge (Comedy Minus One)
The State Lottery - When the Night Calls (Salinas)
Dina Maccabee - Who Do You Suppose You Are? (Antephonic)
Hillstomp - Darker the Night (self released)


Why 75orLess?
It's a reasonable question. The idea was born during our daily music chats back in the Fall of 2001, while discussing reviews we'd read. There was only one thing we consistently agreed on: they were too long. It seemed the point of how the music sounded and whether or not it was good was lost in an overlong mess of lyric quotes, personal accounts and a seemingly desperate attempt to fulfill a word count. Eventually someone said, "It's gotten to the point where if you can't say it in 75 words or less, you should shut the eff up". Within a week, 75orless.com was born. The best part about our limit is its reversal of typical music reviews. We limit the amount of words we use, and are not required to reach a number.

Welcoming brit pop, flip hop, hip hop, trip hop, nintendocore, nerdcore, sadcore, grindcore, hardcore, rockabilly, shockabilly, psychobilly, disco, narcocorrido, techno, turbo, electro, tango, zolo, soul, new new wave, new age, nu gaze, nu metal, new grass, new romantic, black metal, tap, neo-psychedelia, prog, kabuki, surf, noise, show tunes, prison metal, synth, ragtime, tuvan throat-singing, death, improv, idm, swamp, tin pan alley, crust, electronic, indie, pagan, folk, merseybeat, punk, lo-fi, pop, western, gothic, samba, travesty, reggae, jazz, blues, acid, avant-garde, easy listening, sludge, viking, polka, garage, country, no wave, wizard, rap, jug, twee, swing, electronic hardcore, comedy, math rock, nordic, space age, medieval, thrash, muzak, beatbox, old metal, world, yer major label industry crap and all other music submissions.

To be considered for a review, send musical submissions to:

75orLess
ATTN: Reviews
23 Laurel Lane
Warren, RI 02885

I should mention, we also love vinyl submissions.


Another option available for submissions is to make your release available for easy download. Please make sure that your music is available for download as 160kb mp3 (or better). Zip files with music and info are very welcome. No streaming, wav, flac, real player, windows media or quicktime files will be considered. We will not install any proprietary music players that are required to hear your music. Send your link to: 75orless [at] gmail.com

No matter how you submit your music, here's a few things to keep in mind...

Please include some info with your submission, it doesn't have to be fancy. We just need some sort of starting point like, "This album sounds like heavy metal mixed with Brazilian pop music." Giving us a description of your music greatly increases your chances of getting reviewed. We are sorry to report we cannot review all submissions. We are a very small operation and our staff is completely volunteer. If your music is great, we will let our readers know. It doesn't matter to us if you are on a major label or you recorded it in your basement. On the flip side of that, if you are too sensitive to handle an unfavorable review, please refrain from submitting. We like to give descriptive or generally positive reviews but sometimes can't help ourselves. You should not email us to ask us if it's alright to submit music.

If you have the desire to write about music, let us know. we are always looking for contributors. you can email us at info [at] 75orless.com for the submission guidelines. Here are the basics:

1. our writers do not get paid.
2. if you work for a label, promotional company, band or have other connections, be prepared to not write about them.

Some of the compliments we have received

Dolphin Music Top 100 Music Related Blogs of 2008 - #82
Best Music Weblog "Bloggie" nominee 2004
Providence Phoenix Nominee for Best Blog 2008-2010
Time Magazine's Fifteen Great Sites for Musicians and Fans 2003
Yahoo! Pick of The Day 2002
Yahoo! Best of 2002
USA Today's Hot Sites 2002
and thank you, Shift Magazine. It's a real shame you went bankrupt.

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75 or Less
album reviews in 75 words or less
(but words with 2 letters or fewer do not count)

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Unbunny - Moon Food Unbunny - Moon Food (Hidden Agenda) [upcoming shows] [audio]

Alternating between bare boned odes to exes and joyous Harvest-esque country folk singalongs where the people with the worst voices sing lead, very personal details are laid bare in the lyrics; from calling bullshit on her new husband to song titles like "Young Men are Easy Prey" and "You Run Like a Girl", which also suggests some possible gender issues that we shall ignore. Hit repeat on "Straw on a Camel's Back"; with its two-note violin flourishes, it's a spurt of pop perfection. Also, Eskimos don't live in Mexico. - mark
Released 06.01.2010
link this review | 0 comments | discuss

Unbunny - Sensory Underload: Uncertain Tracks 1996-2008 Unbunny - Sensory Underload: Uncertain Tracks 1996-2008 (Hidden Agenda) [audio] [upcoming shows]

This collection of rare and unreleased recordings featuring acoustic, lo-fi arrangements and fragile double-tracked vocals in the vein of Daniel Johnston or Doug Martsch. This amount of self loathing hasn't been heard since the suicide days of Lou Barlow. Still a fraud, a fake, self absorbed, can't be trusted, way off track, gave chances back, scared, quick to judge, slow to change—and that's just one song. Shit, dude. Sit back and take a sip out of your pimp cup, because these are great songs. - mark
Released 10.28.2008
link this review | 0 comments | discuss

Underoath - Lost in the Sound of Separation Underoath - Lost in the Sound of Separation (Tooth & Nail) [audio] [upcoming shows]

I'm hard pressed to write anything significantly positive or negative about the latest album from metalcore act Underoath. This album is what it is. They nailed putting out a polished and solidly written album, and it is one of their heaviest to date. It holds up against the works of their contemporaries like Haste the Day and As I Lay Dying, but I kept trying to listen for the special spark that would separate this album from the pack. It failed to ignite. - j.p.
Released 09.02.2008
link this review | 0 comments | discuss

U2 - Boy: Deluxe Edition U2 - Boy: Deluxe Edition (Island) [audio]

Being a U2 fan for over 20 years hasn't always been easy, but the reissue of 1980's Boy reminds me of everything I loved about the band as a wide-eyed kid. Not only is the remastering of the original album glowing and warm, but the second disc of extras consists of things I never thought I'd hear. The pre-Boy singles are here. The pre-singles demos are as well. Turns out U2 really was a sloppy garage band once! This should be the standard by which any other deluxe edition is measured. - paul
Released 07.22.2008
link this review | 3 comments | discuss

UNKLE - War Stories UNKLE - War Stories (Surrender All) [audio] [upcoming shows]

James Lavelle's UNKLE project returns with a slightly different objective this time around: making something which closely approximates a rock record. With production help from Chris Goss (Kyuss, etc.) and cameo vocals from the likes of Josh Homme and Ian Astbury, UNKLE takes a trip back from the far reaches of space to Earth itself—specifically the American Southwest. No, it's not a Desert Sessions album by any means, but it's the most organic-sounding UNKLE release ever. For optimal effect, strap on the headphones. - paul
Released 07.24.2007
link this review | 6 comments | discuss

Unexpect - In a Flesh Aquarium Unexpect - In a Flesh Aquarium (The End) [audio] [upcoming shows]

Very melodramatic black metal with no less than a gazillion transitions per song and operatic female vocals, over what I assume is quadrupal kick drums that pummel her into nothingness—DethKlok meets Kate Bush. Like a Swedish off-Broadway show that has early Metallica getting ass-whipped by the Scissor Sisters. Surprisingly very accomplished players, their power chords will convince you you have the ability to fly off the nearest building. Name one other cd with both a 'puppeteer' and a band member suffering from 'ethylic lucidity.' - mark
Released 08.22.2006
link this review | 0 comments | discuss

U2 - U218 Singles U2 - U218 Singles (Interscope) [audio] [upcoming shows]

Interscope has a set of elephant balls, but at least they chose to be absolutely literal in the naming of this compilation. Should we begin with the fact that it completely ignores four of U2's albums in their entirety? Omitting "I Will Follow," in particular, is unforgivable. Or how about the space wasted by two of these 18 singles—completely new recordings—that don't at all rate among the band's best work? This is most certainly not a "best of" or a "greatest hits" collection, but a lazy assemblage of 18 songs arranged with no rhyme or reason. - paul
Released 11.21.2006
link this review | 4 comments | discuss

Unlove - EP 01 Unlove - EP 01 (Technical Echo) [audio] [upcoming shows]

I can do this in three words: My Bloody Valentine.


- meredith
Released 06.21.2006
link this review | 9 comments | discuss

Underground Orchestra - Active Ingredient Underground Orchestra - Active Ingredient (Wyman Records) [audio] [upcoming shows]

Active Ingredient is the sort of record you would expect to find in your typically credible granddad’s music collection. This worldly, easy listening sound incorporates light dashes of jazz, rock, and funk to create a sound that is very easy to digest. And just to cap things off nicely, the Underground Orchestra sports a lead guitarist who displays a high level of musicianship with his arty, Hendrix-like noodlings. Who knows? In 30 years' time this just might be the soundtrack to my life too. - colin
Released 06.23.2006
link this review | 0 comments | discuss

Unrest - Imperial F.F.R.R. Reissue Unrest - Imperial F.F.R.R. Reissue (Teenbeat)

Nowadays, nothing can rewrite a legacy quite like a reissue. This one is well deserved. If you were paying attention, there has never been any doubt that Imperial and Perfect Teeth-era Unrest were the best indie pop band on the planet. Reissued with seven bonus tracks, Mark Robinson's hypnotic guitar riffs/falsetto vocals and Briget Cross's propelling bass lines were instant pop perfection. If you missed it the first time, here's your chance to play catch up and pretend you've loved it all along. - mark
Released 03.02.2005
link this review | 1 comment | discuss

Unbunny - Snow Tires Unbunny - Snow Tires (Hidden Agenda) [audio]

Singer Jared del Deo has a knack for finding the words when words cannot explain just how shitty things are. While the lyrics are quite interesting, his choice to mainly stick with acoustic guitar throughout most of the album is quite risky when some songs have a smattering of piano, percussion, organ, and a children's choir. And yes, this album really does sound like Harvest-era Neil Young. Overall, an inspiring lo-fi album that would sound better with a lap steel guitar and a case of beer. - jason w.
link this review | 4 comments | discuss

Uncut - Those Who Were Hung Hang Here Uncut - Those Who Were Hung Hang Here (Paper Bag) [audio] [upcoming shows]

Uncut have more than one thing going for them right now. Musically, they're mining the same territory Interpol revisited two years ago, but do so without ever becoming absurdly derivative. In addition, they're partnered with Toronto's buzz label of the moment, Paper Bag. Seeing good things happen to good bands is always nice. The only thing working against Uncut is time, because we're fast approaching the twilight of the post-punk boom and people may not be paying attention anymore. - paul
link this review | 7 comments | discuss

Uncle Tupelo - No Depression Uncle Tupelo - No Depression (re-release with bonus tracks)

It must have been the summer of '94 when I heard about the breakup of Uncle Tupelo. I read the bad news in some magazine while sitting on a Greyhound out of Nashville, headed home. I had only discovered the band about 6 months before, but they were one of my favorites at the time. Remastered with extra tracks, this collection is the perfect compliment to a six-pack of beer and a clear summer night. It wasn't until I listened to this that I realized how much I miss Uncle Tupelo. - brian
link this review | 0 comments | discuss

Unbunny -  Black Strawberries Unbunny - Black Strawberries (Two Ton Santa)

I often hear Neutral Milk Hotel mentioned whenever someone talks about Unbunny. Valid comparision, ok, but it is not that Unbunny comes across as NMH Jr. per se; more like Unbunny's Jarid Del Deo buys his mushrooms from the same guy Jeff Mangum does. Songs like "In A Way" and "Swans Are Fainting" have that instantly-endearing quality that seems to crush your heart and make you smile at the same time. Unassuming and achingly beautiful, Black Strawberries creeps in, wraps around you, then quietly slides away. - ryan
link this review | 0 comments | discuss

Ultimate Fakebook - Open Up and Say Awesome Ultimate Fakebook - Open Up and Say Awesome (Initial Records) [mp3s]

Secretly purty pop songcraft backed by the sonic muscle of a million kids jumping on their beds strumming tennis rackets along to Too Fast For Love, Bill McShane's indie rock wrecking Crue follow up their sorely underlooked This Will Be Laughing Week with 12 tracks of Marshall stacks, devil horns and (what else) girls. Yet again, the Fakebook infuse their riffs with a genuine panache that the rest of their ilk (save for Reggie) sorely lacks. - nick
link this review | 1 comment | discuss

Ugly Casanova - Sharpen Your Teeth Ugly Casanova - Sharpen Your Teeth (Sub Pop)

If Sparklehorse's It’s A Wonderful Life was a looping, audio-image of backwoods Virginia, Sharpen Your Teeth is its companion for the damp Pacific Northwest. Modest Mouse frontman and self-described Satan's pal Isaac Brock's anticipated solo debut brings together co-producer Brian Deck and members of Califone and Black Heart Procession into Brock's home studio in rural Oregon. The result is a magnificent picture of what's inside his head, songs that sound like intense middle of the night living room jams drunk on Olympia lager, recorded and then tweaked. - cory
link this review | 1 comment | discuss

Unwritten Law – Elva Unwritten Law - Elva (Interscope) [audio 1 2]

Unwritten Law is trying to be everything to everyone on this very unfocused release. At it's root, the music is homogenized SoCal power-pop that veers off in a number of different directions, from power-punk-ballads ("Seein' Red," "Geronimo") to ska-core ("Evolution") to harmonic hard rock ("Hellborn," "Rescue Me") to pop-punk ("Actress, Model, Dancer"). With very little cohesion, I feel like I've just listened to a compilation of seventeen different bands, not seventeen songs by same band. - chip
link this review | 0 comments | discuss

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