That’s what this album is all about. If you are looking for a toned down, PC, polished studio album, something reliable, predictable - then go pick up Cold Play. But if you want a slice of one of those special evenings when you stumble (sometimes literally) onto something unexpectedly real and energized, then this is your band. If the occasional F-bomb insults your sensibilities, stick with Barry Manilow. Yeah, the censorship Nazis will slap their “Parental Warning” label on this disc. But forget the language – parents be warned. If you are afraid of serious challenging thought that goes beyond “My Girlfriend’s Cute” then keep this album away from your children at all costs. In addition to artful melodies, Guava Belly’s lyrics expose the depths of their soul searching and pose those questions that scare the hell out of parents and parole officers.

How do you classify this group’s music? You don’t. Their sound defies categorization. There are influences of funk, reggae, aggressive rock-n-roll, lyrical ballads and hints of jazz and even country. Don’t bother putting a compilation together – this album does it for you.

Time for Innocence is the first cut, a straightforward rock song that is only the tip of the iceberg. The next thing you know an upright bass leads into a quasi-Irish ballad, Cabs of Manhattan . By the time Guava Belly cranks up the electricity you begin to get a taste of the outstanding lead guitar and rhythm – but you are just getting started (how’s that beer tasting?). Just Wait is the logical single and easily the most commercial cut on the album. With a refrain reminiscent of early Stones that will have you singing along, this song displays just how good these guys could be in the pop world – but then, as if to say “we ain’t no limp dick boy band” they attach a dark grinding outro that snaps you back into their universe – and what a ride that is about to become. Times Tells All , is one of the all-time great album cuts. This song will never be a single in the pop world. It is instead one of those rare treats that you discover the first time you play the disc and you stop whatever it is you are doing and say to yourself “What the Hell?” This is Guava Belly’s chance to show off within one song several musical genres and a mind bending lyrical road trip. This song belongs in the same wing of the Rock ‘n Roll Hall of Fame with the Grateful Dead and Frank Zappa’s Mothers of Invention.

Empty Whiskey puts a pop spin over some excellent bass and keyboard rifts. This cut brings together a pleasing melody with perfect background harmony all woven together with outstanding instrumentals – the complete package. And then the haunting River View works its quiet magic. Sometimes the best way to say something is to say it simply. The nuanced elegance of this song is like a French sauce; it gets better with every bite. River View reminds us how our emotions in their rawest form can dance off the strings of simple acoustic chords, and how if we want to find the truth we have to go to that place that makes it hard to return.

With Somewhere in South America the band again cranks it up blending excellent vocals and creative instrumentals. Look for this one to make it big in the alternative world – this one may miss catching your attention the first time, but once you notice it, you will come back again and again. In People All Around Guava Belly unleashes its electric reggae funk sound. Your Intent is another instant classic that works as well in either an electric or acoustic arrangement. Finally, the rumors that Carlos Santana contributed on Buena Vista are not true, but the song will remind you of Santana’s best work.

This disc reminds me of all of those surprising nights when the only rules to be followed where those we made ourselves. When we were true to the promises we made to ourselves when we first left home. When our innocence was nothing more than believing in the dream. So, if you want to ruin another great indie band pick up this CD and tell all your friends. And the next time you are in a bar and the band starts to play, you can tell them I remember Guava Belly when…"

Show Date: Saturday March 28th, 2009

Show time: 1pm

Cost: TBD???

Location: 29th St @ North Park Way 92104

Stage: MAINSTAGE

http://www.91x.com/loudspeaker.html

We got played about half an hour into the the second set so to hear our song you have to listen to some other local San Diego music first....

Please call Preston & Rowley every Sunday between 8-10 PM and request your favorite Guava Belly song!

Studio Request Line: 619.570.1919

102.1FM KPRI has been playing Guava Belly in regular rotation on the Homegrown Hour every Saturday from 9-10 PM so tune in and listen!

Please contact Astra Kelly and let her know you want to hear more GB on the radio!

Astra Kelly's Contact:  www.myspace.com/kprihomegrownhour

http://www.sandiegoreader.com/news/2009/feb/11/blurt4/

Please call Tim at 94.9FM every Sunday between 8-10 PM and request your favorite GuavaBelly Tune! 

Studio Request Line:   619.570.1949

http://www.nctimes.com/articles/2009/02/26/entertainment/music/z3cb0bbd2c289d9008825755b0001e75f.txt

http://www.sdcitybeat.com/cms/story/detail/the_great_demo_review_2009/7818/

Extra Special Good

Guava Belly

It’s...Guava Belly

At
first glance, this quintet might seem like yet another beachy
Sublime/Nickelback hybrid by way of Jimmy Buffett, but look closer and
you’ll find a versatile band with a well-balanced mix of styles
appealing to both the martini and the Jack Daniels crowds. Led by Dan
Hammer, an A/V professional-turned-rock star, their sophomore recording
ranges from heartfelt ballads (“River View”) and unapologetic rockers
(“Somewhere in South America)” to the aptly titled “Cashing Out, which,
with its tales of heartbreak and cocaine, would have made the Man in
Black himself crack a smile. If that weren’t enough to pique your
interest, “Time Tells All” introduces us to the beauty of scientific
gangsta rap, hating on atmospheric physicist Fred Singer, who’s called
a “poser faker,” and warning us about the perils of uncontrolled carbon
emissions: “Fuck MTV cribs, check my global warming channel / Ain’t
gots a pool, but I got 10 solar panels / n’ I insulates my house with
cris soaked flannel.” Al Gore, eat your heart out. MS/guavabelly.

—Enrique Limón

http://www.sandiegoreader.com/news/2009/may/13/blurt4/

Cheers!

Go to: www.easyreadernews.com

Issue: June 25th, 2009

Cheers!