EMILY’S TOYBOX – IT’S OK TO SWEAR (no label) Thirty years and many unfurled rolls of launched toilet paper after gracing the live stage for the first time in October, 1995 – popular central PA musical mischief-makers Emily’s Toybox have released a celebratory 30-song, double-disc CD set called “It’s OK to Swear.” Emily’s Toybox’s current edition – lone remaining founding member, frontman, ringleader and lead swearer Mike Wise, guitarist Brandon Reece, bassist Rick Lienhard and drummer Jeff “Muff” Stumpf – generate 15 new songs and comedic interludes for the first half of the album, and provide 15 live performance versions of Emily’s Toybox “classics” for the album’s second half. (And yes, there IS frequent swearing throughout the set!) Mike goes off on furious and funny rants through several of the new songs – starting with the one-two combo of the hard-rocking instrumental interlude “Monday Morning Coffee” into the enraged “Eat A D**k,” then laying a verbal beatdown on later-era Disney-crafted “Star Wars” films on the rampaging “NSW Sux,” expounding the joys of purchasing personal lubricant at ‘Wally World’ on the two-track combo of “K-Y for Michael” and “F**k (Walmart),” and answering Semisonic’s end-of-night bar ode “Closing Time” with their own agitated bum’s rush to the door “G.T.F.H.” (Go The F**k Home). Several music/comic interludes punctuate the album, including a rockabilly song disrupted by flatulence on “Who Farted,” and another rockabilly jam derailed by an apparent blabbermouth on “Just Shut Up and Sing.” Emily’s Toybox shares some perspective on the bar venue environment on the funky “Ain’t Drunk Enough,” and finally generates a studio version of their rowdy shout-along anthem “Back Of The Bus” (first introduced on the group’s 2003 live CD “ETB Live”). The group does share some milder and not-so-expletive moments on the album, such as Brandon’s catchy romantic ode “The Prettiest Perfect,” which cleverly references words and titles from classic rock’n’roll love songs and hits…Also the swing-driven “I Wanna Get Nude With You” with its hints of “Just A Gigolo,” as well as its companion acoustic “Extra Nude Version” that finishes the album’s studio half…And the casual and playful “The Ambiguous Cryptic Ballad Of Rick. Emily’s Toybox includes one serious number, the Rick-penned “Don’t Fade Away,” in remembrance of a departed loved one. Fans of the group’s live show should enjoy the live disc, which features live performance renditions of many Emily’s Toybox favorites – including “Ph**k Filly,” “Your Girlfriend Is Ugly,” “I’m The Bomb,” “Road Rage,” the group’s amped-up rendition of Sir Mix-A-Lot’s 1992 hit “Baby Got Back,” another live version of “Back Of The Bus,” the ever-legendary “Bionic” and the raunchy retro-rocking “Mamma Lovin.’” Produced and engineered by Brandon Reece, this album sounds balanced, clear and well-mixed, and allows Emily’s Toybox’s distinctive edge and sharp edges to shine through. I swear…”It’s OK to Swear” finds Emily’s Toybox at their delinquent finest. Over three decades, this group has carved their own niche in Pennsylvania’s music psyche, doing rock on their own unique, irreverent terms. (The album can be obtained through the group’s website, www.emilystoybox.com.)
KEVIN BRIGGS – KEVIN BRIGGS (BriggZ Records) A Lancaster native now calling State College home, Kevin Briggs’ musical journey began in 1991 when gangster rap inspired him to pick up his first guitar. After performing in folk, jam, bluegrass and blues projects, Kevin embarked on a singer-songwriter path, resulting in his self-titled debut solo album. Mixing elements of folk, country, blues and bluegrass over ten tracks, Kevin’s songs address a loose theme of turning the corner to rebound from dark times, and embracing hope and a better life ahead. With Kevin singing, playing acoustic guitar and mandolin, the overall mood of this album is tranquil, relaxed and nuanced, and Kevin’s calm-mannered lyrics are sincere and heartfelt. Several musical friends help flesh out and bring Kevin’s song creations to fruition…Producing most of the album’s songs is Colombian songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Humberto Pernett, who contributes cosmic production nuances and enhances a soothing tone with his gaita (indigenous Colombian flute) on the gentle “Sets You Free,” about finding that catalyst – such as music – that frees your spirit and moves you forward. Also contributing throughout the album are Steve Buckalew on fiddle, Bob Baronner on banjo, Sean Hershey and Dave Defilippis on drums, Steve Treado on bass, Steve Branstetter on guitar, Andy Tolins on dobro and Natalie Race on backing vocals. The album’s hopeful theme manifests itself from the get-to, starting with the bluegrass-driven “It’s ‘Bout Time,” marking the decisive realization that it is time to move forward from the past. With its bluesy folk flavor, “Rain Pourin’ Down” weathers the rain to reach solid ground and sunnier days. The upbeat bluegrass-flavored “Shingletown Blues” references a popular Centre County natural area that provides an escape from daily problems and an opportunity to reboot the mind and psyche. The folksy “Victory Bound” offers a resolution to triumph and be better, while the pleasant album-closer “Heart’s Delight” presents a hymnal about getting back to the things that are most meaningful in life. Kevin and his friends also craft the nearly eight-minute “On My Way,” dedicated to his daughter Mayra; and he offers a playful tone on the sassy tear-in-beer ode “Hammered & Nailed.” Mostly recorded and engineered at Steve Treado’s Hedgerow Studio in State College and Bogota, Colombia and mastered at Audio Animals Studios in London, this album sounds smooth, consistent and well-mixed from start to finish. Kevin Briggs presents a good-sounding musical prescription for inner healing on his self-titled album, and his words, melodies and musical backdrops combine for a pleasant listening experience. (The album can be obtained and accessed through the website kevinbriggs.hearnow.com.)