Local spins

Mojo Farmers
‘MT Space’

Clocking in at 63 minutes spread out over eight tracks, it would be unwise to call the Mojo Farmers’ newest release, “MT Space,” anything but full-length. With three songs near the 10-minute mark, the Farmers, who boast diverse influences, fit comfortably into the “jam band” category. As is often the challenge with such groups, the ideal Mojo Farmers experience is a live show, but the album manages to capture much of their improvisational flair.

Most of the record fits into the bluesy rock groove and silly lyrics in songs such as “Cats in Tuxedos” prove that the band is more interested in fun than artistry — the words are usually as clever as the pun in the album title. Fortunately, it all works within the context. The Mojo Farmers’ signature sometimes is their downfall, with the extended noodling and inappropriate voice clips in “Pancho’s Dream” halting their momentum. B

Next show: CD release party Saturday at Sail Inn, 26 S. Farmer Ave., Tempe, . $5.
Web site: www.mojofarmers.com

— by Albert Ching, Get Out

Thee Oh No’s
‘Out of the Garage and Into the Shed’

Riding a wave of surfy, reverbed garage rock, the anonymous men of Thee Oh No’s have made a stab at capturing their wild stage sound on this seven-song EP. Known for wearing matching masks, the band creates fuzzy riffs and hammering chord changes that resemble the early Kinks crossed with ’80s garage heroes The Fuzztones. The group then adds humorous lyrics about beer, partying, more beer and more partying.

The musicianship here is first-rate: surf guitar solos and cheesy ’60s organ from Draino Oh No. The pounding rhythm section of drummer King Sunny Oh No and bassist Sumo Oh No provide solid backing for the Sky Saxon-like vocals of Mr. Moto Oh No. The hilarious “Fill That Cup,” and the Bo Diddley-esque “Oh No Man” are the standouts on this fun and engaging, if somewhat repetitive, disc, but seeing Thee Oh No’s’ outrageously entertaining live show is the real treat. B

Next show: 9 p.m. Saturday at Ziggy’s Rock and Roll Lounge, 414 S. Mill Avenue, Tempe, . $5.
Web site: http://home.earthlink.net/~punko/

— by Chris Holly, Get Out