Business is Bad

Karen Mantler confesses "Business is bad," and many in the music world will sympathize. However, her own brand of whimsical songwriting is stronger than ever.

Snowstorms, volcanoes, lawyers, and bill-collectors do their damnedest to dampen Mantler's moods in these songs of woe. Despite this, Karen's vocal delivery remains stoical and nonchalant - and highly attractive.

Doug Wieselman (of Anthony and the Johnsons, Lounge Lizards, and Kamikaze Ground Crew fame) on guitar and bass clarinet and bassist Kato Hideki (whose many credits include the Death Ambient trio and projects with John Zorn) lend subtle and supple support throughout.