MySpace AZ band review: The Arizona G’s

The democratization of music through digital file-sharing has its upside.

For one, it’s much easier for unknown bands to break out. One review with a rating of 8.0 or higher at Pitchforkmedia.com can send a band’s stock soaring, at least with hipsters in Westlake and Williamsburg. As Radiohead proved last year, major label machinery and even set prices are no longer necessary to sell albums.

But there’s a downside to the new digital democracy, too, as A&R guys at any record label across the country can tell you. For every decent band birthed on Internet buzz, there are 20 more who would’ve been better off keeping their dead-end job. That’s what we’ll be exploring here: the good, bad and mediocre of Arizona’s MySpace underground.

We’ll begin our MySpace Arizona Band Of The Moment column with the Arizona G’s of Buckeye, Arizona.

In case the MySpace layout featuring a logo for “The Bank of Ganja” and songs titled “So High” and “Time to Roll” don’t tip you off, Arizona G’s loooove weed, man. Unfortunately, they’re not apt to write lyrics about their favorite plant, instead crafting hip-hop-themed instrumentals complete with beats and synth notes.

It’s a shame, too, because the beats and instrumentals aren’t half bad. A smooth flow of lyrics about living in Buckeye and hitting the bong might fit well.

Currently, the best the Arizona G’s should hope for is to become intro music for the Phoenix Suns. I suggest their most popular tune, “Won’t leave me alone.” It worked for the Chicago Bulls and the Alan Parsons Project. Why not Buckeye’s big act?

Maybe I’m getting ahead of myself, though. Arizona G’s have only been on MySpace since March. They may still have some surprises in store.

In the meantime, here’s a suggestion to Arizona G’s: Get rid of that enthroned Death figure. First, an ax is a weak substitute for a scythe. Second, the black and white pit bull logo when visitors click on “Won’t leave me alone” is much better.

For more information, check out http://www.myspace.com/arizonags.

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>>Email the editor at aklaw@zoniereport.com.