Wednesday, January 21, 1998
Soundbites
MUSIC
A3 "Exile on Coldharbour Lane" (Geffen) First things first. Let
it be known that British group A3 have taken their title and album
packaging straight from the Rolling Stones’ classic, "Exile on Main
Street." The collage of photos and even the type of printing A3
used for the song title list reflects this, which is funny for a
debut artist. But hey, if Liz Phair got away with it in 1995
("Exile in Guyville") then so can A3.
Now, the world of A3 (or Alabama 3, as they are known in Europe)
could never be properly explained in one small soundbite. Comprised
of a huge collection of artists and spiritual vocalists, this
outfit has created one of the most outlandish, yet infectious and
creative sounds in pop music today. It’s as groundbreaking as the
acid music craze in the early ’90s. Labeling their music as
"country acid house music," A3 mix toe-stomping rhythms,
electronic-based effects, gospel-esque vocals and pop melodies.
It’s like a line-dancing joint, Sunday mass and a rave took
place in the same warehouse somewhere near the Mason-Dixon line. It
is the trippiest thing you will hear all year, reminiscent of the
Happy Mondays, Primal Scream, Kirk Franklin and Garth Brooks.
What makes A3 even more unique is the spirituality and meaning
behind it. Led by the charismatic Very Rev. Dr. D. Wayne Love, he
has founded through his lyrics the First Presleyterian Church of
Elvis The Divine (U.K.), where false prophets rule (i.e. Super
Lager) and a doctrine based on saving the world with "the Love and
the word of the King" drive A3’s preachings. No kidding, folks.
After all this seemingly satirical fare, what’s really left is
an amazingly hypnotic, get-down record that sounds little like
Elvis. Tracks ranging from the acid-laced revival of "Ain’t Goin’
To Goa" (a hit in Europe) to the lovable, gospel-with-attitude
anthem, "Connected," properly represent this English
discotheque/southern Americana hybrid. From start to finish, this
record stays consistent with its styles and rhythms, culminating in
the very fun "Peace in the Valley" (featured in the Danny Boyle
movie, "A Life Less Ordinary"). This one’s not just for the crowd
who takes their Ecstasy with grits. A3 dare you not to dance and
smile. It’s a revival that’s hard to physically resist. Mike
Prevatt B+
Finley Quaye "Maverick a Strike" (550 Music) It’s hard to find a
supremely fulfilling record in a world renewed with poppy music and
post-Puffy hip-hop styling. Turn on the radio and grating ska booms
from alternative stations while urban DJs saturate the air waves
with so-called original tunes. Out from this mess of
indistinguishable music comes a ray of hope in the form of Finley
Quaye.
If the name sounds familiar, it is because Quaye is the uncle of
prodigious trip-hopper Tricky, who named his first album after his
mom, Maxin Quaye. The similarities between the two artists end
there as Quaye’s debut clumps reggae and blues influence into a
near perfect survey of Afro-Caribbean music. His disc is a forum
for his passivity and "turn thy other cheek" mentality as he sings
the virtues of forgiveness and peace.
The melodious arrangement of steel drums and blues guitar adds
good-vibes depth to Quaye’s theme-conscious lyrics. Quaye’s nasally
twang reminds the casual listener of a cool Steve Urkel sans
suspenders.
A wonderful relief from the monotonous lull currently festering
in the music scene, Quaye is an experience in smooth grooves. Check
it out before Puffy samples it. Trinh Bui B+
The Autumns, "The Angel Pool" (Risk) This band reminds listeners
of the castrati, who were male singers in a time before our own
de-balled for the purpose of preserving a youthful voice. The
Autumns’ vocals are not particularly high-pitched or child-like.
Rather, the whole package lacks any testosterone. These weenies
will leave you yearning for Henry Rollins.
The album flows together in an indistinguishable stream of
dreary, muddled songs with cutesy titles like "Sunblush" and
"Nightswimming in the Deep End." Amateur guitarwork and dull
drumming highlight this winner. One song, "Eskimo Swim," sounds
kind of like a Bush ballad, but does anyone honestly dig Bush?
On a rainy day, this album might come in handy … if your idea
of a good time is listening to lame alternative music in the rain.
Albums on independent labels can be truly dope, but not this one.
Jeremy Engel C-
Various Artists "The Bridge School Concerts, Vol. One" (Reprise)
Begun in the mid-’80s, rock hero Neil Young began a series of
concerts benefitting the Bridge School in Hillsborough, Calif. The
school focuses on education for children with major speech and
physical handicaps, as well as outreach programs that extend
services to children beyond the Northern Californian Bridge School
campus itself. Young and a few others have compiled a collection of
the series’ best performances worthy of releasing to the public,
especially for such a good cause.
Most of the songs on this album are poignant and tender. This
effect is heightened by the mostly-acoustic treatment to the 15
songs that make up the album. Starting things off perfectly is
Young’s own "I Am a Child," a one-man performance with touching
vocals, a guitar and a harmonica. David Bowie blows off the roof
with a very sincere version of his classic, "Heroes." An unusually
unquirky Beck lends one of his older songs, "It’s All in Your
Mind." Hardcore industrial rockers Ministry go unplugged for a take
at Jerry Garcia’s "Friend of the Devil." Elvis Costello performs
his seminal favorite, "Alison," with style and feeling. And Pearl
Jam’s emotional "Nothingman" is even more moving in its acoustic
setting.
Other meaningful, even anthematic contributions include songs by
Simon and Garfunkel ("America"), Patti Smith ("People Have the
Power"), the Pretenders ("Sense of Purpose," with the Duke String
Quartet) and Tracy Chapman ("All You Have is Your Soul"). These
laid-back spirit rousers make up a mellow yet effective compilation
that will satisfy any rock fan and hopefully make them feel good
about helping out the kids of the Bridge School. Sit back and relax
to one warm-hearted album. Mike Prevatt B
Geffen Records
A3, "Exile on Coldharbour Lane"