Monday, July 27, 1998
Soundbites
The Jesus and Mary Chain, "Munki" (Subpop) A few years back,
Scottish noise-pop outfit The Jesus and Mary Chain released an
album of B-sides and rarities called "The Jesus and Mary Chain Hate
Rock ‘n’ Roll," which was thought to be the end of this quarreling,
disillusioned rock band. Upon signing to indie label Subpop, the
Reid brothers have come back in rockin’ form with "Munki," a
signature, if not derivative, JMC album.
"Munki" takes the assorted psychedelic, distorted pop styles of
each of the past JMC albums – from 1985’s angst classic
"Psychocandy" to 1994’s mellower "Stoned and Dethroned" – and
weaves them into tight, accessible pop standouts. It’s back to the
’80s, with ’90s modern pop twists, on songs like "Cracking Up" and
the rhythmic "Birthday." Things get unusually happy with "I Love
Rock ‘n’ Roll" and "Fizzy." The Reids even employ their sister to
sing on "Moetucker." While most of these songs carry such elements
that differentiate "Munki" from their older albums, the overall
sound and song structures never deviate from the same formula that
has led to both their rise and fall, making this album either a
godsend or a banal collection of songs. It may not be fresh, but
JMC have the type of pop sensibilities that give their music
character and drive, and "Munki" is a testament to upholding that
tradition. Mike Prevatt
Brian Setzer Orchestra, "The Dirty Boogie" (Interscope) The
Squirrel Nut Zippers and Big Bad Voodoo Daddy might have more
commercial appeal, but when it comes to swing music, there’s only
one true king, and that is Brian Setzer. This former Stray Cats
front man has the voice, the guitar, and he’s definitely got the
Hawaiian-print suits. Up in front of a 16-piece band, Setzer’s
scratchy vocals and sharp arrangements show that he’s still the
rockin’-est cat in the galaxy, in top form on his third release.
From the juiced up horns of "This Cat’s On a Hot Tin Roof" to the
Vegas-kitsch of "As Long As I’m Singin’," the album is one good
time. Whether visiting standards such as "This Old House" and
"Since I Don’t Have You" or self-penned material like "Hollywood
Nocturne" and "Switchblade 327," the band sounds terrific
throughout.
It’s not flawless, however. A weaker re-working of "Rock This
Town" comes across like a mash of the Stray Cats and the Tonight
Show band. The guitar experimentation on "Sleepwalk" goes a bit
overboard, too. But then again, it’s pretty hard to improve upon
the original’s near-perfection. "The Dirty Boogie" has few of these
missteps, though, and even the slip-ups are better than most bands’
best work. Brent Hopkins
Eve 6, "Eve 6" (RCA) With a fresh alt-pop sound comparable to a
band such as Everclear, Eve 6 releases its self-titled album,
already finding its home on the airwaves of such radio stations as
KROQ. The catchiness of the single "Inside Out" leaves a lasting
impression and, luckily, the album contains more of the same
infectious beats and rockin’ vitality as its current hit. "How Much
Longer" and "Leech" contain the same potential as "Inside Out" to
rule as successful singles full of upbeat tempo and alternative
guitar frills.
Eve 6 excels lyrically and melodically, and sticks to the
formula through each song. This can also prove their weakness,
however. "Superhero Girl" sounds overly simplified next to the
slower, thoughtful melodies of "Jesus Nitelite." But with energy
comparable to Blink 182, Eve 6 shows the promise of a great new
band. Michelle Zubiate
Unwritten Law, "Unwritten Law" (Interscope) Many things have
been said about this fivesome, most of which includes the word
"punk." But this hard-edged, yet infectiously melodic, power-pop
outfit sounds as punk as any so-called "punk" band on the radio
today (i.e. Blink 182, Mxpx).
With songs like the upbeat "Holiday," the anthemic, blaring
"California Sky" and the charged single, "Teenage Suicide,"
Unwritten Law maintains an in-your-face sound that’s anything but
boring.
As serious at times as Bad Religion and as lively and hook-laden
as the Irish trio Ash, these youngsters have given the Southern
California scene another reason to be proud. Mike Prevatt
Various Artists, "Urbal Beats 2" (Urb/Polygram) "Urbal Beats 2,"
the second edition of Urb magazine’s "definitive guide to
electronic music," starts off with the rabid "Rock the Funky Beat,"
by Natural Born Chillers, which pounces on you with such a brutal,
thrilling drum and bass fever that we seriously doubt if the rest
of the double-disk compilation can continue living with this kind
of ill behavior.
And for the most part, we’re right.
The album features tracks from Fatboy Slim, David Holmes and
UberZone, among others. While funky and recognizably important to
the recent stardom of the electronic age, they are also safe and
uninspired inclusions to the album, and they sound especially
humdrum as un-remixed versions.
But these high-profile tracks intrude only occassionally.
Wildchilds’ "Renegade Master" and DJ Die’s challenge of DJ Shadow’s
"What Does Your Soul Look Like" makes the album really worthwhile,
along with DJ Hype’s revved-up, marvelously offensive remix of
Prodigy’s "Smack My Bitch Up." And in the album’s boldest move,
Portishead’s sultry, triphop fantasia "Over" represents a smart
declaration that electronica music is not only for dancing on
ecstasy.
The second disc, "The Classics," features old-school
electricians such as Orbital, 808 State and Moby. It’s definitively
boring , but at least these "classics" make you appreciate the good
times ahead. Tommy Nguyen
James, "James: The Best of…" (Fontana/Mercury) James, the
acclaimed alt-pop act from Britain, have been making albums long
enough to release a best-of album, and "James: Best of…"
celebrates 14 years of stellar songwriting.
Working with a range of different musicians and producers, James
have sold millions of records worldwide with their easy-going yet
guitar-led sound. Earlier treasures, including the rousing,
rhythmic "Come Home," "Sit Down" and "Born of Frustration,"
accompany their more polished, recent hits, like "Laid" and the
brand new gem, "Destiny Calling." Between Tim Booth’s attentive,
glowing vocals and the band’s gliding harmonies, James represents
pure, emotive talent. Mike Prevatt
Soundbites-
Click to preview 15 seconds of "iloverocknroll" by the Jesus
and
Mary Chain.
“¢bull; WAV format (165K)
“¢bull; Quicktime (165 K)