Monday, October 13, 1997
Soundbites
Chumbawamba, "Tubthumper" (Universal) This British eightsome has
been making quite an impression on the pop charts with
"Tubthumping," the title track from the rather enjoyable
"Tubthumper" album. The track, a party anthem that roars with
exuberance and self-confidence, features a solo female singer and a
proud chorus featuring seven men who probably have been around the
pub scene a few times ("I get knocked down/but I get up
again/you’re never going to keep me down!").
Chumbawamba’s sound is definitely 1997, featuring rockin’
guitars and danceable rhythms via sequencers, synthesizers and
other melody-churning electronic apparata. You can hear bits of
Enigma, Republica and Orbital throughout the 12-track album. The
industrial piece, "Mary Mary," is a driving statement on religion
and the homeless get their space on the album with "The Big Issue."
The dance-floor-prepped "Outsider" comments on the "freaks" of the
world in a fun yet poignant manner.
"Tubthumper" possesses a myriad of impressive qualities. Above
all, Chumbawamba wants you to have fun. Mission accomplished. Mike
Prevatt B+
Busta Rhymes, "When Disaster Strikes …" (Elektra) Busta Rhymes
is a rapper’s rapper. While the first single off his second album,
"Put Your Hands Where My Eyes Could See," is currently becoming a
major radio hit, he will probably never reach the level of mass
popularity enjoyed by the likes of Puff Daddy, Bone Thugs ‘n
Harmony or the Notorious B.I.G.
The beats and rhymes on the album are complex, and require
repeated listening. In addition, very few of the tracks have the
sort of obvious, melodic hooks found in most multi-platinum rap
works.
Those dedicated fans who do get into the album will be readily
rewarded with an eclectic mix of themes, styles, and deliveries.
Guest performers include Erykah Badu on "One," which is among the
album’s best cuts, and Puff Daddy and Mase on "The Body Rock," one
of the albums’ weakest efforts.
Busta Rhymes creates a number of solid cuts on this album,
utilizing his very unique rapping style, evidenced in "Dangerous,"
"There’s Not a Problem My Squad Can’t Fix," and "Things We Be Doin’
For Money Parts 1 & 2." "When Disaster Strikes …" will keep
fans satisfied throughout this album’s 72 minutes. Jeff Hilger
B+
Tobin Sprout, "Moonflower Plastic (Welcome to My Wigwam)"
(Matador) Is this the ex-Guided by Voices guitarist, or is this
really a disguised Paul McCartney doing what he’s always longed to
do – an indie alt-rock album? Indeed, this is not a rhetorical
question. You’ll think twice after you hear the second cut
"Moonflower Plastic (you’re here)." You’d swear it’s Paul and John
swaying back and forth together on the piano bench – such simple
harmonies … such classic tunes … ahhh, the ’60s … But
seriously, there’s more dynamics on this fine album worth mention
besides its uncanny comparison to Liverpool’s most renowned
group.
Tobin Sprout plays most, if not all, the instruments on the 14
tracks of his debut and even used his own oil paintings for the
CD’s front, back and inset art. Most of the songs were recorded
separately on four-tracks and eight-tracks either in studios or
basements. So there’s a distinct indie, lo-fi feeling – so much of
it that the premature "A Little Odd" and "Back Chorus" play like
tin cans with strings.
Mr. Sprout also has a knack for honest lyrics, off-kilter
melodies and a hip, folk approach that covers up his sloppy tracks.
There are some ultra-cool, slow rockers like "Paper Cut" and "Exit
Planes" and even an a-la-the-Replacements "All Used Up." Definitely
a record to impress girls with your repertoire of keen, lovesick
ballads. Or at least to make you think you’re impressing them.
Brendon Vandergast B+
Howie B, "Turn the Dark Off" (Island Records) Howie B, known for
producing albums for the likes of U2, has turned his attention to
making his own music. But his debut album lacks the sharpness and
ingenuity that he presents in the records he produces.
Howie attempts to blend trip-hop and electronica into one
seamless melodic experience. Unfortunately, along the way Howie
somehow forgot to add the best elements from the two genres. The
thumping bass and verbose attitude of electronic is missing as well
as the moodiness and sullen lyrics associated with trip-hop. The
album sounds more like background music trying to front as the real
deal. To his credit, the end result sometimes sounds beautifully
orchestral with echoing drum samples and foreign beats.
More often than not, the tracks just fade in and fade out
without registering with the listener. The stand-out song is
definitely "Take Your Partner by the Hand" (with Robbie Robertson).
For 7 1/2 minutes, Howie mixes and matches a great trip-hop song,
tinged slightly with peripheral electronica music effects. Howie’s
first album is less than stellar, falling short of being the
ground-breaker that it tried to be. Trinh Bui C+
CHUMBAWAMBA
"Tubthumper"