APRIL CD SPINS
by Staff
KARATE HIGH SCHOOL
Arcade Rock
(EYO Records)
The latest pop punk goodness of 2006 comes via Karate High School’s
Arcade Rock, an experimental album comprised of catchy anthems with an
old-school video-game feel.
Arcade Rock is the first album for the California quintet, and is a
strong enough debut that will inevitably demand a follow-up.
The more hardcore, equally infectious “Sweep The Leg” – is a track that
duels itself between keyboards and thrashing guitars.
The album opens with the guitar-driven, chorus-infectious, “Good News
and Bad News” – a powerful intro to a consistently fulfilling record.
Each subsequent song contains that clever, keyboard-induced/electronica
1980’s video game feel thrown within the mix –– resulting in the latest
form of innovative pop-punk-rock.
Watch out Fall Out Boy, because Karate High School is hot on your tale.
– Corine Jurgerson
BROTHER
Pax Romana MMV
(Rhubarb Records)
The new CD Pax Romana MMV, is Aussie band Brother’s tenth indie release,
and this one’s eight songs are crisp and fresh with ghostly harmonies
and breathtaking lyrics.
What makes each Brother CD unique is how they mix up their songs to
include bagpipes, tribal drums and even the Aussie didgeridoo to give
their music a unique rock spin full of intensity and fire. That said,
Pax Romana MMV is a roaring hot set.
The trio consists of brother’s Hamish and Angus who both provide vocals
and many instruments, along with the talents of drummer Dalbo.
The CD opens with the song “Photograph” – one of the best on the CD with
the brothers’ chanting some of the lyrics and then breaking into the
chorus “I’m not a photograph, I’m extra ordinary.”
They also utilize their music as have many artists, to reveal their
views and stance on war, via the song “Oh, What a Lovely War”. Their
chant at the end of the song – “Justify in your own mind” – leaves one
slightly breathless.
“So Not Real” is so beautifully arranged that it might just put a tear
in your eye especially when the children’s chorus kicks in. Then the
lads go all out tribal on Elbautaka with a wild mix of drums and chants
that will leave you spinning to the beat.
Pax Romana MMV is an exceptional CD with cutting edge songs that one
must hear to appreciate.
For more information visit www.brothermusic.com
– Anita Marie Lande
RIHANNA
A Girl Like Me
(Def Jam)
If you’ve been living in a cave for the better part of the last year,
you’re missing out on the latest rising superstar in the R&B world:
Rihanna.
Chicago radio stations, and with the upcoming release of her second
album, A Girl Like Me, its likely that we’ll be hearing even more of her
name in upcoming months.
Rihanna’s style is dance-driven, top-forty friendly R&B. And even though
much of this style of music is ‘manufactured’ – don’t dismiss the
talents of this Barbados native.
The best track on the album is, without a doubt, “S.O.S.” The track that
has recently been hitting the playlists of Chicago stations. The
backbeat sampling of Soft Cell’s “Tainted Love” gives the song momentum
and keeps you singing and dancing long after its end.
Another outstanding track on the album is “Unfaithful”, a ballad about
infidelity. In this song, Rihanna steps away from the dance diva persona
and introduces us to her softer side, as well as her soaring vocal
abilities.
Overall, no sophomore slump with this one. This follow-up to Music of
the Sun is truly a winner.
– Corine Jurgerson
VARIOUS ARTISTS
Our New Orleans 2005: A Benefit Album
(Nonesuch Records)
I expect that we’ll see a variety of CDs that mourn the tragedies of
Hurricanes Rita and Katrina, and that we’ll collectively continue grieve
for the losses of people affected by these disasters for a long time to
come.
While New Orleans’ physical infrastructure was badly beaten, I’m
heartened in this Nonesuch CD that brings together many Crescent City
musicians whose lives and livelihoods were dramatically altered.
On Our New Orleans 2005, we’re treated to 16 songs ranging from
traditional New Orleans funk from Allen Toussaint and Dr. John, to
soulful vocals from Irma Thomas and Davell Crawford.
When Irma laments in “Back Water Blues,” I can only imagine the deadly
havoc wrought by Katrina and Rita. When Davell testifies on “Gather By
the River,” I can clearly see a straight and unbroken line that runs
right from Crescent City blues to traditional Gospel music.
There’s songs here that I would expect on any Crescent City set, but
they’re reinterpreted anew.
Donald Harrison’s mournful alto sax punctuates a lush version of “What a
Wonderful World” with the Wardell Quezergue Orchestra, and the Wild
Magonolia’s take on “Brother John is Gone/Herc-Jolly-John” is positively
infectious and danceable.
Hoodoo King Eddie Bo delivers a faithful “When the Saints Go Marching
In,” and the Preservation Hall Jazz Band deftly answer the question “Do
You Know What It Means to Miss New Orleans?”
It’s been too long since I’ve had a beignet and café au lait at Café du
Monde in the French Quarter, but Our New Orleans takes me back there.
The CD’s 32-page booklet features moving essays by (novelist) Richard
Ford and Public Radio International host Nick Spitzer, along with
photography from Michael P. Smith, Henri Cartier-Bresson, Leonard Freed,
and Monique Michelle Verdin.
Smith’s sharp focus on a very young boy playing the trombone under the
watchful eye of Bo Diddley is a masterpiece, and one that evokes the
power and potential of music to help rebuild rebuilding one of the
world’s great cities.
Later this year, Nonesuch will release a second volume featuring artists
that contributed to Our New Orleans 2005, but also include Chris Thomas
King, Marva Wright, and Kermit Ruffins. I look forward to adding the
second volume to my CD shelf.
Net proceeds of these CDs will be donated to Habitat for Humanity to
help those affected by the hurricanes.
– Eric Steiner
HOMELESS J
Three Seconds To Gaze
(Selecte Records/Sony Red)
Chicago/Fort Wayne’s Homeless J. brings fresh music to the rock/indie
scene in early May with their album, Three Seconds To Gaze.
Homeless J.’s style is straight up rock. They really remind me a lot of
U2 – its uncanny how front man Chad Vanmeter’s vocals resemble Bono’s.
Homeless J.’s sound also rivals the likes of Matchbox 20, Coldplay and
Radiohead.
There’s something about this band’s music that draws you in – it’s easy
on the ears and the lyrics are relatable.
Notable tracks here include the chorus-commanding “B Fly” (which for
some reason reminded me a bit of The Cars from the ‘80s, although others
may disagree…) and the mellow “Signature”, which really showcases
Vanmeter’s vocal strength.
Overall, a tight band that has the power to rise to the top. Check them
out live on April 29th at Chicago’s Elbo Room.
– Corine Jurgerson
LOW TWELVE
This Side Toward Enemy
(Rotting Corpse Records)
What started out as a graphic novel, with an upcoming feature film, This
Side Toward Enemy CD is the Murder Metal soundtrack of a fictitious
serial killer, Nolan Weeks and his gory killing spree of over 200.
The Central Illinois metal veterans – Low Twelve – give the listener a
ghastly glimpse into Weeks’ mind, filled with 12 voices that urge him to
kill everything he sees.
The songs follow his twisted journey as he eludes police, creating a
media frenzy, until his eventual capture and time on death row.
Low Twelve sound just as excellent live, as they do on this disc
(recorded, mastered and produced by the band). This CD includes a bonus
re-mix track and a video for “Kill Everything”. Their best recording to
date!
Low Twelve does not play by the rules and they have their own unique,
unconventional, metal style that really doesn’t fit a category. It’s not
Death Metal, not really Hardcore but there are elements of Thrash.
Suffice to call it Murder Metal because most of Low Twelve’s subject
matter pertains to the scum of the earth sickos that fill our headlines
with their horrific dealings in death and dismemberment.
Gary Meskil of Pro-Pain does guest vocals on “Kill Everything” and
compliments Pete Altieri’s vocals (he really does bark like a army
sergeant). Drummer Wes Pollock (double-bass that quickens your pulse
like a death sentence) and guitarist Les Aldridge (licks and hooks so
sweet and memorable, you should cry) also give superb performances!
This multi-media concept is a first and will likely set a precedent. See
it at –– www.ThisSideTowardEnemy.com
The Low Twelve brutal bonanza is a guilty pleasure you should not deny
yourself!
– Diane Demeter
POSSUM TROT ORCHESTRA
The Possum Trot Orchestra
(Southern Can)
Possum Trot Orchestra is a City, Indiana-based trio featuring Susie
Suraci on acoustic guitar, John Minton on electric guitar and mandolin,
and Rob Suraci on electric bass, percussion, and the traditional Irish
guitar, the bodhran.
Each member of the trio shares vocals through the CD, which is a diverse
set of 14 acoustic tracks that evoke traditional Celtic, Americana, or
traditional folk music.
Their self-titled CD – Possum Trot Orchesra – was recorded and produced
by Tom Tempel last summer at his Fort Wayne studio.
The CD is perfect for reflective and contemplative relaxation and the
music made by Susie, John, and Ron this CD reminds me at times of very
early Simon and Garfunkel.
I delight in the honky-tonk of “It’s Alright (I’m Gonna Live Anyhow
Until I Die)” is fueled by John’s lap steel and Susie’s “Fever in My
Veins” and “Want Me” simmer like any song of love and desire that’s
landed on the radio triple-A charts.
Fans of notable acoustic acts like Acoustic Alchemy will warm to Possum
Trot Orchestra for a solid and reliable set of unplugged music.
– Eric Steiner
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