SADE
- Lovers Rock
With a relatively lengthy silence, the magical voice
of Sade once again slides through the airwaves and into our souls. She’s as smooth
as ever, but unfortunately Lovers Rock does not contain as many of those
instantly recalled gems like Smooth Operator or Is It A Crime. Most
of the songs are very moving with a general relaxed air about them, several singles
tucked in there, regardless of the above mentioned. What this might actually do
is re-ignite the awareness of her phenomenal earlier work. Another hat tip in
her direction is the fact that she re-emerged from the shadows with new material
and not a Best Of with one new number.
- PB
4 / B SARON
GAS - Fragile
The first time I heard the Saron Gas track, 69
Tea on radio, I sighed, thinking it’s Bush taking another one of their
Nirvana infused outings. Whoops! I’m sure this can be taken as a compliment,
but a certain sense of original identity is hard with everything and more being
done (and re-done, re-mixed, re-recorded, sampled and re-hashed). Saron Gas
come up with some catchy tunes, albeit a touch on the Pearl Jam / Bush
side of things (great bands, but they already exist…). As we need bands in this
country to represent equivalents of the big money-spinners abroad (like Not
My Dog’s Limp Bizkit tinged hardcore rock), Saron Gas seems
like the most likely candidates for the style they replicate very convincingly.
It is more than adequate for those who don’t like their rock too hard or their
pop too soft.
- PB
3 / B SAY
COLOUR - Seeing Is Believing (Scorpio Music)
For those of you into
the likes of Michael Learns To Rock or Roxette, this German & Belgian
top tenner might just be right up your alley. When a band is referred to as an
“instrumental” group, I always expect it to be someone who makes music without
vocals. Not so, I guess it refers to a conventional group that actually create
sounds with things like guitars and drums in stead of five hand picked pansies
to puppet along to the electronic creations of another. But, I digress. This trio
(with a bit of a carp name) will satisfy middle of the road pop-rock fans but
might dissolve in the memory of those who prefer their music with a bit more of
an edge.
- PB
2 / C SCOOCH
- When My Baby (EMI)
Pop that doesn’t need any attention span, any
intellectual consideration or worries. If you love Steps, you’ll love this. As
commercial as it gets. Music that passes on through with many people not even
noticing (although the band members will get the royalties rolling in), the rest
of us going about our lives untouched in the least while it brings others minutes
of joy.
- PB
1 / C SCORPIONS
& BERLINER PHILHARMONIKER - Moment Of Glory
The legendary Scorpions
lay down some of their great tracks (from a career that started in the late ‘60s!)
with the Berlin Philharmonic orchestra behind them. Many will say “Metallica
rip-off!” but if you know your hard rock, you’ll know not to insult these legends.
The Scorpions have carried their years well (some of their songs recorded
in the ‘70s sounding like they were recorded a decade and a half later!). The
orchestral backing is amazing, giving it that added epic element. True Scorpions
fans will be blown away and those who have no idea what I’m talking about is either
too young or possibly think All Saints originally wrote Under The Bridge…
- PB
6 / A SEPTEMBER
SONGS (Sony)
Hierdie klankbaan van die Larry Weinstein film is 'n versameling
moderne kunstenaars wat hulde bring aan die welbekende liedjie skrywer, Kurt
Weill. Nie soseer 'n fliek met 'n storielyn nie, maar 'n verfilmde visie van
die kunstenaars wat Weill se musiek speel en opvoer. Die Australiese kult figuur,
Nick Cave, lewer sy rendisie van die bekende Mack the Knife met
flamboyante vuur soos hy altyd met sy eie liedjies doen. Nog 'n alternatiewe godin,
P.J. Harvey, is baie emosioneel in haar sombere weergawe van Ballad
of the Soldier's Wife. David Johansen klink half dronk in dele van
Alabama Song (nogal effektief) - baie sal hierdie Weill liedjie
herken as een wat The Doors so 'n paar dekades gelede aangepak het. Van
die ander kunstenaars wat hierop verskyn is Lou Reed, Elvis Costello
en die oorlede William Burroughs. 'n Kalm, peinsende klank ervaring met
historiese waarde.
- PB
4 / B 7th
BREED - Onyx (Way Cool Records)
These boys rock. They rock real well
- and they do it all for the Saviour, and shamelessly so! This hardcore
band from Cape Town has many punky elements, but don't hold back on the power.
Many new-style metal elements also creep in to a successful effect. Ska hints
also rear their heads, but it quickly picks up, charging forth for the Lord!
These guys are young and energetic, but have a cause they bring across in the
most adament way they possibly can. Their youthfulness sometimes filters through
in the vocals, but once you get used to it, it won't bug you; sometimes whiney,
but not quite annoying. Onyx was recorded at the studio made famous by
the Nude Girls, Sunset, in Stellenbosch, and contains an uncredited
track that seems a little silly (their rendition of Postman Pat), but it
rocks bigtime. It's good to see people banging their music out with such conviction
- many secular bands (heavy or mild), can learn a lot from them. This must be
the best sermon you're likely to hear in a long time.
- PB
3 / B SHOCK
WAVE - Various Artists
Just as we were beginning to think that the
SABC TV channels will have us drown in Panpipe versions of God knows what, tosser
presenter mimed “hits” & instrumental CD collections of love songs or movie themes,
they jump at us with channel 3’s Shock Wave compilation. Some of the 16 artists
on this energetic compilation include the monstrously infectious electro-horror-rock
of Rob Zombie; The cheeky pop-punk of Blink 182 & Goldfinger;
Live’s epic/poetic emotion; The near-retro flavour of New Radicals
and Smash Mouth; Beck’s nerdy-rebellion; The Cardigans’ seduction;
Lit’s sex-appeal and the modern hard rock of 3rd Eye Blind & Papa
Roach. They’re actually finally taking note of a generation pretty much left
out in the cold when it comes to the supply of their taste - R&B and Popshite
getting all the airtime - does that mean we’ll get to see more of this on the
tube? Still, I’m impressed…but then, imagine all of these done on the panpipe…
- PB
4 / B SHOOTING
FISH - Motion Picture Soundtrack (EMI)
This witty little Britflick
invariably relies on a predominant Britpop soundtrack. Space zips in twice
with Me & You vs The World and the instantly recognizable Neighbourhood.
No less than 3 Burt Bacharach numbers are represented and the man seems
quite hip again (or has he always been?). Jackie De Shannon gives us the
twinkly What the World Needs Now Is Love while the extravagant David McAlmont
(who did the classic Diamonds Are Forever cover version with David
Arnold) pelts out I'm a Better Man (For Having Loved You). Do You
Know the Way to San Jose, is delivered by Whitney's aunt, Dionne Warwick.
These three older compositions and Stanislas Syrewicz's theme tune stands
out like a breath of fresh air between all the whiney twanging bands on this soundtrack.
Many people will actually prefer the more rock oriented tracks than the Bacharach
numbers, but hey, what can you do? Some of these bands include the light pop sounds
of Dubstar and Passion Star while Silver Sun hints at a surfin'
tune sound. The Supernaturals skim past a Beatles touch while the
Leftfield's Mix of Supereal's Body Medusa is a welcome highlight.
You'll also find The Wannadies and Bluetones adding up to the hefty
16 tracks on this fun, listenable soundtrack.
- PB
3 / B SIDESTEPPER
- More Grip (Palm Pictures)
Although the cover depiction of a race
car tire seems like an alternative rock band is lurking inside, this is in fact
all hip, Latin, funky and Cuban, oozing great rhythms, percussion, beats, brass
and mixed-gender vocals. The kind of thing that can get any party started at any
time.
- PB
4 / A SIMPLY
THE BEST LATIN JAZZ
This is an absolutely superb album. Laid back, cool,
smooth and timeless. Two discs filled with great artists like Antonio Carlos
Jobim, Astrud Gilberto, Joao Gilberto and Sergio Mendes. OK, maybe these names
will sound a bit more familiar: Oscar Petersen, Quincy Jones, David Sanborn,
Earl Klugh, Stan Getz, Michael Franks and Lee Ritenour ? Even if you
never heard any of these fine artists’ bulky repertoires, it matters not. This
collection of their Latin-flavoured jazzy tunes instantly transfers you into a
lounge-like realm of decades gone by that seemed to exist oblivious of hippies
and disco boyz. It is impossible to put this on and be irritated. Some tracks
are universally recognizable, like The Girl From Ipanema and Mais Que
Nada. While listening to this, someone with a grin let slip the phrase “elevator
music”. This is actually far from it - and if it is, I’m either getting too old
or my musical taste is even broader than I thought.
- PB
5 / A SIMPLY
THE BEST NIGHT AT THE THEATRE
When I realised I know almost every one of
these 42 show tunes, I was shocked as well as pleasantly surprised. No, they’re
not just cheesy songs from hit Broadway and West End shows. They
are masterful compositions from the likes of Phantom Of The Opera, Les Miserables,
Annie, West Side Story, Guys & Dolls, Chess, Cats, Evita and more. Not only
are they chunks of atmospheric brilliance, but they also constitute snaps of narrative
- a part to the whole - intriguing tale segments that can stand on their own and
inspire independently, whether you’ve seen the particular show or not. This massive
compilation needs more credit than merely a gift idea for your fogies.
-
PB
4 / A SIMPLY
THE BEST ROCK
Releasing these “Simply The Best…” albums can sometimes be
a little presumptuous on the label’s part. Often its just a load of crap lumped
together for that last minute Christmas gift. In this case, however, the Sony
/ Gallo / Warner alliance did an alright job. Spread over a good couple of decades,
the double disc does give one a pretty good selection of some of the great rock
bands who once walked the planet (and most of which still do). Sure, some are
better than other, and vice versa. It would however be best for me to just mention
a few of the 36 tracks to give you an indication of the fine variety that might
comply with your particular taste. Most of the songs are pretty well known across
the globe and far be it for me to judge each of these songs (many of them classics)
individually. The first disc quite aptly kicks off with Queen’s We Will
Rock You and flows into the modern Andreas Johnson hit Glorious.
You get nailed with Oasis, R.E.M, Fleetwood Mac, Toto, Soul Asylum, Simple
Minds and David Bowie. Skunk Anansi, Sugar Ray and the Manic
Street Preachers are all present. Eric Clapton, Kid Rock, Mike & The Mechanics
and Alannah Myles stand up very comfortably beside one another. Some other
old timers represented here include Bob Dylan, Chris Rea, Tom Petty, Manfred
Mann, Doobie Brothers, Santana, Boston and Marillion. All in all a great
compilation, but in need of another five discs to include the tip of the Best
Rock songs ever to claim it as being the “ultimate” collection.
- PB
5 / A SKEEM
- Ozwa (Ghetto Ruff / EMI)
The influx of Kwaito bands in the last
few years is one of the most phenomenal musical revolutions of this country, everyone
and everything coming out of the woodwork to record an album. Yes, most of these
do sound just like the other with leaders like TKZee mostly setting the
standard, especially with the financial backing for improved production and competitive
music videos. Skeem might be well on their way to follow in TKZee’s
footsteps. The monotony is there (but I guess it’s part of the style), but they
speak their minds in their way to their people who can appreciate it far more
than us whiteboys. The 8 tracks on this album gives you as good idea of what they
are capable of. Wat Gaan Aan and several of the other tracks are produced by none
other than P.O.C.’s Shaheen with Ready D also stepping on two of the last
couple of tracks.
- PB
3 / C SLAVES
ON DOPE - Inches From The Mainline
In the nu-metal arena the tired
overcooked style dominates and imitations litter the gutter. Bands like (the provocatively
original) System Of A Down and (lunatic) Slipknot, however, is a
far superior choice (do check them out). Another cool find is that of Slaves
On Dope. Musically a similar route is followed without being an out & out copy
of the successful recipe. They come down like a hammer and one of the more pressing
points which makes this more appealing to me is the no holds barred vocals of
pure intensity. This onslaught does get alternated with more melodic and subtle
pieces, but it’s the angry power that satisfies most - and amongst it all they
produce a batch of riff laden, groove oriented infectious catchy tunes.
-
PB
5 / A SLIPKNOT
- 870621345 (Roadrunner)
This 9 piece gang of audio terrorists slap
you square in the face and karate chops your neck before you hit the ground. Their
total anarchic attitude explodes forth with everything including the kitchen sink:
bass, guitars, samples, turntables, voice, “custom percussion” and a whole bucket
of bile aimed at society. Giving the Nu-Metal genre a little bit more than the
usual cliché, the boys from Slipknot also put on one hell of a show with
their boiler suit uniforms and varied masks. Freaky, crazy, tortured, demented
and one solid goddamned wall of energy. But it’s not a mere screaming thrash from
start to finish, with the aggressive explosions meeting moments of dreaming melody
and harmonic voice or drum & bass waves & samples. It is also good to know the
invigourating double bass drum attack has not been discarded in our day and age
of the programmed beat. Aside from the 15 tracks you’re treated to another 4 songs
(and 2 hidden tracks, a hacking-barfing-laughing session and a speeding blaster),
pushing it well over an hour of totally groovy mayhem. Technically precise and
determined as a turbo-charged steamroller, after sitting through 870621345
you’ll more than likely have your knickers in a (uuuhm) slipknot (!).
-
PB
6 / A PATTI
SMITH - Gung Ho
Patti Smith has never been one to take any
crap. This has always been evident in her music be it her singing about Baby
being black sheep and a whore to a (dare I say it) even more interesting
rendition of Van Morrison’s Gloria than that of The Doors’.
She’d been in this music industry a long time and with this recent release she
hasn’t let up. Sure, there is a more crafted maturity present and a subtlety (which
she did always have). It is merely brought across less “in your face”. Patti
still has a lot to say and she says it with gusto, her contemporary (bare essentials)
backing band lending that “now” sound, bringing her message to an audience who
would otherwise be unaware of her existence (unless they got their little mitts
on the Natural Born Killers film soundtrack). From the touching opening
track, One Voice, through the incredibly catchy Gone Pie, all the
way up to the 10-minute plus epic title track, Mz Smith is still a contender and
with Chrissie Hynde probably two of the last outspoken ladies of their
generation.
- PB
4 / B SNOOP
DOGG - The Last Meal
East Coast rap legend Snoop Dogg never
let his notoriety play against him. On the contrary… Snoop is still nasty,
still a "gangsta", still disrespectful to many and still has a mouth full of rhymes
- the hip-hop loops, bumping rhythms and funked-up backbeats cruising like a lowrider
underneath his vocal tirade. Several of Snoop's No Limits record label cohorts
feature on the 19 track strong album and include Master P, Kokane, Nate Dogg,
Eve and even Ice Cube. Many will believe that he's still an instigator,
but then, anyone who has a brain cell or two knows that anyone whose fuse is ready
to ignite will react to anything (even an Oprah episode) - it's just a matter
of time. So when rappers like Snoop, Eminem or the late Tupac
reflect on their fucked-up surroundings, are they to blame for shouting about
it, or all of us for allowing the world to be like that?
- PB
3 /
C SOUTH
PARK - BIGGER, LONGER & UNCUT - Motion Picture Soundtrack (Gallo)
This whole album should’ve been nominated for best song Oscar, not just Blame
Canada. Taking the absolute piss out of Disney and other animated musicl numbers,
the team of Stone & Parker make a laughable mockery of its “passion”, “drama”
and “emotion”. Uncle Fukka is a masterpiece of lavatorial vulgarity by
Terrance & Philip. Besides the dozen classic, rude and hilarious narrative
bound songs (complete with huge orchestral accompaniment), there are also 8 interpretations
of some of the tracks by artists such as Kid Rock, Nappy Roots, D.V.D.A.,
Ru Paul and Isaak Hayes (yes, ol’ Chef does give us a track). Fantastic
is all I can say - except, if you hate South Park, there’s little chance
you’ll appreciate this one.
- PB
5 / A
SPAWN
- Rolprent Klankbaan (Sony)
Hierdie uiters suksesvolle strokiesboek
held het nou sy wye doek transformasie gemaak. Ons sal hom binnekort hier te sien
kry. Die klankbaan is 'n opwindende samesmelting van harde rock groepe en meer
dans georienteerde, electroniese musikante. Die uitslag is 'n fantastiese versameling
liedjies wat jy so hard as moonlik moet luister vir maksimum effek. Van die groepe
wat vir hierdie doel saamsmelt is die opspraakwekkende Marilyn Manson &
Sneaker Pimps, Orbital & Kirk Hammett (van Metallica),
Prodigy & Tom Morello, Slayer & Atari Teenage Riot,
Silver Chair & Vitro, Metallica & DJ Spooky, Korn
& The Dust Brothers, Butthole Surfers & Moby en nog veel
meer. By meeste van die snitte kan jy die verskillende groepe se klank en styl
uitken maar by sommige morph dit so saam dat iets heel nuuts geskep word. Nes
Judgement Night se Metal / Rap groep kombinasies wat ook deur Immortal
Records se Happy Walters vervaardig is, is Spawn se sameswerings 'n wenner
wat my net nog meer na die fliek laat uitsien as tevore.
- PB
5 / A SPEED
QUEEN - Super Bright Club Traxx
Produced by Mauritz Mann and mixed
by DJ Rory & Fernando Perdigao, the blend of tracks takes a smooth course, but
fails to elevate beyond background House. Its Pride affiliation doesn’t necessarily
limit it to a specific audience, but it must be said, though - The whole thing
runs too horizontal with no real noticeable outstanding peaks or punctuation.
This, on the other is exactly what many desire, so in that case knock yourself
out. I do however have to comment on the cover photography and design. They were
either rushing for a pre-Christmas release date, gave it to a pre-grad design
student, didn’t budget for it or they felt the music is of more importance - I’m
not so sure about that.
- PB
2 / C
SPEED QUEEN - Super Bright
ClubTraxx (Scorpio Music)
An OK collection of housy tracks mixed by DJ
Rory and co-mixed by Fernando. Includes the likes of Les Diamantres, Kinky
Roland, Colourful Karma, Todd Edwards and SPDQ. The whole thing has
a pretty decent flow but will have to fight hard in order not to just be another
mix album in the bunch. Though it’s a gay pride affiliation, more pride should’ve
been taken in the cover artwork…
- PB
2 / C SPICE
GIRLS - Forever
Gerry is not missed. Not in the least. It’s the same
old thing, vacant as ever, but none of those instant “hit” songs are present.
Very little stands out - I must admit, songs like Spice Up Your Life did
have a certain (sickening) catchy quality, not only for 12 year olds.
-
PB
1 / C SPRINGBOK
NUDE GIRLS - Relaxzor
After the ambitious Surpass The Powers
and a very steady career of constant high profile releases, the Springbok
Nude Girls are back on a more in-your-face trail. Not produced by Kevin Shirley
(Aerosmith, Iron Maiden) like their previous effort, but only mixed
by him, the album feels more true to what they want to do. They’ve come up with
some great rock tracks and don’tworry, the unmistakable ballads are also in tact.
- PB
4 / A SQUEAL
- Civilized?
This album reminds me of Goldie Locks and the Three Bears
- no, not because of Brett’s blonde do, or that the guys resembling any particular
animals (then again have you seen them drunk?) - in stead it’s because this album
is not too heavy and not too light, but just right. One of the few rock regulars
to hail from Durban, Squeal have come a relatively long way. What with
rumours of them breaking up and all flying around a few months ago, here they
are with a brand new album! Only change being they’re down to David’s single guitar.
Civilized? definitely rocks, but there are a few patches where a certain predictability
or borderline cliché may take a peek. But, what is good to know is that they’re
doing what they want to do in stead of any visible attempts to follow any trends
or latch on to whatever current stream is zipping through the world of rock. The
songs are consistent with definite Squeal trademarks present. The intro
will most probably have listeners slpit in two, one side will find it funny while
the other will wonder “what the hell was that for?” Either way, this album should
make it clear to all that Squeal is still a force to be reckoned with and with
this album they should be happy as pigs in…mud. - Pablo Priest
- PB
3 / B STAR
WARS - Motion Picture Soundtrack
Multi-Oscar winner, John Williams'
excellent soundtrack for this classic Trilogy has recently not only been remastered,
but now also includes previously unreleased tracks. Those unmistakable themes
immediately transports one into those unforgettable movies and one becomes a passenger
on board the Millennium Falcon with Luke, Han, Leia, Chewie, R2D2 and C3PO, soaring
towards the Death Star to destroy Darth Vader and the Empire. Originally George
Lucas wanted to use existing classical music as Stanley Kubrick did in his stunning
2001: A Space Odyssey. But after Steven Spielberg introduced Lucas to John
Williams, a legend was born. This is the case not only with the innovative visuals,
but also the timeless music, each contributing to the others' impact. Although
the soundtrack can exist independently, the film would hardly be the same without
the music. The first track on each of the Trilogy's double CD's starts with the
original 20th Century Fox theme. Great stuff!
- PB
5 / A STEPS
- Steptacular (EMI)
Fourteen tracks of total European pop. Throwaway
renditions of hits that will by no means be hummed not too far into the future
(because the original superior versions are so much more memorable). With all
the songs written by the likes of the Gibbs, Frampton, Stock / Aitken / Waterman
and their producers Topham / Twigg / Waterman, it’s kind of an album of cover
versions and “other people’s stuff”. But, the kids lap it up and their rolling
in it…money that is. A pop product that goes against most of the things music
ought to be. Unless you’re under 13 that is.
- PB
2 / C SUGARTRAX
featuring Jazzworx Collective (Scorpio Music)
Local jazzers compile
a sack full of their own tracks, backed by the Sugartrax record stores.
Their brand of jazz is heavily layered with house beats and deep house moods.
At times it can feel a little artificial, but if you’re into that kind of thing
you should not hesitate.
- PB
3 / B SUNN
- 0/0/ VOID
If strange is what you’re into, then you should definitely give
Sunn a whirl. Defying almost every musical convention, this experimental,
tripped-out audio excursion is described as “power ambient drone”. Predominantly
consisting of sub-bass and no noticeable structure, these four tracks (clocking
in at no less than 14-15 minutes a piece) are not only a bizarre, but also an
enlightening experience. Its raw simplicity of sustained, deep humming drones
with a variety of underlying sound layers is almost a new found revelation in
a world of formulaic commercial money-spinners. No beat, no voice, lyrics. Just
pure “sound”. Like the meditative Tibetan Monk drones, Sunn replicates
this (be it consciously or not) by having these vibrating airwaves reach the same
frequency as the atoms in your body. It literally felt like I was on the verge
of my body and spirit separating. If you don’t have a good dentists, this album
is bound to have your fillings rattle from your teeth when following the instructions
of “Maximum volume yields maximum results”…Not to mention the plaster work on
your ceiling.
- PB
5 / A SUPERGRASS
- Mary single (EMI)
This single is a cool mixture of retro sounds
(mainly the organ) and a definite modern pop hit future with the super memorable
sing-a-long “ha-ya-ya” chorus that is hands down the songs ultra simple highlight.
Nice one.
- PB
4 / B SYSTEM
OF A DOWN (American Records)
System Of A Down is quite possibly the
best new hard band to come out for the last couple of years. I kid you not. These
guys have taken a mix of almost every heavy sound in the book and combined it
to create something completely new, fresh and exciting. Aside from the addictive,
heavy tunes, the highlight has to be the vocals. In stead of death gurgles with
effects, we get clean, unprocessed, uninhibited vocals that can sing melodically
or whisper one moment and fly into a frenzied growl or scream a split second later.
With their punk mentality and unusually unique sound, System Of A Down
is likely to send metal into another direction in stead of the well trodden Limp
Bizkit / Korn path. I don't know what else to say but get out there
and buy this album, no matter what. You know how the saying goes, "If you buy
only one album this year..."
- PB
6 / A |
