Cooldaddy Media Music Writing

So four layers from the home page you have found the music writings of almost 2 decades ago. If you came here from the art/graphics page you can skip the rest of this paragraph. If you came here through a search engine, I hope that you read on and are entertained. (This is by far, the most amount of text found on any web page on the Cooldaddy Media site, and as such, has the most links.)

Cooldaddy's founder, Stuart Coleman, was in 1987-88, the editor of the Duckberg Times, a pivotal music and arts bi-weekly in Washington, DC. Based on his strengths in publishing the original Cooldaddy Magazine in 1985-86, he was brought on as a writer/ad rep and in a few months took over the editorial position. He interviewed such bands as Poison, Fuzzbox, Ruin, Los Lobos, The Plasmatics and many others. After moving to Hollywood in 1991 he hooked up with Raymon Roker, the publisher of URB magazine (and Jason Bentley, then of KXLU now of KCRW fame). At that time URB was a large format free tabloid newspaper, before it became the glossy nationwide publication it evolved into. Stuart was tired of listening to the drivel of rock bands yammering the same inanity (mostly Brett Michaels of Poison) and decided to cross over and bring a fresh voice to the hip-hop generation. While writing at URB Magazine, he wrote cover stories on DJ Marques Wyatt, KMD and a few other hip hop bands but the record reviews from 1991 are a fun blast into the past and reflect an oblique sensibility into dance and rap music. The next year, he was writing record reviews for Entertainment Today, another free entertainment magazine and those reviews are in the 1992 reviews.

1991 Music Writing

The following is an alphbetical arrangement of the records listened to and reviewed for URB Magazine and Entertainment Today back in 1991 by Stuart Coleman. Some were published at that time. Some were not. That's what editors do. The complete archive is being presented for entertainment purposes only. Some are funny, some suck, and some are right on.

Anthrax
"Bring the Noise"
CD single, Island

With the opening double bass drum kicks and dueling guitars you can tell this is no ordinary rap song. Turn it up and bring on the noise cuz' Anthrax is shredding some fresh live groove on the Public Enemy classic "Bring the Noise" .
While many music pundits argue that heavy metal and rap are the illegitimate offspring of pop music, this collaboration forges a synthesis that is both heavy and danceable, with a sensibility that even Stravinsky could enjoy.
Few could forget the 1986 Run-DMC cover of Aerosmith's Walk this Way which went to #4 on Billboard's pop single chart. Considering that single helped propel Run-DMC's album to triple platinum status it is surprising that there have been few rap-metal syntheses since then. What is not surprising is that P.E. and Anthrax have teamed together, considering their musical admiration for each other. In the original Bring the Noise, Chuck D raps, "Beat is for Eric B and LL as well, hell, wax is for Anthrax, still it can rock bells"
On this single, Chuck D raps the first two verses while the the vocal chores are headed by Anthrax's Scott Ian on the second two. With the crunching metal assault on the beat, the effect is an over the top, through your gut bodywarp into headbanging hip-hop land.
Public Enemy `s Chuck D and Flavor Flav teamed with Anthrax to shoot a video in Chicago on June 10, during a break in Anthrax's Clash of the Titans tour of America.
While one could hope this opens the door to greater understanding between metalheads and hip-hoppers, the true test of understanding is still on the street. I guess we'll have to wait until August 5 to see if Public Enemy get down with gloom meisters, Sisters of Mercy. Perhaps a rap version of Floodland?
"Bring the Noise" is the first single from the Anthrax Island records release, "Attack of the Killer B's". Turn it up. (MC SC)

Arthur Baker & The Backbeat Disciples
Give in to the Rhythm
RCA Records/BMG

So there's this barbecue see, Arthur Baker has a few friends over for cocktails and canapes. So he says he has a bunch of rhythm tracks and a few ideas for some basslines. So anyway, this is a sort of seventies disco revival party but it's really cool. Al Green lays down a message in, "Leave the Guns at Home" and Leee John lays down some sultry come-hither syrupy soul in "C'mon, C'mon". Then it's a wild disco track with one of those super drum lines that gets the whole party dancing and playing percussion when you start to wonder how many tracks can Arthur Baker produce on? Quick, what color is your mood ring right now? Well, they're going almost psychedelic at this party. Hey, do the Hustle-three-four. Fresh drinks everyone, it's time for overdubs. And being a seventies party they stay up all night and record their classic party record with the production overblown to maximum party funkiness. So the next day, they wake to find an album that runs the gamut of dance from disco to house and acid to soul. Messages? Hey, they we're just having fun. Arthur Baker knows how to orchestrate a party record. (MC SC)

The Brand New Heavies
Never Stop 12" remixes
Delicious Vinyl

Sometimes, seven mixes of the same song can wear down a man's patience but with this collection, I didn't have to stop. Still, as smooth as the groove is, the words, "Never Stop, never give it up" and the associated hopes of long-term love get a little hokey after a while.
Featuring smooth vocals from N'dea Davenport, the tracks feature the sultry, jazzy soul we've come to expect from the new media darlings, Brand New Heavies (Did you see their page in Vanity Fair?) Not to be confused with the Front 242 song by the same name, these remixes provide a pleasant backdrop for an evening of romance or slow dancing. (MC SC)

Ce Ce Peniston
Finally 12"
A&M Records

Finally? Gee I've never heard a house track with a rap break in the middle before. How do they get all those people to clap at the same time on the rhythm track? "Mr. Right, The man of my dreams, the one who showed me true love, or least it seems." It's a nice sentiment, sure, finding that special person, the one you can love, if only for a night. Okay sure, tasty work from Felipe Delgado and David Morales and singer Ce Ce can belt out a chorus. This tune is already gaining its rightful place on the top 40 radio stations. Can I have this dance please, I want to show you how well I move vertically before we get down to the bedroom action. What, I don't have cocoa brown skin and curly black hair? I guess I'm not the one one for this girl but if you qualify, the line forms outside the undressing room. But watch out, Ce Ce's last name sounds like a 2000 pound cock. (MC SC)

Chubb Rock
The One
Select Records

Chub-a-dub , word-a-dub, chub-a-dub, rock. The Chubbster is more than "the one", he's several. But the Chubb is a self-made man and wants to make himself bigger, richer, better. He is a nimble pronunciator with good diction and has the vernacular and imagination to tell an entertaining story. Big heavy bass and powerful kickin' rhythms make it powerful enough to crank through the chariot's sub-woofers. So a girl did the Vanessa Del Rio on him? I'm sure that this is just the half of it for this big lovable word-up kind of guy. Okay, so there's a touch of the islands here and lots of friendly bragging. The Chubbster is down on drugs, guns and dissin' but if it's girls he's kissin, this man's on a mission. So make way for the Chubbster. It's time for understanding our neighbors and demanding unity and equality for all. But save a little extra for the One. He deserves it. (MC SC)

Cut`N'Move
Get Serious
Sony Music Entertainment

Writer/producers Jern K and Per Holm lay down that funky music for rapper MC Zipp and female vocalist Thera for the Danish rap/dance quartet that is Cut`N'Move. Boy, they rap just like cute little kids on Star Search, you'd hardly know they are Danish. But let's not forget the obligatory blends of house, jazz and r&b hooks that are the mainstay of new pop product
Has CBS Records gone bonkers since Akio Morita made the once venerable label part of the Sony entertainment empire? First tens of millions for a recluse dancer with an identity crisis and now this? `Get Serious' indeed. (MC SC)

D'bora
E.S.P.,
Smash/Polygram Records

Money can't buy love but it can buy slick producers and engineers. Money can't create talent but it can buy well arranged songs and studio time. D'bora sings well on these 10 tracks, covering themes of love and affection with titles like "Love Desire," "With You," "Good Love," "Where Can He Be?" I'm sure you're starting to get the picture. The sound is urban contemporary disco with the sultry vocals, painting pictures of love lost, love unrequited and love found. 12 songwriters combine with 8 producers to create a record that is as placid as it is disposable. "With You" and "Keep on Givin Lovin" are the strongest of the litter along with "Dream About You" also available in 12" remixes. While this collection is sure to find favor among those who enjoy overproduced love opuses while knocking back a Remy and coke, I'll take my brandy straight and original. (MC SC)

Danny Madden
These are the Facts of Life
Giant/Warner Bros. Records

It's records like this that make me think I'm serving a penance until I get on the Wax Trax mailing list. Whoa, Oahh, Whoa, let's get busy. Granted, Danny has a fine, no, a great voice, and it deserves to be recorded and played and sold to an appreciative audience. Mr. Madden is a fine songwriter with good concepts about love, peace, unity, caring and hope. The music is a funky soul that serves as a backdrop for his operatic tenor. Expect to find these tracks, most certainly the title track, creeping up on dance stations for their latenight romance music slots. Lot's of groovy cool production tricks here from the like of Dancin' Danny D, Dave Morales, Carl McIntosh, and Simon Law. If you're looking for sweet strings, layered background vocals and a candlelight dinner with that special sister, this might be your snifter of tea. (MC SC)

The Disposable Heroes of Hiphoprisy
Television, The Drug Of A Nation 12" remixes
4th & B'Way/Island Records

Another hip-hop act with the KXLU seal of approval (airplay) and I concur. I think Ray gave me this to review because I had done without a television for six months until I won a color remote model at my company picnic. So even if I am watching Jeopardy again, I would gladly trade it toward some MIDI equipment. Michael Franti and Rono Tse spin the bleak truth about the damaging effects of television on America in this tell-it-like-it-is slick groove on top of a slithery drum track. While the rhyme may be lacking, there's no misunderstanding the verbiage here. Corporate America has very few redeeming qualities: exploitation, oppression, deception and profit manipulation. Television is the the mind control drug of the corporate/government power brokers and they wield it with a vengeance. Public broadcasting exists only because of the largesse of multi-national corporations trying to whitewash their image. While this slab doesn't have that funky dancefloor boogie till you're stupid appeal, it is an important song and one that should be heard. Take the TV stations hostage and play this again and again until people shut off their boxes and get busy. (MC SC)

Eek-a-Mouse
U-Neek
Island Records

Slide a little rap production into the the semi-dub-nonsense style of Jamaica's flamboyant singer and emerge with a pleasant sometimes romantic and sometimes cynical view of the world. After years of playing the college circuits and regional reggae shows, this first major label release gained a lot of attention for the cartoonishly flavored cover of Led Zeppelin's "Dyer Maker." But this record is more than his trademark silliness, as evidenced by his love songs, "You're the Only One I Need," "Love Me" and "So Fine."
The hip-hop style gets some encouragement form songs like "Gangster Chronicles," and "So Fine." paving the way for well deserved radio crossover. "Border Patrol" slings back into the heavy reggae mood with a story of the singers problems with immigration when he comes to the country. Eek-A-Mouse paints good stories and few are as amusing in the braggart style as "No Problem," where he pines about being rich, ruling and and living the good life. He want to be the ruler of countries so that he can fix the world's problems. I don't see no problem with that, and I don't see any problem with this album. "U-Neek" is a pleasant mix of reggae styles with good stories and an amusing delivery. Let the bass kick. (MC SC)

Fun Foundation
Masterplan-12" Remixes
Pendulum/Elektra Records

With their multi colored 70's retro image and campy name, one hopes for a musical/style innovator, but insteads finds three singers in a producer's concept band.
Slick production and studio-smoothed vocals make for an easy-beat soul/rap project, but the product falls short of breaking new ground. While producer Rainer Preuss and a handful of musician/programmers have produced a clean and varied collection of Euro and urban dance sounds, it is an overtly commercial product. Singing is handled by James Readon, with Andrea Barker and Erin Lordan, former singers with Starlight Express (Remember the roller-skating musical?)
While the message is primarily aimed at making the body move, the words in "Masterplan" call for unity before the Lord and individual empowerment:
"Crush down the power of Satan and his way he taught
Lying, cryin, cheatin and dyin, that's just the way it is.I ain't lying
Throw down the guns and shoot with the Word
If You Don't, troubleWord!!!
(Chorus) People get ready, it's a masterplan, Doing the best that you can"
More pentacostal than baptist, this slab should do well on the dance charts but won't win the hearts of purists. (MC SC)

Marky Mark & The Funky Bunch
Music for The People
Interscope Records

If the best part about reviewing records is trading them in for better ones at the CD exchange, the worst part is listening to drivel like this. This sounds like NKOTB with a bad attitude. Hold on! It's Is! Marky Mark, founding member with with current New Kid and brother, Donnie Wahlberg producing. They've made a record with big fat beats and heavy production but, I probably find more humour in this record than Marky Mark intended. Listening to the bad-ass rhymes and his constant self assertion as a serious rapper is giggle and groan material. Sure, he tackles the real life problems of drugs, gangs, crime and the other afflictions that go along with under-education but the effect is more white bread rap. Revamping the Lou Reed classic "Walk on the Wild Side" with updated Boston lyrics deserves bamboo splints under the fingernails. Word! Word this sucker, if this is music for the people, include me out.

(Editor's note: this is propably the most scathing review I wrote and I'm glad to see that Mark Wahlberg has blossomed into well, a pretty talented actor. Still, I think it is a pretty funny review of a dreadful record.)

Material
The Third Power
Axiom/Island Records

Okay, where's the Remy? It's time for party and it's going to be filled with classy respectable musicians. On vocals alone, you've got the Jungle Brothers, Jalaluddin Mansur Nuriddin, Shabba Ranks, Bootsy Collins, Gary Shider, Gary Mudbone Cooper, and Jenny Peters. Throw in Sly and Robbie on the rhythm section and get Herbie Hancock and Bernie Worrell to tickle the ivories. Conduct some live brass, string, and horn sections and Voila! Bill Laswell has produced the all-star celebrity jam record with the eye of horus seal of approval. The music runs from the spaghetti reggae of "Reality" with Ennio Morricone's help to the jazzy electro funk instrumental of "Drive-By". Nothing bites too hard here but, the fat bass and smooth jazzy production make for a kinda groovy record for the CD changer. (MC SC)

Momma Stud
Cockadoodledo
Virgin

The silly name aside, you mix it up and what do you get? Cock-a-doodle-do, Yeah. Blues and funk and gospel and rock in a spin cycle to produce a soulful exercise in derivation. But this freshman release is more than what sounds like Sam and Dave b-sides isn't it? "Stormy" highlights the production talents of ex P-Funker Bernie Worrell with it's horns, layered vocals and smooth, crescending groove. This song probably best represents the bluesy societal angst that plagues this quintet. Kudos to to singer Saroyan Ernest Carter for his range and emotion.
If you loved "The Big Chill" soundtrack, you will find lots to enjoy here. I'll stick to the big beat and a fuzzbox, Oh lord yeah, wooo woo. (MC SC)

Resident Alien
It Takes a Nation of Suckers To Let Us In
DewDooMan/Columbia

Bringing more good-humored hip-hop from Strong Island, these two Jamaicans and an Antiguan mix up reggae and hip-hop in a record that is very listenable. Charting lyrics through domestice violence, machismo, food and your mama, Double B, Mr. Bugg and Dragon lay down rhymes that will hook your ear and crack a smile.
Fezzes off to producer Prince Paul for his creative mixing and sampling. The songs establish their own identities and musical pictures and are the backdrop for some whack statements and subtle barbs.
While some of the grooves take on serious issues, the emphasis is on fun. This trio should find a ready audience in those who enjoy the DeLa Soul and KMD. (MC SC)

Souled Out International
Shine On/12" remixes
Columbia

Dig away the layers of chorus, delay, doubling, flanging and reverb and find that Sarah Warwick does have a fine voice. Ooooh, Haaay, Mmmm. How how about those tasty drum lines? I could swear I've heard those drum lines and keyboard patches before. Wait a minute I have! This couldn't be one of those cheesy, let's make a record, producer driven, dancefloor market-driven slabs, could it? With music "programming" by Ricky Crespo and Fred McFarlane this record is brought to you by Sold Out Productions and if that isn't an admittance of guilt, What is? Enough questions. Shine On -- not. (MC SC)

Voice Farm
Bigger, Cooler, Weirder
Morgan Creek

At once, familiar and foreign, this freshman release for Morgan Creek records displays an eccentricity and sensibility that is laced with humor, easy beats, and a pop smoothness that is equally at home on the dancefloor as in the bedroom.
Fermented in the "Freethinker" movement of San Francisco, this trio has a host of accomplishments under its collective girdle. Last year they supported Depeche Mode on their entire US tour and have previous independent releases on the Ralph and Systematic labels. Charly Brown and Mike Reilly form the keyboarding/songwriting core and with the recent addition of Ken Weller on guitar/bass their techno/wacky dance sound gains a bit of string power.
From the opening line of"I have an immediate urge to fling off my bikini," in the song "Free Love," one can tell they are entering a world of abandon, understanding and cosmic transcendence. "Thank You" is an affirmation of the psycho-sociological exploration of the limits of personality/ego development. Like "Free Love," it contains sexual moaning and innuendo in a campy phone fantasy sense. "Come on a my house, gonna give you candy, kisses, licorice whips, candy caneseverything" is seduction with a sweet tooth. "Seeing is Believing" explores the positive mental reaction from nudism. While these are fun sexual themes, they are based on a larger belief.
"Hey Free Thinker," is their rappin, raison-d'etre where they lay down their manifesto,"Think right: express yourself, show your love, you are in control, go on out there and live it."
While a number of the songs use a fair amount of television imagery, nothings comes close to Marilynn Fowler's narrative "Ode to Buffy" twisting stories from Gilligan's island to the 60's Brian Keith show, Family Affair. In "King of the Rat Race," a jazzy TV secret agent theme underlies the slimy underworld of international soda-pop exploitation.
While this album will be hard pressed to find favor among straight-up hip-hoppers and hardcore dance junkies, it should find an audience who's tastes run from Depeche Mode to the B-52's.
(MC SC)

Ziggy Marley and the Melody Makers
Jahmekya
Virgin Records

Yah mon so we can make things betta for ourselves and our neighbors. Change comes from within, not forced from the outside. We can be seduced by this allure of a big beat and smooth production, reggae style. While this record would be considered reggae only in parts by purists, the Zigster and his tribe have enough roots to not worry about labels. Instead they concentrate on making a slick islands-flavored dance record. "Herbs'n'Spices", a song about lifestyle? What could it mean? "Jah is True and Perfect" is good for the gospel crossover but could use some more fatness. "Small People" sees the children inherit the earth. "Namibia" calls for the people to reclaim their country and perhaps is intended to raise concern about that country's brutal dictatorship. "Raw Riddim" throws down a good hip-hop backbeat courtesy of Ghetto Youths United but remix honors go to "Good Time", a funky crossover dance tune with better than average vocal treatments. With his recent performance at the Greeek Theatre, Ziggy and his tribe have proven again that they have more than inherited a place in the world reggae scene, they have earned it. (MC SC)

Music Writing 1992

The following is a non-alphabetical arrangement of the records listened to and concerts reviewed for Entertainment Today back in 1992. Some were published by Rich at that time. Some were not. That's what editors do. The complete archive is being presented for entertainment purposes only. Again, as in the 1991 writings, some are funny, some suck, and some are right on.

Pantera
Vulgar Display of Power
TCO/Atlantic Records

Relative newcomers to the punkish speed-metal scene, Pantera showcases some tight crunchy rock. With a sonic intensity, they explore society`s ills and misconceptions through songs like Rise where vocalist Philip Anselmo intones, "There are no tears for peace, or the common sympathies, educate, reinstate, educate." The Cowboys from Hell also explore some of the more esoteric aspects of the Life Cylcle with, "Burying us with loved ones, to sleep with shelled children of the sixth dimension," in By Demons Be Driven. All in All, a good head-banging effort with plenty of on-time breaks and vocals with a fury unleashed. - SC

Kerri Anderson
Labyrinth
Impact Records Produced by Randy Nicklaus

This freshman effort from Canadian singer-songwriter, Kerri Anderson, careens around the muscial map but, posses a lyric quality that is pleasant, although sometimes jarring. The pipes get a strong workout on Day by Day, but meloncholy consumes most of the material. The country pop sensibilities of Corner of Life shaowcase a fun style while contrasting with the haunting presence of Labyrinth or Ghosts. Kerri Anderson doesn't sound like a happy person,but the over slick arrangement precludes a deep convictional bond. -SC

Chic
Chic-ism
Warner Bros. Records

When the opening grooves of Chic Mystique hit you, from the ears to your feet, you cannot help moving to the beat and smile while you remember what made Chic one of the most respected bands to come out of the disco explosion in the late 70's. Guitarist Nile Rodgers and Bassist Bernard Edwards went on to produce many famous acts in the 80's but now for 1992 they've brought their lush dance sound back in can what be called a masterwork of production however misdirected in execution. The songs, Chic Mystique, Your Love and Jusagroove are full blown disco anthems with real string and horn sections with a rhythm and groove that makes them stand out in a sea of techno-bleep dance music. Hats and shirts off to vocalists Logan Sharp and Jenn Thomas for their sultry vocal seductions. The ballads and rap songs detract a bit from the album in a attempt to diversify, but the dance songs make the album worthhwile. -SC

Skinny Puppy
Last Rights
Nettwerk/Capitol Records

Is this a soundtrack to a horror movie or another production tour de force from those industrial-strength shock meisters, Skinny Puppy. It's much easier to visualize these songs after seeing them live with the blood and stage antics that have given them one of the most fearful stage shows this side of GWAR. Inquisition beats along gleefully desparate lyrics of oppression is getting deserved airplay on the more progressive stations in town. Love in Vein is also gloomily pleasant and cathartic in its pained tones. A Skinny Puppy newcomer may find it hard to believe that there are 7 other albums this excruciating oevre, but the joy is in the release. Like a piston in a cylinder, this music makes sparks. -SC

The Forester Sisters
I Got a Date
Warner Brothers

Heredity does have its advantages in beautiful vocal harmonies as exhibited by this quartet. This is their tenth album, although my first, and I was most impressed with the clean arrangements and pleasant messages. This toungue-in-cheek look at dating and country love is explored through songs like Redneck Romeo, Help Me Get Over You, and the title track. I really enjoyed their arrangement of I Only Have Eyes for You with the familiar melody and clean arrrangement. Overall, a solid hook-laden collection of clean tight pop-country ditties with clever a writing and straight forward production courtesy of Robert Byrne and Alan Schulman. -SC

Jules Shear
The Great Puzzle
Polygram Record

It seems that every recording with jangly guitars gets compared to The Byrds but I wont make that comparison. Oops. With solid easy-beat melodious pop from one of the better songwriters of the last decade, Jules Shear showcases his style in his first release since the pairing with Marty-Wilson Piper on The Third Party. The former Reckless Sleeper explores the anguish of relationships and the uncertainties of unrequited affection. The Trap Door and Jewel in the Cobweb stand out, but some listeners may prefer to listen to other artists (the Band, the Bangles, `til Tuesday, Cyndi Lauper) record his songs. It would appear that Jules Shear is pluggged back in. -SC

Waterlillies
Envoluptuousity
Sire Records

This cheeky duo is getting some deserved airplay with their housy Hip to My Way, an infectious groove with a double barbed hook. With vocals by Jill Alikas and all instruments by Ray Carroll, the songs on this album display how much sound two people can make. While the pace drops a bit after the shake your booty, Tired of You, Sunshine Like You, and Hip make this album a must listen. Spawned in the dark recess of New York's club scene and nurtured along the Eastern seaboard, this duo is helping to redefine what people can expect when viewing a "live" performance. While Ray knows his way around a midi patch bay, he also exudes some tasty guitar work. Add the oblique lyrical stylings of Jill and I can't wait for the remixes. (SC)

Adeva
Independent Woman 12"
Capitol Records

This single from the her album "Love or Lust" gets six remixes plus the bonus track, "No Good." What a wailer this singing diva is.
A-deva, get it? She lays down some sultry but bitchin vocals on top of a fat house track in this hot new single. Better known perhaps for her cover of "Respect," this gospel-flavored gal belts out an impressive sound with an alluring savviness. Already a huge success in the overseas house scene, this effort should see her gain more notoriety on this side of the pond. (SC)

Mark Chestnut
Longnecks and Short Stories
SBK/MCA Records

Mark Chestnut is an earnest country performer judging from his recent Tonight Show appearance and this MCA sophomore effort. His songs are short to the point, tales of country living and loving. Songs like, "Old Flames Have New Names," strikes a responsive chord in me while "Bubba Shot The Jukebox" conveys an emotion I feel some nights at the Frolic Room. Produced by Mark Wright, the more than two dozen musicians and singers paint arrangements that are refreshingly classic country with steel guitars and a real string section. Displaying the experience of a ten-year veteran of the honky tonk club scene, these songs seem destined to be covered by weekend country bands at the jukejoints that dot rural America. My two year stint at a country bar in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia tells me that this is a record that guys and dolls will pump quarters into jukeboxes to hear “their song.” (SC)

Billy Walker, Jr.
Untitled (Only because this was a pre-release cassette copy — it was the 1990s)

Composer-guitarist Billy )Walker, Jr. handles all the writing and production chores on this ten-song sampler of light jazz stylings. A long-time country, pop, rock and soundtrack session player, this is his fifth solo directed effort in as many years. While borrowing from classical and jazz motifs, he creates a New Adult Contemporary sound that is more punchy than one would expect from the more meditative connotations of so-called "new age music." "Hot Steel" is crunchy number building up to the more rocking, "Night Rider." With light instrumentation consisting of guitar, bass, keyboards and drums, he paints pictures with his instrumentals. One can imagine the ballerina twirling around on a music box on "Ballerina Dance," or an exotic Iberian dancer on "Marotta." This album would compliment a relaxing evening of wine and seduction, but don't expect to hear it at Sin-a-matic. (SC)

Holly Cole Trio
Blame It On My Youth
Manhattan/Capitol Records

This charming Canadian chanteuse captivates chords convincingly charting standards in a non-standard style. With Aaron Davis on piano and David Piltch stroking the stand-up bass, the trio create a full sound with Holly's haunting vocal style. Although not a great singer in comparison to the first ladies of jazz, Holly Cole's playful style turns old standards into fun interpretations of romance and obsession. Recently playing to a sold-out crowd at the Roxy here in Hollywood, she should continue attract a younger breed to her jazz interpretations. Her version of "Trust in Me," originally from Disney's Jungle Book, turns a children's fable into an adult tale of seduction. She continues to turn meanings inside out, covering Lyle Lovett's, "God Will," Tom Waits, "Purple Avenue" and Lerner and Lowe's "On the Street Where You Live." While jazz purists may stick their nose up at these revisions, those youthful in attitude will find something new to enjoy. (SC)

The Breeders
Safari EP
Elektra Records

Jangling and jarring guitars provide the punch with the Pixies', Kim Deal and company's plaintive vocals on this 4-song teaser. The follow-up to their 1990 debut, "Pod," this release features Tanya Donnelly (formerly of Throwing Muses), Josephine Wiggs and Kim's twin, Kelley Deal, together with drummer Mike Hunt. This 5-piece constructs garagey pop songs on the edge of hysteria. While the production seems a bit over sound effected, the songs are basic rocking tunes that glide from dreamieness to crunchy camp confusion. A tasty EP that can find a home in the quirky section of your record collection . (SC)

The Army of Lovers
Massive Luxury Overdose
Giant/Warner Bros

From toungue-in-cheek to toungue in your ear, the dozen sampled dance cuts on this disc traipse through a happy land where love is free and anguish seems a facade. While their martyr spirit is illustrated in songs like "Dynasty of Plant Chromada" or their radio hit, "Crucified," the campy joy shines through in songs like, "Candyman Messiah" and the Caribbean/African b-movie soundtrack, "Walking With A Zombie." With it's varied stles and influences, this album is very easy to listen to without getting bogged too far down in ballads or badly programmed MIDI. With music by Alexander Bard and Jean-Pierre Barda, the band is fronted, quite voluptuously, by the Countess Michaela Dornonville De La Cour, who provides a rich sexiness to her vocal delivery and her rumour mill. (SC)

Mitsou
Mitsou
Hollywood Records

Zut Alors! Une vamp de chansons. Une minette nouveau . While "Deep Kiss," and "Dis-Moi, Dis-Moi" punch out the kinky jams, the middle of the album is silly filler although "Terre Des Hommes" seems a musical homage to Plastic Bertrand, the 70's French proto-punker. This Montreal based seductress sings half of her songs in French and half in English but most are sung with a materialistic naiviete as in "Mercedes Benz," `Oh Lord wont you buy me a Mercedes Benz, My friends all drive Porsches. I must make make amends." This sassy blonde has gained some media attention for her nude scenes from the video for her Canadian top 40 hit "Dis-Moi, Dis-Moi" and is sure to be popular with teenage girls as they try to figure out what dirty things she is singing in French. Why this could be bigger than `Voulez-vous couchez' or perhaps not. Most probably not. (SC)

Mitsou
Live Review
Mitsou In Person at the Shark Club

Mitsou made a short tasty appearance at the Shark Club last Saturday, giving the Los Angeles audience a chance to see the Canadian chanteuse in the flesh. She was attired nattily in black stockings, heels, a natural corset with black lace trim and a faux fur zip-front minijacket. The bustierre was tasselled in small jewel clusters. Her hair was done in neo-bun style with enough loose strands on top to move to her beat. Being this was a track show (that is the performer lip-synching to tape with some live feed without any band or pretension of live playing) , Mitsou still possesesed an exuberent spirit. She is far more entertaining a performer than the singer sho stares at her shoes or at the spotlight twelve feet in front of her. Her choreography was well constructed as she cruised the length of the barren stage making the most of her room. She opened the set with "Dis-moi, Dis-moi," her French top-ten Canadian hit. She worked the crowd well, although the crowd didn't seem to know how to react. Some of the audience then dropped their guard and moved to the stage for her second number, "Mercedez Benz," and were rewarded with Mitsou's bare shoulders. As exciting as this was, she truly moved into the sex-kitten groove when she slid into her current radio smash, "Deep Kiss." Sultry and smouldering, Mitsou laid forth her charms in a determined manner, like a cat stalking her prey. Three songs, a wave and it's over, etching into the minds of those present, the magic of Mitsou, and giving a taste of what's to come when she returns later this summer with a full band and stage show.

Chaka Khan
The Woman I Am
Warner Bros

"Everything Changes" kicks off this 13 track bowl of soul. And while somethings don't change, like the quality of Chaka's voice, this music changes direction in small stylistic nuances. "Give Me All" is a strong contender with it's big snappy house beat. "Love You All My Lifetime" gets down with it's funky groove with disco guitar and strings. Most of the remainder of the album consists of ballads and down-tempo stuff that gets a little soupy after a while. It's been four years since her last release, "CK." This record was created by close to a dozen producers including Chaka's exec. producucer credit but all the cooks fail to raise the excitement level . There are the strong aforementioned singles, so program them into the disc player.(SC)

Vova Nova
Vova Nova
Chameleon/Elektra

When vocalist Libba Walker lays down the metallic rap ala Wendy-O on "Propaganda Machine," the album portends of serious social commentary but soons regresses to a sophomoric or comic book simplicity. With lines like, "Are you a cop, or are you my mother?" or "wrap that rascal, wrap that rascal, maybe it won't come so fast," some could be moved to giggle. The music is a northeastern overblown funk metal with an infectious groove, infectious, unless you've developed an immunity from this genre already.Still, the musicianship is first rate with a tight rhythm section and some tasty guitar work from Glenn Butts. Libba explores some varied vocal stylings and packs quite a bit of punch into her delivery. This album is more interesting than many of the funk/metal groups that have appeared recently and is a good label debut. (SC)

Roxanne
Go Down But Don't Bite It
Select Records

Roxanne is back. The Real Roxanne that is. One of the better known lady rappers has returned with some friends and a party theme. Exec Producer, Chubb Rock, gets some good variety in rap stylings but is strongest with the street level style. The Chubbster also adds his crotchety cool rapping on the "Gear" duet. Roxanne makes the most of what was written for her. The title track is an amusing story on breaking in someone for cunnilingus and she sounds convincing. Still, when she intones, "I want to be controversial, like Richard Nixon, Nixon, Nixon," it's hard to take this story without dissin. Word. Influx maybe the the dope expression for bucks, but the track "Influx" is as imaginative as reading the phone book. Still, the record bounces back with "Where There's a Will," with it's get-busy beat and some of the better vocal gymnastics. There are some bright spots here, but Roxanne could shine with stronger material.(SC)

Meryn Cadell
Angel Food For Thought
Sire Records

Yet another charming Canadian chanteuse, althought her style is far from Holly Cole or Mitsou. While the opening track "Secret" prepares one for a folksy, earthy 20 tracks, the album quickly propels itself into a topsy-turvy world of fun girl-oriented storytelling. Delivered in spritely style, these are stories on speed about witty fantasies like "Flight Attendant" where Meryn talks about why she would rather serve drinks and pillows that be a sister of mercy. "Being in Love" illustrates the relationship between affection and responsibility; parental discretion advised. These tracks are all so amusing especially, "Job application," "The Pope." and the new radio smash, "The Sweater." But this is more than a comedy album. Meryn has a sweet voice and the arrangements provide a pleasant backdrop to her musings. This album should be played repeatedly in a quiet room so you can catch all of the cleverness that is the angel food for thought. (SC)

Dee-Lite
Infinity Within
Elektra

That groove-a-delic NYC trio is back with a new disc, chock-a-block of tasty new samples and jazzy dance stylings. With fourteen tracks this is a better music value than the previous 8 track "World clique." While the songs bounce along with a fair amount of energy, there doesn't seem to be the top-ten hook flavor on many. Granted "I Had A Dream I Was Falling Through A Hole In The Ozone Layer" and "Rubber Lover" are getting some airplay, the songs aren't quite as infectious as say, "Groove is In The Heart." Nonetheless, it is a pleasure to hear Lady Kier's breathy vocals and the imaginative looping of DJ Dimitry and Towa Towa Tei. The Eco-Pack packaging is a bonus with a pullout songbook that features a special thanks section more lengthy than most rapper's, acknowledging everyone from the Grateful Dead to Jimmy Carter. If you loved the first album, you'll like this one. Socially and politically correct, it's 60 minutes of dee-groovieness. (SC)

This is Techno Volume 2
Continu'um Records

Called such, perhaps because it is technology that makes this music so abundant and easy to produce. While Techno is acknowledged as originating in Detroit, New Beat in Belgium, Euro-Disco in Italy, and Rave in the UK, when you compile 11 artists (Artists, since "bands" aren't the primary form) from those four places on the same album the result is a remarkably similar dance groove energy. When you hear these songs at raves it is sometimes hard to discern the pure song because of the intricacies of the mixes but here in 11 disctint tracks the imaginative quality is quite apparent. Desired States, "Turn On" and Plexus, "Cactus Rhythm" and Euphoiria's, "Euphoria" are especially trance-like. If you don't want guitars or lyrics to bog you down while you dance, This album is a good place to start. (SC)

The Sullivan Years
The Best of Broadway
TVT Records

TVT Records is distribting a line of CD complilations featuring performances from The Ed Sullivan Show including Big Band, The British Invasion, Comedy Classics and two Volumes of Broadway classics. This Volume features the original or replacement casts from the Broadway shows, distinct in that they performed live on television, away from their original stages and orchestra. The live MCing, guest chat and audience laughter between the songs gives the allusion of listening to the radio but proves to be somewhat distracting from the fluidity of the music. The songs are great selections for singing along and is a good best of if you don't want to buy dozens of Brfoadway cast albums. A Good Shew. (SC)

Live Concert Review Peter Murphy /Machines of Loving Grace
The Greek Theatre July 3, 1992

The crowd jumped to its collective feet as the opening strains of "Low Room" floated over the near capacity crowd of the Greek Theatre last weekend. The band and the man were in fine form as they played mostly selections from "Deep" and his newest RCA release "Holy Smoke." Especially powerful was "The Line Between the Devil's Teeth," "Deep Ocean, Vast Sea" and "Sweetest Drop" which featured Peter Murphy on an extended conga break. "Final Solution" got acrobatic when a stagehand came out, put Peter on his shoulder and spun him around like an airplane. The sound was powerful as Peter Bonas and usually keyboardist, Paul Stratham rocked out a two guitar assault. Eddie Branch thumped out a a slightly more syrupy bass than on the the records, but the bottom end was solid with the last performances of drummer Teri Bryant, who is moving on. Peter Murphy was aloof yet alluring as fans tried to grasp his hands or hug him as they ran across the stage before being bounced out. The man has cool moves and he knows it. His dance style might look funny elsewhere but with him, it's expected. The 5-song encore was satisfying as he returned to the stage shirtless under a cape and smoking a cigarette with "Cuts You Up" eliciting the best crowd response. Last minute Nymph relacements, Machines of Loving Grace, pounded out an upbeat fury with their industrial flavored rock. Samples and looping made for some interesting tracks and the strongest songs songs seemed to focuse on unmet needs. "All I Really Need Is Your Love," went over well and the band should benefit well from these two weeks of touring with the godfather. (SC)

World Beat `92
The Greek Theater
Thursday, July 30, 1992

There was love in the air at the Greek on Thursday, but not love like, say, Motley Cruë might sing about. It was the one-love of feeling unity and harmony through music and rhythms. As headliner Jimmy Cliff said, "The world has fallen short of love," and then he and his Oneness band went into, "What the World Needs Today is a Higher and Deeper Love." This got the the crowd singing along as it did on "Save Our Planet Earth," "Many Rivers to Cross," and of course, "The Harder They Come." Jimmy and the band concocted a thick mix of rock energy and reggae and had the best dance moves of the evening. The few acoustic numbers displayed some limitations of Jimmy's range, but provided pleasant respites from standing and dancing to the whole show. Burning Spear developed some serious guitar and percussion grooves that moved the body collective. Burning Spear, full of the charismatic energy that makes it hard to be unhappy while listening to reggae, But while the energy in each song continued to build, it always seem to cut off a little bit short. Also impressive were the the horn section, keyboards and the multi-person rhythm section especially the effortlessly fluid bass lines. Nigerian Newcomers, Majek Fashek and the Prisoners of Conscience band, whipped up some early excitement with their dynamic percussion breaks and the exotic unsampled sound of a talking drum. Openers, Toots and the Maytals, laid down a soulful reggae tip during the early sunny set that started the 4 hour music festival. (SC)

Swing Out Sister
Get in Touch With Myself
Polygram Records

The opening flanging, soulful rhythms of "Get in Touch With Myself" set the tone for this sophisticated collection of groovy jazz-flavored pop numbers. While the core of the group is vocalist, Corrine Drewery and keyboardist/programmer, Andy Connell, this album features a rich production featuring real strings, horn, bass and guitars. The orchestra arrangements on "Everyday Crime" and "Circulate' add even more lush values to this Paul O'Duffy produced tribute to exposing emotions through arrangements. And expose is what Corrine Drewery does with a strong voice that moves through the octaves effortlessly singing of personal joys and sorrows and twisting themes of cheating to lines like, "You let your love circulate." "Don't Say a Word" gets a bit more housy in the mix, but with that live soul feeling that makes this album musically honest. and a pleasant relaxing hour of new standards. The album was three years in the waiting but he wait proves to be worth it. (SC)

Jimmy Scott
All The Way
Blue Horizon Records

One feels catapulted back in time to a smoky jazz club of the fifties with the straight acoustic sounds of piano, drums, standup bass, sax and some guitar to provide the sparse jazz foundation that steers the sounds around Jimmy Scott's incredible voice. Jimmy Scott started in in 1948 singing with Lionel Hampton's band where he was billed as a teenager while being a married 25-year old. His distinctive high voice was often mistaken as that of a woman on records and as he told NPR entertainment interviewer, Terri Gross on Fresh Air a few weeks back, many thought he was a woman singing as a man. Granted, his vocal style has not changed much since he was a teenager and his voice can easily be mistaken for that of a woman , but it's this high styling that provided inspiration for such acts to follow as Frankie Lymon, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder and others. Highlights on this album include the Gershwins' "Embraceble You" and "Someone to Watch Over Me." The record includes seven other jazz standards including the Sammy Cahn title track, "All The Way." The record is an impressive piece of work from an artist that has been long overdue for over twenty years. (SC)

 

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