The Return of 90s Rock

Spring 2010 is apparently the period where every 90s rocker decides to try their hand in the new decade. In this case, we have new works by Smashing Pumpkins, Hole, and Melissa Etheridge, each creating 'back-to-basics' albums reuniting them with the sounds which made them famous.



Melissa Etheridge
"Fearless Love" album
Released: April 27th, 2010





Melissa Etheridge has never really taken a break from recording since her 1988 debut. However, not since 1995's "Your Little Secret" has Etheridge attempted to record an album of her trademark anthemic rock. From the urgent opening track "Fearless Love", the listener is prepared for a tidal wave of electric guitars, drums and Etheridge's signature Joplin-esque voice. Etheridge continues the momentum with Bruce Springsteen inspired "The Wanting of You" through the playful ZZ Top guitar riff on "Nervous". After seven classic rock anthems, the album completely falls flat and never picks itself back up. Etheridge ends with five rather lackluster mid-tempo tracks that struggle to achieve the grandiose nature of the first half of the album. While her efforts are duly noted, the collection as a whole suffers from a fading of cohesion.

Watch video for "Fearless Love"


Hole
"Nobody's Daughter" album
Released: April 27th, 2010





Quite simply: the biggest disappointment in a 90s rock band reunion. First of all, Courtney Love is the only remaining member of Hole. So essentially, this is Love's second solo album with a thrown-together group of musicians under the band moniker which made her music famous. (She had to do this; especially since her 2004 solo debut tanked.) Love began writing "Nobody's Daughter" in 2005. Early demos received glowing reviews, marking the album as an instant classic. Critics praised the gentle acoustic sound and personal lyrics. After years of struggling to get the work released, Love retooled the songs into a thrashing hour of relentless crap. Love's once incredible voice has been reduced to hoarse shrieks. The only thing going for this album is the perfectly fine tuned players and production of the instruments.

Listen to "Skinny Little Bitch"


Smashing Pumpkins
"Songs For A Sailor" ep
Released: May 25, 2010





Similarly to Courtney Love, Billy Corgan of the Smashing Pumpkins is the sole remaining member of his 90s breakthrough band. However, in this case, Corgan has proved he never needed the other band members to write incredible music. Sure, since the Pumpkins split in 2001, Corgan has had some misses with Zwan and his solo album. But, forget all of that.
"Songs For A Sailor" is a four-track ep that previews the direction of Corgan's grand 44 song opus "Teargarden By Kaleidyscope." Since December 2009, Corgan has released these tracks for free download on the Pumpkins website. Opening with the Led Zeppelin inspired "A Song For A Son," Corgan has resurrected his career from the ground up. "Astral Planes" is an experiment in 70's psychedelic rock, followed by the pop friendly "Widow Wake My Mind." The ep ends with the brilliant acoustic track "A Stitch In Time." I recommend downloading these songs while they are still free!

Listen and download ep

Nada hit

Janet Jackson
"Nothing" single
Released: March 23rd, 2010






Poor thing. Miss Jackson just can't seem to get a break. Ever since exposing herself at the Superbowl in 2004, Janet hasn't had one hit song. The dance-packed "Feedback" came close...but ultimately failed in comparison to prior chart toppers. So now, Jackson is trying to reclaim her success with a ballad that oozes of her 90s hits, "Again" and "Everytime." And if it were still 1993, this song would undoubtedly be #1. However, it's 2010 and the current music consumer isn't too interested in hushed R & B ballads. "Nothing" brings Jackson a new-found innocence void of the sexually charged lyrics of late. Her breathy approach to singing is gentle and refreshing, perfectly complementing the simple music arrangement. Unfortunately, this nostalgic 90s throwback ballad is not going to give Jackson the attention she so desperately is trying to reclaim.

Watch the video

These Boots Were Made For Dancin'!

Little Boots
"Hands" album
Released: March 2nd, 2010





Move over Lady Gaga, there's a new kid in town. Actually, Little Boots is not that new to the UK, however, she is finally making her American debut. Like Gaga, Boots is a multi-talented pop singer/songwriter who combines guilty hooks with high fashion. Unlike Gaga, her style and music rely on subtleties and not over-the-top extravagance. Boots is an incredible musician to watch, as she navigates keyboards, synthesizers and the unusual Tenori-on. Her keen pop sensibilities shine throughout her debut. Opening with the stellar "New In Town," Boots establishes herself as a force to be reckoned with. The album swirls through 12 addictive 80s inspired songs. Little Boots even brings on Phil Oakley from the Human League for a duet that dares to rival their 1981 hit, "Don't You Want Me." Other notable tracks are the house-influenced "Stuck On Repeat", lyrically clever "Mathematics" and top ten UK hit, "Remedy." Keep an eye out for this one, these boots have more mileage to go.

Watch video for "New In Town"

The Resurrection of Cash

Johnny Cash
"American VI: Ain't No Grave" album
Released: February 23rd, 2010





Like a phoenix rising from the ashes, arrives the second posthumous Johnny Cash album, "American VI: Ain't No Grave." I typically ignore albums released after an artist's death. Typically, they consist of poorly written songs that were never meant to see the light of day. Michael Jackson's "This Is It" single is the most current example of such crap.
However, in this case, these tunes were supposed to have been released. And thankfully, they have been. During the final months of his life, Johnny Cash recorded a beautiful and heartbreaking collection of covers and one original.
Opening with the brilliant arrangement of Claude Ely's "Ain't No Grave", Cash declares that even death won't hold him down. The folky Avett Brothers add a layer of bone-chilling chains, footsteps, and banjo. Throughout the entire "American" series, Cash faces his impending death head on. Producer Rick Rubin's naked presentation highlights the frailty of Cash in his last moments. One can hear each tender crack in Cash's voice. Rubin has allowed the listener to feel as if they were in a living room with Cash during his final performance. Although most songs are about death, the album isn't nearly as depressing as it sounds. Ending with the famous Hawaiian theme "Aloha 'Oe" the album closes on a slightly humorous and uplifting note. Thanks to Rubin, Cash's incredibly prolific career comes to a respectful and dignified end on "American VI".


Listen to "Ain't No Grave"

Worldwide disaster

Artists for Haiti
"We Are The World 25" single
Released: February 12th, 2010





If this song represents who we are in the world, I'm purchasing real estate on Neptune. Although well-intentioned, this vapid cover of Michael Jackson's sing-along is a seven minute disaster of Haiti proportions. Instead of embarrassing themselves in a Hollywood studio, these musicians should have flown to Haiti in their private jets and actually lent a hand.
Opening with creepy 15 year old YouTube sensation, Justin Bieber, this classic is off to a doomed start. As with the original, a who's-who in music trade verses and duet. However, this poorly planned cover is missing a complete lineup of A-list stars that made the 1985 version such a success. Surprisingly absent are Beyonce, Lady Gaga, Bono etc. Sure, the 2010 version has Pink, Mary J Blige and Jennifer Hudson, but not even they can stop this train wreck. One cringes as Celine Dion takes over Cyndi Lauper's iconic hiccuping, or when Janet Jackson sings along with Michael's original verse. And don't get me started on the ridiculous rap interlude and auto-tuned vocals of T-Pain and Lil' Wayne. It is the definition of blasphemy.
I wish I could be proud of buying this song for $1.29 to help those in Haiti. However, I feel cheated and am going to donate money through someone else.

Watch the video

Bursting His Bubble

Rob Zombie
"Sick Bubblegum" single
Released: January 12th, 2010





I was never much of a heavy metal fan. Probably because it typically lacked the melodic hooks and harmonies I was attracted to...and it made me want to flip over school buses and pummel innocent people to the ground. But then along came Rob Zombie: a death-rocker who infused his songs with catchy scream-along choruses and traditional pop sensibilities. Singles "Living Dead Girl" and "Never Gonna Stop" broke through to the mainstream and proved that metal could actually be fun. This brings us to his latest boredom of a song, "Sick Bubblegum." A tired rehashing of crunchy guitars and incoherent screaming. Typically, Zombie layers his songs with atypical instruments to the metal genre: synthesizers, tambourines, strings etc. "Sick Bubblegum" contains no surprises, no hooks, just uninspired noise.

Listen to "Sick Bubblegum"

Booze Hound

Ke$ha
"Animal" album
Released: January 5th, 2010





On her debut album, Ke$ha opens by proclaiming "Maybe I need some rehab, or maybe just need some sleep" and from there she pounds out 14 booze-fueled party tracks. Her lead single "TiK ToK" has already broken records with the best weekly download sales of any female artist in history. Not too bad for a rookie. So, is this trashy-chic songstress a one hit wonder, or is there more in store?
Judging by "Animal," Ke$ha has some room for improvement. While her carefree party attitude is amusing, it grows tiresome over the span of 14 songs. While there are plenty of radio-friendly tracks on this album, nothing quite reaches the originality of "TiK ToK". However, her humorous lyrics do set her apart from her contemporaries. After all, who else has admitted to brushing their teeth with Jack Daniels?

Watch music video for "TiK ToK"

Cold Case Love

Rihanna
"Rated R" album
Released: November 20th, 2009





Chris Brown
"Graffiti" album
Released: December 8th, 2009





Only 10 months after their infamous domestic abuse incident, Chris Brown and Rihanna have each released new albums. In February, these two musicians (and lovers) were at the top of their game, both riding the wave of fame after madly successful albums. And then the violent fists of Brown brought their careers to a crushing halt. To ignore this incident is nearly impossible when comparing their latest works. How does the victim respond to her abuser? And how does the abuser make amends to his victim?

On "Rated R", Rihanna has transformed into a true artist. The 'good girl' pop princess is no more. Forget the frivolous party songs "Don't Stop the Music" and "Umbrella." This is a woman who has something to get off her chest, and she does so remarkably. Rihanna's courageous confessionals of an abusive love permeate throughout the album. It allows the listener to finally connect with her on a personal level, outside of the clubs and in the privacy of one's own sacred space. The music itself contains dense beats, haunting synths, and eerie chord arrangements galore. This is not to say Rihanna has completely abandoned her pop roots...far from it; she's now the one packing the punch.

In ignorant contrast, is Chris Brown's "Graffiti." Attempting to sweep his malice under the rug, Brown continues with his sexualized R & B jams. "Sing Like Me," "Wait," and "Take My Time" are just a few examples of Brown's carnal objectifications of women. The lyrics themselves aren't necessarily offensive, it's the context. A man who just recently beat up his girlfriend does not need to be singing about being such a suave ladies man. It's simply disgusting. This is all a real shame, because musically, Brown still has the touch for catchy tunes. "I.Y.A." and "Crawl" rank among his best songs. Too bad he's an unremorseful creep.

Watch music video for Rihanna's "Russian Roulette"
Watch music video for Chris Brown's "I'll Transform Ya"

Soft Rebellious Stoner

John Mayer
"Who Says" single
Released: October 13th, 2009





John Mayer has done the impossible: He's created a stoner song that stoners and non-stoners alike can jam to together. A perfect blend of rebellion in his lyrics and haziness in his voice make this song his best yet. His laid-back defiance is a beautiful contradiction. The self-referential lyrics aren't rebellious in the grand sense of solving hunger or obtaining world peace. Mayer simply wants freedom from the pressures of society. Who can't relate to that? To further the concept, Mayer's gentle acoustic guitar playing and a hushed beat provide the perfect accompaniment.

Watch music video

My Robot Friend loves you

My Robot Friend
"Soft-Core" album
Released: October 13th, 2009

It's not often an independent artist creates a masterpiece so worthy of attention, that you'd wish the whole world loved them as much as you did. My Robot Friend's third release, "Soft-Core," is that secret album of genius.

The music varies from beautiful synthesized soundscapes ("Astronaut," "Sleepwalker") reminiscent of Moby, to cynical sing-along anthems ("Boyfriend," Failure".) Previous efforts have leaned towards pure electro-clash, void of the lush harmonies and swelling arrangements found on "Soft-Core." This album isn't so much a departure, but an evolution. My Robot Friend has found his human heart and has poured it into these brilliant electro-pop songs.

Watch music video for "Robot High School"

We Are Creepy!

Mika
"We Are Golden" single
Released: September 6th, 2009





I'm not sure what is more of a mess: the song or the music video that accompanies it. The two are pretty despicable. First of all, let me make it clear that I typically adore musicians that aren't afraid to be flamboyant and over-the-top. And I didn't think Mika would be an exception to that rule... however he has gone so ridiculous it's absolutely cringe-inducing. "We Are Golden" assaults the listener with Mika's schizo falsetto and shrieks, a screaming children's choir, a creepy spoken word bridge to the chorus, and cheesy lyrics full of self-empowerment and teenage triumph. And that's just the song. I can't ignore the alarming music video. The video is set in a children's bedroom chock full of teddy bears, toys and colorful masks/props... OH, and Mika dancing in his underwear. I'm sorry, but it just freaks me out when a scantily-clad grown man is prancing about in his boxers in a child's room. No matter how innocent the intent of this video may have been, it's just down right disturbing.

Watch music video

Baggage claim, please

Dolores O'Riordan
"No Baggage" album
Released: August 24th, 2009





Throughout popular music there have been several lead vocalists who have gone solo and been successful (Beyonce, Stevie Nicks, Justin Timberlake...to name a few.) Then there have been those who just can't seem to distinguish themselves from their former band members. Which brings us to Dolores O'Riordan of The Cranberries. Since the band's hiatus in 2003, O'Riordan has struck out on her own.

On her second solo album, "No Baggage," O'Riordan crafts some wonderfully harmonious tunes. The album kicks off with the one-two punch of "Switch Off the Moment" and "Skeleton." From here, the songs waiver between soft piano driven ballads and world-music inspired jams. Unlike her first solo effort, O'Riordan is taking some risks that separate her music from the Cranberries. The hypnotizing tribal beats of "Throw Your Arms Around Me" is one of the album's highlights. However, the tunes are still missing the beautiful guitar hooks and shimmering pop moments of the work with her former band. Perhaps it's no coincidence then that on the day this album was released, O'Riordan announced the Cranberries were reforming for a tour and recording a new album. O'Riordan's solo work is definitely worth a listen, but thankfully she's returning to the band that made her famous.

Watch music video for "The Journey"

Return of the Divas

In the past five years, gangsta hip hop has been fading out of the mainstream and is returning to a more dance-conscious state. Newcomers like Lady Gaga would have never had a chance in 2004 (she probably would of been the victim of a 50 Cent gangbang lyric.) And so now, I present to you the return of the diva to mainstream radio. And it seems they all have had a new single/album this month! Here is a sampling:

Mariah Carey
"Obsessed" single
Released: July 6th, 2009





With all of it's attitude and sexiness, this track has the potential to make an instant summer diva classic... so why didn't it become Mariah's 19th #1? Perhaps it's because the producers took a woman who is capable of singing 5 octaves and jumbled her voice into that of a robot. I have no problem with the use of the vocoder, in fact it works amazingly for Shakira...but for Mariah? Really? Her stunning vocal ability needs to be set free, not crunched with mechanical bleeps and blips. Next!

Shakira
"She-Wolf" single
Released: July 14th, 2009




Now, here is the surprise single of the summer. I must admit, I've always felt very neutral about Shakira's music. I moderately enjoyed "Whenever Wherever Whoever" whatever the hell it was called. And "Hips Don't Lie" eventually grew on me after I stopped wondering what kind of lie they might tell. But, "She-Wolf" is an instant classic. Here is a song where the vocoder is used perfectly to enhance the voice and other musical instrumentation. The feral vocal performance and slick dance beats make this track a smash. One word for this song: Fierce!

Madonna
"Celebration" single
Released: July 31st, 2009





Here is a phenomenal Madonna song you won't hear in the good ol' USA. Why, do you ask? When Madonna writes a euro-house dance track with the brilliant Paul Oakenfold, American radio stations aren't interested. Take for instance her 2005 single, "Hung Up." It was a #1 song in 45 countries, made the Guiness Book of World Records and then peaked at mere a #7 in the USA. And unfortunately, "Celebration" is doomed to repeat history. "Celebration" combines the uplifting joy of "Holiday," the sexy spoken-word of "Justify My Love" and the guiltless dance beats of "Into the Groove." Are you ready to dance?

Whitney Houston
"Million Dollar Bill" single
Released: August 18th, 2009





While Mariah, Shakira, and Madonna all went for variations of contemporary dance music, Whitney comes at us with a song straight out of Studio 54 circa 1977. Perhaps she's channeling her former cocaine days with this moon-and-the-spoon track. Whatever her inspiration, she has a stunning comeback song that somehow fits quite comfortably alongside her diva contemporaries. Similarly to Mariah, it's her voice that she is known for. And here it sounds incredible. The chorus is undeniably one of the catchiest of her career. You'll be saying "Oh Ohh Ohhhh!"

Watch video for Mariah Carey's "Obsessed"
Watch video for Shakira's "She-Wolf"
Watch video for Madonna's "Celebration"
Watch video for Whitney Houston's "Million Dollar Bill"

'Til My Head Falls Off

Yeah Yeah Yeahs
"Heads Will Roll" single
Released: June 29th, 2009





There I was in Hastings one day when I heard this incredible song pulsating from their speakers. The voice immediately grabbed me... was it Siouxsie Sioux... no, not quite witchy enough... who could this be? I found myself bobbing my head, strutting from aisle to aisle with the throbbing punk meets dance beat. Then the Hasting's guy reminded me... it's the Yeah Yeah Yeahs! Of course, how could I confuse Karen O.'s distinctive voice? "Heads Will Roll" is perhaps the groups strongest single of their nearly decade career. The teasing synth introduction with Karen O.'s demanding call for decapitation sell the song immediately. From there are calls to "dance, dance, dance 'till your dead!." Just don't be surprised if your head really does fall off in the process.

Watch music video
(Be sure to watch the incredible "Thriller"-esque video!!)

Wait for zzzzz's....

Moby
"Wait For Me" album
Released: June 30th, 2009





Finally, a cure for insomnia! Just when you thought you had tried everything, along comes the new Moby album to put you fast asleep!
In making his 9th album, "Wait For Me," Moby stated he wanted to make an album that was 'really emotional and beautiful'. While there are a few snippets here and there, the record as a whole is a complete bore. These are songs Moby has written before. How many times can he use swelling strings, dreamy synths, and vocal samples from black churches? The fourth track, "Study War," is the worst offender. Hasn't Moby used this same string pad and chord progression on nearly every song off of his outstanding albums "Play" and "18"? Usually, you can't blame a guy for being consistent... as long as you can see some sort of maturity and growth. In this case, it sounds as if Moby himself is asleep at the keyboard.
Despite my harsh criticisms, there are a few worthy tracks: "Shot in the Back of the Head," "Wait For Me," and "Jltf." Do yourself a favor and stop spending money on expensive sleeping pills... buy "Wait For Me."

Watch music video for "Shot In The Back Of The Head" (directed by David Lynch)

2nd time around proves MAGNIFICENT

U2
"Magnificent" single
Released: May 18th, 2009





Let's for a moment pretend that "Magnificent" is the first single from U2's latest album, "No Line On The Horizon"...because, plainly, "Get On Your Boots" was pure rubbish. It certainly wasn't the chart topping lead single of albums past. But, here we are with "Magnificent", an instant classic. With Bono's soaring vocals singing of love and beauty, and the sonic guitars of the Edge, we have a tune to rejoice about. While I admire that U2 took a risk by releasing "Boots" first, "Magnificent" would've certified them much higher album sales...although they certainly aren't hurting. However, this is the kind of U2 song that blows sales out of the water. The tune carries a pure euphoric joy. You can imagine the band in the recording studio grinning from ear-to-ear at what they have just done. Let's just hope the radio stations have forgiven them for "Boots" and add "Magnificent" to their playlists.

Watch music video

Abnormally attracted to tedium

Tori Amos
"Abnormally Attracted To Sin" album
Released: May 19th, 2009




As a longtime fan of Tori Amos, I must confess I'm rather bemused by her latest release, "Abnormally Attracted To Sin." On her tenth studio album, Amos ventures into ethereal, prog rock territory. Amos has stated in interviews that the album is meant to be a sonic 'steam bath.' With a focus on sultry vocals, spacey synths and lyrics about temptation, she succeeds.
However, the problem with this entire release is the tedious 72 minute, 17 track length. If one were to play the entire album while in a steam bath, they'd end up pruned beyond recognition. Amos' inability to pare down her songs hinder her from creating a solid masterpiece.
The albums opening track, "Give," perfectly sets the tone for the proposed atmospheric, subdued journey. Several incredible arrangements follow, but good luck in staying awake long enough hear them. Amos asks a lot of patience from her fans. If you can't make it through the entire release, be sure not to miss "500 Miles," "Mary Jane," and the straight-out-of-Twin Peaks closer, "Lady In Blue."

Watch music video for "Welcome To England"
As a bonus, Amos has included stunning 'visualettes' for each song, sans "Mary Jane." If you are to purchase the album, spend the extra $5 and buy the Deluxe DVD edition.

Green Day's average enemy

Green Day
"Know Your Enemy" single
Released: April 16th, 2009





Opening with a bombastic drum beat, "Know Your Enemy," sets out to be Green Day's triumphant return since 2004's "American Idiot." And in many ways, it is... except the political nature of the lyrics don't carry as much weight as they did under the Bush administration. Green Day's long-time fascination with anti-war rhetoric is assuredly still relevant, considering the USA is still active in Iraq. The topic just isn't as edgy anymore. However, Green Day has crafted a catchy rock anthem that will rank alongside their greatest hits. With an anti-establishment, fist-raising chorus and power chords galore, "Know Your Enemy" is sure to charge to the top of the rock charts.

Watch music video

Darkness and Light

Pet Shop Boys
"Yes" album
Released: April 21st, 2009





Depeche Mode
"Sounds of the Universe" album
Released: April 21st, 2009





This week marks new releases from two British bands who pioneered the electronic, synth driven music of the 1980s: Depeche Mode and Pet Shop Boys. Like the sun and moon, these two iconic bands couldn't exist without the other. Since their debut albums, Depeche Mode have explored the dark, somber side of life, while Pet Shop Boys have taken a more colorful, tongue-in-cheek approach. Both groups have also remained suprisingly relevant, while most of their 1980s contemporaries have fallen into obscurity.

On the high-energy "Yes," Pet Shop Boys relish in their sardonic humor and knack for memorable hooks. The opening cut, "Love etc.," bounces along with a bubbly synth line and call-response chorus, declaring a revolution on the shallow excesses of popular culture. "All Around the World" is less cynical and celebrates liberty and freedom. Throughout the album, the lyrics shift from sarcastic optimism to vulnerable confessionals. Musically, Pet Shop Boys are on top of their game with lush string arrangements, acoustic guitar and even harmonica accompanying their wall of synthesizers.

Contrarily, Depeche Mode's "Sounds of the Universe" creates a more atmospheric, less immediate experience. Their focus is on dissonant, oddball arrangements comprised of space-age bleeps and blips along industrial guitar riffs and ambient synths. Lyrically, the album delves into shameful obsessions, imperfections of the soul and unrequited love. The lead single, "Wrong," is from the perspective of a dispirited fatalist, who finds every decision he's made is the result of his erroneous genetics. Although the melodies aren't nearly as accessible as previous work, Depeche Mode has perfected the art of despair.

Watch Pet Shop Boys "Love Etc." music video

Watch Depeche Mode's "Wrong" music video

Boom Boom Plop!

Black Eyed Peas
"Boom Boom Pow" single
Released: March 30th, 2009





I must be honest, I almost didn't make it through this song...until about half way through. The first two minutes of Black Eyed Peas new single, "Boom Boom Pow," are comprised of a tornado siren, excessive auto-tuned vocals, and an uninspired drum beat. The droning one-note siren gave me flashbacks to the Midwest when we'd run for the basement because a twister was approaching. I doubt that's what the Black Eyed Peas intended...but I was ready for shelter!
Thankfully, at the two minute mark, the dance synthesizers and beats kick in, the siren fades out, and the song seems to be going somewhere. Oh, but how short lived that moment is. Another storm is approaching and it's time to, once again, sound the alarms. This song lacks the funky, get-on your-feet soul of previous work. It simply pales in comparison to "Don't Phunk With My Heart" and "Let's Get It Started."

The single currently holds the #1 position on the Billboard Charts. Perhaps, on a few repeated listens, I'll understand why that is. In the meantime, I'll be hunkered down waiting for the tornado to pass.

Watch music video