AltWeeklies Wire
Group Makes Connections Not Originally Intended to Existnew
The group mixes sprawling shards of percolating percussion with burbling bass and hiccuping vocals, creating a micro-edited chaotic bliss. But where past material bristled, Connector bustles.
Creative Loafing (Atlanta) |
Tony Ware |
10-14-2004 |
Reviews
Tags: Mouse on Mars, Radical Connector
Live and Well Celebrates Parton's Recent Worknew
Recorded and filmed at her theme park Dollywood, the 23 tracks are loaded heavily with bluegrass, but Parton gives some time to the string of '70s and '80s era pop-country hits such as "Islands in the Stream" and "Here You Come Again."
Creative Loafing (Atlanta) |
James Kelly |
10-14-2004 |
Reviews
Tags: Dolly Parton, Live and Well
The Faint Pads its Pants a Bit With Latest Releasenew
Wet From Birth, the third full-length from serrated synth-pop revivalists the Faint, is -- despite the title -- neither a birth nor rebirth for the Omaha-based quintet; it is a gestation.
Creative Loafing (Atlanta) |
Tony Ware |
10-14-2004 |
Reviews
Tags: The Faint, Wet From Birth
Reissues Reveal Troubled Brilliance of Brian Wilsonnew
Wilson has completed and finally released SMiLE (Nonesuch), his "teenage symphony to God" and an exercise in "modular" recording. Now the obvious question would be does SMiLE live up to its legend?
Creative Loafing (Atlanta) |
Tony Ware |
10-14-2004 |
Reviews
Tags: Brian Wilson, Smile
Being All Things to All Peoplenew
The St. Louis rapper releases his third and fourth albums at the same time, each revealing a distinct side of him. Sweat is for the kids and Suit for the over-25 set.
Illinois Times |
René Spencer Saller |
10-08-2004 |
Reviews
Cognitive Dissonancenew
Sick unto death of so-called security moms and their effect on the upcoming election? Are women the new white men? The latest solo CD by Mekons singer Sally Timms seems spookily relevant. Also reviewed is Canadian singer/songwriter Julie Doiron's Goodnight Nobody.
Illinois Times |
René Spencer Saller |
10-08-2004 |
Reviews
Positive Message Lies Under Furious Guitar Riffingnew
Expansively tattooed songwriter/guitarist/ frontman Mike Ness still sings with his trademark lazy, nasal sneer, and the band's intensity remains fiery, if not quite as confrontational. The difference is that there's now a positive message under the furious guitar riffing and rousing Clash-styled stomp.
Creative Loafing (Atlanta) |
Hal Horowitz |
10-07-2004 |
Reviews
New CD Has All Ingredients to Make it Album of Yearnew
With the release of the recent full-length album, the Good Life is a showcase of different moods, from near-waltzes to theatrically flavored dramatic fare to all-out white-knuckled, emotional proclamation
Creative Loafing (Atlanta) |
Nikhil Swaminathan |
10-07-2004 |
Reviews
Tags: The Good Life, Album of the Year
The Philibusternew
While flimsy and overwrought, this Collins retrospective provides for the introduction of a great new karaoke game to the world: the Philibuster. Nothing can be sung except Phil Collins songs, and the singer cannot pick any of his or her own titles.
Riverfront Times |
Mike Seely |
10-06-2004 |
Reviews
Scenography and Sisterwitnew
In her new album, the Philly songsmith injects the draggy funk tempos of neo-soul with intellect and honest blues.
The Village Voice |
Jason King |
10-06-2004 |
Reviews
One Soul LP, Hold the Soulnew
Fante's is a sanitized, smiley-faced soul with none of the guts or grandeur of his musical forefathers. Perhaps with time and experience he'll join their ranks; for now, he's a pleasant-enough accompaniment to a Frappucino. Also reviewed is Martina Topley-Bird's Anything.
Illinois Times |
René Spencer Saller |
09-23-2004 |
Reviews
Tags: Rewind, Ricky Fante
Pity the GOP Hipsternew
Even Republicans -- if they could get over the fact that 100 percent of sales proceeds go to godless, tree-hugging, wealth-redistributing deviants -- might actually like this CD. Also reviewed is Keren Ann's Not Going Anywhere.
Illinois Times |
René Spencer Saller |
09-23-2004 |
Reviews
Finally, an Album of Original Material from the Mulenew
Not only does it herald the arrival of new permanent bass player Andy Hess, but the once-proud power trio has expanded into a quartet with the addition of keyboardist Danny Louis. Both are talented and eclectic musicians who help diversify, but not dilute, Mule's established, bluesy hard rock.
Creative Loafing (Atlanta) |
Hal Horowitz |
09-23-2004 |
Reviews
Tags: Gov't Mule, Deja Voodoo
Float Onnew
M83 is a French band that makes huge, holy soundscapes out of guitars, synthesizers, drum machines, and voices. Its sound is as gigantic and complex and stupefying as the galaxy it's named after.
Hobosapiensnew
It wouldn’t be a John Cale album without some puzzling moments.
Boston Phoenix |
Mac Randall |
09-22-2004 |
Reviews
Tags: Hobosapiens, John Cale
