More CD Reviews
Godsmack, The Other Side
An acoustic set of songs from the post-grunge survivors of previously released material. Its amazing how tight this band is, very solid, you can tell these guys have beening playing together for a really long time. Although the songs are played on acoustic instruments, they don’t lose any of their power, punch, or rawness.
N.E.R.D., Fly Or Die
A rock-funk-hiphop fusion of head nodding tunes from the guys who have produced Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake, complete with real live instruments. But don’t let their producing credits scare you off this album. With lines like “her ass is a space ship that I want to ride” how can you resist?
Firewater, Songs We Should Have Written
Another solid album from one of my favorite bands. They do that whole alternative, indie, college-radio rock thing so well. This one only has cover songs, but you would never know, to me this sounds like an album of Firewater originals. But then again, I only knew a couple of the songs before I heard the album. Firewater manages to make all the cover songs their own, infusing each with Firewater’s own brand of pyscho-drama.
Brad Mehldau, Trio
A more melodic, straigh-forward album from this very modern jazz piano trio. Brad Mehldau is simply one of the most amazing jazz pianist to come in a long time. To me he manages to combine the angular phrasing of Thelonious Monk with the melodic introspection of Bill Evans, and on of this album it all comes together. Anyone who can reveal the true genius of Radiohead by interpreting their songs through traditional jazz arrangements, gets big thumbs up from me. This one is safe enough for non-jazz listeners to enjoy, in fact it would serve as a good introduction to “straight ahead” jazz.
The Cooper Temple Clause, Kick Up The Fire, And Let The Flames Break Loose
A solid effort from a band little know outside of the UK. Here’s a band that bridges the gaps between Pink Floyd, Radiohead, and 90s grunge music.