..::New Releases/Upcoming Album Reviews
The Flaming Lips *Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots*
As far as single success goes, it is easy for radio fans to fancy this Oklahoma marvel, as something of a one hit wonder. For those who, like myself, have been a longtime fan of the Flaming Lips, the band could easily be noted as an unfazed marvel, and could easily be crowned kings of the underground scene. With such gems as 1999's "Soft Bulletin" and the equally masterful, yet more commercial, "Transmissions from the Satellite Heart*, in 1993, it's within reason to state that the Lips are quite possibly one of the most essential alterna-rockers, in history. Jump to present time, and it appears the Flaming Lips have done it again, with the release of "Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots." Reportably conceived due to a friend's death, "Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots," shows a more earnest Lips with sonorous tones, aggrandized soundscapes, and echoing melodies that swirl into subconscious and gently hums on one's ear drums (Please excuse the rhyme.) A few tracks even have a "trip-hop" like appeal and the notorious wheezing guitar work seems to be replaced by analogue synths. It's a refreshing sound and gives the listener a deeper insight to the musical range that the Flaming Lips cover. A gorgeous achievement. Time has put no wear on the shinning brilliance of the Flaming Lips.
Morcheeba *Charango*
For those of you who are not acquainted with Morcheeba, I will give you a brief profile on this South London trio. First off you need to become familiar with the band members themselves; meet Sky Edwards, who carries Morcheeba's moody beats with her sweet as candy with a dash of cinnamon vocals. Then there is the Godfrey brothers, Paul and Ross, who with Paul's danceable beats/scratches and Ross' streaming guitar work intermixed with the vibes of the keyboard, complete the Morcheeba sound. They started in 1995, and by 1998 they erupted onto the charts with their "nuevo-lounge" and romantic ambient sophomore album "Big Calm." In 2000, they followed their success with "Fragments of Freedom," which sold moderately and put Morcheeba on the main stage. Enter 2002, with the release of "Charango," you can hear some of the influence of "Big Calm" and "Fragments of Freedom," but it seems that Morcheeba has taken a more dark, restive, and laxed step. The tracks, 12 in all, display a more melancholy feel and leave the listener swept up into the fluid, flawless vibe of this album. Also, includes some fortuitous collaborations, including one with Slick Rick, "Women Lose Weight," about a husband who is compelled to kill his overweight wife. I personally find this to be Morcheeba strongest effort to date.
The Vines *Highly Evolved*
Chances are you have heard of Aussie rockers, the Vines, by now. Whether it be through radio airplay of their single, "Get Free," or the video that has been airing regularly on such music channels as the dreaded MTV. If you have been reading my journal for the past few months chances are you came across one of the first "Introducing" articles, which featured the Vines. If you missed it and would like to check it out, click here. Due to the Vines' recent thrust into the musical forefront, their debut album, "Highly Evolved," was released earlier than it's original September date. If you haven't picked this album up yet, then it's safe to say you are missing out. First off, the Vines aren't the most original band. They seem to taken a class in Nirvana 101, but that isn't to say that they are yet just another grunge inspired rock band. The Vines definitely have the talent to push them further into the musical scene, and their gritty, fast paced guitar work, pounding rhythms, and snarl like vocals are worthy of a listen. Taking que from not only early day Nirvana, but the Beatles and a bit of T Rex, the Vines seem to be wise beyond their years, and given more time they will definitely be able to hold their own. With many bands through the late 90s and within the past 2 yrs trying to bring a new twist to the dead grunge era, the Vines seem to be the cream of the crop.
..::GET IT/FORGET IT::..
GET IT-
Hey Mercedes *The Weekend EP* Rising from the ashes of indie-rock, or dare I say "emo" elite, Braid, former Braid lead singer, Bob Nanna, has graced us with Hey Mercedes. After their debut album, "Every Night Fireworks," released in 2001, it became apparent that Hey Mercedes was above par than most of it's fellow complaint rock counterparts. With the release of their latest EP, "The Weekend," Hey Mercedes continues to shine and cultivate some of the most original, and well crafted music out there today.
FORGET IT-
Rocket From the Crypt *Hot Charity-Cut And Play* Veteran So-Cal rockers, Rocket From the Crypt, have left their fans waiting for the release of their latest effort, "Hot Charity-Cut and Play," which marks the band's seventh release, since their 1991 debut. To put it bluntly, I've heard better from these guys. I love rock n roll just as much as the next, and in the past of RFTC they have served up a bevy of rock n roll. This album is a bit too repetitive for my liking, and it falls flat quickly. If you are a fan, then it might suit your liking. For those who have yet to discover RFTC, this isn't the proper introduction.
Jordyn's Random Recommendation
V/A *If the Twenty-First Century Didn't Exist, It Would be Necessary to Invent It*
The latest compilation album, from KRS's sister label, 5RC. Just listen to the track list: Godzik Pink, Young People, Wolf Eyes, Pink and Brown, Xiu Xiu, Hella, Lightning Bolt, the Sick Lipstick, Semiautomatic, TheTeeThe, Replikants, and many more. 24 tracks in all. 5RC describes this album as, "This is the new way, the new breed, the new life, the new art, the new music, the new air, the new dogfood, the new dolphin language, the new fashion, the new new - with no regard for....".
Upcoming Reviews:
-Jawbreaker *Etc.*
-Beth Orton *Daybreaker*
-Go-Betweens *Spring Hill Fair & Rarities*
All reviews are Copyright © to Jordyn Phelps, unless stated otherwise, and should not be reproduced without proper reference.