Music Reviews

Itís the start of a new year and that means we ainít gonna see a lot of new releases coming out until it gets closer to spring. So why we wait for a solo album by that dead guy from INXS or the debut offering from Kobe Bryant (draw your own conclusions), I decided to try something new and unusual. And by unusual, I mean desperate. Iím gonna close my eyes, pick out ten CDs from my collection at random and then tell you what I think about them.

Music From The Motion Picture Girl 6 (1996)
As it says on the cover, "Songs by Prince." And theyíre performed by Prince and a few of his protÈgÈs. The highlight track is "Erotic City" by Prince and The Revolution. I donít know about you, but I miss The Revolution, especially Wendy and Lisa. Okay, so I just miss Wendy and Lisa...but back to "Erotic City." This is that really dirty song that everybodyís always looking for but canít find because itís not on any of Princeís regular albums. Well, itís here and also on the third disc of the three CD set, "The Hits/The B-Sides." But itís only the 3:55 version of the song. Lucky me, Iíve got the seven minute plus Dance Mix on a cute 3" single, along with the long ass extended version of "I Would Die 4 U." Okay, so Iím gettiní off track here. Letís see, "Nasty Girl" by Vanity 6 is also on this soundtrack album, but nothing by Apollonia. And thereís a cut by the Family, but not by The Time. Anyway, this isnít a must album to have in your collection, but itís a good one to throw on if you wanna listen to a nice Prince variety pack. I say pick it up if you can find a favorably priced used copy.

Grateful Dead - Live/Dead (1970)
Uh-oh, Iím in trouble here. Iíve got a few Grateful Dead CDs, but I donít remember this one very well. You know what they say, "If you can remember a Grateful Dead CD, then you werenít there." Or something like that. I really like "American Beauty" and "Workingmanís Dead," so maybe I read in some record guide that this was a good one, too. Let me check.     yes, the "Rolling Stone Album Guide" gives it four stars. "The New Rolling Stone Record Guide," which is actually older     (go figure) and edited by Dave Marsh, only gave it three stars, but thatís the highest rating it gave any Grateful Dead album. So I guess my assumption was right. I just bought this one on a whim.

Bob Dylan - Shot of Love (1981)
Wow, here I go again. Looks like another album snatched up in a buying frenzy. This one is justified, I think, because I was merely trying to expand my Bob Dylan collection. Initial thought when I look at this disc: Cheap ugly cover. And then thereís Bob on the back, having a staring contest with a rose. Okay, so now Iím playing "Shot of Love," trying to jog my memory. Oh yeah, this is a half way decent album. Not up there with the legendary Bob Dylan albums, but a strong showing. "Heart of Mine" is a great track, and Iím not just saying that because Ringo Starr plays tom-tom on it. (You know, Ringoís tom-tom playing has never really gotten the recognition it deserves.) Other well known folks showing up for the proceedings on "Shot of Love" are Ron Wood, Donald "Duck" Dunn, Danny Kortchmar and, of course, Benmont Tench. In fact, I think this was about the time the musicianís union passed the measure that Benmont Tench had to be credited on at least eighty percent of the albums released in this country or the labels would have to pay a stiff fine. Okay, so this is a good Bob Dylan album. Itís the one that tells you that Lenny Bruce "never cut off any babyís head." Rough estimate: "Shot of Love" should be the 17th Bob Dylan CD you buy.

Belle and Sebastian - "Tigermilk" (1996)
This is an album that was released on compact disc for the first time last year. My initial reaction when I heard it was it sounded a lot like Donovan. (You know, they call him Mellow Yellow.) Well, I happen to like Donovan. So naturally Iím intrigued. It turns out the Belle and Sebastian is a Scottish folk-pop group (not a duo) and Donovan, as it just so happens, is a Scot who began as a folk singer and evolved into a pop star. That probably has a lot to do with the similarity. Of course, you gotta do more than just sound like someone else to deliver the goods. There has to be a certain amount of originality to make things happen. Not to worry.  This album has a really nice "feel" to it. Very unassuming yet brilliant. Itís a pleasant way to fill the space around you with music. (If you know what I mean, please let me know because Iím not really sure.) My final answer, Regis, is I like this album. And it sounds like Donovan. Which is a good thing.

Hindu Love Gods (1990)
Now hereís an odd blast from the past. This is a bizarre configuration of R.E.M., but replacing Michael Stipe as the lead vocalist is Warren "Werewolves of London" Zevon. Iím sure thereís a wacky story behind this union, and Iím sure I once knew what that story was. But the human brain can only hold so much information, and mine can only hold half that, so weíll just have to focus on the CD itself. What you got is Peter Buck, Mike Mills and Bill Berry kickiní out some straight forward jams with Mr. Zevon and covering tunes by the likes of Willie Dixon, Robert Johnson, Muddy Waters, Prince, the Georgia Satellites (Iím not making this up, I swear!) and Woody Gutherie. Guess what? (No, not chicken butt!) This twisted concept works. Especially if youíve had a couple of beers and working on a third. The blues according to some Excitable Boys. (Good luck finding a copy of "Hindu Love Gods." I believe it is currently out of print.)

A Perfect World - Music From The Motion Picture Soundtrack (1993)
This was supposed to be one monster of a movie because it teamed up box office superstars Clint Eastwood and Kevin Costner. Unfortunately, they didnít spend too much time on the screen together and Costnerís character had a creepy dark side. I liked the movie, but it would have made more money if it was one of those "buddy flicks." Regardless of the disappointment at the box office, this soundtrack album is a mighty fine collection of classic country and western music. You canít go wrong with Johnny Cash, Don Gibson, Marty Robbins and Rusty Draper. Throw in a classic Perry Como number and Chris Isaak covering a Johnny Ray song and youíve got something a lot better than a stinky olí Garth Brooks album. Soundtracks have a habit of showing up in the used bins at music stores, so keep your eyes open for this one.

Harry Nilsson - Pussy Cats (Produced by John Lennon) (1974)
Ah, Nilsson and Lennon running around L.A., getting drunk out of their minds and heckling the Smothers Brothers. I think there was a documentary film made about their frolicking called "Wasnít That A Time!" Apparently, the bad publicity kinda got to them, because they decided to record an album together and give it a title that would belie their image as troublemakers. The result is one of my personal favorites. Nilssonís voice was pretty much shot at the time, but it only added an extra element of passion to the mix. Thereís some original songs on "Pussy Cats" and some covers. At times it rocks out and other times itís slow and emotional. Harryís version of "Save The Last Dance For Me" is breathtaking and heartbreaking all at once. On the newly remastered Buddah version of the album, you also get an unbelievable sparse run through of that song as a bonus track. And where else are you gonna get to hear Ringo Star, Keith Moon and Jim Keltner all play drums at the same time?

Marti Jones - Unsophisticated Time (1985)
Marti Jones is the wife of Don Dixon, a singer and songwriter whoís best known as a producer of other artists, including R.E.M. and the Smithereens. Dixon also produced this record, a simple and basic effort that showcases Martiís sweet voice and her ability to interpret the songs of other songwriters such as Elvis Costello, Peter Holsapple and the before mentioned Mr. Dixon. She doesnít scream, howl or moan to get her point across like some current pop divas who think wailing or hitting Minnie Ripperton like high notes is the best way to convey the emotions of a song. Unlike them, she doesnít have to. Marti Jones put out more albums after this one, each proceeding one getting more complicated and "slicker" than the previous one. This one is still the best. Sadly, it is long out of print. If you should happen to find a used or cutout copy of it somewhere, snatch it up immediately and know the gods have smiled down at you.)

Lords of Acid - Lust (1991)
In case, by some chance, I stumble into a rave party and, again by some chance, thereís a woman there who wants to go home with me, Iíve got this CD we can play and have sex to. I believe thatís the purpose for this music. The first song is called "Take Control" and the following one is called "Rough Sex," so I think that pretty much sets the tempo for the remainder of the album. The girl on the cover is real hot, although itís possible sheís the inspiration for "I Must Increase My Bust." There are times when Iím in the mood for this sort of koo-koo krazy kinda techno industrial music and when I am, I either play this or "Pretty Hate Machine" by Nine Inch Nails. That mood doesnít strike very often, but when it does, Iím ready. Just like Iím ready for that rave woman of my dreams.

Jerry Lewis...Just Sings! (1956)
Need I say more?

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