Thursday, April 10, 2008
B-52's - Funplex (Astralwerks 2008)
In brief:
-Like R.E.M. (see below, and I love that the debatably two most important bands to come out of GA in the late '70s/early '80s are both making semi-significant comebacks at the same time), they're re-energized. Though I suppose that's easier (though that's debatable too) when you've not cut an album in 16 years.
-Kate and Cindy sound as great as ever, and still complement each other (harmonically speaking) to a "T."
-Keith's Nile Rodgers-influenced guitar still scratches just the right spot.
-Most of their lyrics are still about parties, which is no problem.
-The problem, such as it is, is Fred, God love him. I just wish he wouldn't do so much, well, barking of his lyrics (cf. "LOVE! SHACK! BABY!"). I suppose he's a necessary foil for the luscious Kate-Cindy harmonies, but still.
-All in all, another successful return. Good solid Steve Osborne (really!) production, too. B
p.s. Soto, how many times must I tell you that you need Bouncing Off the Satellites for it to stick?
-Like R.E.M. (see below, and I love that the debatably two most important bands to come out of GA in the late '70s/early '80s are both making semi-significant comebacks at the same time), they're re-energized. Though I suppose that's easier (though that's debatable too) when you've not cut an album in 16 years.
-Kate and Cindy sound as great as ever, and still complement each other (harmonically speaking) to a "T."
-Keith's Nile Rodgers-influenced guitar still scratches just the right spot.
-Most of their lyrics are still about parties, which is no problem.
-The problem, such as it is, is Fred, God love him. I just wish he wouldn't do so much, well, barking of his lyrics (cf. "LOVE! SHACK! BABY!"). I suppose he's a necessary foil for the luscious Kate-Cindy harmonies, but still.
-All in all, another successful return. Good solid Steve Osborne (really!) production, too. B
p.s. Soto, how many times must I tell you that you need Bouncing Off the Satellites for it to stick?
Wednesday, April 09, 2008
R.E.M. - Accelerate (Warner Bros. 2008)
Quick review:
-Musically, it's pretty great. This could damned near be Life's Rich Pageant. It doesn't sound like that, exactly, but it's got the same feel Peter Buck's doing his best work in years.
-Lyrically, all Stipe has to say anymore is variations on "Bush is bad." We already know that, Mike - no insight? Just clichés? Alright, then, but that doesn't mean we have to like it.
-That said, the band does sound (re-)energized. Who cares why, frankly. It's good to have 'em kinda-back. B
-Musically, it's pretty great. This could damned near be Life's Rich Pageant. It doesn't sound like that, exactly, but it's got the same feel Peter Buck's doing his best work in years.
-Lyrically, all Stipe has to say anymore is variations on "Bush is bad." We already know that, Mike - no insight? Just clichés? Alright, then, but that doesn't mean we have to like it.
-That said, the band does sound (re-)energized. Who cares why, frankly. It's good to have 'em kinda-back. B
