'Living in America,' The Sounds.
Living in America
The Sounds
New Line Records
This album escaped from the '80s, but it probably wouldn't even have been good if it had been released in the decade for which it was made. That's right, the band comes equipped with a synthesizer. It might make you feel like you're watching Goonies, and then all of a sudden a bad music video comes on.
None of the songs sounded original. Some of them were even annoying like the song "Hit Me!" in which the lead singer asks to be hit right between the eyes. That lyric is repeated to make up the majority of the song.
There were also problems with the lead singer. It was hard to tell what gender she was (never a good sign). She has a whiny sound, so much so that sometimes it sounded like she was doing more whining than singing.
Granted, the music did have a good beat. All the songs were fast-paced and had the same dance feel that a lot of '80s music had. It just wasn't original enough to make it past the lead singer and the lyrics.
This one is definitely not worth your time or money. In fact, while I was trying to make it through it, everyone who walked through my door begged me to turn it off ... another bad sign.
'Leona Naess,' Leona Naess.
Leona Naess
Leona Naess
Geffen Records
This self-titled album has a very soft and relaxing sound to it. It would be good to listen to during finals when you are really stressed and need to calm down. Just be careful - this album is so relaxing it might put you to sleep (so maybe don't listen to it right before a final).
It sounds like Naess is getting over a broken heart. Clues like songs titled "Don't use my broken heart" and "He is gone" gave this theme away.
The songs are pleasant but nothing special. They have a light beat, and she has a good voice. It sounds like she wanted to go for a Tori Amos or Fiona Apple audience/sound. If you listen to a lot of this kind of music you may want to pick up this one and add it to your collection, just for a little variety. It lacks the depth these other artists have, but if you feel like you need to mix it up a bit, she'd be a good one to add.
The songs all have a similar beat and sound to them, but the lyrics are pretty good. You might like it if you've just had a breakup, or if you've had a hard time getting to sleep lately.
'Some Devil,' Dave Matthews.
Some Devil
Dave Matthews
RCA
No, I didn't get the musician wrong. This CD is all Dave Matthews - but the band stayed home to drink margaritas or something.
Don't worry, it is not Matthews on his own; he still has a band. It's just not the same people (sorry, no fiddle).
This album does have a basic Dave Matthews Band feel to it. You can't expect to drop one word from the name and get a whole new sound. But you can tell the difference.
Matthews seems to have a darker side to his music in this album. The first single, "Gravedigger," gives a good example of this. He is talking to the person that is going to bury him, which is not exactly upbeat. This is one of my favorite songs, however, and is an example of Matthew's talent that plays through the rest of the album. There are a few songs that may make it to radio after "Gravedigger." "Stay or Leave" is probably the best of them.
The album even comes with a bonus CD. It has five more songs Matthews sings live with Tim Reynolds and a few remakes from the band. But if you are going through Band withdrawals, don't worry - they are not splitting up for good. It was a good album, but it doesn't have the same appeal as the whole package. The Band will finish their margaritas and get back to work.
Which is good, because Matthews definitely needs the fiddler if he wants to keep putting out records.
