Sound Bites
The Firm is on shaky ground
The Firm: The Album
(Aftermath Entertainment)
In what could be seen as
East and West Coast rappers attempting to bury the hate, East Coast acts
AZ, Nas, Foxy Brown and Nature's release, The Firm fails to become
one of the top rap albums of the year. The Firm, which is
released on West Coast mainstay Dr. Dre's label Aftermath, is dominated by
Foxy Brown's now-infamous words and actions. In addition to the sexual
interludes, Brown's lyrics are equally explicit and, in this case, bring
the entire album down.There are no memorable
tracks other than the first release, "Firm Biz," which features Dawn
Robinson, former lead singer of En Vogue, who apparently left a good thing
to join a mediocre label in Aftermath.The Firm doesn't
have a profound message to send to the rap community, nor does it offer a
unique style. Instead, it's just a project that, with the popular names on
the cover, would be able to sell some records. The substance of the CD
doesn't extend much beyond the cash register, as it was No. 1 on
Billboard's sale charts the week after its release.Nas and AZ stand out as two
of the more talented rappers out there, but this project doesn't
necessarily reflect that potential. C--Joseph Soqui / Managing Editor
In Loving Memory Of...
(Atlantic)
The major-label debut album
from Boston's Big Wreck showcases a band unafraid to let guitars do the
talking. Reminiscent of Collective Soul, the group layers infectiously
catchy melodies on top of cohesive hard rock rhythms that one cannot avoid
tapping along with.One of the most impressive
features of Big Wreck is the degree of solidarity exhibited in the
fourpiece's music. Heavy grooves and sharp hooks permeate its sound, but
the band can quickly switch from edgier tracks like "Fall Through The
Cracks" to slower, more mellow songs like "Blown Wide Open." The voice of
singer Ian Thornley is impressive, both strong and relaxed at the same
time, kind of like a smoother Chris Cornell. Also impressive are
Thornley's lead guitar abilities, for in a time where more and more
guitarists appear increasingly reluctant to exhibit talent, Thornley
thankfully does not hold back. The only times when the album drags is when
the band relies on the conventional, rather than further delving into the
originality it displays on the majority of the disc. Overall, In Loving
Memory Of... is a thorough, impressive effort. B+-- Clay Marshall / Staff
WriterThe Richard Ace Sessions
(FUEL)
There seems to be a rawness
to the album that doesn't fit in just right. Maybe it's the significant
lack of audience participation in a "live" album, or that the Beach
Boys/Buddy Holly sound doesn't coincide with the eclectic edge the band is
looking for with this album. Either way, the album is tight enough in
production, but lacks the oomph needed to push it into the waves of mass
hysteria.The themes of love, hate,
relationships and religion are all agonized over by lead
singer/guitarist/accordion player Brian Holmes. Yet it still sounds like
he's holding back somewhat, like he wants to just belt out the lyrics
instead of just harmonizing them.Wobbleshop seems like a
mellowed-out Weezer who isn't putting in its maximum effort for a maximum
effect. C---Rad Probst / Staff Writer