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“The Process of Belief” Bad Religion Epitaph
Records
The Godfathers of punk rock are back. Bad Religion shows the
ability of punk music to communicate political and social issues.
“Sorrow,” already receiving radio play, tackles family
issues with melodic guitar rifts and heavily fueled punk elements.
The album’s energy fluctuates, but never abandons intense
guitar riffs, melodies and insightful lyrics. Unlike over-played
radio bands, Bad Religion’s music offers insight into the
band’s personal thoughts. “Materialist” tells the
listener, “The process of belief is an elixir when
you’re weak.” “Broken” shouts out, “I
said I’m not broken. A little cracked, but still I’m
not broken.” This album proves the band has more maturity
than any other group on the radio. Bad Religion definitely meets
its fans’ expectations.
Michelle Gonzales Â
“Laugh”Keller Williams
SCI Fidelity Records
If spring could sing, it would sound a lot like Keller Williams.
Singer-songwriter Keller Williams’ sixth release,
“Laugh,” combines acoustic guitars and vocals to create
a bubbling brook melody of jazzy folk-like music for easy
listening. The album offers a humorous outlook on the little things
in life, ranging from parties to Bob Barker. The melodies have a
“feel good” quality to them. “Price is
Right” fans will love Williams’ ode to the show in
“Bob Rules.” Anyone who grew up with Barker and the
“beauties” will definitely laugh at the absurdity that
Williams’ captures in exploring the dreams of being called to
contest row. Williams also focuses on the comical aspects of
people. “One Hit Wonder” reveals the little rock star
in all of us searching for our fifteen-minutes of fame. The song
“God is my Palm Pilot” alone deserves a little chuckle.
The jazz and brass instrumentals in “Hunting Charlie”
sound like a mini jam session. Laugh at what Williams conjures up.
Then download something else.
Michelle Gonzales Â
“Stillmatic” Nas Columbia
Records
The title of Nas’ new soundtrack suggests that he is still
“Illmatic,” the title of his first album.
Unfortunately, this also means that Nas sounds juvenile and full of
angst. The album plays like the mere shadow of a good rap album.
Nas hits all the major topics ““ sex, drugs and braggadocio
““ but makes the trip seem so lifeless and full of hate. His
previous flair was for elevating a brutal street thug existence to
poetry, but now he only seems focused on being “badder”
than the other guys. Perhaps it’s the fact that he feels
betrayed by Jay-Z, as the repeated “Fuck Jay-Z” in
“Ether” suggests. Or maybe it’s his realization
that what he needs is nothing but a microphone. While this sincere
effort certainly reminds us of the Nas we knew, it fails to move
the listener. The lazy rhymes and uninteresting backgrounds further
add to the fear that Nas can’t be anything but
“Stillmatic.”
Howard Ho Â
“Iron Flag” Wu-Tang Loud
Records
Wu-Tang sounds as entertaining and as compelling as ever.
Unflinching from difficult subjects, Wu’s message is
relevant, dealing with issues such as police brutality, war, and
Sept. 11. Drawing on a wide range of cultural references, the
rhymes are tight and the instrumentals have the feel of early hip
hop. This is legitimized by the cameo appearance of hip hop
vanguard Flavor Flav in the black activist cut “Soul
Power.” In tracks such as “Babies,” a more
lamenting approach aids the story of a corrupt police officer who
escapes blame for the death of a woman. The song has the necessary
gravity and naturalness that a biting electronic sound would have
completely missed. In contrast to these few gems, the other tracks
feature mostly self-congratulatory lyrics. Wu certainly makes the
case that rap can be good without using low blows.
Howard Ho