Cop it or drop it

CD reviewS: Badu's 'Underground' soulful, fresh

Ratings
4 stars = cop it
3 stars = play it
2 stars = ok it
1 star = drop it

 

"Worldwide Underground"
Erykah Badu
Motown

****
 
"Push up the fader/ bust the meter/ shake the tweeter," and bump "Worldwide Underground," the new eclectic album by soul sister, Erykah Badu, loudly. Just when you thought today's identifiably black music (R&B, hip-hop etc.) was losing its originality, Badu steps in with her offering -- 10 tracks that groove from start to finish, running the gamut of everything, from love to social commentary.

The album's first single, "Danger" is just a sample of what Badu's third studio album offers. The palette includes the hypnotic, "I want you," a song about a woman feigning for some lovin' from her man.

In a Chaka Khanesque belt, Badu croons: "I want you/so what we gone do." So many great things can be said about this album; not only is it full of soul and originality, it is
heavily based on improvisation, which adds a touch of spontaneity that is fresh on all levels.

Surprising appearances include innovative artists such as Zap Mama, Lenny Kravitz, Bahamadia, Dead Prez and Roy Hargrove.

"Worldwide Underground" is a testament that soul music can bump and get crunked, while remaining smooth and fluid the whole way through.
--Monica Levette Clark
 

"Some Devil"
Dave Matthews
RCA

****

One listen to "Some Devil" and an old familiar voice permeates the atmosphere, quietly demanding your full, undivided attention. It is the voice of none other than Dave Matthews sans his band.

As Matthews first solo effort, "Some Devil" offers 13 completely brilliant songs that only reiterate the genius this man creates with his pen, heart and brain on a piece of paper.

Songs such as "Gravedigger," the albums first single evokes gut-wrenching emotions, while "Stay or Leave," a song about the end of a love relationship is full of pleading sentiment.

The lyrics are as close to poetry as a song writer could get, while still possessing the ability to make its point as simple and meaningful as possible. On this album Matthews takes full advantage of the opportunity to be as experimental and personal as he wanted to be.

"An' Another Thing" has Matthews pouring his hear out in a haunting falsetto, with an even more hauntingly riveting musical arrangements and rhythm selections. Matthew is one of those artists who is not afraid of vulnerability, and "Some Devil" can attest to that.
--Monica Levette Clark
 

"Stellastarr*"
Stellastarr*
RCA

***

Take some '80s garage inspired post-punk, add the progressive alternative sound of the'90s and you've got new millennium guitar pop at its finest in Stellastarr*, a new quartet out of New York.

Just starting to get airplay from its debut self-titled album, which sounds like a cross between Echo & the Bunnymen, and The Pixies. Lead singer Shawn Christensen's voice bares a most striking resemblance to that of Talking Head's front man, David Byrne.

Stellastarr* seem like a band you would least expect to find success with its throwback sound, but one listen to the album and you'll see why critics are raving about the band.

Songs like "Jenny" and "Untitled" range from the fast and frenetic to the airy and melodic.  Stellastarr* also has a trick up its sleeve that not many bands can boast--exceptional back-up vocals.

When used correctly, they blend smoothly into the songs, so as not to detract from the lead singer. Bassist and back-up vocalist Amanda Tannen expands the boundaries that Christensen creates.
--Trent Loomis
 
 

"Lo Pro"
Lo Pro
Geffen

* 1/2*

Just when you thought the "daddy doesn't love me" angst was over, we are sent its red-headed stepchild, "Lo Pro". The offspring of the singularly successful angry band "Stained" might have channeled its fury, but it fell on deaf ears.

"Stained" front man Aaron Lewis, acting as A& R from Geffen's 413 Records was blown away by Lo Pro's demo and was ready to put his name and reputation behind it. Lo Pro learned many valuable things under Lewis' tutelage such as falling into the mold of angst mediocrity.

The debut, self-titled album sounds the same from start to finish, but the band is counting on the singles "Sunday" and "Fuel" to break through to the mainstream.

Although, passion seems to exist behind the rage that gives the band some validity it's that same passion that screams in our ear so loud we can't hear it.
--Trent Loomis