Spain makes slow music cool, popular, receptive

Cop it or drop it

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

"Spirituals....The Best of Spain"
Spain
Restless Records
***

Josh Haden, bass player and founder of the cool jazz quartet, Spain, said his only concern about making music that remained methodically slow throughout was that he didn't think the public liked slow music anymore, and would not receive it without open arms.

The son of jazz bassist, Charlie Haden, Josh has music in his genes, and "Spirituals....The Best of Spain" proves that those were some good genes. The 16-track album include selected songs from the band's previous three albums, two singles and three songs that are live recordings from a set played at the public Santa Monica radio station, KCRW.

Songs such as "Easy Lover," "It's So True" and "Spiritual," evoke moods of lazy afternoons, easy, slow, relaxing; never going faster than a snail's pace.

The traces of blues, R&B, soul and country influences are subtle, yet recognizable, while Haden's vocals are simple and understated.

The music of David Harte on drums and Merlo Podlewski and Ken Boudakian on guitar, complete the cool sound of Spain.
-- Monica Levette Clark
 
 

"Sacred Love"
Sting
A&M
**1/2*

On his tenth solo album "Sacred Love," ex-police genius, ex-king of pain, Sting combines his two religions, love and music for a cathartic and healing listening experience.  There is no doubt that Sting's song writing and perception as a whole changed after 9/11, and it is evident in the rich lyricism and mood of "Sacred Love."

Always looking inward and to the inspirational, Sting takes love and twists it around into several different avenues. He concedes that love is the answer, but if it is to regain its rightful power in our lives, it will need to be rescued from the clichés that have eroded its meaning.

From his duet with Mary J Blige on the ballad "Whenever I Say Your Name," to eastern influenced tracks such as "Never Coming Home" and "Send your Love," Sting focuses on love and the different themes in which they can be genuine -- if not sacred.
--Trent Loomis
 

"Results May Vary"
Limp Bizkit
Interscope
**

On Limp Bizkit's fourth album, "Results May Vary" front man, lead singer and producer extraordinaire Fred Durst makes one thing abundantly clear: anyone can sing.  The ambition is there, along with the multi-million dollar production value however; Durst's whining vocals are almost too abrasive on several tracks to bear.

"Results May Vary" also marks the departure of innovative guitarist Wes Borland whose presence is missed, but not necessarily needed.  Durst has always been the captain of the S.S. Bizkit, which sails into uncharted waters on the new album.

Durst does deserve some credit though for revealing a softer core that hides beneath the tattooed exterior on "Build a Bridge," a song about reconciliation and healing.  There seems to be a determination to show the world his human side, and to veer away from the angst that garnered Limp Bizkit their niche in the industry.

Snoop Dog also makes a cameo on "Red Light-Green Light" which is already lighting up the airwaves.  It's not a bad album from top to bottom, but it's not really a great one either, and judging on what Durst has to say, the results may vary.
--Trent Loomis

 

 

"Pigeon John is Dating Your Sister"
Pigeon John
Basement Records
**1/2*

As his second independent solo album to date, Pigeon John of the popular underground hip-hop group, LA Symphony, has put himself on the map of the independent music circuit.

If "Pigeon John is Clueless," the debut album of this Hawethorn native emcee, was humorous, smart and laugh-out-loud honest, then "Pigeon John is Dating Your Sister" is double that with added hilarious moments.

The single, "Hello Everybody" is probably the best that this 15-track album offers, and finds Pigeon stumbling over his words like a nervous teen as he tries to pick up a girl.

"Identity Crisis" speaks of Pigeon's struggle to identify with his biracial heritage. Project Blowed emcees' Mikah 9 and Abstract Rude make guest appearances, along with Murs from the Living Legends. The album's weakest points show up in the music arrangements and production efforts of Pigeon, DJ Rhettmatic, Great Jason and Matt Mahaffey.
--Monica Levette Clark