G-Unit
rides coattails of 50 Cent
Cop
it or drop it
Ratings
4 stars = cop it
3 stars = play it
2 stars = ok it
1 star = drop it
"Beg
For Mercy"
G-Unit
Interscope
**1/2*
50 Cent is everywhere these days, and
maybe that's not a bad thing due to the
wave of success that he's riding. What
the people at Interscope are hoping is
that 50's popularity will carry over to
his crew, G-Unit, and their debut album,
"Beg for Mercy."
This
time 50 Cent is flanked with rappers Lloyd
Banks, Young Buck and still incarcerated
Tony Yayo, who will hopefully add to their
increasing street credibility.
As
for "Beg For Mercy," G-Unit
puts forth a solid effort with at least
the first eight tracks, which keeps your
head bobbing while 50 Cent and crew keep
the lyrics simple, but the second half
of the album falls off into mediocrity.
There
are a few surefire hits such as "Stunt
101," which has already received
steady airplay .
Other
notable tracks are "Groupie Love,"
and "I'm So Hood," which depict
the lifestyles of some of today's rap
superstars.
-- Trent Loomis
Salty
They Pocketknife
"Salty The Pocketknife"
**
Self-released Dustin Diamond, that adorable
nerd "Screech" from the '90s
teen comedy "Saved by the Bell, has
re-emerged in the public eye. Diamond
is the bass guitarist for the progressive/experimental
rock group, Salty the Pocketknife.
The
peculiar name of the group is fitting
for the peculiar and unique style of music
it produces.
"Shiny
Lines," the opening track off their
self-titled album, sets the bands progressive
rock image, with heavy drums and guitar
riffs dominating the track. Rosebud's
vocals are well timed and powerful.
"Red
Panties 145" would have to be one
of the best tracks off the album. Rosebud's
sultry leading vocals sound reminiscent
of Gwen Stefani from No Doubt.
Diamond's
bass riffs are timed perfectly with Scott
Ireland's guitar, creating powerful bursts
between vocals and Evan Stone's talent
on drums is evident.
Of
course along with a "best track,"
follows a "worst track." Filling
this position is "Pour No Gasoline."
The instrumentals jump all over the place
and the tempo changes between the verse
and chorus seem erratic.
Don't
be surprised if you see more of these
guys, not because they're a great band,
but because of you know whom.
-- Troy Dove
Josh
Groban
Reprise Records
"Closer"
On
his sophomore effort "Closer,"
Josh Groban, or "the new boy wonder
of the voice," as some people call
him reaches even further into not only
the souls of his listeners, but his own
as well.
Groban
invokes the human spirit with 13 news
songs on "Closer," aptly named
for his new found intimacy between himself
and his listeners.
Using
three different producers, including French
duo, Deep Forrest, and several guest musicians
such as world-class violinist Joshua Bell,
Groban stretches the boundaries of the
classical vocal sound that dominates today's
easy listening genre.
In
fact, Bell's accompaniment on "Mi
Mancherai (il postino)," is the most
moving and inspirational track on an album
that never relents with emotion.
This
is a perfect album to listen to while
you study is also an album that lives
up to all expectations of a 22- year-old
boy wonder that will be closer to us for
years to come.
-- Trent Loomis
