Monday, November 10, 1997
Soundbites
Geneva, "Further" (Nude) In "Further’s" liner notes, Geneva
takes time to thank, among others, Suede and the Bluetones. It is a
shame then that Geneva is not able to emulate the level of
exuberance in their music that the two aforementioned bands usually
produce. This is not to say that the members who make up Geneva are
an untalented group who manufacture mindless drivel in the same
fashion that lower echelon British bands like Ocean Colour Scene
and Shed Seven do. It is not too hard to glean from their material
that Geneva is, in fact, a gifted band.
Therein lies the problem with Geneva’s "Further," a frustrating
concoction of inconsequential music that belies their talent. The
album falters in Geneva’s lack of new musical ideas that haven’t
already been covered by their British contemporaries. This leads to
a flat, dull album that will be a struggle for any listener to
become deeply involved with. Songs like "Temporary Wings" drone on
and on without any kind of payoff whatsoever. "The God of Sleep"
remains true to its title by driving the listener to slumber.
Not all is lost on the album however. Highlights include the
uplifting "Best Regrets," the hauntingly beautiful "Tranquilizer"
and the catchy "Wearing Off." The most astonishing feature of
Geneva is Andrew Montgomery’s soulful and androgynous voice.
Montgomery sounds like a sweeter, toned-down version of Placebo’s
Brian Molko.
Don’t be surprised if you hear from Geneva in the coming years.
They could go a lot further with their potential. Unfortunately,
potential does not make a good album. Tristan Thai C
Various artists, "A Life Less Ordinary" (Innerstate/London)
After the sleeper success of both the movie and soundtrack of
director Danny Boyle’s "Trainspotting," fans eagerly awaited his
next movie, hoping that winning tradition of music and cinematic
storytelling would come together again.
Enter "A Life Less Ordinary," Boyle’s new release. Say what you
will about the movie, but its soundtrack certainly doesn’t come
close to the hypnotic "Trainspotting" soundtrack (or even its
recently released sequel album). However, the 15-track songfest
isn’t bad, either. It reflects the English-in-America perspective
pretty well, with its mix of pop from both Britain and stateside.
This is fitting, seeing that Boyle filmed most of the movie in
America.
Certain standouts include Beck’s new lounge-pop single,
"Deadweight," Ash’s Nirvana-meets-Britpop title-track gem and a
moving, more ambient remix of R.E.M.’s "Leave" (a track from their
last album, "New Adventures in Hi-Fi"). Also cool is A3’s hokey but
fun "Peace in the Valley."
The rest of the album features contributions from Sneaker Pimps,
Luscious Jackson, Prodigy, Underworld and Elvis (yes, Elvis), whose
"Always On My Mind" sounds much better than the more well-known
Willie Nelson version. The album does have sort of this retro feel
to it at some points, especially with Bobby Darin’s "Beyond the
Sea"
and Squirrel Nut Zipper’s swingin’ "Put a Lid on It." And then,
contradiction comes with Prodigy. Go figure.
"A Life Less Ordinary" is good, clean and fun, even if it’s
mismatched roster sounds weird altogether. Mike Prevatt B
Mana "Suenos Liquidos" (Warner Latina) "Suenos Liquidos" is the
fourth album from the only Mexican "rock en espanol" band to have
found huge commercial success outside of their home country. The
group combines solid songwriting with good pop sensibilities and
engaging vocals, reminiscent of such English-language rock groups
like the Police, among others.
Yet, Mana have created a sound all their own. And on this
release they continue to develop their musicianship, but without
going off in any new directions. The album contains a number of
very radio-friendly tracks, including "Como Dueles en los Labios,"
"Chaman," and their first hit single, "Clavado en un Bar." The most
hauntingly beautiful song on the record is the ballad "En el Muelle
de San Blas," which is full of images from Puerto Vallarta, where
the band recorded this album.
The album does fall short of the band’s previous two releases in
that this collection contains only three or four truly great songs,
while the remainder add to the album’s character, but are somewhat
lacking in terms of melodic or lyrical originality. Each of their
previous two discs had contained, say, seven to nine outstanding
songs. Oh well, perhaps these tunes will grow on their fans as Mana
embarks on what should be a tremendously successful world tour.
Jeff Hilger B+
You Am I "Hourly Daily" (Ra/Warner Bros.) With horns, harmonica
and strings, the Australian alternative band You Am I’s "Hourly
Daily" proves that it is capable of convincing, catchy and
promising sounds.
Placing the slower, melancholy title track as the first song on
their album at first appears risky. But after listening to the
entire album and hearing a rise in quality with each song, one
begins to appreciates this gradual crescendo of song and sound. It
eventually convinces the listener of You Am I’s ‘triple forte’
quality of songs.
With the opening title track, You Am I immediately shows the
weak vocal contribution of lead vocalist, Tim Rogers. However, his
vocal tonations do match well with the band’s toned down Green
Day-ish style. Songs like "Good Mornin’" and "Mr. Milk" demonstrate
the band’s creativity, including alarm clock effects in "Good
Mornin’" and a slew of arpeggios and woo woos in "Mr. Milk." Their
melodies come across like children’s rhymes. However, "Soldiers" is
brilliant in its sound and beat, definitely provoking foot-tapping
and head-bopping.
"Please Don’t Ask Me to Smile," begins with a soothing guitar
introduction and lyrics that grab your attention ("When I was in
grade 6 / used to hold open a door for a girl / and she called me a
wimp / Said it was just wasn’t known to be so fucking polite / I
politely agreed with her / I think she was right / Just never
entered my mind").
This album is a worthwhile listen. The group is definitely
beyond the "no-melody-and-drowning-guitars" bands. With its clear
and emotional lyrics, upbeat songs and varied harmonies, "You Am I"
is surely convincing. Sandra Kim B+
GENEVA
"Fuller"