Soundbites

Published: Monday, July 27, 1998

Monday, July 27, 1998

Soundbites

The Jesus and Mary Chain, "Munki" (Subpop) A few years back, Scottish noise-pop outfit The Jesus and Mary Chain released an album of B-sides and rarities called "The Jesus and Mary Chain Hate Rock 'n' Roll," which was thought to be the end of this quarreling, disillusioned rock band. Upon signing to indie label Subpop, the Reid brothers have come back in rockin' form with "Munki," a signature, if not derivative, JMC album.

"Munki" takes the assorted psychedelic, distorted pop styles of each of the past JMC albums - from 1985's angst classic "Psychocandy" to 1994's mellower "Stoned and Dethroned" - and weaves them into tight, accessible pop standouts. It's back to the '80s, with '90s modern pop twists, on songs like "Cracking Up" and the rhythmic "Birthday." Things get unusually happy with "I Love Rock 'n' Roll" and "Fizzy." The Reids even employ their sister to sing on "Moetucker." While most of these songs carry such elements that differentiate "Munki" from their older albums, the overall sound and song structures never deviate from the same formula that has led to both their rise and fall, making this album either a godsend or a banal collection of songs. It may not be fresh, but JMC have the type of pop sensibilities that give their music character and drive, and "Munki" is a testament to upholding that tradition. Mike Prevatt

Brian Setzer Orchestra, "The Dirty Boogie" (Interscope) The Squirrel Nut Zippers and Big Bad Voodoo Daddy might have more commercial appeal, but when it comes to swing music, there's only one true king, and that is Brian Setzer. This former Stray Cats front man has the voice, the guitar, and he's definitely got the Hawaiian-print suits. Up in front of a 16-piece band, Setzer's scratchy vocals and sharp arrangements show that he's still the rockin'-est cat in the galaxy, in top form on his third release. From the juiced up horns of "This Cat's On a Hot Tin Roof" to the Vegas-kitsch of "As Long As I'm Singin'," the album is one good time. Whether visiting standards such as "This Old House" and "Since I Don't Have You" or self-penned material like "Hollywood Nocturne" and "Switchblade 327," the band sounds terrific throughout.

It's not flawless, however. A weaker re-working of "Rock This Town" comes across like a mash of the Stray Cats and the Tonight Show band. The guitar experimentation on "Sleepwalk" goes a bit overboard, too. But then again, it's pretty hard to improve upon the original's near-perfection. "The Dirty Boogie" has few of these missteps, though, and even the slip-ups are better than most bands' best work. Brent Hopkins

Eve 6, "Eve 6" (RCA) With a fresh alt-pop sound comparable to a band such as Everclear, Eve 6 releases its self-titled album, already finding its home on the airwaves of such radio stations as KROQ. The catchiness of the single "Inside Out" leaves a lasting impression and, luckily, the album contains more of the same infectious beats and rockin' vitality as its current hit. "How Much Longer" and "Leech" contain the same potential as "Inside Out" to rule as successful singles full of upbeat tempo and alternative guitar frills.

Eve 6 excels lyrically and melodically, and sticks to the formula through each song. This can also prove their weakness, however. "Superhero Girl" sounds overly simplified next to the slower, thoughtful melodies of "Jesus Nitelite." But with energy comparable to Blink 182, Eve 6 shows the promise of a great new band. Michelle Zubiate

Unwritten Law, "Unwritten Law" (Interscope) Many things have been said about this fivesome, most of which includes the word "punk." But this hard-edged, yet infectiously melodic, power-pop outfit sounds as punk as any so-called "punk" band on the radio today (i.e. Blink 182, Mxpx).

With songs like the upbeat "Holiday," the anthemic, blaring "California Sky" and the charged single, "Teenage Suicide," Unwritten Law maintains an in-your-face sound that's anything but boring.

As serious at times as Bad Religion and as lively and hook-laden as the Irish trio Ash, these youngsters have given the Southern California scene another reason to be proud. Mike Prevatt

Various Artists, "Urbal Beats 2" (Urb/Polygram) "Urbal Beats 2," the second edition of Urb magazine's "definitive guide to electronic music," starts off with the rabid "Rock the Funky Beat," by Natural Born Chillers, which pounces on you with such a brutal, thrilling drum and bass fever that we seriously doubt if the rest of the double-disk compilation can continue living with this kind of ill behavior.

And for the most part, we're right.

The album features tracks from Fatboy Slim, David Holmes and UberZone, among others. While funky and recognizably important to the recent stardom of the electronic age, they are also safe and uninspired inclusions to the album, and they sound especially humdrum as un-remixed versions.

But these high-profile tracks intrude only occassionally. Wildchilds' "Renegade Master" and DJ Die's challenge of DJ Shadow's "What Does Your Soul Look Like" makes the album really worthwhile, along with DJ Hype's revved-up, marvelously offensive remix of Prodigy's "Smack My Bitch Up." And in the album's boldest move, Portishead's sultry, triphop fantasia "Over" represents a smart declaration that electronica music is not only for dancing on ecstasy.

The second disc, "The Classics," features old-school electricians such as Orbital, 808 State and Moby. It's definitively boring , but at least these "classics" make you appreciate the good times ahead. Tommy Nguyen

James, "James: The Best of..." (Fontana/Mercury) James, the acclaimed alt-pop act from Britain, have been making albums long enough to release a best-of album, and "James: Best of..." celebrates 14 years of stellar songwriting.

Working with a range of different musicians and producers, James have sold millions of records worldwide with their easy-going yet guitar-led sound. Earlier treasures, including the rousing, rhythmic "Come Home," "Sit Down" and "Born of Frustration," accompany their more polished, recent hits, like "Laid" and the brand new gem, "Destiny Calling." Between Tim Booth's attentive, glowing vocals and the band's gliding harmonies, James represents pure, emotive talent. Mike Prevatt

Soundbites-

Click to preview 15 seconds of "iloverocknroll" by the Jesus and

Mary Chain.

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