GUNS N' ROSES. Chinese Democracy (Interscope). Chinese Democracy is Guns
n' Ros- es' long-time coming album (pushed back a zillion times) since 1993.
UMM
mu s i c ★ exxxxxx r e vi ws By Andréanne Sasseville
COMMON
Universal Mind Control (Geffen) Artist Common strategically built his music career and noticeably branched out into acting (American Gangster) and writing (he has three books). For Universal Mind Control, he worked with longtime pals Kanye West and Pharrell. The result is a surprising upbeat mix of genres in a polished club-like production. The rapper got us used to his idealist prose and great soul mixes for more than a decade now. Confusingly, those signature traits are nowhere to be found on this raunchy opus. Guess we all need a change once in a while!
FALL OUT BOY Folie à Deux (Island)
Folie à Deux follows in the footsteps of the huge success of the Chicago boys’ 2007 Infinity on High. Often tagged The Get up Kids’ reincarnation, Fall out Boy has that extra edge in both lyrics and sound. The vocal harmonies layered onto the punk arrangements have become their story telling style. Tracks like ‘I don’t care’ should do well with radio while interesting experimental choral harmonies shine on ‘Tiffany Blews’. Their world-wide tour is booked solid until the summer. This is an ear treat you shouldn’t overlook.
NOVILLERO NICKELBACK
Dark Horse (Roadrunner) With their latest album Dark Horse, Nickelback returns from its overdone Rockstar image and scratches under the surface. With star producer Mutt Lange (AC/DC) as a guide, the eleven songs are unsurprisingly radio-friendly and chart-topping driven. One million copies were sold just two months into its release. That deserves a sincere nod. And the band isn’t taking this joyride for granted (see their website). This is a good pop rock album and the energizing concerts will keep it alive for months to come.
80 | spring 2009
A Little Tradition (Mint Records) Fresh off their first European tour following the release of their A Little Tradition album in the fall, Novillero are hard at work with some shows in Canada. Highly influenced by the 60’s and 70’s rock sound, the Winnipeg quintet add a unique pop twist to it that fires it up. Don’t look for squeaky clean vocals and overdone mixes. This is straight off the floor, sounding more like an amazingly cool Friday night jamming session. Happy moments are guaranteed while tuning into this set.
GUNS N’ ROSES
KEVIN RUDOLF
Chinese Democracy (Interscope)
In The City (Cash Money Records)
Chinese Democracy is Guns n’ Roses’ long-time coming album (pushed back a zillion times) since 1993. Lyrically themed violently around war (and peace), hate (and love) and backstabbing politics, the old G n’R personality only shines through in a dimmed light. The added guitars and synths (new band members) at times overload Roses’ still uniquely appealing vocals. Too many spins of this album might leave nostalgic fans hanging. Newcomers to these fourteen aggressive tracks might find solace in what is really a good hard rock album.
Kevin Rudolf’s debut album In the City is intriguing. The hit single ‘Let it Rock’ featuring Lil’Wayne nauseatingly took over the airwaves! Nas and Rick Ross bring some respect on tracks ‘N.Y.C.’ and ‘Welcome to the World’ while Rudolf breaks into rock and roll mode on every chorus of the twelve dance pieces. The man knows a good hook and has had successful practice while working on guitar chords for producer great Timbaland. Fun and interesting, one hit at a time. Now let’s see what the future brings…
SERENA RYDER Is It O.K. (EMI)
The 2008 Best New Artist of the Year Juno recipient is back with her fourth studio album titled Is It O.K. The stage is set with thirteen folk-pop tunes with strong hints of country and blues scattered throughout. Her three octave voice is beautifully unpolished, technically raspy and breathes a perfect whisky pitch. The first single ‘Little Bit of Red’ and ‘Weak in The Knees’ are a true testament to the raw emotion Serena brings to a boil when she performs. Certainly worth a spot in your top spins!
THE DEARS
Missiles (Maple Music Recordings) This eclectic Montreal-based group has managed to stay clear of any etiquette and has authentically just ‘made music’. As members change depending on the project or the tour, always steady at the core of the band’s orchestra is Murray Lightburn. At times dark and slow, yet still melodically inclined, The Dears sound comes to great height during their live concerts. Their latest opus titled Missiles is a reflective testament on how a delicately mastered blend of organ, tambourines, synthesizers and maracas still makes it feel intimate and tailored just right.
