While 13-year-olds might like it …

Anyone who claims that modern music has too many profanities to be healthy should look no further than the new offering from comedic rock gods Tenacious D for fuel for their argument.  On first listening, this listener was struck by the sophomoric use of the F-bomb (enough to put even 2 Live Crew to shame) and the childishness of the lyrics.  While it was humorous in its own way, the songs were very trite and seemed as though they had been written 20 years ago by adolescent versions of the current incarnation of the “D.”  However, with all of this said, “Pick of Destiny” kind of rocks.  Composed as a metal album about the band’s run-ins with the netherworld, musically speaking this album is fairly well put together.  The hardcore guitar riffs and subtle vocal harmonies make this an interesting product by the comedic duo.  Sure the style is not exactly fresh, and of course the subjct is laughable (as it is meant to be), but with this second outing by the two-man  their appearant musical talent is solidified.  I could definitely see the D cleaning up thier act after age 50 and putting out children’s albums that would rock the booties off the babies.  Though for right now parents may want to sing the line, “Mammas,  don’t let your babies grow up to listen to Tenacious D.”

Check out this Son-of-a-Beatle

Growing up shadowed by the specter of greatness must be hard gowing.  T o follow in the footsteps of a legendary musician must be even harder.  Sean Lennon continues his voyage through these waters with his newest album “Friendly Fire.”  With this group of songs, Lennon explores groundwork that sounds vaguely similar to some of his father’s later work, while still coming across as fresh.  The album is by no means award-winning material, but is well produced and interesting in the video content included.  For each song a video is included on the seperate DVD.  This seems to be the most interesting aspect of the set.  The songs are OK and play fine in the background, but there is very little new ground covered.  It is in the video interpretations that Lennon shows the family knack for creating memorable products.  Don’t get me wrong, Lennon plays many of the instruments on the album in addition to his vocal contributions, but none of it will win him a Grammy.  The bottom line : I listened to the album a few times, but am happy to return it to the Library.  Thank you EVPL!!!!

I don’t know if I’d call it magic …

Following up the less than successful LP “The New Danger,” Actor/Hip-Hop star Mos Def returns to his roots with his newest album “True Magic.”  Solid production accompanied by Mos’ lyrical skills create an album that is easily listened to while still providing food for thought.  However, the mix sometimes makes it hard to easily follow what Mos is trying to say.  This is an important flaw for a performer who is expected to deliver solid lyrical content.  As was the case with his last album, I worry that he is producing a substandard product.  Tracks like “Napoleon Dynamite” come through with blazing clarity while others seem to be rather an attempt at the rapper’s will to sing something, even if he doesn’t have anything to say.  Don’t get me wrong, I think the album works in its own way, but it could be much better.  It seems that Mos tries to bring the spontanaity of Jazz in his stuff, but this runs the risk of alienating the listener.  As a total, the album has good flow from one song to the next, provides a few notable single tracks, and gives a solid platform for Mos Def’s message.  The only question is can the listener here what he has to say?

Intrepid Hip-Hoppers take heart

Remember I promised more for those who are not savvy with the world of Hip-Hop?  Look no further than Jill Scott’s new CD “Collaborations.”  Not only does it provide a fluid R&B experience, but it also strings a few pearls of Hip-Hop’s more conscious rappers throughout the 14-track album.  Lupe Fiasco, Common and Mos Def all make appearances, and Will Smith is even featured on a track.  This should not discourage those who are intrepid Hip-Hoppers, with the likes of Sergio Mendes and Chris Botti offering a jazz element to a couple tracks and R&B greats like Al Jarreau and Kirk Franklin further instill the core of this album.  The bottom line is that this is a very listenable album.  Sure there a few crass moments and the Mos Def tracks are spoken word metaphor for a sexual encounter, but the poetry of word and voice present on this album is sadly lacking in many of today’s hot music releases no matter the genre.  However, it is Jill Scott that is magic behind most of these tracks.  Being that all the singles were collaborations that were featured on other’s albums as well, Scott was quite often catering to someone else’s musical style, forcing her to truely prove her range of performance.  The result is an album that stays fresh by not being repetitive, a trait many modern releases lack.  Maybe more acts should collaborate.

Even though I prefer Baccarat …

It isn’t too often that a new hip-hop star creeps onto the scene, but if you are a gamblin’ man (or woman) you might want to bet on Blak.  Blak Jak, that is.  Fresh out of Georgia, Blak Jak takes the dirty, dirty by force of talent.  Smooth lyrics with solid beats give this album playability.  Don’t get me wrong, the subject matter is as cliche as most rap albums (sex, drugs, and thug life), but the delivery is fresh and the tracks are catchy without being too commercial.  This is definitely a must listen for hip-hop fans (Hotlanta is happenin’ right now) but newbies to the genre might want to start with something a little more conscious.  (More on that later …)

Better left for bedtime Carly

From one Icon to another, the difference between Mary J. Blige  and Carly Simon is a mountain.  While MJB climbs to the heights of a turbulent career, Carly seems to be leisurely enjoying the lush valley of her golden years.  “Into White” brings Simon’s listeners  oddly surreal versions of bedtime songs alongside a bad Beatles cover.  Added to this mix are versions of “Oh! Susannah” and “Scarborough Fair,” the former being more appropriate for children and the latter perhaps for their grandparents.  The album as a whole seems to be just a passing weekend spent in the studio on a tropical island, definitely not necessarily worth the $20 dollars spent purchasing the album.  However, die-hard fans may be interested in the track with her kids and may be able to look paste the butchery that is her version of “Blackbird.”  Sorry Carly, I can’t.

Mary J. reflects on yesterdays

In this day and age of “Greatest Hits” albums, it is always refreshing to see an icon reflect upon their career with the class and talent of Mary J. Blige.  The artist does not just pool here best ever tracks onto one CD, but rather pulls a few favorites together with a few new tracks.  Many fans have complained about this on message boards on the net, but I have to disagree with them.  The album flows rather smoothly with a few cameo appearences (both old and new) and an assortment of musical styles.  Partnering up with John Legend was a well-planned move, giving both artists a boost by another R&B superstar.  Add to this a remix of an old Method Man duet and the MJB/Wyclef joint ”911″ and you have a taste of yesterday’s Mary J.  Couple this with a few new tracks that show the age-tempered MJB and you have an album that deserves the title “Reflections.”   

Trust the Man

First of all, let’s just state the obvious.  “Trust the Man” got really bad reviews when it came out.  However, since I like all of the stars, including Julianne Moore, David Duchovny, Maggie Gyllenhaal and Billy Crudup – I decided to give it a shot, and I’m glad I did.  It’s actually a pretty decent movie – a crisp, funny, intelligent look at the intertwined lives of two sets of couples in New York City.  Director Bart Freundlich is no Woody Allen, but I don’t really think he’s trying to be, since the genre he’s chosen  is clearly owned by Allen.  Duchovny and Moore play a married couple with kids; he’s adjusting to being a “house husband” and she’s going back to work on the stage.  Gyllenhaal and Crudup play an unmarried couple who’ve been together for seven years – she’s got the kids and marriage itch – he doesn’t.  Aside from the fact that the characters are a little one-dimensional (the men seem to care more about sex than anything else, and the women seem to think they hold the keys to all the mysteries of life) and the ending is pretty “schmalzy”, overall I enjoyed it.  It wasn’t brain surgery, but I did find myself caring about these couples and wanting to know how it ended.  That, to me, is the sign of at least a fairly good movie ~ this one’s worth seeing if you just want a good “chick flick” or something fun to watch with your friends.

Oscar names a Winner!

The Departed was recently named best movie for 2006 at the annual Academy Awards.  Unfortunately, I didn’t view the film until the awards were over, but the buzz and the hype didn’t let me down.  The film is directed by the talented Martin Scorsese  (winner for Best Director 2006).  I liked this movie because of the intense plot and brilliant suspense.  The story’s main battle is between the Massachusetts State Police and the Irish Mafia.  Both organizations have infiltrated the other with undercover moles, and everyone is a suspect until the identities are revealed. This film ended up earning 4 Oscars overall.

 

 

Promises (2001 Documentary)

This moving documentary is ranked among my top five favorites. It focuses on the lives of Palestinian and Israeli children (ages 9-12) trying to live totally separates lives while longing for peace and stability. Filmmaker B.Z. Goldberg brings the children together for a meeting and they discuss their many similarities, as well as their differences and the obstacles they would have to overcome in order to have peace.

*This film will be shown as part of the “Human Rights International Film Festival Series” at Central Library, Browning Events Room on May 5 at 2:00 PM.

Submitted by Madonna W.