October 24, 1995

Sound Bites

by Lorne Caborn

Alternative is the flavour of this _ eek as five new groups check into the music spotlight. Semisonic’s EP Pleasure just as the title suggests, it being one of he better selections I sampled this week. he limited cuts that are available on this isc have a sound similiar to Stone emple Pilots or Pearl Jam and offers the stener something different to listen to.

Challenging, compositional music is lhe way The Wooden Stars describe their nusic, but alternative is what I’d call alternative to good music, that is. This elf-titled CD sucks, plain and simple. The nly thing left to say about this one is not o buy it.

Back on a positive note however is ublime. This one really has to be heard

ocd ere

to be believed. The music styles on this one range from rap to thrash so the only way I can describe it is alternative, or just entertaining because it’s definitely just that.

Sparklehorse offers yet another style, but I’d only suggest picking up Vivadixiesubmarinetransmissionplot (catchy name, huh?), if your alternative collection is complete. It’s good but better discs are still out there.

Rounding off this week’s list of titles is Machines of Loving Grace. I didn’t think it could get any worse than The Wooden Stars until I heard Grace’s CD Gilt. If parents wanted to punish their kids they should make them listen to this junk. That’s it for me, keep your ears open.

&

Shed Seven

Per tae Prints

Change Giver

(Polydor)

A new breed of musician has emerged from England in the last five years -- the whining, anal-retentive lad who firmly believes he is the centre of the universe. Northern Brit band Shed Seven represents this category with lyrics such as ‘‘You are the greatest thing I ever saw and I’m the greatest thing ever born.’’ The inconsistency is that Shed Seven have actually produced an impressive collection of type-cast tunes in their latest offering Change

Giver.

The songs sometimes sound as if Paul Banks, Tom Gladwin and Alan Leach thought odd time signatures and unexpected chord changes equalled originality. As well, sometimes vocalist Rick Witter comes up with a complete clunker (‘‘I can see through all your see through clothes/I’ve got to see you cause I like you loads’’). But overall Change Giver is a worthwhile effort. Sure, it’s nothing new, but Shed Seven have at least given reason to

watch out for them.

-- Geraldine Quinn

Page 13

Lisa Loeb and Nine Stories

Tails (MCA)

Lisa Loeb is best known for her hit single ‘‘Stay’’ from the Reality Bites Sound- track. Her latest release features this song and several others which match, and even surpass that single in quality. You will find yourself humming along with the wide range of musical styles and vivid lyrics. This is an excellent release and once you put it

in your car stereo it will never come out again.

-- Aldera Chisholm

BRT eX HEB AT

Writer and artist

Karen McLaughlin

reading from her novel

CHORAL

published by Press Gang Publishers

"...a breathtaking novel that will mark every reader's memory."

BOOKS AVAILABLE AT THE EVENT FREE ADMISSION

Thursday, October 26, 1995 7:30 pm in the Faculty Lounge, Main Building, UPEI

-Aritha van Herk

Co-sponsored by Women's Network and UPEI Women's Centre

For more information, call Heidi at Women's Network 368-5040

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