The Cadre + 22September 1998

The Real McKenzies Clash of the Tartans (Sudden Death)

This CD is a riot. The Real McKenzies are a group of idiots that like to play loud, and yet somehow maintain a fairly musical sound. These boys from B.C. take great pride in their Scottish Punk and | won’t be the first to say they shouldn’t.

While the album isn’t mind-numbingly original, itisa lot of fun and the songs differ

from each other enough to pre- vent irritation. Tracks like “Stone of Kings,” “Will Ye Be Proud,” and “To the Battle” are among the best, with tem- pos that will leave you dead on the floor if you dance to more than four in a row.

The titles more than hint at the content of each song, leaving the lyrics somewhat

self-evident, and so I'll focus on the music. The CD ends with a beautiful bagpipe ar- rangement, “MacLeod,” which takes a turn from the rest of the album, though fit- tingly so.

I definitely recommend this, the Real McKenzies’ sec- ond record, and hope that you give ita listen.

Henry Rollins Think Tank Universal)

Henry Rollins is now on a double-disc with his new stand-up material. For a spo- kenalbum, it is very entertain- ing and edgy (the understate- ment of the year), and left me smiling for quite some time.

My conscience does not sitso comfortably when listen- ing to Mr. Rollins, at times, since his language can be more than excessive. Not that | can’t handle strong language. I’m no soft-spoken person

myself. However, after a while, I begin to whince and wish that he could cool off a bit.

My suggestion is to lis- ten to these CDs in sections. Segments such as “Airport Hell,” “Television,” and “Weatherman” on disc one are among the best of his material, though some may disagree with me. All of disc two, as far as I’m concerned, is hilarious. From his descriptions of per-

formances gone wrong (when he was still with his band), to faxing psychotic letters to his doctor, Rollins manages to make all things old new again.

I can’t recommend this album without attaching a warning as far as language and content are concerned, but for those who appreciate the darker side of humour, wel- come to the world of Henry Rollins.

Misia Garras Dos Sentidos (Detour)

Misia isanewartist from Spain who records, in Lisbon, what is termed as the Fado, An historic style of music that has many faces, she brings to it a voice that is piercing and haunting. ;

The lyrics are sung in Spanish, understandably, but are translated into English on the sleeve. One doesn’t have to know the words, however, in order to sink into the rich

melodies that are interpreted by guitar, piano, cello and accordian, in addition to voice.

The title track, “Garras Dos Sentidos” (“The Claws of the Heart”), and others such as “Fado Do Returno” (“Re- turn Fado”--both I and II), and “Da Vida Quero Os Sinais” (“From Life | Want Signs”) are beautifully painful. “Nenhuma Estrela Caiu” (“Not One Star Fell”) and “Danga

De Magoas” (“Dance of Sor- rows’) are among the surpris- ingly happier songs on the al- n. The lyrics are all by dif- ferent authors; Misia looked to renowned poets and writers in Spain to write lyrics for what is mostly traditional music. The result is a collection of over- whelmingly artistic creations that leave me silent.

Hole Celebrity Skin (Geffen Records)

When I picked up this CD I had no basis to which to compare it. I had never heard Hole before. Granted, though, I was overly familiar with Courtney Love herself. Her media and movie exploits had made her far more famous than her music had. I put the

CD inexpecting to hearacom- bination of the all toocommon “alternative” brand of music mixed in with a bit of angst and vocal exhibitionism. | was how- ever pleasantly surprised. Al- though lyrically weak, full of thinly veiled metaphors and simplistic themes, the music

was in itself good. | found ©

myself tuning out from time to time, but I was on the whole pleased with the music. It was good to listen to while I sat back and did my homework, and relaxed with a book. Would I buy the next one? No, but I wouldn’t mind being given one.

Various Artists Songs of the Witchblade (Dreamworks)

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Now this was a weird one.

I had always thought that a comic book by it’s very nature could have no sound, but it seems as though they have changed the rules on me. Meant as a good mood setter for the comics, I can under-

stand this album; itis definitely moody. But as a stand-alone CD? Not quite. The music bounced from thrashing guitar riffs to tranquil little speeches by soft-spoken women, back to loud and obnoxious squeals from the guitar and then quiet again. All the while inter-

spersed with bits of dialogue from the comics themselves explaining the history ofall the characters. Very moody, very boring. Nota CD to listen to on it’s own, but if you read the comics, or you’re reading a good book, pop it in and enjoy.

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