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DMB, “Live in Chicago” (WB)
The Dave Matthews Band has done it again. Their latest ensemble, “Live in Chicago,” is yet another typical collection of past songs from an electrifying concert.
Bringing together old hits with semi-new ones, this new hit CD is not out of the ordinary for DMB. Having, in past years, compiled basically the same type of CD, “Live in Chicago” is no different than all the rest.
Held Dec. 19, 1998 at the United Center in Chicago, this particular concert incorporated long-standing songs from earlier CDs, such as “What Would You Say?” and “Crash Into Me.” More noteworthy and recent songs included “The Last Stop” and “Stay (Wasting Time).”
Adding an encore of “The Christmas Song” and “All Along the Watchtower,” this concert appears to have been quite the show. With the latter song being one of the best live versions this band performs, people can’t help but bust out a note or two to the rendition on this CD.
Though somewhat expected, this latest CD is nonetheless impressive. An incredible sound that goes straight to your soul, this music is practically unclassifiable. No doubt, “Live in Chicago” has something for every DMB fan.
- By Angela Fiandaca
Sting, “All This Time” (Universal) Yet another Sting album hits the shelves this December. Only this time, he is re-releasing some of his older and newer work. The album was recorded live in front of a small studio audience on the sorrowful day of Sept. 11. The CD, and specifically the track “Fragile,” was dedicated to all who died on that day.
Old Police favorites include “Roxanne” and “Don’t Stand So Close To Me,” but don’t seem to be pulled off in the same climatic way.
This Sting release seems to be some of the mellowest material he has produced. Listening to songs like “Roxanne” will leave the listener waiting for a punch line.
Sting incorporates many musical styles as usual. This time he partners up with trombonist Clark Gayton and trumpeter Chris Botti for a classic jazz sound on some tracks. On other tracks, one can’t help thinking, hmmm, this is gospel.
Die-hard fans and easy listening fanatics alike will enjoy this musical smorgasbord of sounds. Listen for this album at a dentist office near you.
Bottom line: Sting again shows his musical diversity and expertise, but fails to fulfill the listener whose taste developed in 1986.
-By Schuyler Dean
Laura Dawn, “Believer” (WB)
Laura Dawn’s new release, “Believer,” is a mix of everything from slow ballads to pop to heavy punk rock that blares from the speakers with a panicked intensity.
Laura Dawn was once a member of Fluffer, an “all girl punk art band.” Born and raised in Pleasantville, Iowa, Dawn moved to New York City at the age of 21. This experience with the city seems to have shaped the person she’s become today, as her songs tell stories of experiences she’s had in her life since she moved to the Big Apple.
“Free and Lonely Life,” the first track on the album, is mostly guitar music, which is done quite nicely. There were a lot of words and ideas thrown into this song that made it feel longer than it’s four and a half minutes.
On the more punkish side is “The Old You” in which Dawn sings of a friend she lost to cocaine. The song takes on an angry tone in the beginning, with almost an accusatory undertone, and ends with a more remorseful feel.
“Nothing to Me” is a slower ballad and is quite short. In the lyrics, she’s reaffirming her faith that’s gotten her this far. This song ends rather abruptly as the more obnoxious aptly titled “Party Girl” begins.
The title track of this album, “Believer,” has a light punk sound, unlike “Jump Into the Fire,” the last track on the album.
“I Would” is a soft pop-like ballad in which Dawn sings about changing her life to keep someone from leaving.
In “Last Song,” which is a very soft and sad ballad, Dawn cuts ties with someone in her life by proclaiming she’ll never write another song again about that someone.
Overall, this is a great first album for the now solo Laura Dawn. The downside is that parts of the lyrics are quite repetitive, which makes the songs seem much longer than they actually are. There is a great span of music types in this album, however. From the slow ballad “Last Song” to the upbeat rock song “Jump Into the Fire,” Dawn’s “Believer” is worth listening to at least once. Bottom line: 8 out of 10.
- By Erin Desrochers.
Dubnicks, “How To Be Cool” (PNK)
Are you tired of all the same old rubbish in the music industry today? Tired of wimpy lyrics and redundant beats? Well your search ends here. The Dubnicks, and their first full length album “How To Be Cool,” breaks the typical stereotype and splashes a bit of brains into the scene.
At first listen, the Dubnicks could be written off as just another pop-punk/emo piece of trash in the industry today. But upon closer inspection it’s rather apparent that there’s something deeper and more intelligent in the music. Consisting of thoughtful lyrics and well thought out bridges and solos, lead singer/guitarist Phil Dubnick shows off his smart tunes with a degree from the infamous Berklee College of Music.
While the album does show some thought, at the same time it lacks originality and style. The album, like many others in the industry, has many tracks with that same old blink-ish sound, and the intro to “Strip Mall Beauty Queen” nearly mimics Shawn Mullin’s “Rockabye.”
Comparisons aside, the music sounds great. The songs are poppy, catchy and great for those sing-alongs that accompany long road trips. With this attractive combination of melodic sound and smart edgy lyrics, it’s easy to see why Phil and his two fellow Dubnicks are well on their way down the road of success.
- By Jason Houle
