In the following article, the Alternative Music Directors of KSTO, Andy Eklund and Benjamin Michael Toht, and RPM Director Matt MacInnes preview newly-released CDs.
Selmasongs by Bjork
Icelandic pop superstar Bjork has released Selmasongs, the soundtrack to Lars Von Trier's "Dancer in the Dark." The title of the album derives from Bjork's character in the film Selma, for which she won the best actress award at this year's Cannes Film Festival. The album combines Bjork's trademark melodies with driving "mechanically"sampled beats and a schizophrenic blend of classical instrumentation and jacked-up-jazzy-hop-hip-synthesized-licks. This album also contains a duet with Thom Yorke of Radiohead. If you haven't bought past Bjork albums, you're crazy. This one is no different.
Kid A by Radiohead:
Their last album, OK Computer, is considered by some critics to be the best album of our generation. Kid A is not a return to the past, but is rather a step forward into what music could be. Thom Yorke, songwriter and spokesperson, seems to have abandoned melodies, and created only rhythms. After listening to Kid A, you might not be whistling the tunes on the album, but you will want more. While the songs "Kid A," "Optimistic," and "Idioteque" stand out, the album is best experienced in its entirety, preferably with headphones. Yeah, headphones. In short it's best not to describe Kid A, but rather to experience it.
Rush Hour by Wesley Willis:
That infamous schizophrenic from Chicago is back, this time with an album previously unavailable to the general public, entitled Rush Hour. Abandoning his concert/album reviewing talents, Wesley walks the fine line that divides blasphemy and praise. With the song "Jesus Christ" one might think Wesley has turned into a Christian rocker, but when we arrive at the classic "I Whipped Batman's Ass," we remember that Wesley is not a forgiving man. Other highlights include "2x4," "The Termites Ate My House Up," and "Lake of Fire." Finally releasing classics to the general public, Rush Hour is an album not to be missed.
"Machine" (single) by Theatere of Tragedy:
This single has raging guitars, dark voices, resonating synths, delicious female vox, and solid beats. It is strangely haunting with bits of steel glinting out behind the veil of sweetness, and highly recommended for anyone who enjoys synthpop/darkwave/goth music.
Aural and Hearty by Mocean Worker:
This album is very diverse, glued together with phat bass lines to keep you bouncing. Featuring Bono (of U2) on "Air Suspension," the album dabbles in international flavors, trance, lounge, and funk but keeps a characteristic bass sound thumping through the whole thing. Itıs good for any party where you want to keep the atmosphere light.
Shango by Juno Reactor:
Starting with some Spanish guitar on the first track, "Pistelero" (guitars by Steve Stevens of Billy Idol), Shango kicks into some furious drum n' bass. The album goes on to explore goa and ambient sounds as well, while also borrowing from African and Celtic cultures to weave a cohesive mythology that stands on its own. Recommended tracks are: "Pistelero," "Masters of the Universe," and "Nitrogen Pt1."
