Disc Reviews

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Posted: 9/16/03

The Sound of Young New York
Compilation CD
Plant Music

When you first listen to this CD, you'll probably have a very strong desire to hit the stop button and banish it to your pile of lost causes. Give this disc a little time, however, and the synth-filled beats and over-the-top electric guitar riffs will slowly win you over.

Plant Music's mix CD The Sound of Young New York is much more creative than its name suggests. This compilation of the city's up-and-coming DJs and producers is a unique concoction of 80s new wave, punk, indie pop and house interspersed with some funk. The tracks are seamlessly woven together by Plant's owner, Dominique Keegan, who also performs on a handful of the songs.

Especially notable are Syrup's remix of the wildly funky club classic "If I Brought You a Party" and Kap 10 Kurt's sensuous vocals on "Die Sleeping." The space-age sound effects and quirky melodies reminiscent of cheesy video game music aren't for everyone. Some will find this mix a refreshing relief and, if nothing more, this CD provides a taste of what's to come from New York's vibrant music scene.

-Scott Sameroff

Emily Jordan
Emily Jordan
Spark Records

Emily Jordan's self-titled debut album is sassy, funky and much more than your typical R&B album. Jordan, who shares a co-writing credit on nearly every track, sings with real soul.

The overall inspiration for this album seems to be the 80s. It's very subtle, but the overtones of a techno base are heard on all the tracks. At times, such as on "Always Be There," it even seems like Jordan is trying to emulate Janet Jackson.

The opening track, "Start of Something," has a great beat, and could easily make a good first single. The third track, "Beautiful," also has potential. "When I Gave My Heart to You" is a soulful tune about love and loss.

However, not every track on the album is a hit. "T-t-t-tell me" seems to be way off the mark, and not nearly as fun as it tries to be. "Till the Bitter End" and "Crazy For You" are far too sappy as well.

Overall, there is real substance to the voice and style of Emily Jordan. She could have a big future.

-Dany Horovitz

Traveler
Colin James
Warner Music

On his eighth full-length record, Traveler, Canadian guitarist Colin James combines his love of the blues, rock and funk to come up with an intriguing mix. In the process, James the traveler takes the listener on the equivalent of a musical jaunt, but it is by no means a journey into unknown areas.

Traveler opens with a bluesy cover of John Lennon's "I'm Losing You." James veers off the path with a Motown-inspired "Make a Mistake," refusing to stay within the blues categorization.

"Skydiving," as the title suggests, is a soaring rock number, rounded out by the Wurlitzer playing of Jeff Trott. "Skydiving," co-written by James, Trott and Craig Northey, is one of the strongest tracks on the album. The songs penned by the team of James and Northey stand out on the album.

The musicianship on Traveler surpasses that of most recent rock records, with bass player Daryl Johnson deserving special recognition. His flourishes add to many of the songs. However, James does not convey the raw energy of his live performances on the recording. What James does offer is superb guitar playing on excellently crafted songs. And for that, his fans should be happy to go on the trip that Traveler offers.

-Mark Kerr

Client
Client
Mute Records

Client is the first band signed to former Depeche Mode member Andy Fletcher's new label, Mute Records. Client does not disappoint in this respect. The English duo's debut album smacks of the ever-so-trendy electro-pop craze now permeating the music world. The band's infectious, pulsing songs driven by drum machines, synthesizers and female vocals are reminiscent of Ladytron and The Faint.

Most of the lyrics on Client deal with the painful aspects of love and the words are about as hackneyed as the subject matter. However, they are undeniably likeable and catchy to an ear tuned for pop. Songs like "Rock and Roll Machine" and "Love All Night" have inviting, memorable choruses. Others, like "Diary of an 18-year-old Boy" and "Pills" have an element of darker pop that seems perfect for a trendy after-hours club. Client delivers easily accessible, formulaic electro-pop, but their claim that they "innovate, never imitate" on the first track of the album is perhaps clouded.

-Noelle Duncan