Offspring ‘Ixnay’ Album Has Wide-Ranging Appeal

The Offspring

“Ixnay On The Hombre” (Columbia)

Debuting on a major label after its record-shattering success on independent Epitaph, Southern California’s Offspring delivers the kind of record that will further its career without alienating its fan base.

A record as mature and sophisticated as one would expect from an evolving band’s third outing, yet faithful to the group’s core sound, “Ixnay On The Hombre” also happens to be chock-full of material that’s primed for alternative rock, hard rock, mainstream rock and MTV airplay.

Highlights include the catchy, propulsive “Meaning Of Life,” the Aerosmith-meets-Jane’s Addiction “Me & My Old Lady,” the anthemic “Cool To Hate,” the atmospheric “Gone Away,” and the ska-flavored “Don’t Pick It Up.” A band that knew what to do at the crossroads.

Spring heel jack

“68 Million Shades ……” (Island)

Drum ‘n’ bass may be the rage in the U.K., but in the U.S. listeners still seem intimidated by its beats. Island’s stateside licensing of “68 Million Shades ……” may change that, as the sophomore set from the London duo exposes the soul in the drum machine.

The gritty pulse of dub is at the heart of the tracks, the languid pull of bass mitigating the speed of the beats. Trumpet phrases and piano arpeggios lilt over percolating rhythms, recalling Portishead, the soundtracks of Enrico Morricone and ‘70s-era Miles Davis.

“Midwest” could have been written by Ry Cooder, its lonely guitar twang echoing into the distance, while “Pan” juxtaposes hard funk and delicate strings.

“Suspension” meshes sounds while retaining their separate essences, while “Take 3” emits an adrenaline rush of beats.

Josefin Nilsson

“Shapes” (TriStar Music)

If Abba had recorded an album in the ‘90s, this would have been it. With songs written by Benny Andersson and Bjorn Ulvaeus, production by Andersson, and a roster of musicians who played on Abba albums, the only difference is Nilsson’s vocals, which have a smokier texture than Agnetha’s or Frida’s.

“Shapes” doesn’t repeat Abba, but the production, the musical inflections, and the layered vocals all brilliantly invoke the much-missed Swedish group. The same pop programmers who embraced the Cardigans and Donna Lewis should adore “We Won’t Be Going Anywhere” and “Midnight Dancer” as well as find other singles by hitting random play.

Cirque Du Soleil

“Quidam” (RCA Victor/BMG Classics)

Acutely aware that most of what passes for “world music” is a fusion of different ethnic genres, the Cirque Du Soleil troupe has always created its own brand of worldly music, mixing styles and going as far as inventing a language for some of its vocal work.

On its latest offering, the ensemble dances between East and West and ancient and modern sensibilities, creating an irresistible sonic environment. Highlights include the Middle Eastern flavored “Atmadja,” the exotic “Incantation,” the self-explanatory “Zydeko,” and high-drama vocal numbers “Let Me Fall” and the title theme.

Although the material is designed to accompany the “Cirque Du Soleil” live show, the music stands on its own as a testament to the possibilities of letting one’s creative imagination run amok.