Veruca Salt’s New Album Explosive
Veruca Salt “Eight Arms To Hold You” (Outpost/Minty Fresh)
The swift maturation of this band, from its seminal indie “Seether” hit on through its strong “American Thighs” debut album, has been thrilling to behold. But no one could have been prepared for the crackling excellence of this killer record or its explosive radio triumph with “Volcano Girls.” Jim Shapiro (drums) and Steve Lack (bass) are a mountainous rhythm section and guitarist/writer/vocalists Nina Gordon and Louise Post whip up a whirlwind on remarkable material like “One Last Time” (a can’t-miss classic), “Benjamin,” “Shutterbug,” “The Morning Sad,” “Venus Man Trap” and “Earthcrosser.” Modern rock is alive, well and still evolving on one of the best albums of the year - and of the decade.
John Lee Hooker “Don’t Look Back” (Pointblank/Virgin)
The consummation of a long-planned collaboration between blues great John Lee Hooker and his friend Van Morrison, this album features new Hooker originals, Morrison’s “The Healing Game,” and covers of Freddie Williams’ “I Love You Honey” and Jimi Hendrix’s “Red House.” Four tracks are outright duets between Hooker and Morrison, whose bluesy, soulful voices combine beautifully as they trade lines. A meeting of two kindred musical spirits that should appeal to blues, triple-A, roots music and college outlets, as well as to the individual artists’ longtime fans.
Morphine “Like Swimming” (DreamWorks/Rykodisc)
Low rock band’s major-label bow after a series of highly acclaimed indie albums has the potential for a long-deserved commercial breakthrough on the strength of such subtle, deceptively catchy tracks as “Early To Bed,” “Eleven O’Clock,” the swinging “Wishing Well” and “Murder.” This time around, the band has colored its core bass/drums/saxophone sound with mellotron, guitar and guest vocals, increasing its chances for mainstream acceptance. However, the album is still dark and moody enough to satisfy longtime fans’ yearnings for unadulterated Morphine.
DJ Muggs “Muggs Presents … The Soul Assassins, Chapter 1” (Columbia)
As the sonic scientist behind much of Cypress Hill’s blunted output, Muggs is already a hip-hop innovator to be reckoned with. On this cohesive compilation - which brings together some of the biggest names from all over Planet Rap, including KRS-One, Goodie Mob, Mobb Deep, Dr. Dre and MC Eiht he reinforces his lofty position behind the mixing board. Despite the talented voices, his eerie beats and dark, haunting grooves are the stars of this album.
Maureen McGovern “The Music Never Ends” (Sterling)
You know the players. Superb cabaret artist Maureen McGovern sings 12 tunes by the lyric writing team of Alan and Marilyn Bergman and their composer collaborators - Michel Legrand, Dave Grusin, John Williams, Johnny Mandel, David Shire and others. With producer Ettore Stratta setting McGovern against interesting, yet never overwhelming, orchestral backing, the singer greets old friends and less familiar ones with a fresh spirit, commanding such anthems to romance as “The Way We Were,” “The Windmills Of Your Mind,” “The Summer Knows,” “You Must Believe In Spring” and “I’ll Never Say Goodbye.”
One of the less familiar songs, “Like A Lover,” with music by Dori Caymmi, is a particularly beguiling rarity, which is also one way to describe McGovern as an artist.< ||||||||||||||||||||| JUNK ||||||||||||||||||||| 970323 ALBUMS323
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