Mike Bennett: May, 2001

Some New Releases in 2001

Hope you don't mind, but I'm going to catch up on some releases that you Fufkinites might be interested in. Let's start with the new Bee Gees, This Is Where I Came In. Heralded by some as a return to old form, I think this more like Cheap Trick's Woke Up With A Monster -- great title cut and a bunch of mediocre songs from a band trying to recapture the magic. What's missing? I went back to old releases and I realized that Bee Gees music is at its best when the Brothers Gibb are holding nothing back - drama is a plus. Too many of the tunes on here are just laid back and don't even try to reach any emotional peaks. C'mon - these are the guys who wrote "Emotion" for the immortal Samantha Sang!

Like Cheap Trick, The Bee Gees might benefit from collaborating with some younger fans that will point them in the right direction. Wouldn't it be great to get the Gibbs into the studio with Brad Jones and some crack L.A. pop musicians? The Bee Gees have terrific records in them, but they need someone to motivate them.

Another 60's band goes about their business more successfully. The long awaited return of The Free Design, Cosmic Peekaboo, shows that this is the group that put the soft in soft-pop. Creamy vocal arrangements sometimes verge on Ray Coniff Singers turf, but most of the songs are intriguing creations, with jazzy overtones.

The Old 97s Satellite Rides is an alt-country/pop/rock mix that is harmless, has a couple stand out tunes, but generally makes me wish Rank And File's first two albums were available on CD. I'd rather listen to Swag's Catch All. Mostly fun 60's inspired pop, this is Rockpile for the 21st Century.

Want something that rocks? The Living End's Roll With It has more of their Green Day-meets-The Clash sound. But there are some new wrinkles that will need to be smoothed out on the next disc. I dig the Midnight Oil inspired experimentation, but it's not fully developed. There are a few songs with boss melodies. Idlewild is getting praise out the wazoo for 100 broken windows -- and rightfully so. The band is built on a foundation inspired by the Pixies and Nirvana -- hot guitars and dynamics. They lay true Britpop on the top, with some moves from The Smiths and The Stone Roses. If you have a Jesus And Mary Chain or Love And Rockets jones, pick up Black Rebel Motorcycle Club's B.R.M.C..

Can't wait for the upcoming Air disc? Then try Mellow's Another Mellow Spring. Not quite as good, but it is a suitable substitute. And if you are an alt-country fan, you need to pick up the newest release from Shaver The Earth Rolls On. Sadly, Billy Joe Shaver's son, Eddy, who was his lead guitarist, died on New Year's Eve 2000. His stinging guitar solos are a fine memorial, as his dad shows off his command of Southern American music. Ray Kennedy, Steve Earle's Twang Trust partner, produces perfectly. This is a top notch effort.

I'll get back to the normal column next month. (By the way, I want to thank everyone for their kind comments on past columns -- they are much appreciated). I sprained my ankle playing volleyball and thought I'd easily bang out a new one. Instead, I was overwhelmed by too many ideas, none of which I could make a commitment too. So I hope this will tide you over until next month.

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