Rick
Bilous
Reviews:
November,
2001

www.litlounge.com

I know what you're must be thinking - "Lit? Why not
review Limp Bizkit or Creed. Is he crazy?"
Well, I don't think I'm crazy, and I will never review
Limp Bizkit, probably not Creed either. Lit don't
exactly convey a Pop image - tattoos, a greasy look,
goatees, videos featuring Pamela Anderson as a giant,
etc. Most pop fans don't like them, a non-pop loving
friend of mine says that's because they aren't nerdy
enough. "Ha,ha" I said, but maybe he was right.

I have to admit that I thought "My own worst enemy"
was a great song, but was reluctant to purchase the CD
because of their image - they were a little bit cheesy
for my liking. Months later, I finally picked up a
used copy. It was a great disc, it was a hit, and my
friends like it. Honestly, the three criteria don't
come along that often. (The last time that happened
was with Buckcherry's debut CD..)

So, after several years, the followup is out. It
only figures that critics are tearing it apart,
condemning them for their focus on melody as if they
are trying to sell out. It only makes sense that it
isn't selling very well, because their old fans are
disappointed with the loss of edge - making them
"uncool". It only figures that pop fans won't give it
a chance, because generally they are snobs -(no
offence, I consider myself a liberal pop snob :-)

"Atomic" is the best power pop record of the year
by a major label without doubt. By power pop, I mean
the way it is supposed to be - full of energy,
attitude but with focus on melody. Anyone who likes
Marvelous 3 and Redd Kross should be all over this. I
know that "I'm so addicted to you, but you're such a
dick to me" may make pop fans sneer, but it is a great
song. It is the kind of CD that you play in the
morning to get you revved for the day - rocking but
gets your attention touches of new wave (Over My Head)
and tender ballads (Happy in the Meantime). Most of
the disc focuses on sex, women and drinking, but
what's a matter with that? It's fun, and it's the way
rock music should be.

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Convoy
Black Licorice

www.convoymusic.com

2001 has been the best year ever for alternative
country/roots rock/no depression music - what ever
your call it - Ryan Adams, Stateside, Whiskeytown,
Minibar, and Honeydogs all released CDs this year and
all have been incredible.

Convoy is the most interesting of the mix. Los
Angeles based, "Black Licorice" is a quirky mix of
typical alt-country fare - twang, laid back attitude,
warm sunny harmonies. The twist is that they blend the
typical sounds of country with the new wave/slacker
pop sounds of Weezer and Pavement.

It may sound strange, but the results are
phenomenal. This album makes you want to sing along
like no other for a long time. Best songs - "Here
today, gone so far tomorrow" ,"Anytime she wants it"
,"Weekends" - upbeat rockers, "Wet Cement" -a twanger
and "Is he in your heart tonight?" - a tear jerker if
there was ever one, complete with steel guitar. It all
adds up to one of the top 10 CDs of the year.

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