Newspapers / The Guilfordian (Greensboro, N.C.) / March 27, 1998, edition 1 / Page 9
Part of The Guilfordian (Greensboro, N.C.) / About this page
This page has errors
The date, title, or page description is wrong
This page has harmful content
This page contains sensitive or offensive material
The Guilfordian March 27, 1998 NEW MUSIC *The Skatalites Box of Fire Rating: 7 BY PAIGE MCRAE Features Music Critic Formed in Kingston, Jamaica, the Skatalites have been creating au thentic ska for three decades now ■TV mm W > V X& MH PHOT^COU^S^O^FO^GRA^RECORDS and were recently nominated for two Grammys. Ball of Fire finds the Skatalites on a new label, Island Ja maica Jazz, and features Jamaican guitar virtuoso Ernest Ranglin as guest artist. Four of the original group remain—tenor saxophone player Roland Alphonso, Lester Ster ling on alto sax, bassist Lloyd Brevett and Lloyd Knibb on drums. Even though core member Don Drummond died in 1969 after a battle with men tal illness, his legacy lives on in such compositions on Ball of Fire as "Occupation" and "Eastern Standard Rating System 10 Essential 9 Superb 8 Excellent 7 Very Good 6 Above Average 5 Good 4 So-So 3 Ho-hum 2 Gawd awful 1 I didn't think Bon Jovi was still together! Features Hr Eu&rboLy 1 Xin fao*c.Cmt n ° /vx3n , jo buf rttfec/ id X *mU \o +k*k Hit 9 H.7W * C 5 l'fe,2U AO to* 1 d/cf^ ;>, 4ke. 1 ' 5 - jgcf"/)*//* p~'uo,, -p or r*y •ttwe, %\mWtJ \mAr°',. C Mvf W rlgWsMW* kwUmrk j/Jl J. s eoe 4/k)o-y A A/"'' ! I ; 7*5 tMPiJi-,, *—TlS^ill —, I |' better 1- -\*. W T^ I J-T.u I.L ..J L.:_. J.. ERZLu^grg Time." Ball of Fire features extended reworkings of classic Skatalites songs. It starts out with a skankable version of the James Bond theme which points to a connec tion between the ska and mod scenes. Among other things, both camps appreciate a sharp dresser. "Latin Goes Ska" is catchy, but grows a little long. I was reminded of Motown from time to time, the Four Tops in particular. The musicianship on this album is a fine example of ensemble work while allowing in dividual expression. The title track "Ball of Fire"is intriguing, spotlighting the superlative rhythm section. Other songs are a bit slower, more immediately recognizable as linked to reggae. Even though I am not terribly familar with ska, I find this a worthy album. Some songs seemed overlong, but the sheer quality of the musician ship made up for it. This is music meant for intimate settings where that can be fully appreciated live. ■^Everything Super Natural Rating: 5 BY JEFF IRVING Features Music Critic Everything is a band that has a lot of credibility on the happy/hippie/ jam band circuit, but these bands have a specific appeal that for the most part eludes me. If I want to get my mind blown, I'd rather listen to a Pink Floyd based band as opposed to a Grateful Dead template. Nothing against the Dead, but I prefer something that ominously tee ters on the brink a bit as opposed to a "feel-the-groove-let-me-tell-you how-much-I-love-you-feelin'-good- peace/love/harmony" type of "psychedelia," which is what this band is. Which is not to say that Super Natural should be avoided, as is HHKgb v. ■pL jy lr *^o y ft Y T H I^m i js 1 PIPP |IP '■ '" ' ■ fIWWIT fsjppi w ' >^F # W 1 " "■ *' ! : :p T -r PHOTO COURTESY OF BLACKBIRD RECORDINGS does have many fine moments. The lead-off title track has some electri fied verve despite very average verses. Many songs have a pleasant R&B feel infused in them. They also use drum loops and some 311/ Grav ity-Kills-ish guitar grind sometimes, which would set them apart enough from Widespread Panic and Phish. Their sax players do more than fill in the blanks. They have been blessed with their own sound by the time of this major-label release. Having your own sound also means you have to work it into some satisfying songs if you want to attract listeners. These 11 songs may work well live with plenty of acid, shrooms, and weed being passed around, but on record, a pop tune needs to go some where. Many parts of these songs seem like functional filler but aren't particularly ear-grabbing. The lyrics aren't too interesting either. They are usually a little more ar ticulate than that of 311, but aren't often very compelling. There are "feelin' good" songs like "Hooch" ("Who got the love/Who got the fresh-e --freshy?"), songs of prayer, faith, and redemption like "Spent" and "Transition Man," a few text book mate-love and humankind love songs, and a lot of attempts at mysticism. You better be happy with the small selection of themes, or you're going to be very bored. This may actually be your pot of tea, and if it sounds like it is, then go and pick up Super Natural. Some of us, though, would rather listen to something a little less giddy and lovin'. Want to perform at a Coffeehouse 7 The First-Year Advisory Bo; is sponsoring a coffeehouse ft prospective students on April at 8:00 p.m. We need students to perform f if you sing, play a guitar, write poetry, or have other talents that may attract students to Guilford, please sign up to perform. Call Alison Johnson at extension 3463 to sign up. 9
The Guilfordian (Greensboro, N.C.)
Standardized title groups preceding, succeeding, and alternate titles together.
March 27, 1998, edition 1
9
Click "Submit" to request a review of this page. NCDHC staff will check .
0 / 75