David gives a rundown of what CDs should’ve found their way into your collection during the past year — everything from “Elephant” to “Elephunk.” Continue reading
Category Archives: 2003
Review: Strokes, B.R.M.C. Come To Save Rock … Again
In 2001, post-punk revivalists like the Strokes and Black Rebel Motorcycle Club were touted as the ones who’d finally overthrow the prefabricated pop royals Britney, Christina and Justin. But despite considerable buzz, no musical revolution swept these bands onto the airwaves. Two years later, they’re trying it again. Continue reading
Review: Living Colour, Sevendust Stumble Together
Proclaimed the Jackie Robinson of rock music, Living Colour not only opened the door for black musicians, it also succeeded in threatening the glam-metal establishment long before “Smells Like Teen Spirit.” A decade later, an interracial group like Sevendust is among metal’s most prominent outfits, having benefited from Living Colour’s example and their influence. Unfortunately, the band’s new album proves they are just as apt as their musical heroes to stumble. Continue reading
2003 / Live Reviews / Music
Concert Review: Raveonettes Blow Out Comparisons, Eardrums
Still frequently compared to the fellow male-female rock duo, the White Stripes, Denmark’s the Raveonettes proved at their recent Minneapolis concert Tuesday that they rock as hard — and as loud — as Detroit’s finest. Continue reading
Review: Atmosphere, Bubba Sparxxx Push Hip-Hop Boundaries
While the hip-hop mainstream is still artistically languishing — under the sway of homogenous artists that extol the same-old false glories of gross materialism and a thug’s life — genre-jumping artists like Atmosphere and Bubba Sparxxx have come out with two of the best rap albums this year. Continue reading
Review: Zevon Ties Up Loose Ends With Musical Testament
Staring down a much-publicized and terminal case of cancer, singer-songwriter Warren Zevon completed one last album before he passed away last week. Find out if what he wanted to say. Continue reading
Review: Jane’s Addiction Creates New Music Minus Danger
Thirteen years after last recording together, Jane’s Addiction have released a new album, “Strays.” David let’s you know whether the Los Angeles-based, alternative rock legends have trumped their past achievements or they’re just cashing in. Continue reading
Review: Super Furry Animals, New Pornographers Try To Recover From Success
What does a band do when their last album was a classic? This week, Soundbytes reviews three groups who have had to find a way to succeed after success. Continue reading
Review: Radiohead, Stephen Malkmus Embrace The Mainstream
Long regarded as exponents of edgy rock, Radiohead and former Pavement frontman Stephen Malkmus have released albums that try to reach mainstream listeners. Find out if they’ve succeeded. Continue reading
Review: Rap Innovators Vow To Save Hip-Hop
Although news reports say that hip-hop record sales aren’t what they used to be, there are rap artists releasing new albums that could compare to the best of hip-hop’s glory years. Continue reading
Soundbytes Music Column 