J+J+J -- They Hump While We Go Nuts

They hump while we go nuts. Well, the title sounded interesting, as did the initial sound bites that I listened to. That is actually saying a lot considering that during my last check for new music to review there wasn't really much that jumped out at me.

I am wondering if this disc represents what generation "Y" is up to. I can sort of deal with the fact that it is done entirely with synth. Synth keyboards, synth drums, and the occasional synth strings for good measure. What I can't deal with is the vacuuousness of the songs. I would love to say that maybe that's the point and I'm just missing it. I'll certainly allow for that. The problem is, groups like TMBG put together songs like this all the time and have been successful in building a career off of it. The big difference is TMBG has the ability to turn a colorful phrase once in a while. Where TMBG is able to come up with colorful ways of approaching nearly any given subject, J+J+J is limited by lyrics such as "Skeeball has wooden balls/ The mall has indoor stores/ Put them together in the ring to see what will be my favorite thing."
How about -- WTF?
At this point I have Snowballs at her Face playing, and it's so damned literal. Is that what songwriting is about?
Maybe I'm the person who wants to point and say the emperor has no clothes. Maybe I just don't get it, but I'm inclined not to lean that way. I think this disc is another example of someone releasing a disc "because they can". They're not the first, and they won't be the last.
The news isn't all bad, though. There are a couple of redeeming tracks on this disc. At this point, as I struggle to make it through 'til the end, they are "Highschool? You mean inverted caste system" and "'Suits' in Japan". While also both very literal, they each possess a quality that makes them a bit more pleasing to the ear. It is this same quality that makes Hiddden Closet Sandwich rather appealing. For this track, think a little of Architecture in Helsinki. It's a bit quieter and more melodic with a light and airy vocal.
If you want background on the group, check elsewhere. I'm just giving you the lowdown on the music, such as it is. For as harsh as I've been, I think they will probably have a pretty sizeable audience. It's pretty simple and straightforward stuff, but it surely has a place in the music scene today. Gads, what sort of statement is that? I may cut off my pinky when I'm done typing this. If J+J+J found a way to be more creative and less literal, I think they could really be big, but until that happens, I think they are just another group among thousands just trying to do their thing.
Final notes-
Some of the songs segue, which is always cool.
As mentioned, pretty shallow stuff.
The last couple of tracks are remixes of earlier versions. Remixed and MUCH cooler.
And finally, this is why priveleged white kids shouldn't make music. There. I said it. Flame on.

Final grade-- a whitebread C.

The Play- A new musical by Norm Scott

So here's the thing. Forrest Gump is full of crap. There. I said it. In truth, life is like picking up a random CD. You never know what you're gonna get. I have to admit, this is one case where the original description is very good, so here it is.
"If you threw a birthday party, invited the Cleaver Family, Frank Zappa, bandleader Spike Jones, and the Muppets... and spiked the cake generously with Contemporary America... you might wind up in the middle of THE PLAY, a modern musical. Join Dad, Mom, the kids, and Rochetti, that lovably clumsy Rocket Scientist, in a world filled with Ritalin, shrinks, kazoos, the National Guard, car accidents, and the final admission that when you die, you\'re dead. Everything is a satire here."

That's a pretty good summary. Think Alvin and the Chipmunks do some acid and sing about life, death, and drugs. Not bad stuff. Definitely not radio friendly, but this disc makes for an occasional interesting diversion.

My brief yet tactful grade -- C

Pudding Attack -- Lightning Bolt Glamour

So I says to the girl at Acidsoxx, Erica, I says, this disc rocks. So Erica says, yeh. So I says, so? And she says, dig this.
And you know what? I dig it. Pudding Attack has... well... I realize "cool" has been done to death, but I'm going to use it anyway. A self described "dance violence" sound spins slightly different for me. If by "dance" you mean "flail wildly about" and by "violence" you mean "to frenetically and repeatedly shake my thang in the mirror", well then, by golly, they hit the nail on the head!
Seriously though, three different words come to mind for me. Fuzz, synth, and noise. The synth and noise combine to form what I call "electronic hoo hah". It's not so much true synth, and it's not just noise, but it is effectively used in most of these tracks. They're high energy, backed by some solid drums, and usually set to some loud and aggressive bass. The variety is nice as well, as Cali's Beach flirts with a decidedly 60's sound, and Kinky Kat hits an irregular yet attention getting rhythm. The overall sound on this disc is consistent and holds my attention all the way through. There are more than a few discs out there with a few throwaway tracks that you skip through to get to the good stuff. I didn't hear any of those in here. These guys did a good job packin' this thing from beginning to end.

So why did I only give it a B+? Hell if I know... I guess close to greatness and greatness have a veeery fine line that they just haven't quite crossed yet..

The Bloodhound Gang -- Hefty Fine

(Deep breath) GAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Oh..the pain. The pain. Is it possible for music groups to jump the shark?
Okay. Backtrack time. I first became aware of The Bloodhound gang with their disc "One Fierce Beer Coaster" which remains a unique disc, still a favorite. They had a nice single off of that (Fire Water Burn) which got a fair amount of airplay, in edited form. Most of the other songs were quite entertaining as well. It was a good blend of solid riffs and humorous lyrics. Then along came Hooray for Boobies. Cute title, fun cover. The Bad Touch was the big hit here. It was a catchy song that earned a fair amount of airplay. As a song it wasn't bad, but as a fan of The Bloodhound Gang, it was a bit disappointing.

Before I forget, for those that don't know, The Bloodhound Gang based their name on a semi-obscure childrens show from the 70's. A trip to their website should ring a few bells for any Gen X-er when they hear the title clip.

ANYWAY, their latest release is called Hefty Fine, as I'm sure you've figured out by now. It's.. uhh.. well, not going to garner a review from me for the station. Because of content? No. Because TBG is now a shell of their former selves. It's happened before. A moderately talented group either rests on their laurels or makes music even after their best stuff is used up. You've played your best riffs, pulled up your best lyrics, and this disc is what was left over.
While they seem to have expanded musically, the lyrics are a shadow of their former selves. Maybe it's age. Maybe it's the creative doldrums. Either way, this disc was a HUGE letdown for me, as a fan.
Some online sites have clips. Judge for yourself. Maybe there will be something you like. TBG's own site offers their stuff at very nice prices, so if you find anything of theirs you like, pull out that ten that's tucked under your mattress and give one of their older discs a try.
But stay away from this one. Maybe they should title their next disc in honor of an old Frank Zappa release. "We're only in it for the Money".

Final Grade D , and I'm being VERY generous..

Nous Non Plus- Nous Non Plus

There is an exception to every rule, and today will be one of those exceptions.
I normally listen to a disc, write a capsule review for the station and then expound on that a bit online. As I type this, I currently have this disc playing.
To be fair, I checked out one or two comments online to help me along a little. The only purpose the article served was in letting me know that some of the members of this band played some other faux french band. All I know is that most of this article focused on the band members and history instead of on the music.
Now I know why.
Nous Non Plus starts out okay. The first few tracks are sung in french, and then One night in paris starts with someone singing with a very bad french accent. The tune itself sounds like an 80's reject. That got me thinking about the earlier tracks, and I surmised that the whole french thing is just a silly novelty. After all, how many french bands are there? The last foreign language hit I remember was 99 luftbalons. Are these guys faux french? Are they that hard up for a gimmick?
Even though I'm only halfway through the disc, I'm going to make a prediction. The last tracks will be much like the first. Unoriginal riffs, bad french accents, and more lyrics I don't understand because I don't speak french. Maybe a high school french student might get a kick out of this disc trying to decipher the lyrics, but I don't think most people will get much from it aside from some music just for the sake of having music playing.
I will say that I believe it's music with an attitude. Unfortunately, that attitude is "We're so much better than you, and you don't even know it".
Grade this go 'round, C unless something REALLY groovy happens soon.