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Spin This: CD Reviews
CD reviews from The Tampa Tribune
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Published: November 20, 2008
GOJIRA:
THE WAY OF ALL FLESH
(PROSTHETIC) **½
There was something uplifting about "From Mars to Sirius," the 2006 U.S. breakthrough album from French metal outfit Gojira. Heavy as it was, the group avoided metal's oppressiveness with soaring riffs and lyrics that revealed its commitment to environmentalism (and a love of sea mammals: "When we play we try to sound like a whale," singer Joe Duplantier told the Tribune in 2006).
Maybe it's the subject matter - death - but "The Way of All Flesh" lacks the levity that made "Mars" stand out. Gojira is still leagues ahead of most, now its influences are more obvious (Sepultura on "A Sight to Behold," Lamb of God on "All the Tears") and it has sacrificed light and shade for flat black.
Download this: "Oroborus"
Curtis Ross
MURS:
MURS FOR PRESIDENT
(WARNER BROS.)**½
The quick hit on Murs is this: Indie underground hip-hop emcee signs record deal with major label and he wants to be president - of hip-hop.
The Los Angeles-based rapper, known for his Chuck Taylors and signature dreadlocks, is angry with the music industry - mainstream hip-hop in particular.
The album is a good attempt at introducing the masses to Murs, bringing in hit machine collaborators Will.i.Am on "Lookin' Fly" and Snoop Dogg on "Time is Now." Too bad they fall short and remain unmemorable.
For those who have followed him over the years, the left coastie hits it out the park with "A Part Of Me," a dizzying track documenting the dissolution of a relationship and "Me And This Jawn," the Tribe-like love story.
Download This: "Can It Be (Half A Million Dollars And 18 Months Later)"
Sarah Hoye
LEE ANN WOMACK
CALL ME CRAZY
(MCA NASHVILLE) ***
The temptation for Lee Ann Womack must be intense. With a vocal talent that delivers heart-wrenching lyrics with clarity and intensity, she could choose to throw nothing but fastballs like her smash hit "I Hope You Dance." Wisely, she knows her power comes from restraint.
That approach pays off here, especially in a duet with the similarly plain-singing George Strait on "Everything But Quits." With plinkity pianos and a melodramatic string arrangement, it feels like a nicotine-stained George-and-Tammy song from the '70s.
That lackadaisical approach belies a depth in the songs. In the first three tunes, she's a booty-called lover, a partner in an estranged marriage and a lonely barfly. Not exactly Toby Keith material.
Download this: "The King of Broken Hearts"
Jeff Houck
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