Music for the Fall

It's hard to not be cynical when the hype about a record or band gets to a fever pitch. That's how I felt about "The Suburbs" by The Arcade Fire. This time around, it's alright to believe the hype. "The Suburbs" works on a few different levels; at first listen you can't help but feel that this is the quintessential indie rock record with its quirky sounds, orchestral passages and understated, melodic vocals. At times the record comes off as a modern day up date of The Beatles White Album. Lyrically, the band has created a concept record that encapsulates the good and not so good life in the suburbs. The Arcade Fire knows all too well that the suburbs are where you learn to drive; life there seems tough for the "modern man". The emperor wears no clothes in this part of town and the kids in the "burbs" love to use big words they don't understand. Arcade Fire paints an accurate, complex picture of what it's like to live in a cookie cutter community where the lies and the truths told become one and the same. It may smell like teen spirit but in actuality, it's Arcade Fire letting you know that the kids are equally messed up, just ok and maybe even slightly alright in "The Suburbs"

A

The Family Stand '" In 1000 Years

The Family Stand sadly became a footnote in the late 80's/early 90's Black Rock movement and it's a shame. The groups, (Peter Lord, Sandra St. Victor and V. Jeffery Smith) latest disc "In A 1000 Years" picks up where 1991's "Moon in Scorpio" left off. Although there are a couple missteps (did we really need a cover of "Happy Together"?) The band's mix of Van Halen meets Ike and Tina Turner is still in tact. Sandra St. Victor sounds like a woman possessed on the tune "Bang Bang". The acoustic "Destination" works well as a pop meets soul ballad and the group hits its hard rock stride on "How I Got Over". The lyrics of the latter tune might be a manifesto of sorts for the band as Sandra St. Victor belts out, "On the ropes until the final round dings, it ain't over till your mama sings!" For the Family Stand, the fight for the right to rock is definitely not over and "In A 1000 Years" proves that The Family Stand still have a little fight left in '˜em.

B

John Legend and The Roots '" Wake Up!

In 2008 John Legend and The Roots were so inspired by the campaign and election of President Barrack Obama they decided to get together and go through the archive of obscure, revolutionary soul music of the 60's and 70's and record this exceptional disc of uplifting r&b songs from the past. In 2010, this record might be the inspiration needed to help recapture the fire and passion of an Obama Presidency that has been eclipsed by the war in Afghanistan, an education system in shambles, and an economic downturn that has left too many Americans jobless. Legend easily pours his heart and soul into every melody and he is helped out by a few pinch hitters including Melanie Fiona, and rappers Common, CL Smooth and The Root's own mc, Black Thought. From Baby Huey and The Babysitter's "Hard Times" to Harold Melvin and the Blue Note's call to arms "Wake Up Everybody" to the wicked interpretation of Bill Wither's "I Can't Write Left Handed" featuring an incendiary guitar solo from Captain Kirk Douglas, there is a sense of urgency and boldness on this record that most tribute/cover albums (and most modern r&b singers) don't have. The Roots are known for their '˜heady' jams but on "Wake Up" they play their game tight and lay a smooth foundation, in order for John Legend's vocals to shine through. Nina Simone is quoted in the liner notes as saying, "it is the job of an artist to reflect the times". If this is the case then The Roots and John Legend are working overtime. They didn't have to write the songs we need for our present condition. They found them and are giving them to us in order to restore a little bit of hope and change in our society. Here's hoping their plan works.

B+

Bad Religion '" The Dissent of Man

After thirty years, Bad Religion releases its 15th record and they truly show no signs of slowing down or abating their political anger. "Dissent of Man" represents Bad Religion at its best. Its fast, its political, its vintage punk rock. In essence it's a typical Bad Religion disc. Throughout the fifteen songs on the disc Bad Religion let's the listener know, that they really don't have a problem with religion. They have an issue with how man manipulates religion. Lyrically Greg Gaffin is in top form as he creates a sense of urgency with passages like "Seeds of rebellion are at your front door, if you nourish them and water them they'll turn into a healthy, what for? And if Revolution isn't what's in store, how can you care anymore?" Thirty years and fifteen albums later Bad Religion is still catchy, still political, and still relevant. In essence, Bad Religion still embodies what it means to be punk rock. Take copious notes emo kids, "Dissent of Man" is the real deal.

B+

American Hi Fi -Fight the Frequency

American Hi-Fi tried to out "trick" Cheap Trick with their debut back in 1999. These were the Boston rockers who brought us "Flavor of the Week" ('˜too stoned/Nintendo'). They are now back with their latest disc and well; time has been so/so for the alt pop quartet. The band is maturing which is a good thing but they can't help making even the most melancholy tune sound happy and snappy on this new collection of songs. The "Hi-Fi" do well when it comes to mid-temp tunes of hope ("Lost Until We're Found") and full blown happy rockers ("Fight the Frequency", "Look Out for Hope"). More times than not however, the boys sound as if they are still trying to figure out where they belong. Are they alternative hipsters? Alt-rock heroes? Maybe all of the above or none of the above. If you are looking for substance you may have to look elsewhere. If you want a bit of fun and melody, check out "Fight the Frequency"

C+

Street Sweeper Social Club '" Ghetto Blaster

Street Sweeper Social Club is the tag-team combination of Rage Against The Machine guitarist Tom Morello and political rapper Boots Riley. This ep is meant to tide folks over until we get another full length disc from SSSC. It's tough to not compare the "Club" to Morello's other rap/rock project. Riley is an adept songwriter and the man can manipulate a political manifesto like nobody's business but his style can't seem to cut above Morello's rapid fire guitar. The band comes off a bit lack luster and even covers of MIA's "Airplanes" and LL Cool J's "Mama Said Knock You Out" lack energy and purpose. The revolution won't be televised because well, the revolutionaries seem asleep at the wheel on this disc. Sadly the Street Sweeper Social Club might get swept under the rug if they can't figure out how to bring the energy as well as the noise.

D