sacstate.com's cdreviews
Edition II Reviews: Oleander / February Son The Matrix Soundtrack / Various Artists Everlast / Whitey Ford Sings the Blues Offspring / Americana
Oleander / February Son Dick says...
- Oleander, for those of you who don't know already, is the latest Sacramento band to have hit the big time. Their new CD, "February Son" is pretty hard core rock, but solid enough to hit the airwaves of your Alternative stations. This is not Zone music, although a few of the slower songs may see some playing time there. 98 Rock has been playing the hell out of thier album the last couple of months, and why not? The CD rocks! It is a solid performance, and it just might sell a ton of albums. Then again, it might not. It is a great CD, but I just wonder if it is music that the nation will catch on to. It could be a few years too late as far as groundbreaking music. Don't get me wrong, this album was epic, but I just hope they don't go the way of Candlebox and all those crappy bands who throw out a hit and we never hear again. I don't think that will happen though. I have a feeling Oleander will be hitting the likes of MTV and creating a lot of support. Buy it and see for yourself. B+
The Matrix / Soundtrack Dick says...
- When you want to release some anger, throw this in your car CD player and get moving. This is some good stuff. It's got your Marilyn Manson, Ministry, Monster Magnet, Rage Against the Machine, Rob Zombie, Rammstein, Prodigy, even the Deftones (another Sac band). Needless to say, with a lineup like that, you got a mosh pit waiting to happen. If you like this sort of music, get the CD. It's pretty good. Otherwise, you might wait until you can go on a 14-for-1 CD binge via BMG Music Sevice. I personally liked it, and I am not a big fan of Manson. It was just pure rock and complimented the movie very well. The movie itself was awesome. I bought the CD the day after I saw the movie!
- B+
Everlast / Whitey Ford Sings the Blues
Dick says...
- The first time I heard Everlast was at KWOD's Twisted Christmas Concert in December 1998. They were one of the few bands KWOD actually booked for the show. Everlast is led by Whitey Ford, formerly of House of Pain. "What It's Like" is the first single off the album and is very catchy. However, I really like the song "Ends", which is the second song on the album. Most of the album isn't like these two songs, but has a big House of Pain influence (which isn't necessarily bad). They kind of sound like the Fun Lovin' Criminals. Anyway, the album is very original and isn't like every other band played on KWOD. I liked it. B
Offspring / Americana Dick says...
- I gotta admit, "Pretty Fly for A White Guy" annoyed the hell out of me the first time I heard it on the radio. I thought it was obnoxious. Then I heard the phrase "My friend's got a girlfriend and he hates that Bitch!" on the radio and laughed. "Get a job" is a pretty catchy tune. I really liked "She's Got Issues" as well. Overall, I'd say it's a cool CD. I'd say the Offspring are back and this is probably their best CD. It's a good buy and it really grows on you.
- B+
EDITION I - Alanis Morrissette, U2, Cake, Lenny Kravitz, Beastie Boys
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