The Reclamation Project
Various Artists
Produced by Barry Lee
Good causes don’t necessarily make for good music compilations.
But Barry Lee, former host of KKFI’s Signal to Noise,
opened his pocketbook, got on the horn to a bunch of Kansas City and
Lawrence musicians, and the result was a very good collection of music
titled The Reclamation Project, to benefit the Friends of
Community Radio nonprofit group.
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| Of the 17 cuts only one, the spoken word
selection “Empty Words,” is a clunker.The rest
vary from competent to kick-ass, making this CD easily
worth the money outlay, especially when considering
artists such Millage Gilbert, Iris Dement, Mike Ireland
and Darrel Lea serve up some offerings. But my favorites
include “The Killer” by Forrest Whitlow, the
Border Band doin’ “Mad Dog Blues,” Megan
Hurt’s exceptional “Tall Grass” and The
Wilders cuttin’ loose with a bluegrass shit-kicker
“Ida Red.” —Bruce Rodgers |
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Ben Fold
Live
Ben Folds
EpicOne might think a concert with
only one person on stage would lack a certain sense of
cohesiveness, but Ben Folds has proven that assumption
wrong with Ben Folds Live. His combination of
vocal talent and piano playing produces such an energetic
stage presence that the listener might fail to realize it
is a one-man show.
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Recorded over a five-month solo tour, the
album contains 17 live tracks, featuring both classics
and new material that easily stacks up to the old.
Following last year’s Rockin’ the Suburbs,
this is Fold’s second album sans the five.
Also included in the limited edition package is a
35-minute live performance DVD that displays the bold yet
playful Folds doing what he loves. It is clear from
watching him perform that he is having a hell of a time
doing what he does. –Jessica Chapman—Jessica
Chapman |
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Music
From and Inspired By The Motion Picture
8 Mile
Shady/Interscope Records
If you haven’t heard “Lose Yourself,”
the title cut of this soundtrack, you’ve probably been in a coma
for a couple of months. In the song, Eminem assumes the persona of
Rabbit, the poor but tenacious rapper portrayed in 8 Mile.
The song carries a positive, if somewhat narcissistic message, about
succeeding against all odds. It’s amazingly melodic, like many
of the tracks on this CD,
and driven by hypnotically repetitious beats.
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Unfortunately, “Lose
Yourself” is just a lure. Most of the other songs on
the CD carry similarly appealing melodies and strong
hip-hop beats. But most of the lyrics descend into a pit
of vile language, misogynistic monikers and cruel jokes
that include insults to a cast of R&B celebrities
such as D’Angelo, Little Kim, Lauryn Hill and R.
Kelly.
Inspired features four solo efforts by Eminem
and new music by familiar hip-hoppers as Nas, Jay-Z and
Rakim. Raspy R&B songstress Macy Gray also
contributes a song. –Deborah Young |
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Dream of Blue
Lisa Moritz
Red Leopard RecordsSinger/songwriter
Lisa Moritz speaks from the heart in Dream of Blue.
Her lyrics portray a sincere and optimistic account of
life and relationships, challenging listeners to confront
love. All tracks on the album are original compositions
by the local folk artist.
Although her lyrics are thick with emotion, Moritz’s
voice lacks the dynamics and feeling in some songs to
make the album seem whole, and most of the tracks have a
similar sound. However, Moritz’s guitar skills alone
make this CD an excellent choice for a lazy day or a long
car ride.
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| The remarkable “Begin Again”
discusses how questions and problems in love are always
present without easy answers. This is also evident in
“Autumn Light,” which says, “When the
flame has lost its spark/You just start again/And
pretend/You’re not afraid of the dark.”
Also notable is “My Father’s Words,” an
honest and inspiring remembrance of a father’s
advice to his child. –Jessica Chapman |
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