Melissa Auf der Mar "Auf der Mar" (Capitol Records)
Sounds like: Cock rock for girls
****
Melissa Auf der Mar, ex-bassist for seminal '90s alt-rock groups Smashing Pumpkins and Hole, has finally released her debut solo album - and it rocks. Auf der Mar's music embodies everything that made '90s grunge rock good - the crashing guitars, throbbing beats and dark vocals.
Though previously only featured as a backup vocalist, Auf der Mar's singing abilities are strong. Her lyrics aren't particularly incredible, and many of them are a bit strange, but the strength of the music overpowers that weakness.
Female musicians are often written off as angry or bitter, but Auf der Mar sings and plays music like a guy. Her music is pure rock 'n' roll with no traces of stereotypical girl-rock. Auf der Mar paid for the recording and production of this album on her own - an act that has supposedly bankrupted her - and it is clear that that every penny was well-spent. If you've been waiting for this year's most solid rock album, here it is.
- EMILY ZEMLER
Joey Cape and Tony Sly "Acoustic" (Fat Wreck Chords)
Sounds like: Lagwagon and No Use for a Name, but acoustic
**
An acoustic album from the singers of punk outfits Lagwagon and No Use for a Name? It isn't bad but it isn't that great. The record's first six songs are from No Use For A Name's Tony Sly. Five of the songs are No Use for a Name songs, but done acoustically here, and one is original. The original, "Stunt Double," is an interesting song about how people could use stunt doubles to avoid being blamed for things. The last six songs are from Lagwagon's Joey Cape and are just acoustic versions of Lagwagon songs with one original, "Violins." If you like Lagwagon and/or No Use for a Name and acoustic songs, then you will probably like this album.
- JORGE DEL PINAL
PJ Harvey "Uh Huh Her" (Island Records)
Sounds like: Grrl music - but in a good way
****
After nearly four years, PJ Harvey is back, and she sounds great. On her last album, "Stories From the City, Stories From the Sea," Harvey abandoned her usually angry lyrics in favor of more uplifting tunes about finding love in New York City. "Uh Huh Her," Harvey's latest release, finds the singer out of love and confused.
"Uh Huh Her" plays like a therapy session, with Harvey at first angrily proclaiming her less-than-affectionate feelings for her ex, but eventually coming to terms with the breakup. The album kicks off with "The Life and Death of Mr. Bigmouth," on which Harvey blames her ex-lover's bad mouth for the destruction of their relationship. Her rage continues through several other songs, but culminates on the track, "Who the F--," a song that proves Harvey can even make profanity poetic.
By the end of "Uh Huh Her," Harvey is finally ready to end the therapy session and "tape the broken parts together." She may no longer be the "bird of paradise" she calls herself on "Stories From the City, Stories From the Sea," but Harvey has managed to create one of her best and most introspective albums with this release.
- BLAIR PAYNE
Five For Fighting "The Battle For Everything" (Columbia)
Sounds like: A cool, summer day in the shade with piano accompaniment
***
Five For Fighting have returned after riding the success of their song "Superman (It's Not Easy)" from the album "America Town" with "The Battle For Everything." Fighting picks up where they left off with a mix of songs reminiscent of their earlier release. The lyrics invoke strong feelings about the world around us, with tunes such as "NYC Weather Report" and "If God Made You."
The leading track on the CD is the piano tune "100 Years." The song reflects on the passage of time, reflecting on the age of 15, "When you've only got a hundred years to live." The track lacks the catchy tune of "Superman" causing it to be lost in the mix of the CD.
The most unique song is "Angels and Girlfriends." With it's harmonica lead-in, Five For Fighting experiments with this song, taking huge leaps away from their typical light fare.
If you liked "America Town," "The Battle For Everything" should be on your shopping list but beware of the lack of a leading song to keep you singing along.
- KEITH F. SHOVLIN
Various Artists "Punk-O-Rama 9" (Epitaph Records)
Sounds like: An above-average punk collection
***
The ninth installment of the "Punk-O-Rama" series features 24 songs consisting of usual Epitaph favorites like Bad Religion, Rancid and Pennywise, and showcases many of Epitaph's newcomers. Bad Religion's track, "Social Suicide," comes from their latest CD, "The Empire Strikes First," and is pretty typical speedy, melodic social commentary.
As for the newer artists, From First to Last's "Ride The Wings of Pestilence" is a great emo-infused hardcore song that shows a lot of promise for the band. The Matches bring a ska/pop punk sound to their song "Sick Little Suicide" that goes back toward the more characteristic style of the "Punk-O-Rama" series.
Overall, "Punk-O-Rama 9" is the most diverse of the series. Although it is predominantly punk influenced, the diverse line-up of bands encompasses elements of many genres. The CD also comes with a DVD with 11 videos from Atmosphere, the Bouncing Souls, Matchbook Romance and more.
- J. D. P.
