"Publisher's Corner"
by Geoff Wilbur
Sponsored In Part By
NSync • No Strings Attached
Jive Records
Another disc from these five guys delivers just what you expect -- nice
harmonized dance pop. As with Britney Spears (see review on back cover),
these guys landed a Diane Warren-penned tune, in addition to a Richard
Marx-written number and a fun cover of "Just Got Paid." This disc contains
ballads destined for success, the first hit "Bye Bye Bye," and a guest
appearance by Lisa "Left Eye" Lopes on "Space Cowboy (Yippie-Yi-Yay)."
Overall, another strong CD of just what you’d expect from NSync.
Lorrie Morgan • To Get To You (Greatest Hits Collection)
BNA Records
>From old hits like "We Both Walk" to great new numbers like "To Get To
You," this is a collection of the essential Lorrie Morgan hits. The songs
are inviting, friendly, and fun -- but if you’re a country music fan, you
probably already know that about Lorrie’s music.
First Love • I Just Can’t Get Enough
JWP USA
These four young men are taking their shot at being the next male pop vocal
group sensations. First cut "I Just Can’t Get Enough" is exactly the sort
of catchy, harmonious song that’d make pre-teen girls swoon. The single
"Freaky" opens reminiscent of "Right Stuff" -- a little too familiar for
comfort, but that’s exactly the sort of thing that often scores big hits.
Best bet for a ballad hit: "Stay Another Day."
Spiders & Snakes • London Daze
Deadline Records
With London Daze (as with the band’s previous efforts), Spiders
& Snakes recalls early Motley Crue and the other pre-polished, screaming
melodic rock bands of that time. But Spiders & Snakes doesn’t just
sound like a fun, party guitar rock band, the band members even look the
part. Personal favorites include "Nonstop Rock" and "Radio Stars," while
raucous album tracks like "Party in Hollywood" and "Elvis’s TV" just add
to the fun. Also of note is the lo-fi, big-sound "Dream Girl," with its
guitar journeys and almost old-Kiss-ish flavor.
Loretta Cooper & Iron Horse
Reba Records
Loretta’s voice takes you back two or three decades to a time when all
country music sounded like this -- a heartfelt twang in the voice and songs
that often brought you to the brink of tears, both with their lyrics and
delivery. (For example, take a listen to Loretta’s delivery of "Satin Sheets.")
The back-to-back songs "I Just Need Your Love" and "This Should Go On Forever"
show the range of speeds, from uptempo, danceable ditty to slow crooner,
that Loretta’s voice is capable of nailing. Best bet for a current country
hit: "The Biz."
Buck-O-Nine • Libido
TVT Records
Buck-O-Nine’s disc-opener, "Who Are They?", will drive you to Madness...
or at least remind you of the aforementioned band. Other favorites on this
disc include "Tell It Like It Was" and "On a Sunny Day." A mix of punk,
guitar pop/rock, ska, and several other genres who’d prefer to remain anonymous,
Buck-O-Nine delivers a fun, energetic sound that’ll keep a club (or party)
crowd hoppin’ all night long.
Britney Spears • Oops!... I Did It Again
Jive Records
Hooray! (Or should I say oops?) There’s no sophomore slump here for Britney!
Another disc of top-notch, danceable pop from the charming, multi-talented
Miss Spears. The title track is a mind-grabber, and with the assistance
of songwriters like Mutt Lange and Diane Warren, there’s no shortage of
follow-up hits here! The only misstep is an ill-advised rendition of the
Stones’ "(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction." But there are several other radio-ready
tracks in the vein of "Oops," plus my personal favorite, "Lucky," which
has a slightly different danceable flavor, and a notable ballad in "One
Kiss From You."
Trisha Yearwood • Real Live Woman
MCA Records
An impressive disc full of music that jumps back and forth across the border
between soulful, fun country and soft guitar-driven pop/rock. Trisha’s
versatile, and this CD shows it once again. Trisha again surrounds herself
with great talent, from the songwriters to those who make single-song guest
appearances singing the harmonies, including Mary Chapin Carpenter, Jackson
Browne, Emmylou Harris, and Matraca Berg.