"Publisher's Corner"
by Geoff Wilbur
Sponsored In Part By
Backstreet Boys • Black & Blue
Jive Records
This is a fine disc. There are lots of great songs with trademark Backstreet
Boys harmonies, and I’m sure it will delight radio listening Backstreet
Boys fans. But it just seems to be a little heavy on the ballads. It’s
more of an impression than reality, though. The real problem is that none
of the faster songs are. how can I say this? Well, they aren’t "larger
than life." And that’s what you expect from a Backstreet Boys dance track.
Nice job, guys, but, for now at least, I’ll stick to playing Millennium
when I want my B-Boys fix.
Esteban Ramirez • Welcome Home
Descanso Music
Those of you who’ve checked out my classical music MP3 station (http://www.mp3.com/stations/gwrnclassical)
know I have a soft spot for piano music. Esteban’s skillful pianowork provides
a steady, enjoyable, intricately relaxing atmosphere. Great music for any
occasion where steady, dependable, pleasingly mellow piano is the order
of the day.
Halley DeVestern • Live at the Towpath Inn
Bagel & Rat Recording Co., Inc., 328 Flatbush Ave., PMB 287, Brooklyn,
NY 11238
I’ve listened to this disc several times, and I’m not sure I can write
a review that’ll do it justice, but here goes. Halley’s powerful vocals
are reminiscent of great coffeehouse folk-rockers, while the music is a
sort of insistent country-folk. It’s a powerful, emotional disc throughout.
My personal favorite track is "Superhero Killer."
Loaded Dice • Back in the Alley
P.O. Box 7003, Huntsville, AL 35807
Loaded Dice's Back in the Alley opens with "Infatuation," which
could've been a bonus track on Motley Crue's Girls Girls Girls disc.
Oooh, yeah! There's some stellar axework, too ("Preacherman"). The third
standout track is the often-mellower, bluesy "Ashamed," while rest of the
disc is still more good ol', blues-based, down 'n dirty, melodic hard rock.
Darci Monet
2011 Richard Jones Rd. N-4, Nashville, TN 37215
Darci Monet blends the vocal honesty of Melissa Etheridge with the power,
range, and crispness of... well, the closest I can come is a feminine version
of Joshua Kadison. Disc-opener "Alan's Tears" is more Etheridgey, while
"My Own Road" hints more at Kadison. And, though there's not even a hint
of country on this disc, Darci's voice on the bluesy, booming "Satisfied"
has shades of Shania Twain or Patricia Conroy. Stylistically, other comparisons
can be drawn to bands like Journey or Kansas. This CD is a joy to listen
to; Darci Monet is one heckuva singer with style, pizzazz, and a great
voice.