Music reviews of the latest from The Chieftains, Roxette, Falco, Kula Shakur, Tevin Campbell, and Cranberries.
During the last four years a joke has been circulating among Irish music purists, “Does anyone remember the Chieftains? They were the band that used to play Irish folk.” This jab comes from those who object to the commercial success the tenured Dublin-based sextet began to achieve in 1995. That year marked the release of their album The Long Black Veil. A mix of Irish folk sounds – bagpipes, tin whistles, Uilleann pipes, and harp – and rock and roll, the album features the collaborative efforts of Sting, The Rolling Stones, and Van Morrison. The unique album won three Grammy awards. But Irish music fans still denounced The Chieftains, calling them traitors, sell-outs. “Which, of course, is ridiculous,” says band member Paddy Moloney. “How can we be accused of not sticking with a style that is constantly changing? Music only stays alive through its constant development, the rest is for historians. I am an artist.” Moloney and his five musicans-in-crime are prepared for more unkind words regarding their newest effort, Tears of Stone. The unconventional CD features female superstars, including Bonnie Raitt, Natalie Merchant, and Sinéad O’Connor. Paddy Moloney stands by the work. “I love my homeland and its culture more than anything, but modern music should be like a global village whose doors are opened to all that is beautiful. We, of The Chieftains, are doing our part to uphold that vision.” Roxette** Have a Nice Day (EMI) Nothing new from the Swedish pop front – Marie Fredriksson and Per Gessle have stuck with their tested recipe for commercial success. A bit of rock guitar here, a ballad there, one tune to whistle along with – its all there, as it has been on their six previous CDs. Even their latest video, featuring exquisite photography, will not help them out of their rut - the music is mediocre. The problem now for Roxette is that even though this is bubble-gum rock for teenage fans (the band’s main clientele) this cohort considers groups in their forties to be uncool. Have a Nice Day confirms this. Falco**** The Final Curtain – The Ultimate Best of (Electrola) Hansi Hölzl, alias Falco, was among the few who could mix show-business image, daily life, and performance in a winning cocktail. The Austrian singer, who met his tragic demise last year, is celebrated on the extraordinary The Final Curtain, a compilation of his greatest hits. Not only are we treated to old favorites here – Rock Me Amadeus, Der Kommissar and Out of the Dark – but interesting re-mixes thrill as well. Granted, you have to groove on Falco’s exalted snobbish charm to have fun with the recording. For the many who do, this CD is a fitting tribute to a fallen hero. Kula Shaker*** Peasants, Pigs and Astronauts (Columbia) The Indian sitar, Beatles-like melodies, and psychedelic gimmicks employed by the eccentric English quartet Kula Shaker delighted audiences three years ago when the band’s debut album, K, hit the stores. The surprise factor may be missing from their second effort, Peasants, Pigs, and Astronauts, but nothing is lacking musically. Once again Kula Shaker’s obscure brand of “trip music” is sure to win the band fans. The CD delivers addictive pop/raga, and lead singer Crispian Mills (son of actress Hayley Mills) has the voice of a delightfully inebriated angel. Tevin Campbell*** Tevin Campbell (WEA) Tevin Campbell arrived on the soul scene when he was 13, wowing audiences with his dynamic voice on Prince’s Round and Round. Hopes were high that when he reached manhood, he would still possess his gift of vocal range and character. Now, at 22, he has released his first “grown-up” album, and with it proved that he is, indeed, a master of soul. Campbell has the chirp of Michael Jackson, the croon of Al Green, and the light erotic touch of Luther Vandross. This is a solid work from the first cut to the last. And if that’s not all, Tevin Campbell is produced by another master, Quincy Jones. Cranberries*** Bury the Hatchet (Mercury) It has been three long years since Dolores O’Riordan wailed heartwrenching lead vocals on the Cranberries’ first CD, The Faithfully Departed. She must have had some fun during those three years, as she is back with a refreshing new sound. Her voice no longer the embodiment of suffering, this time O’Riordan delivers a collection of happy themes: love, joy, rebirth. Gone are the death, war, and pain songs of the first effort. Bury the Hatchet is no more of a midnight party album than the first, but this time it suits a cozy at-home atmosphere instead of a dire, melancholy one.