FFWD Weekly
Copyright © 1997. All Rights Reserved.
Space - Spiders (Universal / MCA):
Put down the new Kula Shaker right now ya Brit-popper and pick up the latest from fellow patriots, Space, instead. Spiders features a fantastic array of pop, pop, pop melodies accompanying dark lyrics. A catchy Bonnie & Clyde tune, "Me & You Vs. the World," is destined to be the happy love song of '97. "Female of the Species" is a lounge-inspired ditty aimed at those who prefer non-love songs. A near perfect album that makes inviting spiders into the house so, so inviting. 4/5 (AM)Spiderbait - Ivy and the Big Apples (Polydor):
Look out Slayer. Look out Jale. An aggressive music craft has continued to be refined by Australia's best kept secret, Spiderbait. Guitar masterpiece moments aside, Ivy is acoustic, ambient, and dance-oriented (have they been jamming with Moby?) making this album a generous effort and powerfully executed. Janet's soft vocals contrast well with the heavier tracks that have male vocals (Kram or Whitt, it's a secret). "Horschack Army" is one funky reason of 18 why you should buy this now. A concise release that will have you curious for more. 4/5 (AM)L7 - The Beauty Process: Triple Platinum (Slash / Warner):
In an attempt to avoid the tar pits of the Seattle sound (even though they are a Californian act), raunch goddesses L7 smooth out a few (not all, mind you) of the rough spots on their latest release. The result is a mixed bag of well-produced songs that fluctuate from the heavy and abrasive to the poppy (really) and infectious. The welcome variety announces L7 are far from dead and, in fact, it's the band's most solid effort since 1991's Smell The Magic. 3/5 (MB)Gram Parsons and the Fallen Angels - Live 1973 (Rhino):
Complete with guffs, applause and goofy between song banter, this relaxed live recording captures country rock pioneer Parsons at his finest. With a back-up band punctuated by the angelic vocals of Emmylou Harris, the performance, taped for broadcast by a Long Island radio station, features solo material as well as songs recorded with his previous group The Flying Burrito Brothers. A priceless historical document rescued by the fine folks at Rhino. 5/5 (MB)
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