|
DJ Spooky-That Subliminal Kid Riddim Warfare (Outpost/Universal) DJ Spooky reminds me of those kids in school who read the dictionary to seem smarter than they were. "Riddim Warfare" is filled with sweeping, orchestrated noise that's supposed to seem innovative and impressive, but instead is a boring ball of confusion. Like a mad scientist in an old horror movie, Spooky is probably a crazed genius, but even in his madness he's very predictable. Brighter moments on the album include cameos from Organized Konfusion, Kool Keith and a few drum & bass tracks. 7/10 (Scott C) John Cale Dance Music (Detour/Warner)
Lena Horne Being Myself (Blue Note/EMI) Ms. Horne at 80... the finest vintage wine couldn't top this one. The settings by guitarist Rodney Jones are near-perfect, as are the musicians--Houston Person, Bobby Forrester and special guests like Mike Renzi, Milt Jackson and George Benson. Among the great songs here are a pair by Harold Allen, "As Long as I Live" from Ms. Horne's Cotton Club days in 1934 and "Sleepin' Bee" from Broadway's House of Flowers (1954). A class act! 8.5/10 (Len Dobbin)
|
In which Mr. Cale scores an avant-garde ballet about his one-time Velvets collaborator, the late Nico. This is not a biographical work. It's more... you know, "interpretive." Meaning that the listener feels no closer to who Nico was, and I doubt witnessing said ballet would offer much more, except possibly a nasty headache. Whatever; this is nonetheless a lovely piece of rock-based neoclassical music, performed by the Ice Nine ensemble. Might as well enjoy it for what it is. 8/10 (Rupert Bottenberg)