and for her novel way at presenting a CD, it was well worth it. Instead of including just one CD and one version of all her songs, there are two CDs fea- turing versions in country and pop. When I received it for Christmas, I brought the pop version to school with me, leaving the country one home for my parents - altogether, the songs number almost 40. You can even log onto a web site to download a third style, which was included in the CDs sold in places like Asia.

The first track from Up! is catchy (this would be J’m Gonna Getcha Good) the sort of song you would use in a workout and the second single, Up/, is much the same. No pun intended, it is upbeat.

When I listened the rest of the songs, numbering 19, I was disappoint- ed that there weren't many other songs that stuck in my head. None of them stand out: they slip by, transforming into another song without a clear divi- sion. Most of the songs sound alike, with the exception of those that have either a fast or slow beat.

In all, the CD is not as impres- sive as her past work when you analyse it piece by piece, though wher you consider you are getting almost 40 songs for $20, it is a good price. However, I think the sheer size of the project left the magic of her former songs in the dust.

Not impressive, but a good CD for workout music or dancing.

-Julie VEINOT

Artist: Molly Johnson CD: Another Day Label: Marquis Records

Where does Nora Jones find her voice? Maybe she was a voice- clone of Molly Johnson, because Molly is the original package. This is the voice of an angel who's lived her life hard and is back to tell us about it. She's all blues and more jazz.

She opens with the sultry, bad- ass sass blues Summertime. Then this

page 12

Choice Cuts

Page 3 of 3

fine lady plays chameleon and trans- forms into a seductress in Sweet Sublime. Miss Celia’s Blues (sister) is a special treat, as you are transported to a saloon atmosphere. And watch out for that Red Cardinal!

The musicians chosen are all exceptional and natural, who play with ease and personality. You want the real deal? Give Molly a try.

-Mariéve MacGREGOR

Book: A Wrinkle in Time Author: Madeleine L’Engle Publisher: Dell

This is a book that was written and published in 1962. For some rea- son it's pushed at children. I read this book in grade 4, and thought it was alright, but really, it went way over my head.

For children indeed! This book deals with issues of government con- trol, prejudice and oppression. And the evil black thing that's clouding the earth!

Besides the obvious attempt at expressing American pride (the heroes Meg and Calvin recite the Declaration of Independence to fight IT), and besides the inclination that God is absolutely, no question, existent, and besides the fact that every creature and beast in the universe can communicate in English, this was a great book.

It's worth a read with a more developed mind than a ten year old. There are a lot of issues brought up in this novel which may trigger your mind to ponder society today a little more closely.

-Mariéve MacGREGOR

Artist: Conjure one CD: Conjure one Label: Nettwerk Productions

Wow. Wowwy wow wow wow. This is some deep, spiritual stuff. Not religious, but spiritual.

It's almost a little pop.

It's almost Indian (like India).

It's almost surreal.

One song that will make you smile is Centre of the Sun with lyrics like "I hear violence/ But when I close my eyes/ I am like the centre of the sun/ And I cannot be hurt by anything this wicked world has done."

The harmonizing and simple- ness are what make this album really beautiful. Tears From the Moon is sung by Sinead O'Connor, which is really. cool of her. Sleep is the kind of song you'd put on a mix song for your lover. Tres hot.

This is a really interesting mix of music. It's calm and intriguing. The chanting things are penetrating too.

-Mariéve MacGREGOR

Artist: Vonda Shepard Album: Chinatown

Now that Ally McBeal is off the air, series songstress Vonda Shepard has had to turn back to writ- ing and performing for her own

albums.

One of the first since the series of show soundtracks was released, Chinatown is a diverse compilation of songs that range from funky to her trademark beautiful tracks featuring nothing but voice and piano.

The first song, Rainy Days, is the best song off the album: it hasa — fast beat, her strong voice, as well as the melody of a piano that comes shin- ing through. Her voice and piano skills are enough to fill an album. I'm actually disappointed there are many other instruments used on Chinatown, things like a mini moog and something that sounds like clopping horse hooves.

Not my cup o' tea, but it is worth it for the songs where there is nothing but piano and voice.

Though my favourite albums were the Ally McBeal soundtracks, which feature-remakes of all 1950s and 1960s love songs, Chinatown is the best way to keep hearing a songstress with talent, long after Ally McBeal has packed her bags.

-Julie VEINOT |