— SHORPSBIRD O7TENES

MUSICHIL MUSINGS BY ALEX K,

In the grand scheme of life the few minutes you will spend reading my subjective thoughts on a slew of musical offerings from around world will amount to virtually nothing. Nonetheless, I appreciate your taking the time and energy to read what I have to say. If I succee encouraging you to sample any or all of these artists, then I am grateful for the privilege; if I only succeed in wasting your valuable tim

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The first item on the menu is the Blown Away soundtrack (Various Artists, EPIC), a tasty dish which includes a ‘wide range of music from The Pogues, U2, the Sundays, Aretha Franklin, and many others. Highlights include ‘‘Tuesday Morning’’ by the Pogues, and ‘“All Night Long”’ by Aretha. Not every song is a winner and few are new material, but it’s a good batch of music overall.

Next up are two volumes of a three-disc set compiling various artists’ interpretations of songs written and performed by Neil Young.

Out of the Blue (Sony) is the acoustic compilation, while Into the Black is the elec-

triccollection. All artists’ royalties and record company profits from these CD’s are being donated to the Bridge School and Safehaven homes for physically and mentally challenged children. These CD’s are not only great music, they will help people who need support.

The Out of the Blue CD contains per- formances by The Waltons, Jann Arden, Stephen Fearing, Head and many others. High- lights include ‘‘Don’t let it bring you down’”’ by Amanda Marshall, ‘“‘Old Man’’ by Rose Chronicles, and a great rendition of ‘“Every-

you have my apologies.

body knows this is Nowhere’’ performed by The Rheostatics AND the Bourbon Tabernacle Choir.

Into the Black (SONY) features such great acts as Big Sugar’s ‘‘When you dance I can really love’? and 54:40’s ‘‘Cortez the Killer.’’ Other great groups include The Phi- losopher Kings, Andy Curran, and Colin Linden, among many others.

Next up is S/oan’s latest effort, Twice Removed (MCA). llike Sloan. [liked Smeared, and Twice Removed is another great but en- tirely different album. Some of my favourite songs on this CD include ‘‘Pen Pals’’(a fun story explained as a melange of two fan letters written to another band) and ‘‘Bell’s On’’ (a more sombre adventure). This CD is worth a listen if you hayen’t already sampled it.

Last week I got my hands on Project Twinkle (Indie), a new CD from Guelph On- tario’s King Cobb Steelie. This is anindepend- ent release and may be a little harder to find

’ than many other music items, but is worth

looking into if the opportunity presents itself.

Now, on to the music...

It is difficult to describe KCS’s music: the tone is heavy, and the instruments varied, but it works for me. “‘Slump’’ is a hard-driven favourite of mine, while ‘‘Maynard’’ is a calmer expression of angst.

Weezer (MCA) are a California-based band who have released their self-titled debut album under the illustrious David Geffen la- bel. Weezer is a healthy mix of punk, rock, and what is now called grunge (shudder). It’s well worth the price ofadmission. After listening to songs like ‘‘Say it ain’t so’’ and ‘‘My name is Jonas’’ I am sure you will agree.

Halifax is home to a rich musical com- munity, and it is from this enclave that A/ Tuck and No Action spring. Brave Last Days (MUR- DER) is their second release on Murder Records, who describe them as their *‘moodi- est release so far’. Coming from the people who handle such great bands as Eric’s Trip and Hardship Post, this will probably mean something to you. Listen to ‘‘Mr fixit’’ and **Buddah’’ and decide for yourself.

Our journey now takes us from the

streets of Halifax to the hills and towns of

Europe and Africa. World Music is the name given to any and all music that is (a) Not originated from North America, and (b) Not performed in English. The next three CD’s to be explored fit this description with ease (Note:this sentence says little).

The first stop on our escapade is Sen- egal, a country on Africa’s west coast. The Guide(Wommat) (Sony) is from Youssou N’dour. Youssou’s music is melodic, calm, soothing, lively, fun, and jazzy either all at the same time or at points throughout. All the songs by him and his band The Super Etoile

are wondrous, warm and unique. Includ the CD are the translations of inis lyrics; are wonderfully poetic, and his philo insight is both simple and truthful all at This is a very special experience.

The Gipsy Kings Greatest Hits lumbia): need I say more? The rich and vating sounds of their steel and acoustic gui are so alive and free that it will make you like dancing. The spirit of Spain, its culture and music are so well represent the Reyes and Baliardo brothers that | deserve space on a postage stal ““Bamboleo’’, ‘‘Soy(my way)’’, “Baila \ and all the other classic Gipsy King songs here on a CD the whole family will enjoy.

The final destination of my mus caravan is Algeria, nestled on the shores of warm Mediterranean Sea in northern Afr N’ssi n’ssi (Barclay) is the latest release fi Algerian musician Khaled, an artist by | definition of the word. His music is so W drously powerful that he is banned by cert authorities in northern Africa because his m! has such a profound influence onits youth. | poetic words and his calls to **take the beau! and enjoy life make Khaled someone w° listening to. Even those who cannot speak language will feel his music’s force, and message.

This concludes my musical review. note on music ratings: I have not used t! because I believe rank has no importancé meaning in regards to music. Music is ex! sion, not competition. I hope it always rem that way-- it will for me. -- Alex Keaveny

October 11, 1994)