4Play

Aug. 3, 2005

Black Eyed Peas - Monkey Business - A&M/Interscope

The words “fun” and “funky” (er, ‘scuse me, “phunk-y”) both spring to mind when the Black Eyed Peas come into the conversation, and for good reason.  Bringing hip-hop across genres of listeners, their latest effort continues the winning formula that they presented on their Elephunk album - hip-hop with pop, funk, rock, and even a little folk blended right in.  Singer Fergie takes more of a center stage position on this disc, fronting songs like the first single, “Don’t Phunk With My Heart” and “Dum Diddly,” and the band also welcomes in several guest performers, including Jack Johnson, James Brown, Sting, and returning Peas pal Justin Timberlake.  It’s a fresh and uplifting collection of songs that makes one hope the Peas’ll be around for a long phunky time.


Belle + Sebastian - Push Barman to Open Old Wounds - Matador Records

Bringing together each of the band’s out-of-print EPs from 1997 through 2001, this indie version of a greatest hits disc is a must-have for fans who have always strived to snag B+S’s import discs before the rest of their friends could manage to find ‘em (plus it’s especially a bargain, given the one-CD pricing for what amounts to about 7 EPs.)  These non-album songs weren’t left off of other albums because they’re substandard - on the contrary.  Many of these tunes are just as good as what you’d find on a B+S full-length.  The set showcases both the quieter side of the group (“Beautiful,” “Dog on Wheels,” “The State I Am In,”) and their more upbeat, rock-friendly side too (“Le Pastie de la Bourgeoisie,” “Photo Jenny,” “Legal Man”).  Definitely a good B+S buy.


The Go-Betweens - Oceans Apart - Yep Roc Records

Masters of all things heartfelt and melodic, The Go-Betweens obviously missed their inventive little songs just as much as their fans did, as evidenced by their reforming in 2000 to crank out more new tunes.  As a result, their new-wave flavored, immersive chill-pop music is being rediscovered by old fans and is pulling new ones in quietly but steadily.  The biggest reason is perhaps the songwriting - each track is loaded with its own individual personality, richly layered instruments, atmospheric production, and organically-flowing arrangements.  Standouts include “Darlinghurst Nights,” “Lavender,” and “No Reason To Cry.”  Three discs into their reunion, and the Go-Betweens are going strong, proving that they’re still the band that drew all those loyal fans in in the first place.


Martha Wainwright - Martha Wainwright - Zoe Records

Well, she’s unique - that’s the most obvious thing that can be said about Martha Wainwright.  Yes, those Wainwrights - namely Loudon III and Rufus, whose legacies, unfortunately, she doesn’t quite live up to with this effort.  Her songwriting is crafty and well-arranged, if a little too pushy at times, and there are definitely some catchy melodies here, blending rock, folk, and even show tune sensibilities together.  But Martha’s high-pitched voice becomes almost too grating after just a song or two.  But there are a couple of saving graces - namely the appearance of brother Rufus on the track “Maker,” and the calmed-down closing number, “Whither Must I Wander,” which finally showcases Wainwright as a more natural singer, not just as someone trying really, really hard to get your attention.