Beastie Boys To the 5 Boroughs

Beastie Boys
To the 5 Boroughs

Aptly titled, To the 5 Boroughs sounds just like it came out of New York circa 1985. It's old School and it’s oldest—stripped down beats, orchestra hits, scratching and rhyming. That’s it. This works great on “Ch-check it Out,” “Triple Trouble” and “An Open Letter to NYC.”

While hip-hop has always been their forte, the Beasties generally keep it interesting by mixing a bunch of styles. Unfortunately 5 Boroughs, is void of all funk or punk rock rants.

The irreverent boys of License to Ill are almost 40 now. They rap more about politics than partying, but most of these new songs still manage to get the party started.

The Killers - Hot Fuss

The Killers
Hot Fuss

It’s embarrassing enough to get introduced to a new band by MTV and it’s even harder to admit it. I’m swallowing my pride. I first saw “Somebody Told Me” by the Killers while I was in San Diego (we don’t have cable at our house). I thought it was a pretty good little tune and I am a sucker for the Moog (click here for more info on the Moog) sounds.

The Killers bring the 80’s electronic beats and sounds of Depeche Mode or Duran Duran and mix it with a bit more updated alternative rock. Their album Hot Fuss is not a masterpiece, but there are some really solid tracks. I list it here as a rave for the following reasons:

1. When I hear the repeated line “I’ve got soul, but I’m not a soldier” I find myself marching/dancing while I’m mowing my front lawn (the neighbors love it).

2. Most of the tunes cause me to play air keyboard (anyone can cause you to play air guitar, you have to be really hip to make people rock out to your keyboard).

3. The song title “Mr. Brightside” is pretty close to “Mr. Blue Skies,” and that’s a great song.

I am a sucker for bands that kind of sound like the Cure. So if you like the Cure, you may as well give the Killers a try.

*The Moog is an analog keyboard that makes wacky sounds. Check out "Return of the Rentals for a good example.

Local H -- Live at Ego's

The Local H concert that I attended with Ty in 1997--when they opened for Silverchair--was one of the best concerts I have ever been to. Here we are, 7 years and 3 1/2 new Local H albums later, and I had high hopes for their concert at Ego's.

Due to the nature of concerts at bars, and some technical difficulties, Local H didn't start playing until 11:30 p.m. They started off the set with the 10-minute "BuffaloTrace" off their new record. While the song is relatively rocking, it seemed like they were easing the crowd into the show. I was disappointed that they didn't begin with what to me seems like the obvious opener "Alright, Oh yeah," which they did play midway through the set.

They played a handful of new tracks and mixed in all of the hits from "As Good As Dead:" Bound for the Floor, Fritz's Corner, High Fivin' MF, and Eddie Vedder. Despite the requests, there was no "Back in the Day."

Besides "Hands on the Bible" from the band's last release, only two albums were really represented. No "All the Kids are Right," and no "Sports Bar."

The set was a little loose. Each time the music started to really rock, they would pull it down with a new song or a meandering jam or arrangement. The band played the neo-rock "Hey Rita" from the new album, the worst song from "Whatever Happened to PJ Soles." Fortunately, "Where are They Now?" and "Heavy Metal Bakesale" showed that even the new material can rock.

It is unfortunate that Joe is no longer in the band, but new drummer Brian St. Clair is a no-nonsense heavy drummer. In Dave Grohl fashion he never lifted his head during the entire 60 minute set. NO fills, just straight pounding. Scott Lucas, on the other hand downed a few beers and multiple shots during the set and was dancing and head-banging and shouting at the crowd. "Walking through the set as drunk as we could get" now become more than just a clever line from "All the Kids are Right."

Local H has aged, so has their fan base. Since hard rock is harder to come by these days, it seems like Local H has become an oasis for all of the High Fivin' MFs would still want to mosh. Poor Scott Lucas.

The band ended with an encore "California Songs" and a 10-minute improv rant where Lucas screamed "You got the money, we've got the soul" over and over. The alcohol seemed to be getting to him.

The band did not seem as tight as it was 7 years ago, but still strong, especially if you are a bit intoxicated.

Raves: The Streets - A Grand Don't Come for Free

The Streets (aka Mike Skinner)=skinny, white, British rapper who can't sing...at all. Why is it, then, that I can't stop listening to the new album A Grand Don't Come for Free?

Here's why I love the bloke (I don't know what bloke means exactly, but it's fun to use British talk):

1. He makes all the music. He puts down all of the beats, writes and and records it all himself at his mom's house. We're not talking Neptunes-style catchy beats, but somehow the off-tune singing is oddly appealing.

2. It doesn't sound like anything else. It is not a British guy trying to be a tough, American rapper. It's a British rapper talking about drinking tea with his mum and text messaging his friends. Nothing tough about that.

3. When Skinner attempts singing he kind of sounds like a robot. I love robots.

A Grand is a concept album. The entire LP tells the story of Mike losing a thousand pounds and his girlfriend, and suspecting that his friends are responsible for both. It is refreshing to hear a rapper talking about being extremely worried about losing money, and not just about rollin' in it.

The album's got humor, some slow stuff and some rough stuff. It's probably an acquired taste, but I would recommend checking it out.