DISClosure: November 9, 2000

DISClosure
CD Reviews Of A National Scale

U2
All That You Can’t Leave Behind

by Michael Stinson
The new U2 album has been long hyped as the Irish quartet’s return to the rock roots that made them what they are in the first place. But, with the band’s penchant in recent years for gimmicks and grandiose spectacles, one had to wonder if they would really strip themselves down to the days of old. If you are taking a wait and see approach to the promise, stop waiting and see — they have done it, and the result is amazing.

From the opening notes of the upbeat and rockin’ first single, "Beautiful Day," to the last notes of the quiet and poignant "Grace," All That You Can’t Leave Behind very rarely fails to deliver the goods. One of the most impressive traits of this disc is the band’s willingness to hark back and shake the influential hands of those that came before them. Songs such as "In a Little While" with its Motown-esque ’60s groove and "Wild Honey," borrowing acoustic sounds from The Beatles, show the boys from Dublin tipping their musical hats to those who came before. This is an even more impressive feat coming from a band that tends to look forward rather than back and has influenced so many groups in their own right. Even the weaker points of the album, such as Bono’s Lou Reed talk/sing impression on "New York" or the somewhat cheesiness of the goodwill wishing track "Peace on Earth," are only faulty when compared to the strength of the rest of the album. U2 promised a straight-ahead rock record to their fans, and not only did they deliver that, but one of the best rock albums to come out in quite some time. (Interscope)

The Wallflowers
Breach

by Michael Stinson
Let me start by saying The Wallflowers are definitely my favorite boring rock band. This may sound like and inflammatory way to start a review of their latest disc, Breach, but I really do mean it as a compliment. No other band with so little flavor (Collective Soul and Gin Blossoms, to name a few) can keep my attention or my interest the way Jakob Dylan and the boys can. So as I put the latest CD in my player, without a listen other than from the single "Sleepwalker," I already knew what to expect. You know what? Sometimes predictability is ok! The album is pretty much filled with the acoustic moody tunes that made their last album, Bringing Down the Horse, a multi-platinum success. Noticeably absent from the disc, however, are the rockers that were sprinkled throughout that disc. The only real foray into a song that rocks is "Murder 101," which is buried deep in the disc. The highlight of the album, though, may also be the most melancholy. Dylan’s rich vocals, coupled with only an acoustic guitar and a string arrangement, make "Up From Under" one of his most beautiful songs to date.

Overall, the disc remains solid throughout, never really tossing any curveballs but never becoming a sleepy bore, either. Dylan has said this is his most introspective songwriting to date. If that is the case and the mood of the songs reflects his inner feelings, he might really be one truly sad guy. Note to his friends: don’t cheer him up because it may ruin a good thing. (Interscope)

Deckard
Stereodreamscene

by Jaimie Lindsay
Stereodreamscene is an accurate description for this collection of Scottish/British rock. Depending on your musical tastes, it is a journey through songs you listened to on your home stereo for the last two decades. The influences include The Beatles, some Queen, The Cure, Smashing Pumpkins, and even Radiohead.

Opening with the single "What Reason," a rhythmic pogo-ing of modern rock reminiscent of the Cure, Deckard implies that this is a pop rock album. However, Stereodreamscene spans over the pop genre then easily covers modern rock with "Remain This Way" and "Conversation." "Christine" is a humorous and jamming account of a transsexual’s angst, followed by the eighties sound of "Still."

What is sometimes hidden among the slick remixes and arrangements of the music are compelling and reflective lyrics. "What Reason" has the up beat sounds of a radio single, but conveys a dark reflection on the insecurities of life. "Wasted At Your Wing" is a ballad of love lost.

Amidst modern pop rhythms, driving beats, and even beautiful string arrangements, fans of eclectic and not easily defined British/ English music will hold dear this entire album.

(Reprise)

Bob Marley & The Wailers
Climb the Ladder

by Ed Yashinsky
There are two realities when diving into an established artist’s backwater — there are a few nuggets to be had, but murky waters await. Climb the Ladder is a prime example. There is a ton of great early tunes fusing together ska, reggae, and Motown from Bob Marley, Bunny Wailer, and Peter Tosh, but the finished product is much lower quality than Songs of Freedom and other early Marley compilations. That being said, Climb a Ladder is a must-own for Marley disciples. The bottom line is Marley & The Wailers still stand the test of time, but in the grand scheme of things the brief glimpse in Marley’s early career provides very few glimpses into his later genius. (Rounder)