New Music

MUSIC REVIEWS Another revolutionary Marley 6

If ever there was an omen in the coming of an iconoclastic son, it would be no clearer than in the return of Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley, with his fourth album, Welcome to Jamrock.

After winning a Grammy in 2001 for best reggae album, the new release brings Damian Marley back to the forefront of the music world. Welcome to Jamrock promises to promises to follow the same path, debuting at No. 7 on The Billboard Top 200 Albums Chart, making it the biggest opening week for a reggae artist. Damian is the youngest seed of the royal-reggae-family-tree called Marley, but if people expect a modern day polished up version of his father, they will be sadly mistaken. Damian Marley’s music is a mixture between the classic island sounds

By ERIC SANDERS

Daily Titan Staff

of his Jamaican homeland, and the hardcore street poetry of hip-hop – which is seen in his militantminded lyricism, sharp enough to test the most gifted of emcees. His heavy Jamaican fl ow weaves his words seamlessly throughout the album with unpredictable styles of hip-hop, reggae and dancehall, effortlessly and can only be described as a gift to his listeners.

Damian and his brother, Stephan Marley, produced all but two songs the album. The well arranged tracks show off the diverse musical talents of the duo, with songs ranging from melodic easy-skanking-reggae-riffs to hard-pounding, neck-breaking rebel-beats. The guest list of artists stays true to the hip-hop and reggae theme, with names like Nas, Black Thought, Eek-A-Mouse and Bounty Killer, to keep both sides of the spectrum happy. Also featured is a rare musical appearance by Bobby Brown, who dusted off his mike to throw down some vocals on a saxlaced love ballad.

The album opens up with the track “Confrontation,” which is less like a song, and more like a call to arms. With a war-like drumbeat interlaced with sound bites of Marcus Garvey’s emphatic plea for action, the energy of the song makes one feel as if marching with thousands of irie rebels ready to clash at the fi rst sign of authority seeking to oppress them. The title track and fi rst single, “Welcome to Jamrock,” is a description of the Jamaican street culture and youth, which displays the conscious lyrical skills of Damian Marley. “Come on let’s face it / A ghetto education’s basic / And most of the youths them waste it / And when them waste it, that’s when them take the guns replace

it / Then them don’t stand a chance at all!”

A more dramatic song, titled “Pimpa’s Paradise,” features Stephen Marley and Black Thought of the Roots. Stephen Marley sings the chorus in a raspy elegance reminiscent of his dad, while Damian and Black Thought paint a deep poetic portrait of a girl who falls into a dark despair of drug addiction. The highlight of the album is in the calm and peaceful track named “Road to Zion.”

The song guest stars Nas, who adds his own introspective fl ow to the collaboration.

The soothing humming of a female vocalist mixed with the sounds of whaling winds, soft piano strides and gentle guitar plucks, take the listener on a journey.

Daily Titan Staff

Flashback Favorite No doubts about band’s legacy

By ASHLEY MAJESKI

October 10, 1995: It was a day of intense emotion for a band from Anaheim. No Doubt released its third album that day, and half expected it to fail like their previous two albums did in the midst of a grunge revolution. However, the fl annel shirts and greasy hair of grunge were waning, making room for a sunny, fun ska-punk album that would go on to become one of the best selling records of the 1990s.

It’s hard to believe that it’s been ten years since Tragic Kingdom was released. The songs ranged from girl-power anthems such as “Just a Girl” and “Sunday Morning” to break up ballads like “Don’t Speak,” (which still inspires bad karaoke renditions).

I can still remember my fi rst sighting of Gwen Stefani. I was in 7 th grade and mesmerized by the grade and mesmerized by the “Just a Girl” video as she jumped around in her midriff-baring top, blond bangs and Dr. Martens. Surrounded by guys, Gwen was tough, but still glamorous.

As the band’s popularity grew, every girl in junior high wanted to be Gwen. At every talent show, the sounds of “Spiderwebs” or “Excuse Me Mister” were accompanied by a badly choreographed dance with equally bad “Gwenabe” costumes. Girls could relate to not only her lyrics about breakups and her frustrations with being a girl, but also her funky fashion sense.

Tragic Kingdom went on to sell over 10 million albums world

This album is a testament to the power that music can have in our culture. With his sentimental melodies and political content, Damian Marley is the prodigal son who will make all who listen nod their heads, pump their fi sts and praise Jah for the revolutionary bloodline that is Marley. TUFF GONG INTERNATIONAL Marley remains unique in his new album.

wide and could be heard blaring out of every pre-teen’s bedroom window from the years of 1995 to 1998.

No Doubt went on to release three more albums after Tragic Kingdom, but none matched its commercial success.

The band is still in the spotlight today, having released a greatest hits album last year. Gwen has also launched a successful solo career, with her fi rst album going certifi ed platinum.

The songs on Tragic Kingdom are still great tunes to listen to while getting ready to go out, or when you just want to be transformed to the carefree days of 1995, before Gwen was a “Hollaback Girl” and stick-on bindis weren’t available in malls across America.

Reggae star makes ‘Clothes Drop’makes ‘Clothes Drop’

By MAHSA KHALILIFAR

Daily Titan Asst. Entertainment Editor

Shaggy, also known as Mr. Bombastic is back once again to give some more music and loving to his fans.

Shaggy, whose real name is Orville Richard Burrell, releases his sixth album, Clothes Drop, where he is once again dropping beats and songs that have brought the Grammy AwardWinner where he is today.

Last time we heard from this singer, we were repeating the lyrics to “It Wasn’t Me,” and swooning over “Angel.”

Now the reggae star is back with a similar sound but different style. Collaborating with various artists from famed groups such as The Black-Eyed Peas and the PussyCat Dolls, this 17-track album brings a new fl avor to the Jamaican-inspired music.

Singing about love and sexual innuendos is the usual mantra for the self-proclaimed Mr. Lover; this time though, the songs are even more lyrically conscience and the beats have slowed down, leaving the listener room to pay closer attention to his unique voice.

The fi rst single off the album, “Wild 2nite,” features the vocals of G-Unit’s very own Olivia. The song has a good tone and although a remix of the song might be necessary for the clubs, the song is still one to bump up while driving.

The track to put on repeat: “Would You Be” showcases famed reggae artist Brian Gold. The beats make this ballad one of Shaggy’s best songs yet.

Although the album does not have too many standout hit singles, the tracks are still enticing, especially for hardcore Shaggy fans.

The album does not allow fi rst-time Shaggy listeners a way to get to fully understand his intentions but it is pure Shaggy: sexy and unusual – just the way he seems to like it.

Always provocative, Shaggy’s album is not for innocent ears. Sexuality exhumes Shaggy and his music.

In “Ahead In Life,” the singer blatantly gives his penis a pep talk, which you cannot help but laugh at. Topics vary, but they mostly revolve around the subject of sex.

On a more serious note, the singer speaks about what seems to be a young woman being abused in “Gone With Angels” and a heartfelt message to his own children in “Letter to My Kids.”

ASI Productions is bringing another free concert to Cal State Fullerton. On Sept. 28, The Acidic Front is going to play at the Becker Amphitheater at noon. The indie rock band from Chino plays music that is infl uenced by big-name bands like Jimmy Eat World and lesser-known bands like Texas is the Reason, Sunny Day Real Estate and The Early November. The Acidic Front consists of Nick De Partee on vocals and guitar, Jeremy Sohl also on vocals and guitar, Kevin Hedges on bass and Raul Martinez on drums. With emotional lyrics, The Acidic Front visits venues on their mission to be signed by a label.

ASI presents The Acidic

For the most part, the band has been playing at churches, which is fi tting because of the band’s purpose.

“We are still a rock band playing to show people God’s love and his endless grace and mercy. We hope that is evident in our lyrics, shows, and lives,” De Partee stated on the band’s Web log.

The band’s music is easy to listen to and at times even gets a little edgy, but it’s defi nitely not as upbeat as the other bands that have visited CSUF in the previous weeks. Titans can most likely expect the band to plays songs off of their newly released EP entitled “The Fall To Love.” The songs “Procession” and “Today is a Passing Trend” are available for listening www.purevolume.com/theacidicfront. There is also a track entitled “The White in the Iris,” which is probably the strongest track of the three.

Of course, what Shaggy album would be complete without the booty-shaking dance tracks? Although most of the songs have beats one can move to, tracks like “Ready Fi Di Ride,” “Supa Hypnotic,” “Don’t Ask Her That” and “Road Block” are ones you might hear in the hiphop clubs.

Overall, the album gives Shaggy fans a mix of old and new fl avors of his more original music, this time with more guest artists and even more seductive lyrics. The only warning is that after hearing the tunes, clothes may just drop, which is exactly what Shaggy may have been aiming for. Goal accomplished.

Daily Titan Copy Editor

By HENRY TRUC

For more information, Titans can visit the band’s myspace at myspace.com/theacidicfront.

Front to CSUF students

Celebrity quote of the week

“I went to Europe for a month on tour and we kinda dated by Blackberry.” – Sheryl Crow to Entertainment Weekly, on how she and Lance Armstrong started dating.

Brit band still jams

By EDUARDO VASCONCELLOS

Daily Titan Staff

In 1993, this talented British band broke out onto the scene, paying tribute to the disco trend two decades prior. In 1996, the charttopper “Virtual Insanity” put them on the map and people started to recognize the name Jamiroquai.

That album Travelling Without Moving, proved to the world that they were more than a mere one hit wonder. They have had two great albums since then and almost 10 years later have put out one – Dynamite. Maintaining the funky sound similar to the house beats of Groove Armada, Jamiroquai’s music is an experience worth listening to. Don’t be surprised if in the near future, this album is used to keep parties going in clubs across the globe. Dynamite starts off with the low-tempo Feels Just Like It Should,” which starts out a bit jerky, quickly turns into one of the band’s trademark funk tracks, without getting to be too abrasive.

After that, it takes off with the spacy “Dynamite,” with Kay’s soprano crooning, a great beat and a fun guitar riff, it’s defi nitely one of the better tracks on the record. Next up is a track that matches its name, “Seven Days In Sunny June.” It’s not quite a track for the clubs, but it is enjoyable and catchy. “Electric Mistress” rounds up the fi rst bit, and offers an electronic sound that reminds me of something from an old-school 8-bit Nintendo game.

The latter half of the album is less memorable than the fi rst. It’s saving grace, however, happens to be the best track on the entire album, “(Don’t) Give Hate a Chance.”

It’s everything anybody could ask of Jamiroquai. It’s totally overproduced, but in a good way, like Radiohead’s Karma Police, with every note played on a grand scale. The bass keeps the beat as well as any percussion instrument would while the string and wind come in and are so resounding, it’s hard not to get caught up in the song. This is the one track that will move copies out of stores. The rest of the album is a treat to the auditory senses and each track keeps the interest level peaked even if there is a slow patch in the middle. Dynamite is certainly