FEBRUARY 23, 2006
4
MUSIC
T H E B U Z Z @ DA I LY T I TA N . C O M
THE BUZZ
CITY DRIVE CRUISE INTO CSUF By Lori Martinez Daily Titan Staff Writer
Cal State Fullerton students were treated to a free concert at the Pub in the TSU Underground, Thursday Feb. 17 by the Los Angeles based band, The City Drive. Despite the fact that most of those in attendance were students on their lunch breaks, the band played like everyone was there just for them. The City Drive consists of Vocalist/Guitarist, Danny Smith; Bassist, Scott Waldman; Drummer, Marc Precilla; and guest guitarist Chris Perry. Each member of the band exuded that rock ‘n’ roll sex appeal and they knew it, as they flirted with female audience members throughout the show.
Their laid back Southern California style caused them to blend in almost like students. The City Drive may at first sound like many other pop/punk bands out in circulation right now, but as the band played on the music changed. Each song had a distinct feel about it, but all of them equally catchy. With tables and chairs in the way, no one danced, jumped around, or moshed, but many felt a strong urge to. The guys sounded awesome live, with a good balance between their instruments and their vocals. They harmonize well together live, producing a sound that is record quality at their shows. While most of the songs were upbeat and lively, they did perform a few ballads, as the band
called them, but were really just slower-paced songs with just as much volume and intensity. The band seemed comfortable on stage and interacted easily with the crowd, with jokes and friendly banter between songs. They had a good stage presence and kept the audience interested. As students trickled into the pub to eat their lunch, many stayed long after to enjoy the show. The City Drive is a group of talented musicians, and Danny Smith is a gifted songwriter and lyricist. There may have only been a handful of students that have heard of The City Drive, but by the end of the show the band had many more fans, who will patiently await the release of their new full length album, Always Moving Never Stopping.
RAGGAE FESTIVA
By Christina House/ Daily Titan Photo Editor RisingJewishstarMatisyahu,ignitedthecrowdashesanghits from his recent album “Live at Stubb’s.”
THE MUSIC SCOOP PART DUEX By Jimmy Stroup Daily Titan Staff Writer
Last week, I put before you a few of my favorite albums to try to contend your attraction to 50 Cent or whatever “American Idol” runner-up got a juicy record deal this month. I was watching the Amazon ratings, and none of the albums I recommended jumped like I thought they would. Still, I’m undeterred and have returned to throw some more quality picks your way. So, here you are. (6) The Name of This Band is Talking Heads by hmmm…. Yes, ladies and gentlemen, the great live compilation album by the Talking Heads was finally released on CD a few weeks ago. I did have it on vinyl, but my car only takes CDs, so I was sad on trips. My personal favorite track is “Found a Job,” though “Psycho Killer” and “Minds” are also serious contenders. David Byrne is a genius, no doubt, so enough said. Incidentally, you might like his solo self-titled effort. A song or two from that album is always on any mix I put together. (7) Motown (and Motown II II) by Michael McDonald. One of my favorite singers has got to
be Michael McDonald. And with his latest outings, McDonald has combined his incredible voice with some of the great rhythm and blues (before morons twisted it into that bastard R&B) and soul tunes. Arguably, originals are better than covers, but these albums really put the screws to that idea, and Michael McDonald’s the only white dude on earth that could’ve done that. (8) The Beatles (so-called White Album) by the Beatles. You know who the Beatles are, so I don’t have to explain. The most improvisational album they ever put together, the White Album is at times tender and at times tumultuous – it’s hard to imagine the same two guys can be so diverse. “Julia,” “While My Guitar Gently Weeps” (featuring Eric Clapton on guitar), “I Will,” “Sexy Sadie,” and the “Revolution(s)” are all tops, though if I had to list all the great tunes on this double, I’d be unable to move on, so I compromise on only the truly great. (9) Live in Texas by Lyle Lovett (and his Large Band). I know. You think Lovett’s country because that’s where he gets shelved. That’s crap (like your music is, but we’ll get there) – Lovett is a heavily jazz-
influenced rock ‘n’ roller. Just because a Texan wears a cowboy hat, pointed boots and strokes a gee-tar, that doesn’t mean he’s country; that’s a stereotype I’m here to stamp out here and now. This album has the advantage of being both live and a sort of greatest-hits montage. The best track on the album is “Nobody Knows Me Like My Baby,” which could make you misty if you aren’t careful. “You’re Not From Texas” is another notable tune on this great, great album. (10) The Clash by the Clash. You may have heard of the Clash. You may even have a few tunes by the Clash on your iPod. But, I assure you, listening to “Rock the Casbah” doesn’t get you close to what the Clash is all about – and this album will. Filled with hate and angst, guitarist Joe Strummer nearly created socially-conscious punk rock. “I’m So Bored With the U.S.A.” and the classic “Hate & War” should bring you closer to what the Clash is all about, and should lend some understanding to the roots of punk. So, that’s the next five. Absorbing those should fill your waking moments over the next week until it’s time again for me to enlighten you further.
By Christina House/ Daily Titan Editor RootsempressDezarie,theonlyfemalesoloartist to command the stage.
By Christina House/Daily Titan Photo Editor Luciano’ssmoothbaritonevoicesoothedtheaudienceashe sangwiththetrueessenceofraggaemusicfromhisheart.
