CD reviews

Janet Jackson 20 Y.O. Virgin/ 2006 ♥♥♥	20 Y.O. pays tribute to Janet Jackson’s 1986 blockbuster album Control, her breakout album that established her as a R&B/pop music icon. Over the years, Jackson’s music has been laced with sex appeal, lust, passion, and love. Her albums have also covered topics such as family, racism, and female empowerment. This 2006 release focuses upon the two major themes of sex and love, in that order. The first few songs, delivered in Janet’s sultry style, are entitled “So Excited,” “Show Me,” “Get it Out Me,” and “Do It 2 Me” and are dedicated to various aspects of sexual intercourse. The lyrics are explicit and complemented with a resonating bass line. Obviously Miss Jackson, who recently turned 40, continues to exude sexual confidence. The latter part of the album is more fun loving with songs such as: “Call On Me,” “Daybreak” and “Enjoy” embracing the love of life itself, though “Call On Me,” which features rapper Nelly, is too formulaic. This album contains open dialogues with her long-time producing partners of Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis. A few songs are openly dedicated to her partner of several years Jermaine Dupri who co-produced the album. Listening to 20 Y.O., one cannot help but think Miss Jackson is contemplating a hiatus from this business. The songs “Enjoy” and “Take Care” are particularly reflective, analytical, and nostalgic. Jackson has made better albums: this one definitely has been overproduced with samples and simulated tones. Most hardcore Janet fans will buy this album; to them, Janet Jackson will always be in control. Kyle Goomansingh
The Sadies In Concert: Volume 1 Outside Music/ 2006 ♥♥♥♥	The Sadies have played numerous shows here in Winnipeg, and for me the most memorable was when Robyn Hitchcock joined them onstage at the Pyramid to perform a few numbers. It was an unexpected surprise and the camaraderie the Sadies shared with Hitchcock was evident in the material they played together. There are few times when I really envy Torontonians, but listening to In Concert: Volume 1 is one of those times. The plethora of special guests that joined the Good brothers for two concerts this past February is astonishing and nearly put the Hitchcock show to shame: Neko Case, Steve Albini, Gary Louris, Jon Spencer and more! It’s obvious that all the participants enjoyed themselves immensely — the pictures on the inlay merely hint at this while the music on the two CDs speaks volumes. Roaring through much of the Sadies catalogue, the collected “group” also touches on material by Heavy Trash (Spencer’s latest project), the Mekons and Blue Rodeo (who also joined the party). One of the best “covers” they tackle is “Tailspin” from the Jayhawks’ Rainy Day Music, where Louris is backed by Case and Kelly Hogan to great effect and Bob Egan plays a mellifluous pedal steel. Reviewing live recordings is a dicey business — generally it’s not brand-new material under review and one is left commenting on the “feel” or the sound quality of the recordings. This was obviously recorded off a quality board and it sounds like everyone had a good time. Beyond that, I’m pretty sure listeners will have a good time giving this a spin — once they get over that initial tinge of jealousy at not having been there. Michael Elves, Volunteer Staff
New Found Glory Coming Home Drive Thru/Geffen/ 2006 ♥♥♥♥	Good pop punk does still exist. With the music industry full of Good Charlotte, Simple Plan, and other Blink 182 wannabes, it is refreshing to see that New Found Glory has continued to forge their own path and not let the mainstream buzz affect their music. Coming Home is their fifth studio full-length, and unlike most other bands I listened to when I was 16, I can actually say I still like them. A much more melodic touch, and a noticeable shift away from fast-paced pop punk has made the new disc sound much more mature than any of their previous work. Lyrically, not a lot has changed from their last album, with many songs focusing on life and relationships, like first single “It’s Not Your Fault.” The melodic approach is especially noticeable on tracks such as “Make Your Move,” and the very catchy, piano-filled acoustic track “Too Good to Me.” It should be said, however, that they don’t completely write off upbeat poppy tracks, represented here by “Love and Pain” and “Hold my Hand,” the latter of which is full of “do do do dos,” making it fun and easy to sing along with. Luckily they didn’t go overboard — those little upbeat parts can quickly become annoying and ruin an album. Coming Home was released rather quietly, but I see no reason that it shouldn’t be quite big, as it shows that New Found Glory can still write a great disc. Kyle Phillips, Volunteer Staff