CD Reviews

Sebastian Bach Angel Down Mrv / 2007 ♥♥♥½

Let’s kick off with a fun fact: Axl Rose appears on three of Angel Down’s tracks, making this the closest you might get to hearing and experiencing the long-awaited (possibly never going to happen) Chinese Democracy album. In fact, this guest appearance has become one of the bigger selling points for this album. Admittedly, both Bach and Rose can still deliver some good howls and screeches. Their rendition of Aerosmith’s “Back In The Saddle” makes for an enjoyable tribute to big-haired rockers of another generation. Said tribute creates a three-tiered effect; Bach and Rose being in the middle, between Aerosmith and the often contemporary riffing of Angel Down provided by Bach’s current band (another fun fact: this new band includes metal-bass virtuoso Steve DiGiorgio who has played with everyone from Death to Testament). All in all, some decent songs on here, albeit somewhat forgettable, especially the two token ballads. This is still a pretty strong effort that will possibly live past the novelty of containing Axl Rose. A final fun fact for all of you out there: Angel Down’s cover is a painting entitled “A Eulogy to Art, David Watching, To Fantin-Latour” by Bach’s late, Canadian father David Bierk. Saying Canadian is pretty redundant since Bach is Canadian, but we Canucks just love saying our nationality, don’t we? — William O’Donnell, staff

Alicia Keys As I Am Sony / 2007 ♥♥♥

Popular radio stations everywhere will have new songs to overplay, thanks to Alicia Keys. Keys uses her trademark voice and piano backed with hip-hop collaborations as a recipe for instant hits. The album begins with an instrumental introduction - an interesting starting track for a mainstream artist. She may be trying to show off her musical ability and maturation as an artist. Unfortunately, this unexpected introduction creates a weak start to her third album. Keys followers are interested in hearing her powerful and soulful voice — a voice that we heard so passionately on her previous hits, such as “Fallin’.” This album includes Keys’ first single from As I am, titled “No One,” which is definitely the strongest song; it’s also one of the only songs where you can really hear her passion come through in her voice. This song is an energetic and dangerously catchy, feel-good song with empowering lyrics. It is unfortunate that Keys did not go in this direction for more of her songs. Keys’ collaboration with John Mayer in the boring, drab track “Lesson Learned” is slower than molasses in an IV drip. Keys is trying to prove herself as a credible artist that is beyond the mainstream crowd. This strikes me as odd since the mainstream crowd is her market. Keys needs to realize that we want to hear more of her radio-friendly hits, not an incredibly safe and reserved album. — Leah Werier, volunteer staff