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"Come 2 My House" is Chaka Khan's one and only release on NPG Records. Her relationship with Prince has been evident since she covered 'I Feel For You' from Prince's "Prince" album. If he wasn't acquainted with her before then, he certainly was after. Chaka Khan comes from that group of R&B/Funk bands Prince was hugely inspired by; so it's no wonder he returned her interest. A couple years later, he gave her some tracks on her new record and when he was promoting NPG Records, she was one of the first artists he embraced with his new found freedom.
I could go on for hours about the relationship from my point of view, but let's focus instead on what really matters... The music. This disc is an interesting blend of just about every style of music Prince is known for. From funk, to hip hop; pop to soul; gospel to jazz; the ground work is laid down with smart arrangements and flawless production styling. From the opening track, you get the impression this disc is going to be something truly interesting and unique. 'Come 2 My House' is a breezy flowing tune with laid back vocals and a mellow vibe. Even though there's a minor chord progression happening, the song is wrought with anticipation and seduction. Chaka invites the listener into her private world for an intimate experience. She promises a relaxing mood, a soothing sound and the chance to play into a climax unlike any you've ever experienced before. And play she does.
Old Prince collaborator Clare Fischer sweeps in with an orchestral segue between the opening track and 'This Crazy Life Of Mine'. Although written by Prince, it seems like an autobiographical number painting a picture of Chaka's childhood and what drew her to singing as a career. This ballad includes some orchestration from Fischer and not the most interesting or progressive number in the pack, it still holds up compared to other songs in a similar vein. 'Betcha n' is the first number to give you an idea what's really happening on this record. It kicks in with a wicked beat and never really lets you go. Chaka's vocals are highly animated and showcase her versatility. No doubt, one of the stronger numbers here. It's followed up by the equally impressive 'Spoon'. It's also the first non-prince composition on the disc. The beat is provocative and the lyrics are absolutely stunning. "You are just like my favorite spoon, cause you stir me up"... Could you think of a sexier compliment to give a lover?
Queen Latifah guests on 'Pop My Clutch'; another tense funk number that really grinds gears as it rocks your speakers. There's some punctuated horn playing giving the song a hint of jazz. When Latifah starts rapping, the horns become more prominent and a piano is heard up front and center in the mix. It's an exciting blend and the blending of rap, jazz and funk is awe inspiring. The next track is another number I'm excited about. 'Journey 2 The Center Of Your ♥' was an outtake I'd heard many times before, but never with such excellent sound quality. It's one of my favorite Prince songs and although I'd much rather hear him singing it, Khan delivers a powerful but faithful rendition. It's hardly worth scoffing at.
'n'll Never B Another Fool' features a deep bass and rocking rhythm guitar over a heavy drum beat and some improvisational vocalization from Khan. She really cuts loose with this one. Not only are the lyrics different and unusual, they're shocking without being naughty. The song deals with a woman finally facing the truth about her unfaithful lover and vowing never to let herself be used again. 'Democrazy' is a straight up pop effort criticizing government and the illusion of freedom in democracy. Those who listened to Prince at the time and since are well aware of his Jehovah's Witness inspired dislike of government. Surprisingly, it's actually a great tune and the music is really enjoyable. It's the sort of pop Prince rarely makes so when it happens, it's usually fun. The next number is positively heavenly. It's all about recognizing something in someone you've never met before. It's the whole, "Love-at-first-sight" theme but with some pre-existential religion just to make a point. She likens this kind of love to the kind of love a baby feels from its mother. It's just natural and present.
'Reconsider (U Betta)' is another funky number featuring typical Prince lyrics and music. It's got an incredible mid tempo beat and is common for Prince compositions from the mid-90's when he was flirting with some of the changes in Hip Hop sounds. He tried to incorporate it into his sound with varying degrees of success. This song is an example of one that turned out good. It's followed by 'Don't Talk 2 Strangers'; which was originally intended for the "I'll Do Anything" soundtrack. Prince's version has been floating around with collectors for years and he eventually released a version on the "Girl 6" soundtrack. Chaka's version is virtually identical to Prince's except hearing her sing these lines sounds more sincere. She identifies with the tune much more than Prince does.
The record is rounded out by the other two non-Prince compositions, 'Hair' (a cover of Larry Graham's song) and 'The Drama'. Both of the tracks are excellent and take the record out on a high note. They're both extremely enjoyable, with 'Hair' starting off almost on a psychedelic note. 'The Drama' has a deep and heavy drum track with Chaka once again demonstrating some amazing control and range. By the time the CD is over, you're ready for it to start again. Of the three discs NPG Records released that year, this was easily my favorite. Something about the blend between Chaka Khan and Prince just works. They connect and work very well together. I'd love to hear more. Sadly, there's no telling if it will ever happen.
All in all, this is one of the strongest Chaka Khan records to date. It's also one of the strongest side projects Prince has ever produced. It has all the elements you love of both artists and so much more. If you own it, you know what I'm talking about. If you don't, I suggest you find it before it becomes extinct. It's worth the money. My final words: I CAME, I LISTENED, I STAYED FOR MORE. IN FACT, I WANNA MOVE IN.
CHAKA KHAN - COME 2 MY HOUSE
01. Come 2 My House
02. (Intro)
03. This Crazy Life Of Mine
04. Betcha n
05. Spoon
06. Pop My Clutch
07. Journey 2 The Center Of Your ♥
08. n'll Never B Another Fool
09. Democrazy
10. n Remember U
11. Reconsider (U Betta)
12. Don't Talk 2 Strangers
13. Hair
14. The Drama
Einstürzende Neubauten is a German industrial band most famously known for the use of instruments made from power tools and metal. The majority of these instruments are percussive. My first exposure to them came when I read an article about Martin L. Gore from Depeche Mode. I can't remember if it was an interview or just a writer's imagination, but I do remember reading that Martin was a fan of the band. It went on to discuss how Depeche Mode's use of sampling to engineer sounds is a result of Gore's and other band members' attraction to this form of industrial music. As my interest in Depeche Mode grew, I wanted to hear the music by the groups they listened to.
I didn't found a copy of one of their albums until the mid 90's when I found "Tabula Rasa". I bought it and found the music interesting. I was also intrigued to hear Depeche Mode copy some sounds on newer material from that record. It was fascinating. When I saw this album out on Trent Reznor's Nothing label, I had to pick it up. I thought it would have some input by Reznor who is another artist influenced by their industrial chaos; however, Reznor has nothing to do with the record.
So... it's left to its own devices and I had to listen to it without any preconceptions or hopes. It was just a new record from a band I found interesting. How did it hold up?
Well, as much as I admire and enjoy the concept of groups being inspired by Einstürzende Neubauten, I find myself not quite catching the flow. Don't get me wrong... I like their music and I think lyrically, the band is quite ahead of its time. But it's not music I would put in to jam out to. There are some awesome exceptions... For example, the opening track 'Was Ist Ist' kicks in like a freight train barreling down the tracks and practically mows you under. It features a tongue twisting chorus that's as mentally provocative as it is verbally frustrating. Try saying, "Was ist ist, was nicht ist ist möglich" ten times fast. Translated, it says, "What is is, what is not is possible". I also like 'Die Explosion Im Festspielhaus'. It's a creepy slow number with bizarre lyrics and a dramatic storyline.
Other than that, the album is probably standard fare for them. 'Nnnaaammm' is way too long, and despite reading all kinds of hype about the track 'Stella Maris', I didn't enjoy it. At least not in particular. If you're a fan of Einstürzende Neubauten, this record probably won't disappoint you. It's certainly a book end to any collection. It's also not likely to be recognized as a ground-breaking or defining piece of work. My final words: FOR DIE-HARD FANS. DOWNLOAD INDIVIDUAL TRACKS.
EINSTÜRZENDE NEUBAUTEN - ENDE NEU
01. Was Ist Ist
02. Stella Maris
03. Die Explosion Im Festspielhaus
04. Installation N°1
05. Nnnaaammm
06. Ende Neu
07. The Garden
08. Der Schacht Von Babel
09. Bili Rubin (Bonus Track)
It seems like you can't mention Michael Jackson without comparing him to Prince. At least it was the case back in the 80's. I've always found that comparison fairly stupid because the two men aren't even remotely similar. What they do share in common is they are both black pop singers who broke through racial stereotypes and genre labeling to have massive commercial success. But that's where the similarities end. Prince is more of a musician... Writing, producing, playing music. Michael was more of a singer and dancer. Their music and performance styles were completely different. I was always more of a Prince fan and my sister loved Michael. She still enjoys his music to this day.
When it comes to Michael, I've never really understood the appeal. He's never been interesting to me or very exciting. I've been more fascinated with his sister than him. He does have the distinction of writing a song I wish I'd written. But that's a story for another day. Let's talk about "Off The Wall"...
Of all the Michael Jackson records out there, this is my favorite. I say it's my favorite because it has more than one song I really like on it. And it's the only one I'm inclined to own. In many ways, this CD typifies that 70's black sound for me. It's got disco, but it's mostly got that sound so many people were listening to with Motown and other R&B acts. Kool & The Gang, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, Smokey Robinson... Once again, I was more interested in the funk groups like Ohio Players, Funkadelic, Sly & The Family Stone... But I did like some of the more laid back numbers.
If I owned this album on cassette it would almost be a case of liking one side and hating the other. This is one of those 50/50 records. I like the first few tracks, 'Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough', 'Rock With You', 'Working Day And Night' and 'Off The Wall'. I also really like 'It's The Falling In Love' from what would be the second side of the record. The rest of the tracks are mediocre and do little to excite me even though I know they're hugely popular with Jackson fans. My two favorite tracks on the CD are 'Rock With You' and 'It's The Falling In Love'. These are the two numbers I will sit and sing along with at the top of my lungs. I find them both satisfying.
In the end, I've never been a huge Michael fan, but I have great respect for his talent and the success he's had in his career. I don't want to get swamped with Jackson fans giving me crap because I'm not a fan. I do enjoy some of his stuff and I'm publicly admitting it here and now. My final words: GREAT R&B DISCO SOUNDS!
MICHAEL JACKSON - OFF THE WALL
01. Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough
02. Rock With You
03. Working Day And Night
04. Get On The Floor
05. Off The Wall
06. Girlfriend
07. She's Out Of My Life
08. I Can't Help It
09. It's The Falling In Love
10. Burn This Disco Out
The first album by The The I ever owned was "Soul Mining" and it was incredible. On the strength the that recording alone, I purchased so much subsequent material from Matt Johnson anticipating the repeat of that record. But he never captured that moment again for me. Instead, he moved in a different direction entirely. One I wasn't always sure I liked. In fact, "Mind Bomb" was the record that ended my obsession with this band. "Soul Mining" would be a one off amazing record and nothing good would ever come from The The again.
Of course, years later, my appreciation for Matt's work has changed greatly.
Back then I was more into electronic sounds and New Wave whereas today I'm more versatile in my tastes. His movement towards conventional instruments on "Infected" and "Mind Bomb" were viewed (on my part) as a sell out. However, today I see it as an expanding pallet. The necessity of "Soul Mining" is understandable when you consider what he had to work with and his lack of association with other musicians. These other albums show Johnson reaching out and becoming a more well rounded musician as well as incorporating musical ideas from the people he would work with.
Now... Specifically... About "Mind Bomb"... The title implies a mind-blowing musical experience. And when you lump in the subject matter, it's a far reaching political and social commentary that could almost double as a college course. The songs tackle everything from social apathy ('The Beat(en) Generation'), to religious intolerance ('Armageddon Days Are Here (Again)', 'Good Morning Beautiful'). Injustice ('The Violence Of Truth'), to sexual salvation ('Beyond Love').
But does it achieve its goal of blowing your mind?
As a teenager, I'd say no. The material, although comprehensible, was completely beyond my ability to fully understand. I was forming my religious identity along with figuring out how the world actually worked. I think I bought into the whole propaganda that America was the country God founded on this earth and we were the chosen people living in freedom. It was impossible to see anyone else as anything other than evil. The message of this CD fell on deaf ears. It was complex enough that those who truly understood it were in the position of "preaching to the choir" and those who didn't just glazed over the meaning. That's the danger of reaching for such volatile subject matter in pop music. And make no mistake, despite his best efforts to the contrary, this album is pop.
Johnson does much better tackling esoteric issues rather than social. At least those concepts can be interpreted to fit someone's life. However on "Mind Bomb", there's no interpreting this stuff.
The first side of the cassette is the truly controversial side whereas the second side is filled with fluffy romance numbers and sappy ballads. To complete this one sided theme, he should've swapped 'Kingdom Of Rain' with 'The Beat(en) Generation' and it would be thematically perfect.
It sounds like I'm really ripping this album to sherds and I don't want to give that impression at all. There are some excellent numbers on this record that I've always liked. Since I've never been a big Sinead O'Connor fan, it will come as no surprise that I didn't want to like 'Kingdom Of Rain' where she sings a duet with Johnson. Even today I find the lyrics somewhat off-putting and yet I really enjoy the music on this track. I love 'Armageddon Days Are Here (Again)'. It's such a wonderful song and has the most amazing beat. It's almost a relentless march over the top of Johnson's vocals, but in a way, that's where the true excitement comes from. It's a driving beat and it carries you all the way through the song to a big build and crescendo. By far the most satisfying number on the record. And in my opinion, should've been the opening track. Other stand out numbers include 'Gravitate To Me' and 'The Beat(en) Generation'. 'Gravitate To Me' has that incredible line, "I am the lighthouse, I am the sea, I am the air that you breathe, gravitate to me". Very awesome! I like the fact 'The Beat(en) Generation' is based on a painting Johnson saw. To me that gives him the impression of someone who finds inspiration in unusual places. I like that he appreciates contemporary art as well.
So in the end, as a kid, this record couldn't hold my attention. As a adult, it has more meaning and I appreciate its attempts at complexity. No one will ever accuse Johnson of not being a strong lyricist. He's just too good. But it was never going to be a record you could spoon-feed to a mass market. I'm sure his label had a field day trying to market it. I think I'll give it a less than perfect mark on my list and say that it's more for die-hard fans than a casual listener. Unless you know The The and are into what Johnson is doing, this album will probably bore you. My final words: RECOMMENDED FOR FANS.
THE THE - MIND BOMB
01. Good Morning Beautiful
02. Armageddon Days Are Here (Again)
03. The Violence Of Truth
04. Kingdom Of Rain
05. The Beat(en) Generation
06. August & September
07. Gravitate To Me
08. Beyond Love
I picked up this CD in Switzerland because one of my friends told me the band was pretty good. I decided to give them a shot and bought this disc because it was a greatest hits package. So now the question is... Did I like it? And the answer is a resounding SORT OF. There are two sides to Münchener Freiheit. One side is the inventive poetic lyrical side and the other is the generic 80's pop side. Sadly, there was a huge number of 80's bands that flooded the market with a certain sound. I would assume the appeal of Münchener Freiheit is based on the fact they played this text book rock in German. They offered the main course in their native language. The downside is the fact that because the sound was so overplayed they never stood a chance of breaking out of their own country.
All you have to do is look at the cover of the CD and you can see exactly what I'm saying. If Hollywood wanted to portray a rock star in a movie or on TV during the 80's, the character would look something like one of these guys. This was the manufactured style.
To their credit, when you strip away the standard pop arrangements, musically there's lots of great ideas in these songs. The strength of the band lies in their lyrics. With thoughtful word play and surprisingly beautiful descriptions, Münchener Freiheit do wonders for a language often overlooked for its poetry. Although many people consider German a guttural language, I find it sensible and descriptive. In my opinion you can say so much more in German than you can in English. The combinations are limitless, whereas English often requires imperfect rhyme.
There are quite a few stand out tracks on this cd. My two favorite songs are 'Verlieben Verlieren' and 'Ich Steh' Auf Licht'. Both are fantastic but in completely different ways. 'Verlieben Verlieren' is a mid-tempo ballad about the depth of love. 'Ich Steh' Auf Licht' is a faster paced number with a New Wave pop groove. It revolves around a strong synth motif and maintains a healthy burst of excitement for such a short track. There are other songs that are worth noting, but I'm in too much of a hurry tonight to get deeply involved with a review. Let's just say this disc has some songs I will listen to and others I'll skip. My final word is: WORTHY OF FURTHER INVESTIGATION, BUT NOT PRESSING FOR IT.
MÜNCHENER FREIHEIT - IHRE GRÖSSTEN HITS
01. Ohne Dich (Schlaf' Ich Heut Nacht Nicht Ein)
02. So Lang' Man Träume Noch Leben Kann (Single-Version)
03. Tausendmal Du
04. Oh Baby
05. SOS
06. Verlieben Verlieren
07. Es Gibt Kein Nächstes Mal
08. Herz Aus Glas (Single-Remix)
09. Rumpelstilzchen
10. Liebe Auf Den Ersten Blick
11. Bis Wir Uns Wiederseh'n
12. Ich Steh' Auf Licht
13. Komm Zurück
14. Ich Will Dich Nochmal
15. Einfach Wahr
16. Herzschlag Ist Der Takt (Remix)
17. So Heiss (Single-Remix)
18. Einmal Kommt Das Leben
19. Tausend Augen
