<<

ON "THE WAY" TO THE TOP

Fastball recently asked "Which way to "Tell me about your new video 'Fire the top?" This trio of Escape?'" guitarist/singer Miles Zuniga, guitarist/singer Tony "Francis (the director) came up with the -Doug Ferguson Scalzo and drummer idea. I liked the idea of just one shot in E'NrnrrAINMENr EoITOR Joey Shuffield have the video, no cuts at all. The video of us ______made a big name for playing on the television was superim­ themselves in today's cutthroat music posed. I liked that too. The song is about industry. Their first album, Make Your projecting on to others, like when you Momma Proud did not do as well as they meet someone you idolize them. Then hoped so the band followed that up with they let you down because there is no their current hit All The Pain Money Can way for them to live up to your expecta­ Buy. Touring all around the country and tions. The reason they are dead in the in Europe Fastball has been on the road video so that they cannot let the woman now for eight months. In that time they down." have been nominated for an MTV Video Award, featured on VH-I's "Hard Rock "How hard was the whole makeup Live" music special and appeared on the process, with the white contacts, being Horde Tour with Blues Traveler and Bare underwater looking dead?" Naked Ladies. Recently I had the oppor­ tunity to talk to front man Miles Zuniga "I kind of like it (laughs) It was labor about what is happening with the band on intensive. Tony had water in his nose for their current U.S. tour. weeks. He was underwater in the tub and could not breathe at all or else he would "So Miles, how has the tour been look alive. He spent six hours in the tub going?" because he did not want to wear the con­ tacts. Joey (Shuffield, the drummer) and "Pretty good. It has only been a week I wore these contacts and we could not Joey Shuffield, Miles Zuniga, and Tony Scalzo MICHAEL HALSBAND though. We had to go to Europe for some see anything. It was like having a white shows. We had been there before, but it screen in front of your face. We had to be was harder thi s time because of the led to the bathroom and had to be fed . It weather. It was also harder because we was hard." have been on the tour for like eight Up ·andAway months now and it is nice to be back in "What has been the best part of your the States. We also have some friends on success?" R.E.M: s twelfth of rock music. Instead of guitar-bass- the tour with us, opening up and stuff so joey Odorisio that makes it easier." "I would have to say that my level of - album, Up , is an drums, these songs are mostly keyboard comfort has gone up. I get my own hotel STAfF WRlIER ------album of firsts. It is based. The only guitar rocker is "Lotus" "Who thought up your album titles?" room now. The money isn't bad, I don't have to worry about that anymore and I their first album with the lyrics printed, which features a typical Buck guitar solo. "The first title, Make Your Momma get to play six nights a week Proud is Tony's from his song and the their first album . ~ ,,~ '~.JF~" ....'" '. The music would second title, All The Pain Money Can "Finally, if you could play with any ban with producer Pat ~ ow • • { ~ . barely sound like Buy, is mine. I used that title because the on a tour, who would it be and why?" whole recording process is me trying to McCarthy after R.E.M. if it use my subconscious as much as possible "I would like to tour with because I over a decade weren' t for and it fits real well." think they believe in and stand up for some great causes." working with ' s "You were recently nominated for an Scott Litt, and MTV video award, how was that expe­ After the interview was done, I had the rience?" opportunity to see the band in concert at most importantly, Up opens with the Theater of Living Arts. The fans were their first album "Airportman," a "It was surreal. We met a lot of what you there, the mood was energetic and the stage was set for a good rock and roll might caU famous people. To have aU without drummer minimalist, drum show. In their set, they covered songs off those people in one room is like, 'Hey of All The Pail! MOlley Can Buy such as there's Green Day and look, there's , who R.E.M. COURTESY OF PULSE! machine and syn­ "Warm Fuzzy Feeling," "Slow Drag" and Marilyn Manson. ' So it was surreal, plus "The Way." As a special treat to the audi­ quit the band last thesizer song with I was drinking bourbon and coke aU ence, during their song "Damllged October. This created the biggest chal- Stipe ~urmuring his vocals. This is fol- night. Then Natalie won (Best New Artist Goods" Miles broke into a short rendition Natalie Imbruglia) We had been up for of the classic Guns and Roses song lenge of their career and Up is the result; lowed by "Lotus," a Monster-style glam­ three days and we were going to Europe "Sweet Child of Mine." Heading back the next day so it was a grueling experi-. onto the road for more shows, Fastball a powerful, moody, emotional album that rocker with highly distorted and double­ ence and we did not have the time to cel­ has many great opportunities ahead of equals their best work. and tracked vocals from Stipe. The rest of the ebrate." them. Let's just hope that they never loose their way because of their new have created a different type found fame . REM CONTINUED ON B2 Entertainment REM from page Bl Joan Jones: Starlight Criminal album is a roller-coaster ride of different types of amazing mid-tempo songs.

Some have drum machines, some have no Joan Jones is a cool character. There real­ ly is no other way to descri be her. She hails percussion, and some have guest drum- from Hollywood, , comes from a large family and considers Stevie Wonder to ming by Beck's drummer, Joey be one of her influences. She turned to music as her way of expression then formed a part­ Waronker. The keyboards and synthesiz- nership with another si nger that turned into the band Sun 60. After the L.A. Club scene ers all over the album create a warm and was over and the band broke up, Joan went back into the studios and for two years has lush feel. Guitars show up to color the been working on her solo debut album, Starlite Criminal. Mixing the best qualities of songs with feedback. Most of the bass Sheryl Crow and Bonnie Raitt, Joan Jones is now touring with Fastball in support of that playing was done by Buck, not Mills. .album . She has both beauty and brains, which Stipe even played a little guitar. The first is hard to find among most female arti sts these days .. single, "Days leeper," is the most tradi-

'~ Tell me about your album Starlite Criminal, tional R.E.M. song. Its acoustic guitar how did it get started?" "Well , It kind of started by accident honestly. and waltz tempo is reminiscent of 'Try I had probably sixteen so ngs and only six or seven of those actually made the album. I sent Not To Breathe." "At My Most them to Nick OiDia (her record producer) and he said let's try this out. So we did, so we Beautiful" is a tribute to the Beach Boys, worked together for about two years on two week intervals. He would go get another with sleigh bell s and 'doo-doo-doo' har­ quick job and I could try to be more creative which took the pressure off me in the end." monies. And "Falls to Climb" sounds

"Nick DiDia has produced some top albums almost like a church hymn. for and Rage Against the Machine, was it hard to work with him?" As I said, it wouldn' t sound like "No actually, quite the contrary. I think he is successful at what he does because he and hi s R.E.M. without Michael Stipe's vocals partner Brendan O' Brien approac h things very musically which makes it easier to work. It and lyrics. His writing and singing style was such a great experience." has evolved over the years and Up is "This is your first solo album after Sun 60 disbanded, why go solo? Why not re-group some of his best work. Many familiar or form a lIew ba"d?" "Well, Sun 60 was a partnership with another lyrical themes reappear on Up, such as guy. When they guy didn't want to do it any more, I did not want to force him. As soon as dreams and sleep ("Suspicion" , you start a band, you loose focus so I decide to go solo. It is definit ely a different kind of " Days leeper") and character studies pressure but I am ready for it. " ("Sad Professor," "The Apologist"). "Your press photo tag lille 'She 's got Brass ill Stipe has said that "At My Most her pocket', where did that come/rom?" "It was not my idea. I play trumpet and it is Beautiful" is his first straight-forward, probably a way to draw people to that fac t. It is interesting though, huh?" honest love song. "Walk Unafraid" is an

"How has it been touring with Fastball?" amazing anthem of individuality and "It's been great. It started in the South and we are working our way up the East Coast. It is maybe the album' s best song. Stipe' s really great friendship. We hang out till like five a.m. every morning and it is also very vocal in the chorus of "You're In The musical. It's fun, everyone's cool with one another." Air" is simply beautiful. For every

"Working with Fastball, does the success straight-forward sounding lyric "You' ve inspire you to be like them someday?" "I think in general this is a hard business. It been so sad/lt makes me worry/why not is actually nice to tour with a label mate because the company's money is being well smile?" there is some typical Stipe weird- spent. It is a competitive business and the best part is being around great musicians. These ness "where mean cats chew on bands on tour now are musical bands, no shtick attached." licorice/and cannot climb the trees."

"Are you comfortable with people comparing Another theme is that of science versus your work to Bonnie Raitt sand Sheryl Crow?" religion, found in "Hope" and "Lotus." "Well think in life people are going to com­ pare you. I think however that that is really Other bands' influences can be found complementary. It is good company. I like to on Up, but the band I hear the most is think I am the female . (who, in turn, were influenced After the interviews, Joan took to the stage and I took to the stage pit. She played while I by R.E.M.), specifically their b-sides took pictures I came the conclusion that she is a great musician to see perform live. Even from the OK Computer singles. Many though she is an up and coming artist, she gives the crowd something to chew on before have said that Up isn' t a "first listen" the main course. Not only does she sing, but she plays the trumpet, the guitar and the key­ album, meaning it takes mUltiple listens board. Is there anything this woman cannot do well? Well, it would seem that quitting is to "get it." I got it the first time and it just something she works very hard so not to do anytime soon. Her new album, Starlite gets better ever time after that. Criminal is in stores now. Co.lumns Chocolate.. ~ Yum.

Marcus johnson ~hocolQte City Groovin'

1. Olocolate Oty Groovin' 2. Out of Somewhere 3.88 Ways to Love .it's swell! 4. Morning Light Photos courtesy 01 New Line Cinema •• S. Tne Neck Factor 6. Doc's Groove . At first the movie seems to be just another teenage comedy, but wait ,7. Won't You Let Me Love You till it surprises you. David Wagner (Tobey Meguire) is a nineties teenag­ . 8. Til The Cops Come Knocj4?'..;:.,.,-,:: :~ at the boys and every boy wins the Groovin' mixes jazz, hip-hop and R&B r::-~~ -~ . . _ into its own con­ =it..~iMt" ..~ "l.'7~Zz·"~r ...~ ,.,. ... _.~.:.,,...... ~ first prIZe . . glomeration . '.~~'! ' ...... - , _·i~ .c : :'''': All is well, rather all is swell, till Chris Reznak John ~o n , as a player, David and his sister Jennifer (Reese Assr. tlmRTAIN. EDITOR is proficient. His i ~ ·. :': Witherspoon) are zapped into keyboard work ~,j Pleasantville as the two correspond- throughout the album is smooth and con­ ~. ing characters of Bud and Mary Sue sistent. This album doesn 't jump out at in. the Parker family. While David you. In other words, all of the songs meld i~sists on keeping the perfect world together with a similar vibe. This could intact, Jennifer can't help b~t play be good or bad depending on your taste. the mischievous nineties kid trying Some might like the consistent and to be nothing but her natural self. smooth feel that the songs give off; others The black and white world of Pleasantville with all its perfect and may think the songs all sound the same pleasant surroundings is not only amusing but also surprisingly funny. and don't have individual personality. Overall, the mu.sicianship is good­ The movie makes you laugh at almost every dialogue and every gesture throughout. Johnson plays a variety of instruments on the album and does some vocal arranging as well. reminding you of the simplicity and inno- . Of particular interest on Chocolate cence of this world cut off from all reality. City Groovin ' is the guest vocal perfor­ While David is busy finding a way out and .' mance of Alyson Williams 'on the track not to disturb anything. Jennifer in her "Morning Light." The arrangement itself uHra-hip nineties ways, begins to add is a basic love song that you' II likely hear colour to the black and white pleasantness. \;\" on hip-hop radio. "The Neck Factor" has All of a sudden, half way through the '. a funky beat and a syncopated bass line. movie the laughter comes to a halt and the l ' Johnson adds an eerie effect by using a seriousness of the situation grips the viewer Fender Rhodes and synthesizers in addi­ as well as the characters of Pleasantville. As tion to his piano. "Doc's Groove" fea­ the members of the town uncover their tures a cool in-the-pocket drum pattern repressed desires' and begin to realize thei~ by Eric Valentine and severathorn solos. Overall, the track has a classic fusion atti­ complete self. To the surprise of the people tude similar to Chick Corea or John of Pleasantville including David and Scofield. "Won' t You Let Me Love You" Jennifer, there is more than one side to each has a very laid back feel and features a one of them. As they di scover this they guest vocal performance by Tate Moss. "Maxin'" is another song where the feel leans back and features some smooth lives. The movie proceeds to give the wise drum fills and a sad sounding sax solo. man's message that change is the sign of "It's So Nice" has a middle tempo feel growth and growth is an essential part of life. that's complemented by the keyboard and Resisting it only leads to repressing oneself. piano' solos. Johnson takes this song As his directorial d~but, Gary Ross' through several plateau stages in terms of movie provides laughter as well as food for building the intensity of the track. The thought. While Meguire does a commend­ album leads out with an instrumental ver­ ~-L.f'" \ able and convincing job, doing justice to his sion of "Morning Light." "''\ character. With the support of experienced If you like music that is based on a \ \ performers like Jeff Daniels and Joan Allen, lower dynamic level, then you might dig J this disc. There are a couple of catchy Pleasantville is pleasantly different and sim­ tunes on here, but most of the alpum ple at the same time. Just like the caption of revolves around a laid back R&B hip-hop the movie says " Nothing is as. si mple as feel. This album won't appeal ·to the fans black and white." Even if.the movie does not of intense rap or heavy rock. This disc is necessarily leave you thinking, it is sure to much subtler. leave you smiling by the end of it. Puzzles Magic Maze King Crossword

ACROSS I "With il" 4 Nigerian BEASTS OF songtress 8 Portend BURDEN 12 Commotion · X E A X T Q N J G C Z W · T Q N 13 One of the sounds of fall? J G D A X U R 0 L L J G D A X 14 Pedestal occupant 15 Summer- V S E P N K I K F E C A X V S time baby 16 Indy oval 18 Potential 0 0 L S G J C H E M C A X V T pupa 20- King Cole R p N@ R OM E D A R Y)L .J H 2] "- first you don't. .. " 24 Perot prop F D B Y L 0 D X V ·C T E R P. O 28 Setting site 32 Comic- strip M K I L G R H D E A D K A Y Y journalist 33 Predeter- 60 One of the 19 Singer 40 Whence mine help Damone comes E L UMO R B K E P Z N M X K 34 Cupolas 61 Literary 22 Book 27 Down 3'6 Simile collection before 42 Calendar center DOWN Obadiah abbr. W B U B X U T R . C L G O · A T S 37 Bad sign ] Corridor 23 Aorida city 45 Fedora 391t'5 below 2 Notion 25 Obsessed feature (, ZXCVBNM 3 Strapped seaman 47 Hindu o 0 N L E B .J I A S D L F U 41 Sat for cash 26 Bonheur prince 43 Wan 4 Attacked or Parks 48 Computer 44 Symbol of while flying 27 Sign of symbol D C A Y N Z T N A H P E L E H intrigue low sadness 49 Sicilian 46 Mysterious 5 "Eureka!" 28 Support spouter Find the listed words in the diagram. They run in 50 Cleansing 6 Nantes 29 Wheels of 50 White lie all directions-forward,· backward, up, down and cosmetic noble fortune? 51 "Hail!" to 55 Deed 7 Paradise 30 Shake- Caesar diagonally. 56 Big Daddy 8 Maternity-. speare an 52 Bee portrayer ward stats septet follower? 57 Man. for 9 Harem 31 Earl Grey 53 Hockey's Alpaca Dromedary . Llama Sled dog one room el al. Tlkkanen Bullock Elephant Mule Yak 58 Garfield's 10 "Papa-" 35 Indulged in 54 "When Burro Goats Oxen Zebu owner Duvalier a cabal We Were Donkey Husky Pack horse 59 Exemplar II Wapiti 38 State-of- Kings" of redness 17 Middle X? the-art subject

DIRECTIONS: 'If L~ Fill each Iqua,. with a number. one IIvaugh n,ne. /IIr";,/!,,,. • HoflZontallqUA'. Ihould add to 10Ials on ri9h1. • Venlul squat. should add 10 lOla" on bottom. • 0iag0nII1 squar. throu h cenler should add 10 ,.-. total in upper and low. 'eghi. 33 Se Hi 3 14 Today·s Challenge 7 ·15 Pak Time 10 Minutes A young Korean is racking 59 Seeonos 2 25 Your Working up golf records at a blistering 4 18 pace - youngest U.S. Time Minutes Women's Open winner ever, Seconds 15 17 14 26 12 lowest score ever in an 18-hole LPGA event - and her game is still improving!

• SAY HER NAME: "say ree pack" • YOUNG STAR: At 13, ran 100 meters in 13 seconds; started go It at 14, regularly breaking par by 17 • SCARES: To toughen teenage Se Ri, Dad would take her to pit bull fights and strand her in a cemetery • IDEAL: "I want to be like (golfer) Nancy Lopez in everything." They are fnends, and Lopez helps her cope with celebrity. • KOREA'S HERO: Her (i) playing. is televised live there ~ PERSOHAL DATA .• BORN: Sept. 28,1977, Taejon, . .South Korea • FAMILY: Business executive father, mother and two sisters . • MOVED TO U.S.: 1997; began studying English • FAITH: Buddhist • PET: Happy, a beagle FIND AT LEAST. DIFFERENCES BETWEEN PANELS. SOURCES: GollWeb, Sl. Paul Pioneer Press. DallasMbmtndifliiwi.'i'11lFK-~ Sun·Sentinel, Philadelphia Daily News; KRT Photo ~ " eMIIS ·8 ·IJMIIIMIIII ~ to .-a ·S '1Iu!alw II I'MI9 ... .pewna 1I""WO ·f: ·.ae,q II MOe ·!"PMlUlII ... uo .l1Ids. PGO:I ·l :IQIUI!(] Comics LEX Phil Flickinger

UX, AlE VOII N('I au~. HI'" WEll. IF 'tou 'H$'~T ",,1>1 ,Ullte, ••• AIIP ~.~ ,"I( JAcK FlDM '10"1. FAA PIP VA' 'ASflALL n«MS, % GOT TO EAALv 'tCAUS£ PAn iliff''' 1lIf GlT? SECCNP FI.ST 'ASE, 'UT ottL'l IEeMs! A "riCH RlAIt"t~ "lI. frOM fCOII MSE? 1.110 x ~s "'T IY A "Te ..... U/LAc[P ME. CLASS ALlEA"'? 'ASE~

eo 0

,./Z

"Good news, Floogie. I've decided to Out on a Limb Gary Kopervas give you a bonus after all:'

~ISH GAME ~ENS

II~liD \!~-.

Butch and Dougie Alex Howell

"Bless you:' IT'LL se. F"UN~ NOW, ,,'MON! -S'.c.t<. 'Iou'&..&.. -see: I O UT \.IO U~ ""O~bUG ...

Mama's Boyz Jerry Craft

rnA,DID YOU REAll" nUNK laE.'D BE SCARED BY ALOW­ BOOOE1, CORNY, HORROR Flun?

"What can I say? He was the lowest bidder.'

George Mark Szorady

TO ~'f IW:fTTHAT NoT~~'(", LCf./6, )t)U'RE GOING W~'LL GE;f R.ENlY' 1t> NEED LoTs of ~D.c. J-PTAIR . ''This doesn't inspire confidence, you knoW:'