18 Features October 5, 2004 THE RETRIEVER

By Noah Albro Music review corner

Albums with style and soul

Anything but Used up

The Used: In Love and Death (in stores now)

This CD has to be one of the most high- tarist for the band, concocts such intriguing ly anticipated albums of 2004 and man, does it and provocative riffs that he continues to prove deliver. Now I know what a lot of Used fans why he is one of the most original guitarists in must be saying right now: “where the hell did this genre of music. Jeph Howard absolutely the hardcore edge go?” Have the Used pussied enriches his earlier work with the bass riffs on out on us…absolutely not! If anything, I this album…he doesn’t just provide rhythm believe that this CD has served to better estab- with his bass he adds another completely inde- lish these guys as a band that isn’t just a passing pendent layer to each song. Drummer fad. Many fans were drawn in by Used lead Branden Steineckert was incredible on the first singer Bert McCracken’s raging screams and self-titled debut album and he continues to melodic vocal riffs and people, all of that isn’t carry the listener to another level of rhythmic gone. mayhem left untouched by so many main- Songs like “Take It Away,” “I’m a Fake” stream drummers today. and “Sound Effects and Overdramatics” still But the real draw to this album has to be deliver that undeniable vocal power to its the incorporation of so many different sound fullest and serve to pacify the hardcore screamo nuances and stylistic liberties. Tracks like fan in all of us (well, not all of us, but you get “Hard to Say” and “All That I’ve Got” slip in what I’m saying.) This CD has something fully orchestrated pieces flawlessly. In Love and more to it though; it has a soulful creative core Death is truly one of the most impressive that is a real, heartfelt expression of any band albums I have listened to all year and, with that St. John Blondell [Retriever Staff] that truly loves what it does. said, if you are a Used fan pick it up and give it Feel the rhythm: Baltimore citizens get down on the city’s historic St. Paul Street. The precise yet unrestrained creations of a chance (trust me it’ll grow all on you), and if every member of the Used are boldly show- you aren’t a fan of the hardcore screaming, this cased in this album. Quinn Allman, sole gui- is definitely the CD to start breaking you in!

Butch Walker: man, myth, legend

Butch Walker: Letters (in stores now)

Butch Walker is the man, plain and song writer. “Mixtape,” the first single off simple. This former member of the of this album, and songs like “Best You Marvelous Three really knows how to put Never Had” and “Don’t Move” grant the together a good album. After the listener an insight into the heartfelt writing Marvelous Three’s 2001 breakup Butch style of this amazing composer. Songs like Walker decided to take on a solo career. “Joan” (a piano driven, orchestrated track) His debut album Left of Self-Centered was prove that Walker’s style is broader than absolutely incredible but sadly very under- that of your average pop artist. He shows Heidi Hemisal [Retriever Staff] publicized (despite his being signed to his unconventional rock side on songs like Hangin’ out: UMBC student Jamal Thomas relaxes in a hammock at the 38th annual Fells Point Festival. Arista Records, which is no “small” label.) “Maybe It’s Just Me” and “#1 Summer This album, however, received a touch Jam.” Walker manages to mesh a pop rock more publicity but nothing near what it style with his own flair to create a com- truly deserved. pletely different sound that can’t really be Walker’s style is one of a kind; he is categorized into any mainstream genre. not only a remarkable guitarist but a phe- Pick up this CD for some inspiring songs nomenal singer as well as an ingenious and great riffs.

Write for Features. Get free stuff. x51260. Heidi Hemisal [Retriever Staff] Workin’ it: A glass artisan showcases his traditional craft at the Fells Point Festival.