DTH Omnibus Page 6 DTH Omnibus Page 7 Thursday April 16, 1992 Thursday April 16, 1992 What Peggy Wants debuts new LP tonight plus all the music briefs you can stand hat Peggy Wants isn't re- gives an impressive presentation of scheme. With a few exceptions, the ally looking forward to original, and traditional album relies heavily on simple electric summer. be all-st- w After all, it'll tunes with an ar guest list ranging power chord progressions and Kid losing its drummer, Tom from Hothouse Flowers to Clarence guitar fills to poke fun Maxwell, for over a "Gatemouth" Brown to Chapel Hill's at the return of guitar-centere- good month. own Red Clay Ramblers. oF boy rock and roll. Maxwell was invited The album definitely has a bluesy-bluegra- ss Lowery's new band forsakes the eso- to stand in as the tempo- flavor, with many ofthe tunes teric subjects that made Camper van, OOQQQ rary drummer for fellow BE effrey Gaines offers up more than adapted by Shocked from traditional opting instead for such greats as "What labelmates Metal Flake o healthy dose ofpessimistic real- fiddle tunes straight from the Ozarks. the world needs nowIs a new Frank Mother when a J ism to anyone who cares to hear Through her research, Shocked found SinatraSo I can get you in bedWhat t.:1"- "X.' v MFM does a that many originated in the old min- the world needs now Is another folk self-title-d o month-lon- g on his debut, release. While strelsy tradition, where whites would singerLike I need a hole in my head," it's hard to beat the musical quality of tour with perform blackface, and act- from the opener, "Teen Angst (What the album, the introspective depres- in singing newlyacquired ing out scenes from plantation life. the World Needs Now)." . (SOODDDQ sion might just be a bit too much for Virgin artists, As she states in her liner notes, "My Poking fun classic rock comes the average listener to handle. at Cracker. early intention was this easy for Cracker, playing up the guitar Gaines approaches the rather grand to present "After that, record with a cover photo of myself fills and the cooing female back-u- p subject of life in much the same way as we told Metal wearing blackface ... my sincere inten- vocals. Especially good is the mockery Flake Lloyd Cole and Tracey Chapman. That that they werejust going to tion was that it would provide a genu- made of the classic rock "inspiration is, while there exists a faint reason to have to find another drummer, be- ine focus on the real 'roots' of many of ballad" in "I See the Light:" "I see the have hope, life and love, in particu- cause they couldn't have ours any- the tunes included; blackface min- light at the end of the tunnelSome- lar holdshumiliating, debasingpros-pect- s more," joked What Peggy Wants strelsy. It's my contention that a body please tell meIt's not a train." for mere mortals. ( guitarist Tim scout Roven. blackface tradition is alive and well Despite the predominant humor- But unlike Cole, Gaines favors the Such a glitch in WPW's immediate future is no big hidden behind a modern mask." ous slant on this disc, Lowery manages deal because it's nothing for SB acoustic stylings of Chapman rather new a band which in the last year The music is simple and accessible to stiffen up a bit for the more serious has than Cole's classic pop or orchestrated dropped its founding guitarist, switched names (from and keeps the down home sound and numbers "Someday" and "Another Teasing the sounds. And unlike the other acoustic, Korean) and had their debut record release date feel despite the high tech recording. Song About the Rain." While the hu- pushed back so far that it'll be over a year was folk greats, Gaines prefers to avoid the since it recorded. The title' track clip-clo- and fiddles its mor disappears from these two songs, Death a Sailor will be irony of dark lyrics superimposed over of out on Baited Breath Records in a way to the tune we all grew up with as the simple topic remains: the depres- couple of weeb, brightchords.choosingstraightforward and as sort of a preview record release party, "Bringing Home a Baby Bumble bee" sion ofmissing someone during separa- WPW and MFM will lyrical and musical synchronicity. play at the Cat's Cradle tonight. Tom and ends with the classic "Shave and a tion. But instead of breaking up the Maxwell will The opening cut typifies the sound marathon as drummer for both bands. haircut" with Shocked chuckling in rhythm of the album, the pieces only Like first Gaines favors. "Hero in Me" looks at a taste of Jaegermeister, WPW's authentic blend What Peggy Wants the background. prove what Lowery is capable of. Goth-roc- k the security that people find in painful of scorching and a dreamy self-title- mix ofspicy swing and a fatter sound that gives added muscle otherworldly d by allusions: "Alcoholic scent into lust can make sense out of dark In case you're missing an utter lack The debut release acoustic cabaret make for an impressive a la of alterna- songs like situations. The acoustically chord carte to "No Answer" and "Love French maids scramble through the what seemed previously nonsensical. of metaphors and descrip- Cracker proves to be a must-hav- e for tive rock and pop. progressions mirror the psychological Potion 69" snow," during "Mold" and "Tandem "One kiss and sympathize" tive phrases, this album has left me music fans. Even if you buy this one on you can he limits of the subjects of the song, while ft Death of a Sailor, despite its de The shift to a four piece also leaves bikes and espadrilles are back in loss. whim, believes you style" says with a distinctive bite. "Mephisto shines quite at a It can't be compared to a this writer that layed release, is a record which isn't room Ensslin the chorus faintly brighter. to roam physically. and on "Love Potion 69," for example. Drag" tackles one-nig- stands: other artists and albums, and some won't be disappointed. "I'll "And I dream of the I might held by person , M.C. Brains any kind of temporal bound- Taylor especially appear liberated on While some of the songs do a have show you wrong from rightain't descriptions would fall flat. If you're a Matt Morgan aries usually by have beenThere I am free again... set industry trends, stage now able to jump and dance Non-Sto- p. some sort ofordered narrative, ("Cruel nothin'like your mama told youbaby Michelle Shocked fan, buy the decent band able to rise above its sorry Instrumentals That's because it's anything but trendy. around with And I swear that my grass is greener abandon.unconcerned Samantha," "Let's Play House,") many open your eyescause there ain't nothin album...no doubt. If you're a fan of lyrics. killer. Indeed, listen to "Mold," "Baby with than anyone'sTil I believe againThen running into a bandmate. ofhis picturesque lyrics bring life traditional music, blues, bluegrass, this cre-it- s EMS to the here but usexcept for Mephisto drag." I Def Leppard has one other part of The lyricist has Dracula" and "Come on Wall- What Peggy live wake And the dream fades away and Wants perfor- background characters, establish the Many of the Death of Sailor songs, album's a keeper, if for nothing other trademark sound still workine on ated a debut album that is more fun flower" and you'll see why it would mances have always I face the dayAnd I realizeThat there's been intriguing, setting, all helping to create a blurred particularly "Come on Wallflower" and than the guest musicians. It's upbeat this album: the chorus. Even V than anything else. Stepping away have been remarkably got to be some hero in me." While power on en vogue in due to the smeary stage presence of vision of the song. Only the frayed "Beg," would frenzy of attitude, twangy guitar and mandolin, from the controversial topics that mid-80- erupt into a a dumb song like "Let's Get Rocked," the s, mid-'30- s. Gaines finds hope only in dreams, at or even Then John Ensslin, whose high pierced vo- edges of the picture are revealed; the chaos, Maxwell's drums often tipping and all around travelin' atmosphere many rappers prefer, M.C.Brains raps listen least he realizes something good exists. the band sings in a very convincing, to "Live to Ride" and "What cals are stamped with a mysterious and focused heart the is left bass will up along about sex of song to Taylor's overboard and Ensslin for eventually sweep you right catchy style that can make one smile mainly and romance. Peggy Wants" see how well fits exotic-soundin- g If you're looking a male Tracey to it accent ringing true imagination. wailingout desperately singing about with it. Lovers Lone sports several poten- that Chapman, Jeffrey Gaines' new release like a dork and wag one's head with the OudSE the nasal blurofBowie, the goulishness Ensslin's lyrical themes on Death of the unusual characters Lindsay Lowry tial hits sure to liven up those late most the four-piec- will please new Def Leppard album, drums. The new e line up gives of Robert Smith or even the impulsive Sailor you. On the other hand, if a bear a striking resemblance to beautiful and the depressed, the hor- should have a On better songs like "White Light- spring parties after dark. the smoother Roven room to roam and gives firepower of Axl his you aren't into that sort ofdepression, Rose. But loud the Cure's KissMe, Kiss Me, Kiss Me, as rific and the grotesque. All this seems the Not be- the chorus makes the There's at least two d ifferent types the band a cleaner sound. Perhaps "Jeffrey Gaines" will probably just turn label on its cover. ning," entire more impor- eyes often penetrate innocent audi- both contemplate forcefully the feel- to be saved only by a song's abrupt of rapping here. On the Poohnany tantly, brings bassist you off. Still, if you can tape it from a cause the lyrics are dirty, but because album seem almost worth whatever it JeffTaylor back into the ences with a look ofsomeone possessed ings of physical desire passions side, Brains with funky the ending, or Roven's stabilizing guitar friend, could ... they suck. ("Lyrics may cause you and M.C. starts a forefront, where previously the cavaliering clash in a bizarre offbeat horror movie. that engulf love it grow on you erotic and dangerous patterns. The new songs have a cleaner your unborn offspring to become stu- Since Adrenate debuted at num- sound guaranteed to make you move. and clutter of two guitars relegated the efferves- Virgins to a WPW show are often lustful Matt Morgan pleasures. edge to them, often lacking the thun- pider.") ber one, it's probably going to sell mil- He then travels into more serious, cent Taylor to being a role player, playing way floored by this sultry, unfazing gaze. "Love Potion 69" tiptoes around dering assaults mentioned above. Not that Def Leppard has ever re- lions of copies. But it's not a great romancing music that appeals to the too much rhythm for a bassist of his talents. His vocals wander, unintelligi-bl- y, often the parts of love surrounding physical These songs are less threatening album, and it's completely forgettable. lover in you. But don't be fooled by Taylor's bass now plays more melody and adds through un ally been a songwriting powerhouse, a forest of snapshots and climax and de- how even the initial - and less boisterous, but the band agrees but last year's death of guitarist Steve On the other hand, it's a good al- the drop in tempo, because he pulls a fast Non-Sto-p side. that they have quality dynamics, a WiththedemiseofCamperVan Clark has left the band glaringly cliche- bum to leave in the car not too one on the M.C. Brains has a host of talented mature addition to their songwriting David Lowery proceeds -ridden. distracting and something to beat the Metal Flake Mother to working with him: Boyz II Men 1 that wasn't very apparent before under to the nobler truths as revealed by his The liner notes credit Clark with time to on the steering wheel as the artists all hazy sets mood for "Brainstorming" V of the rush of sonic depravity. new band, Cracker. These truths in- contributions to some of the songs on odometer rolls over. As some earlier the celebrate belated release This legroom allows for more recog- clude lust, being stupid and being this album. However, I don't recall Def music scholar once said, "It's got a good and "Boyz II Men (sequel)." Then nizable wider Mike Bivins not only does back- etal Flake Mother's Beyond ligent pop that never loses its edge. melodies and a spectrum here's nothing sweeter than "pissed off." Leppard ever writing as screamingly beat and you can dance to it." ground vocals but throws in some the Java Sea, has been out for The band's recent personnel of sounds. The attitude homemade jam, as Michelle Johnny Hickman on guitar, Davey moronic a line as "Make loveLike a Alex DeGrand suits the band, which may find itsniche additional rap lyrics in Ifl a couple of months, thoupb changes ha ve been a shock to most Shocked can and does attest with Fargher on bass and Joey Peters on the manI'm a manAt what I am" when they'll be boosting it again tonight not in the new wave of guitar grinders t alive. that KMC And you can't forget sexy soul singer at a local music fans. With her new album Arkansas Traveller. drums join Lowery to fashion a classic Clark was It's terrible the double release so easily found the area, but a iffim Johnny Gill who provides back- party with What Peggy such a bright future ahead, guitarist in in Getting back to her musical roots in rock sound juxtaposed against the sa- band would drag a dead man into this sightly ground in "Brains Is Goin' Cra-ze.- " Wants. Java has had, as expected, wor- Randy Ward dropped out. A partial more refined, yet mellowscene. a somewhat controversial way.Shocked tirically stupid and inane lyrical travesty. Undergoing has "Brainstorming" is surprising, be- thy critical acclaim since its release. solution came as drummer Mathis a name change its After one gets over the astonishing Jim cause Brains not only raps but sings Obvious comparisons to the Pixies are moved to guitar, leaving the drum seat obvious disadvantages, mainly getting ful to pugnacious. And yes, those eyes. steadyevolvement, and unfortunately, drop in lyrical quality (and that's an lead vocals and it sounds good. There getting old, but listen to the opening vacant. MFM seemed all but broken up the message across that the new band is Many of the refashioned and new a live show will be the only way to obstacle), one can move on to the aren't too many rappers who have Black Francis shriek that kicks in another story of an inspiring young the old band. But it also showed just songs include more harmonies. Previ- catch these news songs for the time music, the real test of a Def Leppard done that on a serious cut. "Tounge Long" and you'll see why. band flattened at its finest hour. But how loyal some ofthe anonymous Teas- ously limited to Ensslin and Maxwell, being. Songs like "No Answer," "Blue album. Biv DeVoe's Michael Bivins ing Carol Davis The guitar licks are also have that Mathis and Ben Clarke now share gui- the Korean fans were. Taylor has jumped in on some vocals. Boy" and "Another Tragedy" scream The burning question is whether or is really on to something. His tight, Bostonian scratch pop edge. tar and vocal duties. And, with Tom But WPW really hasn't lost stride. Anyone who has heard Taylor sing for inclusion on the next album, which not Steve Clark's death hurt the sound. bel discovery, M.C. Brains, awhile, RATINGS MFM's record sounds like its front Maxwell of What Peggy Wants play- If you haven't caught them in backup with Chapter Two knows he hopefully won't have to travel the same The answer is ... yeah. Steve Clark was proves that he has an eye for young THE you haven't their best. cover design, which looks like an ad for ing substitute drummer, they'll go on seen them at can do it well. The harmonies add one path for production as Death ofa Sailor. a cool guitarist who'll be missed. Fortu- talent. The newest member of Biv's reworked a '50s coffeeshop and ht diner, tour with Cracker in May, giving them Many of the songs have been more wrinkle to an already wrinkled So, what does Peggy want? Only nately, studio technology allows for showbiz family is definitely out there to full touting consumer culture at its best. a push outside the state and time to get with Roven maintaining a guitar and creviced band that so easily climbs Death ofa Sailor will tell you, or maybe the surviving guitarist, Phil Collen, to make a name for himself. The slow sound and Taylor adding trusty new in and works showbiz swing beats that drive "Mean a permanent drummer, all without los- out of genres. Also in the one ofthe encores tonight. So come on !; play enough to fill out the songs. "White The name that James to Me," and the fuzzy snap and pop bass licks that could shake a beer right is an electric violin for Roven, which wallflowers, come and take thischance. ' (kick love Deshannon Davis chose clues the lis- rmilBIMIiBli ,mannrii r ...... ing too much valuable time following Lightning" and "Stand Up it. guitar staples would sound perfect release out of your hand. Ensslin's vocals ranged should streamline the transformation. Put black dress (or ConnellsT-- songs tener in to his unique style. Brains is an Metal Flake Who on the of a successful album. on your into motion)" are two notable in Mother: looks familiar? old from peaceful and power-- members Raps an phonograph. MFM plays intel Charles Marshall and Allen Baddour to poignant Band seem to enjoy their shirts), and we'll meet you at the dance. . which Collen makes Def Leppard a acronym for Bringing And