Dr. John's latest Holiday Land - no, not all funked up CONAN MAGEE the German one staff writer MELISSA NEWMAN many They Might Be Giants fans will The latest album from the New staff writer remember this song from last year's Orleans institution that is Dr. John serves It's the Holiday season! Finally! Yay! e-card. It's still as good as last year, up the good doctor's "personal interpreta- How can one not love this season? It's but without the cute dancing Santa tion" of the city that funk ain't forgot. If I a ti me to get together with others and that was able to amuse people for have any complaint about the offering, it's celebrate the joys of capitalism! (Well, hours. that the interpretation is too complete, an sure, there's some sort of religious sig- If this album has any problems, it attempt at being all things to all people. nificance to these days, or so they say.) would be the lack of new material. I From the funky, jazz-club fare of "Now That You Got Me" and "Monkey One of the best parts of the season don't expect many to rush out after & Baboon" to the Latin drumming flare that defines "Litenin'," Dr. John is writing the gift list. One can go for reading this review to beg their loved will take you from the Marigny to Algiers to the Warehouse District and the traditional pen and paper style, or ones to buy this for them just because back home three times over. Of course, much like the sunken roads that move with the times. For the "bene- I say so. Most who receive this album inspired it, the ride can get a bit bumpy: While saxy "Creole Moon" and fit" of my household I will be past fans. And the sultry, flute-a-licious "Bruha Bembe" will tuck you into bed for you to have supplied them for them, all of these get your satisfying with a useful website songs have been avail- groove on, "Litenin"' full of links, pictures able before. Some may et al will plop you and pointers lo buying require more work to back in the midst of me all that I need, want acquire than others the funky club scene, and I or desire. (I've (and a lot of money), without so much as a made it so simple for but it is possible to own warning to put your them how can they each of these songs on dancin' shoes back on. not?) Whichever style their respective albums. Another warning: you prefer, make sure you add They It's surprising that they never added Back-up singers Might Be Giants' festive new compi- "We Just Go Nuts at Christmas Time," muddy up the first lation album, Holidayland, to that list. which cannot be found anywhere unless couple tracks, so you For years, They Might Be Giants fans you have access to that wonderful might want to start at have searched the four corners of the invention called the Internet. (Theo- track four or five. Of globe looking for those hard-to-find ry: It's not illegal because it was never course, if you' re lis- songs. For example, "Careless Santa" actually sold. Now, stop looking tening to the CD as was once only found on John Flans- through my files!) It would have been you should, with your burgh's side project, Mono Puff. "Feast a logical choice, in my opinion. body on a dance floor of Lights," a wonderfully sweet Now I'm not saying that those who or sharing a smoke on I lanukkah song, was once only found have never experienced the joy that is your front stoop, on the compilation album Festival of They Might Be Giants should turn their you'll be able to bear Light, Vol. 2. Now, to the joy of Giants noses up at this album. In fact, it may even the back-ups for fans all over, these songs plus a few be a great way to convert a few vic- love of the funk. While others tire here on one nifty EP! tims out there. I mean, where else will all in all a good CD, it "Santa's Beard" was an obvious addi- they find a band that is brave enough is probably better for tion lo the collection. Also, by popu- lo rhyme "Hanukkah" with "har- making a playlist than l<ir demand, "O T<innenbaum," sung monica?" This five-track EP makes a for playing straight in German, was put into this holiday perfect stocking stuffer! through, due to the mix. As one of those rare songs, it is Happy Holidays to all! And remem- mood swings, but a very welcome! A so-called new cover, ber, this season is not just about gifts! recommended buy "Sanl<i Claus," was also placed on this It's also about the family and friends FILE PHOTO nonetheless. album. Originally sung by The Sonics, who provide the gifts! Love that chicken from Popeye's! Yes, Dr. John is that guy! Damn good and the UK beat us to it right to the point and stays there. As the album begins BJORN MYRUM pulsating beats of the songs. The lead vocals are slight- you connect and follow a series of changes in tempo, staff writer ly muted, which helps them blend with the instru- ments. The Strokes' sound is a mixture of New Age mood, and rhythm. The album culmunates with "Take The UK was first to pick up on this great band. The and anything from the '70s. This mixture creates a It Or Leave It." As it is the most complex song on the Strokes' first album, Is This It, is an incredible col- totally original and fresh-sounding album, full of album, this song makes the perfect ending to a stel- lection of well-constructed songs. Their very unique complex, shifting rhythms. Each song is tightly-con- lar record. Is This It is a sound and intensity can be attributed to their living structed and well thought-out. wonderfully constructed in New York ity and playing music regularly at NY With each of the 11 tracks being so well-constructed, album and a breath of life dubs sinn• 1997. This ,1lbum reflects the urban set- it is h<trd to pick out the best song. "Last Nite" is the into the current music ting in which it was recorded as well as the mental- album's first track and a great prelude to the rest of scene. ity of wol th.1l is the band. the disk. While" Alone, Together" is a ballad, it does- Wh,1t re.illy gets this ,1lbum going is the strong, n't drag on like an 80s power ballad. Instead, it gets . arcade reviews 12.07.01 15 .