October 2001

Justy's Musical Cavalcade

I'm doing my part to help a sagging economy by buying things again. First item of interest this month is:

MONEY MARK - "Change is Coming" (Emperor Norton Records - 2001) I, like probably the rest of you, was initially exposed to Money Mark Ramos-Nishita through his work with the Beastie Boys. When I found out that he had released several solo records, starting with "Mark's Keyboard Repair" in 1995, then "Push the Button" in that oh so mediocre year of 1998, I made sure to buy into it. The former had some cool shit on it, but was more like a studio album of some guy fucking around in a studio. In other words, no real "songs" to speak of. The latter was more of an "album", alternating between jumpy instrumental numbers and catchy little indie-rockish tunes, highlighted by the somewhat exposed "Hand in Your Head." With his third solo effort being released, well, today, I can only venture as far as to say that I will not stop listening to this record. This time Mark has gone all instrumental, and if you can find a way to stop dancing to the catchy numbers on this get-up, you are most definitely a robot. The first track on the album, titled "chocochip", had me cranking the record up and bopping behind the steering wheel in a most dangerous manner. The album introduces 12 tracks of very heavy grooves, with styles alternating between dirty Latin rhythms and something resembling lounge, but way more tolerable, and definitely more soulful. The keyboards are the star for the most part, but Mark has the capacity to crank out some heavy bass and sleazy guitar, like something out of a bad nighclub show in Vegas. If nothing else, I think this record might be a hit with Evil Robots staffers. Of course, those robots can dance.

This album is mighty, and I give it: 4 out of 5 Vikings. The fifth Viking wishes there were sing-alongs on this record.

REMY ZERO - "The Golden Hum" (Elektra Records - 2001) I have very little to say about this album, but that it is very good. Remy Zero is probably one of the nicest bands in the world, and their music is good too. Plus the singer used to bone Alyssa Milano, and that's gotta be worth something.

A solid album filled with interesting rock and roll tunes, I give it: 4 out of 5 Vikings. The fifth Viking hates artsy lyrics.