The New Music Report

Rip It Up, Issue 168, 1 July 1991, Page 25

The New Music Report

WARNER MUSIC

RAINDOGS Border Drive-In Theatre Boston's Raindogs follow-up their critically acclaimed album Lost Souls with an album that demonstrates the songwriting genius of vocalist Mark Cutler and the honed musicianship that blends Celtic and Cajun influences. Guests include Harry Dean Stanton on 'Some Fun' and Iggy Pop on 'Dance of the Freaks'.

LYN YRD SKYN YRD 1991 Lynyrd Skyrd 1991 After the success of the tribute tour and 1 4 years after the plane crash that ended the band's career, original members such as Gary Rossington, Ed King etc are joined by new recruit Johnny Van Zant (brother of the late Ronnie Van Zant). Produced by Tom Dowd (Eric Clapton, Allmans etc), here's some kick-ass southern rock & roll.

RIDE Nowhere From the English Art School of Oxford, come Ride, the "Hope for the 90s" according to Sounds and NME. After three critically acclaimed EPs in the UK, here's their first USA album. Key cuts are 'Seagull', 'Polar Bea/, 'Here & Now' and Vapour Trail'.

LISA FISCHER So Intense A woman vocalist who has backed the Rolling Stones (dueted with Jagger on 'Gimme Shelter' last year), Luther Vandross, Chaka Khan and more, Lisa Fischer has now gone solo with her former employer Luther (& Marcus Miller) producing 4 tracks and aces Arif Mardin and Narada also doing tracks. Lisa has a coloratura soprano covering a four octave range. This lady means business!

COMING IN AUGUST PRINCE, Diamonds & Pearls. COLOR ME BAD, Color Me Bad. KAREN WHITE, Ritual of Love. THOMPSON TWINS, Queer. SCHASCLE, Haunted by Real Life. TR AVI S TRITT, It's AH About to Change.

RICKOCASEK Fireball Zone The third solo album from the former leader of the Cars and his first since that legendary band broke up. Ocasek uses this new freedom to explore a funkier sound built on a high-tech foundation he forged with the Cars. Co-producer Nile Rodgers (Chic) provides his famous guitar wizardry and a butt-kicking band. First single is 'Rockaway'.

SHIRLEY MURDOCK Let There Be Love This album matches the warmth and passion of her childhood idols Aretha Franklin and Gladys Knight and equals the high-gloss production and arrangements of Anita Baker. Murdoch has achieved massive acclaim for earliersoul hits'Husband'(l 988) and 'As

We Lay' (1986). For new gems try 'Stay With Me Tonight', 'Save the Children' or 'The Last Hurrah'.

ELVISCOSTELLO Mighty Like A Rose This brilliant newalbumisCostello'sfirst since Spike, one of his most highly acclaimed and successful records of his prolific career. His remarkable collaboration with Paul McCartney ('Veronica') is repeated here on two songs 'So Like Candy' and 'Playboy to a Man'. ThefirstsingleistheUKhit'Other SideofSummer'.

FLESHTONES Powerstance This influential Manhattan band, founded in the vibrant punk / new wave scene of 1976, have wandered from the hip New York scene and found their way to Australia to complete this album with Dave Faulkner of Hoodoo Gurus producing. They recorded in New York and New Jersey and mixed Powerstance at Trafalgar Studios, Sydney. Classic modern pop!

MUSIC VIDEOS LAURIE ANDERSON, Home of the Brave. WINGER, In the Heart of the Young. JAZZ MASTERS 1958-59 JAZZ MASTERS 1960-61 STAN GETZ, Vol.l &V 01.2.

BARBIE DAVIDSON Borderline One of New Zealand's great country talents, known to fans on both sides of the Tasman after naking her Sydney debut in 1990. A stunning country voice who is about to break onto the International scene.

NATALIE COLE Unforgettable On this album Natalie Cole sings 22 songs of her father, Nat King Cole with the finesse and assurance of the jazz/ pop vocal tradition that she is heiress to. In the spirit of he father's own recordings Natalie's voice is set off by orchestral, big band and trio accompaniment. First single is 'Unforgettable' a "digital" duet with her father. ~

ICE-T O.G. Original Gangster The fourth LP from Ice-T is being heralded as his breakthrough album, hot on the heels of his big screen debut in New Jack City. There's 24 crucial urban tracks, tough raps and tough beats from the LA. streets. Try 'Home of the Bodybag', 'Ya Should A Killed Me Last Year', 'Straight Up Nigga', 'Fried Chicken' and 'Bitches 2'.

NEW JACK CITY Original Movie Soundtrack A "New Jack" movie with Ice-T and Judd Nelson (Breakfast Club) as cops! Hip tracks include Guy's title track, Johnny Gill's 'l'm Still Waiting', Ice-T's 'New Jack Hustler', Christopher Williams 'l'm Dreamin", Keith Sweat's There You Go (Jellin' Me Know Again)' and Troop I Levert collaboration 'For Love of Money / Living for the City' a merging of the O'Jays and Stevie Winder classics.

ELECTRONIC Electronic The much anticipated collaboration by New Order's vocalist Bernard Sumnerand former Smiths/ Pretenders etc guitarist Johnny Marr, with guest performances by the Pet Shop Boys. This remarkable meeting of musical minds includes the Top 40 single 'Getting Away With It' and the new single 'Get the Message'.

SEAL Seal This dude made a big impact with his vocal on Adamski's 'Killer' and since gone onto have his own hits with 'Crazy' and 'Future Love Paradise'. Not only is he a fabulous, soulful voice, he created this remarkable debut LP by working with ace producer Trevor Horn. Brilliant!

YOYO Make Way for the Motherlode This is one of the most exciting albums ever from a female rapper. Produced by Sir Jinx and Ice Cube, 1 9 year-old rapper YoYo speaks to women and men of all colours. YoYo addresses concerns of concern to women — 'Girl Don't be A Fool', 'Sisterland', 'Put a Lid on It' and 'The Intelligent Black Woman's Coalition Theme'.

BLASTERS The Blasters Collection Phil and Dave Alvin's band blew out of L.A.'s blue-collar suburbs to become one of the most respected and influential roots-rock bands in the world. The group left a lasting mark by bringing Los Lobos, Rank & File and the Del Fuegos to the attention of the Slash label. Classics include 'Border Radio', 'American Music', 'Marie Marie', 'Boomtown' and 'White Cadillac'.

DAVID BYRNE The Forest Byrne's latest exploration is music consisting of a classical orchestra recording in 10 parts. Byrne composed the music and it primarily pays homage to the mid-1 800 s. The Forest was initially the score for a 1 988 theatre piece created with his stage collaborator Robert Wilson. Influences range from European to Latin American to ancient Sumerian.

808 STATE Ex:EI The Manchester trio's second album has some amazing collaborations — New Order's Bernard Sumner sings (& co-wrote) 'Spanish Heart' and Bjork from the Sugarcubes guests on 'Qmart/Oops'. The critics rave! The fans groove! Dance into the future with 808 State!