(Polyvinyl)
The most intriguing albums often consist of overwhelming layers of sound and instrumentation laid down by hordes of musicians. Mix this with the power of recording and all its manipulations and it creates a larger-than-life effect. Recently these conventions have broken down as several dynamic duos like Quasi, The White Stripes, CO-CO and have emerged, refreshing their listeners. The aforementioned couples achieve both stripped-down and complex compositions, employing both simplicity and creativity to fill the void of missing band members. Fitting into this table-for-two category are Lawrence, Kan., native Mates of State. (There must be something musical in the water down in Kansas.)
After slimming their act down and moving to California, Kori Gardner and Jason Hammel released the first Mates album titled My Solo Project on Omnibus Records in 2000. Comfortable in their newly found hansom-couple niche, the Mates embarked on a tour with Appleseed Cast. Since then, Mates of State jumped record label ship and boarded Polyvinyl, which has released its second full length, Our Constant Concern. The 10-track LP consists of Gardner and Hammel belting out romanticized lyrics over a Yamaha organ and drum beats. Pretty basic, huh? Yes and no.
At times the Mates create a brilliant hodgepodge of sound effects emulating from the organ reminiscent of Stereolab and Quasi. But just when that gets exciting, the Mates voices throw a wrench in the machine. The vocal volume and tone remain steady throughout the majority of the tracks, making the album a bit repetitive. In addition, the lyrics are so fragmented and nonuniversal the listener may be asking, \Are they singing to me or to each other?""
However, in this question lies both the magic and the downfall of Our Constant Concern. The duo is so wrapped up in themselves that they create something appealing and romantic. Instrumentation is creative and engaging, making for a larger, heady sound and filling in the gaps of other musicians. Gardner and Hammel create something others can not with 10 band members. They do not need other musicians in their project, but they are so tightly knit that it feels like they do not need outside listeners either. You feel left out, somewhat of a third wheel, but at times this sensation gives Our Constant Concern an exciting voyeuristic intrigue.
(Shadow Records)
""If the Godfather of Soul had seven sons, they would come together to create the Poets of Rhythm,"" according to the back cover of their latest album. James Brown is surely very proud of his ""sons."" They have taken old-school funk and added a new-school vibe to create a sound that the younger generation and their parents can both dig.
Hailing from Germany, the Poets of Rhythm combine acid jazz and straight funk to create a tantalizing soundscape. Their newest release, What Goes 'Round, is actually a U.S. release of the 1993 album Practice What You Preach, plus two other cuts from the Original Raw Soul Vol. 1 compilation album.
Building on the momentum of their 2001 release, the excellent Discern/Define, the Poets of Rhythm continue to provide the perfect background music for any occasion. ""Funky Run Through Pt. 1&2"" serves as the perfect introduction to the album. It showcases the abilities of the poets and lays down the vibe of the album, all while the lead vocalist, Bo Baral, intertwines various comments and commands while repeating the song's title. In ""More Mess on My Thing,"" a host of instruments, accentuated by a lively trumpet, blend to make for an excellent relaxation track.
On songs like ""Funky Train,"" ""Practice What You Preach,"" ""The Plan"" and ""Hotpie's Popcorn Pt. 1,"" the Poets piece together upbeat music that would make even the most timid of listeners want to get up and dance. However, there are also several tracks that serve as the antithesis of the upbeat music songs.
In ""Choking on a Piece of Meat,"" the Poets slow down the melody and take a minimalistic approach to the instruments, while also subtracting the vocals to create the ideal chill mode instrumental. Bo Baral demands that the privileged wealthy take a look around them to ""see who's working"" and ""see who's bleeding"" in ""Upper Class."" ""It Came Over Me"" ends the album on a somber note. The violin influenced beat perfectly matches Bo Baral's plea to reunite with a loved one.
All in all, What Goes 'Round is an excellent effort by the Poets of Rhythm. The few relaxed, unhurried tracks act as weights to the hot-air balloon of the upbeat happy-go-lucky songs, which comprise the majority of the album. They are a perfect mix that elevates the album while not letting it get too carried away, making it virtually universal. Fans of almost any genre of music will surely appreciate this release. Also, this album is the perfect background sound to most any occasion. Whether you're chillin', studyin', drivin' or lovin', What Goes 'Round can act as a superb supplement to your activities.
