Artsweek

May 8, 2002

The Makers | Strangest Parade | Sub Pop Records

By DJ FatKid

One listen to Strangest Parade makes it quite clear that The Makers are indefensible.

May 8, 2002

Girls Against Boys | You Can’t Fight What You Can’t See | Jade Tree

By DJ FatKid

Here's a new old dance: the Major Shuffle. Girls Against Boys have mastered this, jumping in with the post-grunge wave of indie signings back in '96 before going on an extended hiatus.

May 1, 2002

Shivering, Sunburnt, Satisfied

By Richard Block Jessica Jardine

Last weekend brought the third Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival to Indio, Calif.

May 1, 2002

‘For the Love of God, Die Already’

By David Downs

The only thing more shameful than a "Friday the 13th" part 10 is Artsweek, which spent almost two hours of its Tuesday evening trashing "Jason X."

May 1, 2002

Elvis Costello | When I Was Cruel | Island

By Erin James

Elvis Costello released his first record a quarter century ago. When I Was Cruel, his 17th album proper, proves time hasn't mellowed the lyrically acerbic wit of this man behind the glasses.

May 1, 2002

Chris Isaak | Always Got Tonight | Reprise

By Brendan Buhler

Chris Isaak's most polished album is also one of his best, focusing more on Roy Orbison-style rock 'n' roll than broken-hearted ballads.

May 1, 2002

Hot Hot Heat | Knock Knock Knock | Sub Pop

By DJ FatKid

Stealing liberally from the Cure, the Stooges, and piano-driven post-punk groups, such as the Get Hustle and Tarot Bolero Hot Hot Heat knocks out an album full of dry danceable indie rock.

May 1, 2002

KCSB Hip Hop Top Ten

By Quinn Chaloeicheep

April 24, 2002

Declaration of Independents

By Daniel Okamura

Alas, not everybody gets to deal with the glitter that is crystal meth and ticket sales - and thankfully for them, not everybody likes the mainstream record industry's sounds.

April 24, 2002

Getting Past Portraits

By DJ FatKid

Funeral Diner avoids cheese. They play a form of hardcore that is devoid of pained melodies, ranting anger, blazing licks, or mosh breakdowns.

April 24, 2002

Heavy Mettle

By David Downs

Justice for David Attias' victims won't end with a lengthy sentence from the court, but it may start with a monologue in Snidecor Hall.

April 24, 2002

Murder by Numbers: Counting the Minutes

By Collin Mitchell

What "Murder By Numbers" does for the thriller genre, Sandra Bullock does for her career.

April 24, 2002

Desaparecidos | Read Music Speak Spanish | Saddle Creek

By DJ FatKid

Musically, Desaparecidos seem to take a cue from mid-'90s proto-emo bands such as Jawbreaker or J Church - the chunky chords alternating with bouncy picked melodies.

April 24, 2002

Gomez | In Our Gun | Virgin

By Top 40 Dave

Gomez's synthesis of the last 40 years of rock is notable, but the band's ability to incorporate the latest in digital sampling lacks.

April 24, 2002

Wayne | Music on Plastic | TVT

By Collin Mitchell

Like the reviews and profiles say, their music is "emotional" and "powerful," but Wayne fails to consistently express these elements in any sort of depth.

April 24, 2002

J-Live | All of the Above | Coup d’

By Mr. Bell

Whether it's the "jiggy," beats mixed with bearable lyrics or meaningless,annoying choruses mixed with bearable beats, All of the Above delivers no more than five good cuts.