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New Titles - new CDs and DVDs at the library

Music reviews 4U by U - 2004

Hip Hop(e)Hip Hop(e)

Distributor: Parachute Music
Reviewer: Josh Steele

This CD is a good and effective way of letting Christ be heard in a way that is relevant to the current youth culture. This CD features many cool artists such as GRITS, Tobymac, KJ-52, and LA Symphony. I hadn’ heard most of these artists before and I was generally stoked with the quality of music they produced.

The song by KJ-52 "Dear Slim" has so much meaning behind the lyrics and is a definite stand out. It’s so cool to see Christian artists standing up for what they believe in; although this means that their music won’ be played on mainstream radio. One slight downside was a couple of tracks that came across as a bit limp and cheesy - but I think this could be because of production costs - obviously not having million dollar budgets as many current hip-hop/pop songs do has its disadvantages! But even so, this CD is so worth the buy because it is down to earth and the lyrics are challenging, but at the same time it has some cool beats.

November 2004

X 2004Album: X 2004

Artist: Compilation
Distributor: Parachute Music
Reviewer: Anton McDonald

The 'X' 2004 CD is an attractive and professionally presented combination of 17 new Christian Rock hits plus an 18th bonus track.

It is created with a strong, impacting start of fast moving songs to capture the listener’s immediate interest and involvement. Songs move smoothly from one to the next to display the many varieties of rock styles. 

'X' 2004 is a mix of rock hits with different bands on each track. This CD provides samples of different exciting styles and techniques of Christian Rock. The strength of this album is its presentation of definite beats with strong distinct lyrics current with the situations of today’s youth. Aimed at the largest music procuring market of this century it presents Christian music in an enthusiastic and appealing manner. Stand out tracks include ‘Hero’ by ‘Superchicks,’ the smooth deep voice of Jeremy Camp in the rocky ‘Stay’ and the opening track by Pillar.

November 2004

In Wonder Album: In Wonder

Artist: Magnify
Distributor: Parachute Music
Reviewer: Kate Bodger

‘In Wonder,’ the debut album from Wellington band Magnify is a 10 track CD of powerful and inspiring music. Right from the start of listening to this, the influence of great bands such as U2 was apparent, especially the first track ‘Glorious.’ As the album progresses however, the bands unique sound was apparent and I was surprised at how each song sounded totally different. I must admit I’m not a huge tree of music wisdom but this album struck me as being, well…amazing! The lyrics are so beautiful and the mixture of rock, acoustic and even the occasional rap as in the track ‘Blown Away’ do a fantastic job at describing the presence of God. When I read the inside cover, the bands guitarist Andy thanks U2, so on that note I will wholeheartedly recommend this album, support the New Zealand artists and buy six!

Magnify wins NZ Music Industry Award

November 2004

I Gon Ride by Dei Hamo

I had this song in my head like for the past 2 days. Its so catchy and funny if you listen to the lyrics!
Sara

September 2004

Funk Freedom & Fun/ Jurassic 5

Jurassic 5Jurassic 5, St James, Auckland, Sunday 1 August/ reviewed by Rachel:
Having missed Jurassic 5’s performance at 2002’s Big Day Out due to the impossibility of purchasing the ticket (plus there was the minor problem of my airfare from Christchurch to Auckland on a meagre student allowance) there was no way I was willing to miss them a second time around. I was determined to find the $60 even if it meant eating toasted sandwiches and canned spaghetti for the next week, and, while my overdraft is kinda looking very sick, I can’ say I have any regrets.

The LA-based group, comprised of MC’s Marc 7, Akil, Chali 2na, Zaakir, and DJ’s Nu-Mark and Cut-Chemist (some weird arithmetic going on there), put on a totally fantastic show. Their nonchalant, laid-back presence combined with their distinctive brand of funk-infused hip hop was completely infectious, inciting the crowd to wave their arms and holler happily on command. The progressive approach Jurassic 5 is known for was born out of the LA Underground movement between 1991-1994 in the old LA Jazz district and mixes a unique style with old school sounds. The result is pure one off pure pleasure, as evidenced by the Auckland crowd’s enthusiasm.

Jurassic 5 in actionPlaying a mix of tracks from both Quality Control and Power of Numbers, Jurassic 5 provided enough familiar material to keep the crowd happy and also treated us to a few samples from their soon to be released new album which promises to be as popular as the earlier LPs. Their smooth vocals and tight set were almost without flaw, suggesting an utter professionalism that has nonetheless managed to maintain a sense of spontaneity.

With Jurassic 5 in concert representing hip hop at its most irreverent and contagious (about as far removed as possible from the misogynistic, yo-yo, my niggaz style of Snoop Dogg and co" it’s little wonder that the crowd caught on, resulting in an exuberant atmosphere of funk, freedom, and fun.

August 2004

Troy The Snail

Reviewed by Lily:

Take half a cup of Goodnight Nurse, Half a cup of Blink 182 with just a pinch of The Darkness and you get Troy the Snail. Hailing from South Auckland and Comprising of Shane (vocals/Guitar) James (Vocals/Lead Guitar) Nick (Bass) and Quentin (Drums) these guys have some seriously PHAT songs. I was invited along to a few gigs held at The Crook in Pakuranga and more recently, The roadhouse in Papakura, these guys are one to watch. Good vibe with the crowd…my prediction: Bigger than 48 May. Will be big in Austrailia

August 2004

Sugababes - Hole in the Head

review by Jessi
I think this band ROCKS!!!!! but people are always dissing them, what's so bad about them????!

Oh dear, this got buried… but better late than never…

Welcoming in the New Year was an experience with Christchurch band 4ManBob playing to hundreds in the Square. Their cover of Dave Dobbyn's 'Loyal' is worth re-releasing, but it was their original material that got the people out of their seats. Original sounds, quality music, and stage energy unlike anything I have seen from a Christchurch band before. Check out their sounds whenever you can, CD currently being released.
Ingrid

I think dat Blindspotts' song called Flex is da bomb! I think this song's lyrics are really true and reflect true reality
Keryn