HoobastankHoobastankComing from Island Records and following in the same style as Incubus I think I expected a little more. "Hoobastank" is actually not too bad, but if they would've just taken their talent and created their own style, this CD would've been ten times better. It seems like they tried to be exactly like Incubus. Everything from the vocals to the instuments; and they even threw in those weird little sounds and samples that Incubus uses in most of their songs. I'm pretty sure the record label who signed them saw a new up and coming Incubus-styled band that was going to make them lots of money, so they probably made sure they sounded like the predecessor. But that's not always a great strategy; anyway, Incubus has a style that's so distinctive it would be best to leave it alone. One thing that Hoobastank is missing is a good DJ. That's pretty much the only thing that they don't use: turntables. Track #1 "Crawling In The Dark" is their radio hit, and is one of the best songs on the CD. Track #5 is also pretty decent; these guys definitely have some talent and it shows on a few of the tracks. But in the end, after listening to this CD all the way through, it just sounds like a really bad attempt at something great. The lead singer has an amazing voice, and every song has great potential, but there is just something missing - or rather, it sounds like there's too much. I think these guys need to sit down and come up with their own style. For more info on Hoobastank check out: www.hoobastank.com. -chux
Ruff RydersRyde or Die Vol. 3The third in the series of compilations from the Ruff Ryders crew, this new album has a lot to live up to. Unfortunately, it is okay at best. It lacks the freshness of the first two volumes (and the production skills of producer Swizz Beats, who here only did a few tracks, as opposed to being at the helm like the previous albums). Compared to other rap compilations, this is not a bad release, but for bearing the Ruff Ryders name, one has to expect better. There are, however, some stand-outs, including appearances from Petey Pablo, Ludacris, and Bubba Sparxxx, who collaborates with Jadakiss on the album's first single "They Ain't Ready", a Timbo produced track. East meets West on "Eastside Ryders", a track featuring Goldie Loc and Tray Dee of the Eastsiders with Styles. These highlights cannot save this album from mediocrity. In keeping with the Ryde or Die compilation tradition, there is a solo DMX song towards the end which usually is one of the best tracks on the album. However, this time it is a disappointment. The Ruff Ryders have done better, and I look forward to an outstanding Volume 4. -85 Mics
RemyZeroTheGoldenHumRemy Zero has been on the verge for a while now. I know a lot of people who have no clue who Remy Zero is but they like a few of their songs. Their hit here is "Save Me". When they hear this some people mistake them for U2. There are two ways to look at it, but they should receive this as a compliment. And the rest of the album is great. Those who do not know Remy Zero are missing out on a great band. They are somewhat of a mix between U2 and Radiohead. The vocals remind some of Bono from U2 and the construction and quality of each song resembles the style of Radiohead. "Belong" has a great sound, almost like a Pete Yorn folk for the new age style of rock music. (If you don't know who Pete Yorn is you need to go out and buy that CD too.) After listening to "TheGoldenHum" all the way through a few times I've come to the conclusion that this is actually a really great work. I'll be honest, when I first bought it, I listened to it once and left it in its case on a shelf in my room for a few days before I actually put it into my CD holder in my car. Once I listened to it again I started to enjoy it very much, and now it is on heavy rotation in my player. Remy Zero has been around for a while and I feel they don't get all the credit they deserve, but hey who am I to say. Go pick up this CD and hear for yourself, but remember, give it time, listen to it more than once before you make any judgements. Oh, and make sure your in the mood to relax and enjoy great music. For more info log on to: www.remyzero.com or www.remyzeromusic.com. -chux