The Flaming LipsYoshimi Battles The Pink RobotsWarnerAre The Flaming Lips really an extra-terrestrial band visiting us from another galaxy? If so, is Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots its gospel, preaching the importance of living in the now? "Let them know you realize that life goes fast/It's hard to make the good things last/You realize the sun doesn't go down/It's just an illusion caused by the world spinning round." If the lyrics are too deep, don't worry, the music lightens it up and makes it a fun experience. Lead singer Wayne Coyne has an airy voice that makes you the feel like you are floating in the sky awaiting the arrival of Papa Smurf. "Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots Pt.2," is a full song of random sound effects and cymbals. The band's psychedelic, acid-trip style of music is never mundane, and it'll keep you guessing with sudden, folk-sounding, "yee haws," mixed into the beat. It's the eleventh album for these veteran sound freaks, but they're never complacent or afraid to be different - think Willy Wonka meets the Beatles. The album's consistent electronic beat is hypnotizing and transforms listeners into passive humans (just the way the aliens planned it). I would recommend this CD regardless, but especially so if sitting in rush hour traffic inspires road rage. If you are sick of the cookie cutter music scene this CD will give you hope for the future of music and perhaps even a little enlightenment. Maybe, if you're really lucky, you will be abducted while sitting in traffic listening to "Ego Tripping at the Gates of Hell." If so, remember who recommended this work of art to you. -Jessica
Israel Kamakawiwo'oleFacing FutureMountain AppleFormerly a member of the Makaha Sons of Ni'ihau, Israel began his solo career in 1993 and gained much success quickly. Better known as IZ, he has received much mainstream exposure through Hollywood (his music has been used in films like Meet Joe Black and Finding Forrester, television's ER and Party of Five, and a few commercials). His music was probably chosen not only for its simple sounds of old-time Hawaii - the prominent sound of the ukulele, the beat of the ipu (a dried gourd that is tapped against the palm of the hand), a bass, a guitar, and the rustling of rock salt - but for the way IZ presents the music. When he plucks the strings of the ukulele he's playing the strings of your heart. He plays with the passion of Gabby Pahanui, the king of slack-key guitar. But it is the voice - a sweet angelic voice - that makes it such an experience. His take on "Somewhere Over The Rainbow/Wonderful World" and "Take Me Home Country Road" are wonderful indeed. "West Makaha" and "Maui Hawaiian Sup'pa Man" were a disappointment, however, and detracted from Facing Future. Overall, though, the Hawaiian numbers on the disc are fabulous and were most enjoyable. Though IZ has passed away recently, his music will be remembered forever. -Schweitzer
The DistillersSing Sing Death HouseHellcat Records/EpitaphDo not try to adjust your magazine, there's nothing wrong with the page. Yes, this is CA&E and yes, we are reviewing The Distillers. We are not just a bunch of car stereo techno geeks around here. This, my fellow music lovers, is punk rock at its finest. I'll cut to the chase: go out and buy this CD today. If you like punk rock now or used to like it back in the day, it doesn't matter. Led by the "lovely" gutter punk Mrs. Brody Armstrong, this band stands out in front as a force to be reckoned with. Brody is the wife of Tim Armstrong, the highly talented front man of the well-respected group Rancid. Some people compare Brody to Courtney Love, with her raspy, slurred vocals and her mad-at-the-world attitude. In my opinion, Brody surpasses Courtney Love by far. Courtney can only wish to have the energy and vocal talent of Brody. From first to last, none of the songs sound like they were created to just fill up the CD. If you are one of those music fans that really pays attention to lyrics you will have a great deal of respect for Sing Sing Death House. The songs make up Brody's interesting biography, everything from where she grew up ("The Young Crazed Peeling") to the difficulty of her home life ("The Young Crazed Peeling" again) to where she is now ("City Of Angels"). Her biography runs from the horror of an abusive dad to thoughts of suicide to finding some hope despite it all. "I speak of the truth/the truth of the heart/like a desperate thirst/in a raging drought/Hey youth, time flies by/There's an everlasting battle for eternal life." A line from the chorus goes, "It hit me, I got everything I need." How freekin' dope is that little verse right there? This CD does not disappoint. Check out www.thedistillers.com. -chux