HIGH BIAS -- May 6, 2001 -- Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, Femi Kuti and Positive Force, Karl Denson's Tiny Universe, The Chamber Strings, Charles Curtis, Kevin Deal, Monster Magnet, Shadow Gallery, The George Usher Group, Wayne Kramer

Album reviews of new music by:

The Chamber Strings: Led by singer/songwriter (and former Nikki Sudden sideman) Kevin Junior, Chicago's Chamber Strings make exactly the kind of music you'd expect from their name: lush, melodic pop. (more)
Charles Curtis: ...simultaneous double play CD from NYC composer/cellist Charles Curtis. The sleeve instructs the listener to use four playback devices (one for each track), even suggesting dumping to cassette, which is then wired into an amp, or parking four convertibles together for a unique listening experience. (more)
Kevin Deal: ...There's just a little something extra, a wistful sincerity and earnestness in his songs, that makes him likable. (more)
Monster Magnet: ...with their latest album God Says No, Monster Magnet has the opus it's been working towards the past decade. (more)
Shadow Gallery: Pennsylvania's Shadow Gallery has been dogged by comparisons to Dream Theater for nearly all of its decade-long career. Then again... (more)
The George Usher Group: Songwriter/guitarist/keyboardist George Usher has knocked around the NYC/Hoboken rock/pop scene for nearly 20 years, logging in time with bands like Beat Rodeo and the Schramms and penning songs for the likes of Laura Cantrell. (more)
Wayne Kramer Presents: Beyond Cyberpunk: ...a collection of all-new tunes drawn from the ranks of punk rockers old and young... (more)

Aural Fixations

NICK CAVE & THE BAD SEEDS
No More Shall We Part
...The Nick Cave of 2001 bears scant resemblance to the Cave of 1986, or even 1996, and many fans grumble that he's gone mainstream, becoming that which he used to rebel against. Too bad, for in dismissing his latest album No More Shall We Part, they're missing some of the best music of his career. (more)

Stagestruck

FEMI KUTI & POSITIVE FORCE/KARL DENSON'S TINY UNIVERSE
@Stubb's, Austin, TX; April 27, 2001
He was regal. There's no other word to describe him. As he took the stage to the Afrobeat vamp provided by his band Positive Force, Femi Kuti radiated royal charisma, commanding attention even when he'd gone no further than the wings. He was definitely a benevolent ruler, though, rather than a despot. He came to share his riches, not show them off. He wanted his band and the audience to feel the power he wields as the spiritual, life-giving force he believes it to be. Like his late father, the great Nigerian bandleader/composer/activist Fela Kuti, creator and undisputed emperor of Afrobeat, Femi believes music has the power to heal, uplift, change things for the better. His tight, funky take on his father's creation was so galvanizing even unbelievers could not remain unmoved. (more)

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