8 - The Michigan Daily - Wednesday, December 3, 1997 'Live' lives up Badu's soulful standards Erykah Badu Live Kedar/Universal Records It hasn't even been a year since Kedar/Universal recording artist Erykah Badu burst onto the music scene with her "Baduism" debut, but she has already established herself as one of music's premier artists. One might wonder if she may have been overexposing herself by releasing a live album only 10 months after her debut, but "Live" has more than a few pleasant surprises in store for those who thought she was only redoing songs from "Baduism." The first of those surprises is obviously "Tyrone," the unbelievably clever sin- gle that may become the anthem for women who are tired of get- ting taken advantage of in relationships. The music for the song, like all of Badu's music, is relaxed, laid back and very bluesy. Erykah's lyrics cut with the precision of a scalpel, yet strike with the force of a chainsaw and her voice conforms perfectly to the moods, emo- tions and ideas expressed with every word that passes through her lips. Both the live and studio versions of "Tyrone" (both included on the album) are an absolute joy. The surprises don't stop there. As of late, remakes of old R&B songs have been the musical trend and Erykah has not been any exception to this. But there is a difference between simply going into the studio and recording someone else's song (which is what most R&B artists do) and paying genuine homage to the original artists who were innova- tive enough to create such a song that it is worthy of remaking. While Badu's previous remake fit into the former cat- egory, the remakes of R&B classics "Searching" "Jamaica Funk," "Boogie Nights," "All Night Long" and "Stay" definitely fit the latter category. From hearing her renditions of each of these songs, one can tell that the utmost care has been put into doing jus- tice to the original songs and the origi- nal artists. Even when she is re-performing her old songs, Badu doesn't rest on her lau- rels. In performing her most popular songs, Badu keeps her music flexible enough to allow for seemingly sponta- neous changes in her performance, which only add to the mesmerizing mystique of her and her music. She even does a freestyle rap at the end of "On & On" that would make Lauryn Hill of the Fugees proud. An additional treat is the completely original "Ye Yo," which is a heartfelt tribute to the child to which she has recently given birth and to the sacred institution of mother- hood. Badu's latest effort includes all of the traits that have become her trademark: jazzy, bluesy music, thoughtful and insightful lyrics, sin- cere and heartfelt vocals and an element of surprise that keeps her eyes on the clouds, but keeps her feet on solid ground. If you are a fan of Erykah Badu ... and who isn't? ... this album belongs in your music collection. - JuQuan Williams Metallica Re-Load Elektra They've done it well and have proven many critics very wrong. Just one year later, Metallica has released a follow up to "Load" "Re- Load" re-establishes Metallica as a heavy band, but one that will not be confined or compromise on creative evolution. The 27 songs that fill "Load" and "Re-Load" originally were supposed to make a double album. The decision to release the albums separately was defi- nitely the best in the interest of the band as well as the fans. It gave Metallica more time to work on "Re-Load"'s quality selection of songs. It also gives the band a chance to prove to its fans that Metallica has not gone soft. Compared to "Load," "Re-Load" is raw and stripped down, almost as pow- erful as any live Metallica concert. The first song, "Fuel," is an all-out musical attack. If you are not banging your head by James Hetfield's first vocal rant, then Metallica will find its way through your speakers and bang it for you. Perhaps the most attention-grabbing track on the album is "The Unforgiven II." From the title, you would think that it is a remake of "The Unforgiven" the radio/MTV hit from Metallica's 1992 self-titled album. But it's not just that. The band teases fans by beginning the song with the original "Unforgiven'"s drum and horn introduction. But Metallica then recon- structs the original's bass, drum and guitar lines and adds even more gut- wrenching lyrics. On top of that, Metallica gives us a play on words (Buy the album and find it yourself). What more could we ask for? Just 12 more powerful tunes, which Metallica gladly delivers. New fans should not be concerned about Metallica reverting to the days of leather and 12-minute epics. Metallica's experimental side shows through on "Re-Load." The most diverse track on "ReLoad" has to be "Low Man's Lyric." It is basi- cally an Irish jig, slowed down and complemented with violins. Just as on every track, lyricist, vocalist and gui- tarist James Hetfield belts out potent lyrics, but on this one, he sings a little softer and a little slower to reveal a story behind the song. There is one song on "Re-Load" that could possibly define the entire album. The track, "Prince Charming," displays James Hetfield's well-respected lyrical and vocal abilities. It contains the clas- sic and often copied Hetfield thrashing guitar line (shown best on "Master of Puppets") and guitarist Kirk Hammet's bluesy, "Load" reminiscent solo stunts. Bassist Jason Newsted and drummer Lars Ulrich provide a solid backbone on this and every track with a display of technique and power, unattainable for most bands. On every Metallica album, Ulrich contributes a ferocious yet intricate drum ensemble. On "Re-Load," his per- formance resembles his work on Metallica's 1992 self-titled album, which made every headbanger dream of playing the drums. Metallica fans old and new will think "Re-Load" rocks. It is just another notch on Metallica's belt of success. After 16 years, if Metallica hasn't made you bang your head yet, it has reloaded and definitely will this time around. - Jewel Gopwani The Pietasters Willis Hellcat Records I love my family dearly. I really do. My mom, dad and sister each hold spe- cial places in my heart. Do you know what I love even more? The new Pietasters record, "Willis." One of today's greatest ska bands, the 'Tasters have managed to out-do them- selves on this, their fourth and latest release. "Willis," the band's first record on indie giant Hellcat (a subsidiary of Epitaph), showcases a slight change in style for the band. The group's harsher, more "rocking" side gets exposed on "Willis"Steve Jackson's distinctive vocals are much rawer on this record than their other major studio release, "Oolooloo." Baby, if this is harsh, I can't wait to hear these boys when they start to play rough. Erykah Badu delivers her second album in a single year with the stellar "Live." When you pick up your copy of of tunes like "Crazy Monkey Wom "Willis"-- and you will pick up a copy the album's opening track. for yourself - expect to hear seven The band hails from Washinj great musicians playing some damn D.C., and was formed in 1990, a fine ska. The horn arrangements on many bands are, with few expectati "Willis" are incredible, to say the least. little experience and a lot of h Notes that are higher than you thought According to Jackson, the only pleasant come across with perfect clari- future the guys saw in the band wa an," Is so ons, eart. real as as From metalheads to meatheads to Deadheads, Metallica always has and always will demand respect. For all of Metallica's musical contri- butions until 1996's "Load," its image remained the same. It's funny how much a haircut or a new shirt influences the public's perception of someone's art. And the public's negative reaction to 1996's "Load" was just another hurdle for the men in Metallica to jump. ty and in perfect tune. Trombone, sax and trumpet solos have a prominent place on the record than typically overdone guitar solos that most albums are plagued with. This is musicianship at its finest. I've got noth- ing against Tom Goodin, the 'Tasters guitarist, who also does a fine job on "Willis" not only as musician but as a songwriter. Huge fans of the Motown sound, the Pietasters cover a few "old school" clas- sics on this record. Their interpretations of "Quicksand," "Time Won't Let Me" and Jimmy Easter's "New Breed" make one thing crystal clear to listeners: This ain't your daddy's rock and roll. The Pietasters also make clear their other influences on "Willis." The reggae and Caribbean feelings of songs like "Without You" (my personal favorite) strike a nice contrast with the hard edge an avenue for "getting free beer." Oh, what's that I hear? You like what you're hearing now? Can you relate to this desire? Can you? Their quest for free beer aside, the Pietasters have shaped their sound : one of the most distinct on the ska scene in recent years. Before recording "Willis," the 'Tasters made 12 tours (count 'em, 12) of the country, with the Toasters, the Scofflaws and now main- stream successes, the Mighty Mighty Bosstones. This CD is ska. This band, this record, is why you should become a fan of ska music. Don't do it because it's the next big thing, do it because ofOe Pietasters. When you find that special place in your heart for the Pietasters and "Willis," I'm sure your family will for- give you. Mine did. - Gabe Fajuri ~o4~ {~s J~1 a I ~~Ai Sierra offers 'Hoyle' to relieve boredom MICHIGAN RECORDS arreal music.ra S fi & sat.: 9:On e:663.80 11,40 south university (above goodtime chadeys), AA 1 fr. & sat.: 9:00a-1 1:00p 11:0oa-8:QO--m n-hus:90a100p snas it never I THiE GRATEFUL DEAD Skeletons From The Closet I qstp we Trice 'emow y9ou pf "em ... Wve In'e ivwfe ow, wve ~rcfeeeeA w, vieftf Hoyle Classic Board Games Sierra" Win 3.1/'95 CD ROM On the heels of the popularity of "Hoyle Classic Card Games," Sierra has released yet another surefire success: "Hoyle Classic Board Games." The games in the collection include Snakes and Ladders, Parchisi (known as Sorry or Trouble to us), Chinese Checkers, Yacht (Yahtzee), Chess, C h e c k e r s, Backgammon, Dominoes, Battling Ships (Battleship), and a form of Mah-Jongg wittily called "Zen Bones." Also included with the game is a demo of the Classic Card Games and a version of Blackjack. The 12 challengers to the player are as varied as the selected games. Among the more fun ones: a talking bear, an android from the future, a bickering married couple from space, and a trap- per from the 1800s with a beaver pup- pet. Throughout all the games except the single-player Zen Bones, there is con- stant heckling from the opponents. Sometimes it can be ridiculously funny and sometimes it's just annoying patter. The opponents' nonstop chatter spices up what would otherwise be a dull game. Even with the chatter, the opponents are no slouches. Checkers is almost an impossible game even on the "easy" setting. Pachisi can get frustrating because each of the opponents seems to just get the exact roll to knock you back to the start. Dominoes is the only relatively easy game in the package. Battling Ships puts a new twist on the game, adding little missile launchers to fire at your ships and explosions of fire erupting from the spots that are hit. The rest of the games are pretty much as we know them. The most addicting game included is Zen Bones, where the object is to match all -the tiles until you can't match any more. There are several dif- ferent tile schemes that you can use, some easier than others. The hardest scheme, which is almost impossible to complete, is defi- nitely the Pyramid. The easier ones are all the city-based puzzles, such as Pompeii. One negative aspect of the game is the not-so-clear instructions. Some rules aren't explained at all. While most of the games are self-explanatory, for those unfamiliar with all of the games, it could be confusing. "Hoyle Classic Board Games" is brought alive by Sierra's usage of its talk- ative opponents. They provide a chal- lenge, as well as making the game fun. The challenge is so great that the games never get too easy or boring. Each of the games occupy you for a while, until you move on to the next one, making you want to play the old games again. - Steve Paruszkiewicz ER I.l NBA Live '98 EA Sports Sony Playstation FOREIGN i TRACY CHAPMAN Tracy Chapman alwas oef 2,1v1 ie+ eSockptDi "A On4 AP) For the past few years, EA Sports has proven itself to be the king of the hard- wood and with the release of "NBA Live '98,' there won't be any reason to change the crown size. "Live '98" is more than just a pol- ished "Live '97." Of course the "Live" gurus at Electronic Arts tweaked and fine tuned the gameplay, sound and graphics, but they have added new plays, moves, dunks and even a three- point shootout to the mix.The result is an appetizing blend of dazzling dunks, slick spins, killer crossovers and fade- away buzzer-beaters all served up with a side of "Riiiii-cola!" The game's play-by-play comnl- tary is done by TBS/TNT analyst Verne Lundquist and is a little less dry than last year's version. Rosters are as up to date as possible, with Shawn Kemp, Vin Baker and Terrell Brandon included on their new clubs and there are new logos and are- nas EA has upgraded the Artificial Intelligence again, and even add Superstar level of game play for tI- who broke the press on All-Star level last year. The new Al also factors into player trades. This is an excellent feature, but sometimes it appears as if the program- mers didn't read the scouting reports. For example, the computer allowed New York Knicks Patrick Ewing, Chris Childs and Allan Houston to be traded for San Antonio Spur David Robin , who's not that good, but wouldn't s Chicago Bull Scottie Pippen for L.A. Lakers' Nick Van Exel, Eddie Jones, and Kobe Bryant. Scottie isn't THAT good either. The gameplay underwent some changes as well. For the most part, expect the same solid control that has made this series popular. The difference this time around is the options a player has. Now you can select and pass to player that you want to instead of the "blind passing" system -which, by the way, has cost me more than few hairs. No more last second three pointer's taken by a player who unexpectedly (and unintentionally) gets the pass. There is also a drive button that makes the ball handler go strong to the hole, t..., - ,1..--4U- U i U_ - -P- 41t14fhc tIev r , 1ot( Mmo KiA ..o~a 'J. Ctmre." 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