tune time

AFX - Chosen Lords: Compilation of the better tracks from the Analord 12" series released over the past year and a half. AFX, of course being a pseudynom for Aphex Twin, made all the tracks with good ol' fashioned analog gear, which I whole heartedly support and enjoy thoroughly. This comp is slightly less frenetic than aphex of late, and checks in with a groovier sound not unlike earlier orbital works. My computer deleted one of the tracks during a virus scan, because it was named after a trojan virus.

frank black - Fastman Raiderman: Franky's solo work never fails to utterly disapoint. It also continuously reminds me that I'd rather be reviewing a new breeders disc, which are unfortunately released at a fraction of the frequency to which we are subjected to mr. black's constant and uninspired bile.

be your own pet - Summer Sensations: Newest EP from this bunch of nashvillian teenagers. Being released on thurston moore's long running imprint, Ecstatic Peace, adds cred and/or hype as they rework two songs from their debut album, and add three new ones including 'take that walk' which sounds eerily similar to recent YYY's material.

massive attack - Collected: A two disc retrospective of sorts. The first part selects tunes from their four albums and tacks on their most recent single, 'live with me'. If you already have the first four afforementioned classics, the second part of Collected is far more interesting. It starts off with the mike meyers-ish piano menace of 'false flags', and winds it's way through other previously scattered gems & colabs from the likes of madonna and mos def. Despite being a hodge podge of tunes, it flows decently enough to tide us over until their next proper studio effort, Weather Underground, which is slated for a feb '07 release.

red hot chili peppers - Stadium Arcadium: Boring schmoring. 'Dani California' a conceptual character from the last two albums makes his reprise on the lead off single? Give me a break. They may as well put the tube socks back on their dicks.

the black angels - Passover: This austin band's debut serves up a nice helping of chuggy dirge rock, reminiscent of the Chrome Cranks. I picture a bunch of dusty gothed out cowboys with guitars slung around their shoulders drinking whiskey straight and cussing. Unfortunately, there is a secret track slipped in at the end about the iraq war, which is a fairly trite end to an otherwise decent disc.