Flavor Flav - Flavor Flav

Draytown/Redeye

Flavor Flav--what isn't he doing these days? Co-founder of Public Enemy and star of VH1's Top-rated Flavor of Love, has put out his first-ever solo album! Playing virtually all the instruments heard, he sang, co-wrote, and co-produced the album. When asked about the album he had this to say, "I got some things off my chest, but not all. I doubt I will ever do another one though. What I'm gonna do is make this one a collector's item; my first and only solo album, ever."
I never thought of Flav as the soft hearted individual he has shown to be in his solo work. He even journeyed into singing, a first, and once you get past the shock of hearing him, you might actually enjoy it; our editor did.

Mark Chesnutt - Heard It In A Love Song

CBuJ

Mark Chesnutt is one of Country music's true gems. Hailed as a classic Country singer of the first order and one of Country music's most elite. His stature is easily gauged; he has 14 No. 1 hits, 23 top ten singles, four platinum albums, five gold records and maintains his steady presence with a grueling tour schedule year after year.
In "Heard It In A Love Song" is homage to some of Chesnutt's personal heroes. He renditions songs that are best described as "sleepers," songs that may not have been big hits, that are real great songs, full of soul. And Mark brings it all together with his rich baritone voice. This is tragic ballads, witty guitar playing, truth in word. Boys and girls... this is country.

Black Crowes - Freak'n'Roll Into The Fog: The Black Crowes All Join Hands

2 Disc. Eagle

It matters where one makes their stand. The Fillmore ranks as one of the few venues nearly any listener of rock in the entire world has heard of. It is no mistake of fate that led the Black Crowes here to shoot a concert DVD, record a live album and dig into an extended, freewheeling examination of their entire catalog--a musical mountain that includes six official studio albums and hundreds of unreleased tracks and inspired cover tune selections.
It is one of the best live albums ever! It is going up there with John Pauper's (Blue's Traveler) live shows! Mind blowing! Soulfully, these boys have matured better than a fine wine. It seems that since the 90's they have learned more about themselves, and it is truly displayed through the songs they play here. Good Medicine.

Various Artists - Soundtrack to The Science Of Sleep

Astralwerks

I haven't seen the movie, but man do I have to. I will be walking around this week telling people "shh, I am trying not to wake myself." The Science of Sleep was written and directed by Michel Gondry, the boundless creator of inventive films (Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind) and award-winning music videos (Bjork, Daft Punk, The White Stripes).
The soundtrack is surreal and engaging. A beautiful mix of spoken word, bluesy rock'n'roll episodes and well designed orchestration. Jean-Michel Bernard's dreamlike original score provides the backbone for the music, while other highlights include the Lou Reed cover version "If You Rescue Me" and two tracks by up and coming rockers The Willowz.

Editor's Note: I must have heard a dozen or two records from Astralwerks and every one is better than the next. And they didn't pay me a dime to say that!

The Flairs - Shut Up And Drive

Pacific/Warner Music Canada

This is the best of Canada's crop. The Farish are a racy spin of 80's-rock-goes-punk. They have hot and steamy bass solos. A gorgeous lead singer with the voice to match. The lyrics are very strong and about the rebel yell! "Oh yeah, I know you want to come and get some!"

Depeche Mode - Touring The Angel: Live in Milan

2 Disc CD/DVD Sire/Reprise/Warner Bros.

"Touring The Angel" was hailed as one of the most successful, highly grossing and critically acclaimed tours of the last year. Now it is available to be re-lived on a special 3-disc digi-pack set.
Depeche Mode comes out with an album like this once and only once every 25 years. Having outlived their logical career span by, oh let's just say about 20 years or so, they are still bringing the 80's back to life. Synth beats and white jeans with black leather... yep all there. Dearly devoted fans will enjoy this album and DVD. I believe that Depeche Mode has always been best live.

Carrie Hassler & Hard Rain - Seven Miles From Wichita

Rural Rhythm

Carrie Hassler is blessed with a beautiful and diverse voice. She just belts out and is able to tie the bluegrass sound together. And her band is gifted. The musicians play with so much love and passion. I put this in and was kept excited from the first song to the end of the list. It is a must hear for any bluegrass lover.

William Lee Ellis - God's Tattoos

Yellow Dog

This is a real gem of a find. Ellis' music is filled with raw bursting emotion. God's Tattoos is as exciting to listen to as it's title. "It's just another one of God's tattoos" is a phrase referring to the ink that draws your life, which is experience. Ink me baby.

Hostility - Uncompromised

The Pen/Voltaic/Fontana

The guys of Hostility bust our chops with Uncompromised, a struggling attempt to be the roughest heir to the thrash-metal throne yet. Mixed by Colin Richardson, whose works include Slipknot, Machine Head and Sepultura, I was expecting a higher caliber of entertainment. The assembled music was really up to par, everything you'd expect from a band who claims they were inspired by Cannibal Corpse. Still, there really is only need for one screaming angry growl band a lifetime. And that has already been done.

Los Straitjackets With the World Famous Pontani Sisters Feat. Kaiser George - Twist Party"

CD/DVD, Yep Roc/Redeye

What do lucha libre Mexican wrestling masks, vintage surf music, three sisters from another planet (by way of Brooklyn), wearing white knee-high boots and a dancing craze known as Go-Go Robics have in common? One thing--Los Straightjackets.
This groundbreaking dual package combines the rock and rolling skills of the #1 surf beat band, Los Straightjackets, and the renowned choreography of the burlesque revolution's grand dames, the World Famous Pontani Sisters. Vocals being done by their choreographer-turned-singer Kaiser George, the album features new versions of great songs by the likes of Fats Domino, Joey Dee and Robert Parker and also boasts it own 13 original tracks.
The DVD is phenomenal. The Pontani's guide you through the choreography and conduct a workout based on their groundbreaking Go-Go Robics. They also star in a pair of music videos of Los Straightjacket's funky music.

Editor's Note: As a Peppermint Twister myself, I used to go down to 45th St. in New York City. I went there to pick up chicks at the Peppermint Twist Dancehall and Bar. That's where I met my wife, Sonia.

The Grates - Gravity Won't Get You High

Cherrytree/Interscope/Universal

Beautifully designed rampages stream through the speakers with the charm of a wildflower. The Grates, remember that. You can get completely captured by the originality of The Grates. The Grates are Patience, vocalist, who has a voice that snaps your attention like a whip, John, guitarist, and Alana, drummer. Fresh outta Australia this a winning pick.

Editor's Note: Last time I looked at the charts, this band wasn't there. Their label is heavy-duty, so as far as I am concerned, there is no excuse for this band not being a huge hit.

Stanton Moore - III

Telarc

Stanton Moore, native to New Orleans, is a product of geography, culture and creative colleagues. He was brought up in a thriving music scene filled with countless Big Easy mainstays such as the Meters and Professor Longhair. He joined the steamroller funk band Galactic in the early 90's and launched a solo career in the later years. He maintains a healthy alliance with awesome saxophonist Skerik and drummer Mike Dillon, both of whom have worked alongside Les Claypool (Primus).
III, aptly titled as it is Stanton Moore's third solo recording, is teeming with jazzed up grooves and colorful guitar solos. It includes a solemn tribute to Moore's beleaguered hometown with a three-song suite.

Rage Against The Machine - Live At The Grand Olympic Auditorium

CD/DVD, Epic/Sony BMG

On live the live albums! There is only way to make a band like Rage Against The Machine better, and that is to see them live. Since we can't do this anymore, second best is popping in the live CD's.
The recordings include all the best political sticklers,"Bullet In The Head," "Sleep Now In The Fire" and "No Shelter" are just the beggining. I know this is an old album, but the messages shouldn't be forgotten.

Editor's Note: I miss you guys and the brilliant leftist music that you created. There hasn't been lyrics and music as powerful since.

Chris Thile - How To Grow A Woman From The Ground

Sugar Hill

At the young age of twenty-five, Chris Thile, who plays the mandolin, has accomplished more than most--2 million albums sold with Grammy-winning Nickel Creek, six solo albums and a side career as an in-demand studio musician.
"How To Grow A Woman From The Ground" is a raw mix of original compositions, and inventive takes from disparate sources such as The White Stripes, Gillian Welch and Jimmie Rodgers. Influenced greatly by personal heartaches and struggles Thile is not only a mandolin genius, but a modern day bluegrass legend.

Veruca Salt - IV

Sympathy For The Record Industry

Veruca Salt "IV" is a collection of 14 tracks that mark a new era for the band. It is her first album in six years. Louise Post (vocalist) and Stephen Fitzpatrick have been joined by bassist Nicole Fiorentino and rejoined by drummer Kelli Scott.
The album offers up the same crushing guitars while the lyrics have gone to a deeper level of meaning. Their sound has been reformed; no longer the angry sad girl music of yesterday.
***So Nice, Gotta Do It Up Twice (Created by the Original NYC DJ, Jocko, 1955)***

Brad Mehldau Trio - House On Hill

Nonesuch/Warner Music Group

This album is a well thought through jazz composition. It is a project that was ultimately about a decades worth of various works. Formulated and well refined, it is a little above my taste. It is like the rambling science professor, just more enjoyable to listen to while, say, painting. A very classy work of harmony and melody.

Laika Fatien - Look At Me Now!

Night & Day/Body & Soul

Laika Fatien has a voice so unique that you have no wonder why she is one of the few jazz vocal artists to break out of Europe. The album was recorded live without electronics, and Laika was backed by a seasoned quartet. The result is a breathtaking album that reminds me of the lethal 007 love scenes.

Vincent Van Go Go - Do U Know?

Maureno/Quango/Fontana

Their music is cheerful and their debut album is a blend of pop, funk and soul with note of hip-hop. Natives of Denmark, their goal when recording this was to make a CD 'with a positive vibe and make people dance.' Well, I'm not dancing but there is nothing holding you back. Everyone should check these guys out and see why their sound is moving audiences worldwide.

Co-editor's Note: While most Danish groups are drawn to the melancholy of New York City and London to fuel their creative exploits, Vincent Van Go Go gravitated to the warmth and openness of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, to influence their carefree sound. Hey guys, you definitely accomplished your goal.

Ben Connelly - Over You

AD/CD

I am not turned on by Ben Connelly, yet I am compelled to write a bit about where he's been, because I believe he is going to good places. He is a man of "been-there-done-that-ness."
Extremely gifted at playing the bass, cello, organ and piano he has hitchhiked across the US with nothing but guitar in hand. He's done his time in rehabs and detoxes; he's given himself to fatherhood and Zen practice. Through it all he has been devoted to storytelling, and here is a collection of songs that bring the stories to light.

Head Automatica - Popaganda

Warner Bros.

Pop is back in a good way! Say buh-bye to the modern day images of Backstreet Boys, American Idol and Blink 182. They have it all: 50's-style doo-wop balladeering on "Scandalous," to 70's riffage on "Laughing At You." They even have disco! Cherish these guys; they are one-of-a-kind.
"We didn;t want to make a record about pain, we didn't want to make an album about crying. We didn't want to make a record about being hurt. We just wanted to make a brilliant power-pop record." -Daryl Palumbo (frontman and former frontman of Glassjaw)

Kenny Chesney - Live Those Songs Again

BNA/SonyBMG

Kenny Chesney didn't have the immediate breakout success that many of his peers enjoyed upon signing with a major label. Rather he gradually built up a loyal following by hard work, pop-friendly ballads, and a likable, honest-man persona.
This CD has all the best songs he has performed. And it is all LIVE, which is all the better! Live albums put you in the position to live the emotional roller coaster. Man does Chesney do it! He puts all that he is into his performance and even though this was a huge concert, Kenny makes it personal. So enjoy the intimate aura of Kenny Chesney as you go about your busy day.

I come across the border, you stop me? Que pasa?
When I'm in the courtroom, I'm guilty? Que pasa?
Something goes wrong, who you mad at? My Raza.
And why you trippin'? I built your new casa!

Cada vez que miro.
El dia esta frio.
Como luz yo brillo.
Let me see your lighters in the air!

Things get ugly when we talk about race.
Then they get scary with the color of my face.
Don't put me on the news, it's a damn disgrace.
You took away my land and complained about space.
Let me put the subject out here in the open.
Treat me like an enemy, you got me in your scope and
Now a days violence is the key to success.
My people work in this country and take away your stress, yes.
187, Mr. Terminator, Governor, whatever I'm a call you a hater.
Aztec, Maya. Combination fiya. Nicaragua warrior diminish all the liars.
Phone tap wire. Soldiers for hire.
Third world country. A first world desire.

Bravo conmigo porque no hablas espanol.
No te pongas bravo you pinche caracol.
Everyone what we need to do is get along,
Or one day it'll hit you like I'm hittin' on this bong.

I come across the border, you stop me? Que pasa?
When I'm in the courtroom, I'm guilty? Que pasa?
Something goes wrong, who you mad at? My Raza.
And why you trippin'? I built your new casa!

Creceran los ninos para heredar
Children will grow to inherit

Todas estas tierras de mar a mar
All these lands from sea to sea

Adelante pueblo en su lucha digna
Move forward people in your dignified struggle

A la larga venceremos, esta es nuestra consigna
In the long run we will overcome, this is our commitment

Political Article: My Stomach is Touching My Back Copyright 2006 San Francisco Chronicle By: Paul Ash The federal government has decided to drop the word "hunger" from its vocabulary, according to a new report released by the USDA. The reason? USDA sociologist Mark Nord, the author of the report, claims that the term "hungry" is "not a scientifically accurate term for the specific phenomenon being measured in the food security survey. We don't have a measure of that condition." The USDA will now use the term "very low food security" to describe people who used to be considered "food insecure with hunger." Statistically speaking, hunger will no longer exist in America. The release of the report, however, follows five straight years of increases in the number of Americans unable to afford the food they need. Nord and the USDA may feel comfortable saying there is no hunger in America, simply because they can't find a precise scientific measure to describe it. It is not so difficult. In fact, it's so easy a child could do it. A young boy at a San Francisco food pantry knows exactly how to describe hunger. He says, "My stomach is touching my back." To be fair, the USDA's point is not that hunger doesn't exist, but that this particular survey, the annual "Household Food Security in the United States," is designed to measure food security -- an economic and social condition related to limited or uncertain access to food. Hunger is a physiological condition. Because the USDA doesn't ask survey participants about their physiological symptoms, it can't claim that the study measures "hunger." Unfortunately, no national government survey exists that does measure hunger in a more precisely defined way, and there are no plans to start one. In the meantime, the "Household Food Security" study is our federal government's principal gauge of -- forgive my use of the term -- hunger in America. If the government stops using the word "hunger," people may begin to believe that hunger has gone away. It hasn't. Just ask that little boy whose stomach is touching his back. Whatever you call the problem, the statistics are grim: 35 million people in America are living in food-insecure households. And while the good news is that this represents an 8 percent drop nationally over last year, here in California the rate of food insecurity has remained unchanged since 2000. The USDA's study classifies 11 percent of Californians as food insecure. In San Francisco, the rate is even higher. Based on U.S. Census data, 1 in 5 adults and 1 in 4 children in San Francisco face the threat of hunger. Hunger is especially devastating for our most vulnerable citizens: children and seniors. From lower academic achievement to long-term cognitive impairment, chronic disease, illness and obesity, the effects of childhood hunger can last -- or shorten -- a lifetime. For seniors, malnutrition can become a major health risk, often resulting in extended hospital stays and increased health-care costs. Yet for the past six years, the Bush administration has been cutting food-assistance programs, and in some cases, proposing to eliminate them. For example, the administration's 2007 budget aims to "zero out" the national Commodity Supplemental Food Program, which serves nearly 10,000 low-income seniors in San Francisco alone, and move these people to the Food Stamp program. There are two main obstacles to this working. First, seniors who receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) are ineligible for Food Stamps in California - and almost all low-income seniors receive SSI. Additionally, a senior with just $3,100 in savings would be ineligible for Food Stamps but still qualify for the supplemental food program. The continued unraveling of our nation's food safety net, will mean that more elderly Americans will go to bed hungry, more working poor parents will have to choose between paying the rent or putting food on the table, and more children will perform poorly in school and be unprepared for productive work lives. The new Democratic-led Congress has an important opportunity to reverse these policies. They can take the lead in combatting hunger by restoring and increasing funding for the government food-assistance programs that provide vital nutrition to low-income Americans. And they should never be afraid to call hunger by its name.

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