English music: Here’s what you want on your iPod, recommends Luke Kenny.
Infestation
Ratt
Roadrunner Records
**1/2
One of the big metal bands of the 1980s makes a comeback after 11 years. It’s the original line-up that has Stephen Pearcy on vocals and Warren DiMartini on guitars, with the exception of Carlos Cavazo, who joins them from Quiet Riot (remember them?).
Anyway, Ratt were a huge success in the ’80s, and at the height of their powers, stood up there with other stalwarts like Bon Jovi, Cinderella, Poison, Warrant, Def Leppard, Skid Row and the Scorpionsm among others. Now, while most of the classic ’80s sound has gone out the window, there are still a few fans scattered around the world that will be pleasantly amused at this release. This is just a re-run of an era that had its fun times, and will no doubt live on in retro-tours that will also, no doubt, be very successful amongst the fans. I have no problem with that, more power to whatever works.
Who I Am
Nick Jonas And The Administration
Universal
***
The first Jonas brother to go solo, Nick released his debut album in 2004, but this is his first album with his new band, The Administration. The Jonas brothers have always displayed excellent songwriting skills as a trio unit and Nick Jonas’ solo songwriting skills get full space here, as he brings a bluesy edge to his output.
So, while the songs are nice and all, one can’t help but hearing a mild John Mayer hidden in there somewhere. It’s that emotional pull that Nick (ahem) ‘administers’ when he sings that does it, I guess. Check out, Rose garden, Who I am and Conspiracy theory.
Troubadour
K’Naan
Sony Music
**
The third album from Somalian rapper and artist K’Naan opens up the can of worms that has existed in Somalia for all the past decades. Considered a ‘protest’ artist in some circles, K’Naan is primarily just a free and straight-thinking poet-songwriter who wants to tell stories about his life and things that have influenced him in many ways.
So, while the songs are nice and all, one can’t help but hearing a mild John Mayer hidden in there somewhere. It’s that emotional pull that Nick (ahem) ‘administers’ when he sings that does it, I guess. Check out, Rose garden, Who I am and Conspiracy theory.
Troubadour
K’Naan
Sony Music
**
The third album from Somalian rapper and artist K’Naan opens up the can of worms that has existed in Somalia for all the past decades. Considered a ‘protest’ artist in some circles, K’Naan is primarily just a free and straight-thinking poet-songwriter who wants to tell stories about his life and things that have influenced him in many ways.
As it is with all hip-hop songwriters who write from real life, the hardships, the colonialism, the racism, the first world exploitation all come to the surface in some fine grooves and bass lines that make this one quite a breeze to listen to. But one can’t help but notice that while the Somalian struggle still continues, artists like K’Naan, who although bring much needed light to the problems of a country, still makes his millions touring off, of that very content. Confusing? Give this a listen.
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