March 2002's Best New CDs

Welcome to the March 2002 CD reviews. The great thing about pop music is that it's such an inclusive genre, and you'll hear everything from alternative to dance to metal to electronica. Each month we listen to dozens of new releases, select what we believe are the best, and feature them here. You'll recognize some of the artists in this month's review, but there will also be several talented independent and up and coming artists you'll be hearing about for the first time. It's all about the quality of the music, and the CD's below are some of this month's best new releases.

Daniel Ash - Daniel Ash

Daniel Ash is one of the pioneers of goth-rock. He was in the seminal band Bauhaus, and after they broke up formed Love and Rockets, made up of 3 former Bauhaus members. Love and Rockets dissolved in 1999, and Ash has released his first solo album since 1993. Daniel Ash is mainly electronica, and Ash masterfully weaves techno, dance loops, and psychedelica with eclectic percussion and mixes in just enough guitar to make it interesting. Ash fans don't need to worry, because this is not a happy dance CD. His typically gloomy lyrics are fully intact, just set to a more contemporary beat.

Web Link: http://www.danielash.org

Cher - Living Proof

She is the queen of comebacks. Cher was huge in the 70's, then disappeared. She came back in the 80's, and then disappeared again. She came back with a vengeance in 1999 with the number 1 song "Believe". She continues that momentum into the 21st century with Living Proof. The music is similar to Believe, highly produced, danceable pop with those same electronic vocal tricks. There may not be that number 1 smash here, but the depth of good songs is greater than Believe. Cher's distinctive voice, the lush production, and non-stop hooks make The Living Proof a highly enjoyable album, and it's great that Cher keeps on dancing well into her 50's.

Web Link: http://www.cher.com/

Roger Clyne and the Peacemakers - Sonoran Hope and Madness

Roger Clyne is the former frontman of the 90's rock band The Refreshments, an underrated band that put on a great live show when I saw them in concert back in the mid 90s. Clyne also wrote and recorded the theme song to the hit TV show King of the Hill. Sonoran Hope and Madness is the second release by Roger Clyne and the Peacemakers. It's a fantastic combination of country-rock and Americana with a slice of old Mexico. Clyne's trademark humorous and ironic lyrics are on display, but he also shows the other side of his personality, writing songs that are poignant and emotional. Sonoran Hope and Madness is an album of musical and lyrical contrasts, and that is what makes it so damn good.

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