Black Orchid - Three Sounds (The)

Advantages: Fourth great album from a great band
Disadvantages: All downhill afterwards

...Earlier readers will know of my love for the Crowes. In short I think they were the greatest. This album, released in 1996 to huge critical acclaim and no little commercial success, was the last in a quartet of brilliant albums from the USA's, and the worlds, premier rock group. It's another selection of upbeat rock, musicianship, unexpected chord changes, improbable lyrics and straightforward rock and roll. Whilst not as immediate as the three earlier albums it is a grower; very subtle and also with a more commercial sound. Sadly it all went a bit pear shaped afterwards. The truly great guitarist Marc Ford and bass player Jonny Colt both left after this album and The Crowes never really recovered. They will have their day again! UNDER A MOUNTAIN Kicks off with a strange reverse drumming beat over vocals, rather... Read review

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Advantages: Some of the tracks are absolutely excellent.
Disadvantages: A number of tracks are actually quite painful to listen to.

...' is the opening track, 'I'm Lonely (But I Ain't That Lonely Yet)' the closing track, whilst 'Take, Take, Take' is somewhere in between at number ten on the album. All three of these tracks are very different, equally impressive in their own ways however and all of them are well worth listening to. 'Blue Orchid' possesses a powerful guitar progression, 'I'm Lonely (But I Ain't That Lonely Yet)' on the other hand uses the piano to progress the track and this simple sound combined with the vocal output of Jack White really does come across incredibly well here. 'Take, Take, Take' utilises a simplistic drum beat and a simple piano sound also, the music works well though and once more the vocal sound of Jack White is incredibly striking here. The music is incredibly basic, supremely simple, and yet it works; the music sounds good, and in this instance less... Read review

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Advantages: Many great Pop Punk gems
Disadvantages: Probably wont appeal to those that don't usually go for Pop Punk

...The Explosion is one of those 'The Next Big Thing' branded bands - and the thing about these bands is that sometimes it happens for them, and sometimes it doesn't. However, in most of the cases where it just doesn't happen, the band isn't particularly great - this can't really be said of The Explosion. With 'Black Tape,' The Explosion has produced an album that although not entirely original, is full of substance, energy and excitement. There are many great tracks on display on this album that make The Explosion stand out from the pack and seem like a shining star in a sky of monotonous generic bands. This album kicks off with 'Deliver Us' which in some respects is a bit of a bad move because I'd say that this is probably one of the weaker tracks on the album. There is some heavy distortion on the guitars, and it doesn't really do... Read review

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