My View: Music

By Jessica Labrador
Special to The Advertiser

Style: Hip-hop

Rewind: Track No. 1 — "Ch-Check it Out"

Skip it: Track No. 7 (The title includes a profanity.)

My take: I've never been much of a fan of hip-hop, so I was expecting to hate what I'd hear shortly after pressing Play. But I was surprised to find nothing worth hating in the first track.

It starts off upbeat, marked with the Beastie Boys' signature party mood and rhymes to fit. A tactful move on the Boys' part to start off with a strong song to hook you in.

Each track seems to be composed of the same factors — throbbing bass and beats, semi-melodic electronic riffs, random samples and speedy lyrical work. Not necessarily a downfall, depending on what you're looking to get out of this album. If you like music in the hip-hop style, the equation may work for you.

Through most of this album, you may find yourself bobbing your head to its catchy beats.

The production sounds great and really accentuates the full rhythmic qualities of the songs. But at times, the vocals' obnoxious tendencies prevail and overpower the percussion, resulting in an irritating mess. But that (view) may be due to a personal preference biased against rapping. The seventh track fuels this opinion. (Just look at the title, a blunt profane statement, which also happens to be 50 percent of the chorus.)

This album is meant for fun. If you're in search of a soundtrack for a party, pick this up. For those looking for something more profound, walk past it.

Style: Rock

Rewind: Track No. 7 — "The View"

Skip it: Track No. 9 — "The Devil's Workday"

My take: The name Modest Mouse is usually synonymous with boredom and redundancy. Usually, but not this time. This CD slapped me in the face. Track No. 2, "World At Large," was mesmerizing. Consider me surrendered.

Something about the band's second major-label release seems different from the Modest Mouse I've heard in the past. The heavy use of numerous instruments and effects deepens their signature folk-influenced rock.

Faster-paced, danceable songs also expand the band's reach into fan bases of the unknown. Infectious songs such as "Float On" and "The View" make it impossible to keep your head still. Of course, what band doesn't have at least one danceable punk-funk number these days? However, these tracks really do make this record — no matter how many times that sound has been recycled. Additionally, Modest Mouse singer-songwriter Isaac Brock makes the two songs unique to the band with his twangy vocals.

Aside from an intro and interlude track, only half the record is worth listening to, while the other half makes up for the time lost with the scrap tracks.

LABRADOR

Have a video game or CD you want to review? Contact Island Life deputy editor Dave Dondoneau at ddondoneau@honoluluadvertiser.com.