Music Reviews

Chicago, IL - Annie Lennox's BARE on J Records is true Annie in that it is soulful, deep, smooth and thought provoking. Lennox still holds a note just as well as she did 20 years ago when she was a Eurythmic. Producer Stephen Lipson puts together a well composed and written package which reveals Annie's depth and intricate nature. This is done with songs such as Pavement Cracks and The Hurting Time. She also displays strength and snap in the songs Bitter Pill and Twisted while being vulnerable with tracks like The Saddest Song I've Got. A true musical diva, she packs a prolific punch with this release. Grade: A+ CE

David Gahan of Depeche Mode strikes out on his own with his first release "Dirty Sticky Floors" on Reprise Records. With 7 mixes from which to choose, watch for Proggy regular's Lexicon Avenue mix. Deep, sexy and driving music with Gahan's smooth poetry layered over it scores a win for this single. CE

Back from outer space are the Pretenders with their new single "Time" on Artemis Records. Junior Vasquez reworks Chrissie Hind and company in the way only junior can. 8 mixes total, J.V.'s Earth Anthem delivers the goods with dramatic peaks and drops for the boys. Definitely worth a listen. CE

Speaking of the Pretenders, their classic "Brass in The Pocket" has been redone by diva Ultra Nate' on Peace Bisquet Music. With 10 mixes and an Acapella, there guarantees to be something for everyone. For deep flava, experience the Q & K Sessions mix and for a House-Hype combo, Red Top's Dub is sure to work any dance-floor. CE

In the wake of Andria Doria's Bucci Bag comes "Scandal in New York" from ICE featuring Uta Dare on SAW records. Funky Electro-house music with Uta's spoken lamentations over levels of fierceness makes for a funny and groovy tune. Only the Main mix is available at this time. CE

The H Foundation (Chicago's Halo and Hipp-E) gives us their first non-mixed album of original production work with "Environments" on Soma Records. A combination of House, Ambient, and Chill-out music pepper this release along with an explicit lyric warning for a track entitled "Scenario". It's a solid effort from the Foundation with favorites like "So Fine" and "Passage of Time" giving the House crowd something for which to live. CE

Live, sissies. Live! Queer as Folk releases it's third season of music on Tommy Boy Records. This double CD is packed with anthem favorites like Kristine W's "Some Lovin'", "Native Love" by Divine, and "The Sound of Violence" from Cassius. A cute selection makes for a perfect addition to season's One and Two's previous compilations. CE

New on West Coast House label Naked Music is "Lost On Arrival". Continuously mixed, this CD gives us 17 tracks that exemplify what W.C. House is all about. Remixes from Chicken Lips, Jas, J & S (Joeski) and Dimitri from Paris combine to remind listeners that soulful funk is still around. For those who like to be exposed to fun new styles of dance music, this CD comes recommended. CE