CD review
Now that the summer months have come to a close, the music industry is relying less on major releases — at least until winter — giving smaller, lesser-known artists
a chance to make a footprint in
the market. Let’s see if they use
the opportunity.

Thomas Mapfumo & The Blacks Unlimited,

“Chimurenga Rebel /

Manhungetunge”

(double CD),

Anonymous

Web Productions
Originally from Zimbabwe, now residing in Eugene, the group mixes traditional African musical stylings and pop music with strong political messages.
The band’s musical ability is strong, especially in percussion and guitar work, but the arrangements are so tight they allow no room to move.
The whole group feels on the verge of breaking loose and wailing, but instead they repeat the same rhythms over and over.
This isn’t much of a problem on the “Chimurenga Rebel” disc, but on “Manhungetunge,” where the arrangements are up to two minutes longer, it becomes a glaring issue. The songs march on in dull monotony.

Sleater-Kinney,

“One Beat,”

Kill Rock Stars
Not that monotony has to be bad. When used right it can be very effective, as proved by this album. The guitars pound the rhythms into your head, like the band is trying to make a point with them.
Other than a few unnecessary additions, the production on the album is smooth as silk, allowing every nuance of the band’s style to show through.
The band hollers it up on rockers like “Light-Rail Coyote” and “Far Away,” taking simple beats and spanking them till they burn.
One of the album’s best is “Combat Rock,” which in vocals and music sounds like a march to battle. They’ll be playing the Crystal Ballroom in Portland on Sept. 27.

Rosey,

“Dirty Child,”

Island Records
Next up is one of Rolling Stone’s “Ten New Artists to Watch,” apparently on the theory that watching her is slightly more entertaining than listening to her.
“Dirty Child,” the artist’s debut album, feels like an exercise in overproduction. The first seven tracks are all dominated by background. Urban beats, string arrangements and every trapping of ’80s solo singers overshadow a voice that seems like it would be more at home at an acoustic performance (Rosey is doing such a performance at Borders on Sept. 25; I hope it comes off better than the album).
The last few tracks do show some promise, as the production is toned down in favor of a more direct approach. Rosey even shows a sly sense of humor on the last track, “My Baby,” which is a touchy number that seems right out of the ’40s. Crackles and pops are added over the vocals to make the whole thing sound like a scratchy old record. It’s a nice touch that only shows what the rest of the album could have been.

Upcoming concert
Also on the music front is the “Back to the Few Tour,” coming to the WOW Hall on Sept. 30, featuring Relient K, Bleach, Philmore
and Holland.
All these bands are almost deliriously popish, busting out catchy hooks and melodies like they’re going out of fashion. Good, but not for diabetics, so catch them before top-40 radio does.