Music Reviews
Popular Music Reviews - Part 2 - May, 1996

By Cynthia Robertson

Ratings:
		Extraordinary
		Good
		Acceptable
		Mediocre
		Poor

		Sting
		"Mercury Falling"
		A & M Records Inc.
		Cat # 31454 0483 2
		$12.95
		Performance:
		Audio Quality

One really can't go wrong with Sting. His new album, Mercury Falling has that "Sting sound" where some songs are meant for listening to while driving a convertible, and some are meant for low lights and dance, depending on you or your significant other's mood.. His voice still has that romantic, and raspy tone to it that many women secretly wish that their loved one sounded like, including me. You will probably skip around songs, but the tracks, "I Am So Happy I Can't Stop Crying" and "All Four Seasons" are definite rewinders. I actually caught my boyfriend dancing with his cat, Emitt, in front of the mirror when Sting was on the radio. So much for my dance partner. Thus, if your squeeze decides to do the waltz with a pet, put Sting in the CD player, press track 9 and listen to him sing to you in French in "La Belle Dame Sans Regrets." Why didn't my French teacher ever look like him?

Cynthia Robertson

		Hootie & the Blowfish
		"Fairweather Johnson"
		Atlantic
		Cat # 82886-2
		$11.99
		Performance:
		Audio Quality:

I remember when this group premiered on the radio, and I was like, "Hoody and the what fish?" After I called the radio station to request a song, they cleared it up for me, and, I suppose for a few other people who care about enunciating words. Their latest album, Fairweather Johnson, is a CD that should be in your disc changer everyday except on December 25th, when you have to play organ and chimes for the relatives. Darius Rucker, the one with "that voice" Hootie fans know so well, does not even need backup music to carry the tune. This album is terrific. I can't name a single track to program out, because they are all keepers! If you say you are a Hootie fan, but aren't willing to grab for this CD, then make an appointment with a shrink! So stop fooling around on the Internet, and go purchase it before you have to settle for a backorder form!

Cynthia Robertson

		Gin Blossoms
		"Congratulations I'm Sorry"
		A&M Records
		Cat # 31454 0469 2
		$15.99
		Performance:
		Audio Quality

When I heard the popular track, "Follow You Down", from Congratulations I'm Sorry, I asked one of my friends if it was on their earlier album, New Miserable Experience. To be blunt, these two albums sound like they were made during the same recording session. If you blindfolded me and had me guess which album was which, I would be tossing a coin. Assuming you really like the Gin Blossoms, you have a good chance of liking their new album too (in fact, it could be called "Gin Blossoms, II"). Even though I am not a dedicated fan, I thought it was decent, but I would have rather invested in a cheese quesadilla from the local taco shop near San Diego State University. Okay. So you want to know the rewinder songs before (if) you buy it? "Follow you down" is good, but a little bit overplayed, and my other vote goes to "Perfectly Still". Two songs out of thirteen! Thumbs down even if I could get in on sale. Oh well, just a little reminder for you fans that the song, "Hey Jealousy" will always be hard to top!

Cynthia Robertson

© Copyright 1995, 1996, 1997 Secrets of Home Theater & High Fidelity
Return to Table of Contents for this Issue.