“Expect the Expected” seems to be the motto these days in the
music industry. It seems that the once-wonderful art of music has fell prey
to the dollar. There is now a sort of manufacturing act being seen with the
likes of American Idol and pop bands. When I saw Side Three,
the new Adrian Belew CD, I didn’t really think much of it. Most CDs with
colorful covers tend to have music not following suit. But as the first track
emanated through my speakers, I was happily scratching my head with confusion.
“Troubles” has a very hip-hop vibe to it, which is such a joy from
a punk/alternative CD. Belew seems to be talking and rapping with a sound similar
to that of a speech from the 50s or 60s by an African-American. The constant
hip-hop induced beat works well throughout and when the guitar comes in, it
makes for a very different and interesting sound to entertain the eardrums.
“Incompetence Difference” is a faster song with the drums working
as the catalyst, the guitar adding personality, Belew turning an intriguing
variation of vocals. “Water Turns to Wine” takes a more subtle approach,
allowing the listener to indulge in the instrumentation while the vocals come
in at short bursts.
The next four tracks offer a more experimental edge. Belew could have easily
just carried on in a more mainstream fashion, but instead shows us more from
his bag of tricks. “Cinemusic” is a nice example, offering a kind
of alien-meets-baby-in-pram sound, if you know what that sounds like. It seemed
that this would be one of those CDs that can be enjoyed throughout without any
real stand-outs, but then came “Men in Helicopters V4.0,” a tune
that takes my mind back to the classic song-making of the 60s and 70s. It has
a very Beatlesque sound, but the lyrics are powerful enough to differentiate
it from any comparison. The violin attacks you from the first second and then
descends into a smooth melody that perfectly accompanies Belew’s steady
and strong vocals. The marching drums add to the anthem-like nature of the song,
but it is the lyrics that ultimately steal the show. Belew talks of the beauty
of the African plains being over-hauled by wars, other species being killed
by our race just for profits and fame, and the mess to a world we should be
responsible for. But it’s the six words that Adrian Belew utters as the
chorus that stamps the song with master-piece status: “The legacy/we are
leaving behind.”
“Beat Box Car” maintains a rapid tempo being sustained by the drums,
while “Truth Is” shows the slower side with an alternative edge
to it. “&“ concludes the CD on a high note, with booming drums
and some swift guitar work dominating, sounding like a musical party. It ends
with tribal-like percussion accompanied by a bass line that drifts in and out.
Side Three is a big hurrah for Adrian Belew, delivering a brand
of excellence that needs to be recognized and acknowledged.
~ Have Hope
