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BABES IN TOYLAND |
Nemesisters (Reprise)
IF HOLE didn't exist, Babes In Toyland would be the premier messed-up-women band, which hardly bears contemplation. The former have forgotten more about the dynamics of anguished trad-rock than the Babes will ever know. Lead guitarist/singer Kat Bjelland only eases up on the throat-ripping harangues to let the other two have a go. She shouldn't have. Lori Barbero is a fine drummer, but her singing is almost surreally flat. Maybe that's the point. (CS)
BROWNSTONE
From The Bottom Up
(MJJ Music)
THE FIRST signing to Michael Jackson's own label is this female trio, whom Mike terms "extraordinary". Sure, their voices blend luxuriously, and Nicci Gilbert's occasional lead vocals can be heartstopping. But extraordinary? Jackson can't have heard the many other equally talented "new jill swing" groups. Brownstone have co-written most of their velvety songs, but they're not very interesting. The single, If You Love Me, has a memorable chorus, and they must be the only girl group to have covered an Eagles number (I Can't Tell You Why). (CS)
HELIUM
The Dirt Of Luck (Matador)
SOMETHING in...