Various Artists, “Live Earth: The Concerts for a Climate in Crisis” (Warner Bros.)
The Dec. 4 release of this one-CD, two-DVD set is opportune considering last week’s U.N. Climate Summit in Bali and Al Gore’s official reception of the Nobel Peace Prize. Each addresses what is quickly becoming the defining global issue of our time.
Of course, entertainers have always been starry-eyed, cause-oriented bandwagoneers, and that’s certainly the case here. What’s impressive is the “We Are the World”-type diversity and caliber of talent: Madonna, the Police, Genesis, Keith Urban, Roger Waters, Metallica, Foo Fighters, Smashing Pumpkins, Rihanna, Angelique Kidjo, Beastie Boys — the list includes 150 familiar and not-so-familiar musical acts.
As a listening and viewing experience, the worldwide concerts held in New York, Sydney, London, Tokyo, Johannesburg and other locales are typical washed-out, crowd-roaring, amped-up fare. The audio/video presentation is crisply produced, making for a slick, if arm’s-length, document.
The real market for this CD-DVD set is undoubtedly people who attended or who want to support the cause, since none of the material here is all that revelatory or unique. And it’s almost painful to watch some performers’ self-satisfied posturing, no doubt giving the event’s detractors ample ammunition.
Still, it’s an unprecedented experiment in terms of social awareness. Organizers estimated the 24-hour concerts drew an audience of 2 billion worldwide — even if the majority of acts presented here are chart-topping Americans and Brits. John Wenzel
Rivers Cuomo, “Alone: The Home Recordings of Rivers Cuomo” (Geffen)
Let’s start by saying that not everyone deserves the Bob Dylan treatment. Not every artist deserves to have their A-, B- and C-sides splashed out in a flashy commercial release.
Is Weezer frontman Cuomo deserving of this, his first solo release of home recordings? Yes, even if it is spotty and, at times, self-indulgent.
Listening to Weezer’s released catalog alone, it’s obvious Cuomo rips himself off frequently — mostly to great success, by spinning everything off his current head space, this giving each song a unique personality. This disc provides even greater insight to Cuomo’s creative process, and while there are a few undeniable gems, it’s mostly quite deserving of the “home recordings” title.
In “Blast Off!” Cuomo apes “El Scorcho” with a late-song breakdown — or it may be the other way around, depending on which song was written first. “Lemonade” and “Wanda (You’re My Only Love)” both sound like solid “Pinkerton” B-sides, although the sloppy, thin recordings make you want to hear the songs performed live in a quiet room.
“Superfriend” is a standout track, with Cuomo’s penchant for lullabye melodies taking over. “The Bomb” is a short Beastie Boys-styled white- boy rap rager — just Cuomo, a simple drum kit and a ridiculous guitar solo. It’s jokey and fun, sure. The R&B-styled, drum-machine production on “This Is the Way” fails to connect with Cuomo’s earnest voice.
“Crazy One” and “I Was Made For You” are obvious A-sides worthy of a spot on the next Weezer album, or an even glossier solo release from Cuomo. That’s right — another solo release from Cuomo would be welcome. He is a great talent. But here’s to him working with a producer in a professional studio before giving us any more home recordings. Ricardo Baca
