The Front : Releases >>
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Sondheim: Company [SOUNDTRACK] >>
While the original version of Company is still indispensable for any self-respecting Broadway fan, this London revival directed by Sam Mendes has enough sharp edges to make it a welcome addition. The anger underlining "You Could Drive a Person Crazy" is more forceful than ever (especially with loud-and-clear interjections like "son of a bitch!"), and the small orchestra plays with uncommon energy. As Robert/Bobby, Adrian Noble injects new resonance into a character usually perceived as being passive: "Barcelona" features some particularly good acting, while "Marry Me a Little is touchingly tender. This version doesn't rank as high as the original one (what could?) but it's more interesting than the 1995 Broadway revival. --Elisabeth Vincentelli
Something's Gotta Give >>
Cause for Alarm/Victim in Pain >>
Geography: 1981-1983 >>
Moments [Limited Edition] >>
Front by Front >>
Tyranny for You >>
Tactical Neural Implant/Millennium >>
Dead Yuppies >>
Having formed back in 1982, as Zoo Crew, New York's Agnostic Front have a genuine right to consider themselves the godfathers of hardcore. And Dead Yuppies, their 10th album (and third for Epitaph), sees them at their raging, relentless, wholly simplistic best. While other punk bands have embraced rap, industrial and metal, AF have stayed true to the New York sound of the mid to late-70s. Vinnie Stigma's riffs, like the Ramones', are short, sharp, utterly to-the-point, and occasionally interrupted by a howling Johnny Thunders-style solo. Roger Miret's vocals are rough and snotty, recalling Stiv Bators of the Dead Boys (formed in Cleveland, sure, but quick to relocate to the Big Apple). Song titles such as "Politician", "Pedophile" and "Dead Yuppies" are clear indicators of the band's raison d'etre. They rail against injustice in general, and corrupt powerbrokers in particular. And, like so many punks, they snipe at those who ignore "proper" music ("Club Girl"), while revelling in their own unpopularity ("Love to be Hated"). Above all, they loudly espouse personal freedom, openly demanding liberty or death (though who actually makes that decision is anyone's guess). Agnostic Front are survivors, gaining strength from their refusal to change. If you don't like them already, you probably never will. --Dominic Wills
05:22:09:12 Off >>
An unusual album by Front 242, the band's two singers were not directly involved in its construction. It is, however, first-rate electronic music with remarkably creative programming and flawless production. It features a female singer (Christine Kowalski), another surprise for longtime Front 242 fans. Her voice is wrathful and distorted on "GenEcide" and "Modern Angel," longing and resentful on "Crushed"--a touching song about loss and isolation. Menacing drum sounds and an enigmatic chant propel the portentous "Serial Killers." Intricate percussion patterns and sweeping synthesizers make for some of Daniel Bressanutti and Patrick Codenys' most memorable programming, particularly on "Animal," and the remixes "Junkdrome" and "Skin (Fur Coat)." --Mark McCleerey