Jun 13, 2008 at 12:01 AM Jun 13, 2008 at 10:56 AM
Montgomery Gentry rely on cliches
By MICHAEL McCALL
For The Associated Press
Montgomery Gentry, "Back When I Knew It All" (Columbia Nashville)
Of country music's redneck rockers, the duo Montgomery Gentry most willfully tip-toe the line between laudable rural pride and tired Southern stereotypes. At their best, they also balance party-hardy anthems with reflective songs about gaining maturity with age.
Unfortunately, Eddie Montgomery and Troy Gentry's latest, "Back When I Knew It All," occasionally relies more than it should on cliches and one-dimensional characters. The religious-referencing Southern stomper, "The Big Revival," cites snake handling and other backwoods oddities merely for shock value, while "One In Every Crowd" is a one-dimensional rewrite of Billy Joe Shaver's classic "Honky Tonk Heroes."
The depth that characterizes their best hits surfaces elsewhere, though. The title track recognizes the humility that comes with experience, while "Long Line of Losers" probes family dysfunction without trying to make it sound cool. The duo also recruit buddy Toby Keith for "I Pick My Parties," which suggests that rowdy guys can slow down without completely stopping.
Montgomery Gentry know they can persuade fans to pump a fist in the air; "Back When I Knew It All" proposes that they're still at their best when they prompt listeners to think and feel, too.
CHECK THIS OUT: The breezy sway of "Roll With Me" cops a gentler attitude for these brawny fellows, matched by a catchy, melodic flow that brings out the best in Gentry's good-time voice.
Kaskade proves he's the king of smooth
By RON HARRIS
Kaskade, "Strobelight Seduction" (Ultra)
San Francisco-based DJ and producer Kaskade puts forth some smart and savvy electronica on his fifth album, "Strobelight Seduction," a mix of dependable beats and hook-laden, soft-trance style.
The opening track "Move on Me" really sticks to your ribs. The collaboration with Deadmau5 is, at times, gorgeous and lush. What it lacks in low-end thump it makes up for with a pace that simply demands dancing.
Another top-notch track is "Pose," with its drawn out lyrics that pour over several bars while the bass line pumps hypnotically beneath. The lyrics are full of irony and substance.
"Pose for the camera, posing in my mind/ I see the picture, I feel the shadow left behind," goes the story love and longing on this track.
Kaskade is a remix specialist these days, having officially re-tinkered Britney Spears, Justin Timberlake and Seal in this year alone. "Strobelight Seduction" proves he doesn't need the extra star power to demand global dancefloor respect and a good long listen.
CHECK OUT THIS TRACK: "One Heart" is a solid dance track worth playlisting on your iPod for a daily uplift. No production stunts and no corny orchestra stabs. Just a perfect bit of bliss.