CD REVIEWS

An occasional update of music releases

* POP/ROCK

Green Day - Insomniac (Reprise): You've got the nose ring, a neat biker jacket with studs (on sale!), and the obligatory Doc Martins. Now complete your punk persona with Green Day's second album. This Berkeley, Calif., band has taken a lot of flack for parroting the Sex Pistols and other '70s bands without adding anything to the genre. Please. Punk is simple stuff: fast power chords and abrasive, witty lyrics. You'll laugh at the self-deprecating ''Geek Stink Breath'' and the cynical ''Brat.'' And your neighbors will likely ask you to turn it down.

- Scott Baldauf

Red Hot Chili Peppers - One Hot Minute (Warner Brothers): The hyperactive, in-your-face Red Hot Chili Peppers' new release is eclectic and fierce. This 13-song CD weaves together a little bit of funk, reggae, and heavy metal. Some of the lyrics are bizarre yet thoughtful as the long-haired lead singer, Anthony Kiedis, sings about death, spirituality, depression, and rage. Most pop listeners will recognize the song ''My Friends,'' but if you're not familiar with the band's music, it may take awhile to get used to their funk-punk, spontaneous style of rhythm.

- Lisa Leigh Parney

* BLUES

Eckstine, Turner, Otis - Completer Disc (Savoy): This is a rare opportunity to hear blues interpretations by three distinctly different artists: Billy Eckstine, Big Joe Turner, and Johnny Otis. Savoy rereleased separate discs by each but had tracks remaining, so the record company combined them on this ''completer.'' Eckstine, known primarily as a crooner, shows a different side on ''Blues for Sale.'' Turner, the legendary Kansas City shouter, jumps all over such tunes as ''Whistle Stop Blues.'' Johnny Otis showcases singers Little Esther Phillips and Mel Walker on ''Love Will Break Your Heart'' and ''Rockin' Blues,'' making this a true blues feast.

- Dick Bogle

You've read  of  free articles. Subscribe to continue.
QR Code to CD REVIEWS
Read this article in
https://www.csmonitor.com/1995/1110/10141.html
QR Code to Subscription page
Start your subscription today
https://www.csmonitor.com/subscribe