3 sides to rock

The CDs today provide insight into the world of rock today, how it encompasses various strains and influences, all working to create fertile, interesting music. Gavin Rossdale rises from the ashes of Bush with this first solo effort, while Sam Sparro is a fresh, young Australian singer. Miguel Escueta is one of the more interesting local singer-songwriters we have, comfortably traversing between rock and pop.

Wanderlust — Gavin Rossdale (MCA Universal). He may be better known as Mr. Gwen Stefani nowadays, but Gavin Rossdale was the vocalist of Bush, and the CD is a curious amalgam of rock and pop. On the first six to seven tracks, there are snatches of Peter Gabriel, Sting and even Dylan, in the songs of Rossdale, while the last third of the CD is very Bush. Life on the road and references to Gwen and the children can be found in Frontline, but to his credit, Rossdale didn’t go for the easy promotional option of having Gwen guest on the CD. There may be nothing groundbreaking in the music to be found here, but it is a solid effort, and augurs well for a future on today’s equivalent of VH-1 and contemporary adult music platforms.

Sam Sparro — Sam Sparro (MCA Universal). Sam Sparro is a chameleon who deserves to be heard. I caught a video of him performing an acoustic version of Black and Gold with just a piano accompanying him, and was so impressed I ordered the CD off Amazon. It has been playing regularly whenever I’m on the road. On some tracks it’s like Jamiroquai crossed with Daft Punk — an interesting blend of funk, techno and pop. And on the track Sick, it’s like Human League or Soft Cell has come back to life. The falsetto on Hot Mess had me recalling Prince. Think Ting-Tings, Gnarls Barklely and Mika, and you’ll have some idea of the kind of music Sam creates. It’s intelligent pop with rock influences from all over the place, and across time.

I Am M.E. Amplified — Miguel Escueta (MCA Universal). Miguel Escueta may be found in a local version of a Camp Rock song (a duet with Julianne); but there is more to this artist than teen pop. On his own solo effort, I’d say Miguel has done his music lessons well, channeling such bands and acts as Matchbox Twenty, Gin Blossoms, The Killers and Toad the Wet Sprocket. The generally mid-tempo anthems of yearning and young love have rock as their major driving force, but there’s always a nod to pop and the mainstream. The specially packaged CD also has videos, some covers (including Mr. Brightside) and his current single, Handa. If you like this kind of music, it’s a package that is well worth the purchase, and not just some promotional reissue.