Here are two new albums from artists who wear their hearts on their sleeves. Scouting for Girls is an English band that smartly merges pop sensibilities with nods to ‘80s and ‘90s music, and has gained a strong European following. Eminem is as angry and angst-ridden as he’s been, and that augurs well for his fans — a good retort for all those who dissed his last CD, and had written him off.
Scouting For Girls — Everybody Wants to Be on TV (Epic/Sony BMG). One of my youngest son’s favorite musical acts, this is the second album from the Harrow, England band, and if anything, I’m impressed with the growth, confidence and pop/rock sensibilities the band exhibits. She’s So Lovely and James Bond were my faves from the first CD, and now, there are a hosts of tracks that became immediate “picks.” This Ain’t a Love Song and Silly Song are the mid-tempo ballads that rock, while Famous is the band’s Video Killed the Radio Star ditty! Little Miss Naughty is one smart song that manages to use synthesized voices without going overboard. Posh Girls has a kicker of a chorus, and that’s what we find track after track. Nothing earth-shattering, but fun, assured pop gems.
Eminem — Recovery (MCA Universal). You either hate him or love him; or at the very best, can take him in small doses. There is a sameness in the music to be found on the tracks of this new CD if played track after track. What is refreshing to note is the energy and anger that have always been trademarks of his better music. With guestings from such artists as Rihanna, Pink and Kobe; plus a host of DJs and producers such as Dr. Dre on board, one expects the best of hip-hop and rap on this CD, and Eminem does come through. WTP (White Trash Party), 25 to Life, the collaborations with Lil Wayne, No Love, and the one with Rihanna, Love the Way You Lie are my top tracks; while the one with Pink is a misfire. The one with Lil Wayne is a great example of how Eminem’s music can evolve!