The Rattler April 19, 2006 v. 93 #11 - St. Mary's University

EntertainmentApril 19, 2006 The Rattlerwww.stmarytx.edu/rattler 11Cool receptionWar veteransALBUM REVIEWLL Cool JTodd Smith★★★DEF JAMBy SHAE MCDOWELLSTAFF WRITERTodd Smith, better known as LL Cool J,came on the scene as a hard-hitting streetwise b-boy with spare beats and ballisticrhymes. Known for his “lover’s rap,” whichmade him into a star, this MC comes backto take the reign as hip-hop’s genuine superstar.However, the album suffers from havingtoo may cooks (and not enough hooks)in the kitchen, as the talented LL gives toomuch of his spotlight to guest artists withouthaving anything new to say.Much of the album works on a superficiallevel, with the best songs giving anod to hip hop past. Todd Smith expressesLL’s versatility, rapping over several tracksfrom Timbaland, Pharrell, Scott Storch andTrackmasters.“It’s LL and Santana” offers that roughrawness we saw years ago in LL Cool J with“Mama Said Knock You Out.” Anothertrack that’ll make you press repeat is “FavoriteFlavor” featuring Mary J Blige. It’s acatchy hit that delivers a good flow of lyricsand vocals, reminiscent of “Paradise” withAmerie.“Preserve the Sexy” is a party song withlabelmate Teairra Mari, and is a repetitiveslog that ranks among the worst partysongs ever.However, there are too many guest artistsand not enough old-school LL. Manysongs sound like they were made for theradio, and sound pretty weak because ofit. The album loses steam due to overproductionand mediocre filler, featuring appearancesfrom Jamie Foxx, Tearirra Mari,Freeway, City High singer Ryan Toby andGinuwine, Mary J. Blige, Freeway and JuelzSantana.Lyrically, LL Cool J sounds like he ischurning out the same hits but with differenttitles. There are great lyrics but theyplay like previous platinum hits “Love YouBetter,” “Hush” and “I Need Love.”This may be a hit-making combinationfor parties involved, but Todd Smith mightas well be named LL & Friends. This isn’tsaying the tracks aren’t good, but LL hasalready proven that he can carry a track onhis own.The only song which features LL solo(for once) is “#1 Fan,” a satisfying songwith a modern, reggaeton edge.The listener should expect somethinga little less predictable from an industryveteran like LL. Each year he comes outwith better writing, better looks and betterscenes, but Todd Smith won’t be rememberedfor any of these qualities.ALBUM REVIEWThe FlamingLipsAt War withthe Mystics★★★★WARNER BROS.By JENNIFER ZÚÑIGASTAFF WRITERUnearthly and cosmic, The FlamingLips conjure up another new universe in AtWar with the Mystics after being absent forfour years. Yoshimi and the pink robots aresomewhat in view, but there is a new superheroin this battle between the constellationsand sound.The first couple of tracks on the albumaren’t particularly earth-shattering. However,each expansive song gradually buildsupon the previous one, creating a lastingimpression.Particularly, the lovely and unique ballad,“My Cosmic Autumn Rebellion,” givesa glimpse of an adoration which can only beconveyed through stereophonic resonance.With lyrics such as, “Yes it’s true somedayeverything dies / We won’t let that defeatus,” one can’t help but come to some selfrealizationsand gain a sense of optimism.Later, “Vein of Stars” branches out toconsider the numerous possibilities surroundingthe end of existence, as singerWayne Coyne ponders: “‘Cause if thereain’t no heaven maybe there ain’t no hell.”In some cases, words just cannot expressthe thoughts or feelings such music invokeswithin a person. The instrumental track“The Wizard Turns On…The Giant SilverFlashlight and Puts on His Werewolf Moccasins”is not simply a collective displayof creativity. It binds the Lips’ signaturesound, assorted with noises similar to thatof a failing space ship and some wailingguitar riffs.The album concludes with the tune“Goin’ On,” leaving a sense of encouragementas the Lips bid farewell to the conceptof getting covered by the soil of time.Through the silence of the years, lyrics state,“Listen, you’ll hear it / We’re getting’ nearit,” exemplifying the will and strife taken toproduce such a product. Surely, the eccentricsounds and peculiar lyrics found withinThe Mystics isn’t dreamt up overnight.COURTESY PHOTOThe Flaming Lips re-enact Rocky IV.