2000 | 11 Radiohead, Slaves on Dope, David Sylvian

RADIOHEAD - Kid A (Emi)
After Radiohead have been praised "Aliens" in various rankings for years - especially after their late album "OK Computer" - many have expected an album in the tradition of this success. But wrong again! "Kid A" moves as far as possible from this expectation. Melancholic, eccentric tunes, very electronic, very slow, almost no guitars - wouldn't there sometimes appear Thom Yorke's trembling voice - Radiohead wouldn't be recognizable at all. And I have to agree, this album is a masterpiece. Meaning it is an album from the beginning to the end and not some desolate pop song compilation. Radiohead take no captives, they have their very own way of rebellion... (wh)

SLAVES ON DOPE - Inches From The Mainline (Virgin)
After having a look at these pretty pissed off looking guys, it was almost clear to me: they must play Crossover-Modern-Metal like wellknown megasellers. Being the first signing on Ozzy's new label "Divine Recordings" grants the Candians that now live in L.A. needful attention. So what about their debut? Let's start with the spoken intro: "I have a brother, he´s a drug addict and I'm very proud of him." Well?! It starts with a hoarse singer shouting and whispering to a pounding rhythm inviting to move. Jason Rockman bawls out his juvenile aggressions in best "Fuck-you-Fucker" mentality and the instruments rage with heavy angular barrage. At times the tension gets loose and soft parts carry on with variety. Slaves on Dope are well acquainted with dynamics and transform this feeling in music and vocals. "Fallout" creeps up from behind with clean vocals and stays in mind. Eleven intense songs in a row are a bit nerve-straining for me but it's perfect for frustrated teenagers. They'll hit platinum in the States, I bet. (dj)

DAVID SYLVIAN - Everything and Nothing (Virgin)
First impressions can be misleading - this applies for David Sylvian's "Everything And Nothing" as well. At first I thought it to be one of his various projects "Best Of"-Compilations. But it is a lovingly arranged jewel from the long-gone "Japan" aera, from albums with Ryuichi Sakamoto, Robert Fripp, his late short-time-band "Rain Tree Crow" and numerous solo-works. Nevertheless everything is revised, remixed, dressed up and spiced with some unreleased tracks and B-sides. So there is only left to hope that Sylvian will start with a new album soon. (wh)