C - Ribviews

Whether they’re straight out of the kitchen or have been sitting under a heat lamp for a minute, here is a sample of releases Ribbers decided to taste. Like other zines, we have rated them, but with our own complicated culinary system – from one rib (lowest) to five ribs (bestest).

Chamillionaire The Sound of Revenge (Universal)
Houston rapper Chamillionaire’s initial major label entry continues the hot streak of Texas hip-hop, though his flow, approach and sound are quite different from Mike Jones often repetitive approach, not quite as vocally edgy as Slim Thug or as inconsistent as Paul Wall. Instead, he rotates his material between inspired social commentary, confrontational fare, and party/club items. The best of the political works include “Ridin’,” with Krayzie Bone that ventures into the arena of racial profiling, “Frontin” which takes a harsh stand against social climbing and fakery, and “Void In My Life,” as well as the memorable “Rain,” where Chamillionaire, Scarface and Billy Cook take turns expressing as much vulnerability and uncertainty as you’ll ever hear on any rap tune. “Southern Takeover” celebrates the continued domination of down-home hip-hop, with Pastor Troy and Killer Mike joining the proceedings. The most troubling work is “No Snitching,” another in a growing series of cautionary tales aimed at informers. But unlike some others that have simply denounced any and all people who call the police, this song takes a closer look at federal drug informants, presenting a scenario where individuals turn on each other for profit rather than out of concern for the community. It’s still a problematic number, but at least doesn’t glamorize or defend criminals in its theme. Overall, this is a solid debut session, even with the occasional less than exemplary selection. Ron Wynn

Chip Greene Ominous EP. 3 ribs-Tasty little morsels.
Drawing comparisons to Ryan Adams and Aimee Mann, this fresh-faced Nashville talent serves up a three-song sampler to whet appetites for his forthcoming debut full-length. Sandwiched between the ultra-poppy "Everything About You" and very pretty "Precious Time" is the lush melancholy of "The Art of Abandon." It's all good, but too little to tell. David Thornton

Civet Massacre (Disaster). Don't choke on this gristle: 2 ribs.
On first listen to this debut disc from four fresh-out-of-high-school OC chicks, the CD kept repeating the song it had just played, just begging not to be reviewed. The cover is intriguing, showing the girls all dressed up to get messed up, and the half-page of press bills them as a 21st-century answer to the Runaways - but that's exactly what you should do: run away from this crap at all costs! Things start off with the Courtney Love/Joan Jett retread "Closet Death," followed by the L.A. Guns-style guitars of "State Line" and the promising Lush-like beat of "Old Glory" before dissolving into an L7 imitation possessing a modicum of their talent but minus every bit of irony. "Everything Everything" features an amateurish rant that drops more f-bombs than Madonna on Letterman, and tracks 8-10 are actually entertaining with even better monikers ("Hardcore Bitch," "Handgun and Cocaine" and "Murder 944"), but the disc melts all the way down to the ultra-cheesy title track. The drummer doesn't have cowbell and she sure hits a mean rattle, but whatever they're paying her is too much - I just hope she doesn't look me up and kick my ass! David Thornton

Coldcut Sound Mirrors (Ninja Tune). 4 ribs-cold cuts of hot beats.
Coldcut come out poundin’ with Sound Mirrors. Dipping into the annals of the modern underground, Coldcut aka Jon Moore and Matt Black recruited some of the most infamous names of their genre. Opening track, “Everything Is Under Control” features Jon Spencer from Blues Explosion fame and rapper Mike Ladd. Others follow, including: Roots Manuva on “True Skool,” John Matthias on “Man In A Garage” and poet Saul Williams on “Mr. Nichols.” Coldcut have been making music since the mid-‘80s and Sound Mirrors is arguably one of their best yet. Will Jordan

Want to join Rib Magazine's e-mail list? Contact us