Ice Cube - The Predator

Label: EMI
Genre: West Coast Hip Hop, Gangsta Rap
Year: 1992
Recommended by: Marta Conlon

The Predator has Ice Cube's most famous song "It Was a Good Day". I'm going to skip over talking about that song, because it's really good, and it's used all the time.

The best song though is "Check Yo Self". It does a better illustration of West Coast Hip Hop with the funky 70s beat and contrasting flow that somehow fits perfectly. Even though Ice Cube's lyrics are bit strong and aggressive, the contrast with "Mustang Sally" allows you just follow along and get behind every word. Music is powerful.

Poi Dog Pondering - Volo Volo

Label: Platetectonic Music
Year: 1992
Genre: Alternative Rock
Recommending Person: Kathy Thalmann

When the first track "Lackluster" hits you immediately think of the Talking Heads. When you see the album cover, you believe that their is no other image that could possibly indicate the 90's so concisely. I enjoy the album as a whole, but instead of just explaining my opinion, I just have to some thinking out loud.

lright, there are eight members on the cover. On tour they regularly, according to wikipedia the ultimate and unimpeachable source, had fourteen members. How does one make any money touring fourteen members in the band? Not only that but there are four more that were labeled as "satellite" members. Does that mean occasionally they would have fifteen people on stage? I feel like if the band wasn't given a meal they would spend just as much money on dinner as they would get for playing a gig. It's impressive they were able to do so from 1992 to 2013. 

A good album that has a few low spots, but is an enjoyable listen and a nice change of pace. It holds up really well and only has a few songs that just seem stuck in it's time.