RECORD REVIEW : Terrific Live Cuts by R.E.M., U2 Propel ‘NRG’ : * * * Various artists, “Alternative NRG,” Hollywood Records.
Terrific gimmick and some terrific music, though the real fuel of this solar-powered project is the dynamic superstar live performances of R.E.M. (“Drive”) and U2 (a soaring “Until the End of the World”).
It’s impossible to maintain those highs throughout a 16-song compilation, but the disparate selections here are almost uniformly worthy. Top moments range from smoothie Annie Lennox to forceful Disposable Heroes of Hiphoprisy to rambunctious L7, while earnestly shambling troubadours James and dark noise-meisters the Jesus and Mary Chain and Sonic Youth also stand out. The one loser: Soundgarden with former Queen guitarist Brian May, a teaming that emphasizes the bombastic elements of each without their sometimes redeeming grace.
*
New albums are rated on a scale of one star (poor), two stars (fair), three stars (good) and four stars (excellent).
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