“Machine” Static-X Compare to: Powerman 5000, System of a Down, Slipknot **

Most of the tracks on “Machine,” the sophomore effort from nu-metal screech rockers Wayne Static and crew, sound like they could have been outtakes from “Wisconsin Death Trip,” the band’s debut disc. It seriously sounds like they were tired from touring and just threw together a bunch of B-sides they had laying around to get a record out.

“Machine” features the same rapid-fire detuned guitars that made “Death Trip” such a hit with rural high schoolers everywhere, but of a much lower caliber. The lyrics are even more incomprehensible this time around and when read from the liner notes are absolutely ridiculous. An example: “I’m losing, I’m drowing/ In my shit/ In my shit I’m floating.” Good for you, Wayne.

There are parts of this record that shine, however. The 23-second intro track, “Bien Venidos,” is quite a lively little fiddle-and-moonshine-jug number before it is so rudely interrupted by the thunderous aural assault that is “Get to the Gone.”

The next high point comes seven minutes later in the intro of “Black and White,” which actually sounds as if it came from Korn’s first album. The rest of “Machine” is the same ho-hum thrash-metal heard on their previous release and emulated by colleagues System of a Down and Slipknot up until the closing track, “A Dios Alma Perdida” (which is in itself an experiment in various types of noise.) Yawn. A word to the band- just because you play speed-metal doesn’t mean you should write an album at that tempo. Take your time and do it right.

All in all, the spunk and semi-originality that were “Death Trip” are completely absent from this record. If you’re not a Static-X fan already, for whatever reason, “Machine” definitely won’t change that, although it is good if all you want is to have your ears blown out. Just be glad this reviewer sat through it so you don’t have to.

– Randy Webb

“Pneumonia” Whiskeytown Compare to: Jayhawks, Wilco, Uncle Tupelo ***1/2

Some albums are born into functionality. Certain ones are great for cruising and others are best heard with the volume cranked playing a tennis racket a la air guitar.

It is doubtful Whiskeytown’s farewell effort, “Pneumonia,” will be remembered for either of the previous.

What it will be remembered for is not only the difficulty of it’s release- “Pneumonia” got caught up in the shuffle during the Universal/PolyGram merger a couple of years ago- but also it’s incredibly diverse array of sounds, thanks to front man Ryan Adams’ soulful, honest songwriting ability.

Out of the shoot, high expectations were drawn for this ever-changing lineup. Instead, they prematurely ran out of gas due in part to Adams’ pursuing a solo career that has put him into the limelight he shunned for so many years.

So what function does “Pneumonia” serve? Well, with titles like “Reasons To Lie,” “Don’t Be Sad,” and “Sit And Listen To The Rain” it appears to contain the ingredients for a nice leave-me-alone-to-my-sadness record. And the lyrics ain’t the only thing that’s gonna have ya cryin’ in yer beer, the musical elements will have ya wellin’ up just the same.

Upon the first listen to “Don’t Be Sad,” one would be certain of hearing it before. Its melodic progressions hint at absolute familiarity. By the third time round, you’re humming along to its oh-so-catchy pop harmonies. But the entire album doesn’t rest on just the pining over a woman.

Tracks like “Jacksonville Skyline,” “Sit And Listen To The Rain,” and “My Hometown” are all chances for Adams to look back upon his life growing up in North Carolina and reflect on how the familiar places have changed.

Enclosed within “Pneumonia” are simplistic, traditional country stylings but also tracks textured with angelic backing vocals and rolling piano leads.

This album has the responsibility of showing future generations a transition between one band’s swan song and what is sure to be the classic debut effort of Ryan Adams, “Heartbreaker.”

Would someone please call the Nashville scene and notify them that heartfelt emotion is in again?

– Boonie Boone

“City High” City High Compare to: Koffee Brown, Destiny’s Child, The Fugees ***

We are living in a time where successful R&B and rap artists are stuck on topics like love, sex, anger and violence.

This mold has now been shattered by the morally responsible City High.

The singer/rapper trio consists of Ryan Toby, Claudette Ortiz and Robby Pardlo. Wyclef Jean, previously of The Fugees, has assembled this mixed-gender trio using the same successful formula that launched the Fugees to the top of the charts.

“What Would You Do,” the first single released by City High, has already become one of the hottest joints of the summer. With the single in high demand, BET, MTV and DJs all over the country have been exposing the song to a variety of viewers and listeners who have embraced it.

Surprisingly, Wyclef allowed the threesome to be co-producers of their album and even to write the majority of their own songs. This surprised many who expected Wyclef’s influence to overshadow the group’s unique sound.

The group uses morally conscious lyrics to tell the real-life stories that many teenagers can relate to. At times the lyrics sound shallow or even predictable. And other songs are hard to enjoy due to their depressing nature.

But overall the mixture of tight beats and smooth voices compensate for any weak rhymes or guilty feelings caused by the lyrics.

“What Would You Do” deals with issues of stripping and prostitution.

“15 Will Get You 20” emphasizes the importance of knowing your partner’s age.

“City High Anthem” confronts many of the problems younger people are faced with and tells us to take responsibility for making the future of our children better.

With all the catchy songs on the album, it is hard to predict which will be the group’s next big single.

However, it is certain that City High will continue turning many heads and making even more nod.

– Aaron Faddis