Archers of Loaf

All The Nations Airports

Archers of Loaf dwell from a Chapel Hill, North Carolina music scene that has produced such acts as Ben Folds Five, Superchunk and Grover. Unlike these bands, Archers are missing the key element of musical success — a talented singer.

Although Eric Bachmann proves himself as a guitarist on All The Nations Airports, his growling vocal approach remains a major distraction. Sounding like a cross between a ruffled Danny Elfman (Oingo Boingo) and a prozac- loaded Robert Smith (The Cure), Bachmann manages to embark boredom on some of the best guitar work tracks on the disc, including “Scenic Pastures” and “Vocal Shrapnel.”

The power pillaging guitar duo of Bachmann and Eric Johnson do deserve credit for the cynical, dreamy, musical feel on the record. Although they have been criticized for leaving their indie label for Elektra, the Archers still sound about as far away from mainstream as you get.

All The Nations Airports is the fourth full-length record for Archers of Loaf. They also have a number of singles and b-sides, most of which can be found on The Speed Of Cattle. Lyrically, the band has reached a highly anticipated plateau.

But what are lyrics if you can’t stand hearing them sung?

—Corey Moss

Various Artists

The East Village

The cyber-soap East Village, launched last spring, has now embarked on an accompanying soundtrack.

Including such unheard-ofs as Jenifer Convertible and Thundering Lizards, the disc is refreshingly raw.

The first CD ever inspired by a Web site, the gritty sounds come from bands indigenous to the East Village neighborhood.

Track number one, called “Car Song” is a funky song with a kick-ass beat. In fact, all the tunes have a similar tone that’s almost too cool.

Appealing to that twentysomething, grungey/punk crowd, The East Village, is a little bit like listening to that unsuccessful-but-never-forgotten Fox show, “The Heights.” But, with songs that the older siblings of The Heights characters would play.

— Kris Fettkether

Various Artists

Set It Off

Based on the movie of the same name, Set It Off is nothing but hit after hit.

Whether it’s the smooth sounds of Organized Noize featuring Queen Latifah on the self-titled remake of the’ 80s club classic or the mellow pop sounds of Simply Red doing “Angel,” Set It Off is the one soundtrack that is a must buy this year.

The disc features an all-star lineup that includes Gladys Knight, Chaka Khan, Tamia, Brandy, En Vogue and Bone Thugs-N-Harmony among others.

The summer hit “Missing You” performed by Brandy, Tamia, Knight and Khan is a stunning collaboration between past and present.

Dubbed the “diva summit,” this song is about as good as music gets.

Seal contributes a cover song, “Hey Joe,” by Jimi Hendrix. The live track is classic Seal with all the passion and harmony oozing from every note. If Jimi were still here, no doubt he’d approve.

Da 5 Footaz provide the pound with “The Heist.” The groove and lyrics are tight and pick up the lighter moments of the disc.

Each song, musically and lyrically, provide an awesome blend of pop, hip-hop, rap and R&B that is undeniably a masterful collection.

— Kris Fettkether