by Adrian Sendejas
Contributing Writer
Infinite Zero #6 is full of several different styles of music. The album was put together by Rick Rubin and Henry Rollins, who took it upon themselves to dig out all of their old albums that were nearly out of print and select their favorite tracks to be showcased.
The collection includes a group of artists that range from Devo to Mississippi Fred McDowell. A bumpy ride seems imminent.
For the majority of the time, Inifinite Zero is plain zero because it offers no real musically inclined artists. The only good track on the album comes from Trouble Funk, a group from Washington, D.C., whose sound is best described as retro.
Besides this rare bright spot in the infinite darkness of Infinite Zero, Allen Watts has to be mentioned, though not because of his musical talents. Watts introduces the listener to Hindu thought and tradition by talking over a low, droning sound created by Indian instruments. The only reason Watts brings enjoyment to the listener is because his track is the last of the entire album.
Infinite Zero is a sound all listeners should be infinitely happy is not on the airwaves. Keep in mind not to pay more than the title suggests for this particular album.
by Jai Henry
Contributing Writer
Maxi Priest is one of the most successful solo artists to emerge on the reggae scene, with numerous worldwide hits, six best-selling albums and a number one on the Billboard pop chart to his credit in a career spanning just over a decade. Renowned initially as a singer of breezy, commercial reggae love songs with a timeless quality, Priest has increasingly expanded his repertoire to include exciting fusions of popular dance music without losing credibility with his grassroots audience.
With the release of Man With The Fun, it's time for Priest to reap the wider accolades due to him. The first single, "That Girl," a duet with Shaggy, combines classic soul with upfront reggae. Other songs find Maxi returning to his roots, such as "Love Will Cross Over" or "Heartbreak Lover," on which he teams up with reggae legends Beres Hammond and Buju Banton.
Whether singing dance-floor anthems, hardcore reggae ballads or his patented lover's rock, Maxi Priest seems to have a song for everyone.