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| Live's `Secret' best left unheard |
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by Macy McBeth
Secret Samadhi , Live's follow up to its 1994 platinum album Throwing Copper, carries with it the diversity of rage and quiet introspection that is characteristic of this talented group. On the whole, the album expresses observations, discoveries of life and the tragic sins of society but has interlacing of annoyances that cannot be ignored. This album, even more than the previous two, mirrors the deeply held religious beliefs of the band's lead singer Ed Kowalczyk. Kowalczyk, a follower of the teachings of Adi Da Samraj, titled the album based on his very personal relationship to his mentor. Most of the songs begin softly and then liven up with a grinding guitar at every chorus, pounding the lyrics into the listener's brain. Kowalczyk makes excellent use of his angelic voice in the single "Turn My Head," one of the best songs on the album. "Freaks," however, annoys with fast-paced, condemning, nonsensical lyrics. The first single, "Lakini's Juice," is definitely one groovin' song on the album. In the song "Century," it appears as if the band is fighting the corruption of the world and simply wants eternal peace, as illustrated with the beautiful anthem "it's amazing what we can do with love" appearing toward the end. However, lyrics like "Angel, don't you have some bagels in my oven?" from "Insomnia and the Hole in the Universe" are comical and silly. Overall, many of the tracks are delivered in a screeching, monotonous, please-skip-to-the-next-song form. The venomous, proclaiming tone in Kowalczyk's voice ruins much of the album, yet when he reverts back to a slower pace that the listener can understand, as in "Ghost," the music is an artistic accomplishment. Styles including country twang and that of the Doors can be heard floating around in Secret Samadhi . The addition of a woman's haunting voice in "Ghost" and orchestral tracks in "Lakini's Juice" and "Turn My Head" enhance to the creative sound always present in Live's work. However, awkward transitions from hard to soft in songs like "Unsheathed" really leave a bitter aftertaste, and many times there were way too many misplaced, loud guitar riffs and perturbing groans from Kowalczyk. This album is not as good as Throwing Copper, but the immense energy and passion with which it is delivered makes it a good listen, even though it may not necessarily be a good buy.
This item appeared in the Arts & Entertainment section of the September 19, 1997 issue. |
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