CD REVIEWS

Joshua Sinclair

“Love Hate”

Independent

The tagline on Joshua Sinclair’s promotional material reads, “Writing breakup songs since 1998.” It is a statement to be believed, because if you close your eyes and listen to “Love Hate” in a void, that is probably the year you would guess it was from. Did you like the Gin Blossoms? Then Sinclair is probably going to suit you well. Sinclair’s particular brand of alt-tinged pop is certainly well done. His vocals are clean and strong, the CD is impeccably produced with a great sounding mix, and Sinclair’s songwriting is above average. But there is a definite throwback feel to the music that will feel dated to some people. Opening track “Crash & Burn” is the best track on the album, but your mileage will vary depending on how much or little you want to be reminded of “Hey Jealousy.” CV

Rob Zombie

“The Electric Warlock Acid Witch Satanic Orgy Celebration Dispenser”

Universal

Damn it, Rob Zombie. Just look at that insufferable title and understand just how crushingly bloated Zombie’s ego has gotten at this point. Zombie is not really about making music anymore — if he indeed ever was. What we instead get is this conglomeration of word salad that includes songs with titles like “A Hearse Overturns With the Coffin Bursting Open,” “The Hideous Exhibitions of a Dedicated Gore Whore” and “Super-Doom-Hex-Gloom, Pt. 1.” There is no “Pt. 2,” because that would not be Rob Zombie enough. The vapidity does not stop at the try-hard song titles, either. Song after song is comprised of lyrics that would make a 14-year-old Hot Topic fan roll his or her eyes. What Zombie has essentially created is a 30-minute performance art piece in which he stands over you trying to shock you with how creepy he is. In other words, it’s a Rob Zombie album. CV