December 6 , 2005
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Shakira Delivers An 'Oral Fixation'


Get "How Do You Do ", "Don't Bother " the standout tracks from Nickelback's new album, Oral Fixation, Vol. 2.

Oral Fixation, Vol. 2, is Shakira’s attempt to move beyond the role of belly-dancing bombshell and become what most musical artists desire - to be a performer with a unique personal vision. Finally, Shakira has made an album that’s as unique sonically as it is vocally. Musical experimentation is the rule here, but there’s a definite method to the madness (no wonder, with studio mastermind Rick Rubin listed as Executive Producer.) Her one-of-a-kind vocal style and idiosyncratic lyrics are supported by arrangements that take many unexpected twists and turns. It’s a move that’s both surprising and refreshing.

The opening track, “How Do You Do,” begins with the Lord’s Prayer done in the style of a Gregorian chant. That leads right into a pure pop chorus buoyed by crunching fuzzed-out guitars. With lyrics dealing with the motives of a higher power, it’s not exactly your typical Top 40 approach, for which Shakira is to be applauded.

The ups and downs of love are explored on “Don’t Bother”, “Dreams For Plans” and the stand-out ballad, “Illegal” (which sports gritty guitar work from guest artist Carlos Santana,) “Costume Makes The Clown” is a cautionary tale about the downside of celebrity and “Hey You” has the honor of being the weirdest (in an endearing way) song of the bunch -it’s a wacky march with lyrics like “I’d like to be the owner of the zipper on your jeans.”

Oral Fixation, Vol. 2 contains “Something” and “The Day and The Time”, two songs that were included on Fijacion Oral, Vol. 1, Shakira’s Spanish language release from earlier this year. With Oral Fixation, Vol. 2, Shakira heads into 2006 as a definite artist to be reckoned with. Oral Fixation, Vol. 2 just might be the most eccentric release this year by a major popular music figure.

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System of A Down 'Hypnotizes' Again

Get "Attack" and "Dreaming" the standout tracks from System Of A Down's new album, Hypnotize.		 Among other things, 2005 will be remembered as the year that a rock band took six months to release a double album, one disk at a time. In July, System Of A Down dropped Mezmerize to solid reviews. On November 22nd, Hypnotize, co-produced by Rick Rubin, hit the racks ready to join its predecessor both sonically and literally (the CD case is designed to fit into the CD case of Mezmerize, thus finally making it a true double CD.) There’s more than enough vintage System Of A Down ferocity, inventiveness and weirdness contained on Hypnotize to please even the most hard-core fan.

Hypnotize hits the ground running with the one-two punch of “Attack” and “Dreaming.” The band alternates dynamically between break-neck speed-metal choruses and controlled ominously sung verses. Drummer John Dolmayan, bassist Shavo Odadjian and guitarist/vocalist/co-producer Daron Malakian perform like a demented but finely-tuned machine. By the end of the second song, there’s no doubt that System Of A Down has not lost the aggression, but has also taken major steps forward as musicians and songwriters.

System Of A Down’s biggest strength continues to be the powerful, plaintive vocals of Serj Tankian. Malakian joins him on most tracks and whether they’re harmonizing as on the impassioned “Tentative” and "Holy Mountains” or sharing the lead vocal responsibilities of the title track, no band can lay claim to such a unique blend of voices.

Hypnotize comes to an end rather oddly. After eight highly intense tunes, the band ventures into goofy Frank Zappa territory with “Vicinity of Obscenity” and its silly refrain of “banana banana terra cotta pie.” “Soldier Side” closes the CD on a heartfelt note (a snippet of the songs opens “Mezmerize.) “Hypnotize” all in all is a very satisfying work.

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