Jeffrey Morgan’s Media Blackout

The following column takes place in real time between MB23 and MB25! • 24 (FOX) :: Muslims see racism, I see Andy Warhol’s Empire. • John Cale & Lou Reed — Songs For Drella (Sire) :: Everything they’ve done separately, no matter how good, is mere artifice compared to this sincere, monumental work of art. When’s the last time you listened to it? • The Sharp Ease — Going Modern (olFactory) :: Meanwhile, if Cale and Lene Lovich had sired quadruplet daughters 25 years ago, those four femmes would’ve grown up to record this smart ’n’ sassy pop album. • The Devlins — Waves (Nettwerk) :: Having survived the trauma of Chas being killed by Harry Flowers, the two remaining brothers buck up and record this fine album. I like that, turn it up. • Tara Angell — Down And Out: The Come Down EP (Rykodisc) :: Hide the razorblades because if ever a record lived up to its title, it’s this one. This dour dish makes Marianne Faithfull sound like Toni Basil cranked to the gills on a helium speedball. • Josh Rouse — Nashville (Rykodisc) :: Maybe the Ryman Auditorium isn’t ready for a guy who sings lyrics like: “Later on, after the show, we can go to your room, I can try on your clothes.” • Johnny Cash — “A Boy Named Sue” (Columbia) :: Then again, maybe it is. • SIZZLING COMIC BOOK SERIES OF THE DECADE: The Sin City Collection (Dark Horse Comics) :: Only two weeks left until Frank Miller’s epic hommage d’Spillane finally hits the big screen, but that’s more than enough time for you to read the hard-boiled noir source material. So go and buy the new reissues of The Hard Goodbye, A Dame to Kill For and That Yellow Bastard. BLAM! • Be seeing you!