Sunday, November 07, 1999
Blessid Union, 98` pitch in on Pokemon
BY LARRY NAGER
The Cincinnati Enquirer
The Pokemon phenomenon arrives Friday at your local cinema multiplex.
To pump up box office power — and maximize attack damage on parental wallets — the movie soundtrack arrives first, in stores Tuesday.
Despite the pocket monsters' Japanese origins, the CD sounds like Cincinnati. Targeted at Pokemon's pre-teen fans, it features, along with Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera and 'NSync, two groups with local roots, 98` and Blessid Union of Souls.
98`, with two CDs in Billboard's Top 40, sings “Fly With Me.” In keeping with the video game origins of the film's stars, the song has an electronic edge, with synthesizers in a more prominent role than usual. But gurgling electronics can't hide the quartet's trademark harmonies, with the twin leads of Jeff Timmons and Nick Lachey front and center.
Blessid Union closes the 16-song set with “Brother My Brother.” It's welcome respite from the synth barrage, with gently strummed acoustic guitars leading to Eliot Sloan's warm, soulful voice. A plea for peace, he sings, “It don't have to be this way, think about the consequences, turn around and walk away.” The song resonates far beyond the fantasy world of Pikachu to the grimmer realities of Columbine.
That's the sole serious track on this discful of energetic pop-R&B, the audio equivalent of Pokemon's hyperactive, hyper-colored universe.
It opens with Michael Jackson-soundalike Billy Crawford's “Pokemon Theme” — “Pokemon, you're my best friend, and the world we must defend.”
Ms. Aguilera changes the tone and displays major vocal chops in the adult love ballad, “We're a Miracle.”
Ms. Spears brings things back to the kids, with the reggae-tinged dance confection “Soda Pop.” 'NSync sings “Somewhere, Someday,” a sweet ballad with good ensemble work but weak solo singing.
B*Witched's “Get Happy” is good-timey, girl-group pop with a modern edge. Vitamin C's electronica-fueled “Vacation” is even more fun, sampling everything from “Summertime Blues” to Hawaiian and surf guitars.
The fun stops with Emma Bunton, the artist formerly known as Baby Spice, who sings “(Hey You) Free Up Your Mind,” in a voice thin enough to read this newspaper through.
Worst is Aaron Carter, kid brother of Backstreet Boy Nick, whose “Fun with the Funk” is devoid of both.
Surgeon's invention could help thousands
CardioClasp may help biomedicals
Project Succeed loses funds
Turnout of voters baffling
GOP majority on city council: fading mirage
How to make everyone vote
Reece worked hard for council victory
Teen Court wins accolades
Does your dog need services of a lawyer?
Boater charged in fatal collision
Put money in The Banks
'Titanic' disaster inspires Broadway musical
At century's end, 'modern music' comes into play
CDs capture 20th century
Defining categories of modern music
Where to hear 20th-century locally
Cochlear implants allow deaf woman to experience sounds
ABOUT COCHLEAR IMPLANTS
Blessid Union, 98` pitch in on Pokemon
'Cute' sculptures are dignified art
DTC soldiers on despite losses, cuts
Enter our Dress A Turkey contest
GET TO IT
Getting on with the goetta guy
'Godot' excellent, electrifying
'Harmonium' composer leads stirring premiere of choral masterpiece
DANCE REVIEW
Know-nothing' dad picks up a few gems from teens
Miniaturized mural on sale
Moms launch Ky. Montessori
Anti-Lucas radio spots embarrass GOP again
Devou Park is defended despite death
District celebrates American Education Month
Patton: More popular in N. Ky.
Protesters in wheelchairs hauled away from state offices
Tons of trash cleared from river banks
TRISTATE DIGEST
Unlikely bamboo crop thrives on Morrow farm
Unused guns still net prison time for 2
