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Tuesday, August 28, 2001
Outside the box

CD reviews
   NORM THOMAS
   "Time to Tell the Truth" (self-released)
   ** (2 stars)

   Corpus Christi Christian folk singer Norm Thomas is counting on prayer and publicity to increase his public appearances and sales of his new CD, "Time to Tell the Truth."
   Thomas's music is less dogmatic and more anecdotal in its approach to evangelism than many of his contemporary songs. Even those without strong Christian leanings may enjoy hearing his tales of decisions, consequences and redemption, in all their forms. Thomas's gently strummed guitar is complemented by his soft and soothing voice, which at times sounds remarkably similar to fellow folkie Neil Young.
   CDs are available from Agape Bookstore or by e-mailing Thomas at music@normthomas.org.cq

   BUTTHOLE SURFERS
   "Weird Revolution" (Hollywood)
   * 1/2 (1.5 stars)

   Frontman Gibby Haynes probably doesn't care what you think of "Weird Revolution." After all, the Butthole Surfers "already have your money," though that was from when the group's records seemed cutting edge, retro hip and still authentically Texan.
   "Weird Revolution" is barely any of those things. There are still elements of psychedelic and surreal background noise, lots of guitar rock and plenty of abstract lyrics, but the sound is hardly new. It would be a cool record if we hadn't heard it all before - from the same group. Diehard fans will find more of what they crave, but if you already own "Locust Abortion Technician" or even "Electriclarryland," this is hardly a must-have disc.
   Side note: We wouldn't want to pass up the opportunity to call the Butthole Surfers a band of white trash. So we will, just for fun.

   GRANT-LEE PHILLIPS
   "Mobilize" (Zoe/Rounder)
   *** (3 stars)

   The singer/songwriter's second solo album after the breakup of the much-acclaimed alternative pop-rock group Grant Lee Buffalo, "Mobilize" is as fantastic as anything Phillips has released, solo or otherwise. Phillips' delicate, tenor harmonies glow, working as the perfect complement to his earnest lyrics about humankind, big-city life, growing older and the intricacies of love. They're complicated and demanding topics, but Phillips does it well, striking a balance between being blunt and cryptic.
   Phillips performed all the music on the album, which ranges widely and wonderfully. Phillips' man-with-his-acoustic-guitar songs are fine, but the songs that really stand out are those in which producer Carmen Rizzo has layered on electronic drums (dang if that beat that opens "Sadness Soot" isn't from Michael Jackson's "Bad") and turned the background soundscape into a lush jungle of synthesizers, echo and creative percussion.

   - Staff writer Brendan Walsh

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