May 24–31, 2001

music

Disc Quicks

Beauty Pill

The Cigarette Girl from the Future

(Dischord/De Soto)

What it is:

Delightful/beautiful, sick/twisted art-pop EP from former members of D.C.’s Smart Went Crazy and friends.

What it sounds like:

Their website lists De La Soul and John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band among their influences. It shows.

The skinny:

If the reunited Roxy Music really want to recapture the chaotic brilliance of their Brian Eno days, they’ll hire these guys as a backing band.

Moods for Moderns

Loud and Clear

(Doghouse)

What it is:

Chunky, retro power-pop. Kinda rockin’ but very, very "nothin’ new."

What it sounds like:

What pop music would sound like if Superdrag were progenitors.

The skinny:

These guys probably go into Matt Dillon’s state-of-rock rant in Singles ("Where is the ‘Iron Man’ of our generation?"), like, every other day.

Land Speed Record!

Road To Flight

(Resin Records)

What it is:

Whirling Dervish-like intensity from this eclectic Baltimore polit-punk/new wave trio.

What it sounds like:

Judgement day at the illegal warehouse party (atop some surprisingly catchy songs).

The skinny:

The band claims no religious affiliation, but lead track "Mission From God" sums up their demeanor ("To blow you away with the sound I made"). Own this, if you can deal.

Manic Street Preachers

Know Your Enemy

(Virgin)

What it is:

Fidel Castro’s favorite rockers return with another collection of amped-up left wing anthems.

What it sounds like:

Marc Bolan meets Karl Marx.

The skinny:

Songs like "Let Robeson Sing" are fully stadium ready — if you can find enough anarchist U2 fans to fill a stadium.