WYSIWYG
By: Jeff Leisawitz - ModernRock.com
January 3rd 2001 4:20am
Maybe Chumbawamba are a bunch of eclectic geniuses with vast and varied musical styles. Maybe their 'collective' leadership makes it impossible to agree on a musical direction. But with multiple singers, vinyl scratches, spoken word samples and a genre blending sound, at least one thing is clear-this small army's vision is never dull or repetitive.
Back in the pre-tubthumper days, these UK anarchists blasted through a series of albums that rallied the cause with barbed wire indie guitars and a heartfelt message. Then, from deep in left field, came a global melody that sucker punched the pop charts. Indie cred and political agendas pretty much flew out the window in exchange for a big time corporate paycheck and worldwide distribution rights. It was probably a good thing, actually. The hooks were solid. The frat boys had a new drinking chant. And there was still that subversive punk thing lurking in-between the big beats.
Fast forward... 2000. The new album, WYSIWYG, is released with all the major label hoopla. The anarchist angle isn't really stressed anymore, at least not to the capitalist music buying public. Apparently it's easy to push the attitude if you've got nothing to lose. But everybody knows- money, fame and fortune change everything. At least the band acknowledges the issue on "I'm Not Sorry, I Was Having Fun."
There are other sly moves here as well. On one of the album's more clever and digestible tracks (and first single), "She's Got All the Friends," the Wambas mumble something about a rich girl who buys her scene. It's a classic blast on the superficiality of modern day chic. Especially with the doo whop vocals and the Beatlesque power pop thrown in for good measure.
Other tracks also demand attention. Whether you're into the country twang of "Social Dogma," the a cappella slant of "New York Mining Disaster 1941" or the disco daze of "Smart Bomb," there is something here for the whole family.
As a coherent album, WYSIWYG is not quite together. Tons of sonic textures, cool production and those sweet/hot melodies make for an interesting and challenging listen. But the cohesive vision isn't too cohesive.
Don't worry, though. There's still plenty of underlying cynicism. These guys may be playing the major label music game but they (claim to) know what they're doing. Just listen to "Dumbing Down."
"We're dumbing down. Dumb dee dum dum..."
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