Hot Shots II

by

The Beta Band

Edit

Most people first learned about the Betas from "that movie", when John Cusack puts on "Dry the Rain" in order to sell copies of the 3EPs... sure enough, everyone in the store started doing that by-now-familiar Beta Band dance. "Who is this?" a patron asks. "The Beta Band".

"Dry the Rain" was the only song on the 3EPs with pop potential, but anyone buying that CD was pleasantly surprised at the diverse, driving melodies and rainy Scotland day lyrics. But, that one song kept coming up.

With Hot Shots II, the Betas have gotten past High Fidelity, John Cusack, and Dry the Rain. Oh, and they've also gotten past that inconvenient other CD that happened two years ago. New millenium, new Betas. Hot Shots II is probably the best CD of the year, period, and it is still, incredibly, being overlooked. Every song is an original. All the tracks, starting with "Squares", are incredibly catchy, well-produced, and interesting from start to finish.

And, here's a news flash- these guys can PLAY their instruments. While it would be impossible to generate all of these sounds without a lot of overdubbing and sampling, all the guitar, bass, keyboards, and most of the drums is all Human Being-produced. Anyone who's been to a live show can attest to this.

Specific songs do stand out. "Dragon", a dark song about strange people (I think fellow musicians) is haunting, with an amazing synth bass riff. "Human Being" could be the highlight of the record, the Beta Band's equivalent to "A Day in the Life." The banter between Betas on "Eclipse" between the people with the answers and the people with the questions adds a funny, light atmosphere to the record.

Hot Shots II is the closest thing I've heard to what a new post-Pepper Beatles album must have sounded like in 1968- everything is so incredibly new, fresh, and daring. And it sounds great. You will wear out your CD player on this CD.

I really, really want to like this CD alot, please believe me.

When I first heard The 3 Eps I was elated, it seemed that I had finally found the music that I hear in my head, especially stuff like "Push It Out"...but I digress.

I was terribly excited to hear this CD, and when I did, I guess my expectations were in the way. I keep listening to it, trying to find something to love, but alas..Most of the fun seems gone, the soundscapes are nice, but somewhat generic..I hope they haven't lost the spirit for the sake of the sales. As for the songs:

"Squares" and "Eclipse" are the only tracks I can really get into. Eclipse is the only track where the things I really liked about The Band are evident...other than the vocals.

And what's the deal with "Won"? Given, it's kind of funny because it's so out of place, but it's a little TOO out of place for me. But I think it's a good sign. They still wanna play and be weird...but they just didn't let it out much on this disc.

I guess I'll wait for the next album, hoping...hoping.