By: Chris Stead

Ooky Spooky
Voltaire

If you felt like there was something missing with Voltaire’s last release, i.e. the comedy, you will be glad to hear that he is back in fine form with his newest album reflecting on the seedier aspects of life like prostitution, trips to Mexico, bombing a certain city and a Star Wars influenced intrusion on Luke Skywalker’s posterior. Truly listening enjoyment from beginning to end, although I wouldn’t recommend playing this one too loudly at work. I have gotten a couple of shocked looks because of lyrical content. Sadly, I ended up removing most of the songs on this album from my regular work rotation as I would like to remain employed, but by all means, play this at home and offend your neighbors! They probably already give you funny looks for the eyeliner anyway.

Ciao, Baby
theSTART

New wave is making a strong comeback with groups like The Horrors, The Birthday Massacre and theSTART. So, who came first, the new movement or theSTART? Heh… Aptly, it was theSTART! Being that “Ciao, Baby” is their fourth release in the past 9 years, Aimee, Jamie and co have been rocking like punkers with a musical education for nearly a decade and deserve the title of “new New Wave progenitors.” Their efforts are well reflected in this album. A word of warning, however, the album sounds much more electronic than they sound live. If you like the more electronic sounds of New Order and the like, get this album now, however if you like the more guitar-driven sound of Joy Division, go see theSTART live… over and over again. A crowd pleaser all around!