Mirrorball features some of the more commercial work- "Building A Mystery" opens up the album while "Adia", "Sweet Surrender" and "Possession" (from Fumbling) are there as well, but also contains songs that best represent Sarah's style: songs that are dark, edgy, beautiful and insightful. There is going to be some argument over those songs that did not make the cut: "Mary", from Fumbling is noticeably absent, while "Black" and "Into the Fire"- songs from her 1991 album, "Solace"- were also not included. In fact, only one song from Solace appears- the heartfelt "Path of Thorns (Terms)"- and there are no songs from her debut album, "Touch". The album is not centrally geared toward the long time fan, which, while not unexpected given McLachlan's recent commercial mainstream successes- nonetheless is a disappointment. Too many songs to include, and not enough room to include them all.

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The album is solid, with no weak song selections. The sound quality of the album is strong and consistent, the "live" aspect of the live album enhances the energy and continuity. The highlight of the album is "Fumbling Towards Ectsasy", where the moody drums and stirring lyics- centered on one's readiness and acceptance of love in both self and in relationship-are in the live performance met with eye opening and electric guitarwork. The awesome work during the guitar solo's must be heard to believe that the performance is that spectacular. McLachlan's voice is superb, strong yet playful. McLachlan knows she can carry the show by herself, but chooses to share the stage with her talented bandmates- Sean Ashby (guitars and voals), Camile Henderson (backing vocals), Brian Minato (bass), David Sinclair (Guitars), Vince Jones (Keyboards), and Sarah's husband, Ashwin Sood (Drums).

Mirrorball is a nice collection of Sarah's material, suited for both completists and those in need of an introduction to her work, or those who just want to hear great music. It is not the greatest live album recorded, but it holds its own.

Tracklisting (* denotes songs which you should play repeatedly)
Building A Mystery
Hold On*
Good Enough*
I Will Remember You
Adia
I love You*
Do What You Have To Do*
Path of Thorns (terms of endearment)
Fear
Possession
Sweet Surrender*
Ice Cream*
Fumbling Towards Ecstasy*
Angel
For more information on Sarah McLachlan, including bio, song lyrics and samples visit the officialSarah McLachlan Web Site

Smashmouth: Astro Lounge

The first single off the new album from the boys at Smash Mouth is called "all star" and is already on the playlist of all the major NYC pop-rock stations. Their last album, "Fush-Yu Mang" was huge, due to the popularity of their single "Walkin on the sun" and the follow up, a cover of WAR's "Why Can't We Be Friends?". Fush Ya Mang provided a great atmosphere of urban life and its ups and downs with songs like "Nervous in the Alleyway" and "Disconnect the Dots". Other highlights included the negelected love song "Flo", as well as "Padrino", a comedic take on life in the mafia. Astro Lounge continuea Smash mouths surf style, speed rock attitude, if with a little less ska and a little more pop- reggae flavor.

Listeners intent on finding 15 songs that all sound like Walking On The Sun or All Star will be disappointed. While SmaSh Mouth comes alive with fun and frenetic energy on those types of songs, lead singer Steve Harwell and song writer/ guitarist Greg Camp are content to explore their newfound outer space real estate. "Who's There", the opening piece of the new album tells the story here. While cavorting about discovering extra terrestrial creatures and life beyond the universe as we know it., the weird noises and notes provides immediate transport to a vast landscape of space-rock.

The concept of the astro lounge- a place to just kick back, relax, and look at the stars while enjoying some kick ass music- is the center of exploration for the first half of the album. There is a certain, cyber-lounge lizard feel due to the smooth textured keyboards found on many of the songs (Diggin Your scene, I just wanna see, satellite).As an extra treat, RoadMan is pure reggae induced music. Steve's lyrical skills are put on display here.

Allstar is almost a regression, returning to the successful, all out rock style of "Fush Yu Mang". When placed in context with the rest of Astro Lounge.. the single becomes a detour, albeit one that is smart and catchy, and immensely pop friendly.

The last third of the album returns Smash mouth to more familiar territory, reminiscent of "Fush Yu". Tracks like Fallen Horses, Defeat You and Come On Come On base themselves on great guitar hooks and whooping keyboard beats.Home is another song which wraps itself around a great hook and Harwell's meter.The previously released single, Can't Get Enough of You Baby, closes the album. This can be seen as either a parallel to their "Fush Yu", where they closed that body of work with their cover of WAR's Why cant we be friends, or an effort to sell more records with a hit that's had heavy radio play for the past year.

Astro Lounge takes a couple of listens to adjust and compensate for the spacey beats. Smash Mouth's new direction is wide and meandering, more smooth than their previous effort but lacking that extra something in the transition. Youll just need to"lounge" around a bit to enjoy.

Track listing (* denotes the songs youll want to hear over and over)
Whos there
Diggin your Scene
I just wanna see*
Waste
All Star*
Satellite
Radio*
Stoned
Then The MorninG Comes*
RoadMan*
FallenHorses
Defeat You*
Come on Come on*
Home*
Can't Get enough of You baby.

Listen to excerpts of the new album here
Smash Mouth.com
Quickies:

Splender- Halfway Down The sky.

In 1999, music reviewers and radio execs proclaimed Marvelous 3 to be the next Third Eye Blind, but if anything Splender's release better fits Third eye blind's style and theme found in their 1997 self titled album. While M3 certainly paid their dues with 10 years on the road, Splender comes out with the better output, at least on this record. Its not just that Splender and 3eb share a singer with unique vocal stylings (frontman Waymon Boone delivers a great lines with precision and importance), or songs with the same name ("London"). The incredible rock album quality found in 3eb is shared with the foursome found in "Halfway down the sky". Splender reaches and even exceeds the "high volume rock and roll with a sensitive side" sounds of the San Francisco quartet's first major label record. Songs like "I Don't Understand", "Monotone" and "Special" build sonic temples, while "I Think God Can Explain", much like "Hows it Gonna Be?" is the rock ballad with a monstrously catchy lyrical punch. Splender's first single off this album "Yeah, Whatever" is currently getting play time on alt rock stations like 92.7 and 106.3 FM. Even if Splender doesn't catch the amount of mainstream attention M3 and 3eb received, they should still get acclaim for making a top notch product.