Scapegoat Wax - SWAX

Marty James didn't get a very good chance to strut his stuff with Okeeblow. Months after he released the album on Grand Royal Records, the Beasties-founded label got thrown off the local pier with a pair cement shoes. Sleeping with the fishes, you might say. However, most people did get the chance to hear "Aisle 10 (Hello Allison)", with it's couple weeks of rotation on MTV. Rightfully so, that's a damn catchy song. Well folks, Mr. James is back and ready to give it another try with SWAX. Of the 12 songs on SWAX, 7 can be found on Okeeblow. Now, before you throw your hands in the air and wonder why you even need to buy this new CD, all the old songs got a new coat of wax and were buffed to a glossy shine. Furthermore, as with Okeeblow, all the songs on SWAX still display the eclectic, polished mix of pop, hip-hop and rock. Of the dozen, the most rousing, toe-tapping numbers seem to be "Both My Friends" and "Freeway". Indeed, James still opts for the kitchen-sink method of writing; there's no limit to the stylistic changes on this album. The lows on this album come when James attempts to rap (see "Eardrum" and "Back Again"). Even on Okeeblow, the hip-hop tracks were a little embarrassing to listen to. Nevertheless, the "Chico Boy" is equipped with a nice set of vocal chords and never hesitates to change up styles. Basically, to break it down to the brass tacks, this album is obviously a push for radio play. It's not underground or raw, James is definitely not afraid of production. Scapegoat Wax got another chance to break into the mainstream and Marty James is trying his hardest to give Hollywood Records a catchy hit. Maybe he'll succeed and go down in history with the Citizen Kings, Smashmouths, and Eagle Eye Cherries. [www.scapegoatwax.com]