BODY COUNT
"Carnivore" (Century
Media; 2020)
Reviewed by Snidermann
In this day of the Coronavirus and Trump being a total fucking asshole, Editor R. Scott Bolton asked me if I wanted to review the new Body Count release. Two words: Fuck, yeah! That's just what I needed.
"Carnivore" is what you think it would be: Excellent music with an edge, tight as hell, with Ice-T delivering his share of attitude-laden vocals. It's pretty impressive: Ice-T is an actor, a rapper and a heavy metal star. Is there anything the man can't do? Speaking of which, let's get this out front: I like rap, when has the rage/metal to back it up (see my review of Rage Against The Machine) and Ice-T does it at least as fucking good.
The icing on the cake is a tribute to my man Lemmy Kilmister of Motorhead. Body Count does a striking cover of the classic "Ace Of Spades" that got my heart pumping and it rocked hard.
I also dig the lyrical content of Ice-T and Body Count. They way what they want to say and fuck you to any anyone who says different.
Even after 20 years on network television, releasing rap records and playing with Body Count, Ice-T still has the passion and edge to deliver a stunning metal performance.
For more information, check out http://www.bodycount.com.
"Murder 4
Hire" (Escapi Music; 2006)
Reviewed by R. Scott Bolton
Ice-T's "metal" band returns with another collection of tunes guaranteed to offend most of the people most of the time.
Addressed on "Murder 4 Hire" are topics like murder, cheating spouses, corrupt governments, murder, false assumptions, nagging women, murder and (did I mention?) murder.
Although the oft-mentioned murder theme gets a little repetitive after awhile, "Murder 4 Hire" kinda grows on you. Sure, you've got to have a tolerance for metal rap; this is Ice-T after all. But, for the most part, the trash metal of this CD is a little infectious.
In addition, when he's not rapping/singing about murder, Ice-T makes some volatile comments here, ripping apart corrupt politicians, religious zealots and aggravating loved ones. He doesn't offer many solutions to the problems he outlines here (with the exception of the previously mentioned "murder") but his anger and frustration is palatable.
The closing number, "Mr. T's Theme," is a cool instrumental that sounds like (gasp!) somebody's theme song.
"Murder 4 Hire" isn't for everyone. Those who don't like their metal with any rap will want to stay away, as will those who don't appreciate controversial lyrics. Fans of previous Body Count records may find this one a little tamer but still caustic enough to hold their attention.
For more information, check out http://www.bodycount.com.
"Live
in L.A." DVD (New Media Studio; 2005)
Reviewed by R. Scott Bolton
"Live in L.A." is exactly what's promised in its very simple title. It's the band, led by rapper / TV star Ice-T, kicking ass at the legendary Troubadour Theater in Los Angeles, CA.
It's an intense, explosive performance. The guitars are brutal yet sharp like the edge of a rusty tin can lid. Ice-T, who first takes the stage dressed like Michael Meyers from the "Halloween" films, is a powerful front man who's more adept at rap than metal but still delivers an edgy, aggressive performance. And the band's unique blend of speed metal and rap metal drives the audience into a moshing frenzy.
Those who enjoy the previous Body Count CDs will also enjoy this DVD. The live performance captured here is not only tight and furious, it's well-photographed, edited and recorded. The image and sound are excellent without being glossily perfect which, of course, would have taken away a lot of this DVD's charm.
Also included is a CD containing two new tracks from the band's forthcoming full-length album.
I hesitate to even bring up the negative points because I'm wondering if it's just a problem with my promo version or if all the retail versions are identical. But here it is: At the blandly illustrated start menu, you only have one option: Play. And that's what it will do. Like an old VHS tape, "Live in L.A." can only be played from the beginning to the end. You can't skip from one song to the next, you can't pick your favorite song and play it. You can't even access the bonus footage (an interview with Ice-T, a photo gallery and more) without going through the entire concert first.
This sometimes happens with promo copies and that may be the case here. Retail copies may have chapters and better navigation. I honestly don't know. Even if they don't, however, it shouldn't be a deal breaker. The performance and music here are still worth a look.
For more information, check out http://www.icet.com.
Rating Guide:
A classic. This record will kick your ass.
Killer. Not a classic but it will rock your world.
So-so. You've heard better.
Pretty bad. Might make a nice coaster.
Self explanatory. Just the sight of the cover makes you wanna hurl.
Copyright © 2020 by R. Scott Bolton. All rights reserved.
