ENCORE
Eminem
(Aftermath Records/Universal)
This new Eminem album has something for everyone!
For the sophisticated music connoisseur, it's a compelling commentary on the shifting socio-political paradigm of modern America, focusing on the pervasive influence of pop culture, media and the erosion of free speech.
For the armchair psychologist, it's a dark and involved portrait of a deeply troubled, possibly suicidal man who candidly reveals his conflicted emotions about women and suffers bouts of rage tempered with bitter regret - all stemming from a difficult childhood, naturally.
For the keen observer of the rap scene, it's plenty of the usual gripes, name-dropping, infighting and inside references that would only appeal to keen observers of the rap scene. Who has the time?
And if any of that doesn't float your boat, enjoy the farts, burps and vomiting. Yup, that's quite a hurl Puke. What else would you call the song? It's about his ex-wife again, by the way. She makes him sick.
I can't be totally sure, but I think Encore contains the most bodily functions ever depicted on a rap album. The release date of this thing has been moved up to Friday to avoid anything "getting out" early. Em also bashes George W. Bush - the line, "f--- Bush!" in the grimly plodding Mosh jumps out, as does an obscured death wish on the three-song bonus CD. Good thing W was re-elected or it would be moot.
Yes, as with any Eminem album, Encore can be enjoyed on many levels. Lower the bar wherever you want. Use however much parental discretion you feel is necessary. There is explicit content. Various celebrities are poked, from Michael Jackson - more than just the infamous first single and video Just Lose It - to the late Christopher Reeve, to any number of former Mouseketeers and/or famous bimbos. The album is violent, sexually explicit and homophobic. It's loaded with complaining. The drama outweighs the comedy. None of this should surprise anyone who owns an Eminem album. If it's broke, keep it broke, you might say.
And yet, for all his faults, Eminem is still one of the most gifted rappers ever to emerge from the hip-hop scene. He also has the formidable producing skills of Dr. Dre to keep the grooves bumping along nicely, not to mention a posse of real gangstas, who have actual experiences getting shot instead of just vicarious ones. At his best, Eminem's manic, polluted stream of consciousness rhymes are a breathless cascade of shock and hilarity, as if he's got a sewer pipeline installed directly into that part of the brain that doesn't censor anything. My 1st Single, which isn't, is one of the best examples.
Eminem also introduces his "new name" in Rain Man, containing the line, "You find me offensive? I find you offensive for finding me offensive."
And we find you offensive for finding us offensive for finding you offensive, and so on and so forth. Enjoy.
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Wednesday, November 10, 2004
Definitely offensive
Eminem's polluted stream of consciousness overflows
By MIKE ROSS
Edmonton Sun
