GODSEND REVIEWS : N

Namanax-Audiotronic CD-Leave it to the brilliant James Plotkin(who co-produced and plays on this) to bring subtlety to this power electronics act. Whereas before, NAMANAX was content to overpower the listener with a sheer wall of screeching terror, Audiotronic pulses with impressive textures and cold reverberations. (Release)

Namanax-Cascading Waves.. CD-Electronic noise/feedback that goes on and on in a neverending cycle of grinding static outbursts. (Release)

Nearly God-Nearly God CD-Shuffling, lazy, funky triphop grooves from TRICKY and an array of guest vocalists including BJORK and NENAH CHERRY among others. (Island)

Neill,Ben-Green Machine CD-Intelligent ambient/electronic textures from a classically-trained composer. Green Machine utilizes all sorts of organic, natural sounds, electronic fx, and Neills own mutantrumpet to create a rich, swirly brew of green feeling electro-gurglings. A very pleasant listen, at times even approaching a jazzy feel. Excellent.(Astralwerks)

Nellie Bly - "Nellie Bly" CD - A side project from Missy Gibson and Jim Flanagan of LA rock gems BREECH, this shows a more stripped-down, subtle, and homespun approach than the comparatively 'bigger' rock sounds of the parent band. Vocalist/lyricist Missy Gibson again excels here with her tailormade-for-rock voice and well-written, emotive words that reflect all facets of life, from relationship woes and self-reflection to soul-baring confessional. The music on 'Nellie Bly' ranges from the sad 'Valentine' to the country/folk accents of 'Bucket Of Blood' or the standout 'Sorry For This Mess', which comes complete with banjo, ukelele, accordian, and pump organ. The final track, 'Snow Day', is a beautiful pop song/ballad, showcasing Missy at her most sensitive, vulnerable, and melodic. 'Nellie Bly' successfully bridges several genres and provides further proof that these folks are artists first. Excellent work and a nice companion to BREECH's 'Apron Strings' CD. (Ru Records c/o Breech)

Neuroactive-Morphology CD-Fine and hard EBM tailored for fans of 242, BIGOD 20, or LASSIGUE BENDTHAUS.(Cyberware)

Neuroactive-Neuron CDS-Excellent hard electro in the 242/LASSIGUE BENDTHAUS vein. Easily the best act Ive yet to hear from Finland. (Cyberware)

Neuroplague-Alter CD-Strong electro hardbeat from a new group from NY. NEUROPLAGUE definitely come from the PUPPY/FLA/Wax Trax! school, but the tracks here can easily stand up to some of the scenes current contenders. Any fans of WUMPSCUT, PYGMY CHILDREN, or MENTALLO should definitely check this group out. Good production, design, and a very promising debut. (Primordial)

Neurosis-"Sovereign" CD-Coming from a hardcore/metal background, NEUROSIS has been evolving and morphing through the years into what has become a sort of tribal aggro-rock with ambient/ritual touches. Fans of NEUROSIS' past work should not be too surprised that this is again a very heavy rock experience--a dark and primeval catharsis for the 6-piece as they are now free to explore other avenues as their more experimental alter-ego TRIBES OF NEUROT. 'Sovereign' sees this San Francisco act again enlisting the appropriate production assistance of Steve Albini, and to good effect. The 4 long tracks here range from a slowed-down dirge to relentless and venomous, spewing forth aggravated spirits into a blasting furnace of extreme violence. Albini's production is spot-on as ever, accenting the band's organic and murderous edge. Strong work and a logical heir to the throne of early SWANS. (Neurot Recordings)

Neurosonic - "Drama Queen" CD - Calgary-based Jason Darr here produces a solid, slam-dunk modern heavy rock album, playing all the instruments and writing all the songs himself. Taking cues from the heavy industrial rock scene as well as the BEATLES' songwriting craftsmanship, Darr successfully melds trad troubadour with amped-up rock messiah, and he does it as well as anyone. 'Me Myself And I' is a highlight, as is the string-laden 'Fearless'. It's anthmic and dynamic, and tailormade for rock radio play. (Bodog Music)

New Kingdom-Paradise Dont Come Cheap CD-First heard on the MACRO DUB/ALTERED BEATS comps, this funky hiphop act incorporates some experimental, dub, and rock into their unique sound. These guys go beyond the usual, and I like it. (Island)

New Mind-Zero To The Bone CD-Hard cyber-tech music from this veteran UK group, well-produced but lacking a distinct personality. (Fifth Colvmn)

New Model Army - "Live 161203" DVD - Emerging from the rich post-punk scene in England amidst the Thatcher administration, NMA have seen some turbulent times come and go, but they're still persevering, as evidenced by this document of a rare gig from 2003. Lead singer/guitarist Justin Sullivan's road-weary, working-class delivery is bold and impassioned, and the band conjures a fine mix of moody, often-heavy rock and folksy sounds behind him. The 'What A Wonderful Way To Go' is strong and beautiful, while 80s standby '51st State' is still fiery - and more than relevant today. 'No Rest' is another amped-up highlight, as is the climactic and hopeful closer, 'I Love The World'. Lyrically, Sullivan is still concerned with Imperialism and its' effect on the world's balance, and this stance has landed him in hot water with the US government (denying NMA's touring visas in years past). Undoubtably, this has hurt the group's following in the US, but New Model Army's music has nonetheless withstood the test of time, and this fine show, coupled with an informative and insightful interview with Sullivan himself (as a bonus feature) is more than worth a closer look. (Secret Films via MVD)

Joanna Newsom - "Ys" CD - The much-anticipated sophomore LP from everyone's favorite harp-playing freak-folk waif blazes a bold and visionary new path from her previous acclaimed LP, 'The Milk-Eyed Mender'. Featuring orchestrations from noted 60's/Beach Boys producer Van Dyke Parks, these 5 extended tracks channel Appalachian folk, Broadway theater, old-school psychedelia, and who knows what else into an otherworldly, magical melding. Newsom's wispy, elfin vocals are a little more, umm, less idiosyncratic than in the past, and her arrangements are both complex and emotive. Noise/indie stalwart Steve Albini produced parts of this, and avante/post-rock maverick Jim O'Rourke also contributed mixing, but their work seems more transparent than expected, luckily, allowing Newsom to shine as bright as an American Bjork, maybe. 'Ys' (pronounced 'ees') is a triumphantly unique release in a world full of fashion-obsessed rock, R&B that's all rhythm and no blues, and generic pop pabulum. Joanna Newsom is an oddity and an unlikely icon, standing by herself making music that will last and inspire. 'Ys' certainly does just that in it's 55 minutes. (Drag City)

Next Level X-Dissonance Amid the Reconstruction CS-A collection of demos that straddle the lines between sensitive goth and industrial rock. The dramatic vocals seem slightly overdone in places, but its likely got much to do with the limited 2-track production. Lots of potential as the songs are expertly arranged, with more variation and mood than most. (New Strain)

Next Level X-Sacrifice Sessions CS-Electro- hardbeat with undistorted, melodic vox that remind slighly of Trent, but the music and songs are excellent, and definitely not one of the many NIN-copyists. With better production, I see a bright future here. (New Strain)

Nexus 6-"Pre-Listening Demo" CDR-This new American "aggro.tech.industrial" duo is poised to make some serious waves in the scene, based on this all-too-brief 4-song demo. These tracks offer strong and modern Euro-techno rhythms, clean, melodic, and well-textured synth patterns, and vocals that straddle the line between harsh and melodic, but not pandering to either side of the fence. Of particular note is production and programming assistance by Daniel Myer (of haujobb/CLEANER/ARCHITECT/etc.), and, not surprisingly, the 'jobb seems to be a major influence here. Anyone with a passing fascination for haujobb, CLEANER, FORMA TADRE, or even COVENANT should by all means procure these tracks, all of which are available for free download at http://www.thematrix.com/nexus6/ or http://www.mp3.com/nexus-6. If these 'demos' are any indication, the full-length should be something to behold. (Nexus 6)

Nice Nice - "Yesss!" CDEP - 6 tracks (plus 3 remixes) of weird, jumpy, and crunchy space-age electro-funk from a Portland duo who will instantly appeal to fans of stuff like recent AFX. Or maybe if a modern radio-ready hip-hop/R&B act ingested way too much acid. Either way, 'Yesss!' is a seriously fun batch of big beats and overloaded loops and noises, perhaps a little too 'out-there' for most clubs but more than useable for progressive house parties, I'm sure. The title track is more rock-oriented, with a vaguely Jaki Leibezeit/CAN-like drum groove and chanted vocals. Very kool stuff, laced with a good dose of fun and grooviness, but just corrosive enough for heads like mine (or maybe yours?). (Audraglint)

Nico B. and Rozz Williams-"The Art of Rozz Williams: From Christian Death To Death" BOOK-This attractive, full-size, 246-page book serves as a wonderful document and epitaph for Roger Painter (aka Rozz Williams)'s visual art and writings until his death in 1998. Best known as leader of deathrock icons CHRISTIAN DEATH, Williams' music never appealed to me (aside from his excellent experimental work as PREMATURE EJACULATION). However, this book proves to be a fascinating study into the life of the prolific and often-misunderstood artist. Williams' collage art used taboo (and often morbid) imagery and bore surface resemblance to that of fellow musical icons Genesis P-Orridge and David Jackman, but with a more fatalistic outlook, and not without a healthy dose of black humor. The book is also embellished with hundreds of personal photos of Rozz, on and off stage, through the years. Editor/compiler Nico B. has provided a virtual goldmine of info and documentation that showcases a unique and multifaceted individual whose legacy will not be forgotten. (Cult Epics/Last Gasp)

Nico B and Rozz Williams-"Pig" VHS VIDEO-This 23-minute black & white film by new filmmaker Nico B is a jagged and surreal collection of disturbing imagery based on concepts by and starring the late Rozz Williams (who also created the appropriately-oppressive industrial soundtrack). The camera follows a 'killer' and his masked victim (Williams) into an isolated desert house where the victim is subjected to all sorts of torture, piercing, and mutilation, though it's never really clear if the assorted tortures are for pain or for pleasure. The film concludes with the killer and victim sort of 'becoming one', a body being disposed of, and one person driving away into the unforgiving desert sun. Williams, before his suicide in 1998, claimed this film was an exorcism and transition for him, and, if so, this film clearly it shows that he definitely was at a crossroads. A highlight of the film (for me) was an extensive showing of collage art by Rozz Williams, which showed an artist of a high caliber. Though it's definitely not for the squeamish, 'Pig' should be necessary viewing for those curious about the later days of the former CHRISTIAN DEATH/PREMATURE EJACULATION founder. (Open Eye Productions)

Nightcrawler 1947 - "Nightcrawler 1947" CDR - Hailing from New Haven, CT, this band's short 9-song EP presents an aggressive mix of detuned nu/death metal, punchy industrial rock, and goth theatrics. To their credit, they sound nothing like their listed influences (SKINNY PUPPY, and MINISTRY), and successfully dodge the stereotypical genre trappings. 'Unheard' even brings in grindcore elements. It's ugly, mean, and aggro. And your mother wouldn't like it. (www.nc47.com)

Nihil-"Drown" CD-Take a wallop of GODFLESH, add a seasoning of 16 VOLT (vocally), and maybe a teaspoon of MINISTRY, and you might well come up with something like NIHIL, who do quite a fine job on this debut CD. 70 minutes of powerful electronically-enhanced aggro-metal. If you find yourself liking the above bands and feel a need for more, this is a band to consider. Production is solid, courtesy of Neil Kernon, and this is a strong album despite it's somewhat derivative sound. (Slipdisc)

Nirvana - "A Classic Album Under Review: In Utero" DVD - A brief but well-done look at this 90s rock act's final studio LP, from the vantage point of several underground music journalists as well as some ex-studio cohorts of the band. It's a well-done documentary, featuring some cool photos and insights from folks like Cobain's first girlfriend, Nirvana's original drummer Chad Channing, 'Bleach' producer Jack Endino, and others. And the looks into producer Steve Albini's work and references to Nirvana's inspirations (Pixies, Butthole Surfers, etc.) are spot-on and worthwhile. Very enjoyable and with little mention of that scourge of Nirvana-fans, the former Mrs. Cobain. Hurrah. Liked it. (MVD Visual)

Nobility Of Salt - "Those Narrow Streets" CD - A new German trio here unleashes their second full-length CD, and it reverberates with a rich and sonorous exotic flair. Twangy guitars, cinematic piano and dusky textures are the order of the day. 'The Devil's Dealer' begins wonderfully and oh-so-stylishly, but is marred a bit by the overly dramatic vocals. The press materials tend to play up the Morricone/John Barry film-music angle, and that is partially an astute comparison, but NOBILITY OF SALT come across as more of a programmed-drum-machine-gothy sort of thing, despite some interesting song structures and unusual instrumentation. Particularly interesting are the three tracks that are subtitled 'Russian Roullette Themes' (which I can sort of hear, actually). Nonetheless, I can't commit to this one as the vocals really spoil the journey, sorry. (Nobility Of Salt)

Noise Box-Nuffnutz EP CD-Decent(but still derivative in spots) electro-hardbeat, with both guitar/metal and hip hop influences. Fans of the classic Wax Trax sound should look into this Seattle group.(Cleopatra)

various-"Noise Factory 2" CD-No less than 16 electronic musicians converged upon Germany in Summer, 1996,where they recorded over 20 hours of collaborative improvisational experiments. This CD compiles the best of that, in one concise 59-minute document. The resultant sound is a collision of disjointed electro-acoustic effects and moods, from analogue synth blips and video game-type sounds to darker-toned expanses. "Noise Factory 2" is a fascinating and challenging listen, resembling musique concrete to these ears. Fine work. (Archegon)

various-"Noise Kills Punk Dead" CD-A potpourri of off-the-wall noise and assorted weird sounds from a variety of mostly-unknown acts, compiled by Brent C (of THORA-ZINE magazine notoriety). This 59-band, 67-track comp mixes up all sorts of disposeable oddness, from harsh noise to tape recorder-play-nonsense to belching collages to playful cutups to death metal to funky hiphop(?). Suffice to say, there's something for everyone here. Those with short attention spans who can't stand long, drawn-out experimental drones apply here, as this junk music is just all over the place. A fun listen. (Opulence! Records)

various-"Noise Reduction II" CD-A fine compilation of experimental dub and dark soundscapes from obscure names like DIJISLOV, WATERWHEEL, and OTRASLAB to more familiars like TRIBES OF NEUROT and FINAL. A good combination of beats, noise, and sound that ranges from the drifting feedback ambience of FINAL to the almost drum & bass track by T.V. POW to everything in-between. Artists like OTRASLAB mingle the propulsiveness of techno beats to environmental noise sculpture, to wonderful effect. A great comp that satifies both the mind and body. (Alleysweeper/Invisible)

NON-"God & Beast" CD-The notorious and legendary Boyd Rice returns with compatriots Douglas Pearce, Rose McDowell, Dave Simmons, and producer Ken Thomas (who also produced some of PSYCHIC TV's classic work). "God & Beast" shows NON returning more or less to the noise fold, with highly rhythmic blasts of harsh sound and densely layered voices/chants alongside Boyd's spoken wisdom. A swirling mesh of raw melody, mighty noise, and powerful ruminations from a man who stands as an influential and potent force musically and politically. A superb release. (Mute)

Various Artists - "Nonexistence - iem #4" CD - This lengthy and limited (500 copies) compilation was issued to accompany the Russian 'Independent Electronic Music' magazine #4, and it contains a wealth of abrasive and abstract experimental sounds from all over the world. Beginning with the ear-bleeding musique concrete flavours of DAVE PHILIPS, we are then treated to the mechanized industrial grind of AMK's 'Hurricane When You Shot'. Other standouts include KLANGKRIEG's haunting and mysterious 'Stimmen Aus Dem Ather', PBK's teeming sci-fi chaos collages in 'Scan Lock', the tripped-out dub-hop of SIGILLUM S and their 'Double Border Asian Roll', JOHN WATERMANN's aptly-titled and evocative 'Death In The Lubrication Chamber', MAEROR TRI's droning ambient soundtrack, and KLIMPEREI's gently melodic 'Berceuse' (which will please any fan of early LEGENDARY PINK DOTS). An overall solid compilation showcasing the wide scope of modern electronic musics. (iem magazine)

The Normal-Warm Leatherette/T.V.O.D. CDS-This is a reissue of the classic, legendary, and seminal 1978 electro-shock-pop hit that singlehandedly started Mute Records. Even today, this single resonates with a decadence and unease that modern electronic acts cannot duplicate. A must-have for any electronic/post-industrial music fan. (Mute)

Northern Machine - "A Broken Mold" CD - Initially released on cassette back in 1992, the 8 tracks on 'A Broken Mold' still hold the same power and intrigue as they did then. These are structured electronic/experimental compositions that succeed in conjuring vivid mental imagery--sometimes dark and sinister, othertimes alien and otherworldly, sometimes all of the aforementioned. There is a definite affinity for, and reference to, some of the classic, early electronic and 'industrial' artists, from TANGERINE DREAM to KRAFTWERK, as in 'One Of Three', which harkens back to the late 70s/early 80s analogue sound. Other tracks map out their own little freeform worlds, like the nearly ambient 'In The Tall Dust Weeds', while 'Krelltones' is laced with spacy percolations and hypnotic sequences. A solid selection of psychotronic sounds and more than worth a listen. (Hoffman Cleaner Cathode Company)

Northern Machine-"The Lost Signal" CDR-Having known this duo from their past cassette releases, it was a pleasure to find they are still producing wonderously adventurous electronic sounds. This 5-track, 68-minute CD (which was recorded, amazingly, all the way back in 1995-1996) begins the journey with the spacy 'Radio 408', and proceeds to the 19-minute 'No Sides', which brings in bowls, gongs, and flangers to create an eerie and ritualistic drone, anchored by a subtle electronic rhythm in the background. The percussive 'Heathen' also conjures an exotic, tribal, almost middle-eastern vibe that brings to mind the incredible LIFE GARDEN or maybe MUSLIMGAUZE--some impressive company, indeed! 'Welter' brings the disc to a close with 26 minutes of slowly-morphing semi-ambient sounds, layered with subtle and atmospheric guitarwork, bird sounds, and distant reverberations. Melodies float in and out, and a sense of tension--even menace--lies just below the surface. NORTHERN MACHINE's imaginative and filmic soundwork is more than deserving of your attention, and 'The Lost Signal' is a timeless piece of work. (Hoffman Cleaner Cathode Company)

Northern Machine - "The Sleeper Dislodged" CD - Dating way back to 1989, this seminal NORTHERN MACHINE release focuses on a darker sort of post-industrial sound, even at times approaching what later was to become described as 'power noise'. But later tracks, like 'Contractions Of The Dirt Merchant V2.0', point the group in a more sinister soundtrack vein, with muffled voices in the background, while 'October's Root Cellar' evokes a dusky and deserted subterranean dwelling--at once eerie yet somehow inviting. NORTHERN MACHINE are masters at creating uniquely visual sonic worlds, and 'The Sleeper Dislodged' can still stand with the best of them. (Hoffman Cleaner Cathode Company)

Northern Machine - "Staalhertz" CD - The first new release from this Connecticut-based electronic duo in years, 'Staalhertz' is a diverse and effective collection of (mostly instrumental) tunes that straddle the lines between post-industrial experimentalism and accessably dark alien pop soundtracks. 'U.X.O.' sounds like a trip backwards to the halcyon days of off-kilter synth music of the 80s, which isn't a bad thing. That's not to say that this is a retro-styled CD, though. No sir. NORTHERN MACHINE's compositions rarely fit into any sort of pre-determined genre or place. 'Blare' is a breathtaking almost-shoegazer composition (minus the guitars, though) with backwards-sounds and submerged melodies that are simply a joy to behold. 'Finding The One' is an electro-tribal cut with a lonely sax for a late-night vibe. Truly, these guys are sonic adventurers wandering a threshold without boundaries. (HC3)

Northern Machine-"Surge Zone" CDR-This archival collection of pieces from 1992-1994 shows the eclectic and diverse tastes of NORTHERN MACHINE's Pat Gillis and Bill Warford. From the harsh and piercing tones of the opener ('Crack Side Out'), to the hypnosis-inducing faux urban tribalism of 'Experimental Populace' (which reminds slightly of early CABARET VOLTAIRE), to the lovely 4AD-ish 'Sea Sing Sleep', NORTHERN MACHINE are adept at creating mood and texture. With a great ear for subtlety, Gillis and Warford mingle post-industrial electronic sounds, dark ambient soundtrack elements, and solid production into a wholly inviting blend. Excellent work that still sounds fresh after 7+ years. (Hoffman Cleaner Cathode Company)

Not Breathing - "Carrion Sounds" CD - Emancipated from his previous label deal, sonic mad scientist Dave Wright emerges with another excellent set of experimental technoise grooves and far-out psycho-acoustic manipulations. 'national anthem of wor' is an homage to the classic videogame, with 80s-era bleeps puncuating the chopped-up drum&bass rhythms. 'worlock radar' is a fierce and jagged maelstrom of piercing tones, damaged beats, and ominous reverberations that remind of PAN SONIC on far too many stimulants. Jack Dangers turns up for 'Bebe Baron's Panties'--a hypnotic trip with big beats and twisty-tweak frequencies. NOT BREATHING are a unique entity--joining fearsome electronic programming with a decidedly dark edge AND a wicked sense of humor. 'Carrion Sounds' may be Wright's finest moment yet, and anyone with even a passing interest in modern electronic music should investigate this one pronto. (KimoSciotic)

Not Breathing - "The Black Old Pueblo" CD - From the experimental noise cassette underground to the drum & bass electronica movement and the industrial scene of the 90s, Not Breathing's Dave Wright has been there and done that. For years, Wright has been a tinkerer of the highest order, creating and modifying his modular synths, oscillators, effects racks, and theremins, while selling some of these unique circuitbending masterworks via his own Carrionsound website. This, his 7th full-length CD release, heads deep into dangerous waters with the chaotic electronic burblings of 'Chain Of Worlocks', which uses the blippy sounds of the classic arcade game 'Wizard Of Wor' as source material - very clever and a treat for old-school gamers. 'Monsoons with Klaid' is a nailbitingly creepy ambient cut that sufficiently breaks up the furious rhythmic assaults, as does the more languid 'Wet Side Of The Moon'). Further tracks (like the magnificently corrosive 'Dead Voices On Acetone') are fried collisions of overloaded effects and wild bass-thumping beats, like a malfunctioning videogame dropped into a vat of battery acid. And I mean that in the best possible way. (Sublight Records)

Not Breathing-Sangre Azul CD-A very impressive CD from this Arizona group, which provides a variety of surreal/exotic atmospheres thru a mixture of electronics and live instruments. At times, Sangre Azul is quite percussive and rhythmic, but never really aggressive or danceworthy. Psychedelic electronic music for the new generation. Stunning work. (Invisible)

Not Breathing-"The Starry Wisdom" 2CD-A brilliant double disc set from Dave Wright that successfully merges a variety of flavors and styles...from ambient soundscapes to hard acid techno to fierce noise. "The Starry Wisdom" is a wild and unique ride into a world of lush atmospheres and pagan dances. Disc one, subtitled "Nuclear", presents the more rhythmic techno side, with some amazingly dense and pounding compositions alongside some more sedate psychedelic ambiance. Disc two, "Abyss", shifts more towards ambient soundtracks, darkly-lit vapor trails and isolated drones. A masterful release of challenging electronic sound. (Invisible)

Various Artists-"Notes From Thee Real Underground Volume 2" 2xCD- A full 36 tracks of independent music as assembled by the Invisible Records folks showcases many unknowns as well as some others who should be at least somewhat familiar. Notable inclusions? Try the GRIM FAERIES (featuring ex-members of EVIL MOTHERS and THRILL KILL KULT) and their impressive electro-rock 'Faerie Raide', or the weird techstep/hip-hop hybrid of KING RHYTHM, or MOTH's moody soundtracks. Other standouts include ESION's anthemic heavy modern rock, BOXCAR SATAN's Tom Waits-meets-MORPHINE beat-poet rock, or SUNSHINE BLIND's cool ethno-electro-goth. ACCLIMATE's tracks of dark, moody electronic noisescapes hit the mark as always, and the long-lost BLUE EYED CHRIST return with some cool and hard electro-rock cuts. This lengthy comp (2 tracks each by 18 artists) is surprisingly well put-together, with more hits than misses. Well worthwhile and a great place to sample some new acts. My only real complaint is the lack of contact info or even web links for the bands and artists included (though these can be found online with a little research). Nonetheless, I remain impressed and fully expect to be hearing more from some of these projects in the future. (Underground Inc. c/o Invisible)

Various - "Nothing Left To Lose: A Tribute To Kris Kristofferson" CD - A sorely-overlooked legend of American songwriting, Kristofferson here is given a sort of due by some indie, post-rock, and alt.country-ish types, and it's really a solid bit of work, (mostly) remaining true to the originals and preferring to honor the songs rather than decontruct them as so many other 'tributes' do. Kristofferson's songs are of the classic (and literate) storytelling mode, standing tall among other masters like Cash, Cohen, or Dylan. HANDSOME FAMILY's 'Sunday Mornin' Comin' Down' sounds pretty well just like Kristofferson, while DIANA DARBY's gentle take on 'Jesus Was A Capricorn' is a ghostly, fragile gem. CALEXICO's 'Casey's Last Ride' features a NICO-ish chanteuse to good effect, while CREEPER LAGOON's 'Why Me' is an old-fashioned lament that sounds as fresh today as it did 30 years ago. HOWIE GELB's live take on 'The Pilgrim (Chapter 33)' captures the spirit of the great storyteller and proves the timeless nature of this music. With only a select few exceptions (DEANNA VARAGONA's track refuses to end), 'Nothing Left To Lose' is uniformly superb work, and I, for one, plan on investigating deeper into this man's original catalogue of work, as the songs are what matters, and this tribute showcases the depth and honesty of Kristofferson's music--even if through the lens of others. (Incidental Music)

Noxious Emotion-Count Zero CD-The 2nd self-released CD by this Seattle-based EBM/hardbeat band. NE pump out the sequencers and industrialized beats with distorted vocals and not a guitar within earshot. Easily as good as most of the Euro acts playing this same style. (ADSR)

Noxious Emotion-"Symbols" CD-This Seattle band has successfully self-produced 3 CDs now, all the while gaining notoriety and building an impressive fanbase. This CD continues down the same path of post-Wax Trax! electro-hardbeat. NOXIOUS EMOTION owe a great deal to bands like PUPPY or FLA, but their sense of melody also shows a definite affinity for synthpop in spots, which is a welcome flavour added to the brew. Electronic music fans who have no interest in the latest drum & bass or techno textures will find sustenance in NOXIOUS' sequenced synth percolations and thudding industrial drum-machine sounds which bring to mind the early work of PORTION CONTROL even. A well-done album and easily their most accomplished to date. (ADSR Musicwerks)

Noxious Emotion-This Hallowed Ground CD- Electro-hardbeat with a definite PUPPY/FLA influence. Not anything really all that unique, but well done stuff. (ADSR)

Nudge - "Cached" CD - Hey! You got your funk in my electronica! But your indie pop is in my dub! On 'Cached', the third CD (and Kranky debut) by this maverick collective is sure to befuddle music-purist listeners with it's wild, freeform genre blurrings. NUDGE (which consists of players from JACKIE-O MOTHERFUCKER, FONTANELLE, and STRATEGY, among others) brings a unique and skilled mishmash of indie art-rock, funk, drone pulses, and rhythmic dub to their table. The opening cut, 'Classic Mode', is cold retro-pop, whereas 'Standing On Hot Sidewalk' is full of more abstracted sonic waves. 'Contact' is a gem, with skittering dub effects, a vaguely jazz-like flow, and eventually a full-on funk vibe. 'My New Youth' initially reminds of very early NEW ORDER, but following tracks move into African tribal territory ('Remove Ya'), deep tectonic dub ('Dee Deet'), and sweetly skewered indie electropop ('Parade'). The closer, 'No Come Back', is a glitchified laptop-styled marathon. A superb set and worth investigating, to be certain. (Kranky)

Null-Guitar Organism CD-Null collaborations with several other guitar experimenters like Fred Frith and Jim ORourke for 60 minutes of mostly rough guitarscapes. Best is the duet with ORourke, which is quite meditative in feel.(Nux/Charnel)

Numb-Christmeister/Bliss CD-A long-awaited reissue of this Vancouver acts classic 2nd album, with an equally rare remix EP tacked on as a bonus. Less meticulous and precise than later work, Christmeister is a rip-roaring, all-out attack on the senses, ranging from the electro-guitarcore assault of Deadinside or Frantic to foreboding synth/noisescapes. Just as great 6 years later...(Metropolis)

Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan & Michael Brook-Night Song CD-Legendary Pakistani vocalist joins up with avante-ambient guitarist for a fine album fusing the ancient and traditional with the modern. (Realworld/ Caroline)

various artists-"Nutone Volume 2" CD- This brief compilation serves as a taster of some of the acts on Nettwerk's new electronic sublabel, Nutone. Beginning are 2 tracks from BADMARSH & SHRI, on a sort of lush, semi-ambient trip-hop tip. The Middle-Eastern themes and sounds bring a nicely exotic vibe. Very well-done and mature work. Next are 2 tracks from the CRITICAL BANDWIDTH compilation--both downtempo shufflers with bits of IDM and d&b. Solid enough there. Finally, 2 tracks from THE HERMIT, a laid-back, spacious swirl of gentle, breezy female vocals and cool rhythmic breaks. Some fine work and nicely suited to warm summer days indoors with a cold drink in one hand. (Nutone/Nettwerk)