Album Reviews

Nirvana

`Live at Reading'

(Universal Music Korea)

After 17 years, Nirvana's legendary performance at the Reading Festival, United Kingdom on Aug. 30, 1992 is finally available on CD and DVD. The mind-blowing concert has been voted number one by fans on Kerrang! magazine's list of 100 Gigs that Shook the World and NME's poll of Nirvana's Greatest Moments.

The limited edition release shows Nirvana at its finest. The set list included almost all the songs from ``Nevermind,'' a handful from ``Bleach'' and early versions of ``All Apologies,'' ``Dumb'' and ``Tourette's.'' The Reading concert perfectly captured Kurt Cobain's intense vocals, Krist Novoselic's electrifying bass and Dave Grohl's powerful drumming. Nirvana also played covers of Fang's ``The Money Will Roll Right In'' and The Wipers' ``D-7.'' This is a definite must-have for all Nirvana fans.

― Cathy Rose A. Garcia

`Glee: The Music, Volume 1'

Original Soundtrack

(SonyBMG)

One of the hottest new TV shows in the U.S., ``Glee'' is about a mismatched group of high school students who join the glee club. Fans of "Glee" will no doubt love listening to songs that bring back memories of the show's fun moments. Lea Michele, who plays the uptight Rachel, gives a heartfelt rendition of Rihanna's ``Take a Bow''' while Matthew Morrison, who plays the enthusiastic Mr. Shuester, takes on Kanye West's ``Golddigger.'' The "Glee" cast versions of Journey's ``Don't Stop Believing'' and Queen's ``Somebody to Love'' are particularly enjoyable.

Sorely missing from the soundtrack are the mash-ups, like ``Walking on Sunshine'' with ``Halo.'' Not to worry, Volume 2 is said to be on its way in time for the second half of the show's season.

Bon Jovi

`The Circle'

It's been 25 years since Bon Jovi came out with their self-titled debut album. The band, originally formed in New Jersey, is still going strong and has just released their 11th album. The first single, ``We Weren't Born to Follow,'' is typical Bon Jovi, with its soaring chorus and radio-friendly rock beat.

Obviously rich and successful musicians, Bon Jovi sounds a tad insincere when singing about the common man's problems in ``Work for the Working Man." Lead singer Jon Bon Jovi still has the vocal chops, but the songs don't offer anything new. While the album is technically polished, you can barely tell one song from the other.