Stereotype A

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
It wasn't so long ago that New York-based Japanese duo Cibo Matto (Miho Hatori and Yuka Honda) were simply a fun, gimmicky East Village outfit who performed on Casio keyboards and sang almost exclusively about their favorite foods. As such, the band's major-label debut album Viva! La Woman was sugary, but not really substantive--a clear-cut example of Eastern culture endearingly misinterpreting Western music. But Cibo Matto has come a long way since penning songs like "Know Your Chicken," "Beef Jerky," and "Birthday Cake." Stereotype A is a mature, instrumentally rich album that sees the group break the novelty mold and achieve recognition for compelling songwriting and interesting arrangements. On Stereotype Cibo Matto incorporates such styles as electropop, bossa nova, soul, hip-hop, and butt-waggling funk, expressing a dizzying range of influences that include TLC, Ice Cube, Luscious Jackson, Antonio Carlos Jobim, and Isaac Hayes. In the process of becoming musically legit, however, Cibo Matto has lost some of their former charm, which is probably fine with Hatori and Honda, who would no doubt rather be seen as credible than cute. --Jon Wiederhorn --This text refers to the Audio CD edition.

Stereotype Be
Average customer rating:

Man I hate christian music

It's a real shame.

OK

An overlooked gem.

Heartfelt, reflective, and bold!

Stereotype Be
Kevin Max
Manufacturer: Forefront / Emd
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music
Gospel | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music
Christian Contemporary Music | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music
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Between the Fence and the Universe

The Imposter

Empty

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Holy Night

ASIN: B00005NNE0
Release Date: 2001-08-28

Tracks:

Return Of The Singer
Existence
Be
Angel With No Wings
Shaping Space
Dead End Moon
Union Of The Soul
The Secret Circle
I Don't Belong
Blind
On And On
Her Game
Deconstructing Venus
I Went Over The Edge Of The World
You (Hidden Track)

Amazon.com

Some singers leave indelible marks. There's no mistaking the trademark vocals of U2's Bono, Matchbox 20's Rob Thomas, and dc Talk's Kevin "Kmax" Smith. On his first solo effort, Kmax lays down a progressive rock groove that incorporates elements of Eastern mysticism, industrial music, and eclectic pop. But regardless of the sound, there's no mistaking that voice. Smith and producer-musician Adrian Belew never overwhelm you with the multiple studio effects they do employ, but all the while, the music allows Smith's enigmatic vocals to take center stage. Tracks that shine include "Return of the Singer," "Excellence," and "I Don't Belong," the last of which features lyrics that strongly indict hero worship of any sort and display Smith's disdain for being called a "rock star." Humility aside, the song also has a fantastic, catchy chorus and seems like a sure-fire radio hit. But those are at a minimum on Stereotype Be, which is more about style and experimentation than radio-friendly pop. --Michael Lyttle

Customer Reviews:

Man I hate christian music.......2006-11-13

I hate it so much. It is terrible, sorry if that offends all you christian music fans. However, this is a really really good cd. I feel like this should have been completely abandoned from any sort of christian rock ties, because it stacks up perfectly with mainstream music. This is NOT your traditional view of contemporary christian music, and that is why this doesn't suck. The album was produced by Adrian Belew, a 70's and 80's synth electronica mastermind who worked with the likes of David Bowie and Brian Eno. You can definately tell that his ideas were involved in the making of this album. The bible verses that are stuck on this album to maybe give it SOME basis to being "christian music" really annoy me. They just feel absolutely pointless, just a pathetic attempt by a christian industry to deliver some dumb message to their masses. I hate it, but I like this music. Kevin Max's voice is amazing, and this doesn't sound much at all like that lame band dc Talk.

It's a real shame........2006-06-21

It's a real shame that the Christian community is so close-minded that they couldn't accept such a superb and artful album. This is by far the best solo album by any of the dc Talk members - when I listened to it, I thought, "This could do just as well in the mainstream market" - and that is exactly what the problem was with its sales. It was marketed towards Christians - who shrugged it off because, as Kevin Max himself said, it didn't fit in with their own pre-conceptions of what religious music should be - and no one in the mainstream even heard of it. It was only advertised through the Christian media outlets.

This album cost $200,000 to make (expensive for any Christian album) and it sounds so great with its mixing and effects and background vocals that I wouldn't be surprised to see it on another pop artist's resume. Kevin Max has the vocal power of Jeff Buckley. The album sounds like U2 meeting Buckley via Elton John, Pink Floyd and, dare I say, Axl Rose (the falsetto is strikingly reminiscent, but Kevin Max doesn't have the gritty-ness of Axl).

The lyrics are not overtly Christian and in fact Kevin Max said this album could be equally appreciated by a Buddhist or an atheist - and I agree.

I'm not trying to bash the Christians who avoided this album - I'm just saying I think they misunderstood it. Kevin Max sees the potential of Christian music being more "open" - to interpretation and ideas - and I think it's important, because as he said - the Christian music industry is like a "ghetto" right now - there is so much more potential. So many Christian artists could appeal to the mainstream and deliver the same message in a more subtle way.

"Stereotype Be," the title, refers - I'm sure - to the stereotypes of Christians and their music. Kevin Max was trying to blow the door off here and open up the industry to something fresh and different - and he succeeded beautifully - but people just didn't get it. They saw it as some pop album disguised as a Christian album, and because of Kevin Max's "bad boy" reputation they misunderstood the love-song lyrics as some kind of anti-Christian thing. Boy, were they wrong.

It's a real shame this album flopped - it's the best I've heard from any Christian artist in the last decade - and it contained ideas and lyrics and musical stylings that will probably never be heard in any Christian album ever again.

Some people didn't dig it. Okay. For them, there's always generic Christian rock like Tait.

It is an artful and hypnotic experience.

OK.......2006-04-24

As a big DC Talk fan, I have been rather disappointed with the solo efforts of the members.

Kevin Max certainly has an outstanding voice and he is quite a poet. That being said, this CD is merely OK. I think 'Be' is quite a good song.

It is really quite sad as DC Talk was certainly one of the most phenomenol bands that I have ever heard. The synergy of the three members is incredible. Sadly, they do not have the same thing going with their solo works.

An overlooked gem........2005-12-31

I bought this cd a few years ago after reading that it was listed as one of the top christian cds of the year. It lives up to the hype. Michael Tait and Toby Mac are the most "outfront" members of DC Talk; they put out excellent solo cds, but I heard little talk about Kmax's until the review. I gave it a try and have never been disappointed. KMax's artistry is not usually the easiest to digest immediately; one's understanding of his music deepens and broadens with every listening. Is that so bad? Many times one hears excellent music which you love right away, but sometimes excellent music is meant to grow on you. Both are excellent. When I listen to "Stereotype B" I hear songs which I try to harmonize with for the umpteenth time and songs which I'm still trying to get my mind around. Still makes for an interesting album that will likely never grow old on me.

KMax has a great voice. He is a super harmonizer, making Michael Tait's voice sound that much more impressive, but KMax can hold his own with the melody. Harmony is usually harder to sing anyway, which shows us who probably has the better voice in DCTalk--and that's saying a lot with Michael Tait in your group.

Heartfelt, reflective, and bold!.......2005-10-21

`Stereotype Be' is the stunning solo debut of DC Talk's Kevin Max. A very arty collection which is a hybrid of his cryptic poetry and alt-pop/indie/european/middle eastern sounds. A bit like Peter Gabriel, U2 and even Morrissey!

Arguably THE voice of DC Talk (and the eccentric one, LOL!), his dulcet tones caress, surge, soar and twist around the very intelligent lyrics (ranging from the confessional, to inspirational to love) and well crafted soundscape.

Surging energetic techno rocker `Return of the singer' with Middle eastern influences opens the CD. However, don't be fooled, this doesn't indicate the direction of the CD. In fact, nothing does as everything on this CD sounds so different from each other.

The questioning `Existence' with lyrics like `What is/ what is this/this mess that my existence is' is set to jangling sitars and exotic percussion, and even has a little rap. Brilliant!

`Be' is a gentle ballad with lyrics urging you to be yourself as only you can be you, set to haunting music and twanging guitars.

The horn laden Beatlesque `Shaping space' is a gentle ballad with delicate backing vocals and creepy sound effects.

`Dead end moon' is a haunting percussion filled rocker with Kevin's voice quivering like some middle eastern singer. Great!

`Union of the soul' is a poem recited to a guitar laden musical backdrop, it is a description of our dependence on God.

Next is the very dark, off beat `The secret circle' which like its name goes through cycles of sung lyrics set to a dizzying sound drop, which builds to a noisy segment with muttered lyrics. The song is about some weird girl called Ellesun. Is this a metaphor for something else? Very different and great!

The delicate vulnerable `I don't belong' is a straight ahead alt-pop ballad, uncluttered and catchy with warbly guitars and a brilliant catchy chorus. Just as moving is the delicate horn laden `On and on', a lovely love ballad with great metaphorical lyrics.

`Deconstructing Venus' is an absolutely brilliant uptempo rocker about a self absorbed person, with lyrics like `You wear Versace but you look like a dirty bag'. Very catchy chorus and great guitars.

Electric guitar announces `I went over the edge of the world', which is another poem recited against a musical back drop. Once again, cryptic poetric lines. This leads to the hidden track `You' which refers to God as being everything to him. An upbeat song with raging guitars, great harmonizing, and great percussion! I stand before your altar like a lamb led to the slaughter.

Ok, what can I say! This CD earned Kevin commendation and condemnation in equal measure. For those seeking straight ahead `O Lord how I love thee' lyrics, there are thousands of other CDs that offer that so look elsewhere. For those willing to open their minds and hearts and let in something different and enriching, unhindered by boundaries, heartfelt music by a flawed human like you and I, this might just be for you.

Kevin Max has got a new CD just out called `The Imposter' which I can't wait to get.

Average customer rating:

to bad this was the last
It's great.
a great cd

Stereotype A
Cibo Matto
Manufacturer: Wea International
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

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Ecdysis

ASIN: B00000IWS6
Release Date: 1999-05-26

Tracks:

Working for Vacation
Spoon
Flowers
Lint of Love
Moonchild
Sci-Fi Wasabi
Clouds
Speechless
King of Silence
Backseat
Blue Train
Sunday, Pt. 1
Sunday, Pt. 2
Stone
Mortming
Country

Album Description

Japanese edition of the 1999 & second album by the acclaimed female duo with unmarked bonus tracks added, 'Backseat' & 'Country'. 16 tracks total.

Album Details

Includes Several Extra Bonus Tracks from Japan.

Customer Reviews:

to bad this was the last.......2005-04-03

the band was cool it even featured more artists in the band like timo and sean lennon (son of jhon lennon & yoko ouno) this album is great plus the two bonus tracks "backseat" was a cool yet smooth ballade" and "country" is a quirky instrumental short that has a toe tap beat but my favorite was "sci fi wasabi" to bad the band broke up in 2002 cause "that was the year i started listining to them"!!!!! oh well time goes on

((may the wasabi be with in you))

It's great........2004-12-22

I noticed there was only one review for this album, so I wanted to give my 2 cents in case anyone is thinking of buying it.

I LOVE this album. I first heard them in a club in DC about 5 years ago...they were opening for someone I can't remember, but I sure remember Cibo Matto. These two cute japanese girls playing heavy metal on stage....I immediately fell for them and bought their CD, Stereotype A, the next day.

I was suprised to find their CD differing from the live act I saw, but it is great sound nonetheless. They do it all and they do it well. I don't know how you clasify this music, but it has super beats and fun lyrics and the girl's accents are perfect. I highly reccomend.

a great cd.......2000-12-23

I absolutely love this CD....I've had it for a year and a half and I still play it constantly. It's got a great funky sound. Just be open when you first hear it because the sounds and lyrics are so different and original. Like I did, I'm sure you'll find this an excellent CD once you've listened to it a few times. For frequent mall shoppers, you've probably heard some of their songs, because "Flowers" was played in American Eagle Outfitters and "Spoon" was played in The Gap.

Average customer rating:

No Stereotype

ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Japan | Far East & Asia | International | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B000I2K78A
Release Date: 2006-10-10

Average customer rating:

Stereotype of King
Ha. Ga. Ne.
Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00005R6J0
Release Date: 2001-11-21

Average customer rating:

Information Overload

Manufacturer: Stereotype Productio
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
ASIN: B000CA333O
Release Date: 2002-04-30

Average customer rating:

Turn Me on, Turn Me Out
Rick Stone
Manufacturer: Stereotype Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
ASIN: B0006B2A7Y
Release Date: 2004-10-12

Tracks:

Blinker
Immune
Slug
Simple Solution
Last Goodbye
Almost Forgot To Breathe
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Black Harvest
Country Song
Last Song

Average customer rating:

Children of the Snow
Stereotype
Manufacturer: Oarfin Records/Ka
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music
ASIN: B000A2G8O0
Release Date: 2003-02-08

Average customer rating:

Stereotype a
Cibo Matto
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
ASIN: B000A2PIEG
Release Date: 1999-06-01

Album Description

Japanese edition of the 1999 & second album by the acclaimed female duo with unmarked bonus tracks added, 'Backseat' & 'Country'. 16 tracks total.

Average customer rating:

great record

State of Matter
Knee Jerk Reaction
Manufacturer: Stereotype Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00005V6EJ
Release Date: 2002-01-01

Tracks:

Procedural Rocketry
Doghouse
Oxygen
Singularity
The Laws of Motion
Just Like You Said
Through the Asteroid Belt
Take You There
Sensory
Calculated

Album Description

The second release from the vanguards of sono-science, State of Matter has taken the quantum leap forward for KJR. The mixed media CD bangs with refined quantum funk, and high density rocket-pop.

Customer Reviews:

great record.......2002-01-24

Average customer rating:

Stereotype (Soundtrack)
Various Artists , and Jay Tee & NB Ridaz
Manufacturer: 40 Ounce Entertainment/City Ha
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music

General | Compilations | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B000FMH8MQ
Release Date: 2006-07-18

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