Category: reviews with a 3 of 5 rating

audio review : Black Sky Over The Projects [ Apartment 2025 ] ( album ) … Public Enemy

audio review : Black Sky Over The Projects [ Apartment 2025 ] ( album ) ... Public Enemy

It’s been a while since the last Public Enemy album, but “the break is over.” The best thing about this new one, the title of which is ruined by the unnecessary Apartment 2025 bit, is “these hardcore drums”, which set the music apart from the comparatively hollow production of most modern rap.

It seems Chuck D; a Sexegenarian with apparent vision/hearing loss; has grown accustomed to rapping off beat. Less forgivable are some of Flavor Flav’s hooks. Messy Hens and The Hits Just Keep On Comin are trash. C’mon Get Down, which could serve as a concert tour anthem, is a banger.

my rating : 3 of 5

2025

audio review : Confessions 2 ( album ) … Madonna

audio review : Confessions 2 ( album ) ... Madonna

Confessions 2 is like 1 in that it’s another set of songs mixed for a night at the club. Stuart Price is still the DJ (producer) and his music still outshines the star singer. Madonna prances about; the mundane secrets she reveals have mostly to do with Love and the like; but you wish she’d just shut up and dance.

It’s when she stumbles upon a groovy hook to match the pulsating vibe of the beats, as in School; one of the best songs, though the title metaphor is out of place here; that this sequel starts to justify its existence. She should’ve limited the playlist to 12 songs with no features like the first one though.

my rating : 3 of 5

2026

Dot’s Homestyle Pretzels : Original

Dot's Homestyle Pretzels : Original

These Pretzels are promoted as “sensationally seasoned” and they are indeed seasoned. They taste like they’re coated with cheese though there’s none on the ingredients list. Whether or not it’s sensational is up for debate. They’re nonetheless a decent alternative to the plain salted variety.

my rating : 3 of 5

TombStone French Fry Style Crust Pizza : Chili Cheese

TombStone French Fry Style Crust Pizza : Chili Cheese

This TombStone pie would taste a lot better without the Chili bit, specifically the spicy seasoning sprinkled atop. It’s okay as is, but the crispy French Fry Style Crust is the best part; a rarity when it comes to pizza. Beware of the inaccurate cooking directions though. My oven bakes it in about half the time.

my rating : 3 of 5

audio review : D-12 Forever [ Volume 1 ] ( album ) … D-12

audio review : D-12 Forever [ Volume 1 ] ( album ) ... D-12

The 12 is supposed to represent the original six rappers and their split personalities, but the name still works. “D-one-two!” the chant goes as if to count the members left. This should be presented as a “Kuniv and Swift” album because that’s what it is. The only thing sadder than posthumous verses from Bugz and Proof is that Eminem, Kon Artis and Bizarre couldn’t be bothered.

Their best album is the first one and there are embers of Devil’s Night scattered about, including a new Public Service Announcement and a witty story entitled Kill The Engineer. Collabs with the likes of B-Real, Method Man and Tech N9ne are also decent. The aforementioned posthumous ones; Proof died 20 years ago and he’s featured more than twice; are tacky in comparison.

my rating : 3 of 5

2026

video review : Disclosure Day

video review : Disclosure Day

This doesn’t begin like a Steven Spielberg flick; it starts with a wrestling match; but it ends like one. The last ten minutes, when the title concept finally comes into play, are engrossing. That’s also when, considering the recent real-life release of UFO files from the US government, it starts to seem authentic.

The preceding story is mostly hackneyed Hollywood movie fare. The bad guys; members of a secret agency known as Wardex; are dutifully inept. The protagonist; a Kansas City weatherwoman; is given psychic powers that allow her to escape danger, and even avoid a traffic ticket, when convenient.

my rating : 3 of 5

2026

Wise Golden Potato : Original

Wise Golden Potato : Original

Golden? Not quite. The image on the bag is a promotional deception. These Potato chips are marked with brown/black spots, which seem to affect the taste if only a little. They’re described as “delicious” and they’re certainly not bad, but they’re no Lay’s.

my rating : 3 of 5

Reign : Razzle Berry

Reign : Razzle Berry

“Razzle Berry is a flawless medley of tart tangy blackberries with sweet blueberry and raspberry notes”, the promo reads, “Sounds like music to your taste buds.” Perhaps, but music isn’t always good music. A lot of it is merely decent as is this Reign energy drink, though it packs a whopping 300 milligrams of caffeine.

my rating : 3 of 5

Reign : Tropical Storm

Reign : Tropical Storm

If this is a Tropical Storm, it’s a light and mildly pleasant one. Even the fizz; the worst part of these energy drinks; is subdued, though it would be better without any at all. It’s marketed as Total Body Fuel and has 300 milligrams of “natural” caffeine for what it’s worth.

my rating : 3 of 5