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EminemEncore Aftermath/UMG For someone regarded by many as a demon in human form in 2001, Eminem appears to have developed a considerably less menacing image in more recent times: thanks, no doubt, to such things as his critically-acclaimed role in '8 Mile', and the more obvious tongue-in-cheek quality of some of his newer raps. In many respects, he maintains this mellower new image in 'Encore', in large part due to a cluster of rather silly songs in the middle of the album. While all of these are enjoyable enough (Ass Like That, which is set to sitar music and has Eminem masquerading as an Indian pervert, is hilarious), Rain Man and Big Weenie verge on the puerile, while the catchy (if fairly bizarre) My 1st Single also comes across as a little childish as a result of the burps and farts that pepper the chorus. There is still considerable hostility in this release, however. Yet again the artist's infamous ex-wife is the target of his wrath in Puke. While this is a decent enough song (and the samples it features of Shady performing the title action should certainly evoke pleasant memories in anyone who has knelt over the toilet the morning after), one can't help wondering if it's time Eminem left his obviously unhappy experiences with Kim in the past. He also attacks George Dubya in the anti-war Mosh and has a bit of a (light-hearted) dig at Michael Jackson in a few entries. Sadly, there are some notable absences on 'Encore': among them, the delightfully creepy Ken Kaniff, and the short-tempered Steve Berman (perhaps because Eminem "shot" him in 2002's 'The Eminem Show'). Also missing is Dina Rae, a singer who has featured in various past Eminem songs and who I feel has not received nearly the recognition she deserves for her contributions to Slim Shady's work. Eminem's manager Paul Rosenberg still makes an appearance (in the skit track, Paul), however, and there is also the seemingly obligatory appearance of D-12, who make a mass shoot-out sound funny in One Shot 2 Shot. Space prevents me from giving more of the tracks on 'Encore' a mention, which is a pity as they all stand out in one way or another. Suffice it to say that there is over an hour's worth of (mostly) quality material here; fans should find much to amuse them.  |
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