Woodstock 99
Should Epic Records be blamed or thanked for splitting this massive collection into separate segments for the tie-die set and the moshing crowd? Isn't Woodstock aboutmergingmusical styles into one love fest? Well, here we have the red disc, which offers a relentless attack from metal- and punk-influenced bands such asOffspring,Lit, andLimp Bizkit. The opening track is a huge, roaring version ofKorn's "Blind," and the disc closes with warnings about the fire that ended the festival, as theRed Hot Chili Peppersburst intoJimi Hendrix's "Fire."Rage Against the Machine's "Bulls on Parade,"Buckcherry'sAC/DC-influenced "Lit Up,"Megadeth's "A Secret Place," andLive's soaring "I Alone" are notable moments, whileSevendustandGodsmackmerely sound like early '90s retreads.Metallica's "Creeping Death" shows why they succeed where others fail, andBush's "Everything Zen" should feel out of place here, but doesn't. The blue disc serves up a kinder, gentler beat withDave Matthewsopening up with "Tripping Billies," followed by the somewhat tired sounds of theBrian Setzer Orchestra. Things get a little perkier withJewel's surprisingly powerful "Down So Long."Everclearshakes up the audience with their muscular and catchy brand of alt rock.Elvis Costellomakes "Alison" sound new and heartfelt,G. Love & Special Sauceremind us how refreshing it was when "Cold Beverage" was first served, and theChemical Brothersbring their electronic sound to life on "Block Rockin' Beat."Roots' undulant "Adrenaline" has a bite, and Boston'sGusterprove that the hype about this acoustic-based outfit's live shows is true. Perfunctory performances bySheryl Crow,Rusted Root, andBruce Hornsbyfill in the gaps.--Lorry Fleming