Rock Tracks

THE VERVE PIPE Television (2:28)
PRODUCER: Michael Beinhorn
WRITER: B. Vander Ark
PUBLISHERS: LMNO Pop Music/EMI April Music, ASCAP
RCA 65892 (CD promo)
The first thing about "Television" is that as the energized lead single from the Verve Pipe's self-titled sophomore album, the song is undoubtedly bound for the top of Modern Rock Tracks. Second, the single impresses as another successful Michael Beinhorn production, with the ace knob twiddler having once again given a rather ersatz rock act a visceral soundprint. Yet despite all the glittering modernity, "Television" strikes one as rather empty. It is hardly original, with the sound and sensibility echoing (in lighter fashion) Geffen alt-rockers Girls Against Boys. Verve Pipe fans will hardly recognize that, though, and Brian Vander Ark's hook-heavy chorus will turn many heads. And that brings us back to the first point.

GENESIS The Carpet Crawlers 1999 (5:38)
PRODUCER: Trevor Horn
WRITERS: T. Banks, P. Collins, P. Gabriel, S. Hackett,
M. Rutherford
PUBLISHER: Genesis Music Ltd.
Atlantic 9111 (CD promo)
The original members of Genesis-Tony Banks, Phil Collins, Peter Gabriel, Steve Hackett, and Mike Rutherford-reunite for this track, which first appeared on the celebrated band's 1974 "The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway" album. The track, which features vocals shared by Gabriel and Collins (who always demonstrated certain vocal similarities), is a wonderful preview of Genesis' first collection of hits, "Turn It On Again." The set, out Oct. 26, coincided with the 30th anniversary of the ensemble's first album. The track is produced with intrigue and an aura of darkness that matches much of the band's earlier works. It nimbly balances itself between today's accessible adult top 40 and triple-A airwaves and the exceptionally original signature that has carried the band across the decades, from its first hit in 1973 to its last in 1997. Radio typically is hesitant to embrace new material from classic bands-witness the shamefully limited mainstream success of Blondie's recent "Maria"-but if the track only serves to alert the public to this well-assembled collection (including "Invisible Touch," "Follow You Follow Me," "Abacab," "In Too Deep," and "Throwing It All Away"), then a mission has been accomplished. Also keep an eye out for VH1's "Behind The Music" focusing on the group.

SIMON SAYS Life Jacket (3:06)
PRODUCERS: Rob Cavallo, Mark Needham
WRITER: Simon Says
PUBLISHER: The Says Music, BMI
Hollywood Records 11204 (CD promo)
The four young videogenic lads in Simon Says follow their successful debut bid "Slider" with a hook-happy rock romp that should serve to fulfill their wishes to join the genre's elite. With a solid bulwark of treacherous electronic guitars, a chorus that simply bursts into rapture, and a midsection that brings the tempo down to a gentle rustling, this song, written by the outfit, demonstrates a talent with the craft of songwriting that hints at great things on current album "Jump Start." This is sophisticated rock, as credible as Levi's and yet congenial and inviting to both youthful listeners and those well-traveled. A sure winner that will invite comparisons to many heroes before them.


THE OFFSPRING She's Got Issues (3:49)
Producer: Dave Jerden
Writer: not listed
Publisher: Warner-Chappell Music, ASCAP
Columbia 42742 (CD promo)
Offspring has made a career of expressing the sentiments sensitive new-age guys are supposed to repress. This particular track manages to take an offensive stance without offending and articulately tells off a girl who's mistaken her boyfriend for her therapist. It's clear that the narrator has at least listened to the poor girl's "Issues" (and her ex's name in bed) before flipping. But once you know the words-and they're catchy-the track's generic rock trope doesn't hold up its end of the bargain. The tired guitar riffs and thrumming bass (wearing classic early-'80s influences proudly, à la 38 Special) aren't meaty or melodic enough to make the song an anthem. Nevertheless, the "check your baggage at the door" punch line will probably be enough to charm boys and rock programmers alike.