N.E.R.D., they sound like they sincerely believe the greatest thing that ever happened to rock & roll is Sammy Hagar's solo career. The results may not be masterful, but they sure are weird. It's fascinating to hear these rap geniuses go undercover as a bar band you might hear rocking Journey covers in a bowling alley.
When the Neptunes made their first N.E.R.D. record, In Search Of . . . , they got help from a live band, along with vocals from their old Virginia friend Shay. But this time they play the instruments themselves, which gives Hugo a chance to step on some snazzy guitar-effects pedals while Williams wails about "Backseat Love" and other rock-star fantasies. Since Hugo just started playing guitar last year, the riffs are endearingly clumsy, and the drumming just plain sucks, which is brilliant. "Don't Worry About It" is a hilarious Bad Company tribute, with the guys chanting, "She's bad-bad-badass!" "The Way She Dances" and "She Wants to Move" are slick groupie odes. All the ladies in the house, say, "Free Bird!"
ROB SHEFFIELD
(RS 946, April 15, 2004)
Following up their critically-acclaimed LP, In Search Of..., N.E.R.D. (the Neptunes and Shay) return with the highly-anticipated Fly Or Die. Armed with live guitars and drums in addition to their signature synths, they concoct an eclectic but dope mix of classic rock, hip-hop and old-school soul.
