About two years ago, I would bemoan the state that "trip-hop" was in. It seemed like the field consisted solely of Portishead, Massive Attack, and Tricky (who was part of Massive Attack anyway). Well, friends, things have changed. Somewhere along the way, someone realized that there was money to be made on the good sound that falls under the loose classification of "trip-hop."

Which brings us to Olive's Extra Virgin (pun intended). Twelve minimalistic tracks consisting of:

1) A thick, heavy, garden-variety bass beat
2) A reddi-made drum loop, and
3) The Poe-esque vocals of Ruth-Ann Boyle up high in the mix, leaving nothing to mystery.

The lyrics are the average unhappy-me type stuff. I'll have the betrayal bagel with regret cream-cheese, please? It lacks the personality of their contemporaries, takes few chances, and has only a few shining moments such as the offbeat "You're Not Alone" and the almost-pop "Outlaw".

If you're a musician/programmer and you believe that all you need is a female vocalist and some passable lyrics to be a star, you're probably right. However, I'd be tickled pink if you'd at least try to bring something new-ish to the table. In my own trip-hop addiction, I have but a few needs, and Olive ain't cuttin' the mustard. It takes some sincerity and creativity above and beyond the three ingredients mentioned to make a worthwhile recording. Just try, please. Please?

-James P. Wisdom