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N.E.R.D. Whips Up Some Sunshiny Summer 'Sounds'

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By CURTIS ROSS

The Tampa Tribune

Published: June 12, 2008

It's pure speculation, of course, but the Top 40 likely would be a lot more fun if The Neptunes - super-producers Pharrell Williams and Chad Hugo - let their experimental side out on tracks they cook up for big-money clients such as Gwen Stefani and Madonna.

Sadly, it seems that the Neptunes' continued employability demands they keep the two sides of their musical personality separate. Thankfully, though, they have N.E.R.D., an outlet for their pop, rock and otherwise out-there excursions.

Like previous N.E.R.D. outings, "Seeing Sounds" is brash, fun and not altogether satisfying. Williams, Hugo and pal Shay aren't exactly world-class wordsmiths. It may be true that "we need a love bomb to blow us away," but that doesn't excuse the sub-Prince verbalizing. And did they really mean to imply on the disc's introductory track that "Seeing Sounds" is the result of childhood sunstroke?

But like the savvy sonic architects they are, N.E.R.D. compensates for any lyrical soft-headedness with irresistible music, amalgamating hooks and beats taken from sunshine pop, Prince and their parents' K-Tel 8-tracks. Even the weakest tracks ultimately snag your ear. "Seeing Sounds" may ultimately be as vapid as the dross the Neptunes cooked up for Madonna on "Hard Candy," but man, it sure sounds better.

Switch off the radio and make "Seeing Sounds" your summer hit parade.

Download this: "Sooner or Later"

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