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Saturday's "KIIS and Unite" AIDS benefit at Irvine Meadows amounted to a one-stop survey of current radio-friendly commercial pop, heavy on the newcomers.
Of nine acts on the bill, only two-Toad the Wet Sprocket and Patty Smyth-have released more than two albums. Yet despite all the new blood, there was little in the way of surprises. The short sets (15 to 30 minutes each) generally were devoted to quick recitations of the hits and little more. (Organizers did well, however, to trim the bill from last year's 16-act "KIIS and Unite" marathon.)
Mystically inclined rap duo P.M. Dawn was the only holdover from last year's concert, when it performed to recorded backing. This time, the rappers brought along a huge cadre of live musicians-11 all told, including a DJ and three backup singers (all but two of the groups on Saturday's bill had live bands; recorded support had been much more prevalent last year).
Live isn't always better, though: On P.M. Dawn's records, Prince Be's delicate vocals float over a lush musical mix, creating one of the most distinctive sounds in hip-hop. Saturday, the vocals were largely obliterated in a sludgy, bass-heavy mix that scuttled such ethereal hits as "Looking Through Patient Eyes" and the exquisite "I Would Die Without You" as well as such harder-hitting numbers as "Plastic," a response to rappers who knock P.M. Dawn for being soft.
The highlight was the set's opener, a driving cover of Prince's "Anotherloverholenyohead," a nod to the group's most obvious influence.
Dance rhythms were in abundance throughout the 5 1/2-hour show; acts that...