Thursday, February 9 2012
Dierks Bentley: Home
It leaves you with the impression that Bentley has made something special here -- not just his most consistent album and 2012’s first great country album, but even more.
Lawrence Ball: Method Music
Math whiz Lawrence Ball adds another baby step of progress for Pete Townshend's "Lifehouse" project.
The Devil’s Blood: The Thousandfold Epicentre
While heckles are raised when terms like "vintage" and "retro" are tossed about, the Devil's Blood has undeniably evoked the electrifying rush of '60s and '70s occult rock. What other sprits they have invoked along the way, well, that's a whole other story.
Orchestra of Spheres: Nonagonic Now
Orchestra of Spheres should be recognized for its willingness to take chances and experiment with instrument-construction and sound in general. Unfortunately, the band’s ratio of hits to misses on this album is right about 50/50.
Wednesday, February 8 2012
Mark Lanegan Band: Blues Funeral
After eight years spent growling for others, Mark Lanegan returns with his most musically diverse album to date.
Die Antwoord: Ten$ion
Die Antwoord may be strange and engrossing, but are they making good music? Yes and no.
Mark Sultan: Whatever/Whenever
Sultan blends together his doo-wop, garage, and punk influences, presenting himself as a peerless artist.
Group Inerane: Guitars from Agadez Vol. 3
Tuareg rock youngsters are fatally hampered by bad production.
The Dirt Drifters: This Is My Blood
The feeling that this is your neighborhood bar band gives the music a punch of energy that’s memorable. At the same time, the stories in the music, and the ways they’re told, are less distinct, even generic.
Tuesday, February 7 2012
Paul McCartney: Kisses on the Bottom
As musical interpretations of romance go, Kisses on the Bottom may only get you about halfway there, flowers in hand wondering whether a second date is on the cards, unsure if that’s even what you want at all.
Trailer Trash Tracys: Ester
The band name is silly. The album cover art is atrocious. The opening song is merely a wall of noise. But once you get past all of that, Ester is a rewarding slice of shoegazey dream pop that’s evocative of ‘50s R&B and surreal movie and TV soundtracks.
Rodrigo Y gabriela and C.U.B.A: Area 52
The preeminent Mexican guitar duo rattles Havana with a Cuban orchestra.
The Unguided: Hell Frost
Driven to be better than what his former band was forced to become, ex-Sonic Syndicate vocalist Richard Sjunnesson has finally created what he had envisioned all along.
Matt Haimowitz / Christopher O’Riley: Shuffle.Play.Listen
For any intent or purpose, you are encouraged to spend as much time as possible with this recording. It is as edifying as it is enjoyable.
Monday, February 6 2012
Of Montreal: Paralytic Stalks
Kevin Barnes takes Of Montreal out of its sexy funk phase and into its...20th century atonal minimalism phase? Yikes.
Pretty Good Dance Moves: LIMO
Pretty Good Dance Moves are pretty, pretty, pretty... well, fair to middling, actually.
