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Recent Music ReviewsWednesday, October 28 2009
Hudson Mohawke: ButterScottish musician creates an enjoyable, captivating blend of R&B production and electronic experimentalism on his full-length debut. Do Make Say Think: Other TruthsOther Truths finds the Toronto post-rock quintet in excellent shape, still hitting the sweet spot where skilled musicianship and rugose sonic textures meet. Thao: Know Better, Learn FasterAn unassumingly seductive album, simultaneously groove-ridden, playful and melancholic. Miles Benjamin Anthony Robinson: Summer of FearThe extravagantly named troubadour makes good on the promise of his ramshackle debut and fights his demons on an excellent sophomore album. Eva & The Heartmaker: Let’s Keep This Up ForeverIf the whole band thing doesn’t work out Eva and her husband could easily replace Dr. Luke and Max Martin as the go-to pop hit makers. Chris Smither: Time Stands StillSmither’s folk blues are the aural equivalent of good American spirits like Knob Creek or Maker’s Mark, and listening to him will make you thirsty for more. We Fell to Earth: We Fell to EarthHave you ever left an art installation remembering the overall impression of the paintings, but unable to account for the details of a single one? Tuesday, October 27 2009
Pelican: What We All Come to NeedWhat We All Come to Need is as aphoristic about living as it is metaphoric about dying. It’s a musical version of Picasso’s Guernica where the instruments are the paintbrushes and your ears are the canvas. Tegan and Sara: SainthoodSainthood , an experimental mesh of their last two efforts, explores new scopes for the Quin twins. Fuck Buttons: Tarot SportThe UK duo return, this time nimbler and more adept. Meshell Ndegeocello: Devil’s HaloWith Devil's Halo, Meshell Ndegeocello reinvents herself yet again and creates her best album since the one-two punch of her masterworks, Bitter and Cookie. Rival Consoles: IOIn the foreground, it's a solid slab of dance beats and sequencers; in the background, it's something more. The Ettes: Do You Want PowerCo-ed garage trio expand their sound with some help from Greg Cartwright. Twista: Category F5Twista can slice and dice words like a razor-sharp Ginsu knife. But F5 finds him getting twisted by the torque of his own tornado. Monday, October 26 2009
Devendra Banhart: What Will We Be“I know I look high," Banhart sings on his new album, “but I’m just free-dancing." If only we could join him. Carly Simon: Never Been GoneCarly Simon deserves a strong comeback, but this oddball project of re-recorded hits and misses isn't it. Vijay Iyer Trio: HistoricityA stellar jazz trio + a wide-ranging repertoire = a great record. Port O’Brien: ThreadbareLoss weighs heavy on Port O’Brien’s new LP. While it’s not the dreaded “sophomore slump,” the band is certainly in an emotional one. Irma Thomas: The Soul Queen of New Orleans: 50th Anniversary CelebrationWhile this compilation falls a little short of a full-scale golden anniversary party, it's probably the right celebration for right now. NOMO: Invisible CitiesNomo imagines every city skyline as a sound wave and, building on Ghost Rock, diffuses their Afrobeat-centeric sound in directions that could get any city's party pumping. Timber Timbre: Timber TimbreKeep it simple, keep it good, and people will listen. Except with Timber Timbre, where there's not much to hear. Friday, October 23 2009
Leonard Cohen: Live at the Isle of Wight 1970Thank god Leonard Cohen is back on top, because otherwise we may never have gotten to hear this incredible show. Sparks: The Seduction of Ingmar BergmanWho else but Sparks could create a half-English, half-Swedish musical about Ingmar Bergman's fictional, fantastical journey to Hollywood... and still make it good? MV + EE: Barn NovaProlific purveyors of independently-released psychedelic classic rock return to Ecstatic Peace! with their fourth offering on a bigger stage. 7 Worlds Collide: The Sun Came OutThe feel-good glow of shared love informs both the intent and the content here. Lucero:1372 Overton ParkOh what a difference Memphis horns, piano, female backup singers, some ballads, and genuine southern hip swagger can make. Tim Buckley: Live at the Folklore Center, NYC - March 6, 1967Even in a solo, voice-and-guitar setting, Tim Buckley was never the typical folksinger. This unearthed concert recording offers an essential glimpse into his evolution. Jefferson Airplane: Jefferson Airplane: The Woodstock ExperienceJefferson Airplane is a lot like Woodstock itself: rightfully iconic, yet slightly overrated. Fittingly, their live performance at the festival is forever enshrined on this two disc set. Thursday, October 22 2009
Converge: Axe to FallFittingly, the Massachusetts band caps off the decade with their best album to date. Alec Ounsworth: Mo BeautyThe singer from Clap Your Hands Say Yeah releases his second solo side-project for 2009, this one recorded with local musicians in New Orleans Islands: VapoursIslands dials back the excess just like you like it, you damn hipster rube. Jay Haze: Fabric 47Steady, mellow-ish 4/4 mix rudely interrupted by the Last Poets. Anvil: This is ThirteenYou've seen the movie, now hear the album. Really, it's that good. Chris Knight: Trailer IIKnight's talents have always been apparent, but these stripped-down versions manage to shine a new light on some formidable songs. Stellastarr*: CivilizedNew York new wavers stick to what they do best on their third long-player -- but hint at future directions. Wednesday, October 21 2009
Lyle Lovett: Natural ForcesOne of country's great natural forces takes a step backward by forgetting that the great Lyle Lovett albums were full of Lyle Lovett songs. Daniel Johnston: Is And Always WasOn his first album in 6 years, Daniel Johnston plunders his record collection but doesn't come up with all that much. Boston Spaceships: Zero to 99Robert Pollard's latest recording outlet releases its finest effort yet. Squarepusher: Solo Electric Bass 1Solo Electric Bass 1 effortlessly careens from frenetic rhythmic études to moody atmospheric pieces that veer dangerously close to random instrument plucking, Various Artists: Crayon Angel: A Tribute to the Music of Judee SillA pantheon of indie rockers seeks to revive the reputation of a lost singer-songwriter. David Nail: I’m About to Come AliveTrying to make his way in the world is clearly what Nail is doing, and it’s the album’s chief subject. Better Than Ezra: Paper EmpireEqual parts shaky and sturdy. Tuesday, October 20 2009
White Denim: FitsFits is an electic, sprawling, amps-to-11 rock excursion that revels in nostalgia almost to the point of outright defiance. White Denim have crafted one of the best rock albums of 2009. OOIOO: Armonico HewaDespite the dark forests that OOIOO occasionally travel, it seems the group is ultimately driven to find the open pastures and high, harmonious places where the air is clear. Rain Machine: Rain MachineTV on the Radio’s bearded guitar hero, Kyp Malone, wanders on a solo journey. Ethernet: 144 Pulsations of LightTim Gray, in his first full-length work for Kranky as Ethernet, finds the heartbeat in drone. Tom Russell: Blood and Candle SmokeCut from the same cloth as songwriting alchemists Kris Kristofferson and Guy Clark, Russell's evocative portraits of everyday life draw as much from Graham Green as they do Johnny Cash. Still Life Still: Girls Come TooStill Life Still garner some hard earned praise with their debut album, but the Arts & Crafts protégées still have some fine-tuning to do before they join the ranks of Canada’s best. Hexlove: Your Love of Music Will Play an Important Part in Your LifeIt's a hard sell for those who don't already enjoy experimental ambient music and/or drone. But for those that do, it's two discs worth of bliss. Monday, October 19 2009
Atlas Sound: LogosWith Logos, bedroom pop auteur Bradford Cox steps out of the shadows and into the light of day, producing one of the year's most accomplished indie-pop albums in the process. Bob Dylan: Christmas in the HeartBob Dylan goes awassailing. Lake: Let’s Build a RoofAt their best, Lake bring to mind the mellowest of Belle & Sebastian songs. At their worst, they make a quiet Belle & Sebastian sound like Hüsker Dü. Eugene Mirman: God Is a 12-Year-Old Boy With Asperger’sAs funny as the funniest parts are, this all-too-brief set doesn't showcase Mirman's substantial talents quite as much as it could. Part Chimp: ThrillerThough Part Chimp have been doing their utterly insane thing for about 15 years now, lolling about at their own leisurely pace, they still feel like a powerful, shocking band. And most importantly, they'll scare the living shit out of your parents. Kikumoto Allstars: House MusicIf you played this Australian/German house record for someone and did not announce when it was made, it's highly unlikely that they would guess it was anything but a forgotten late '80s classic. Georgia’s Horse: The Mammoth SessionEerie Americana haunts its way into your heart. Friday, October 16 2009
Baroness: Blue RecordThey might not be the flashiest metal band around, but Baroness is quickly turning into one of America's finest. Mike Doughty: Sad Man Happy ManDoughty goes small with an intimate album of songs accompanied mostly by acoustic guitar and cello. It's a successful u-turn from his overproduced last album. Music Go Music: ExpressionsThese West Coast indie rockers moonlighting as the last great disco act of the 1970s might catch you off guard at first, but soon enough they will become your new favorite guilty pleasure. Om: God is GoodGod Is Good reflects its stated conviction, but it is important to note that the listener does not have to adhere to the "mystic path" Om follows in order to appreciate the quality of the album. Woody Guthrie: My Dusty RoadIt's no replacement for The Asch Recordings, but the sound quality is revelatory. And besides, it's Woody Guthrie. Jonsi and Alex: Riceboy SleepsDespite being faced with economic ruin, Iceland keeps exporting music as beautiful as the country's surroundings. Jonsi and Alex are no exception. Upsilon Acrux: Radian FuturaIf musicians are the true athletes of memory, then Upsilon Acrux are true heptathletes. Radian Futura is a fine workout for the ears and brain. Thursday, October 15 2009
Mission of Burma: The Sound the Speed the LightAmerican treasure Mission of Burma remain solid, if slightly unspectacular on The Sound the Speed the Light. Brandi Carlile: Give Up the GhostCarlile gets help from Rick Rubin and adds a winning sequel to The Story. Ghostface Killah: Ghostdini: Wizard of Poetry in Emerald CityGhostface Killah proves once again he’s one of the most talented MCs in hip-hop, with an album mixing R&B nearly seamlessly with his typically dark sense of humor. Alela Diane featuring Alina Hardin: Alela & AlinaBad duet albums abound. It is cause for celebration when one transcends the ordinary dictates of its genre. Andrew W.K.: 55 CadillacAndrew W.K.'s confounding muse takes him in the direction of solo piano. The Wailin’ Jennys: Live at the Mauch Chunk Opera HouseA variety of delectable roots music offerings, including blues, country, spirituals, and folk – even with a little bit of jazz and bluegrass thrown in the mix. Chrisette Michele: EpiphanyEpiphany is a classic example of cynical record label tampering. And yet, Chrisette Michele makes it work beyond any and all expectations. Wednesday, October 14 2009J Dilla: Dillanthology 3Some of this hip-hop deity's finest productions thrown together on a single disc. And as great as they are, this compilation is more a gateway than a final destination. The Big Pink: A History of LoveUK duo gets fuzzy and epic on their debut tribute to '90s shoegaze. Various Artists: ZE30: ZE Records Story 1979-2009If only there was a second disc to extend this birthday celebration. Erin McKeown: Hundreds of LionsHundreds of Lions has teeth (and, at times, too many). Like a Stuntman: Original Bedouin CultureBy varying their gait and direction, Germany's Like a Stuntman have created a patient, entertaining, and ultimately distinctive album. Various Artists: It Crawled from the Basement: The Green Monkey Records AnthologyIgnore the best of this double dose of forty-seven pre-grunge charms at your aesthetic peril. Tuesday, October 13 2009
Anti-Pop Consortium: Fluorescent BlackAfter a lengthy hiatus, New York’s most progressive hip-hop troupe return to show us that the battle between man and machine is still raging. Beaten Awake: Thunder$trokeThunder$troke sounds like five guys in a basement, the air between them, and nothing else. This is, quite clearly, a good thing. Noah and the Whale: The First Days of SpringThis young London group returns with a much more ambitious sophomore project, encompassing both an album and a film. Mungolian Jetset: We Gave It All Away… Now We’re Taking It BackNorwegian duo's debut album plus remix collection is a remarkably singular entry into the Scandinavian dance canon. Robert Glasper: Double BookedThe new generation jazz pianist leads his trio and an expanded group on twin programs with twin results. Fred Hersch: Fred Hersch Plays JobimThe exceptional jazz artist takes on the bossa nova master as a solo pianist. Willie Nelson: American ClassicWillie Nelson's supposed followup to Stardust falls a little flat. Monday, October 12 2009
The Flaming Lips: EmbryonicDitching the pop leanings of their last three albums, the Flaming Lips go full-on experimental. The Fearless Freaks are back. Lightning Bolt: Earthly DelightsThe world can rest easily: Lightning Bolt still sounds like Lightning Bolt. Khaled: LibertéRaï king Khaled claims freedom from musical straightjackets and has made some of the finest music of his career. Sonata Arctica: The Days of GraysWild prog-metal noodling, power ballads, and gigantic pop hooks. Yep, it's another Sonata Arctica album. The Entrance Band: The Entrance BandGuy Blakeslee can reach into kitschy territory, but with this massive power trio, there is potential for success without compromising artistic integrity. Wildbirds & Peacedrums: The SnakeSwedish duo successfully expand upon their skeletal sound to new, imaginatively dynamic heights. Astrid Williamson: Here Come the VikingsAny album with Vikings in the title and song titles as lofty as "Sing the Body Electric" and "How You Take My Breath Away" should be more memorable than this. Friday, October 9 2009
Brother Ali: UsSay hello to one of hip-hop's best albums of the past 10 years. Brother Ali and Ant have done it again. Massive Attack: Splitting the Atom EPFar from being the band that every other band wants to sound like, this compilation-style EP suggests that Massive Attack are indiscriminately mining for something to make their own. Orenda Fink: Ask the NightAzure Ray member goes to the swamp on sophomore solo album with inspiring results. Porcupine Tree: The IncidentPorcupine Tree adds another concept album to its catalog. It may not be groundbreaking, but Steven Wilson's crew still provides the best Pink Floyd-meets-metal-meets-Britpop conglomeration out there. Karl Blau: ZebraFrom the psychotic cover art on down, this is not an LP to be missed by fans of the K Records family. Jay and the Americans: Complete United Artists SinglesJay and the Americans evoked a simpler era of rock and roll: the '50s. This meant one thing during the early '60s, but quite another later in the decade, until the group finally disbanded in 1973 The Duke and the King: Nothing Gold Can StayDeath Cab for Cutie via Cat Stevens from Brooklyn. What could possibly go wrong? Oh, right... |
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