[rating=8.00] Two years after the release of 2009’s Tonight: Franz Ferdinand, the Glasgow band went on hiatus with no definite plans of regrouping. The band was burned out, weary from
[rating=9.00] When Susan Tedeschi and Derek Trucks formed the Tedeschi Trucks Band in 2010, it was cause for celebration. On a personal level, the married couple would no longer have
[rating=8.0] Yellowbirds’ sophomore album marks Sam Cohen’s first foray into a full band collaboration since the dissolution of Apollo Sunshine in 2009. Yellowbirds’ 2011 debut, The Color, was essentially a
Folk singers like Marling are often called “storytellers” to the point that it has become a cliché, but if her previous releases were collections of short stories, Once I Was an Eagle is Marling’s debut novel.
After two years of exhaustive touring supporting their debut LP, Pickin' Up the Pieces, Fitz & the Tantrums faced the daunting task of recording a follow-up album that would live up to the newly heightened expectations without simply releasing a carbon copy of the music that made them famous. Perhaps as a way of delegating that problem, front-man Michael Fitzpatrick this time opted against producing the album himself, instead handing the reigns to Tony Hoffer (Beck, The Kooks).
It only takes a few seconds for Dark Horses to establish the tone of their debut album. Black Music begins with swirling directionless noise, creating a desolate landscape. Lisa Elle’s distant vocals then join the mix, her pained voice combining with the flowing ambiance to create an uneasy feeling like waiting for expected bad news. The fact that the crescendo never happens leaves all the built-up tension unresolved and it lingers throughout the remainder of the LP.
Dear Miss Lonelyhearts, CWK's fourth release, finds the band continuing to look forward rather than imitating their older music. Once again, the album is too slick, with only hints of the grungy garage minimalism of their grand debut Robbers & Cowards. The good news is that they pull off the pop music much better this time. Yes, the drums are played in time, Willet’s vocals are in key, and the songs are more streamlined and predictable, but at least this time they have hooks. At least this time around, the pop songs are interesting.
Bands 42 years into their career usually don’t offer many surprises. However, no one knew what to expect from Aerosmith’s 15th studio album, Music from Another Dimension! Would it be a loud blues-rock album a la Honkin’ on Bobo; a bland pop-rock release a la Just Push Play? Would it sound like raunchy rock from the guys who became known as the Bad Boys from Boston or more like an album fronted by a former American Idol judge?
Enjoy the Company ends on a bittersweet note, with a tease of how good the record could have been.
Blackberry Light is a moody collection of abstract sound that captures a wide spectrum of life. Mars delves into the darker parts of his nature, embracing melancholic tones as much as the fun, warm vibes. The spacious songs give the music room to breathe, with unspoken words and un-played notes telling much of the story. Though the album has some misfires, Blackberry Light succeeds as a singular entity that, just like life, features various moods and experiences, some of which are more exciting and memorable than others.
