Sonya Kitchell established herself as a breakout artist at age 15, when she recorded the album Words Came Back to Me and found herself performing on TV talk shows, notching respectable sales and collecting many a glowing review. Now 19 years old, the Massachusetts-bred singer/songwriter is back with This Storm, an accomplished effort that combines folk's searching sentiments with pure pop bliss.
But Gdansk's highlight is “Echoes,” the full 25 minutes of the Floyd classic that rivals the majesty of the Meddle version, as Gilmour’s guitar weeps strong. And this being s one of Wright’s final recorded performances, his vocals on “Comfortably Numb,” make Live in Gdansk as solid a live album as there ever was, even if its not Pink Floyd..it’s damn close.
The two and a half hour show rocked tight during “Gideon,” jammed mysteriously throughout “Dondante” and playfully expressed the funky flavor the band is currently experimenting with during “Highly Suspicious.” My Morning Jacket might very well be the new Radiohead or Wilco – either way, they got a good thing going, lucky for all of us involved.
Although not for everyone, Harps and Angels is 34 minutes of sharp-witted commentary by one of America’s most original lyricists. Brainy ones will surely find this one mighty clever.
Carried to Dust, their fifth full length, serves as that picturesque medium, transforming the lonesome southwest landscape, creating the illusion of a lost highway nestling through cactus, ghost towns and the war between good/evil.
Although Dixon’s piano/improvisational chops have been known for stretching it out a tad far (2002’s On A Rolling Ball), this self titled release by The Gabe Dixon Band shines in the leader’s concise songwriting and spirited harmonies. Bandmates Winston Harrison (bass) and Jano Rix (drums) provide a session element that gives the songs a polished gleam.
Eef Barzelay, founder and creative force of the much-loved alt-country combo Clem Snide and noted filmscore composer, has recently released his second solo album –Lose Big. Adorned with distinctive musical textures ranging from mid-tempo rock to lighter acoustic flourishes (the album was recorded in Ben Folds’ studio), the songs are charged with a heightened sense of intimacy that Barzelay had not tapped into under the support of his former band.
With influences that range from moonlight, desert, deep sea, rainbows, melody, naturality, symmetry, outsiders, and….Jim Morrison, Golden Animals evoke groovy. but this isn’t some flower child, “people come together,” rubbish. Golden Animals are young, but certainly not modern day hippies, although they may seem it
Rage Against the Machine being on a recording hiatus during an election year…just doesn’t seem right. So enter the next best thing, aside from a Tom Morello solo album: One Day As a Lion. Featuring RATM frontman Zack de la Rocha and former Mars Volta member Jon Theodore, One Day As a Lion kicks stripped-down rap rock with its over the top political fury on this five song self-titled debut EP.
Sometimes reunions tours are just a little bit “dead and bloated.” Throw Stone Temple Pilots into this category.
