Gary Burton and Pat Metheny have reunited occasionally in interim since working together regularly in the 70's, but Quartet Live is their first bonafide collaboration since that time. Their commitment, as well as that of their comrades, is wholly evident on Quartet Live.
Even those who love prog rock often understand that its shortcoming stems from putting the head before the heart. While no genre in rock can compete with prog's technical prowess, it's still often dismissed as self-indulgent and light where the true spirit of rock n roll is the exception, not the rule. That leaves any band that takes the prog road with quite an uphill haul.
With the release of Love Is a War, The Corduroy Road are out to showcase Carman and Solise’s incredible songwriting skills and smooth vocal harmonies. With a toe tapping melody and mixes of some great work on banjo, guitar, and organ, the title track is reminiscent of Avett Brothers.
“There’s something about life that’s worth living,” sings Sarah Siskind on “Worth Fighting For,” one of many standout tracks on her newest album, Say it Louder. Over 13 tracks, Siskind delivers messages on love, regret, and ultimately, hope for the future through vocals that possess seemingly endless range.
Though perhaps not so startling a work as its predecessor, the Grammy-winning Dirt Farmer, Levon Helm’s new album nevertheless extends its authentically rootsy earthy themes.
With poppy hooks and an alluring voice, Lisa Donnelly has created a charming solo debut, We Had a Thing. Donnelly, who admits she’s a “writer who sings,” often shows a hint of sass in her lyrics, delivering lines like “Open your heart and close your legs/ They only want what makes ’em beg” on the opener, “Laugh.” There’s a slick attitude that encompasses all 10 tracks, and while there is nothing groundbreaking, there are certainly enough funky surprises here to keep you interested and smiling; a solid start for Donnelly.
Coming off the most accessible album of their career, Rather Ripped, the 16th full length recording from Sonic Youth is aptly named, The Eternal. They have returned to odd timing’s clanging guitars and poetic lyrical workouts, however not all the mainstream sheen is worn away.
There's no question that as both a performer and a songwriter, Elvis Costello has few peers in terms of the breadth and quality of his work. That's not to say he's all things to all people, but that, as particularly evidenced on Secret, Profane & Sugarcane, he's Elvis Costello to whatever audience he chooses.
If you know anything about Tim Easton, it’s that the man can write a song. 2006’s Ammunition displayed all of the Ohio native’s songwriting talents; among the highlights were the delicate tunes, “Oh People” and “Next to You,” the political tunes, “News Blackout” and “Before the Revolution”, and the fun tunes, “Dear Old Song & Dance” and “C-Dub.” Easton’s newest album, Porcupine, is a different animal, but it bites just as fierce—mainly by rocking the night away.
What could a band called The Honeydogs with a CD titled Sunshine Committee possibly have to offer? Do not be deceived by the backwoods name, the syrupy title, or even the psychedelic Python-esque design on the cover.
