Though they thrive on stage, the members of New Monsoon also know how to put together reliable studio albums, as evidenced by Hydrophonic (2001) and The Sound (2005). On V, they continue to demonstrate a fine ear for balanced, precise playing, creating a bright blend of sunny California rock, down-home, dirty blues and jazzy, world-music rhythms.
Few Widespread Panic fans are likely to pick their last two studio albums (Ball or Earth to America) are their favorite release, and even fewer Spreadheads would probably suggest their tenth studio album, Free Somehow, as a top pick (those nods are usually reserved for Everyday or 'Til the Medicine Takes). Give or take a few songs, Free Somehow is a surprisingly bold departure from anything the Georgia rockers have previously recorded.
E has said that some of his best songs sometimes don't make that final cut for LP's. This collection not only proves him right but leaves hope there are still some more trinkets lying around waiting to be discovered.
Magnetic Field fans will find Distortion a must hear, but curiosity seekers should see it as a free art opening – stop by and decide for yourself whether to linger or jet.
If you enjoy live electronica, Infradig may be one of the best bands you’ve never heard of—and sadly, you may never hear from them again. The group disbanded in late 2007, leaving Ecstatic Everywhere as a sonic reminder of their frenetic power.
Silver State doesn’t just close in on being a great record–it finishes the job, serving as an early highlight for 2008.
Drive-By Truckers may inevitably be hindered by their “southern rock” categorization – it’s unavoidable given their below the Mason Dixon Line album themes – but at these 19 tracks Brighter Than Creation's Dark is what it is…solid, convincingly strong rock and roll.
Yoav, though, is something different. The guy has a voice capable of – or perhaps pushed to be – all things: he sounds just as good singing in falsetto as in a gravelly, crooner-ish voice.
The purveyors of some of the best live electronic music out there, Lotus lends itself well to a disc of remixes, and Copy/Paste/Repeat is mostly a success, with contributors including The Juan Maclean, DJ Harry, J. Tonal, Telepath and Lymbyc Systym.
Bob Marley & The Wailers’ Exodus has previously been afforded the Deluxe Edition treatment. With a previously-released two disc set including extra studio tracks and live recordings from the original release period of 1977, the real necessity of an ‘Anniversary Edition’ comes into question since this latest release adds no new music and only little except in terms of its packaging: a faux grain slip-sleeve and slightly more ornate jewel case.
