Album Reviews

John Mancini Band: Sun King

Jeff Strowe May 9, 2012 No Comments

Over the course of ten tracks, Mancini leads his band-mates through an infectious bounty of sharp rhythmic, reggae-inflected tunes that pulse through with sharp energy and positive vibes. There’s no deep rooted catharsis taking place on this album, nor are there veiled metaphors or exercises in haughty self-aggrandizing. It’s not an album that demands your attention or begs for close introspection. What is it, then? It’s a fun listen filled with crafty grooves and sharp musicianship; listen to the twinkling keys that interlock with the horn section on “Trouble”, the rat-a-tat snare fills that anchor the Buddy Holly-esque “Little Things”, or the sneaky guitar work of “Blue Bag”.

The Wood Brothers: Live Volume One: Sky High

Doug Collette May 9, 2012 No Comments

The first of two live recordings set to be released in 2012, Sky High effectively captures all the charm and empathetic musicianship The Wood Brothers have demonstrated on both their previously released studio recordings and in their frequent live performances.

Norah Jones: Little Broken Hearts

Peter Zimmerman May 7, 2012 No Comments

Little Broken Hearts suggests that maybe Jones isn’t looking to head back, but instead shake things up even further. If she is able to find a musical partner like Danger Mouse that she connects so well to, we’re due for yet another fantastic record from an artist many of us wrote off years ago.

South Memphis String Band: Old Times There

Doug Collette May 3, 2012 No Comments

With Luther Dickinson’s enlistment in the Black Crowes back in 2007 and his subsequent return to The North Mississippi All Stars, he’s inspired himself to nurture his propensity for collaborative projects. With The South Memphis String Band, a collaboration with Jimbo Mathus and Alvin Youngblood Hart, Dickinson lends his versatile blues rock guitar playing to yet another roots project.

Father John Misty: Fear Fun

Benjamin Villanueva May 2, 2012 No Comments

Father John Misty is Josh Tillman's (ex-Fleet Foxes) latest identity and this time around he strives for honesty over escapism. After leaving Fleet Foxes, Tillman set out to capture the truth inside of himself that he felt must be hidden underneath the layers of 'alter-egos' he has been collecting over the years. Fear Fun, Father John Misty’s full length debut on Sub Pop reveals something worth singing about and the message is something one discovers at their own pace.

Brendan Benson: What Kind Of World

Jason Macneil May 1, 2012 No Comments

Released on the same day as his offspring's second birthday, is indicative of the musician's timeless, quality-heavy chops. Rock is better for having Brendan Benson in its world.

Lower Dens: Nootropics

Jeff Strowe May 1, 2012 No Comments

Lower Dens hails from Baltimore, an important fact to consider when listening to their music. It’s a trippy, synth-fueled and mystifying sound that alternates between pulsing, metronomic beats and more languidly buzzing slow burners.

Brad: United We Stand

Dan Berthiaume April 30, 2012 No Comments

While Pearl Jam has always had a strong pop sensibility to its arena-ready hard rock sound, Brad, the side project co-founded by Pearl Jam rhythm guitarist Stone Gossard, delivers full-on pop music, albeit with an intelligent, psychedelic edg

Rufus Wainwright: Out Of The Game

Peter Zimmerman April 30, 2012 No Comments

Call him over the top, call him excessive or even arrogant, but one cannot fault Rufus Wainwright for not trying hard enough and delivering with musical aplomb. The difference with Out Of The Game, however, is that he’s provided a cohesive work that exemplifies his talents, for the most part excises his overindulgence, highlights his sharp wit and exceptional musical skill.