Album Reviews

Future Islands: On the Water

Jeff Strowe October 31, 2011 No Comments

Future Islands have made their name by delivering the kind of “blood, sweat, and tears” live show that can inspire legions of fans to blindly follow the band across the miles. The members don’t look like your typical indie-rock darlings; instead they resemble the type of guys in the cubicle next to yours who you depend on for a daily dose of levity or to complete a fantasy football trade.

Los Lobos: One Night One Time: Live Recordings Vol. 2

Doug Collette October 28, 2011 No Comments

The second volume of Los Lobos’ Live Recordings series supplies multiple reminders why this is not just another band from East LA. The scholar/academician might look for more background content on the locale of such a recording as One Night One /Time Vol.2, and perhaps some rationale from the band (especially archivist/producer of this title, Lobos’ Cesar Roas), as to why this particular show deserves preservation for posterity.

Lou Reed and Metallica: Lulu

Bob Lange October 28, 2011 No Comments

We pushed as far as we possibly could within the realms of reality." That’s a pretty bold claim from Lou Reed regarding his collaboration with Metallica, a collaboration most view as bizarre, but Reed seems to think is quite natural. Unfortunately, those are only words and not a true reflection of what the two disparate rock forces achieve throughout most of their album, Lulu.

Matthew Sweet: Modern Art

Doug Collette October 26, 2011 No Comments

The visceral impact of Matthew Sweet’s rock and roll has placed him somewhat erroneously in the power pop genre when in fact, instead of grabbing the listener as do the hook-laden likes of his peer Tommy Keene, Sweet’s guitar-rock insinuates itself as you hear it.

Ryan Adams: Ashes & Fire

Peter Zimmerman October 25, 2011 No Comments

This album may be a bit too accessible and/or soft for fans of the harder edged rock-leaning work from his mid-career, but Ashes & Fire reaffirms Ryan Adams as a leader among singer-songwriters, and after the turmoil of the past few years it’s delightful to see him back on top of his game.

Kasabian: Velociraptor!

Jeff Demars October 25, 2011 No Comments

While the lyrics and background vocals leave much to be desired, with this album Kasabian are clearly taking steps to improve as a band and release a collection of songs illuminating their goals and plans for the future.

Mimi Page: Breathe Me In

Brian Palmer October 21, 2011 No Comments

Encompassing the genres of trip-hop, dance, poptronica, piano pop and down tempo, Breathe Me In is quite the calling card for anyone who is just learning about this promising singer-songwriter.

Glen Campbell: Ghost On The Canvas

Dan Berthiaume October 21, 2011 No Comments

“Ghost on the Canvas” is AM country/rock king Glen Campbell’s swan song before he retires ahead of and advancing case of Alzheimer’s disease. While the album’s lyrical content is full of hints, this is the final public statement of a man looking back on a very colorful life; the music itself is surprisingly strong and upbeat, and Campbell’s voice is as rich and emotional as ever.

We Are Augustines: Rise Ye Sunken Ships

Jeremy Lukens October 21, 2011 No Comments

Rise Ye Sunken Ships, the debut album by We Are Augustines, is a raw meditation on the loss, pain and hardships that have encompassed the band members. Guitarist Bill McCarthy and bassist Eric Sanderson began penning the songs for what would have been the sophomore album of their previous band, Pela. While writing and recording the tracks, the band feuded with management, the record label and with themselves while McCarthy tried to cope with news that his little brother, James, had committed suicide at a psychiatric hospital.