The Arctic Monkeys fourth proper release is unlike any of their past work which keeps things fresh and adds to their growing catalog of enchanting songs. This time around the group focuses their talents on 60’s pop, crafting ditties that can jangle a tambourine or trip out a touch in front of Alex Turner’s ear catching lyrics.
Astutely produced by David Lemieux and Blair Jackson, the only material duplicated within the three disc set is the venerable “Truckin’”, which should placate those music lovers who rue the availability of bonus discs with such packages
With rock solid playing and a freshly melodic spin on 70's AM radio rock this young group shows of a rare ability to channel an older tradition but play it with a full slate of personal inspiration.
After years in the Big Apple, singer-songwriter Amy Speace headed back to Nashville and it appears that the change in scenery certainly hasn’t hurt her songwriting by the dozen offerings on Land Like a Bird.
Steve Earle is all over the place lately as actor, writer, activist, and maintaining his first love, music. The tunes get their proper due on this fantastic new release, I’ll Never Get Out Of This World Alive. The title is taken from Hank Williams final single; Earle has a strong affinity for Williams (titling his first novel the same thing) and as someone who never shy’s away from his idols (see the album Townes) there is history seeping from these tracks, a lot of personality too.
Dum Dum Girls’ leader Kristin “Dee Dee” Gundred is a rock star. One glance at the cover of her band’s new release, He Gets Me High, makes this clearly evident. However, don’t mistake the look for nonchalance. If other musicians put as much effort into their full-length releases as she has for an EP, then the music scene would be an even more interesting place.
Buffalo Tom, one of the forerunners of 90’s “college rock” is back on the street with their new album Skins. While the band’s music, especially 1994’s “hit single” “Sodajerk”, may stir some achingly awkward memories of Angela Chase and Jordan Catalano making out in the boiler room, these Boston boys have maintained a steady sound over the years that will bring you right back to the days of “alternative” music.
Countless bands, upon releasing a new album, say that they’ve finally made the album they knew they were capable of making. The guys in Tea Leaf Green have invoked this phrase in regards to their latest, Radio Tragedy, and they may actually be right.
In his exploration of the limits of solo production, Pat Metheny’s last album, Orchestrion, succeeded at bringing together his own musical thoughts and combining them with technology to create an orchestra driven off of a singular input. His latest project, What’s It All About, is a collection of acoustic covers of songs that have meant something to him, particularly in the early time period of his life where music was playing a more profound role.
Following Booker T Jones' 2009 Anti- release Potato Hole which won the Grammy for “Best Pop Instrumental Album,” the B-3 legend returns with The Road From Memphis. Produced by Jones with The Roots' ?uestlove and Rob Schnapf (Beck, Elliot Smith), Memphis was recorded by Daptone Records mastermind Gabriel Roth with backing by The Roots.
