Album Reviews Archives - Page 567 of 707

Color Of Clouds: Satellite Of Love

Shawn Donohue April 19, 2010 No Comments

This aptly named trio works within a sparseness that is commendable. Lead vocalist Kelli Scarr (great name by the way) emotes on a spiritual (“Haunts Me”)/physical (“I Want You”) split level while Dan Chen and Nate Greenberg support her with textures of sound. There is room to breath on these tracks; the lyrics take center stage and while some seem a bit too personal (“The Look”) others ring true for everyone (“Come Back to Me”). Pianos, strings and soft drums are par for the course and when the fluid guitar notes show up they are welcomed with open arms.

Graham Parker: Imaginary Television

Doug Collette April 15, 2010 No Comments

It's not necessary to be aware of the thought process behind Graham Parker's Imaginary Television to appreciate the rare combination of immediacy and understatement that permeates its material and musicianship. But knowing the story behind the album's concept elevates the author's acerbic commentary on the television medium (and the culture at large it reflects) while also reaffirming the record album as a potent means of making a statement.

Ozomatli : Fire Away

Patrick Flanary April 14, 2010 No Comments

To its credit, Ozomatli offers something for everyone. Each member of the group, after all, represents a different part of the world. Ozo's sound, rich with hip-hop, salsa, funk and jazz, has underscored the band's outspoken crusade for social justice since the mid-'90s. "Gay Vatos in Love" proudly salutes gay marriage over Ulises Bella's wailing '50s-era saxophone, while the psychedelic "Love Comes Down"—Fire Away's finest moment—hits home for lovers everywhere but arrives too late in the album.

MGMT: Congratulations

Nick Gunther April 12, 2010 No Comments

If you approached MGMT’s newest release,Congratulations, with any expectations, than expect to be thoroughly perplexed after your first listen – or fourteenth as well. Contrary to their breakout 2008 release, Oracular Spectacular, the core duo of Andrew VanWyngarden and Ben Goldwasser, constructed a record that may not contain a “Kids,” but rather an assembly of ecstasy wave inspired surf odysseys that embody what they believe is a whole sense to their formation of the nine piece collection.

Ted Leo and the Pharmacists: The Brutalist Bricks

Brian Gearing April 9, 2010 No Comments

To say an artist has hit his stride is to hint that the road ahead is an easy, straight path, but maybe Ted Leo is due a little comfort. With all its dollar-loaf white bread sandwiches and fitful couch sleep, Leo’s road has allowed him to grow gracefully. His sound has always been his own, but since Shake the Sheets in 2004, his hardcore roots have branched to a complete musical tree, and The Brutalist Bricks brings Leo’s pop and soul buds to full flower.

The Fling: Worth the Weight

Jeremy Lukens April 1, 2010 No Comments

In their full-length debut, Worth the Weight, the Fling flesh out their blues rock sound and explore greater depths than on their EP, ranging from the Led Zeppelin-style riffs of “Only So Far” to the breezy waltz of “Worth the Wait.” There is a momentum that drives each song, keeping even the lighter tracks from boring. “Reclusion” starts mellow but gains intensity as the song progresses, from the first humming bassline to a sustained vocal harmony that outlasts overdriven guitars.

Newworldson: Newworldson

Jason Rooks March 31, 2010 No Comments

Newworldson’s self-titled release showcases their live jam-inspired sound with some new influences that will impress even the casual music listener with their genuine uplifting message.

BoDeans: Mr. Sad Clown

Doug Collette March 31, 2010 No Comments

Having debuted on the roots-oriented Slash Records in 1986, making Americana music years before the term was coined alongside labelmates The Blasters and Los Lobos, Kurt Neumann and Sammy Llanas have remained staunchly independent during the course of their career as BoDeans. Mr. Sad Clown is their tenth studio album , a collection of fifteen original songs that stays true to that direct means of communication they've always preferred and that approach generally stands the duo in good stead.

Grateful Dead: Road Trips Volume 3 Number 2

Doug Collette March 29, 2010 No Comments

Volume 3 Number 2 is one of the best of the Grateful Dead's Road Trips and augurs well for the redefinition of this archival project. Originally conceived to highlight particular phases of the band's career, this series has more recently come to reflect its esteemed precursor, Dick ‘s Picks, in offering complete performances from the group's history.

Great American Taxi: Reckless Habits

Ryan Thousand March 22, 2010 No Comments

Great American Taxi started touring and released their first CD Streets of Gold in 2007 with great success, and in 2009, they have done it again. The band, comprised of Herman, Staehly, Jim Lewin on electric guitar and vocals, Brian Adams on bass, and Chris Sheldon on the drums, released their second CD Reckless Habits, in early March.

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