Album Reviews

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.

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.

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.

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.

“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.

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.

Though the after taste of Dracula might be a bit lacking, Nurses' quirky take on contemporary music is definitely worth a listen.

Three years after meeting up, Grouplove has released their full-length debut, Never Trust a Happy Song. This indie pop effort has all of the passion and intensity that inspired the individual musicians to join up originally. The album’s title may bring to mind introspective, shoegaze songs about loss and rejection to the tune of bitterness. However, Grouplove delivers songs that are anything but downers.

Deer Tick live and in person is always a spectacle to behold.  Regardless of the day of the week they play your town, the band members will whoop it up like a revved-up start to the weekend.  With Divine Providence, they’ve made a recorded document that spreads around the debauchery and rock decadence for all times sake.  

On All Things Will Unwind, Shara Worden delivers a tour de force that stands far above the majority of contemporary music. It’s a masterpiece that will prove quite difficult to surpass, but the fact that this is only her third album as My Brightest Diamond makes the future look even more the brighter.