Yim Yames’ (nee Jim James’) homage to the late George Harrison, Tribute to, is truly a labor of love. Recorded in 2001 in a moment of inspired grieving upon hearing of the man’s passing, the titular leader of My Morning Jacket channels the spirit of The Beatles’ lead guitarist as he plays an unusual cross-section of his music.
Reigning Sound is the brain child of prolific talent Greg Cartwright. While the group has shifted over the years, Love and Curses proves once again that Cartwright and crew are the most criminally-underrated songwriter and rockers rolling today.
Formed in 1985 in Minneapolis with Mark Olson (acoustic guitar and vocals), Gary Louris (electric guitar and vocals), Marc Perlman (bass) and Norm Rogers (drums), The Jayhawks were sorely one of the most under-rated bands of their era.
Essential Jazz Classics has recently released a set of CDs that collects some of that period's best albums along with some interesting bonus material.
Post-Modern, with its simple cover and clever hooks, lulls the listener into a sense of security before kicking said listener right in the ass. “Will we, find our way back home?!?!” is not just a chorus; it’s a mission.
Pete Yorn’s latest go-round with Columbia records, Back & Fourth, is a departure in both his writing and recording career. His first album in three years, following the trilogy collection, is a depiction of a difficult period in his life. Change seems to be the key element, both personally and professionally, and this album may be the catalyst. For starters, Yorn implored indie producer and noted Saddle Creek arranger, Mike Mogis (Bright Eyes, Rilo Kiley) and recorded the album in Omaha, NE with the guidance of Columbia co-chairman, Rick Rubin.
Never let it be said that Medeski Martin and Wood repeat themselves but the trio's Radiolarians Series, in its ingenious concept of writing touring then recording all new material in quick succession, represents a willful effort to avoid the predictable.
Back in 1985, I bought JFA's Live 1984 Tour LP. It's energy was as unbounded as the possibilities of my new found favorite genre and it quickly found itself in steady rotation on my turntable. Nearly a quarter century later, a new piece of live JFA vinyl is spinning in my basement and it's hard to believe that it still has much of that same thrashy skate punk energy.
For those who maybe questioning White’s choice to play drums, don’t, the skins are pounded with power and precision.
Having supported The Flaming Lips and Raconteurs in recent years, psychedelic rock band Birds Of Avalon indeed have an uncanny ability to make retro sound relevant again on Uncanny Valley, especially on the short but punchy “Side Two” but up the ante on the heady “I Never Knew” and the vibrant “Eyesore” thanks to the guitar work of husband Paul Siler and wife Cheetie Kumar.
