Steve Winwood has had a most successful solo career for over a quarter century, beginning in 1981 with Arc of A Diver through 2003’s About Time. Yet no album has so accurately reflected his versatile talents or vividly echoed the pinnacles of his past as Nine Lives.
You might not know it, but you probably already love The Weepies. It might have been that commercial for Old Navy, or that episode of Grey’s Anatomy, but you’ve probably mouthed the words, “That’s a good song” after hearing one of their simple, catchy tunes.
Phoenix doesn't even fare that well, because there is simply no pleasure, guilty or otherwise. Everything that rises from the ashes isn't good.
Authentic. It is a word that singer-songwriters either are naturally or strive toward their whole life, AA Bondy has it. His album American Hearts garnered some buzz at the end of 2007, but is being re-released on Fat Possum Records now with hopes of gaining the wider audience that these songs deserve.
Trouble In Dreams, Destroyer's eighth or ninth album (nobody knows for sure) hits on the same elements of 2006’s Destroyer’s Rubies. From the sharp angular rock of “Dark Leaves Form A Thread” to the dripping bass of “The State” and the howling guitar crescendo of “Introducing Angels,” the recording runs across diverse themes.
With their new album, Lil’ Tae Rides Again, Jacob Fred Jazz Odyssey journeys further into the sonic ether. Known for their adventurous jazz odysseys (excuse the pun), the hyperkinetic trio—this time around without longtime drummer Jason Smart, who amicably left the band last year—tap electronic producer Tae Meyulks for this spacious minimalist effort.
When you have the fluke hit of the decade, the threat of running into the curse of the “sophomore slum” is an understatement, particularly if you’re the psychedelic soul duo of Danger Mouse and Cee-Lo Green. However, if you’re one that appreciate albums as song-cycles verse explosive pop nuggets, than Gnarls Barkley’s The Odd Couple has something going on.
Aperture for Departure, on the other hand allows the rock to slip its bonds and explore a broader musical landscape. At the same time, it loosens classical up with an off-kilter rawness that typical classical performances miss.
Five years after his well-received debut, Later That Day…, Lyrics Born (real name Tom Shimura) returns with his Anti- debut, Everywhere at Once, another party-ready collection of danceable rhythms and smooth lyrical delivery.
Haydn, who’s played with Herbie Hancock, and shared the stage with Robert Plant and Jimmy Page, soloing to “Kashmir,” has combined all of her dazzling talents on Places.
