Album Reviews

Asia: Phoenix

Bob Lange April 24, 2008 No Comments

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.

A.A. Bondy: American Hearts

Shawn Donohue April 23, 2008 No Comments

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.

Destroyer: Trouble In Dreams

Shane Handler April 22, 2008 No Comments

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.

Jacob Fred Jazz Odyssey: Lil

Eric Liebetrau April 15, 2008 No Comments

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.

Gnarls Barkley: The Odd Couple

Shane Handler April 14, 2008 No Comments

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.

Strangers Die Every Day: Aperture for Departure

Bob Lange April 11, 2008 No Comments

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.

Lyrics Born: Everywhere at Once

Eric Liebetrau April 11, 2008 No Comments

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.

Lili Haydn: Place Between Places

Jason Gonulsen April 8, 2008 No Comments

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.

New Found Glory: Hits

Bob Lange April 7, 2008 No Comments

New Found Glory not only dropped that charmingly awkward "A" from their name, but they also dropped everything else that appealed to me. Their self-titled album did include "Hit or Miss" and wasn't completely devoid of their special ability to make silly emo and pop-punk songs seem real, but it was waning.

PlayRadioPlay!: Texas

Shane Handler April 6, 2008 No Comments

Daniel Hunter is just 18 and he cuts class on occasion (“My Attendance is Bad”) and likes Jello (“Jello”). The brains, voice, producer, and one-man band behind PlayRadioPlay! appears to also love Ben Gibbard (Death Cab for Cutie, Postal Service), as he’s a dead ringer for the Seattle artist’s emo voice and gentle beat filled electronic pop.