With way too many questionable tracks between the truly magical gems, Mos Def’s True Magic falls a bit short of his more impressive works like Black Star or Black on Both Sides.
From tranquil introspection of “Lifetime Ranger,” to the soaring crescendos of “Merit,” Law digs deep into emotion, and draws out a cycling soundscape of highs and lows; those peeks and valleys that are an inherent part of life.
Critical reviews of retrospectives and B-sides/rarity compilations often carry a common label: “For completists.” Gomez has managed to fit just within that context with Five Men in a Hut (Singles 1998-2004), a double disc exploration of the British band’s work spanning five albums and focusing largely on the singles released in the United Kingdom.
With minimal accompaniment covering traditional folk songs, 900 Mile's interpretations by Bethany and Rufus cover new ground.
Trying to find an innovative artist in the current country music scene is akin to searching for an honest politician. That makes it all the more exciting when a talent like Luke Doucet rises above the crowd. With Broken (and other rogue states), Doucet delivers 13 tracks of liquored-up heartache – hardly new subject matter for country music – each resonating with a pained beauty that instantly engages the listener.
Eliot Morris’ debut album on Universal Records What’s Mine Is Yours, produced by Tony Berg, is one of the most underrated pop/rock albums of 2006. The Birmingham, Alabama native hit a major homerun with this album, but it is one which most people have missed out on through the year.
The self-titled debut release from the New York City based quartet Pagoda, embraces indie-folk dimensions and merges it with alternative rock gales.
With an unpopular war claiming lives overseas, there just couldn't be a more appropriate time for the U.S. vs. John Lennon to be released. This relevant collection from one of the world's most fondly remembered musicians includes anthems inspired by a campaign for peace launched by John and Yoko.
After keeping the Stones’ recent live tours from completely falling off the rails, guitarist Ronnie Wood has issued a vast and enjoyable compilation of his personal best. The two-disc, 27-track collection contains his solo work and group work. Disc one is all solo beginning with the reggae-tinged “I Can Feel The Fire” featuring David Bowie on backing vocals while “Cancels Everything” is a mellow, roots-y tune with Keith Richards helping out.
Simultaneously psychedelic (“The Girl”) and soulful (“Worst Trip”)—We All Belong is seemingly the result of the Beatles spending spring break with The Allman Brothers Band and getting delirious with sunburn and their 24 track, 2 inch tape machine.
