On his fourth solo album, Put Your Ghost to Rest, former Miracle of 86 front man Kevin Devine has done a good job of creating an album that is listenable, somehow familiar, yet creative enough to avoid being boring.
Emerging from the rubble of two of Seattle, Washington's most celebrated bands, Tuffy and Floyds Ranch, The Mellors surfaced in late 2004. Led by singer/songwriter/guitarist Jamie Lane, the band’s self-titled debut was uncharacteristic from the majority of groups in the Emerald City as it embraced a Mid-Western sound that is organic with just a touch of Southern twanginess.
This album follows 2004’s The Late Great Daniel Johnston: Discovered Covered – a higher profile tribute that featured the likes of Beck and Tom Waits – but it captures Johnston’s essence more gracefully than its hat-tipping predecessor.
With her latest album, Another Kind of Fire, Edie Carey has created another completely listenable, imminently catchy album. Released in September, this is the perfect album for autumn: reflective, a bit overcast (but not so much as to be depressing), and, like the gorgeous dying leaves, completely enjoyable.
While the term “Southern rock” usually comes from a lack of creativity, it most certainly applies to Capps’, as his drawl, love of whiskey (“Ed Lee”), rough-riding, tenacious sounds, and wisdom beyond his years exudes Southern rock in the truest sense.
The album is filled with intricacies and complex instrument expressions that are there for the sake of the story. It’s art with a purpose, like Pete’s Townshend’s Tommy.
Pepper’s fourth studio album No Shame (Lava/Atlantic Records), produced by Nick Hexum of 311, Tony Kanal of No Doubt, and Paul Leary of The Butthole Surfers, set the Hawaiian trio into weaving island moods with So Cal surf rock ringlets complemented by reggae beats, alternative rock fuses, and ska accents.
emonade might be an acquired taste for most because G. Love takes music that has been marginalized and meshes them together, but once you get used to the unique combinations you appreciate his method for integrating them.
n her Matador Records debut, Over the Mountain, Across the Valley, and Back to the Stars, Jennifer O’Connor delivers a pleasant album full of hum-along melodies.
A Static Lullaby have returned with their self-titled album that makes hardcore and screamo holdings friendlier to a wider audience. Produced by Steve Evetts (The Cure, Senses Fail, Dillinger Escape Plan), the album follows last year’s Faso Latido and their debut disc from 2003 entitled And Don’t Forget To Breathe.
