“There’s something about life that’s worth living,” sings Sarah Siskind on “Worth Fighting For,” one of many standout tracks on her newest album, Say it Louder. Over 13 tracks, Siskind delivers messages on love, regret, and ultimately, hope for the future through vocals that possess seemingly endless range.
Though perhaps not so startling a work as its predecessor, the Grammy-winning Dirt Farmer, Levon Helm’s new album nevertheless extends its authentically rootsy earthy themes.
With poppy hooks and an alluring voice, Lisa Donnelly has created a charming solo debut, We Had a Thing. Donnelly, who admits she’s a “writer who sings,” often shows a hint of sass in her lyrics, delivering lines like “Open your heart and close your legs/ They only want what makes ’em beg” on the opener, “Laugh.” There’s a slick attitude that encompasses all 10 tracks, and while there is nothing groundbreaking, there are certainly enough funky surprises here to keep you interested and smiling; a solid start for Donnelly.
Coming off the most accessible album of their career, Rather Ripped, the 16th full length recording from Sonic Youth is aptly named, The Eternal. They have returned to odd timing’s clanging guitars and poetic lyrical workouts, however not all the mainstream sheen is worn away.
These Tuscaloosa, Alabama boys made their first stop in NYC a memorable one at Piano’s on the Lower East Side. Equipped with trucker hats, pompadours, and sideburns that could cut a steak, this 5-piece blasted out the doors and invigorated a small but eager crowd. They powered through their set with a three guitar attack and rock solid low-end that dripped hellfire an Jack Daniels.
There's no question that as both a performer and a songwriter, Elvis Costello has few peers in terms of the breadth and quality of his work. That's not to say he's all things to all people, but that, as particularly evidenced on Secret, Profane & Sugarcane, he's Elvis Costello to whatever audience he chooses.
If you know anything about Tim Easton, it’s that the man can write a song. 2006’s Ammunition displayed all of the Ohio native’s songwriting talents; among the highlights were the delicate tunes, “Oh People” and “Next to You,” the political tunes, “News Blackout” and “Before the Revolution”, and the fun tunes, “Dear Old Song & Dance” and “C-Dub.” Easton’s newest album, Porcupine, is a different animal, but it bites just as fierce—mainly by rocking the night away.
Phish summoned their collective Roy Hobbs, knocked the cover off the ball, and annihilated the spun-like-the-twine-on-the-inside-of-a-baseball crowd (lame baseball analogy #1)
A recent show by Seattle-based, Barsuk artist Say Hi (…), revealed a generally promising young act that could use a bit more fleshing out. A one-person recording artist (Eric Elbogen), Say Hi’s recent show featured Elbogen and a drummer, opening for Minnesota’s amazing Cloud Cult.
What could a band called The Honeydogs with a CD titled Sunshine Committee possibly have to offer? Do not be deceived by the backwoods name, the syrupy title, or even the psychedelic Python-esque design on the cover.
