Marcus Reviews Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol
Synopsis:
The IMF is shut down when it’s implicated in the bombing of the Kremlin, causing Ethan Hunt and his new team to go rogue to clear their organization’s name and stop a nuclear war between Russia and the US in the process.
Things I Liked:
Mission Impossible is a series that benefits from having movies that stand alone while each having something that ties them to the previous ones.
Rob’s Music Review: March
Month of March by Rob
Acid House Kings: Music Sounds Better with You (4 and 1/2 Stars)
They sound so assured here. Six years have passed since their previous album. Hooks, vocals, music. They have it all down pat. This trio can do no wrong. Perfect indie pop. Labrador (Label).
Bibio: Mind Bokeh (4 Stars)
So it may not be what Ambivalence Avenue was but this still rewards in ways. Soul jazz, techno squealing, glitch and pop form a cohesive sound. This is a subtle release that showcases lyrics and music at the forefront. Amazing. Warp (Label).
Fred Hersch: Alone at the Vanguard (4 and 1/2 Stars)
This is Hersch all by himself playing brilliant interpretations of others songs on his piano. This is the final set of his 12 sets played at the Village Vanguard. This is plain brilliant. Jazz this complex, elegant and uncompromising needs to be listened to. This album stays with you long after the final song. Palmetto (Label).
Gangpol und Mit: The 1000 Softcore Tourist People Club (4 Stars)
Playful, hyperactive, chamber music and eventful electronic music. They are all over the map. That’s not a bad thing either. Ipecac Recordings (Label).
Grails: Deep Politics (4 Stars)
Surprisingly this has nothing to do with politics. The music however is phenomenal. This sounds like modern day Ennio Morricone and other great cinematic composers. Epic in scope and its indie rock. C’mon. Heavy and dense but utterly compelling. Temporary Residence (Label).
Jennifer Hudson: I Remember Me (4 and 1/2 Stars)
This improves upon her debut tenfold. She takes all the pain and agony that she has encountered and makes the best R&B album of the year. The material here works with her powerhouse voice. Incredible, passionate, scorned, and awe-inspiring, this is Hudson at her best. RCA (Label).
Kurt Vile: Smoke Ring for My Halo (4 Stars)
This is hard to pin down. Indie songwriter who has great guitar work and his lyrics come off with ease but are full of oddball characteristics. Lo-fi cynicism with a bit of light thrown in too. Matador (Label).
Left Lane Cruiser: Junkyard Speed Ball (4 Stars)
This is ferocious. Swamp music where this two-piece band just mows through everyone and everything. Pure blues and punk rock except this is pissed off and ready to fight on a Friday night at the bar. This doesn’t stop until the final song and even then this stays with you. Alive Records (Label).
Marsha Ambrosius: Late Nights & Early Mornings (4 Stars)
This is her solo debut after Floetry seems to have broken up. Quiet storm R&B, and brilliant covers. This album allows her to showcase her voice not just for show but also for the sake of the song. Beautiful debut. RCA (Label).
Neil Diamond: The Bang Years: 1966-1968 (5 Stars)
Perfect pop. Compilation of when he transitioned from songwriter to performer. Diamond sounded hungry here and could do no wrong. This is pure musical bliss. Still 40 plus years after these songs came out they still have a vibrant, crisp and energetic pop sound. Sony Music Entertainment (Label).
Nostalgia 77: The Sleepwalking Society (4 and 1/2 Stars)
Benedic Lamdin discovers another brilliant jazz vocalist in German songstress Josa Petit. Folk, R&B, pop undertones. Simply stunning. Lyrically beautiful. Lamdin has become a capable producer. Check out his work on Lizzy Parks “This and That” and Jeb Loy Nichols “Strange Faith and Practice”, both affected the sound of this album. Tru Thoughts (Label).
Papercuts: Fading Parade (4 Stars)
This is music to get lost in. Beautiful indie chamber pop akin to Beach House. Frontman Jason Quever delves even deeper into the Phil Spector wall of sound and comes up with a subtle album full of hooks, twists and turns. Sub Pop (Label).
Phil Ranelin: Perseverance (4 and 1/2 Stars)
Trombonist and composer Phil Ranelin makes a 21st century masterpiece. This is master jazz from a master class. The percussion from Big Black and bassist Henry Franklin is phenomenal. The interplay and focused craft shines through. This album is a journey that rewards every single listen. Not enough can be said about this album. Get it now. Wide Hive Records (Label).
Rival Schools: Pedals (4 Stars)
Rival Schools return a decade later to a post-hardcore landscape and show they still have what it takes to get the job done. Full of passion and self-assurance this is not disingenuous in any way. Indie rock that is confident and a solid release from this group that shows the ten years was worth the wait. Photo Finish (Label).
Sam the Sham & the Pharaohs: The MGM Singles (4 Stars)
For everyone who thinks Sam the Sham & the Pharaohs were a one hit wonder band best known for their hit “Wooly Bully” they are more than one-dimensional. Collects all of their singles for MGM as well as their B-sides and turns it into an irresistible compilation. This is stomping, romping Tex-Mex, R&B, blues and shows Sam and the Pharaohs were possibly the best garage bar band of all time. Sundazed (Label).
The Pains of Being Pure At Heart: Belong (4 Stars)
This to me, is the little band that could. An indie band who approaches Phil Spector levels of sound and arena anthems with an unabashed love and they seem humble as well. Their debut made them; this proves they are not playing around. Slumberland (Label).
Sir Douglas Quintet: The Mono Singles ’68-‘72 (4 and 1/2 Stars)
Doug Sahm and Co. traverse plenty musical territory. Bubblegum pop, Tex-Mex, jazz, rock & roll, blues, Cajun, country and many more. Doug Sahm’s voice is one of the best in roots rock. Warm and inviting. Collects the singles they released between 1968-1972. Great compilation. There may be no hit singles here but this is essential for any fan of the band. Sundazed (Label).
Those Dancing Days: Daydreams & Nightmares (4 and 1/2 Stars)
Ok, I’ll say it. Best. Pop. Album. Of. The Year. There. I may change my mind before the year is over however. Not a reissue or a compilation but original material. This Swedish all girl pop group can do no wrong and everything works perfectly on this album. The production and songcraft is fantastic. Oh and Linea Jonsson’s vocals are incredible. This will stick with you for days and days after you play it. Pure pop bliss. Left field and indie. Wichita Recordings (Label).
Those Darlins: Screws Get Loose (4 and 1/2 Stars)
No sophomore slump whatsoever. Replacing cowpunk, country and folk and trading it in for rockabilly, tough girl pop and snarling garage punk. This album gets better with each listen. Reminds you of brutal evenings and mornings attempting to sober up. Everyone is crucial in this recording; all three Darlin sisters and Linwood their drummer are at the top of their game. Oh Wow Dang (Label).
Wye Oak: Civilian (4 Stars)
Jenn Wasner is one of the best vocalist in indie rock. Now that that is out of the way… both Wasner and Andy Stack play their hearts out here. They are fully invested in what they play. This could be the record to break them. They have gotten better with each album and Civilian is the proof. Merge Records (Label).
Cd’s I reviewed but didn’t necessarily care for that others may like:
·Beady Eye- Different Gear, Still Speeding (4 Stars) Rock. Big Brother (Label).
·Davilia 666-Tan Bajo (4 Stars) Latin. In The Red (Label).
Rob’s Music Review: February Article
February 2011 Albums from Rob
Original Soundtrack: Blue Valentine (4 Stars)
This soundtrack perfectly complements the movie. Grizzly Bear sets out to capture the feeling of the film. From being blissfully in love to the heartbreakingly bitter end. Ryan Gosling and Penny & The Quarters have two of the best songs on this album. This is indie rock at it’s emotional best. Lakeshore Records (Label).
Various Artists: Pop Ambient 2011 (4 Stars)
Haunting, strange, beautiful. Twelfth volume in this series. Easily the darkest one yet. It is nothing but short of gloom, an abysmal feeling. Electronic, ambient music. If you are able to listen you are rewarded. Kompakt (Label).
Off! :First Four EPs (4 and 1/2 Stars)
So vicious. Keith Morris, front man of Black Flag and Circle Jerks teams up with Red Kross’ Steve McDonald and create one of the most raw debut albums ever. Hardcore and hating everything and everyone. This is 18 minutes over 16 tracks and it’s full of bile, piss and vinegar. All those things you love about hardcore. Compilation. Vice Records (Label).
…And You Will Know Us By The Trail Of Dead: The Tao of the Dead (4 Stars)
The music that you want major labels to put out. They sound rejuvenated here. This is their second release on their own imprint Superball Music. Indie rock with hints of prog rock, and amazing pop hooks. The album cover is Conrad Keely’s first installment of his steampunk graphic novel. Another reason to like these guys. Ends with the epic 16 and a half minute “Strange News From Another Planet”. Richter Scale (Label).
Aretha Franklin: The Great American Songbook (4 Stars)
These are Aretha’s 60’s recordings. Most are unknown or ignored. It may not contain a hit but this is just a glimpse of her eventually becoming “The Queen Of Soul” in latter years. Compilation. These are her interpretations of others songs but here voice shines through and through. Still at this point she was very impressive and expressive. Legacy (Label).
Beans: End It All (4 Stars)
So if you want some strange, avant-garde, underground hip-hop, consider this to be music to your ears. Off kilter rhythms, beats and full of Beans literate wordsmith skills. Stern delivery and poetry slam fury. The Antipop Consortium veteran is on a bizarre journey. Buy the ticket, take the ride. Anticon (Label).
Brown Recluse: Evening Tapestry (4 Stars)
The title says it all. This is great evening music. A psychedelic pop tapestry. Great orchestration. Reminds me of a contemporary Beach Boys. Indie pop. An album you can listen to from beginning to end and not skip a single track. Slumberland (Label).
Colin Stetson: New History Warfare, Vol.2: Judges (4 Stars)
This is a compelling listen. Stetson employs the technique of circular breathing, meaning he can play continuously. Fantastic work on both saxophone and reed. Laurie Anderson even shows up to do some spoken word. Avant-garde, free jazz. This stays with you long after the music is over. Constellation (Label).
Demdike Stare: Tryptych (4 and 1/2 Stars)
This is a compilation of the trilogy they put out between April to November. Menacing, disturbing, ambient noise, hisses, tribal rhythms, swarming drones, this grabs you and doesn’t let go. Eerily wonderful. Modern Love (Label).
Dennis Coffey: Absolutely the Best of Dennis Coffey (4 and 1/2 Stars)
One of the most under appreciated guitar players of all time. This showcases Coffey’s 70’s work. So much funk, rhythm and blues, acid rock and other styles. Compilation. If you don’t know about him you’re missing out on a Detroit funk legend. Varese Sarabande (Label).
Dream Diary: You Are the Beat (4 Stars)
Near perfect. This is captivating indie pop. It breaks your heart and yet you will still find joy in this record. Impressive for a debut. Endless hooks, wounded vocals and soaring dynamics. Kanine Records (Label).
Earth: Angels of Darkness, Demons of Light, Vol. 1 (4 and 1/2 Stars)
Instrumental heavy metal. It’s elegant while being utterly heavy; the strings complement the brooding feeling the music gives off. May be too early to call it but this is metal album of the year. Perfect for desert landscapes. Heavy, dark, sinister, dissonant, boundary pushing and inescapable. Here’s hoping the second volume will be even better. Southern Lord (Label).
Elephant Man: Dance & Sweep: Adventures of the Energy God (4 Stars)
The dancehall veteran returns after his attempt to crossover. Here he does what he does best. This is dancehall on steroids. The energy does not stop until the last track. Frenetic cover art that the music captures perfectly. VP Records (Label).
George Michael: Faith (5 stars)
One of the greatest pop albums of the 80’s, it still holds up incredibly well and was Michael’s masterpiece; he has never topped it or came close. Beautiful box set remastered album with remixes, rarities and videos and music specials. 24 years later it’s still a high watermark for Michaels and pop music. Columbia (Label).
Johnny Cash: Bootleg, Vol. 2: From Memphis to Hollywood (3 and 1/2 Stars)
Essential for Cash collectors and hardcore fans. This is revelatory to casual fans and longtime fanatics. This compilation showcases Johnny at the start of his career with his first radio performance with The Tennessee Two. Demos, b-sides, studio outtakes and singles that never made it onto his proper albums. What’s amazing is that these songs were recorded between 1955-1962. Shows Cash’s rise to prominence and how he would become the legend he is in country music. I still like Bootleg Vol. 1 better though. Get both. Legacy Recordings (Label).
Kurt Elling: The Gate (4 Stars)
The best modern jazz vocalist. This guy is a visionary. He interprets King Crimson, Stevie Wonder, The Beatles, Miles Davis and Joe Jackson on a varied and rich release. He is at the top of his game here and his backing band do an amazing job working within the range of his voice. He can do no wrong on this compelling, mysterious and satisfying album. Decca (Label).
La Sera: La Sera (4 Stars)
Katy Goodman goes the solo route and teams with her friend Brady Hall for this excellent album. Wonderful indie pop from the Vivian Girls member. Reminds me of the bubblegum pop and doo-wop of the 50’s and 60’s. Only problem I have is that the album is incredibly short; that is part of its charm though. Multiple listens reward time and time again. Hardly Art (Label).
Lifeguards: Waving at the Astronauts (4 Stars)
For those hoping for a Guided By Voices reunion… this will have to tide you over until they release their new album “Let’s Go Eat the Factory” due in Jan 2012. Robert Pollard teams with former bandmate Doug Gillard to make his best album since he retired GBV. Indie rock. Pollard sounds like he’s going for broke and Gillard’s guitar work is muscular and exciting. This is a great collaboration. Ernest Jenning (Label).
Miles Davis: Bitches Brew Live (4 Stars)
That’s the name of the album. Don’t get offended. Onto the point however. The original album changed jazz in 1970. This collects from two different sets. The first three tracks were taken from The Newport Jazz Festival in 1969, nine months before the album was released. The remaining six tracks were recorded at The Isle of Wright Festival in 1970, four months after the album was released. Miles and his band are at the top of their games. The band includes Dave Holland, Chick Corea, Jack DeJohnette, Gary Bartz, Keith Jarrett, and Airto Moreira. The two sets actually make for one great long piece and don’t feel like they are two different sets. Ambiguous, dark, funky and full of twists and turns, this is essential for any Miles Davis fan. Sony Legacy (Label).
Nicole Atkins: Mondo Amore (4 Stars)
Her voice is so powerful and these songs prove it. Raw, unflinching and passionate. This is a fiery release following her recent breakups with Columbia Records, her backing band and her longtime boyfriend. Blues-rock and soaring retro-pop. Indie rock. This serves as a companion piece to herdebut album “Neptune City”. Razor & Tie (Label).
PJ Harvey: Let England Shake: 12 Short Films by Seamus Murphy (4 Stars)
War is hell. Polly Jean Harvey explores this concept on this album. Indie rock. It’s a difficult album to listen to because you have lyrics about war and death but the music is warm and cheerful occasionally. Harvey teams with her usual collaborators and takes a different direction from “White Chalk”. If you like a challenging listen then this is for you. Vagrant Records (Label).
Six Organs of Admittance: Asleep On the Floodplain (4 Stars)
This is enthralling and the sound is huge. Acoustic finger picking that hashints of Middle Eastern rhythms, country, folk and blues. Ben Chasny plays the acoustic guitar, synths and harmoniums. Remarkable indie rock. Drag City (Label).
Sonic Youth: Simon Werner a Disparu (4 Stars)
One of Sonic Youth’s instrumental recordings. This is for the French film “Simon Werner a Disparu”. Indie rock. It sounds like one long stream of consciousness, distorted, melancholic journey. They play very unsettling music here but you will be captivated. SYR (Label).
The Dirtbombs: Party Store (4 Stars)
This is Mick Collins honoring Detroit techno legends. Indie rock. They still play like a garage band and they attack these songs with ferocity and precision. Genius. In The Red (Label).
The Go! Team: Rolling Blackouts (4 and 1/2 Stars)
Brilliant indie pop that has traces of everything. Kaleidoscopic. Fun record that has great collaborations from Best Coast’s Beth Cosentino, Deerhoof’s Satomi Matsuzaki and others. The album explodes at the beginning and keeps the pace unrelenting until the end. Memphis Industries (Label).
The Low Anthem: Smart Flesh (4 Stars)
Frontman Ben Knox Miller sounds like Bob Dylan and James Taylor here. These songs go down pleasantly even though most revolve around death. It is folk music’s main theme. Folk, Americana, and harmony numbers are their specialty. Minimal sounds with the substance being potent. Nonesuch (Label).
Young Galaxy: Shapeshifting (4 and 1/2 Stars)
This has to be their magnum opus. Sophisticated indie pop. Honestly though they shift between R&B, dance rock, synth pop, amazing vocal tradeoffs and whatever else they can use. Catherine McCandless and Stephen Ramsay have the best work of their careers right here. Paper Bag (Label).
Yuck: Yuck (4 Stars)
Yuck capture another moment in time. Dinosaur Jr of course influences them. They don’t sound like they are ripping them off. They are showing and playing with admiration their favorites. Perfect debut album. They do have ballads as well as shoegaze and plenty guitars that are at the forefront of this record. Fat Possum (Label).
Cd’s I reviewed but didn’t necessarily care for that others may like:
·Cut Copy-Zonoscope (4 Stars) Indie Rock. Modular (Label).
·Gil-Scott Heron & Jamie xx-We’re New Here (4 Stars) Electronic. XL Recordings (Label).
·Mogwai-Hardcore Will Never Die, But You Will (4 Stars) Electronic. Sub Pop (Label).
·Slug Guts-Howlin’ Gang (3 and 1/2 Stars) Punk. Sacred Bones (Label).
·The Luyas-Too Beautiful to Work (4 Stars)Indie Rock. Dead Oceans (Label).
·Toro y Moi-Underneath the Pine (4 Stars) Electronic. Carpark (Label).
Rob’s Music Review: January Article
January Albums 2011 from Rob
There was more than 35 releases in January. I use AMG as a guide and pick out what I think are the best albums that month.
Abigail Washburn: City Of Refuge (4 and 1/2 stars)
Folk, So many styles though. Jazz, Rock, Country Gospel, Blues. Great Banjo playing. Crosses borders. A multitude of musicality going on. Beautiful, triumphant lyrics. Foreign Children (Label).
The Afro Soul-Tet: Afrodesia (4 Stars)
Only album. Reissue. Released in the 60’s or 70’s. Latin Jazz, Afro-Cuban Jazz, Surf, Rock, Bop, Blues, Middle Eastern Rhythms. Lost classic and belongs in your collection, especially if you’re a crate digger. Released originally on Banyon (Label) and now reissued by Luv N’ Haight (Label).
Vinicius Cantuaria & Bill Frisell-Lagrimas Mexicanas (4 Stars)
Beautiful Collaboration. Based off of Cantuaria’s arrival in New York. The diversity of the people. Great interplay between both men. Latin and Brazilian jazz. Reminds me of Buena Vista Social Club. Spanish, English and Portuguese are sung by Cantuaria. Haunting, Charming and sexy. E1 (Label).
Charles Bradley: No Time For Dreaming (4 Stars)
Backed by the Menahan Street Band, Charles Bradley pours out his heart and soul on these retro-soul classics and R&B as well. Songs are full of conviction. He can jump from intense shouting to yearning ballads. He deserves a shot. Daptone sound. Daptone (Label).
Deerhoof: Deerhoof vs. Evil (4 Stars)
10th full-length album. Pop moments. Experimental moments. Psychedelic. Dreamy. Indie rock. Avant-garde. Hatomi Matsuzaki vocals are beautiful. Tons of disparate elements yet they all work. Polyvinyl Record Company (Label).
Disappears: Guider (4 Stars)
Relentless, released less than a year after there debut Lux. Leaps and bounds. Only downside is that it’s an Ep. Closes with the 15-minute “Revisiting”. Vicious, full of gusto and dangerous. Undecipherable lyrics. Kranky (Label).
Fergus & Geronimo: Unlearn (3 and 1/2 Stars)
Weird to say the least. They take inspiration from Frank Zappa and the Mothers of Invention, Sam Cooke, 60’s garage pop and make it their own. Very loose lo-fi working with millions of elements. Debut on Hardly Art. Hoping their sophomore will be better. Indie rock. Hardly Art (Label).
Gregg Allman: Low Country Blues (4 Stars)
Allman returns back after a decade with a series of covers that teams him with T-Bone Burnett. His gruff voice is at the forefront of this record and the horns and guitars complement him. Blues and Rock. Back to his Allman Brothers days. Rounder Records (Label).
Iron & Wine: Kiss Each Other Clean (4 Stars)
Electronic elements brought to folk surroundings. The music has a huge wall of sound. Indie rock. Sam Beam keeps improving with each album. The lyrics are bruised poetry and heart on sleeve theatrics. Warner Bros. Records (Label)
John Vanderslice/Magik Magik Orchestra-White Wilderness (4 Stars)
Singer/Songwriter. Alternative Chamber Pop. Orchestra backing him is brilliant and the way he sings and puts his lyrics together is elegant. Nostalgia, the album cover and feeling of Sinatra in the air. He makes this a great contemporary release sounding like it could have been put out years ago. Dead Oceans Records (Label).
LCD Soundsystem: London Sessions (4 Stars)
Tons of energy on this release. Showcase for all of their previous albums. Band is a well-oiled machine. Somewhat of a greatest hits package. So much rhythm. For Murphy who makes all the records by himself to be joined by such a band so fine-tuned and on point shows both Murphy and band to be at the top of their games. Sounds like Talking Heads. Virgin (Label).
Louis C.K.: Hilarious (4 Stars)
Louis C.K. hates the class of 2010, deals with his divorce, his daughters; he’s the people’s comedian. His best work ever. Reminds me of George Carlin. This is hilarious. Honest, smart and his timing is a thing of beauty. Support comedians. Comedy Central (Label).
Minks: By The Hedge (4 Stars)
Indie rock. Debut that has moments of light and dark. Goth and pop. Sounds like it could’ve came out in the 80’s alongside The Cure. Day dreaming music that’s good for a late night drive. Captured Tracks (Label).
Ponderosa: Moonlight Revival (4 Stars)
This is an excellent debut album. A couple of Southern boys with an assured vocalist and some sharp guitars. Rock and roll and a helluva lot of soul. Alternative country. These boys jump through a variety of styles. New West Records (Label).
ScHoolboy Q: Setbacks (4 Stars)
Debut album. If you complain there is no more “Good Hip Hop” then listen to this. Rewarding listen. Smoking anthems and socially conscious rhymes. Great weekend album driving around town. Comparable to Murs and Mos Def and some Devin The Dude. Digital Release Only. Top Dawg (Label).
Sam Shackleton/Shackleton: Fabric 55 (4 and 1/2 Stars)
It may just be electronic music but this defies categorization. Tribal rhythms, sinewy drums, a bunch of reverb. Simply brilliant. Consistent, forward-thinking music. No buildup and no letdown. Fabric (Label).
Sic Alps: Napa Asylum (4 Stars)
Previously a duo, now a trio. Sprawling 22 songs. There pace is relentless. They sound like Pavement and other Drag City artists. Lo-fi indie rock that has moments of utter heavy darkness and incredibly fun happy moments. Country, blues-rock and other ground are covered. Lazy summertime listening record. Recommended. Drag City (Label).
Sidi Toure: Sahel Folk (4 Stars)
Field Recording. A decade has passed since his first album. Comprised of duets. Hypnotic and beautiful. Simple. Blues. Folk. Songhai Blues. Very inviting record. More stripped down than his debut Hoga. Acoustic. No electric guitars. World music. Thrill Jockey (Label).
Smith Westerns: Dye It Blonde (4 Stars)
Swagger, heartbreak and soul. Sophomore release that is not a slump. Improves upon debut. Less lo-fi than the original but better. The song craft and guitar work keeps this record moving along at a great frenetic pace. Inspiration from Mott The Hoople, John Lennon and T-Rex. Indie rock. Fat Possum (Label).
Tennis: Cape Dory (4 Stars)
50’s bubblegum pop made for the modern age. Indie Pop. The story behind the album is cute. The music is better. Superb debut. Alaina Moore’s vocals are soaring and timeless. The album is great at first listen and then becomes better after several listens. Fat Possum (Label).
The Fall: This Nation’s Saving Grace (4 and 1/2 Stars)
Remastered, Expanded and Reissued. This is a great release even some 25 plus years after. The Fall operates at a relentless pace. Brix Smith’s voice is full of conviction and the band plays with confidence. Alternative. College rock. The Omnibus edition just adds onto the great album. The original album alongside unreleased songs makes it three discs of joy for anyone who loves the regular album. Get it now.
The Jayhawks:
Tomorrow The Green Grass [Legacy Edition]
& 
Hollywood Town Hall
(Both 4 and 1/2 Stars) First off, Gary Louris and Mark Olson have great vocal harmonies and beautiful interplay. Possibly the best in all of alternative country. Hollywood Town Hall is their magnum opus but Tomorrow The Green Grass is a great follow-up and Mark Olson’s final album with The Jayhawks. Tomorrow The Green Grass doesn’t try to improve upon the moderate success of Hollywood Town Hall. It reaches for a broader approach and was more eclectic with the addition of keyboard player Karen Grotberg and strings on many tracks. The Legacy Edition of Tomorrow The Green Grass includes an “Mystery Demos” disc, rare B-sides and session outtakes making it a must have for any Jayhawks fan. You’re missing out on something if you do not pick both of these albums up. You won’t be disappointed. Legacy (Label).
The Loves: …Love You (4 Stars)
Their last album, they are retiring after this. Simon Love is a charming vocalist who puts a bunch of disparate elements into this song. So oddball and goofy and heartbreakingly real. Great pop moments. Garage rockers, melancholy ballads. Sad to see them go but happy they released one last gem. Fortuna POP! (Label).
The Radio Dept.: Passive Aggressive: Singles 2002-2010 (4 Stars)
A assemblage of their A-sides and B-sides, done chronologically. Compilation album. It’s all beautiful dream pop from these Swedes. Shows their progression from shoe-gazing rock to dream pop. Pitch perfect. The Radio Dept. (Label).
The S.O.S. Band: Icon (4 and 1/2 Stars)
Another compilation. Great 80’s R&B. Mary Davis’ vocals lure you into the song. Full of conviction, tenderness and power this music just doesn’t stop. So much funk, rhythm and amazing ballads. Essential, especially if you don’t have the vinyl releases. Tabu (Label).
The White Wires: WWII (4 Stars)
Normally I don’t give credit to Canada for many things but The White Wires are a great import. This trio has some great song craft and amazing hooks. Lo-fi rock that has some perfect pop touches. They can sneer, be sensitive and kick up dirt all at once. It’s a short album but it’s so consistent that you will find yourself listening to it again and again. Dirtnap Records (Label).
Willie Wright: Telling the Truth (4 Stars)
A reissue from 1977, only 1000 plus copies of this record were pressed. Well-paced album and Willie jumps from Caribbean flavored songs to ballads to Curtis Mayfield covers and it all works. An R&B gem and a lost treasure… until now. Numero Group (Label).
Cd’s I reviewed but didn’t necessarily care for that others may like? :
·Destroyer: Kaputt (4 Stars) Indie Pop. Merge (Label)
·Fujiya & Miyagi: Ventriloquizzing (4 Stars). Electronic. Yep Roc (Label)
·Mahmoud Ahmed: Ethiopiques, Vol. 26 (1972-1974) (4 Stars). International. Buda (Label)
·Surf City: Kudos (4 Stars) Indie Rock. Fire (Label)
·Young Prisms: Friends For Now (4 Stars) Indie Rock. Kanine (Label)
·Robag Wruhme: Wuppdeckmischampflow (4 Stars) Electronic. Kompakt (Label)
