Revolution
By: Miranda Lambert
In 2003, Miranda Lambert came in a disappointing third place on the first season of the now defunct Nashville Star. Seven years later, Lambert has released her third CD, Revolution, and her career is hotter than ever. She is the most successful musician of any that were on Nashville Star.
On Revolution, Lambert shows her softer side with songs like my favorite, “Dead Flowers,” and “The House that Built Me.” Miranda performed a one night show at The Ryman in September ‘09 to celebrate the release of this album, and when she played “The House that Built Me” with her parents in the audience, there wasn’t a dry eye in the place (including mine, and I’m not a crier.)
Ran doesn’t shy away from her rowdy side, though, rocking the house with songs like “Somewhere Trouble Don’t Go” or the big single “White Liar.” You can hear a short clip of “Dead Flowers” by listening to our Popmatic Podcast. Revolution was definately one of my favorite albums of 2009.
- Amanda
Throw Down your Heart: tales from the acoustic planet Vol. 3 Africa sessions
by Bela Fleck
Anyone who saw the engrossing documentary on PBS some months ago or packed into the Belcourt Theatre one hot Sunday evening for a one time showing (with a special appearance by Bela) of Throw Down your Heart knows what this is all about.
This is the soundtrack that resulted from the ambitious trip made by Bela Fleck to several African countries in early 2005 to, essentially, “bring the banjo home” and jam with many outstanding musicians and groups in places like Uganda, Tanzania, Madagascar and Mali.
I’ve always enjoyed the purity and spirit of various African musical styles, and my Hi life compilations and King Sunny Ade juju recordings prepared me somewhat, but this is some really far-reaching, varied and impressive music! Eighteen tracks, many featuring serious polyrhythms, djembe drums, various stringed instruments along with possibly the thumb piano or even a giant wooden miramba comprise this soundtrack. Vocalists can be anyone from Oumou Sangare to a group of villagers.
Some of my favorites are the funky, bass heavy D’Gary Jam and the sublime title track which features raga like drones, ngoni (the banjo of Mali) runs and Bela’s intricate picking. What a tour de force! Zawose features some amazing gogo singing styles by an entire family that may sound jarring at first but is really unique. The song Mariam features phenomenally fast African guitarist Djrlimady Tounkara in a duet of sorts with Bela. Wow!
Overall, the first several tracks drew me in with really interesting and varied vocal stylings then after the title track I was thoroughly mesmerized by tracks 10 through till the end. In short, this is more about the fantastic musicians of Africa and their instruments; Bela Fleck often fades into the background and lets them shine.
A wonderful project; great documentary and superb soundtrack!
Phil
Dwight Sings Buck
by Dwight Yoakam
This is quite a straight-forward, enjoyable and lively set of tunes by one acknowledged master of the Bakersfield sound doing traditional country songs mainly penned by his idol, Buck Owens. Three others not written by Buck but part of his repertoire are (thankfully) included: “Act Naturally,” “Love’s Gonna Live Here” and “Close up the Honky Tonks.”
Yoakam’s voice is stellar here, with just the right joyfully sly yet reverential tone seeping through the lines. The band is confident, impressive and never too slick, just like you’d expect.
Usually Dwight just slipped in a tune or two from Buck on his many great releases; this one is All Buck! If you like that snappy, twangy sound done right you’ll love this release.
Don’t be surprised if you find yourself tapping a foot while listening to someone clearly at the top of “his game” here.
- Phil
Astral Weeks Live at the Hollywood Bowl
By Van Morrison, 2009
Ever since I can remember reading “rock journalism” three albums (as they were called) reigned on most respected journalists’ all time best type polls: Derek and the Dominoes’ Layla and other Assorted Love Songs, The Rolling Stones’ Exile on Main Street and Van Morrison’s Astral Weeks. I have come to completely agree with their collective wisdom in deeming these all time classics (I never understood their strange fascination with Captain Beefheart’s Trout Mask Replica though; I disagree on that one.) In any case, it is over forty years since the seminal, jazzy, reflective, literate, brooding, celebratory song cycle masterpiece known as Astral Weeks was released by Van Morrison. Can he still do these songs justice in a live format? The short answer is a resounding “Yes!”
Van’s rich Belfast voice inhabits these songs with passion as he stretches them out, drops in some scatting and new inflections and generally brings them alive for the lucky audience at the Hollywood Bowl. The recording is excellent with no crowd histrionics (I could have done without the voice from the stage calling out his name between the encore break but it’s a minor quibble.) and a rich balance of acoustic guitar, brushes, string bass that compliments Van’s inimitable voice. Hearing songs like Cyprus Avenue, Ballerina and Madame George played with such soulful, focused intensity and joy is wonderful to behold.
I’ve listened to this recording numerous times in a variety of settings and conditions and it always gives me satisfaction, which can’t be said for a lot of live recordings. Like the original recording – I just don’t get tired of it. Very well done indeed.
- Phil
It’s Frightening
By White Rabbits, 2009
Lots of bands with animal names lately, huh? Here’s one to remember: The White Rabbits. Their sophomore album is called It’s Frightening. I say it’s amazing! The first track comes out of the gate like a thoroughbred at the Kentucky Derby, and the next 9 songs keep the racehorse pace. It was produced by Spoon frontman Britt Daniel, who helped the Rabbits add a musical gloss to their sound. Radiohead fans should definitely check this one out.
- Crystal
The Long Fall Back to Earth
by Jars of Clay
5 stars…but it takes a while to get there
When I first heard the latest album from Jars of Clay, I kinda didn’t know what to think about it. It was a complete departure from their normal sound with all the electronic music and whatnot. I’ve been a Jars fan since high school and this album was disappointing in that it didn’t sound like them…at first. However, I kept the CD in my car and as it spun through I began to really listen to the songs. Eventually I found the Jars of Clay I love. If you only listen to two tracks, make sure you hear #9 (Boys) and #10 (Hero). The title track’s pretty good as well. The soul of the music was always in this album…it just took me a little longer to find it.
- Amanda
The Song is You
by Arthur Phillips
In the past, I’ve read quite a few books by musicians, about musicians, or about music in general and none of them have ever quite done what I wanted them to. I can’t really describe what I’m looking for, being a musician myself, but this one has come the closest of any of them. Here’s a brief sample of what I mean:
A piece of music’s conquest of you is not likely to occur the first time you hear it, though it is possible that the aptly named “hook” might barb your ear on it’s first pass. More commonly, the assailant is slightly familiar and has leveraged that familiarity to gain access to the crisscrossed wiring of your interior life. And then there is a possession, a mutual possession, for just as you take the song as part of you and your history, it is claiming dominion for itself, planting fluttering eighth notes in your heart.
So anyway, our main character, Julian, is a music aficionado who always seems to be listening to his iPod. He has 8,146 songs at his disposal – ready for any occasion. One night, he’s out walking in New York and happens upon a new band with an inspiring young Irish singer. The girl is magnetic and Julian is immediately drawn to her and her music. Most of the book tells the story of how their lives intersect – or you know – don’t.
- Amanda
Pafuera telerañas
By Bebe, 2005
3 stars
Fun, smart, sexy pop along the lines of Ingrid Michaelson, Yael Naim, or Feist, but en español.
Jessica at Bordeaux
After the Riot at Newport
By The Nashville Allstars
The year 1960 was not a transitional time for jazz. Be-bop and its successor hard-bop were still the order of the stylistic day and the free approach of Ornette Coleman had yet to take hold. The Newport Rhode Island Festival was an annual gathering of the jazz clan. And it was in July 1960 that a group of Nashville’s finest players made the journey to Newport for a much-anticipated performance.
Chet Atkins, Boots Randolph, Hank Garland were the best of Nashville session musicians, playing on many country and pop recordings day in and day out. They were all jazz music fans and very proficient jazz players too, jamming at every opportunity in local Nashville clubs. They would often be joined by 17 year old vibes prodigy, Gary Burton.
So this all-star band headed to Newport, Rhode Island for what I’m sure would have been a tremendous show. Unfortunately, festival organizers had trouble managing an unruly crowd and most of the schedule was scrapped, including the appearance of the Nashville All-stars.
But the guys were determined to document their music anyway and recorded what is today a milestone album yet widely overlooked jazz classic – After the Riot at Newport. Germany’s Bear Family label reissued the long out of print LP a few years back and Nashville Public Library was fortunate enough to obtain a copy for the jazz collection. Especially noteworthy is the fabulous playing of Gary Burton and Hank Garland. To me these two have never played better. In fact, the whole project stands as proof that there is so much more to the Nashville music scene than meets the eye. It is highly recommended.
-Lew
Eye to the Telescope
by K T Tunstall, 2006
Does John Mayer have a sister? For some reason I can’t quite put my finger on yet. K T Tunstall reminds me of him. Eye to the Telescope is great if you’re looking for non-abrasive pop music, peppered with a little funk and soul to keep things interesting. There’s no great poetry in her lyrics, but all the songs are catchy, especially “Suddenly I See.” One listen and you’ll be singing along; it’s unavoidable! My favorite track is not one of her hits, rather a tune halfway through the CD called “Miniature Disasters.” I like to give any newly discovered CD a “Will it get me through my household chores?” rating. On a scale of 1 to 10, K T gets an 8. You’ll have your dishes washed and your laundry done in no time at all.
- Crystal
Gypsum Strings
By Oakley Hall
As much as you may be scared that this is some lame banjo and fiddle, it’s pure hipbilly sunshine. Listen to the rolling beats of songs like “If I Was In El Dorado” and the waddling banjo in “Spanish Fandango”.
- Raffi
Radiance
By Keith Jarrett, 2005
5 of 5 Stars
Double live solo improvisations on grand piano – Keith building, working, exploring and mesmerizing here in this series of related pieces. Philip Glass meets Thelonious Monk – love it!
- Phil
Vampire Weekend
By Vampire Weekend, 2008
4 stars
I have got to say, I had only heard one track on this cd and loved it. I listened to the rest of the cd and was pretty impressed. The best quick description I can give is a modern Techno-Calypso feel. “A-punk” is the track I first heard, and then went back and listened all the way through.
- Chris
Orphans brawlers, bawlers & bastards
By Tom Waits, 2006
4.5 stars
Tom Waits Orphans: Brawlers, Bawlers & Bastards CD triple set Diverse collection of great stuff, covers and out takes from the gruff and beguiling tunesmith. Gotta love the Ramones cover “Danny says” – beautifully done.
- Phil
Distorted Lullabies
by Ours, 2001
This band, hailing from New Jersey, includes the best rock voice out there today; singer and songwriter Jimmy Gnecco’s vocals are reminiscent of the late Jeff Buckley and U2’s Bono during his younger days. Both music and lyrics paint a dark and bleak landscape:
“The beast flies tonight
and the world he describes
Suffer, suffer..”
If you like Distorted Lullabies, try Precious (2002), Ours’ sophomore effort. It includes a cover of Velvet Underground song “Femme Fatale,” penned of course by Lou Reed.
- Crystal
Because of the Times
By Kings of Leon
The Kings’ third full-length album includes more of the same super-charged southern-fried rock n roll as Youth and Young Manhood and Aha Shake Heartbreak, but their “on tour” music education (along with their continuing relationship with producer Ethan Johns) has definitely influenced these songs.
Standout tracks include:
1 – Knocked Up – a direct rebellion against the 2 ½ minute punk songs of their past, this “baby-daddy epic” (as one reviewer pegged it) clocks in at 7 minutes.
2 – Charmer – this could be a Pixies cover if I didn’t know otherwise…Turn it up!
4 – McFearless – Is that an Edge riff I hear? After opening for U2, the Followills couldn’t help picking up a few musical soundscapes from the veteran rockers, especially in the chorus of this song.
6 – My Party – This song could have been left over from Youth and Young Manhood recording sessions. – Classic Kings theme and sound.
8 – Ragoo – This reggae-splashed tune should have been the first single (instead of On Call) and I predict it will become your favorite summer song of 2007 if you give it a listen.
9 – Fans – KOL are HUGE in England – this is a shout out to their loyal fan base.
12 – Camaro – Every Southern band needs a song about a hot chic in an even hotter sports car….this songs makes me want to trade in my compact eco-friendly car for that Chevy Nova I’ve always wanted.
13 – Arizona – This is a perfect last song to an album, the kind of song you should listen to when you’ve almost arrived at your destination, whether it’s the grocery store, or the Southwest…
- Crystal
Aha Shake Heartbreak
by Kings of Leon, 2004
Tennessee quartet Kings of Leon’s sophomore record Aha Shake Heartbreak begins with what I describe as an “open highway roll your windows down driving anthem,” and ends with an irreverent sing-songy “it’s time to crash” rock n’ roll lullaby. The songs between these two tracks, packed with high testosterone lyrics, wild guitar riffs, quirky bass lines, and the ever-pounding drums won’t disappoint either.
I love this band. If you experience a live show, you’ll be hooked too. They’re young, full of refreshing rock n’ roll energy, and this record shows it.
- Crystal
9
By Damien Rice, 2006
One of my favorite CDs of 2007 may turn out to be a CD released in 2006. Damien Rice’s sophomore effort, called 9, offers much of the same as his first album “O”: confessional yet universal lyrics, bare instrumentation, and intensely emotional singing. Standout tracks include 9 Crimes, Elephant (which at times reminds me of Jeff Buckley’s “Lover You Should Have Come Over”), and Me, My Yoke & I, on which Rice rocks out for a few minutes before turning back into a coffeehouse troubadour.
I love the fact that band member Lisa Hannigan’s voice is featured more as an instrument rather than a backup singer. I couldn’t imagine these songs without her. And if you’re like me, you’ll be singing right along with her and Rice after a couple listens.
- Crystal
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