Music Reviews of Modern Rock, Folk, Pop
Band Spotlight
Chiodos
Perhaps no one can explain the sheer ferocity and timid quietness it is better than when vocalist Craig Owens says “we don’t want to let the kids down” when discussing the group’s intense vocals live at shows. Well they never let a single kid down with their vicious assault on the ears and grip on the jugular...
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03.09.2007 by J-Sin
Music Reviews of Modern Rock, Folk, Alternative, Pop
The Artifical Sea — City Island Buy it at Amazon
Imagine if PJ Harvey couldn’t really sing and had a lo-fi producer who was entrusting every beat and sample bass line to dusty vinyl that was cast off from a deaf DJ. The Artificial Sea tumbles more often than they move forward and it’s entirely due to the downtempo wannabe hip vibe that they try to infuse. Bits and pieces are good but it’s not as seamless as it ought to be, and the female singer is quite atrocious. I have to admit I was pretty disappointed after being stoked upon reading the included bio sheet.
- J-Sin
PJ Harvey — The Peel Sessions Buy it at Amazon
Mmm, PJ Harvey stripped down. Not her being naked you sicko perverts, but a stripped-down raw sound. The late and legendary John Peel and his highly revered BBC Radio show found PJ Harvey going back to the basics with her raspy earth-shattering voice and lo-fi indie styles apparent. We all love and miss John Peel and PJ Harvey participated in a tribute show shortly after his passing. She contributes “You Come Through” to the album which was recorded at that tribute. Very stylistic and different, and as daring as pop will ever get, PJ Harvey’s “The Peel Sessions” is an elaborate and clever listen.
- J-Sin
Depeche Mode — Best of Depeche Mode, Vol. 1 Buy it at Amazon
Featuring their new single, “Martyr”, Depeche Mode tosses out a “Best of” collection that grabs up all of their big singles from 1981 to 2005. For those of you who enjoy Depeche Mode and don’t have all of their albums, but merely want the highlights, this is perfect. If you’re a hardcore fan, sure pick it up. But for the rest of us, you’d be more well suited for something else entirely.
- J-Sin
Sarah McLachlan — Mirrorball: The Complete Concert Buy it at Amazon
A re-release of songs that she has had out for quite sometime, this is a concert from…wait for it…almost ten years ago. The original “Mirrorball” album didn’t contain the entire thing. This does. Way to get some extra cash money Sarah! If I had purchased the first one, I'd feel a bit ripped off, wouldn't you? Two hours of songs that use fade in’s rather than sound like a seamless concert. Weak if you ask me. But obviously I actually do enjoy her music so if you get over the commercialism aspect it's damn fine.
- J-Sin
Oasis — Stop the Clocks Buy it at Amazon
This infamous Brit band came out at the precise right moment in time for an alternative British rock group to blast onto the scene. “Stop the Clocks” takes a look back following their storied and soiled career as two rock ‘n’ roll brothers who pretty much were the crux of what an E! True Hollywood story is all about. There’s a limited edition version that boasts two full audio discs and a DVD with two additional tracks from Oasis. Lots of B-sides and plenty of “morning glories” make this a perfect album for Oasis fans to pick up for the holidays.
- J-Sin
Dharma Brown — Slick Interpretations Buy it at Amazon
This jazzy and funky quartet likes to layer singer/songwriter guitar pop and old school almost hip-hop grooves. Indie kids will adore the way acoustic rock elements and its coffeehouse vibes. Meanwhile “Slick Interpretations” is sweetly produced and boasts a very ‘thick’ sound though it does seem almost stripped-down and raw at times. Gnarly!
- J-Sin
Various Artists — Stranger than Fiction Soundtrack Buy it at Amazon
The new Will Ferrell film sure does look pretty funny and downright eclectic. The soundtrack is just as unique and posturing. Standout track is the new single by Spoon along with a couple other of their tunes. It’s pretty good rock music that is just as daring and fun-loving as the movie’s main actors, Dustin Hoffman, the aforementioned Will Ferrell and Emma Thompson. Good stuff.
- J-Sin
Various Artists — Van Wilder 2: The Rise of Taj Soundtrack Buy it at Amazon
The soundtrack is about as good as the movie looks. B-actors abound like Reuben, Hanson, Everclear, and the Lashes along with some up-and-comers like Johnny Lives!, Brandston, and Punchline. Not worth buying.
- J-Sin
JJ Cale and Eric Clapton — The Road to Escondido Buy it at Amazon
Blues buffs shouldn’t fear a meeting of JJ Cale and Eric Clapton. Both are legendary guitar greats and after Clapton famous covers of JJ Cale’s “Cocaine” and “After Midnight”, it seems only right that the two form a duo and record an album. Produced and recorded in California last year, “The Road to Escondido” is a far-reaching album that bounces between Americana, country, folk, blues, rock ‘n’ roll, and roots rock. There’s a who’s who list of guests that includes such legends as Taj Mahal, John Mayer, Albert Lee, Nathan West, Willie Weeks, and plenty more where that list came from. Good stuff.
- J-Sin
Randy Kaplan — Five Cent Piece Buy it at Amazon
Following up his stupendous “Perfect Gentleman” album with an album that’s for children and adults who still like their music fun and sing-along-able (did I just make up a silly word?) Kaplan covers such children’s classics as “Over the Rainbow”, “Kids” of ‘Bye Bye Birdie’ fame, “I’m a Little Dinosaur”, and and “You Can’t Always Get What You Want”. His own originals are just as entertaining and fun for both adult and child. My own 5-month old son really loved this album. Thanks Randy!
- J-Sin
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