Thievery Corporation - Culture of Fear

 

Artist: Thievery Corporation

Album: Culture of Fear


Label: ESL


Release Date: 28th June 2011

Rating 4 / 5

    One of my favourite outfits, whom I have seen live three times, (though, only saw the original  DJ's Rob and Eric once, back in 2003), put forth another great selection of tunes.  Unfortunately it does not have the same kick that the previous Radio Retaliation album slayed me with.  With slamming guest appearances from the likes of Mr. Lif early in the track sequence, it seems as if the album would build from there.  There are some amazing shining moments, for example, the lilting female vocals on "Take my Soul" seem to inspire one to take a chance, move a mountain, or simply ease back and take a breather, sighing as the music lifts you to that higher plane.  it's your decision here kids, and the Corporation usually helps you decide.  My favourite track, "Overstand" is a wonderful melded flavour including Nyabinghi-esque drumming, some West Indian vocals and the usual Thievery style of dub-wise glamour that we've fallen in love with.  Not my favourite release of theirs, yet I wouldn't kick it out of bed for eating crackers!

Bela Fleck & the Flecktones - Rocket Science

Artist: Bela fleck & the Flecktones

Album: Rocket Science


Label: Entertainment One/Bela Fleck Productions


Release Date: 17th May 2011

Rating 4.5 / 5

    One would think that after almost 20 years since the ORIGINAL lineup of the Flecktones had recorded together that, upon finally getting together again they'd sit back and simply let their artistry take over.  That's precisely what happened- and they also attacked it feverishly!  The rich opening cut "Gravity Lane" incorporates seamless plucking of a happy banjo as only Fleck can do.  The amazing array of aural advances through this trippy, jazz-influenced, bluegrass-dripped, bass-heavy conglomerate of sounds has one swaying with anticipation- almost urging the players-of-instruments to hurry up and get to the next song.  Each cut seems to explore a new cove in this giant lake of musical expression.  Beautiful piano cascades over the catchy jam "Life in Eleven", followed by Victor Wooten's unmistakeably driven bass work- then Fleck further enhances this delectable ear-treat with deft banjo plucking that drives one into a frenzy- and just then!  -the harmonica takes over.  Play this track, play this album, hell, play the whole discography on top volume!

Steve Earle - I'll never get Out of this World Alive

 

Artist: Steve Earle

Album: I'll Never Get Out of This World Alive


Label: New West


Release Date: 16th April 2011

Rating 4.5 / 5

   I was excited to finally pick up the new T-Bone Burnett-produced Steve Earle record, as I hadn't heard from him for quite some time. I am glad that it had been awhile- Steve pulled out some tricks, trust me, this one was well worth the wait. Some say that T-Bone Burnett has a "heavy hand" in his production services, (can you count how many GRAMMYS(tm) that he's won?), but I have to humbly disagree- the man is a production genius.  That being said, this album grabbed me immediately from the first track, "Waitin' on the Sky" is catchy country-rock steeped in the voice we know and love.  Singing with his lovely wife, Allison Moorer on the track "Heaven or Hell" gives you the idea that they are very serious in their marital martial arts.  This album brings you all over the place too, some hillbilly blues-harp envelopes the soul on the "Meet Me in the Alleyway" track, invoking Tom Waits and maybe somewhere in there I hear a bit of Muddy Waters even.  Ha!  A great album through and through. As always, Steve Earle delivers with a melancholy sarcasm that makes one kinda' wanna' get up and dance while also checking to see if the beer glass is still full enough.  Ya' dig?  Steve surely does.