Lumineers - self-titled

    I got my first taste of these guys as my children flipped through the "pop music" channels and I was instantly mesmerized by the way they sounded.  It wasn't until months later I decided to purchase the whole album and am very glad I did. The minimal packaging and lower price suggested I was going to receive something bare-boned, suggested I would receive actual music, not over-produced pop crap.  I love it when I gamble on an album and it deals me a 21.  Bam!

    Second track in "Classy Girls" is a lilting, listing, lifting piano-infused building track- a jumping party filled with fun lyrics.  The song "Dead Sea" is another great tune which well represents the great melting-pot mixture of genres including alt-country (I hear some Ryan Bingham in here), folk-rock (definitely some Bob Dylan happening) and even a hint of Steve Earle chimes in.  A sometimes gravelly voice, yet thrillingly harmonious. 

    Their wildly popular "Ho Hey" comes in at track 5 and will definitely have you singing along to this wonderfully crafted tune.  Plinking banjo, strumming guitar, humming cello and a hand-clap beat will surely put a smile on your face.  "Stubborn Love" with its' violin providing pleasant sounds sliding through my speakers while a driving drum beat churns up the air has really got my feet stomping- makes me think of what might happen in a pub in Dublin.  I am definitely very well pleased with this album, a true collection of Americana and a boastful production of many instruments, pure enjoyment.  Wonderful!

Dave Brubeck

     Upon hearing of Dave Brubeck's passing this December, I really felt a pang of musical emptiness envelope me.  Rather, it was a realization that a huge body of work would see nothing new, a massive amount of original jazz pieces would cease to be continued.  Granted, there will undoubtedly be many posthumous releases, as record companies rarely see an end to the possibilities (doesn't Elvis have a new album coming out in 2013?) and i will surely check out all those that are offered.  Having been a bit of a jazz-man in my early years, playing alto sax and other woodwinds in my youth, Brubeck's compositions were always a staple; especially the always distinguishable Take Five.  It is with a level of sadness that I write this month's review, but even more so it's an enjoyable trek down memory lane, prompting a bevy of emotions from a storied past.

    1:  Tis the season for a wonderful Christmas album that appeared in 1996, "A Dave Brubeck Christmas", a great collection of classic re-workings and even a couple originals.  Classic pieces like Jingle Bells which have been made much more bouncy than could have been thought with a piano plinking out the notes.  The tickled ivories give great flavor to all the songs here and along with the Vince Guaraldi "Charlie Brown Christmas" this is a must-have for fans of jazz, fans of history, fans of Christmas music and fans of all-around pure musical talent.

    2:  In 1972, the Dave Brubeck Quartet found itself adding an original member to a European tour, the altoist Paul Desmond, who was with Brubeck for 16 years, very early on.  This quintet, heard here, again, for the first time was really on.  Dead on.  The tightness of the band was impenetrable, riffing off each other, soloing with fervent gusto and just truly enjoying themselves.  Though Gerry Mulligan with his bari-sax is the woodwind in the group, he and Desmond play wonderfully together adding in that extra element of spice that jazz bands so often captured.  Desmond is also featured on a few tracks, but this whole record is a delightful masterpiece.

    3:  1959 saw the release of Brubeck's masterpiece, the timeless "Time Out" on which one of my all-time favorite jazz songs appeared: Take Five.  The year before this release, the Newport Jazz Festival took place on the shore in Rhode Island.  My father was there and he has since remarked how unbelievable the performance was.  I can only imagine!  The Brubeck Quartet out there, perhaps playing some of these tunes only a handful of times before, there, in front of thousands, pounding out these memorable tunes, amazing!  Without going into much detail I will say simply this: if you must buy one jazz record this year or this decade, make sure that this one is it.

Ryan Bingham - Tomorrowland

   His first album since the magnificent 2010 release, Junky Star,  and the first on his own label and also without his usual backing band, The Dead Horses, I was definitely very interested to put my ear to this.  The first song is a frolicking Americana tune whipping some strings into a frenzy, as his gravelly chords churn up the dust from the floor of a lonesome saloon.  A little angry in this first cut, perhaps socially as well as politically, he rips into each transition with fervor.  The second cut starts out and dances along at a more steady, melodic pace, urging one to sing along.  The amount of layering in this 6-minute cut drives it through the mountains and valleys and over the streams and scrubby wasteland, but you won't notice as you'll be inspired to shut your eyes and listen intently.

    Chunky guitars fraught with reverberation and twisted knobs open up the punk attitude-soaked Guess Who's Knocking, a song the Ramones could have easily sung.  I think my favorite song comes in at a funky rockabilly cut with lifting old-school country lyrics about loving a little honey while loving all the amazing great music found in these parts.  A jumping juke, this song really shows the versatility of this amazing showman and songwriter.  Bluesy guitars open up the next tune and a thumping drum and bass-line drive it along.  Wonderful tunes continue to spit out of my player, one after another.  Slowed-down acoustic pieces that explore a very talented songwriter who, maybe, really was finding himself on this record.  he seems to pull from other genres more-so than his more straightforward alt-rock country twists.  Strings, keyboards, blues riffs, rockabilly- it's all here and it's all great.  This young man will be around for a nice long time, living in a place of yesterday, today and Tomorrowland.

   

Easy Star All Stars - Thrillah

    Their first release, Dub Side of the Moon back in 2003 was hugely successful and was followed by the massive Radiodread a few years later.  In 2009 I thought for sure they had outdone themselves with the first of its’ kind that I had seen- a reggae-covered Beatles record; Lonely Hearts Dub Band.  Here we are, 3 years later and yet again I am just completely amazed at the talent that the core band has and the very talented additional group members they culled for this, their latest installment.  Covering Michael Jackson in any sense is a daunting task, but to try to mirror the best-selling album of all time from start to finish?  In a rub-a-dub reggae stylee?  Are they crazy?  Indeed.

    Right out of the cannon, the swirling horn section accompanied by the usual heavy riddim bass-driven beat will instantly capture you on the cut “Wanna’ be Startin’ Somethin’.”  I have to keep listening to the tremendously well done “Thriller”, repeatedly, due to the growling Spragga Benz’s channeling of Vincent Price.  So unbelievably cool that I would be willing to bet that Mr. Price, part of the afterlife after-party, stopped for a second and smiled a sinister sneer.  The song builds and builds just like the original version with fat crescendos, this time consisting of thumping bass, blaring keyboards and brassy horns giving the zombie-tune a Jamaican flair never before created.  Michael “Grammy” Rose (of Black Uhuru fame) offers his slick vocals and trademark scatting over the fierce “Beat it” and I know Michael would have been proud of Michael’s performance.  Luciano takes the beat to half of its’ original speed on “Billie Jean” making it sultry and soulful as only he can do.  And Michael Jackson’s voice is replicated very nicely on “P.Y.T.” and the groove just jumps along urging one’s footwear to festively frolic to & fro.

    The production value is always well done at Easy Star, the music never takes a back seat to the singing and nor does it happen the opposite of that.  It’s a really nice mix making it very pleasing to the aural cavities, the mind, the heart and the soul.  With a gaggle of wonderful singers & musicians jumping on board to assist the already amazing band, this record was most assuredly going to be a home run.  Just in time to reggae-cize your All Hallowed’s Eve with a version of “Thriller” your friends have never heard before.  Jacko would have been proud, maybe even thrilled.

Leonard Cohen - Old Ideas

 

 

Artist: Leonard Cohen

Album: Old Ideas

Label: Columbia

Release date: 31st January 2012

Rating: 4.5 / 5

 

    Speaking to himself in the first cut made me chuckle a bit; "I love to speak with Leonard/He's a sportsman and a shepherd/he's a lazy bastard/in a suit"  A frail cut with not much life beyond that lyric, stripped to the bone musically, however, haunting backing vocals make every second worth it.  Almost like Tom Waits on quaaludes, (my description for new listeners to Mr. Cohen), the second track burrows its way into my brain.  Accompanied by those same haunting voices, an archilaud, a violin and a cornet, his lyrics dance and turn into my brain- a slave to his tongue twisting. "Amen" is a great tune, really capturing his songwriting and arrangements.  At 78 years young and perhaps one of the greatest songwriters the past five decades have seen, he certainly doesn't disappoint.  His usual topics of love and loss and lust and rage and betrayal and depression are ever present.  With assistance from many talented musicians, these songs are just more and more fun with each listen.  This is a great album for those who have loved Leonard in the past and for new listeners looking for impeccably written songs.  A lot of people look for new artists, new styles and new things to emulate, copy or harness, but sometimes, all you need is a few fantastic old ideas.

   

Ruthie Foster - Let It Burn

Artist: Ruthie Foster

Album: Let It Burn

Label: Blue Corn

Release date: 31st January 2012

Rating: 3.5 / 5

    An anticipated release by this reviewer, I was hoping for more, but this album still is very far from disappointing.  The first cut opens with huge voices, pulling me in- the Blind Boys of Alabama with their signature sound underneath Ruthie's amazing voice and the killer pedal steel of Dave Easley.  The variables in this equation are far from formulaic and thus, a stellar blues record has been born.  I love the big Hammond B3 all over this record, seldom heard these days, but my ears enjoyed being enveloped by its warm, rich sound.  Ruthie's powerful voice is almost too much for the music at times, the accompanying musicians kick it up a notch to keep up.  She does multiple cover tunes on this, her 7th record, (plus a handful of originals), and she pulls parts from many of the different tributaries of the huge musical river.  On the Black Keys' "Everlasting Light" she adds her own take to the already phenomenal tune, slowing it down a tad, stripping away the grit and adding a feminine perspective.  Other covers from the likes of June Carter, Pete Seeger and David Crosby also get twists and turns added to them, almost completely making them her own.  (The sax on Seeger's "If I Had a Hammer" is simply delicious!)  A more contemporary blues record, filled with Gospel and slowed-down jams, Ruthie swings really hard and just about knocks it out of the park, but not quite.

Amy Winehouse - Lioness: Hidden Treasures

Artist: Amy Winehouse

Album: Lioness: Hidden treasures

Label:  Island

Release date: 5th December 2011

Rating: 4 / 5

    A waltzing rock-steady romp starts out this first of (presumably many) posthumous releases from the young songstress.  Heavy saxes and organ set the tone for what is a great compilation album of miscellaneous recordings.  The following track brings me back to a Motown-esque, sultry, seductress speaking of her trials and tribulations of love.  Her cover of Carole King's Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow is amazingly well done and maybe a prophetic question asked of her legions of fans.  The next cut features a duet with lingual rap master NAS and may have some fans shy away, but give it a chance!  The words that flow forth from his fast delivery are intelligent, playful and will grasp your attention fully.  Later it gets jazzified and soulful when Tony Bennett joins in for a sweet collaboration.  This record is great, though not as solid as her previous releases, seemingly pieced together quickly with a somewhat scattered feeling.  What a terrible loss, though, that we have witnessed- at least she left behind some amazing music.  The lioness!

Wilco - The Whole Love

 

 

Artist: Wilco

Album: The Whole Love

Label:  Anti-

 

Release date: 27th September 2011

Rating: 5 / 5

    The first track opens with eerie delight, flowing robes of graceful musical prowess, the CD enters the room to swim in my audio canal.  I am hooked from its' very beginning, like a young brook trout getting his first glimpse at a Mickey Finn.  I have to have it!  And more!  The building bass line, the doping drum track, the glistening guitars, the controlled mayhem that ends this 7-minute track has totally staked its' claim on my brain.  And like a gambler with a hot hand, I'm all in.  Fuzzy guitar fun follows with a track called "I Might".  Frankly, I might suggest you'll love this record!  Keyboards mince the air in a glorious array of brightly beaming sound, bringing further overlay to an already amazing landscape , putting more stones on the wall.  The album is seemingly less scattered than some of Wilco's efforts- this one is more along the lines of Yankee Hotel Foxtrot, which left the listener gleefully bullied by sonic sullenness. I won't say any more, urging you, the reader, the listener, to decide for yourself.  Wilco fan or not, this is fun rock 'n roll that will leave you with a yearning for so much more!  It'll urge you to find the whole love.  Rock on!

Tom Waits - Bad As me

Artist: Tom Waits

Album: Bad As Me

Label:  Anti-

Release date: 25th October 2011

Rating: 5 / 5

    A big bari-sax blows blaringly to start out the opening cut of this snappy album full of grit and gristle.  A tremendous way to open my ears, this cut whallops its way through just over 2 minutes ending with Tom yelling "all aboard!" as Charlie Musselwhite blows his harp at a feverish pitch.  Track three, "Talking at the Same Time" is a slowed-down jam, making one sway as if a New Orleans funeral procession was ambling down the lane.  Plinking piano, bumpy bass and a trio of horns tromp along, reminiscent of a slowed-down ska tune, hearkening back to Jamaica, 1965.  The song "Satisfied" is truly a shining star out of these 13 tracks, (if one can spring for the Deluxe version one receives 3 more cuts and a fancy little book.)  This tune features guitar work from Keith Richards, some bubbly bass from Les Claypool and again the killer blues-harp from Charlie Musselwhite.  Waits' first album in seven years comes wildly and widely anticipated and does not disappoint.  He pulls from jazz, blues, rockabilly and makes the whole record a jumping, jiving gritty beast that will leave you sweaty and smiling.  All aboard!

Primus - Green Naugahyde

Artist: Primus

Album: Green Naugahyde

Label:  Prawn Song

Release date: 13th September 2011

Rating: 5 / 5

    The first tune prepares you for a nice ride, getting you in the deep-bass mode that early Primus albums were known for.  This, the first album since 1999's Antipop, definitely pulls from much earlier sound and attitude like from 1990's Frizzle Fry.  "Hennepin Crawler", the second track, is a killer tune returning to the careless ideals of Primus. Nothing poppy or commercialized- the usual bass-laden Primus, stripped down with just guitar and drum accompaniment (and maybe some cowbell.)  The lyrics on the entire work here are just as quirky, odd, goofy and downright incredibly enjoyable as I remember from 20+ years ago.  The third track is a funky jam pulling out some Bootsy Collins and Parliament chunkiness, urging one to stomp along and smile feverishly.  My favorite tune, (this is disputable since I love # 8 also), registers in at only track 4 in the listing with tons more delicious music following.  A lyric excerpt tells you just how serious Primus can be all the while having a great time: "Eternal Consumption Engine / Every time I get a little bit bored / Eternal Consumption Engine  / Head to the Wally-Mart store / Eternal Consumption Engine / Livin' high on the greasy hog / Eternal Consumption Engine / As long as they don't deport my job / Eternal Consumption Engine / Cause Everything's made in China"  You get the point, and as I listen to this on repeat in multiple players in my household, I get fortified with my daily allowance of funk and fun.

John Hiatt - Dirty Jeans and Mudslide Hymns

Artist: John Hiatt

Album: Dirty Jeans & Mudslide Hymns

Label: New West

Release date: 2nd August 2011

Rating: 4.5 / 5

    The first tune pulled me in at the first chord- an angry tune.  Fed up, on edge, ready to snap....the way we've all felt, John Hiatt captures perfectly.  "All the Way Under" is a really jumping cut that has a zippy zydeco feel at times, accompanied by snappy steel-strung guitars and growling vocals.  The musicianship on all the tracks is amazingly strong (especially Russ Pahl on pedal steel) and really helps to make this record a model of pure enjoyment.  Hiatt's songwriting capability keeps on improving and even with tunes like "When New York had her Heart Broke" (which pays homage to 9/11 ten years later) they seem heartfelt and never kitschy.  The production quality on this record is supreme, conducted by Kevin Shirley who has worked with such powerhouses like Aerosmith and the Black Crowes.  This record is a great trip through America and as I listen and drive, I can feel the warmth it had intended to create

Bury your dead - Mosh n' Roll

 

Artist: Bury your Dead

Album: Mosh n' Roll

Label: Mediaskare

Release date: 2nd August 2011

Rating: 4.5 / 5

    Immediately grabbing me by the throat, the first track is menacingly fantastic.  As front man Mat Bruso (who returns after a 5-year hiatus) rips into these lyrics: "I dressed myself for my own funeral tonight / Tonight I drink myself into a fucking coma / Fuck this shit world, each day I'm growing colder"  Yes....brash, yet passionate in its' delivery, the band thumps skulls with every track. a few seconds of haunting guitar open the fourth track before a wall of angst-driven sound attempts to tear my face off.  More melodic than past releases, yet still urging me to strap on my steel-toed boots and furrow my brow, this record comes in at just over a half-hour long- plenty of time to work up a helluva frenzy!  I think i need a shower.

Reverend peyton's Big Damn band - Peyton on Patton

 

Artist: Reverend Peyton's Big Damn Band

Album: Peyton on Patton

Label: Sideonedummy

Release date: 18th July 2011

Rating: 5 / 5

    This release is worth picking up for the sheer nakedness of the instruments used- and only one microphone to record the voices!  Truly recorded with the thought of replicating the great Charley Patton and how he recorded back in the 1920's and early 30's.  "Mississippi Boweavil Blues" is a bouncing juke with Peyton's fingers jumping across the strings.  "Some of These days I'll be Gone" is an electrifying banjo pluck-fest that will surely have you stomping your feet.  Peyton on guitars & banjo only, Washboard Breezy sparingly uses her famous washboard and "Cuz" only uses a 100-year old tobacco barrel for percussion instead of his usual drum kit.  naked, barren, plain, yet beautiful.  this is blues re-done, and yet done like it was done 90 years ago!  An amazing album paying homage to a Mississippi delta blues king!!

Alborosie - 2 Times Revolution

 

Artist: Alborosie

Album: 2 Times revolution

Label: Greensleeves/VP

Release Date: 20th June 2011

Rating: 4 / 5

    This third release from the Italian-born, Jamaica-living, Rasta-loving Alborosie is yet another masterful album!  On "Who You Think You Are" he declares he is a "revolutionary fighting my own war" and I am convinced of such a statement.  The incomparable Jr. Reid joins him on one track (doo-boo-dwey!) and the bass-driven tune makes me sway like palm fronds in the West-Indian breeze.  With 15 tracks of incredible production one will not want for much more.  in fac, fi di lovers out there, employed is the lovely voice of Etana for one track called "You Make Me Feel Good."  Well, this whole album makes me feel good.  Zeen?

Stephen Marley - Revelation: Pt. 1 The Root of Life

 

Artist: Stephen Marley

Album: Revelation: Pt. 1 The Root of Life

Label: Tuff gong/Universal

Release date: 24th may 2011

Rating: 4.5 / 5

    Not one of the Marley boys can channel the old man quite like Stephen can....the inflection and tone, the delivery, that voice, simply put; is AMAZING.  The first cut here is Nyabinghi-esque and in his employ is Wale and the Cast of FELA, the rhythmic drumming coming not from a yard, but from back home, Africa.  The next cut is a killer roots rock reggae jam urging to be compared to his father once again.  Stepping away though, Stephen has a different approach, gripping the listener immediately, his lilting voice lifting you into the stratosphere.  Deep, bassy riffs for guest vocalist Capelton to rhythm-ride on, in the track "Break us Apart" is absolutely killer!  Coupled with Stephen's airy voice, Capelton's growl and snarl makes this tune come together in a wave of groovy movement that helps the listener understand the message.  A harmonica opens up the next track, and let me tell you, that is a very uncommon instrument in reggae, but man, does it ever fit.  "Can't keep I Down" is another upbeat testimony of pride and confidence, forward ever, backward never!  the Rasta way of life, channeling the Power of the Trinity.  Yes I!  Further tracks include Damian and Ziggy Marley as well as the dance hall master, Spragga Benz.  Wicked chunes fi di massive, zeen??  Another fine release from the other Prince of Reggae.

Cake - Showroom of Compassion

 

Artist: Cake

Album: Showroom of Compassion

Label: Upbeat

Release Date: 11th January 2011

Rating: 4.5 / 5

  Crunchy guitars and political mockery open up this fine album from the quirky group that have been together for some 20+ years.  "Teenage Pregnancy" is a gloomy, tenuous track- perhaps appropriately titled.  The very snappy "Sick of You" follows the gloom with a playful tale of simply wanting to fly away, love lost being the theme here.  Always twisting lyrics that envelope themselves creates a fantastic musical voyage here.  "Italian guy" adds a funky, bouncy string arrangement.  Lots of horns and seemingly odd instruments cover almost every track, just a wonderful array of aural adversity.  Great album with wicked fun lyrics and my only complaint is that it only has eleven tracks, just not enough Cake to satiate this appetite.

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. 

Chromeo - Business Casual

Artist: Chromeo


Album: Business Casual


Label: Big beat / Atlantic


Release Date: 14th September 2010

Rating 4.5 / 5

Right out of the gate the opening track, Hot Mess has you pumped up and ready to hit the club.  Incorporating 80’s sounds similar to Rockwell or Art of Noise, twisting in funky Hot Chocolate riffs and smoky yet lilting vocals, this whole record is a creator of smiles and fun.  Ladies sipping cosmopolitans and gentlemen drowning in espresso martinis, clad in shiny suits and glimmering garb, the disco ball reflecting thousands of points of light, the floor fillers on this album will be the highlight of the night.  The very catchy Don’t Turn the Lights On is brimming with hooks that disallow one to stay seated for long, nor is one able to refrain from singing along.  If you like funky disco dance tunes and want to get the party jumping, rush out and get this record!

-Natty B- 

15th September 2010