JEFF BECK- EMOTION & COMMOTION
If you are a fan of Mr Beck, arguably the greatest guitar player of all time, then his first record in 7 years should not disappoint you. What had initially started as a classical record with an orchestra, has expanded to include a little of all that Jeff Beck has offered in the past, from blues to fusion to funk. What's most important is his playing, which seems to get more sublime with each passing year. Guest vocalists Joss Stone and Imelda May are used sparingly and with great affect, as is the orchestra, particularly on the emotional one-two punch of "Lilac Wine" and "Nessun Dorma." If you hurry, Amazon has a "download exclusive"--full album, plus a bonus track for $4.99.
NATALIE MERCHANT- LEAVE YOUR SLEEP
First release in 6 years from the ex-Maniac is a collection of songs adapted from 19th and 20th century British and American poetry. And while I've never been a fan, feeling that Merchant's voice with its limited range was more than I could handle for an album's worth of my time, "Leave Your Sleep" is a beautiful record with music ranging from Celtic to Cajun. Quite frankly, I can't believe how much I enjoyed this record.
MGMT- CONGRATULATIONS
Highly anticipated follow-up to the critically acclaimed debut, "Oracular Spectacular" has some very interesting "sounds." You will hear The Zombies and Syd-era Floyd. I even hear a bit of Donovan and Soft Machine. Problem is, it all wears thin very quickly, when you realize there are no songs here, just ideas. They must have a good record collection.
RAUL MIDON- SYNTHESIS
Pleasant enough release from the blind guitar phenom, Raul Midon also possesses a wonderful singing voice. Musically, it's just a bit too safe and smooth for my tastes.
STANTON MOORE- GROOVE ALCHEMY
5th solo release from New Orleans' own master of the skins, Stanton Moore. Once again, Moore's trio, which includes Will Bernard on guitar and Robert Walter on organ, offers some heavy grooves, this time channeling the beats, breaks and feel of three of Moore's favorite drummers, Zigaboo Modeliste of The Meters and Clyde Stubblefield and Jabo Starks, who played behind James Brown.
Please hop over and read my interview with Stanton over at the Huffington Post, where we talk "Groove Alchemy," drumming and New Orleans.
IGGY POP & THE STOOGES- RAW POWER (2 CD DELUXE EDITION)
Sony Legacy, after remixing and remastering the record for its last upgrade, has gone back to the original David Bowie mix for this deluxe edition. The bonus CD includes live and unreleased material. Hold on to your sisters.
CARRIE RODRIGUEZ- LOVE & CIRCUMSTANCE
A collection of covers by the likes of Lucinda Williams, Buddy Miller, Nick Lowe, Ry Cooder, Richard Thompson and Gillian Welch from Austin's own Carrie Rodriguez. Good stuff...the little I heard.
6 comments:
The cover of that Beck album...what can you say. Awful. Maybe he should have gone with dogs playing poker or something.
Carrie Rodriguez, on the other hand...
Sal,
You forgot " The King of Rock & Soul ".....Solomon Burke....and his new release " Nothings Impossible "..... except getting posted on Burning Wood.
Meanstreets,
That was a MAJOR oversight. I simply did NOT see it on my new release list. I hang my head. Thanks for pointing that out.
Thanks for the heads up on the Beck album, awful cover not withstanding. What a beautiful guitarist he is. Besides the 2 songs you pointed out which are astounding, I loved 'Over the Rainbow. His guitar playing is simply the best voice out there.
So, Burning Wood, I see you listening to Soloman Burke's new CD, " Nothing's Impossible "...
Your thoughts ?....can he ever do better than " Nashville ", produced by Buddy Miller ?
The Solomon Burke has that great Willie Mitchell production, but the truth is, the songs are weak. "Nashville" is a great record, and "Don't Give Up On Me" is even better.
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