10 CD Thursday: Rock This Bitch edition
Here we go again ...
Alamo Race Track "Black Cat John Brown"
What is with this British Invasion revivalism? Aren't we done with this yet? Not that this isn't a capable group with an enjoyable product, but come on. This album could have been made 40 years ago and it would have sounded exactly the same. I, too, like the music of that era, but we already have The Kinks, The Who and the like. Can we try something new? No? Ok. At least they do a nice job of it.
Fun fact: These guys are from Amsterdam.
Charlemagne "We Can Build an Island"
This album is making no impression on me.
Buffalo Tom "Three Easy Pieces"
Americana bordering on country.
Will Hawkins "Ghost Town"
Hmm ... I think the kids are currently digging this guy, but it's really not moving me.
More after the jump...
The Cribs "Men's Needs, Women's Needs, Whatever"
I'm expecting good things from this CD — not the least, it should shake me out of this bored with today's music selections thing. And it doesn't disappoint. Yes, I've heard this sound before (literally, as well; their single "Men's Needs" hit the internets this spring) — they follow in the footsteps of Franz and all the other bands coming out of this third wave British Invasion, but that's the kind of stuff I like, to put it plainly.
amiina "Kurr"
This Icelandic quartet has taken a page or five out of their compatriots in Sigur Ros' book. Dreamy orchestral noodling.
Dobet Gnahoré "Na Afriki"
I think my mom would really like this CD. My mom is really into world music in general, specifically those Putamayo collections or those Pottery Barn compilations (this is neither of those). Upbeat and groovy, this is music that could lift you out of a funk (and possibly make you want to by some prefab furniture). This is not meant to be reductive, I just have a very specific exposure to this genre of music.
Patrick Park "Everyone's in Everyone"
This guy's got an acoustic guitar and plenty of feelings.
Peter Case "Let Us Now Praise Sleepy John"
I yawned as I heard the opening twangling of this one, but actually, Mr. Case really brings it. It's basic folk, but he's got an energy and intensity that keeps it fresh and vital. After listening to such mediocre examples of the genre all day, it's a pleasant surprise to hear it done so well.
A quick perusal of Wikipedia shows that Case is no Peter come lately; this is his 13th album since 1983, and he's been performing since the mid-'70s.
Jule Brown "Soldier in the 9th"
I should really give this one more thought and attention, but it's not immediately grabbing me, and I'd really like to get out of here for the weekend.
Final score 3 out of 10.
