Love – Forever Changes: Live (Snapper Classics UK)
Everything about the great but highly erratic Arthur Lee defies logic. And he will surely be the subject of a future essay in my blog. But who could have seen Lee’s rebirth coming after he ended a six-year prison stint in late 2001 due to a weapons charge? Lee, whose creative muse was nowhere to be found in the 1970s and 1980s, was all but written off when news broke that he was to do hard time. But 36 years after writing most of the masterpiece that is
Forever Changes, Lee, pushing 60, is on the top of his game at this concert at London’s Royal Festival Hall. Baby Lemonade provides stunning support, especially guitarist Mike Randle. Sadly,
Love is no longer together. Baby Lemonade is back to being itself and the latest word is that Lee has moved to Memphis, the city where he was born, where he ostensibly is looking for new musicians to play with.
Stew – Guest Host (Telegraph Media)
Stew’s (Mark Stewart) stellar song writing skills, painfully accurate observations about the human condition and taste for the absurd all help make him a monster talent. Though many music critics adore him he still has not busted out in the sales department. Fingers crossed that 2006 will be his breakout year. Catch Stew at Joe’s Pub in NYC of you can. He and his musicians, including the talented and gracious Heidi Rodewald, often play there.
Rob Dickinson – Fresh Wine for the Horses (Sanctuary Records)
The former Catherine Wheel front man’s recently released solo debut is a great album that effectively showcases his fantastic voice and songwriting skills. There is some conjecture however about whether “former” is entirely accurate since the group never technically broke up and could reform according to hints recently dropped by Dickinson himself.
Tony Williams – Emergency! (Polygram Records)
Tony Williams, who previously drummed with Miles Davis, created a staggering rock/jazz album with this 1969 powerhouse. Williams bashes the skins with the urgency of well…an emergency. John McLaughlin’s delivers hypnotic guitar work and Larry Young’s hands race up and down the organ like a pair of caffeinated parrots. A true power trio.
Various Artists – Off the Charts (soundtrack) (Red Rock Records/Complex Corporation)
Off the Charts is hands down the best “song poem” compilation around (
click here for a description). While most song poems are not worth repeated listens, this collection is an utter gem including such inspired works as Jimmy Carter Says Yes!, Out in the Woods and Little Rug Bug.
Depeche Mode – Playing the Angel (Reprise/Wea)
I’ve always liked Depeche Mode but never could get too excited by them, save 1990’s Violator. That being said I heard plenty of buzz about this new album. Well, the record is in fact good. But what hit me like a mackerel rushing to find the nearest body of water is that the three songs penned by vocalist Dave Gahan are all excellent and arguably better than the rest by chief tunesmith Martin Gore. I was so impressed with Gahan’s tunes that I picked up his solo album, Paper Monsters. And wouldn’t you know, it was boring and utterly uninteresting. Keep the band together boys.
Thee More Shallows – More Deep Cuts (Turn Records)
Thee More Shallows is worth keeping a very close eye on. This band’s second album, More Deep Cuts, is as outstanding, if not better, than the group’s first effort, A History of Sport Fishing. Dee Kesler creates music that is dark, indirect and chilling. Employing everything from guitars and drums to violins and French horns, Kesler’s music at first blush might suggest Grandaddy. But Thee More Shallows’ music is more personal and startlingly honest. Vital.
Nada Surf – The Weight is a Gift (Barsuk)
Nada Surf serves up an excellent power-pop concoction that delivers strong melodies and Muhammad Ali sized hooks. The album is not innovative or particularly challenging but it pulls off the difficult feat of being accessible while offering enough substance to warrant repeated listens.
Curb Your Enthusiasm (Sunday, HBO)
I’m certainly not the first person to say it but Larry David’s Curb Your Enthusiasm is a work of genius. Though not as consistently funny as in recent years, the show still packs tremendous bite and wit.
Real Time with Bill Maher (Friday, HBO)
This show consistently offers insight about politics and society that are closer to the truth than what you’ll find on any of the Sunday morning gabfests, which are too populated with partisan hacks mainly interested in currying favor with the power players in their respective parties (yes, Jon Stewart was right). Whether you agree with Bill Maher’s opinions or not, his candor and probing intellect are refreshing and much needed today.
