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The Joy Formidable The Big Roar (Atlantic)
Half of this record is flat out astonishing — “The Everchanging Spectrum of a Lie,” “The Greatest Shade is the Greatest Light,” “A Heavy Abacus,” “Whirring,” “Austere” and “Cradle” -– and most of the rest shines bright. This great band thrills live too. See my review of the group’s recent show at Webster Hall in New York City. New U.S. dates are starting to trickle in. Here’s hoping we’ll get a bunch more. (Hint, hint, come back to New York!!!)
The Joy Formidable A Balloon Called Moaning (One Records)
The group’s quieter yet still fierce debut includes four songs that appear on the Big Roar in a beefier and more fully realized manner. The other four here are all winners too but TJF clearly picked the best of the bunch to feature on its latest release.
Whipping Boy Heartworm (Sony)
What a shame that this staggeringly great record didn’t propel this group to greater heights. To have a record whose brutally honest lyrics reveal such painful truths about the human condition, tempered with flashes of optimism, would be reason enough to celebrate. But married to such well written and played songs, this is rock at its most cerebral and visceral. Few records work on both levels so well. Though Whipping Boy has been a long-time favorite of the BigTakeover, their music, for some incomprehensible reason, never landed on my stereo until recently and now I regret not having listened to this incredible record, which was released 15 years ago! That said, the beauty of music is that you can discover material even decades after the fact and if it’s great, it will stand the test of time and be new to you. I also just learned that the group is touring but no U.S. dates have been scheduled :(
Swervedriver Irving Plaza (New York) June 16, 2011
A late start (11:20 p.m.) did little to slow the start of a mini 4-day whirlwind tour. Playing for about 90 minutes, the Swervies were tight and played to a good sized, though not sold out, crowd. But those who attended watched with great affection as Adam Franklin led the group through an eclectic set that included favorites such as “Duel,” Rave Down” and the long yet incredibly powerful “Duress.” My only complaint was that the sound was a bit muddy and sludgey, at least close to the front.
Wire Red Barked Tree (Pink Flag)
Who said you can’t teach old dogs new tricks? Wire, like the Damned, Stranglers, Leatherface, Bad Religion, Teenage Fanclub and the Posies, continues to put out top-shelf material late (one can assume) in their careers. Though reminding one of various past eras in the band’s long and storied career, the new album sounds fresh and current. “Please Take,” “Adapt” and “Smash” are but a few highlights.
E.L.O. A New World Record (Sony)
E.L.O.? Y.E.P. Though critics sometimes sneer at this group, much of that criticism is unfair. This album, for one, deserves no ridicule and happens to be my favorite of theirs. Though singer/guitarist Jeff Lynne preferred the sprawling and accomplished though sometimes spotty “Out of the Blue,” “New World Record” is taut and filled with top quality song writing and performances. One of Lynne’s overlooked gifts is his imagination, the extensive sound palette from which he draws and his ability to add drama to songs without making them sound too pompous or over the top. Interestingly with E.L.O. I tend to prefer their non-hits. I know that songs like “Evil Woman,” “Sweet Talkin’ Woman” and “So Fine” charted high but I generally prefer lesser celebrated tracks like “Mission (A World Record)” and “Shangri-La” (in particular the devastatingly powerful last two minutes or so). Also, for a compositional marvel, check out “Standing in the Rain” from “Out of the Blue.” The song goes in so so many directions that it should have been a mess but somehow Lynne makes it work.
Motorhead The World is Yours (UDR)
The album, which celebrates Motorhead’s 35th year, is a winner. Though not as aggressive or fast as recent efforts, the song writing is generally strong as is the production. A bonus live DVD includes a scorching performance of “In the Name of Tragedy” from Inferno, released in 2004.
The Posies Blood/Candy (Rykodisc)
I was never a huge Posies fan but always respected their song writing prowess and ability to deliver hooks. However, with this album I signed on in a big big way. The writing is top-notch and the melodies are smooth as silk. The band effortlessly recalls the 60s through a modern prism. Highly recommended!
The Feelies Here Before (Bar none)
Pretty, pretty good (said a la Larry David). The Feelies stunned the music world delivering their first new album in 20 years and it’s a damn good one. Granted, it’s not a sharp departure from their previous work, but it’s neither a calculated attempt to stick with what works in the name of shaking a few bucks from fans. Best track on the album: “Change Your Mind.”
Robert Wyatt For the Ghosts Within (Domino)
Playing original tunes, past Wyatt compositions and four jazz standards, this is very different from his previous albums. Jazz and classical influences run throughout it. Astonishingly, in one track there is some bona fide rapping — not sung by Wyatt. It is great mood music and has many touching parts though some is merely pleasant, functioning as background music almost. But it’s ideal for late night listening and as always, Wyatt’s tender voice is a constant.
