T.V. Smith – Misinformation Overload (Boss Tuneage U.K.)
Mr. Smith has never made a record this loud and brash and even sometimes blistering since the days of The Adverts, so this CD caught me totally by surprise. Man!!! I’ve liked a number of his more folk-protest solo LPs, but this is the shock of the year so far, highly convincing.
Esquerita – Vintage Voola (Norton)
The contemporary and competitor of LITTLE RICHARD sure gave him a run for his money in the wildest rock ‘n’ roll of the 1950s. This is his rawest and best recordings too, even raspier than his Capitol stuff. And what a pompadour!
Kaleidoscope – Tangerine Dream (Repertoire U.K.)
That baroque pop and psychedelic combo is still grabbing me. A really welcome reissue of these wonderful Brits’ first LP.
Teenage Fanclub – Man Made (Merge)
Does anyone in modern pop do better harmonies than these Great Scots? And with their softest record, those stand out most of all.
Sugar – File Under: Easy Listening (Rykodisc)
OK, this album just plain smokes. It’s been a decade and I still find this record to be gut-wrenching and overpowering as if I just heard it for the first time. It’s BOB MOULD at the absolute peak of his considerable powers for sure.
Ray Davies – Other People’s Lives (V2)
THE KINKS leader’s first solo LP has refused to leave the player, thanks to his wit and wisdom and his most consistent collection of tunes in 35—yes 35—years.
Jon Auer –
Songs From the Year of Our Demise (Pattern 25)
One half of THE POSIES finds the same solo gold as bandmate KEN STRINGFELLOW by also trying an involved, spiritual, mellow-pop vein. I’m going to be listening to this a while I am sure!
Various Artists – Alternative Animals (Shock AUS)
Here we have rare and unreleased tracks by Aussie punk rock bands, 1976-1979. But in this country, few know any of these groups at all, so it’s just as much a primer and history lesson, full stop. THE SAINTS, RADIO BIRDMAN, and the Australian X are always good to hear, and also check out BOYS NEXT DOOR (the pre-BIRTHDAY PARTY group) and MANIKINS.
Rob Dickinson – Live at Mercury Lounge, March 1
Playing by himself this time solo acoustic, Dickinson gave new meanings to his old CATHERINE WHEEL tunes like “Black Metallic,” “Crank” and “Future Boy,” and an especially personalized “Ma Solituda” (sung with an audience member, unrehearsed, to the crowd’s approval), while also exploring the lighter sides of his new solo debut Fresh Wine For the Horses. The definition of “an intimate evening with….”
Belle & Sebastian and New Pornographers- Live at Nokia Theater, March 3
Two sides of my favorite coin: super-catchy punky power-pop followed by the consummate mannered pop stylists, both taking advantage of the new Nokia’s crystal clear sound (though I’ve heard in the way back it’s a big muddy, so I don’t sit/stand back there!). The openers were energetic and hot, with a drummer that I couldn’t take my eyes off long, a big burly guy who was quick and powerful. The headliners just kill me with those beautiful arrangements and multi-part complexity always seeming so simple. A great night.
