Jeff Elbel: June 19, 2011

1. 
   

   Dawes – _ Nothing is Wrong_ (ATO)

   
   
   I reviewed Dawes’ June 3 performance in Chicago, and have been listening to the band’s sophomore album. Seems like a band with staying power to me … For fans of The Band, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, and Wilco.
   
   


2. 
   

   Saga – Heads or Tails Live (Eagle)

   
   

   Though founding frontman Michael Sadler has since returned to the fold, this live set documents fine work by Rob Moratti during his relatively short time singing for Saga. Heads or Tales remains a fan favorite. Although it was the follow-up that failed to capitalize upon the commercial success in the United States which Worlds Apart enjoyed, it was Saga’s most successful in other parts of the world – and a linchpin to the band’s continued popularity in Europe. Set list mainstays in the twenty-eight years since Heads or Tale‘ release, “The Flyer,” “Cat Walk,” “Scratching the Surface” and “The Pitchman” are all included in the running order. Their live versions are rendered with the spark of Brian Doerner, the band’s drummer since 2006 (whose first official act in Saga was to anchor Trust, the band’s exceptional return to form during that year). The precision and progressive interplay of founding members Jim Gilmour (keys) and Ian Crichton (guitar) fan that ignition into full burn.

   
   
3. 
   

   Rubblebucket – Omega La La (Sin Duda)

   
   
   Rubblebucket are an eight-piece band from Brooklyn. Their sound mixes Dirty-Projectors-style art rock with Fela Kuti indebted afrobeat.
   
   
4. 
   

   The Kinks – The Kinks Deluxe Edition (Sanctuary)

   
   

   The bulk of my time with the mighty Kinks is spent listening to Ray Davies‘ more evolved songwriting from the albums between Something Else and Muswell Hillbillies, but once in a blue moon it’s great to hear his younger self belting out lusty pop like “I Took My Baby Home” and “You Do Something to Me.” This album’s immortal track is “You Really Got Me.” The song remains dangerous to this day, thanks to Dave Davies snarling dog guitar and the pent-up libido of Ray’s lyric. Imagine hearing it fresh for the first time in 1964! Though “Stop Your Sobbing” was never a personal favorite, the single has aged gracefully and still packs plenty of personality. This set includes 28 tracks on each of two discs. The original album on disc one is augmented by bonus tracks, while disc two includes mono mixes, interview clips and other outtakes.

   
   
5. 
   

   Sean Kuti – From Mighty Africa With Fury: Rise ()

   
   
   
   
6. 
   

   Françoiz Breut – À L’Aveuglette ()

   
   
   
   


7. 
   

   Daniel Lanois – Belladonna

   
   
   
   


8. 
   

   Talk Talk – Laughing Stock

   
   
   
   


9. 
   

   The Zincs – Black Pompadour (Thrill Jockey)

   
   
   
   


10. 
    

    John Coltrane – A Love Supreme