A longtime American military base that exists as a tiny enclave in Cuba, Guantanamo has become notorious in recent years for its treatment of prisoners. But little has been known about the region’s unique changui music before Canadian soprano saxophonist Jane Bunnett’s rollicking new CD. This is the latest and perhaps most revelatory of […]
Florida screamo outfit the Red Jumpsuit Apparatus produces a sound beyond its barely twentysomething years on its major-label debut. As seemingly dictated by the genre of choice, it’s heavy on melodic verses, tempered with choruses delivered as though sung by some screaming angel of death. But RJA twists the plot a bit, sprinkling in […]
Five years ago, iiO’s stunningly simple “Rapture” made the uncommon trip from nightclub favorite to radio hit. Now part of the all-time dance canon, the love song leads off “Poetica,” the New York-based duo’s aptly named full-length debut. Producer Markus Moser sets a stage of sensuous electronica for singer/lyricist Nadia Ali, who still sounds […]
An album of solo viola music doesn’t usually grab the spotlight. But this self-released debut recording from 28-year-old Russian-born Lev Zhurbin (aka Ljova), one of New York’s fastest-rising composers and instrumentalists, is something special. Using his rich-voiced viola as his multitracked and quick-witted medium, Ljova weaves together diverse elements from around the world to […]
Texican trio Los Lonely Boys are a kick-ass band that can set a simple melody on fire. On this energetic sophomore set, the Garza brothers churn out one catchy beach anthem after another, but instead of polishing their hooks, they stick to an organic live sound that showcases their outstanding musicianship. From the sun-drenched […]
Rhymefest is best-known for co-writing Kanye West’s Grammy Award-winning single “Jesus Walks.” But with his major-label debut, “Blue Collar,” the Chicago rapper proves he is no second fiddle. Acting as the voice of the average Joe, he ruminates on everyday situations such as bills, fear of failure and family trials. ‘Fest bewails life’s adversities […]
While more mainstream country acts bluster about rednecks and hillbillies like it’s a fashion statement, Kentucky’s Chris Knight sings about rural fatalism and alienation with razor-sharp perception and narrative aplomb. By his own admission, the “body count’s not as high” on his Drifter’s Church debut, but the impact is just as powerful as Knight […]
For several years, Albert Cummings has been juggling two careers — custom home builder and blues guitarist. The release of “Working Man” is only going to make his life more complicated, for this record is the calling card of a blues star who has arrived. Cummings’ guitar work is sizzling, his vocals are sturdy, […]
While “Another Fine Day” may sound more cohesive than the pseudo-supergroup’s previous two full-length releases, that ultimately means little because these songs simply don’t stack up to their predecessors. Be it a result of limited time, improper focus or not enough elbow grease, the material often sounds haphazardly created and just undone. To be […]
The CD/DVD set “DJ Screw: The Untold Story” honors the late Houston rap legend by detailing his life and influence. Accounts by Screw’s friends and family members offer history on the renowned DJ who pioneered the famous “screwed and chopped” sound of slowed-down beats and repeated phrases, which has been commercially popularized by fellow Houstonites […]
We’ve got a feeling that when the Family Values tour winds through the States this summer, Bury Your Dead will be a top contender for inducing the bloodiest mosh pits along the way. The only pretty thing about the hardcore onslaught the band designed for “Beauty and the Breakdown” is the song titles, which […]
At a mere 21, Omarion Grandberry is already a one-man industry with successful ventures in movies, TV, publishing and music on his resume. “Entourage,” the first single from upcoming sophomore album “21″ (following the No. 1 “O”), is a seemingly effortless R&B record that takes hold after a single spin. The track aces every element […]
Justin Timberlake claims he wants to push pop boundaries with upcoming second solo album “FutureSex/LoveSounds,” but launch single “SexyBack” is more likely to jolt nerve endings. Yeah, we get it: Release an event single you know radio will embrace, but this meandering, melody-free jam is atrocious. Timberlake is unidentifiable, his grossly distorted vocal as Timbaland […]
Multiplatinum act Nickelback is a champion of hard-hitting rock that is as melodic as it is stadium-ready. But Chad Kroeger and his boys are dangerously close to becoming predictable, using many of the same melody lines song after song. Following “Photograph” and “Savin’ Me,” this third single from “All the Right Reasons” is more of […]
