Many who fell in love with the Clash investigated the records and styles that informed the genre-skipping cool of albums like “London Calling.” And, in many cases, they fell in love with those (sub)genres and bands, too. So chances are that if you make your way to this soulful soundtrack to Julien Temple’s forthcoming […]
Though they’ve collaborated previously, pianist Corea and banjo wiz Fleck conjure their first full-length album with “The Enchantment.” Any jazz fan who doubts a piano/banjo duet can make beautiful music will experience an attitude adjustment while listening to this stellar disc. Corea and Fleck are not just virtuosos on their respective instruments, they are […]
Last year saw Erasure reinterpreting its own previously released material, albeit in an acoustic setting, on “Union Street.” But for 13th studio album “Light at the End of the World,” Vince Clarke and Andy Bell return to their electronic, synth-happy selves. Lead single “I Could Fall in Love With You” sets the just-right tone, […]
After putting out several well-received EPs, Austin’s Voxtrot finally releases its first full-length here. The band has smoothed out its sound by incorporating strings on most of the songs, resulting in more range to explore its sonic depth. The accelerated pace of “Kid Gloves” and “Easy” boast memorable, catchy choruses, and the lyrically witty […]
For all the yelling, crashing of cymbals and wild mood swings that was 2005’s brilliant “Alligator,” the National’s newest album quietly muses on the passing craze, like a restrained, confused hangover after a Saturday night bender. It kicks off with the gorgeous piano-led “Fake Empire,” which then leads into the guttural New Wave noise […]
Martina McBride’s latest collection, “Wake Up Laughing,” is proof that the gifted chanteuse is so much more than just that incredible voice. The disc showcases the depth of McBride’s talent as she steps into her own as producer and songwriter. She co-wrote this latest single and serves up a sweet look at the sheer exuberance […]
Launch single from Lifehouse’s fourth album, “Who We Are,” which drops June 26, is a magnetic reminder of how the trio has wowed pop, adult top 40 and rock radio since debut “Hanging by a Moment” delivered 2001’s No. 1 Billboard Hot 100 single. “First Time” is another melodic ember-turner, balancing polished instrumentation and a […]
While 20-year-old Brit prodigy Joss Stone is adored by critics for her old-soul vocal imprint, she has yet to connect with stateside airwaves, simply because she hasn’t delivered a song that merits mainstream acceptance. That all changes with “Tell Me What We’re Gonna Do Now,” featuring Common. The vocal is at once cool and confident, […]
Los Lonely Boys’ 2006 album, “Sacred,” failed to connect after the boys played it safe with first single “Diamonds,” a carbon copy of top 20 Grammy Award winner “Heaven.” The Garza brothers now contribute to “Instant Karma: The Campaign to Save Darfur,” with a cover of John Lennon’s 1974 No. 1 “Whatever Gets You Through […]
Between 1993 and 1999, Clay Walker scored 31 country hits — 13 in the top five — before multiple sclerosis dared to stop him in his tracks, after diagnosis in 1996. His eighth album and first in three years, “Fall,” demonstrates the will to overcome, with a clear ear to returning the singer/songwriter to the […]
Radio is picking up on revamped Megadeth song “A Toute Le Monde (Set Me Free)” from new album “United Abominations,” but “Washington Is Next!” is actually the lead single. As the conflict in Iraq drags on, musicians are becoming vocal in their disdain for President Bush. But critiquing those in power is old hat for […]
Miss World 2003 runner-up Nazanin has quite a story to tell. After escaping Iran during the 1979 revolution, she made it her mission to share a message of hope for the oppressed and dedicate her life to human rights activism. Album “Someday” is another tool in her arsenal, with an inspiring title track that declares, […]
Look no further than indie label Robbins if your desire is: Got dance? September — namesake of Swedish singer Petra Marklund, who scored a top 10 U.S. dance hit in 2005 with “Satellites” — returns with ultra-infectious “Cry for You,” a top 10 hit at home and licensed for release in more than 50 nations. […]
A little salsa with your funk. That’s one of the surprises on Rick James’ last studio album, recorded in the year before his fatal 2004 heart attack. Rather than rely on the tried-and-true formula that brought fame and misfortune, James channels an introspective muse while expanding his musical purview. An inventive infusion of Latin […]
