Prince’s decision to package this disc inside copies of tabloid newspaper the Mail infuriated British retailers. But judging by the tracks that “Planet Earth” contains, he won’t encounter fans’ ire. The album doesn’t break new ground, but there’s plenty to like about its mix of pumping rock and old-school soul. The tight 10-tracker opens […]
Trey Anastasio does patience-tested fans proud with this satisfying collection of funk-, jazz- and orchestral-tinged instrumental barnburners performed with the 10-piece band he toured with from 2002 to 2004. After veering into singer-songwriter territory on recent solo efforts, the former Phish frontman reminds us of his flair for ornate big-band arrangements and organic improvisation […]
On the heels of his appearance on “Dancing With the Stars” and his role as the father of Disney Channel character Hannah Montana (played by his real-life daughter, Miley Cyrus), Billy Ray Cyrus is hot. That makes the timing of his latest release everything a label and artist could hope for. Unfortunately, “Home at […]
“The Walk” has an iconic American sound in the same way that, say, Michael Bay makes iconic American movies; this is music to play while speeding a convertible down country roads at sunset with a blonde in a sundress standing up in the passenger seat, arms outstretched. Such an approach will, of course, endear […]
Studio mastermind James Lavelle’s DJ/rock collective UNKLE has its third go with the aptly titled “War Stories.” It’s the first UNKLE album to be released via Lavelle’s own label, and he certainly isn’t playing it safe. The sound is bold, big and badass, with a crew of ballsy rock stars filling out the songs. […]
The fifth album from Canadian twins Tegan & Sara Quin is another tidy serving of the ’80s-inspired harmonic indie pop the duo has been cooking up for nearly a decade. While not as immediately satisfying as its 2004 predecessor, “So Jealous,” “The Con” is more sonically adventurous. The sisters flesh out each other’s songs […]
This modest bluegrass session is evidence that, four decades after his recording debut, Tom T. Hall still ranks with country’s greatest storytellers, and his beloved wife and songwriting partner, Dixie, is one big reason why. Though the mood is generally upbeat, funerals figure prominently in “Jimmy Martin’s Life Story” (recorded shortly before yodeling guitarist […]
Singer-songwriter Kany Garcia’s confessional rock debut is a welcome major-label departure from Latin pop divadom. Her husky tone seems built for a sideways glance at breakups, sex, aging and human indifference, but it’s the uptempo tracks that really leave an impression. Garcia’s sudden bursts of anger are a dose of good sassy fun, especially on […]
The Chemical Brothers certainly have their formula, but nearly 15 years on, their mix of rock-show beats and accessible synthetics remains a pleasing one. The Brothers have never strayed far from the rock ‘n’ roll foundation that supports their best beats, but when this sixth CD opens with a cataclysm of “Transformers” noises, it […]
If “Beauty & Crime,” Suzanne Vega’s love letter to New York, was a tourist publication, it would be a pamphlet you’d refer to regularly. At 34 minutes, it’s a compact set of observations, anecdotes and sentimental reminiscences. It’s trim rather than hurried, does not waste a note and, because of that, may be the […]
For the first time in 12 years, the Meat Puppets’ new album is a collaboration between brothers Curt and Cris Kirkwood, who formed the band in 1980 and built an indie-rock legacy on a druggy blend of punk rock and Americana. Singer/guitarist Curt welcomes his sibling back to the fold (after a decade of […]
Minnie Driver, who was signed to a recording contract before her renown as an Academy Award-nominated actress, returns here with the follow-up to her well-received 2004 debut “Everything I’ve Got in My Pocket.” The overall template is calm, quiet, organic and acoustic, an ideal accompaniment to Sunday sunsets and merlot. Lead single “Beloved,” featuring […]
In the United Kingdom, where this record shot straight to No. 1, Editors are current bearers of the “new Coldplay” title — one that has weighed heavy on many a Britrock contender since Chris Martin and company went supernova. But with this sophomore set representing a giant leap forward from their platinum-certified, Mercury Prize-nominated […]
Miami-born, Nashville-based Malo’s musical palette has long included everything from Latin rhythms to rock, bluegrass and country, so it’s not surprising that this treatment of country classics — recorded with his three-piece road band and horn player Jim Hoke — is authentic and innovative. One of modern music’s purest voices, Malo nails Eddy Arnold’s […]
