do i hear a robbie? a levon? a richard manuel?

what's up with the latest "the band" bands? I absolutely love robbie and the gang, but after all these years of rolling stone heralding them as the greatest thing you've probably never heard, it seems odd at the proliferation of these guys. some are doing it extremely well (delta spirit, dr. dog), and some not so much (felice brothers). I guess my morning jacket has been doing it well for about ten years now (until "Evil Urges" that is), and dr. dog has been around for quit awhile now. let's hope they keep it up.

Jenny Lewis "Acid Tongue" Review

Sounds Likes: every 70's singer-songwriter (i mean that in the best way possible

Favorite Tracks: The Next Messiah, Acid Tongue

Ever since 2004's More Adventorous Jenny Lewis has proven to be one of the most consistent and prolific songwriter, even compared to such indie heavy-weights as James Mercer, Brit Daniels or even Conor Oberst. Her latest offering only furthers this statement.

Jenny Lewis has never been shy about her affection of early 70's singer songwriters. And in no previous album has she shown these influences so overtly. Linda Ronstadt, Neil Young, Randy Newman, Joni Mitchel . . . .the list goes on and on. However, what makes this more than just another tribute album is the raw energy. Just listen to The Next Messiah or Jack Killed Mom (which sounds like a b-side from Dolly Parton's Coat of Many Colors lp). It's as if she took the earthy formula from the excellent Rabbit Fur Coat and stepped it up a few notches.

I especially appreciate the coy sexuality that she imbues in many of her songs. It's beginning to become somewhat of a trademark, considering that most indie contemporaries (think Karen Oh, CSS, that chick from the Kills) are so obnoxious about their own.

Score: A

Kings of Leon: Only By the Night. . . .

Sounds Likes: the kinks meets allman brothers (just be glad there's no strokes comparison in there)

Favorite Tracks: Sex on Fire, Crawl

I was never a fan of their first two albums, so I was quite surprised when I wore out (can you do that on an iPod?) Because of the Times, their 2007 album. That album seemed to be either a love it or hate it affair for most rock critics. In Britain, however, it managed to go number one on the billboard.

So this is supposed to be the "break out" album of the Tennessee natives. And does it ever show! Echoing the latest release from Hold Steady (which I think was done much better), every song is packaged neatly to be played at the arena nearest you. I use that as a compliment for a few songs (Crawl, Be Somebody), and as a complaint for others (Use Somebody, which sound be on some WB show dealing with High School).

This album comes across as a B-side of Because of the Times. Every song could have been fit into their last album, though most would be subpar to one of last year's best album.

Scores: B

Set the Date!

Upcoming Concerts:

Lincoln Theatre:
November 3rd (Monday) - Hold Steady/Drive-by Truckers (definitely going)

Disco Rodeo:
October 5th (Sunday) - The Black Keys (probably going, though we just saw them two months ago)

Cat's Cradle:
October 2nd (Thursday) - The Walkmen (maybe going)
October 20th (Monday) - The Cold War Kids (maybe going)
November 12th (Wednesday) - Calexico (maybe going)

The week in illegal downloads. . .

The Little Ones. . .sounds like Flaming Lips though a bit more silly (and you didn't think that was possible). . . pretty good, though wears thin like most power-pop after a few listens. . . B

Delta Sunrise "Ode To Sunshine" . . . sounds like the Band with echos of Stones-esque rauchiness. . . . This albums really grows on you after a few listens, great songwriting. . . A

The Virgins "The Virgins". . . . sounds like every 80's new wave band that you though you'd never want to hear again. . . .catchy as hell, great, fun music, for that perfect party. . . .B+

Meatloaf: Sacchrine at it's finest

So for the sake of Sidney, who had never heard "Paradise on the Dashboard Lights," I downloaded the album Bat Out of Hell. I remember vaguely liking it five years ago when I listened to it. However, upon listening to it now I can't stop thinking about it! For some reason corny + overdone + sacchrine = genius. Maybe it's Todd Rungren's overblown production, with Steinman's showtune-like songs that appeal to my utmost guiltiest of all pleasures. . . showtunes!

Los Campesinos! Hold On Youngster Review

Sounds Likes: a very punky B-52's, the most effervescent band you could possibly listen to

Favorite Tracks: You! Me! Dancing!, This Is How You Spell 'Hahaha. . . .

Few bands deserve an exclamation point after their name quite like Los Campesinos! (with the exception of the California rock band "!!!"). From the very start to the last bonus track, these guys (and gals) know how to approach their music in such fervid energy that you wonder how they ever sleep. Though the music is the first to grab you, the lyrics aren't to shabby either (which might I add were described as "pretentious" by the SoundOpinions guys. . . what the fuck does that label mean for a rockstar. . .aren't rock stars by definition supposed to be pretentious). It's obvious that these guys are on to somegood great, and let's hope that they can top this on their next album.

Consensus: A perfect up! album for you! to listen to during these hot! nights of summer!

One a sidenote: Does anyone remember the Go-Betweens, a late 80's pop-rock Australian band? I hear so much of them in Los Campesinos! The female harmonies, the violin interplaying with the rock musicnad perhaps the dead pan delivery of Gareth Campesinos! (similar to Robert Forster) certainly stregthen the comparisons

Okay. . .

So I have lately had a yen to have a blog about music. A place where I can write me own review of new music, make recommendations for new music, and revisit some of my favorites, if for no other reason than allowing me to vent so I can give my partner's ear a rest.