New Release Tuesday :: September 9, 2014
Three-Sentence Review: The most “rock” album of his released albums, rock in terms of straight-forward (but not vanilla) and approachable, and rather hopeful. At times reminiscent of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers (could be that Benmont Tench of the Heartbreakers helped out here), The Replacements and Your Love era of The Outfield, at other times something more akin to the alt-country of Wilco and The Avett Brothers, but again, with more of a rock punch in the heart, and then I hear a little Brit Pop sneak in, some Johnny Marr guitar sensibilities especially. I’m a lifelong, hopelessly (and hopeful) fan of Mr. Adams, and this album was just what I needed to end the Summer with.
Initial Favorite Track(s): Kim, I Just Might, Tired of Giving Up and Gimme Something Good (and really all of them)
Rating (1-5 Stars): 5+
Gimme Something Good
Three-Sentence Review: Would you ever be brave enough to publish your diaries and journals from a younger version of yourself? Crush Songs is a resounding yes of an answer from Yeah Yeah Yeah’s lead singer, Karen O, this solo album a collection of songs she wrote when she was 27 (Karen is now 36). I am “crushing” on the intimate, sparse, acoustic production of this album, which feels like she is in the room singing just to me.
Initial Favorite Track(s): Rapt, Comes the Night and Indian Summer
Rating (1-5 Stars): 4
Rapt
3. At Best Cuckold :: Avi Buffalo
Three-Sentence Review: Whatever happened to the “teenage dirtbag” from the 90’s Whatus hit? Well, he seems to have grown up to make dreamy, undeniably West Coast infused (yes also so very Sub Pop) indie-folky-poppy loveliness reminiscent of early Death Cab For Cutie and Modest Mouse with Avi Buffalo second release, At Best Cuckold. There is a wiser and somewhat jaded feeling to the songs here, but also something still young and reckless and uncertain that all-together really works for me.
Initial Favorite Track(s): So What, Two Cherished Understandings and Won’t Be Around Anymore.
Rating (1-5 Stars): 4
So What
Three-Sentence Review: So much amazing dance/pop/alt-pop music from female artists lately – I’m loving it. Sensual, sharp, tough, with a downtempo sultriness that works perfect with her honey-dripped with an edge voice. Banks strong and stunning voice is the real star here – this album deserves to be a big hit.
Initial Favorite Track(s): Goddess, You Should Know Where I’m Coming From, Beggin For Thread and Waiting Game
Rating (1-5 Stars): 5
Waiting Game
Three-Sentence Review: I have to admit, Tricky’s music, whether on his solo albums (which include work with other artists), or his work with Massive Attack, turn me on. Love the songs featuring Tirzah and Francesca Belmonte. Adrian Thaws (Tricky’s given name) is eclectic deliciousness that still does it for me – completely.
Initial Favorite Track(s): Sun Down, I Had a Dream and Keep Me In Your Shake
Rating (1-5 Stars): 4.5
Sun Down
lyriquediscorde 
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