Blogcritics Author: Robert Burke

Concert Review: Ladysmith Black Mambazo - Charlotte, NC - October 2007

Robert Burke — Mon, 15 Oct 2007 12:43:16 EDT

I entered the doors of the Belk theater not understanding how an a cappella group could hold my attention for an complete evening, I left wishing I could see it again.
Most Americans know Ladysmith Black Mambazo from their work on the Paul Simon album Graceland. This seminal album is also sited for helping spark interest in what would become a World Music inferno. The South African vocal group's roots can be traced back to 1960 when now 66-year old leader Joseph Shabalala founded the earliest incarnation of...

Announcement: Short-content feeds

Phillip Winn — Sun, 26 Aug 2007 12:00:00 EDT

Sunday, August 26, 2007, marks the switch of all Blogcritics.org article feeds from full-content to short-content. This is the result of several converging factors, and is unfortunately a permanent decision (as permanent as any decision can be on the web, that is). We are aware of all of the reasons that this is a Bad Idea, and we are aware that some of you will be quite upset about having to click on something to read the free content, and we're sorry. Unfortunately, despite great effort, full-content feeds are not currently economically viable. Two other factors are involved: full-content feeds have resulted in an unprecedented level of content theft, with BC content appearing on many websites, usually spam sites, without attribution or permission. This duplicate content causes a cascading set of problems, not the least of which is that search engines generally aren't favorable to duplicate content, and don't always guess correctly. Finally, our RSS advertising partner is strongly in favor of short-content feeds. We hope that you'll continue to subscribe to BC via RSS, and when an article grabs your eye, it's only a click away, still free on the BC website. Thank you for your understanding.

Music Review: Josh Ritter - The Historical Conquests of Josh Ritter

Robert Burke — Wed, 22 Aug 2007 23:32:46 EDT

Josh Ritter's new album, The Historical Conquests of Josh Ritter, follows on the heels of his critically acclaimed 2006 effort The Animal Years. This remarkable new collection of songs is Ritter's first album on the Sony/BMG label. But fear not, Josh Ritter's music has not degraded with more exposure and the corporate connection. In fact, it leapfrogs over his last effort, and has marked this songwriter as an artist that is special indeed.The Historical Conquests proves that Josh Ritter is no fluke.The songwriting on The Historical Conquests has the same strength of purpose that makes Ritter such an irresistible new artist, but here the songs are brittle and delivered with brio. The production is a roughhewn endeavour that provides ballast for a myriad of brilliant arrangements and melodic ideas. Sensible acoustic guitar and keyboard interludes mix with loose and lofty horns, pianos, strings and guitars. Frailty gives way to unshakable solidity, and the lyrics paint images that never become burdensome or trite.Ritter utilizes the best features from a multitude of influences. The CD weaves together folk, country, alternative rock and pop music. Underneath the raw instrumentation are simple, but undeniably valuable songs that he bends to his will in a truly unforgettable way.Not a single track on the record creates a desire to fast forward. On the contrary, it captures and holds you fast as it flows from one shining jewel to the next.This one will make the year-end lists of many a cantankerous critic, put smiles on the faces of small children, and keep lovers in each others arms for just one more cigarette.If The Animal Years brought Josh Ritter into view for you, The Historical Conquests of Josh Ritter will solidify for you what an immense talent this man is. Not to be missed.

Robert Burke spends much of his time lovingly crafting thematic music playlists for the Rhapsody Radish and the Yahoo Radish.

Music Review: Caribou - Andorra

Robert Burke — Fri, 17 Aug 2007 07:40:30 EDT

This coming Tuesday the long-awaited album by one-man indie electro pop outfit Caribou returns with Andorra on the Merge label. High expectations abound for the record due to the heaps of critical acclaim gleaned by 2005's The Milk of Human Kindness. Andorra is Dan Snaith's first proper new full-length since The Milk of Human Kindness, some long playing B-sides and EPs notwithstanding. And the bottom line is that Caribou delivers the goods here with Brian Wilson-inspired laptop craftsmanship.I'm still up in the air on whether Andorra is better than The Milk of Human Kindness, but it is at least as good. The electronic spine of Andorra is organic and you have a feeling throughout that this is a complete band. The aeriform vocals are bathed in '60s psychedelia, while the music lifts and transcends on scads of well-formed and executed ideas.The changes in tone, melody and arrangement all fit within the confines of the mood Snaith defines on this relatively short nine-track disc. It'll work equally well in the context of a chic uptown penthouse party, or around the campfire in the middle of the woods. But the most impressive thing about Andorra is how perfectly it balances pop sensibility with a willingness to stretch the boundaries into the realm of art.The freeform elements so present in the songs of Caribou are still here. And as such may not win fans who were turned off by this element on previous efforts. But even those in this category will collapse under the pop perfection of the album's opening track "Melody Day," which could easily find itself as a background to the next really big TV ad.Andorra is a highly recommended album from a man who continues to show himself as a wonderful melding of left and right brain. Mathematician and artist.Tracklisting:1. Melody Day Listen Listen 2. Sandy Listen Listen 3. After Hours Listen Listen 4. She's the One Listen Listen 5. Desiree Listen Listen 6. Eli Listen Listen 7. Sundialing Listen Listen 8. Irene Listen Listen 9. Niobe

Robert Burke spends much of his time lovingly crafting thematic music playlists for the Rhapsody Radish and the Yahoo Radish.

Concert Review: The Allman Brothers Band and The Drive-By Truckers At Verizon Wireless Ampitheatre, Charlotte, NC

Robert Burke — Tue, 14 Aug 2007 23:47:55 EDT

Last week in Charlotte, North Carolina was the hottest week I've encountered since I moved here over five years ago. In fact, the August 8th temperature of 104 degrees tied the all-time record for the hottest day the city has ever seen.Unfortunately for the Drive-By Truckers and The Allman Brothers Band, this was also the week they performed at Charlotte's Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre in an outdoor venue fully exposed to the heat. I was dreading sitting among a huge, sweaty crowd for so long, but I wouldn't miss a show like this for the world. But although hot and uncomfortable at times, it was worth every drop of sweat that fell from my body. I would have gladly sacrificed even more to be present at this incredible show.The Drive-By Truckers put on a fine performance and took the brunt of the heat before the sun went down. Their sound was muddy, and instruments kept fading in and out, but sound-system issues aside, they were tons of fun, and a perfect warm-up act for the mighty Allman Brothers. I could write pages of positive words on the DBT performance, but coming before the ABB is a hard act to follow.The Allman Brothers Band has had 12 different line-ups since their beginning back in 1969, and the current incarnation had me extremely excited. This may be the most powerful roster the band has seen yet (sorry Dickey). Of the 7 band members the only original members are Gregg Allman (Vocals, Organ, Piano, Guitar), Butch Trucks (Drums, Tympani), and Johanny "Jaimoe" Johanson (Drums, Percussion). Percussionist Marc Quinones has been with the band since 1991, bassist Oteil Burbridge since 1997. And since 2001 the line-up also includes both Derek Trucks and Warren Haynes on the guitars. To put it bluntly, this was the best show I have seen all year. It was a reminder of why the jam band genre is so popular and why the no one can touch the Allman Brothers Band when it comes to the current population of jam bands working today.These are seven musicians who are complete masters of their craft. Every one of them not only contributed to the whole, but each stole the show at various times during the performance. Trucks and Haynes were simply mesmerizing, with Haynes providing detailed, flawless guitar and Derek taking slide guitar to a level not yet seen by mankind. Both did so in an unpretentious way that never distracted from the performance as a whole.The rhythm section kept a backbeat that was a strong as iron, but peppered with the kind of complexities and dynamic surges that you simply can't achieve with a single drummer. Gregg sat in his B3 throne like a gentle king providing sweet organ and piano backgrounds. For the encore, Gregg came out from behind the keys to perform the only acoustic guitar based number of the night with the perpetually popular "Melissa," penned 40 years ago.If a new law was passed and music was forced to become like sport, with only the very best having the ability of going pro, the Allman brothers would have nothing to worry about. They're still at the top of their game, and if you haven't seen the current line-up make a point to do so. Never mind the weather.

Robert Burke spends much of his time lovingly crafting thematic music playlists for the Rhapsody Radish and the Yahoo Radish.

Music Review: Pelle Carlberg - In A Nutshell

Robert Burke — Tue, 14 Aug 2007 09:04:31 EDT

Swedish singer/songwriter Pelle Carlberg of Edson fame has returned with his second solo effort titled In A Nutshell.The record is a step up for Carlberg since his 2006 effort Everything Now!, and it feels a good deal like the witty indie folk of Belle and Sebastian with a splash of Andrew Bird thrown in for good measure.The music is much like the album cover. Although it looks like it came straight of the 1960s, it’s undeniably new. The stylized modern edges make it appealing to a brand new generation, but the formula has been around since before you were born.The songs titles titillate and instantly bring Morrissey to mind. Titles like “I Love You, You Imbecile,” “I Touched You At The Soundcheck,” “Clever Girls Like Clever Boys Much More Than Clever Boys Like Clever Girls,” and “Crying All the Way To the Pawnshop” are good examples of the lyrical wit found on the album’s 11 tracks.However, In A Nutshell is not solely about wit. The mid-tempo, acoustic based structures work fantastically well with the off kilter pop songwriting. Handclaps, female backing vocals, bells, piano, harmonica and horns occasionally add flavor and depth, while successfully keeping the record from running together.A must listen.Play album in Rhapsody. Tracklisting:1. Pamplona2. I Love You, You Imbecile3. Crying All the Way to the Pawnshop4. I Just Called to Say I Love You5. Why Do Today What You Can Put Off Until Tomorrow?6. Middleclass Kid7. I Touched You at the Sound Check8. Clever Girls Like Clever Boys Much More Than Clever Girls9. Even a Broken Clock (Is Right Twice a Day)10. Showercream and Onions11. In a Nutshell

Robert Burke spends much of his time lovingly crafting thematic music playlists for the Rhapsody Radish and the Yahoo Radish.

Concert Review: Nickel Creek & Fiona Apple - Charlotte, NC - August 5,2007

Robert Burke — Sun, 12 Aug 2007 17:18:04 EDT

Nickel Creek is currently on tour through August 19th, 2007 with the stunningly talented and under-appreciated Fiona Apple. I had the pleasure of catching one of the very first shows on what the band has dubbed the "Farewell (For Now) Tour". The future of Nickel Creek is indeed up in the air based on the following message posted on the group's website:Dearest Listener,After seven years of extensive touring in support of three records (seventeen years as a band), we've decided to take a break of indefinite length at the end of 2007 to preserve the environment we've sought so hard to create and to pursue other interests. It has been a pleasure to write, record, and perform for you through the years and we'd like to heartily thank you for your invaluable contribution to our musical lives. Yours, Nickel Creek (Sean, Sara, and Chris)I think this could be put in much simpler terms by saying something like, "We're breaking up, but we'll be back if our solo projects don't work out."There's always a sense of excitement and importance around a show that's part of a "farewell" tour, and even with the ambiguity around NC's announcement, this fact was still very much palpable.Nickel Creek have been playing together since they were quite literally, kids. And even though they were groomed on bluegrass by such luminaries as Alison Krauss, it's the incorporation of indie rock on their traditional bluegrass foundation that's helped create something really unique.The years of playing together reflected well on August 5th, 2007 where I watched them perform at the Ovens Auditorium in Charlotte, NC. All three are advanced students of their respective instruments, if not virtuosos, and their ability to feel what the other members are doing creates dynamic sweeps that are awe inspiring considering the absence of any sort of drums or percussion.I got to the show early as I did not want to miss Fiona Apple, who was on the bill as a special guest. As someone who has labeled Fiona's last album Extraordinary Machine a brilliant work, I was shocked when Nickel Creek arrived on stage without Fiona preceding them.However, my fears were put to rest when she joined the band for a set that was filled with energy and verve. On this tour Fiona is truly a "special guest", not an opening act.On the songs that Fiona sang, Nickel Creek did a bang up job of supporting her, even on a host of tracks from Extraordinary Machine that must have taken a great deal of work to transcribe. The blending of NC and Fiona is without a doubt, what makes this tour a must see event, even if Nickel Creek are never to perform again as a band. The high energy, stage banter and song selection (including a cover of Gillian Welch's "I Want To Sing That Rock & Roll", Ella Fitzgerald's "When I Get Low, I Get High, and a stunning version of Fiona's "Limp") made for a memorable night. Although everything was first-class in regards to the performances it was Fiona Apple who stole the show.This is a woman possessed by her art. She's taken the brunt of critics who could not spot a visionary if one were dropped in their lap. But when you watch Fiona Apple perform, hear her words, and feel what she pours forth, you understand that you're watching something special. This cathartic presence and connection is what live music is all about. And on this night it was available in spades.If this performance is any foreshadowing of what to expect from Fiona Apple's next album (which she begins recording after this tour with Nickel Creek) than I'll be one of the first in line to get a copy.I put together some video clips that I recorded on my digital camera during the show. You can view it at YouTube. But I would highly recommend that you see one of these shows in person.

Robert Burke spends much of his time lovingly crafting thematic music playlists for the Rhapsody Radish and the Yahoo Radish.

Music Review: Spoon - Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga

Robert Burke — Thu, 9 Aug 2007 01:26:47 EDT

We’ve been waiting for a new album by Spoon for what seems like forever, and now that it's been a month since the band’s 6th release Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga hit the streets, I've had some time to let it sink in.2005’s Gimme Fiction was my favorite release of that year, and I had high expectations for Ga X 5 .Well, to put it quite succinctly, my expectations have been exceeded. Spoon continues to deliver the goods and have crafted the most compelling album of their career.The mid-tempo and infectious plodding they gave us on Gimme Fiction continues, but has now been completely mastered, refined and exploited. The melodies and arrangements have stepped it up a notch, and the band explores different territory without losing the cohesive sound that is completely their own. The ethereal sound of “The Ghost of You Lingers,” the reggae styling of “Eddie’s Ragga” and the horn parts on “The Underdog” are all unexpected, but fit like jewels in an increasingly valuable golden crown.At a compact 10 tracks, Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga is a revelation without filler. The production puts each instrument within it’s own space and creates an illusion that the band is performing live in a circle surrounding you.Devoid of overblown recording techniques, it shines as an example of what can be done with some microphones and talent.It’s rare that I hear an album that gives such a memorable listening experience. Previous Spoon discs took many listens to fully appreciate, so I can only tremble at the thought of how this record will unravel over the next few months as we spend even more quality time together.Tracklisting: 1. Don’t Make Me A Target 2. Ghost Of You Lingers, The 3. You Got Yr. Cherry Bomb 4. Don’t You Evah 5. Rhythm And Soul 6. Eddie’s Ragga 7. Underdog, The 8. My Little Japanese Cigarette Case 9. Finer Feelings 10. Black Like Me

Robert Burke spends much of his time lovingly crafting thematic music playlists for the Rhapsody Radish and the Yahoo Radish.

Music Review: Straylight Run - The Needles The Space

Robert Burke — Fri, 22 Jun 2007 08:50:04 EDT

Stream this album in full via Rhapsody.The brother and sister (Michelle and John Nolan) driven band Straylight Run have just released their third album, The Needles The Space on Universal Republic.Honestly, I was ready to give this one a mediocre review a few days ago, but after three more full rotations on my morning commute the record's subtle flavors unfolded before me.There's no denying the delicious pop appeal of the opening track "The Words We Say." On this stand-out track, acoustic guitar, accordion, and glockenspiel create a magnetic foundation for the off-kilter phrasing, melodic hooks and fine tuned harmony. The second track, "The Miracle That Never Came" throws trumpet into the mix and features the seraphic voice of Michelle, who has serious Jenny Lewis moments at times.The rest of the album ran together for me on my first few listens, mainly due to the emo-heavy tracks where John takes on the lead vocal duties. But now (on my 7th listen), I'm a believer. Unrefined 20-somethings will scream about the evolution of Straylight Run, but this band is headed in the right direction.75% of the The Needles The Space appeals to my pop desires and although some of the tracks are not my style, even these are well-crafted and well-delivered. The piano and acoustic guitar-centered songs really shine, and they work better with a lower-key vocal delivery. John will do well to completely break from the screaming emo leaning he groomed with Taking Back Sunday, and he has the perfect role model in his sister.In case you haven't guessed, it's maturity I'm talking about here.I look forward to truly great things from Straylight Run, but in the meantime I'll take The Needles The Space just as it is, and be grateful for it. It's the sound of an emo punk growing into an intelligent adult.Tracklisting:1. The Words We Say2. The Miracle That Never Came3. Soon We'll Be Living In The Future4. How Do I Fix My Head5. Who Will Save Us Now6. Cover Your Eyes7. We'll Never Leave Again8. Take It To Manhattan9. Still Alone10. This Is The End11. Buttoned Down12. Track #1213. The First Of The Century

Robert Burke spends much of his time lovingly crafting thematic music playlists for the Rhapsody Radish and the Yahoo Radish.

Music Playlist: Paris Hilton's Jailhouse Menu: Day 1

Robert Burke — Wed, 6 Jun 2007 08:22:46 EDT

Listen to this playlist in full via Rhapsody by clicking here. I freely admit to being a part of the collective schadenfreude Americans are feeling in regards to Paris Hilton’s arrival in jail on June 3. Can you really blame any middle class citizen for feeling pleasure in seeing a spoiled, snotty dimwit like Paris Hilton punished for breaking the laws we all must abide by?I do feel a bit of guilt for my glee since I heard that Paris refused an opportunity for more comfortable accommodations at a prisoner-paid facility. It shows her desire to prove she can take it like a woman. And it would be awfully hard not to turn out like Paris if you were born into an exceptionally rich family, and stumbled into Hollywood fame at such a young age. But although I can understand why Paris is such a spoiled little snip, I can also understand and accept your joy at seeing her go to jail.For Paris’ first day in jail I wanted to create a special playlist to honor the momentous occasion.Considering that the Century Regional Detention Facility where Paris is now staying has a reputation for horrendous food, I felt a prison menu playlist was in order. The meal schedule consists of 3 low-sodium meals a day, with the only meat being poultry,The playlist includes a song for each menu item that Paris will enjoy on her first full day in the bighouse. Since she arrived at the jail in Lynwood, CA at about 11:30 PM on June 3, her first meal was breakfast the next morning. She awoke to bread, jelly, cornflakes, juice and milk.Lunch included a turkey bologna sandwich, potato chips, an apple, cookie and fruit punch. And for dinner she enjoyed a hot chicken patty, gravy, potatoes, vegetables, salad dressing and pineapple bits. There's no mention of how the chicken was prepared other than it being “hot”, and as far as what was included in the “vegetables” item, who knows? Radish and boc choy perhaps? Needless to say, the non-descript menu text leads one to believe it’s not what the heiress is used to.This playlist includes one song for each and every menu item Paris enjoyed, or traded for protection on day one. And surprisingly, it’s a pretty decent list that includes Clem Snide, Blessid Union of Souls, Pizzicato Five, CocoRosie, Mark Knopfler, Kermit Ruffins, Califone, Yo La Tengo, The Beach Boys and more. So enjoy the music while you ponder her fate.Tracklisting:Breakfast (6:00 AM):1. “Bread” by Clem Snide2. “Jelly” by Blessid Union of Souls3. “Cornflakes” by Pizzicato Five4. “Juice” by Steve Vai5. “Milk” by CocoRosieLunch (11:00 AM)6. “Baloney Again” by Mark Knopfler7. “Apple” by Califone8. “Potatoe Chips” by Slim Gaillard9. “Cookie” by Count Basie10. “Fruit Punch” by Kermit RuffinsDinner (6:00 PM)11. “Return To Hot Chicken” by Yo La Tengo12. “Gravy” by The Monkees13. “Potatoes” by Mark Olf14. “Vegetables” by The Baach Boys15. “Salad Dressing” by Pretty Paul Parsons16. “Pineapple” by Jah Wobble

Robert Burke spends much of his time lovingly crafting thematic music playlists for the Rhapsody Radish and the Yahoo Radish.

The Plaster Caster Playlist

Robert Burke — Mon, 4 Jun 2007 17:44:00 EDT

Listen to this playlist in full via Rhapsody by clicking here.Cynthia Plaster Caster (real name Cynthia Albritton) is one of the few rock & roll groupies in history to capitalize on her sexual escapades with rock stars.Her idea was simple, but brilliant. Get rock stars (or other celebrity types) to stick their fluffed peni into a waiting bucket filled with alginates. From this mold a perfect reproduction of the member could be manufactured for all the world to enjoy. In 2000, she also started casting women.Cynthia has been successful in capturing the manhood (or womanhood) of many rock legends including Jimi Hendrix, Jello Biafra, Peaches and members of MC5, Young Rascals, The Mothers of Invention, The Muffs, Pop Will Eat Itself, and many others.This playlist includes songs by artists (or band members) who have been cast by Cynthia. However, the first track in this playlist is by a group that has never had a member cast. Although the members of the rock band Kiss never let Cynthia preserve their love guns for antiquity, they did pen an ode to Ms. Plaster Caster and her work with the track “Plaster Caster” off of their 1977 release Love Gun.In 2001, a documentary film, also titled Plaster Caster, was released that can appeal to anyone with an interest in groupies, art, rock & roll, or penis. (trailer - YouTube) The very first cast was that of the legendary Jimi Hendrix.Cynthia got a chance to meet Jimi at a show in Chicago and she asked if he would be interested. His answer? ”Yeah!”. So, she got ready with her dental mold material while Cynthia's “assistant”, Dianne P. Caster, paid lip service on Jimi in order to achieve the solid state needed for a good casting. The end result was one of the most famous (and largest) castings of Cynthia’s career.If you're not lucky enough to see the collection at a museum near you, check out the documentary, view the complete list of castees, and take this playlist for a spin. You’ll never hear these songs in the same light again. Tracklisting:1. Plaster Caster - KISS2. Foxey Lady - Jimi Hendrix3. Kick Out The Jams - MC54. I’m Satisfied With My Gal - Jim Kweskin & The Jug Band5. Once In A Lifetime - Anthony Newley6. Good Lovin’ - The Rascals7. Dean - Terry Reid8. Louisiana Blues - Savoy Brown9. Hold Your Head Up - Argent10. You’re A Big Boy Now - The Lovin’ Spoonful11. Wheel In The Sky - Journey12. Good Vibrations - The Beach Boys13. Space Rape - Gaye Bykers on Acid14. I Have Been To Heaven And Back - The Mekons15. Crackin’ Up - Revolting Cocks16. Can U Dig It? - Pop Will Eat Itself17. I’m Ready - Triple Fast Action18. Holiday In Cambodia - Dead Kennedys19. Bitch (Extraordinary Skipping Glitch Mix) - Pigface20. Everywhere I Go - The Muffs21. Rise - Public Image Ltd.22. Fast One - Demolition Doll Rods23. Nub - The Jesus Lizard24. We’re Taking Over the World - Bobby Conn25. Want Me - Ariel Pink’s Haunted Graffiti26. See See Rider - Eric Burdon & The Animals27. Make That Move - The Rockats28. Orgasm Addict - Buzzcocks29. Shitlist - L730. Jenny Ondioline - Stereolab31. Kick It - Peaches32. Maps - Yeah Yeah Yeahs

Robert Burke spends much of his time lovingly crafting thematic music playlists for the Rhapsody Radish and the Yahoo Radish.