Lately I've gotten a number of new cds, but haven't really been in the mood to write a big, long review. So I'm just going to write a few words here about a small number. I'll utilize a 5 star (um, asterisk) rating system, to conserve brain power.
Devendra Banhart: Rejoicing In The Hands
Young God Records (2004)
****
When I first listened to this album, I thought it was just general, generic folk. But several weeks later, on a repeat listen, it clicked with me. The acoustic guitar playing is fantastic, and Banhart's voice fits the mood he weaves.
Dillinger Escape Plan: Miss Machine
Relapse (2004)
***
This record is good. But it didn't blow me away like I thought it would. Technical hardcore with some other twists thrown in. Some of the guitar soloing reminded me of Buckethead.
Lucia Micarelli: Music From A Farther Room
Warner Brothers (2004)
****
Lucia Micarelli plays #1 violin for Josh Groban's live show. I'm not really a Groban fan, but then he isn't as bad as other pop classical artists. I became aware of this cd when I found out Leigh Nash (of Sixpence None The Richer fame) lent guest vocals to a track. And bought it. That track is fantastic. While the rest of the cd would have been out of the world had Nash sang on all tracks, Micarelli's violin playing carries the proper emotion to make it worth me listening to the whole cd. Nay, to make me want to listen to the whole cd.
Mindy Smith: One Moment More
Vanguard Records (2004)
***
This cd is nice. Smith's voice is nice, her songs are nice, the overall feel is nice. But it could be great. Most of the songs have that standard americana/folk/country feel to them without adding anything new to the genre. If her next release shows a spark of personality, she could become the next great thing.
Article comments
1 - Eric Olsen
excellent, thanks TT, glad to see you back
2 - Tom Johnson
Only three stars for DEP? It didn't blow you away? Wow. I can't imagine what it would take to blow you away then - this is most definitely the most mind-bending album of the year. I had to take it out for a breather after the first couple of songs, then put it back in and start all over again. Intensely textural. It's like Mr. Bungle on speed.