This is a reissue of organist Richard “Groove” Holmes’s 1967 LPs Super Soul and Soul Power!, complete with the original liner notes. Probably best known for his hit version of “Misty,” Holmes was clearly in his soul-jazz fusion prime when he made these recordings. His combination of groove (he was …
Read More »Jon Sobel
Michelle Anthony: Stand Fall Repeat
A fine bass player and pianist, Anthony, who is model-thin, has a powerful, rich voice reminiscent of Mama Cass or Ellen McIlwaine. But her sensibility, in spite of the CD's relatively lush arrangements, has more in common with the starkness of Lucinda Williams or Liz Phair.
Read More »The Self-Destruction Handbook
This little book cleverly satirizes America's obsessions with sex, health and various vices. Filled with bizarro-world table turning, plain absurdity, and acute observations of familiar social phenomena that no one likes to talk about, it would make a great gift for anyone who can take a joke.
Read More »Lovedrug: Pretend You’re Alive
Lovedrug’s “Pretend You’re Alive,” or as I started to think of the CD, “Pretend You’re Radiohead,” has a promising first minute, but the thin, snarly vocals aren’t my cup of tea – they come across as affected, rather than animalistic a la (say) Perry Farrell or Ziggy Stardust-era Bowie. But …
Read More »Moco: Out To Go
Moco is a garage punk whirlwind. Their new CD hit American college radio this spring, but they ought to be marketed to the Nuggets crowd too, if such a thing is possible. Heat up some Animals, (including a Trogg or two), season with Jim Morrison, whip it into post-punk tempos, …
Read More »The Clarks: Fast Moving Cars
If this CD doesn't break The Clarks nationally, it won't be the music's fault. All the goods are here.
Read More »Gail Ann Dorsey: I Used To Be…
Sung like Bacharach-Warwick collaborations filtered through the Stylistics, "Magical" and "Take Me To Your Love" go down like tea with honey. The latter in particular shows the artist's acknowledged debt to Philly soul.
Read More »Katie Melua, “Call Off the Search”
Katie Melua’s debut rides the Norah Jones pop-jazz highway straight down the middle of the road, but it’s a road with awfully nice landscaping. The 12-song release is filled with warm-hearted and accomplished singing, tasteful arrangements, and enough variety to make the album a good listen all the way through. …
Read More »Jason Didner: American Road
Jason Didner’s new CD is loaded with heartland rock plus a few modern touches, but the title cut is by itself worth the price of admission. A road anthem with a great catchy chorus, it could certainly be a radio hit with clearer production. Some of Didner’s melodies and guitar …
Read More »John Taglieri, Half and Half
At the school of romantic heartland rock, John Taglieri probably graduated at the top of his class.
Read More »