April Reviews

Black Mountain – In The Future:
I was conflicted at first about whether this was a new or old release. They have that retro feel to them but something about it sounded new. Stellar male and female vocals, the heaviness of the bass, the organ…oh my! The first track was absolutely killer and had the rest of the album kept up that momentum it would have probably gotten a 4 or 5 from me, but it seemed to go all over the place after that. Still, it was a good disc. Score: 3

The Answer – Rise:
I was completely hooked on this album. It may seem like a complete cliché album but I thoroughly enjoyed it. Definitely a keeper. Score: 4

Nick Lowe – Pure Pop For Now People:
The album sounds really dated and could use a re-mastering but it is a catchy pop record in the same vein of Elvis Costello…and I loves me some Elvis Costello. And then I learned he wrote “What’s so Funny About Peace Love and Understanding” and all because clear. There are several gems on this album and his lyrics have a great dry humor to them that is highly appealing. Score: 3.5

The Greenhornes – Dual Mono:
My husband got me into the Greenhornes when we first started dating. He discovered them in a very “High Fidelity” sort of way when they were playing overhead in a now-defunct local Hamden record store. We also had the opportunity to see them play Café Nine. (Fantastic live band, by the way!) I think they are one the best 60’s revival acts to come out in the past few years that hasn’t been “forced” or overproduced. This album continually sneaks its way back into my car listening rotation and I love it. Jack White personally handpicked them to open for the White Stripes and then picked the rhythm section (bass & drums) to be in the Raconteurs with him. Score: 4

Tool – Greatest Hits:
Don’t worry Greg, I got your back on this one.

I think Tool is an amazing band through and through. But I will say this…they are a visual band. Their live shows and videos are truly works of art. To listen and watch their videos is quite a different experience. That is how they first captured my attention. Perhaps it is my love of all things macabre but the twisted nature of their videos makes me smirk. I’ve seen them live 3 times and every show has been very different from each other and extremely entertaining.

Fantastic picks…I agree with the majority of the song selection. It had been a little while since I had listened to some Tool so it was refreshing to hear them again. Thanks Greg.

Topic:

1. Favorite Song – This changes from month to month but one of my all-time favorites that I always come back to is “Hallelujah” – the Jeff Buckley version.

2. Favorite Guilty Pleasure – Perhaps it is drunken college memories but the Backstreet Boys - “I Want It That Way.” I’m so ashamed. Kill me now.

3. Perfect Rock Song – I’m going to veer away from classic songs and go with something different and new to change things up and pick “Hysteria” by MUSE. I think its one of greatest rock songs to come out in the past decade or two.