March ‘07 Rehash
Air - Pocket Symphony (Astralwerks)
Air once again embark on a journey that manage to make epic sounds without the grandiose gestures. Subtle but always engrossing, this Air album is no different. Some perks for this ride around are guest vocals by Jarvis Crocker (Pulp) and Neil Hannon (Divine Comedy), and a treat of Nicolas Godin having his hand at some classical Asian instruments.
Amy Winehouse - Back To Black (Universal)
Beating around the bush has never been Amy Winehouse’s strong suit. This release in no exception. Bouncing from jazz to a soulful Motown-era R&B vibe, this notorious bad girl conquers with style and sings with a grace that doesn’t necessarily match up with the words coming out of her mouth but is damn good regardless of how you try and cut it.
The Arcade Fire - Neon Bible (Merge)
I don’t think this band needs any more praise. I mean, it’s hard to find a band so universally loved that it’s almost sickening how sappy it can really get. But for the most part, if you can get past the first listen and let it grow in the second and third time around, then you can see where they are coming from. One of the few indie bands that has rose to triumph on their live ability and live up to the hype. The husband and wife tag team hit another one out of the park.
Johnny Cash - Ultimate Gospel (Legacy)
Often forgotten amongst his arsenal of heavy-hitters from the “Man In Black” portion of his career, these gospel tunes are soulful and from the heart. Always one to convey genuine feelings through his voice, when listening to these songs in retrospect to his life, they are all the more moving. He made no claims to being perfect and tried to follow the word of God to the best he could despite the ups and downs. Perhaps, that is what gives these songs the ultimate feeling of sincerity, as there was no posturing with him, no claims to superiority and the quickest way in to heaven, and no toll-free numbers to donate.leaving these songs to be the most inviting way to the big man.
Kate Havnevik - Melankton (Universal)
Spending some time on tour with Air, this like minded female songstress brings brings in inklings of other contemporaries like Bjork and Imogen Heap into a collection of tracks that aren’t all-too original, but enjoyable none the less.
Kaiser Chiefs - Yours Truly, Angry Mob (Universal)
It has come time for the Kaiser Chiefs to come head to head with the curse of the sophomore slump. I enjoyed the catchy tunes of their debut, and this time through the Chiefs take on a less humorous and more sincere approach much of the time. It is chock full of the kind of catchy tunes that made ‘em sell big in the first place, and contains some of the personality that endeared them to many in the first place. It’s not great, but will keep them relevant long enough to see how a third album goes.
Modest Mouse - We Were Dead Before The Ship Even Sank (Epic)
The latest Modest Mouse sound contains all the markings of past Modest Mouse releases, a slight push towards new directions, and most notably the addition of former Smiths guitarist Johnny Marr to their ranks. While Marr’s influences is subtly felt throughout the effort, it is still Brock’s show, and his impressive cast of characters he pulls of in his vocals entertain and delight. While many cried “sell-out” after the success of their last album, the truth of the matter is, this band achieved success without compromising.