CD Reviews
“Bedlam in Goliath”
The Mars Volta
***
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“Ilyena”
— Reviewed by Patrick James Dolan
Samba beats and convoluted rhythms are a thing of the past since the departure of drummer Jon Theodore, but new drummer Thomas Pridgen’s style is a much needed change of pace for a band that was starting to a sound a little too fast and extreme for its own good.
“Old Growth”
Dead Meadow
***
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“What Needs Must Be”
— Reviewed by Patrick James Dolan
Now back to a trio after saying sayonara to guitarist Corey Shane, Dead Meadow’s Jason Simon tries effortlessly to mimic the stoner-rock psychedilia found on its previous “Feathers.” Sadly, there are only a few keepers, as the new production falls short of creating the same density that made them one of the more famous D.C. outfits in recent years.
“Jesus of Cool”
Nick Lowe
**** 1/2
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“Shake and Pop”
— Reviewed by Justin McIntosh
This “lost” guitar pop masterpiece was largely forgotten for 30 years as it was unavailable or out of print for much of the CD era. Fortunately, this reissue of the originally titled, “Pure Pop for Now People,” is leading to a rediscovery. In addition to the original 11 cuts, this release features 10 non-LP extras, EP sides and compilation cuts. All of the songs are catchy as all get out, and filled with witty, intelligent — and sometimes cynical — lyrics. You won’t find a modern album able to pull off edgy punk songs, joyfully catchy disco, sincerely earnest new wave and rollicking pub rock as fresh, seamlessly and effortlessly as this disc. NL’s debut set the stage for Elvis Costello’s early career, but even the best of EC falls at the feet of NL.
“Unfamiliar Faces”
Matt Costa
***
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“Mr. Pitiful”
— Reviewed by Brad Tennant
From the opening piano riff of “Mr. Pitiful,” Matt Costa shows he’s not just a guitar-stroking surf-singer. He’s fun. He’s unconventional. And he’s versatile. While “Unfamiliar Faces” isn’t as strong an album overall as, say Jack Johnson’s “In Between Dreams,” that often makes it come across as fresh and raw. And while the album occasionally drags, most of the songs have something to redeem themselves with. “Vienna” and “Unfamiliar Faces” show Costa at his most direct and pleasant. The mandolin and wistful melody of “Miss Magnolia” strike almost a bluegrass note. Overall, the songs aren’t poignant, they are just nice. And sometimes that’s just fine.
“Horses Love Me Yes I Am”
It’s Birds
****
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“Mississippi”
— Reviewed by Patrick James DolanThe first 30 seconds of “Horses Love Me Yes I Am” sound very peaceful, as luscious layers of clean guitar chords make every breath precious. But, seeing as the album title leaves no room for a heavenly interpretation, It’s Birds don’t keep it going for very long, kicking it up several notches and bringing a fast-paced, in-your-face record that many nihilists could potentially love. (Ed. note: See our interview with It’s Birds for more on this Morgantown group).