What the Creative Loafing music team is jamming to break through the Monday malaise and rocket launch the week… Click here to check out previous entries.
– Nevermore, The Obsidian Conspiracy (2010)
Waiting seven albums to drop a snoozer is pretty admirable – and for that, Seattle prog-thrash legends Nevermore deserve credit. The ingredients for great metal are here – Jeff Loomis’ mind-bending riffs, Warrel Dane’s soaring voice and gloomy, thoughtful lyrics, and Van Williams' tight drumming. Nevertheless, The Obsidian Conspiracy simply fails to connect. In the break since their incredible 2005 set This Godless Endeavor, Loomis and Dane both issued solo albums and Dane revived his 80’s thrash outfit Sanctuary. Did they simply overextend themselves?
Gabe – John Legend & The Roots, Wake Up! (2010)
Fantastic covers album by outstanding R&B keyboardist/singer John Legend backed by hip-hop/R&B band The Roots. Choosing socially relevant songs that still resonate today, Legend and The Roots tackle nuggets by Donny Hathaway, Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes and Curtis Mayfield. A highly recommended and very timely release.
Joran – Rush, Moving Pictures (1981)
Just watched the Rush documentary, Beyond the Lighted Stage, and I'm totally on a Rush kick now. They're apparently performing Moving Pictures on their upcoming tour, which stops at the Ask-Gary Amphitheatre this Friday, October 1. Standout tracks: "Tom Sawyer," "YYZ" and "Limelight."
– Will Johnson, Vultures Await (2004)
The Centro-Matic frontman's '04 solo album is a beautiful and eclectic affair that belies the alt-country tag and reveals a wide array of styles and influences. It's still intimate and heartfelt, but also endlessly inventive and truly original. "Catherine Dupree" sounds like Tom Waits taking a stab at melancholy pop, and "Closing Down My House" is just incredible.
Mike – J. Tillman, Singing Ax (2010)
J. Tillman is the drummer of Fleet Foxes. He's released numerous albums and EPs, and each one is just as good as the last. If you're into the chilled-out, relaxing-in-a-field-with-your-honey type of music, check him out. It's worth your time and effort.
Taylor – Janis Ian, Between the Lines (1975)
Falling somewhere between Carole King and Joni Mitchell, 35 years later, this album is still poignant and beautiful. The obvious stand-out is Ian's signature tune "At Seventeen." (I wonder how sick musicians get of a song after so many years?) My favorites are the title track and "In The Winter."
Tracy May – Bad City, Welcome to the Wasteland (2010)
Anyone remember this band from their Smashing Pumpkins opening gig at The Ritz? I know everyone was there for Sir Billy, but hopefully enough people paid attention to these guys too, and filed the name away for future reference. Josh Caddy and company have a great sound. The duel lead guitars, anthemic multi-voice choruses, and songs like "Wild Life" (video after the jump) and "Call Paul Stanley" have put Bad City on my must-see list.
This article appears in Sep 23-29, 2010.