Norma Jean - vs. The Anti Mother

Solid State/EMI

More chugging than a frat party and song-names that 90% of the population would find, at best, puzzling, Norma Jean are back again. Possibly more intense than their previous attempts, Vs. The Anti Mother (which I can only hope is a play on Seaguy's supervillian Anti Dad) collects their previous genre's of christian metalcore, slight innuendos of sass-rock, and the heavyness of past metal outfits ala Zao, and turns it into something more conformed to their own identity than a replication of previous attempts at hardcore.
With the new emphasis on three guitar players (which, speaking from personal experience, is always a great idea in metal) adds more depth and texture than ever before, while production remains crystal clear and intense. The name should be a household one in the metalcore scene, so you should already own this.

Brad Mehldau Trio - Live DOUBLE CD

Nonesuch/Warner Bros.

Mehldau's little trio has released another live disc, with little more or less than the previous: just continuing on that fine path of contemporary jazz standards and covers. I mean, not that covering "Wonderwall" was the first thing that came to my mind when I saw this album, but like all Mehldau material, he makes it work. Two minutes of fairly straightforward imitation, and then jazz soloing, then back to the song. By no means bad, but certainly for the jazz-inclined.

Hank Williams - Unreleased Recordings

Time Life

If this isn't a gift from god, I don't know what is. Possibly the best country musician in the history of the world has three CD's worth of mostly unreleased material. Amazing in its entirety, jawdropping individually.
Winning a pleathra of awards post-mortem (mostly through Jr.), Williams wrote litterally thousands of songs over the years, and unfortunately was taken before his time (aged 29 from something along the lines of mixing morphine with alcohol).
Pioneer of the "honky-tonk" style, he made himself a legend through simple songwriting, genius lyrics, and an incredible knack for hooks. There is little to say about this album beyond "wow". For everyone.

Sa Dingding - Alive

Wrasse/Universal

...And winner for this weeks "most interesting" award goes to Alive by Sa Dingding. This album is for any of you who want new sounds, new ideas, and a fresh new approach to music as a whole. Dingding, a Chinese musical prodigy, takes her nations music, and wraps it all-so-elegantly around the weave of modern pop music.
It still fully retains its roots, but allows for the beats of American music layered beneath the traditional instruments of the other side of the world. Her voice is beautiful: constantly shifting pitches, registers, and consistently sounding in control. Incredible.

J.D. Souther - If The World Was You

Slow Curve

After twenty-five long years of MIA status, JD Souther returns to the spotlight with his fourth solo album, If The World Was You. While more jazz-inspired than previous releases, the album is just as good as anything to come before: well thought out folky rock ballads and an occasional country tune mixed in with a voice firm and full of life.
Recorded live as a standard jazz five piece (drums, bass, piano, and horns), If The World Was You goes beyond most albums of our time and doesn't particularly waiver: great song after great song. Moments make me think of the more upbeat Dylan, and at moments even give me vibes of Reed, but all in all crafts itself out into an incredibly well put together record.

Various Artists - Putumayo World Party

Putumayo

Really, this album is a party. Putumayo does it again with more of the best music from around the world. Everything from great ska (Roy Paci & Aretuska) to Benin's Minde Se (salsa), even reggae legend Burning Spear makes an appearance on World Music. Look no further.
***Shelton's Single Of The Week: "Roy Paci & Aretuska 'Ciuri Ciuri'"***

Various Artists - Ed Sullivan's Rock 'n' Roll Motortown Review

Time Life/Sofa/Time Warner

You obviously know who Ed Sullivan is, and you know who Motown (or motortown) is. It's not hard to figure out what we have: the best of the best preforming live. Smokey Robinson, Supremes, Jackon 5, Stevie Wonder, Temptations...the list goes on. All incredible, all spotless, and possibly more emotional than the widely distributed recordings. Beautiful all around.

Donna The Buffalo - Silverlined

Sugar Hill/Welk

Somewhere between white reggae and pop country gallops Donna The Buffalo: five-piece Tennesee grown rock band. The "white reggae" comment, while usually a cutdown, in this case was actually praise.
The genre works well intertwined with pop music, making something that actually works. Like power pop: probably not the most emotional of genres, but really, when it comes to pop music, who cares? Fun, interesting, and dynamic, Silverlined holds a solid groove through and through.

James - Hey Ma

Mercury/Decca/Universal

With not a single member of the band going by the name of "James", Hey Ma is a requiem to the alternative rock of the 80's, which is something you rarely hear. Pop music, but still retaining that edge of soul and slightly singer/songwriter approach that is sorely lacking from today's genre.
Even that slight Joy Division edge that flairs up every once and a while, which is the part that really catches my interest. After nine albums, James is still going strong, which is more than you can say for most.

Brindl - Acoustic Heart

Self-Released

Just a woman and her guitar! Finally! While I am certainly a sucker for huge instrumentation, I have a soft spot for the stripped down. Yes, there are a few moments of piano and other assorted instruments thrown in, but for the most part it is entirely this: great female singer/songwriter playing her songs as she wrote them. Certainly emotional backing, and even better, a great voice, holds Acoustic Heart together more than any glue could.
***Shelton's Second Single Of The Week: "Love's Great Fan"***

Jimmy Thackery and the Drivers - Inside Tracks

Telrarc Blues/Concord

A weird and varried offering from venerated blues/country guitarist Jimmy Thackery that traverses much of the unexplored areas between genres. Some of the time, he pulls it off in an offbeat way, sometimes he doesn't, but most of the time the songs give a little bit of both.
The album as a whole stands on the edge of decency, with moments of grand inspiration that are usually left unfulfilled. "Inside Tracks" is a nearly solid rock release from an experienced roots musician that may or may not be exactly what you are looking for.

Placebo - Extended Play '07

Virgin/Capitol/EMI

I have always heard good things about this band, albeit from members of their strange cult-like fanbase. After listening to "Extended Play '07," a collection of alternate and live recordings, I can say with certainty that I don't know where they are coming from. Yeah, it doesn't really suck, but it succeeds in reaching heights of mediocrity that I didn't know actually existed.
Actually, wait, they butcher a Kate Bush song. HERESY! She was everything not mediocre about popular music! This does suck! The vocals are unlistenabley annoying and the music is bland indie rock played through stadium sound systems. 'Nuff said.

Gil Scott-Heron and Brian Jackson - Its Your World

Rumia-Gil/TVT

This 1976 classic live album embodies soul. At points called "proto-rap" because of the poetic delivery over music, Its Your World is a liberation concept for the new millenium: music can set you free.
Funky most of the way through, and certainly jazzy, the album swells in pride of emotion and strikes hard at everything it can. Invigorating, brilliant, and the pinacle of the end of the soul movement, Scott-Heron and Jackson take their stand proudly and perfectly.

Lonesome River Band - No Turning Back

Rural Rhythm

Apparently, Lonesome River Band is "celebrating over twenty five years as one the most popular and influential groups in bluegrass music," but I know that can't be totally accurate as two of the five members can't be over thirty five. So, I'm going to assume that the other three members form the core of this venerable bluegrass act and that the aforementioned whippersnappers are responsible for the gross eurotrash outfits everybody is wearing on the front. Never trust the youth. We lie. We cheat. We have bad taste. On that note, I didn't really enjoy this. No amount of solid bluegrass can save modern country from itself. Also, their silk-screened button up shirts creep me out.

Tickle Me Pink - Madeline CD/DVD SET

Wind-Up

What an awful name. I'm starting to think that all of the good band names have already been taken, or why else would people allow such horendous taglines to get written onto paper? Luckily, the band surpasses the name quite a bit: Tickle Me Pink's full length debut (which, may I add, is odd to have your first full length be a CD and DVD) is a continuation of what seems to be modern pop punk: bands ala Say Anything, Taking Back Sunday, and Scary Kids Scaring Kids (whom Tickle Me Pink is currently on tour with).
Relying heavily on hooks and heavy distortion, Madeline must have cost millions to produce with all of the pieces of studio magic you can hear throughout the entirety. Get this if you go to Warped Tour.

Mad Buffalo - Wilderness

Mad Buffalo/Burnside

Neil Young worship at its most vehement. Unfortunately for Randy Riviere, the man behind Mad Buffalo, a successful wildlife conservationist he may be, but Neil Young he is not. Really though, its not bad.
Catchy melodies and generally well crafted songs dominate most of the twelve tracks on this album and the few exeptions don't annoy as much as they bore. Okay in the best way possible. The songs are ernest and heartfelt and "Wilderness" offers a good listen to those who decide to give it a chance.

The James Moody and Hank Jones Quartet - Our Delight

IPO

This four piece jazz ensemble is about as cool as it gets. I feel like the Pink Panther right now; it's great. I wanna slink around smoke filled bars and throw smiles at pretty women.
James Moody rocks the tenor saxaphone and flute and Hank Jones keeps it classy on piano with a strong rhythm section holding it all together. A strong release from two of the most well respected men in jazz.

Lila Downs - Shake Away

Manhattan/Blue Note/EMI

Lila Downs combines modern pop music with traditional Latin styles to make her own brand of perfection. And don't think artists Ricki Martin or the like: this certainly lies stronger in the "Latin" category than "pop".
It involves a full band who all know how to play their instruments, and stylistically gives the artistic expression of Latino/a culture. Points of the album are triumphant, and points are just plain fun. All across the board, this record is a hit!
***So Nice, Gotta Do It Up Twice (Created by the Original NYC DJ, Jocko, 1955)***

The Youngers - Heritage

Buck

There is most certainly a style to American story-telling folk, and The Youngers embody this. The same tone that Springsteen and Dylan, even Neil Young are cloaked in is the same that singer Todd Bartolo seems to revel amongst.
While technically country, Heritage surpases the common notions of the genre. Incredibly well rounded song writing is the key to this record. The blend between country and rock is a unique one, possibly best described as country tone with rock riffs, if you can imagine what that might sound like. Stellar.

Dave Holland Sextet - Pass It On

Dare2/Emarcy/Decca/Univeral

Dave Holland and his sextet are hitting jazz right in the heart: a fluid construction of not only beautiful structure and chords, but also complete originality and soul to back all of it up. Horn and percussion heavy at times ("The Sum Of All Parts"), or real strong piano backing ("Modern Times"), Holland has a knack for composing jazz that stays intelligent and original but not really overdoing it one way or another. Amazing horn playing. Holland is for all fans of jazz.

Hank Williams III - Damn Right, Rebel Proud

Sidewalk

At points of my life, I certainly liked Hank III: good, solid country that hasn't lost sight of its roots. Maybe it's just this new album, or it could be that this release comes in the same set as the original Hank's unreleased songs, but this is really unbearable.
Basically, Damn Right, Rebel Proud is just a bastardization of everything good about the original, and adding every bad element possible to the mix. Over production, obnoxious vocals, and too much ego to handle, this album really just reeks of a spoiled kid riding in his grandfather's shadow. center>

***If You Like Music, You're Gonna' Love This!***

Today's the day our younger son
Is going off to war
Fightin' in the age old battle
We've sometimes won before

Flags that line old main street
Are blowin' in the wind
These must be the flags of freedom flyin'
Church bells are ringin'

As the families stand and wave
Some of them are cryin'
But the soldiers look so brave
Lookin' straight ahead

Like they know just where they're goin'
Past the flags of freedom flyin'
Sister has her headphones on
She hears the music blasting

She sees her brother marchin' by
Their bond is everlasting
Listening to Bob Dylan singin' in 1963
Watching the flags of freedom flyin'

She sees the president speakin'
On a Flat-screen TV
In the window of the old appliance store
She turns to see her brother again

But he's already walkin' past
The flags of freedom flyin'
Have you seen the flags of freedom?
What color are they now?

Do you think that you believe in yours
More than they do theirs somehow?
When you see the flags of freedom flyin'
Today's the day our younger son

Is goin' off to war
Fightin' in the age old battle
We've sometimes won before
Flags that line old main street

Are blowin' in the wind
These must be the flags of freedom flyin'

Political Article: Soldiers of Conscience: Opposing the Iraq War By: Jessica Mosby Back To Top "There are two types of bayonet fighters, the quick and the dead. Which type are you?" This is what a boot camp drill sergeant yells at new recruits, who then reply in unison - "the quick!" During any war, a soldier's survival depends on this "kill or be killed" mentality. But killing the enemy, even for soldiers who deeply believe in the cause, is not easy. Some soldiers decide they must put down their weapons - even if that means being court-marshaled and imprisoned. The new film Soldiers of Conscience documents soldiers who, during the middle of their deployments in Iraq, became conscientious objectors. The documentary, which premiers on PBS as part of the Point of View series this week, is not 86 minutes of liberal-biased, anti-war propaganda; it is a very thoughtful exploration of the moral debate about killing during times of war. Filmmakers Gary Weimberg and Catherine Ryan made Soldiers of Conscience with cooperation from the United States Army. The ethical dilemma that anchors the film is blatantly stated in the first few minutes - "At some point, every soldier has to face the question: Will I be able to kill another human being in combat?" Until recent wars most soldiers were not willing to kill; during WWII the military found that 75 percent of combat soldiers did not fire at the enemy when given the opportunity. "Reflexive fire training" - a technique now taught during basic training wherein firing a weapon becomes second nature - has increased firing rates to almost 90 percent. A quick reaction may save a soldier's life, but it can also mean that killing becomes so intuitive that a soldier may not clearly evaluate the situation before firing. Major Peter Kilner, a West Point professor of ethics who was recently deployed to Iraq and will serve in Afghanistan this winter, questions the implications of this training practice. "When you train them reflexively, they learn to make those decisions much more quickly, but the price of that is they're not thinking through the great moral decision of killing another human being," he says. The concept of being a conscientious objector was acknowledged in 1775 by the Continental Congress. When the U.S. had a military draft, conscientious objectors often cited religious beliefs. Quakers, for whom pacifism is a fundamental part of their religion, notably objected to combat when drafted, but would serve in other parts of the military to fulfill their obligation. Since the U.S. no longer has a draft, whywould a pacifist volunteer to flight? The answer is, they wouldn't. But some soldiers have a "crystallization of conscience," military speak for having an epiphany that turns them against the war while enlisted. They can then file for conscientious objector status. Watching the film's haunting footage of the Iraq war is so incredibly upsetting from the comfort of my living room that it is difficult to comprehend what it is actually like for soldiers who experience this unending brutality on a daily basis. Becoming a conscientious objector, like four of the military personnel profiled in the film, seems like a reasonable reaction. The film takes the idea of conscientious objection one step further by profiling two soldiers (Joshua Casteel and Aidan Delgado) who formally became conscientious objectors, finished their tours, and were then honorably discharged; and then, in contrast, features two other soldiers (Camilo Mejia and Kevin Benderman) who were not formally recognized as conscientious objectors, went AWOL, and were court-marshaled and imprisoned. All four soldiers have now written books about their experiences. Although Mejia's and Benderman's dramatic stories made the national news, Casteel's experience is the most captivating. A staunch republican who was raised as an Evangelical Christian, Casteel attended West Point and voluntarily enlisted in the military - despite feeling a conflict with his religious beliefs. While working as an interrogator Abu Ghraib prison, he interrogated a self-proclaimed Jihadist. The man's impenetrable religious conviction so affected Casteel that he couldn't finish the interrogation. After this "crystallization of conscience," he applied for and was granted conscientious objector status, and later honorably discharged. It is very obvious that Casteel's strong-held religious beliefs were not used as a ploy to avoid finishing his tour, but rather the "nobility of service" that he grew up believing in became an illusion. The film features respectably in-depth interviews. No one - not the conscientious objectors nor their critics - is reduced to a flashy sound-bite that misconstrues their actual opinions. This helps the film in its impartiality. Soldiers of Conscience doesn't take sides, it is not an anti-war or a pro-war film; instead, it truly surveys and attempts to understand the complexities of a moral conundrum. Many civilians, who have never experienced extreme violence firsthand, may find it difficult to comprehend a justification for murder - or how a person can emotionally recover after killing someone. For the active duty military personnel interviewed in the documentary, they are just doing what they have to do because, according to Kilner, the "alternative's worse." But this does not mean that the soldiers who voluntarily fight are not bothered by their experiences. No one is portrayed as warmongering or hungry for blood. Soldiers of Conscience does not vilify or glamorize any of the soldiers who choose to fight. War is an unfortunate part of life and someone has to fight. The reality of modern war, not just the unpopular Iraq war, is bloody - high body counts and collateral damage. The film, possibly unintentionally, engenders a newfound respect for the soldiers that experience hell daily on the front lines, while simultaneously questioning the fundamental idea of war.

Back To Top