Reviews

Robin BlackInstant Classic (EMI)Instant Classic is the latest, so-so release from the outspoken Robin (Fucking) Black. His androgynous cock-rock evokes a love/hate response from anyone subjected to it. The flamboyant confidence of Black and his band allows them to put their own spin on the influences they so proudly wear on their sleeves. If you […]

Limb TitcombS/T(Sony)Liam Titcomb has makings of being either a big star or a semi-obscure, highly respected musician. It is his choice. He is devilishly good-looking and can lay down a pop hook or two, which means that he could easily pump up the hit machine and be a more talented David Usher. But there also […]

Sarah SleanDay One (Warner)Sarah Slean’s sophomore major-label offering is a much more diverse picture of her sweeping, eclectic palate. The piano takes a back seat, and Slean adopts a grittier, guitar and drum machine-based production aesthetic, but still maintains the rollicking cabaret feel of Night Bugs. Despite occasional forays into darker subject matter, this is […]

Talib KweliThe Beautiful Struggle(Rawkus)Talib Kweli was one half of hip-hop powerhouse Black Star, and due to the success of partner Mos Def, Kweli faces some lofty expectations. The Beautiful Success is his sophomore release and it exceeds any expectation. “I Try” (with Mary J. Blige), the title track and “Black Girl Pain” are standouts on […]

David Jacobs-StrainOcean or a Teardrop(Northern Blues)This record’s acoustic jolt strokes the skin as it enters the ear. Sound almost upstages the performance of the young Oregonian, who includes covers of Mississippi Fred McDowell and Sleepy John Estes alongside his own songs. A few political numbers envision upheaval and its aftermath in personal terms. Urgency overload […]

Kim RicheyThe Collection (Lost Highway)Kim Richey falls under the ignored midwestern singer-songwriter genre. A best-of compilation shows that Richey is a fine songwriter who deserves more press than she gets, but it is also easy to see why she hasn’t been smashing down any doors. A rich texture of folk and country flows throughout, but […]

Heavy meadowsheavy meadows(Dependent)On their second full-length disc, heavy meadows prove again they are one of the city’s best-kept secrets, filled with Seth Timothy’s lush arrangements of subtle textured folk that would make Nick Drake and Tim Buckley proud. Here their sound relies more on Timothy’s guitar and vocals of Virgil Muir, but the songs have […]

Young Heart AttackMouthful of Love (XL)Whether you’re into the retro-rock appeal of Jet and designer trucker hats or are all old school about Burt Reynolds, Young Heart Attack is your new fav-ourite band. Mouth Full of Love is a raw stab of energy-packed, white-trash rock. Borrowing from predecessors with little regard for either copyright or […]

Badly Drawn BoyOne Plus One is One(XL)It is possible the deaths of Elliott Smith and Joe Strummer (this is dedicated to both) have had a profound influence on Damon Gough (AKA Badly Drawn Boy). There’s been a seismic shift in his songwriting. Gone are his tendencies to over-indulge in clever arrangements and melodic twists. Instead […]