Short Attention Span Record Reviews - Dec 2015

ATLANTA RHYTHM SECTION – Ten Best
Harder than the Doobie Brothers and cooler than a southern rock Toto, ARS was one of those great Tier-2 70’s bands truly epitomizing the post-hippy, pre-punk spirit. This greatest hits package is so good it’ll make you dive into the deep album cuts next. (8) 

DANIEL MENCHE & MAMIFFER – Crater
I love you Aaron Turner but you’ve just given me a migraine. (6)

DANZIG – Skeletons
Glenn turned 60 this year and he can’t pull his shtick off very well anymore. This covers album is not among the highlights of his career. (6)

ERYKAH BADU – But You Caint Use My Phone
The soul diva describes this as a “mixtape”, it’s basically a telephone-themed sexy R’n’B album combining cover versions with remixes of her own songs. (7)

FRANK TURNER – Ten For Ten
“The First Ten Years” is a 4-disc box set with non-album tracks and rarities. “Ten For Ten” is that box set’s Disc 4 but it’s also released as a separate digital download and contains, well, non-album tracks and rarities. (7)

NATALIE PRASS – Side By Side: Live at Spacebomb Studios
EP featuring live versions of 2 tracks from her Dusty Springfield-influenced debut album plus covers of songs by Anita Baker, Grimes and Simon & Garfunkel originals, deliberate choices for that extra WTF oomph. (7)

SHYE BEN TZUR, JONNY GREENWOOD & THE RAJASTAN EXPRESS – Junun
Radiohead guitarist Greenwood and Israeli composer Tzur team up, pull a Page/Plant and go all exotic on your ass. The only difference is they choose Northern India instead of Northern Africa. (8)

SUNNO))) – Kannon
Scary bearded dudes in hooded robes continue their never-ending quest for that elusive shit-in-your-pants-inducing low frequency. (7)

TOM WAITS – Transmission Impossible
Live radio performances from the 70s and 80s. Not really a bootleg but not exactly Waits-approved either, hardcore fans will love it nevertheless. (8)

THE YAWPERS – American Man
Sons of Springsteen, younger and rowdier cousins of the Hold Steady. Good stuff. (7)