THE LOUDER STUFF
THE BRONX – Bronx VI
Top notch high-energy punk rock ‘n’ roll a-la Hellacopters/Supersuckers from the best band still around doing that sort of thing. (8)
CARCASS – Torn Arteries
As expected in the same vein (sorry) as everything the extreme metal pioneers have released from “Heartwork” onwards, as expected excellent. (8)
THE NIGHT FLIGHT ORCHESTRA – Aeromantic II
Another nostalgic trip through 80’s AOR, this will remind you of everything from Rick Springfield to Aldo Nova. A throwback, but lots of fun. (8)
THRICE – Horizons / East
Post-hardcore’s answer to Radiohead. (7)
TUESDAY THE SKY – The Blurred Horizon
Jim Matheos goes New Age. (7)
TURNSTILE – Glow On
This is supposed to be a hardcore band but this album is all over the place and I mean that in the best possible way: The last time I heard a heavy album as crazy as this was probably “Toxicity” back in 2001. (9)
VARIOUS ARTISTS – The Metallica Blacklist
Only Metallica could pull off something of this magnitude, i.e. getting 53 different artists from every possible genre to each choose and cover their favorite “Black Album” track, and of course the results are uneven but overall this is enjoyable (best of all is probably Jason Isbell’s reimagining of “Sad But True” as a Texan barroom stomp). That being said, I’ll be very happy if I never have to hear “The Unforgiven” or “Nothing Else Matters” again for as long as I live. (8)
THE OTHER STUFF
BIG RED MACHINE – How Long Do You Think It’s Gonna Last?
Start-studded side project of Bon Iver/The National is a pleasant listen, more pop than indie rock, but the guy’s Auto-Tune is REALLY starting to get on my nerves. (7)
BUENA VISTA SOCIAL CLUB – Buena Vista Social Club (25th Anniversary Edition)
The most famous, and arguably the best, world music album of all time, now expanded with outtakes and alternate versions. If you missed it the first time around - a must for every record collection. (10)
FELICE BROTHERS – From Dream To Dust
Their most Dylanesque album. (8)
STEVE GUNN – Other You
For the most part sounds like Ryley Walker’s cousin. (7)
AMYTHYST KIAH– Wary + Strange
One-fourth of black female Americana supergroup Our Native Daughters on solo album, more bluesy than folksy, its main strength being Kiah’s deep, soulful voice, more Otis Redding/Paul Rodgers than Rhiannon Giddens. (7)
LOW – Hey What
Dig deep beneath the distorted electronics and you’ll find beauty. (8)
KACEY MUSGRAVES – Star-Crossed
This is a break-up album following her recent divorce and it’s more pop than country, but unfortunately it lacks the spark that made previous efforts like “Same Trailer Different Park” and “Golden Hour” so great. (7)
ADIA VICTORIA – A Southern Gothic
Reinventing the blues. (8)
