Here's yet another installment of "In My Room". I believe I missed last month. Been very busy with my company/buisness of late.
In My Room - July 2004
1.) Nick Drake- Made To Love Magic, So, the estate of Nick Drake finally gives us a new tune, but they do little to improve on the Time Of No Reply rarities disc. Remix, add strings, etc., big whoop!Bummer! that they didn't include all of the tracks from the latter. Bonus points for the wonderful package art/liner notes, etc.
2.) Devendra Banhart- Rejoicing In The Hands, When I hear a young artist that is so unique as Devendra, I am re-affirmed that the future of modern music is very much alive, worth seeking out and in good hands. I just caught this guy perform live this past week. He's a total whacko, but what a voice! Damn good visual artist as well.
3.) Caetano Veloso- A Foreign Sound, I am such a huge fan of Caetano. In my misty, blind folded vision of the man and his music I can see no wrong.
4.) Athlete-Vehicles & Animals, English up-starts that imagine if you will, sound like Steely Bland and Soul Coughing got together after a head-on car collision in the streets of London.
5.) Bebel Gilberto- Bebel Gilberto, Bebel carries on the tradition of her father, mother and uncle's music. Modern Bossa and Samba sounds from a woman who makes soothing, pure, warm sounds for the ears. Highly recommended for those hot and horny summer nights with someone you love.
6.) Jolie Holland- Escondida, The best American female performer, singer, songwriter out there at the moment. She's a National Treasure that Mainstream America will never fully appreciate.
7.) Franz Ferdinand- Franz Ferdinand, Yet another retro band that sounds like Television, Blondie, etc. But not only are these Scots unique in their own right, but damn fun to listen to. The album rocks as well. Far better than your average Strokes, Stills, French Kicks, etc.
8.) The River Bends- And Flows Into The Sea, Denison Witmer plugs his guitar in and forms a rock band. Good sounding American Indie rock.
9.) Kasey Chambers- Wayward Angel, Will someone close to Kasey please tell her to stop having her brother produce her records. This release is Kasey's slickest sounding CD yet, and her worst as well. Too bad, because there's some p darnn good songs on this collection. Saying that, it will most likely sell millions Down Under and flop in the States whenever some label releases it.
10.) Kathryn Williams- Relations, An all cover's collection from the extremely talented British song bird. Now go back to writing your great original songs Ms.Williams!
11.) The Divine Comedy- Absent Friends, Mr. Hannon returns to his roots on his seventh album. Lovely chamber pop music with very clever lyrics. A absolute charmer, really!
12.) Lamb- Best Kept Secrets, British electro-pop duo releases a "so called" greatest hits collection. No new tracks on this one, but my version came with a bonus DVD of six of their videos with a great audio commentary feature for each video.
13.) Maroon 5- 1.22.03 Acoustic, Why the fuck did I buy this CD EP? I can't figure out why I like these guys. They really aren't all that unique or special, but I still listen, go figure!
