Sunday, November 02, 2008

New Music for November 2008

Counting Crows - Saturday Nights & Sunday Mornings (2008)
There is nothing bad about this CD. I like all of the songs. But... There is nothing special here. If you are a fan, you will continue to enjoy their music. If you haven't listened since the first CD, there may not be a reason to go back. Maybe in time some of the songs will grow on me more. 
Dave Boutette - The Piccolo Heart (2007)
This is a unique and very satisfying piece of Americana. Although it is at times folk, it is not folksy. And though it may be quirky, it is still very accessible. This is very high on my list of new indie releases that I have received this year. http://www.myspace.com/daveboutettemusic 
James McMurtry - Just Us Kids (2008)
The follow up to 2005's "Childish Things", is just as solid, just as potent, just as good. These are more than just stories from the heartland. These are poems. Loud poems, but poems none the less. "Ruby and Carlos" will break your heart. "Just Us Kids" will resonate like no other song about aging. "Cheney's Toy" will make you laugh and nod with understanding. And James is rocking along with every song. One of my favorites of the year.
Elvis Costello and the Imposters - MomoFuku (2008)
Elvis is rocking again with the Imposters. And this is a rockin' good CD. No ground breaking stuff here. No amazing songs that stop you in your tracks. But it is the best Elvis CD in some time. And that means, it is a must buy. 
Mudcrutch - Mudcrutch (2008)
Or, Tom Petty and a few Heartbreakers get together with old friends and have a good time in the studio. It's a bit more country than a Heartbreakers CD; and maybe a bit more ragged, but that just adds to the charm. I'm not going to even second guess the motives of making this CD because it is good enough to stand on its own. "Crystal River" maybe worth the price of admission with the classic riffing in the middle of this 9 minute epic. It is good to see Tom is still working hard to make good music. 
Willie Nile - Live From The Streets of New York (2008)
This is basically a live version of Willie's excellent 2006 release "Streets of New York". There is also a DVD available of this concert. Nothing is lost in translation. A totally under appreciated CD, "Streets", gets a second life with this CD. Hopefully it will pick up more fans. Willie, bring your band next time you play L.A. And don't wait another 20 years! http://www.willienile.com  
Collin Herring - Past Life Crashing (2008)
Collin is Texas' answer to Ryan Adams. Right now, I like what he is doing over Ryan. All he needs is that big CD. But for now, we'll enjoy this not quite Whiskeytrain quality alt country rock. 
Simple - In Perfect Disarray (2008)
I met Stacy Parrish, who is Simple, while he was doing the sound for Sam Phillips earlier this year. This home made CD shows promise for a young artist. The sound is very 90's with the big guitars and the soft sounds moving into big peaks. Inspiral Carpets comes to mind as I listen. http://www.stacyparrish.com/home.html

No comments:

Music Hall Link - Alejandro Escovedo listen