|
Doug Gillard: Salamander
Indie sensations Guided By Voices might be winding down a stellar career, but
guitarist Doug Gillard steps out into the land of solo artistry with a solid
effort of really cool songs. There’s something strangely endearing about this
music. It’s at times haunting, at times off key, but somehow Gillard’s unique
melodies and killer guitar tones and playing suck you in. The upbeat opener, “Valpolicella,”
and “Present” are standouts among a really good set of blue-collar indie rock.
Chris Thile: Deceiver
Chris Thile, of the bluegrass band Nickel Creek, presents us with a departure of
sorts for him. This dude can play the mandolin better than almost anyone on the
planet, yet he’s clearly going after the alternative rock audience here as well.
He even plays every instrument and somehow fuses flavors of jazz, classical and
progressive music into something interesting. Fans of the straight-ahead won’t
have much stomach for this, but there’s no doubt musicians and snobs everywhere
will find something to like on Deceiver.
Peter Case: Who’s Gonna Go Your Crooked Mile?
Peter Case has been around for quite some time, having fronted one of my
favorite one-album wonders, The Plimsouls, back in the ‘80s. Now he releases
this greatest hits album of sorts that chronicles his 10-year tenure with
current label, Vanguard. The bluesy and brilliant “Crooked Mile” is on here as a
live track, as well as others handpicked by Case himself from four albums’ worth
of killer songs. Two new tracks are featured as well, including the incredibly
catchy “Wake Up Call.”
Karmina: Voyage of a Thousand Dreams
I’m a sucker for good melodic ear candy, and this Los Angeles-based
singer/songwriter and sister duo provides much of it on their self-released
debut. Once you get past the obligatory comparisons to Heart, Avril Lavigne,
ABBA, Michelle Branch and Jennifer Paige, you’re left with the fact that this is
simply a collection of great songs. “Favorite Fantasy” and “Painted” could be
radio hits right now, with hooks that hit you right in the gut. Mark my words;
these girls have a REALLY bright future.
~Mike Farley
mfarley@bullz-eye.com
|
 |
|
