Sonic Youth
When he first burst onto the music scene as the teenaged frontman of the grunge band Radish, Ben Kweller was all sizzle and no steak. Adored by creative teams at record labels, Radish never caught on commercially, and Kweller broke away from the band at the age of 19 to start a solo career. In his most recent album, a self-titled effort, Kweller finally seems to have settled as a songwriter, reflecting on his erstwhile music ventures and the rediscovery of young love.
Man, It’s So Loud in Here
As a reviewer, I’ve never felt dwarfed by a band whose album I was about to critique. From Springsteen to the Shins, I’ve always been able to take a step back and listen to the music without feeling an attachment to the artist. But when They Might Be Giants’ new album, The Else, arrived in my mailbox and made its way to my car stereo, I suddenly became nervous. It’s not that I have any great affinity for this band that has been making music since the year I was born – one of my closest friends is a rabid fan girl, but I only have an attachment to a mix CD of their work that she made me. It’s just that their fan base is such a unique niche and their oeuvre is so cemented in the pop culture landscape after 25 years that it doesn’t feel like what I’m about to say is even going to matter. But, because I’m something that resembles a professional, I’m going to say it anyway.
Oh Brothers
For better or worse, Cary Brothers is inextricably linked with Zach Braff. So, for that matter, are the Shins, Iron & Wine, and Frou Frou. Garden State was a seminal experience for budding fans of indie music, myself included. But while the Shins and even Imogen Heap had albums available to the brainwashed masses who walked out of Garden State and into Tower Records, Brothers only had a handful of EPs. That problem will be remedied on May 29, when Brothers releases his (yes, Cary Brothers is the name of a man, not a band) debut album, Who You Are. Faithful fans will be happy to know that the full-length release will have been worth the wait.
The Summer of Expensive Entertainment
Very quickly, this summer is becoming a burden on my wallet. Over the past two days, I have committed myself to attending four major events, each more expensive than necessary, each an inescapable draw. Not to mention the fact that this summer is rich with potential experiences at the cineplex. Below the jump, take time to enjoy the ways I’ve already figured out to waste my cash over the coming months.
Enjoy Responsibly
There should be little explanation as to why Michael Bublé’s newest CD, Call Me Irresponsible, tops the list of best-selling albums on iTunes as of the writing of this review. The Canadian-bred crooner pushes songs that are immediately recognizable to any generation of listener and has a unique ability to put a modern spin on standards while remaining remarkably faithful to them.