Taking a crack at some recent new releases on vinyl:
Bruce Springsteen's "Wrecking Ball" can best be summed up in one word:
over-produced. There are some decent songs here, some under-developed ideas, some recycled jingos. But it's all smothered under a major overdub and overproduction fest that pretty much screws up the record. And hey - Boss - don't try to be cool at 60 and do some hip-hoppy shit. Be age-appropriate. Sounds not bad, pressing not the best, by far not the worst. Included CD is listenable in the car. This boss needs to retire or be downsized.
Van Halen have no problem with being age appropriate, they never grew up. A blast from the 70's and 80's on "A Different Kind Of Truth", I even like "Tattoo". Pretty good sounding for an obvious digital cutting, cool red vinyl, and the cover rocks. Nice return for Van Halen, recommended on vinyl, nicely cut over two LP's.
Howlin Rain change direction somewhat for "The Russian Wilds", produced by Rick Rubin. Less of the cosmic and fuzzed out, more of a 70's retro vibe and earthier, more California 70's stoner than the first two records which were more 90's psych. Takes a few listens to settle in, worth the effort, good record, decently pressed and sounding fine on vinyl. Three and a half of five stars.
The Shins "Port Of Morrow" is going to be at the top of many of those lame "best of 2012" lists and is a great record. Much more 'major label indie' than previous Shins records, this one has a new level of maturity and polish, a less frenetic energy and is a more cohesive statement. Mercer is a fabulous songwriter. This gets lots of listens and reveals itself more each time, the hallmark of a great record. If you are looking for the earlier Shins it is not here, although the craftsmanship has gone way up. If you couldn't get into The Shins before, this is the starting point. Nice pressing, very good sounding on LP. Highly recommended!
Paul Weller is another who has been on a major run with his last 3 records. "Sonik Kicks" is fabulous. Weller seems to have reached a new level of maturity that has given him a new sense of purpose, and that is not not be some kind of retro or tribute act, but to keep moving forward - the Miles Davis of rock. It rocks like crazy, and every song is unique and just about perfect. Good vinyl pressing, good sound - Weller cares about vinyl.
Flying Colors has been labelled a 'supergroup' as it consists of Neal Morse, Mike Portnoy, Dave LaRue, Casey McPherson and Steve Morse - a pretty potent lineup. It has also been falsely labelled 'prog rock', which is just plain wrong - it has elements of 70's rock, metal, and yes, even a bit of a prog sensibility. Yet it is unique and fresh, these guys have chops to spare, but it isn't a display of virtuosity, it's a very cohesive, tight record. Neal Morse's born again tendencies pop up from time to time lyrically, but not obnoxiously. Portnoy has the chops but shows some restraint and taste. The songwriting is excellent, thematically diverse. They at times suggest a less over the top American Muse, at other times Abacab period Genesis, sounding only like themselves. A top record, well pressed, sounds great on vinyl. Highly recommended - for and a half doobies.
Tidak ada komentar:
Posting Komentar