New music review and mp3 download

Just a quick listing of new music on my IPod that I have not quite finished listening to:

Bob Dylan – Tell Tale Signs

Dylan, this is volume 8 in the Genuine Bootleg series it is an absolute must for Dylan fans. Newcomers to the Dylan sound will enjoy this material as well. This 2 CD set is filled with gems and alternate versions of new and old material. Someday Baby and Everything is Broken are from the Modern Times release and are represented here as alternate takes. I feel both of them are as good or better than the versions chosen for the original album.

Brian Wilson – That Lucky Old Sun

I have just started listening to this one and it does have the Beach Boys vibe and sound to it but not to my taste. I really never did understand the band or the huge fanbase but it is similar in nature to my feelings for the Dead.

Oasis – Dig Out Your Soul

Having been an Oasis fan off and on over the years, I can say this, the new album sounds better than anything I have heard from them in the past. True they steal shamelessly from the Beatles and continue on with the tradition here, it’s a fresh sound and heavier than they normally produce. Bag It Up and Get Off Your High Horse (…Ballad of John and Yoko is in there somewhere…) are two that come to mind. You can pick up influences from several different Beatles songs in just about every tune.

Keane – Perfect Symmetry

Piano rock still works, haven’t spent much time with this one but from what I have listened to they are maturing as a band and maybe rehab for the lead worked.

New to me but not finished listening yet section

Petula Clark – Downtown – The Pye Anthology Pt 1 & 2

(A definite must for anyone missing the ’60′s vibe) All of her biggest hits in a double CD set, all hugely overproduced to the point where her sound probably wouldn’t cut it today.

Ricky Nelson – Greatest Love Songs

Love Rick but man is he a downer, never realised it before until I got this one. A guy with this many loner, sad I’m gonna miss you songs its kinda sad, excellent voice and his back up singers are classic 50′s.

Kings Of Leon – Only By The Night

This band is getting better with each release, the last album took a little while to grow on me but the more I listened the better it got. I expected and recieved the same from them this time.

Ben Folds – Way To Normal

I am a big Ben fan and this album is excellent as usual Ben’s humor is intact on this one in songs like ” The Bitch Went Nuts” and “Effington”
Coming out this week:

New CD from local Worcester Mass band Huck, these guys know how to put together a pure pop album. CD release party November 8th at Ralphs (Eat at Ralphs..Live forever) Their last release Never Been Nowhere has been on my IPod for over two years now and it always delivers. Whether you are into lyrically stuffed songs or hard rockers they are on here and it is highly recommended.

Just picked up a new (to me) CD from the John Cate band, their first release which is 12 years old now. Their last album Wild Way (produced by David Minehan of the Neighborhoods fame) is another excellent mix of roots and hard driving rock. Here is a download link from Johns website for the title track.

\”Wild Way by The John Cate Band\”

More/Later

 

The Emerald Isle

Wow too bad no one came.

The 3 day festival at the Emerald Isle was great, some real talent displayed on all three days but the attendance was a little less than what I had hoped.

As usual The Silverbacks were great, they looked and sounded great on a big stage for a change. The opening act Mark Orell sounded like a rocked out Paul McCartney with tons of energy and some real chops, I can understand why he chose to leave the Dropkicks when he did, he also sat in with the Silverbacks for a song which was a treat. Tab the band also held their own although the crowd had diminished a bit when they came one. Closing the night out was Clutch Grabwell revving up the crowd and Lenny Peterson proved again that he is the best trombone player on the face!! Saturday was also strong when it came to the lineup with amazing sets from Jimmy DeAngelo and Code Blue, we closed out the night with Big Dawg who got the place moving with two sets the last of which featured the horn section.

Heard nothing but good things about Jediah and Soulstice as well, biggest complaint was the fact that they only served Bud and Bud Light. Also the “beach” in front of the stage looked a little worn by the end of the weekend. The sound crew did a great job mixing each band quickly and efficiently, don’t know their name but they were excellent.

Spent some time at the Vernon as well, pretty good crowd in there on Saturday night – especially the table full of Shrewsbury-ites.

Next week – Uke fest at the White Eagle (love that place)

Coming up – John Cate Band at Vincents on the 20th.