As far as ObviousPop is concerned, this was the first big New Release Tuesday of 2012. I wasn't expecting to really like any of these records, but they are all albums that I wanted to hear and review.
Let's start with the new Ben Kweller...I was hoping to like this one, even though a few songs I had heard border on Crosby, Stills & Nash, it is easily his best record to date and I have a feeling power pop fans will love it. Two tracks that really stand out are "Gossip" and "Jealous Girl." It's a beautiful record with a lot of styles infused into one cohesive group of songs that flow nicely. The melodies are the best thing about this one.
Air is a hit and miss group for me. They are incredibley talented and there is always something to love but their last couple of releases didn't do much for me. Now comes their new concept/soundtrack album "Le Voyage Dans La Lune." It's a soundtrack to the famous French movie of the same name that inspired the movie Hugo. A great story in and of itself. So I expected weird or mellow film music. I couldn't have been more surprised if I had woke up with my head sewn to the carpet. This may be the best thing Air has ever done. Cool melodies, electronic and pop with quirky vibes and sounds that hook you in and won't let go. Make sure you get the "deluxe" CD/DVD edition with the movie included.
Now onto a couple of records I would have bet the nest egg on this to completely suck. I know that ObviousPop is not the destination of Van Halen fans, but I happen to be a big fan, simply based on past hooky hits and because Eddy is one of the greatest rock guitarists of all time. We've all heard about Eddie's problems and according to some of the rumors he was completely washed up. Then there is the return of David Lee Roth and the departure of Michael Anthony. The first clue that the rumors were not all true is their last tour with Dave, even though it was short lived, I happen to see it here in MPLS and Eddie was as good as I have ever seen him. But a new album with Roth? Yikes. The title is "A Different Kind of Truth." The first single is "Tattoo" and although it eventually grew on me, it didn't excite me and was underwhelming. Then there is the album cover, which is just plain awful. So what's to like? Almost the entire record rips with some of the best music and the best guitar playing we've heard from VH since the 1984 album. Tracks like "She's The Women" and "Outta Space" just plain rock and fit right along side the best this band has to offer. If you aren't a fan of VH or that sound, you still won't like it, but I am hoping fans and critics give this one a try. I have read a couple reviews and it was obvious the person did not listen or give it a chance.
Another record that has "bad idea" written all over it is Paul McCartney's new "Kisses On The Bottom." The title and album cover art are complete crap, as is the idea for the Beatles legend to stoop to Rod Stewart level and record an album of old timey standards. I even debated not buying this album at all, just based on principal, but then I heard it playing in a store. At first I wondered "what Beatles or McCartney album is this?" The new album of standards was the answer that I didn't expect. His voice sounds great singing these songs, some I recognize, some I don't. His 2 originals here are good, but there isn't a bad son on the record and the recording is beautiful. It's Beatles lounge music and it is extremely well done. If people enjoyed hearing Rod Stewart's raspy smoke and alcohol ravaged voice sing standards, they will think they've died and went to heaven when they hear Paul McCartney actually do it right and make it work.
Contrary to popular trending, I highly reccomend all 4 of these new releases!
Agreed..."Tattoo", "She's the Woman" and "Outta Space" are definitely the best tracks on the new VH album...but not necessarily in that order.
As for Sir Paul, he played here a couple summers ago and for a dude his age, he was NON-STOP for 3 hours solid!!
Thanx again Doc. You're the best!!
Posted by: Ed Shaw | February 08, 2012 at 10:19 PM