Be Here Now: New Album Releases Snapshot Review 11-26-13
Thought experiments
Darkside – Tom Stoppard And Pink Floyd – The greatest playwright of the 20th century writes a radio play incorporating elements of Dark Side Of The Moon. Voices by the likes of Bill Nighy and Rufus Selwell who act out thought experiments (like the sort you learnt in ethics class back at college, over the album played with most of the vocals removed in celebration of its 40th Anniversary. So where’s “Money”, eh?In pocket of course – B+
Back To Brooklyn – Barbra Streisand – I was at Barclay Center when this was recorded, it was too wordy then and it is too wordy now – B
Midnight Memories – One Direction – A triumphant third album jinx skipped with one 1D hit after another as well as some spunky guitar work, typical ballads and close harmonies . I don’t love it but it is a perfect example of an instrument doing precisely what it was manufactured to do – B-
Summer Remix EP – alt-j – Overrated? You betcha. But better Jim James and Dave Setek -though very 2009, right? – remixes than the real thing – B-
Knock Madness – Hopsin – Tech N9ne buddie has a way with words, is tons of fun, can really rap and is socially aware… and should break with this one. But he isn’t quite good enough lyrically – B-
Common Courtesy – A Day To Remember – Hardcore emo rockers are the best at this business as this album does it all again, scream plus melody plus guitars, and does it well – B
Meltdown EP – Pitbull – This is the one that gave you “Timber” with Ke$ha as well as Kelly Rowland and Mayer Hawthorne (!) duets – B
Fried Turkey – Starlito – Former Cash Money rapper All Star, releases his second album as Starlito and he has great flow though a little typical subject matter, vocals a little lower than we are used to – B
Frozen – Various Artists – Soundtrack for upcoming Disney movie and it is always a pleasure to hear Idina Menzel and Jonathan Graf, even Demi doesn’t come a cropper. “Let It Go” is gonna break big – B
Revolution Number Zero EP – The Brian Jonestown Experience – Nearly perfect Anton Newcombe songs that doesn’t stop working, same old Stones psychedelia plus atmospheric but over just four songs it doesn’t come close to out staying its welcome – A-
