Mortal Man – Kendrick Lamar – I have gone back to Pimp-Butterfly over and over again and I am stuck respecting it more in theory than enjoying it in practise. I really don’t like feeling OBLIGED to like something that is leaving me more bemused than amused. This song, tieing Kendrick to TuPac’s apron strings isn’t really a song, though it certainly has some serious issues. “When you hit 30 they take the heart out of a black man.” Interesting without being true – A-
Gonna Get It Wrong – Allison Moorer – The last song on her terrific new album is as strong as the first, an aching self-appriasal of so much beauty, the slide guitar makes you wanna cry. “It’s alright” goes the hook… I hope so – A
Don’t Say Anything – Sleeping With Satellites – Less post-hardcore, more pre-emo, deep tuneful rock – B+
Locked And Loaded – Twin Shadows – I saw this guy on stage a coupla years ago, and he was much more exciting than you might think for a man with a PC, but the new album hasn’t clicked, this song isn’t quite soulful enough – B-
Just For A Minute – San Cisco – Sasst little disco beat here… odd from these indie guys – B
Of Course We Know – Modest Mouse – A big blast of indie rock herky jerkiness – B-
Wherever I Go – Mark Knopfler – There is nothing wrong in growing old and creating beautiful nopises, but my sense is he would do better as an instrumentalist. The singing is such a drag – C+
Immortal – Marina And The Diamonds – This is inexcusable, a real bore by a woman I wanted much more from – D+
Darlin’ – Houndmouth – Closes out with an excellent big time rock ballad… almost justifies the hype – B+
