Sometime in August, the world at large is going to change to one record release day, Friday, and while I wish it would change to a record release day of Tuesday -it is terrific to wake up on the second day of the week with all new songs, instead of waking up on Monday with the new songs played out and another five days for a fresh lot, I was sick of the UK getting their music before us and it makes sense in a digital world for all of us to start from the same position.
But as we get to August, the Tuesday release date has changed on us and we’ve gotten a bumper release of new albums and singles on Mindays! Especially this week. I reviewed the new Best Coast more thoroughly earlier this morning, and the rest of this is a very early impression… Plus, I am including singles which I usually review in a separate article…
California Nights – Best Coast – Superb guitar dazed songs of love lost and found in the night sun – A-
Some Type Of love – Charlie Puth – Charlie sang the hook to Wiz’s “See You Again” and so is currently stuck at the top of the Billboard 200, a good time for this Jersey answer to Sam Smith Youtube sensation to come into his own. This is a terrific EP, especially the Meghan Trainor duet on “Marvin Gaye” – B+
Jackie – Ciara – Named after her mother, this Queen of crunk has all the rhythmic smartiness you’d hope for on her sixth album, plus the best song Pitbull has been involved with since “Timber” – B
Angels Of Fenway – James Taylor – Terrific verse, oversold on the Hymn like chorus, about the year the Sox broke my heart: 2004. Wonder if he will play it at Forest Hills? – B
Coffee – Miguel, Wale – A goodie by a guy who keeps on nearing best soul singer around and missing the mark – B
Wilder Mind – Mumford And Songs – Owes some to Coldplay and some to the National as well, though quite why they messed with their own unique and popular sound to copy somebody else’s I have no idea. “Broad Shouldered Beasts” is excellent – B
The Waterfall – My Morning Jacket – When they say it is MMJ’s best work in years, what they mean is it is better than Circuital… which it is, but so are more things. A lovely, low key, very melodic break up album that will come to life on stage – B
