1. DoubleBack: Evolution of R&B – Joe – Joe is a journeyman and an everyman but he is a real one and the R&B he continues is a direct coninuation of the music of the 1970s. He is a good not great singer, superb with rhythm but his songs are generic and not particularly memorable. The exception? The “Love And Sex” duet with Fantasia – ALBUM OF THE WEEK – B+
Between The Walls – About Group – A Hot Chip and a Spring Heel Jack join This Heat’s drummer Charlie Heyward for an electronic indie group fest. It should really really suck but from time to time somebody remembered the song, and at least three tracks, one a Bacharah-David cover admittedly, actually make it – B
Collapsible Lung – Relient k – Christian power pop group and maybe the best Christian rock group since, wow, since the Devil Wears Prada/ Smarty, melodic power pop with a message -so just ignore the message – B+
Glorious Ruins – Hillsong Live – Man, this really is terrible. Overblown toxic mush – D
PARTYNEXTDOOR -PARTYNEXTDOOR – 19 year old Canadian signed to Drake’s new label. Thin stuff, like Drake for children. The Drake song isn’t worth searching out, though “Right Now” migh be given time – C
The Weight Of Your Love – Editors – Arty, dark, slow and boring UK rock. “What is this thing called life?” The lead singer wonders. Yup, like dat – C-
Sunflower – Never Shout Never – It’s like Conor Oberst if Oberst was hit on the head and forgot hot to write songs – D+