TWO-SENTENCE REVIEWS OF MY FOUR LATEST ALBUM PURCHASES
By: B -- 11/22/05
Atmosphere “You Can’t Imagine How Much Fun We’re Having”
I don’t know enough about hip-hop to astutely critique, but this disc sounded a bit sub-par compared to the band’s earlier work. While it’s better than most hip-hop albums (this is Atmosphere, after all), the conventional sound is heavy with the typical beats and bass-lines; not enough pop inklings or upbeat numbers to demand much time in my CD player.
B'S RATING: 6
Franz Ferdinand “You Could Have It So Much Better….”
Taking an “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” methodology when recording their sophomore follow-up, this album is perfect for fans of the band’s uber-popular debut. Post-punk britpop at its very tightest, the song “Do You Want To” is one of the year’s best singles.
B'S RATING: 8
Stevie Wonder “A Time To Love”
Stevie Wonder may very well be my favorite musician of all time, but it’s not because of this album. Stevie hasn’t lost his ear for soothing melodies, but his vocal range isn’t what it once was and the sound is missing the social conscience and danceable funk of his earlier, superior work.
B'S RATING: 5.5
Rogue Wave “Descended Like Vultures”
Picture the brittle tenor of the Flaming Lips’ Wayne Coyne playing over lo-fi indie pop that rests somewhere between Death Cab For Cutie and early Jimmy Eat World. Eccentric and fuzzed out, this album is deserving of praise, and your attention.
