|
 DJ JAZZY JEFF
The Return of the Magnificent (BBE/Rapster)
On his first solo LP, The Magnificent, Philly’s Jazzy Jeff proved that he was good for more than getting tossed out the back door by Uncle Phil and has thankfully returned to serve up some of the same quality hip hop that we can now count on him for. Jeff moves between rap and soul with ease, even including some more upbeat jams with ample cuts to satisfy the old-school heads. I’m sure he’s really proud of producing some classic moments and electric performances from Kardinal Offishall, Peedi Peedi, Rhymefest, Big Daddy Kane, Raheem DeVaughn and CL Smooth, who blesses the crown jewel “All I Know.” 10/10 (Scott C)
 VARIOUS
Joe Strummer: The Future Is Unwritten
(Legacy/Sony BMG)
Director Julien Temple has a new biodoc about his friend, the late, iconic Clash frontman, and word is that while it’s uneven and frustrating to a degree, it’s nonetheless a full and edifying experience for fans. No word on a Montreal screening of the film, which opens elsewhere this weekend, so this sonic scrapbook will have to be a stopgap. It’ll do nicely, as it’s packed with solo tracks and rare Clash demos, snippets from Strummer’s BBC World Service radio show and songs that inspired him. Toss in Rachid Taha’s cover of “Rock the Casbah” and a tune from Strummer’s previous band the 101ers, and you’ve got a grab bag of goodies from the original globopunk. 9/10 (Rupert Bottenberg)
 WILCO
Sky Blue Sky (Nonesuch/Warner)
With this sixth album, Jeff Tweedy and co. prove their tanks are still full. Gone are the more experimental sides that came with ex-member Jim O’Rourke as the band releases its most mature effort yet. Tweedy’s new ace in the hole is touring guitarist Nels Cline, who finally makes it onto tape and figures massively here. It’s obvious that Wilco is still able to turn some corners, and if their more outside moments turned you off, you are going to love this perfect Sunday-afternoon record. 8/10 (Johnson Cummins)
 PATRICK WOLF
The Magic Position (Loog/A&M/Universal)
The more “wolf” acts, the merrier. This 23-year-old Brit sports a new look with each album (this is his third) and has already announced his final concert, then denied that he’s really retiring. Sound familiar? Some say Wolf is the new Bowie, but his theatrical juxtapositions of strings, horns, piano, keys, crooning and teeth-gnashing narratives is more akin to Canada’s orchestral pop scene, Pulp and the Divine Comedy, and Antony & the Johnsons. Despite a non-starter or two, this is his most inviting record to date, loaded with exquisite ballads and big, bright pop songs, with a spooky cameo by the grand dame of damage, Marianne Faithfull. 8.5/10 (Lorraine Carpenter)
MAXÏMO PARK
Our Earthly Pleasures (Warp/Fusion III)
Unfairly lumped in with the Futureheads and their retro crowd after their punkish debut, Maxïmo Park’s second album fully exploits their strengths, the impassioned delivery and clever songwriting of erudite/lovelorn frontman Paul Smith. There are some nice piano flourishes throughout, but the music takes a backseat to Smith’s relationship musings. Not exactly the most original rock album, but the lyrics are never reduced to clichés and each song feels fresh and distinct. The more rocking songs, such as “Russian Literature” and “Karaoke Plays,” rock harder and convey more sincerity than any of their British peers. A thoroughly solid Britpop album. 8.5/10 (Erik Leijon)
MICE PARADE
self-titled (Fat Cat/Fusion III)
Even with highlife riffs, flamenco rhythms and a little indierock angst on hand, Adam Pierce plays a curiously subtle game on Mice Parade’s seventh LP. The clatter of drums and guitars is offset by lush keys and hushed vocals by Múm’s Kristin Anna Valtysdóttir, a full-fledged band member since the last album, as well as Stereolab’s Laetitia Sadier. They relieve some of the monotony of Pierce’s voice, and the dearth of melody or hooks. The record seems to set a tone, an inoffensive grey-on-grey ambiance, and run straight ahead with it. There’s blood in this thing, but I’d check the heartbeat. 6/10 (Lorraine Carpenter) With Tom Brosseau, David Karsten Daniels at Main Hall on Wed., May 23, 9 p.m., $14
ELECTRELANE
No Shouts, No Calls (Too Pure/Select)
…And no show, for those who had intended to see this Brighton quartet tonight (May 17)—it’s cancelled. Too bad, because their fourth album is a beaut, like a canvas filled with light, colour and movement. Their soft, slightly flawed falsetto harmonies are a fine counterpoint to locomotive guitars and highly melodic vintage keys. Electrelane dwell in the same neighbourhood where the likes of Stereolab and Broadcast intersect with the Velvet Underground and krautrock bands, which would explain their tendency to meander, seemingly strumming into infinity until the spell is broken by a new tune and another sweet melody. 7.5/10 (Lorraine Carpenter)
 STRUNG OUT
The String Quartet Tribute to Arcade Fire’s Funeral (Vitamin/Universal)
The band credited above isn’t the jockpunk joke of that name, but rather two violins, a viola and a cello, responsible for the latest in the Vitamin label’s expansive spread of string-quartet homages. Previous such outings range from intriguing (Björk’s work, for instance, or New Order) to incomprehensible (baroque revisions of Hoobastank and Jessica Simpson… good lord!). In this case, the call is almost too obvious. The players remain remarkably faithful to the original material, the plaintive violins drawing out new emotional resonance and the clean, simplified arrangements highlighting the songs’ powerful essence. Fans of composer Michael Nyman will get a serious kick out of this. 7.5/10 (Rupert Bottenberg)
LINKIN PARK
Minutes to Midnight (Warner)
Can’t shake the disease. Even with the legendary Rick Rubin at the helm, Linkin Park gets on my damn nerves. Yes, they have gotten away from the rap-rock sound, but still come off predictable. There are a few glimmers of hope here—“Shadow of the Day” is their U2 moment and “Hands Held High” is the obligatory patriotic anti-war rap, a sincere effort devoid of a phat beat and hooky chorus. There’s a strange folky feel to songs such as “Bleed It Out’, while the Katrina ode “The Little Things Give You Away” mixes in a touch of electronics, a direction worth exploring. With Minutes to Midnight, Linkin Park shows that they are a little older, a little wiser, yet still have room for improvement. 7/10 (Lateef Martin)
ABDOMINAL
Escape From the Pigeon Hole (Do Right)
Andy Bernstein, aka Abdominal, has never been at a loss for words, and this Toronto-based MC is on a quest to get in as many as he can before his time is up. Escape From the Pigeon Hole isn’t that much of a departure for this microphone gymnast, with several breakneck, break-based beats acting as a backdrop for his quick-lipped verses. It’s the masterfully visual and jazzy spoken-word leanings of “Flutter” that will leave you wanting more of the six-pack perspective. There’s even room for a couple of head nods with “Countdown” and “T-Ode” with Notes to Self, rounding out a strong release. 8/10 (Scott C)
NE-YO
Because of You (Def Jam/Universal)
Ne-Yo is getting a lot of comparisons to Michael Jackson, circa Off the Wall, with this sophomore release, but he really only deserves that on “Can We Chill,” a track reminiscent of Jackson’s feelgood pop grooves. Elsewhere on this follow-up to last year’s In My Own Words, the singer/songwriter is far more mundane. He occasionally displays some of his better songwriting chops—“Addictive” recounts the not-so-enjoyable aspect of stardom over a catchy, stuttering beat—but he’s not that creative throughout. The album’s best track, “Leaving Tonight,” pairs him with Oscar winner and former American Idol contestant Jennifer Hudson. The fact that she sings circles around him doesn’t do him any favours. 7/10 (Gerard Dee)
 JAMES BLOOD ULMER
Bad Blood in the City (Hyena/Fusion III)
Ulmer has dodged his blues and jazz roots to a degree here, and brings the funk with a concept record dealing mainly with the aftermath of Katrina. Living Color’s Vernon Reid is once again producing, and sadly brings in his shredding guitar, which sticks out like a sore thumb. Ulmer really scores, though, by taking the timeless lyrics—and inspiration from Junior Kimbrough, John Lee Hooker, Son House and Howlin’ Wolf—and applying them to the ongoing plight of New Orleans. 8.5/10 (Johnson Cummins)
HERB GELLER & BRIAN KELLOCK
Hollywood Portraits (Hep Jazz)
JOE LOVANO & HANK JONES
Kids (Blue Note/EMI)
Two exquisite duo sessions, the first combining an American alto player who lives in Germany with a pianist from Scotland, one who ranks as a favourite with Sheila Jordan. They play 20 Geller compositions dedicated to stars of the cinema like Ingrid Bergman, Greta Garbo and Marilyn Monroe. The second was recorded live in NYC by two superb musicians who have been heard often together in recent years. Jones, who turns 89 this year, just gets better, and Lovano is the tenorman of the day. Their 11-track outing includes three by Hank’s late brother Thad, Lovano’s tribute to “Bird,” “Charlie Chan,” and Miles and Bud Powell’s “Budo.” Both CDs are among the year’s best to date. Both 10/10 (Len Dobbin)
Mini CD Reviews
SHEILA JORDAN & E.S.P. TRIO Straight Ahead (Splasc(h)) Recorded in Italy by the world’s premiere jazz singer, this has as a bonus the trumpet playing of Paolo Fresu. 10 (LD)
MONSIEUR OK La Mixtape (LAOK) M. OK teams up with 7D for a ruff, rugged and raw look at an underrated MTL MC mixed by DJ Colbert. Guests include Ken Lo, Karma, Filigrann, Manchilde and more. 8.5 (SC)
DARLING DEMAES Winter Keep Us Warm (independent) Local band produces pretty, plain and simple acoustic pop with warm-hearted harmonies. 7 (LC) At les Minots on Sat., May 19, acoustic
MEGADETH United Abominations (Roadrunner/Universal) Metal’s always had a hard time aging, and unfortunately Dave Mustaine’s reheated riffage and reports on the Iraq war are just tired. 6 (JC)
DOLORES O’RIORDAN Are You Listening? (Sanctuary) Ex- Cranberries singer bores crashingly, applying that breathy, brassy voice to more lyrical clichés than you can stick a shake at. 4.5 (LC)
FABER DRIVE Seven Second Surgery (604/Universal) Another inoffensive release from Canadian Punk Generating Unit 3000. 3 (EL)
|
