Category: CD QuickTakes (Page 103 of 149)

Straight No Chaser: Holiday Spirits

December 12, 2008 /

There is something about a ten-piece vocal group that just lends itself to holiday music. Straight No Chaser is such a group, and after forming over ten years ago at Indiana University, this group became YouTube darlings last year with their hilarious and compelling version of “The 12 Days of Christmas.” Atlantic Records chairman Craig Kallman was one of those who liked what he saw; the rest is history, as Holiday Spirits is the group’s debut on Atlantic. But these guys are no one-hit wonder, because this collection of traditional holiday songs and a few originals blend together beautifully, and are delivered with an amazing vocal flair that rivals the likes of Take 6. Some of the highlights are Donnie Hathaway’s “This Christmas,” “Carol of the Bells,” and of course “The 12 Days of Christmas,” a live version that shows the group’s morphing into a medley of holiday songs, culminating in a clever use of the lyrics to “12 Days” to the tune of Toto’s “Africa.” But to have original songs rival the traditional stuff is not easy, and Straight No Chaser pulls it off with ease, particularly on the stunning “Indiana Christmas.” This one is a must-have this holiday season. (Atlantic 2008)

Straight No Chaser MySpace Page

CD QuickTakes, CD Reviews, Pop

Jared Campbell: Beyond the Gray

December 12, 2008 /

At first encounter, Jared Campbell would seem an easy target for typecasting. With his impassioned vocals and melodies that take an easy, breezy sway, he fits the mold of a John Mayer, Jason Mraz or any of dozens young up and coming singer/songwriters staking their claims on the charts these days. Fortunately, familiarity doesn’t breed contempt, thanks to the emotional stakes Campbell invests in each of the ten tracks that comprise Beyond the Gray, his second full-length album and fourth outing overall. In some cases, the song titles tell all, but the poignancy imbued in each takes them well beyond their headings, from the gripping title track and the searing, biographical “House of Cards” to the twitchy “Teach Me to Love” and the heartfelt devotion that seeps through “My Queen.” In simpler settings – the all acoustic “Worth the Wait” and the spunky and yet telling “Everything to Gain” – Campbell also draws comparison to the troubadour types that are a fixture in so many coffeehouses and corner bars, but his good-natured delivery makes him more folksy than folkie. Consequently, while its banner implies a certain parting of the clouds, Beyond the Gray also suggests that sunnier days are on the way. (self-released 2008)

Jared Campbell MySpace page

CD QuickTakes, CD Reviews, Folk, Pop

Brett Dennen: Hope for the Hopeless

December 12, 2008 /

Up ‘til now, Brett Dennen has been positioned as a sort of 21st-century troubadour, a scruffy kid with an acoustic guitar and a big ol’ heart pinned to his sleeve – which is why his third disc, Hope for the Hopeless, may give fans a bit of a shock, what with its generous coating of semi-glossy production (applied by John Mayer and Dave Matthews helmer John Alagia) and introduction of somewhat dance-friendly beats. Heck, there’s even a restrained Femi Kuti cameo on the first single, “Make You Crazy”! Fans who have loved Dennen for his previous albums’ strong coffee-shop vibe may cry sellout, but that’s just sour grapes talking: Hope for the Hopeless is no better or worse than what’s come before it, it’s just that Dennen’s less of an idealist than his lyrics might make you think, and he’s made a calculated bid to expand his audience. It’s a gamble that might have worked six or seven years ago, when this sort of pop-radio-friendly college rock was on the rise with the TRL set; in 2008, however – and coming from a smaller indie like Dualtone, which lacks the muscle enjoyed by Alagia’s more famous clients’ labels – it seems like an unlikely way for Dennen to broaden his fanbase. Still, the songs are solidly crafted and tastefully uplifting, and if the lyrics occasionally venture into softheaded territory (”Heaven ain’t got no prisons / No government no business”), the songs are more than capably presented by a band of session ringers that includes drummer Joey Waronker and guitarist Mark Goldenberg. It may not provide what its title promises, but if you’ve got room for a little more singer/songwriter pop in your diet, you could certainly do a lot worse than this. (Dualtone 2008)

Brett Dennen MySpace page

CD QuickTakes, CD Reviews, Folk, Pop

Donavon Frankenreiter: Pass It Around

December 12, 2008 /

If Joe Cocker had a little brother who was raised by England Dan and John Ford Coley, and he grew up to be a musician, he might sound something like Donavon Frankenreiter. Part of the Jack Johnson school of guitar-toting pro surfers, Frankenreiter has more of a fondness for things like melody and rhythm than some of his more famous peers (most notably Johnson himself); his last album, 2006’s Move by Yourself, was even something close to muscular in spots – in the context of the genre, anyway. In comparison, Pass It Around is more subdued; Frankenreiter is enough of a craftsman to flesh out his arrangements and make room for something more than his sandy vocals and acoustic guitar, and even if the vibe never wavers from “good ‘n’ mellow,” you at least get the feeling he’s trying to entertain someone other than himself. He doesn’t always succeed, mind you – Frankenreiter is still much more distinctive as a vocalist than a songwriter – but on the surf-rock continuum, Pass It Around is far closer to boss than bammerwee. (Lost Highway 2008)

Donavon Frankenreiter MySpace page

CD QuickTakes, CD Reviews, Folk, Pop

Cantinero: Better for the Metaphor

December 12, 2008 /

Christopher L. Hicken, the man behind the Cantinero name, has quite possibly created the best indie sleeper hit album of 2008 with Better for the Metaphor. It’s obvious Hicken has not only the talent but time and money to put behind his project, as the production and mix on this CD is near flawless. The songs are top notch, too, with the opening “My House” reminding one of the great Thrillcat from many years ago. Hicken has a playful way with his pop, and “Goodbye Life” explores this quality in a most winning fashion with its retro feel and Gershwinesque bounce. Even on a semi-morose tune like “Medicated,” Christopher manages to plant tongue in cheek and have some fun with it. Hicken’s softer side as heard on “Sometimes” is just as engaging. And “Thinner” is both stately and pure pop at its best. This is truly a fascinatingly satisfying pop album and Hicken will certainly be an artist to keep your ears on as he goes along in his career. Great stuff. (Tinkle Tone Records)

Cantinero MySpace page

CD QuickTakes, CD Reviews, Pop, Rock

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