4Play

May 9, 2007

Sean Lennon - Friendly Fire - Capitol
Everyone seems to expect nothing less than John Lennon’s songs to come out of his son’s mouth, which is unfortunate as it often puts the younger Lennon at a disadvantage before he’s even given a chance. He did inherit his father’s wonderfully tuneful sensibilities, and, sure, it’s human nature to compare; but let’s not ignore the fact that Sean is crafting that influence into songs that are unique to his individual talent and viewpoints.  Set on a supporting platform of piano and spare guitar beds, these are appealing, gently pondering songs, heavy on the balladry, that showcase Sean’s emotions, his easy and sometimes sly phrasing, and his quizzically witty approach to the world around him;  highlights include the lyrical “Wait For Me,” the playful “Headlights,” and the dulcet, lo-fi title track.
 
The Cinematic Orchestra - Ma Fleur - Ninja Tune/Domino
Written as the soundtrack to a imagined film that may or may not actually materialize, Ma Fleur makes a musical statement that will stick with you long after the CD stops spinning.  Whether you choose to call it electro-jazz, nu-jazz, or any other combo of terms, the fact is that Jason Swinscoe is rapidly becoming a master at melding his beautiful, compelling, jazzy compositions with exactly the right beats and the perfect vocalists to emotionally interpret them, here including Lou Rhodes and Patrick Watson.  The only catch is that some of the material, as pretty as it is, can be somewhat shy right at first - but the set is so beautifully structured that it will warm up in familiarity before you know it, and you’ll be wishing that there were already visuals to go along with this evocative music.

 

Arctic Monkeys - Favourite Worst Nightmare - Domino
Arctic Monkeys have nailed their signature sound for a second time on their sophomore release, a impressive feat for a band that only introduced theirselves to the fickle masses last year.  They could have collapsed under the annoyingly pushy media-anchored weight of trying to effectively follow up the fastest-selling debut disc in UK chart history, but instead, they channeled that energy into a plethora of punk-rock/Britpop tracks that lean on the band’s sharp guitar work and working-class Yorkshire sensibilities.  Loaded with sass and vinegar, these songs - from the first single “Brianstorm” to the well-crafted “This House is a Circus,” from “Fluorescent Adolescent” to the heavier “D is for Dangerous” - make for a well-rounded second set that sets things up nicely for their third.


Various Artists - Screaming Masterpiece - One Little Indian
In spite of Iceland’s miniscule size and remote location, they’ve contributed a remarkable amount of innovative pop music to the world, beginning with Bjork’s original band, The Sugarcubes, and continuing on to Bjork’s solo work and the impressive songcraft of the likes of Mugison and Sigur Ros. This great CD collection pays homage to the influence of Icelandic music, and is also the companion soundtrack for the DVD documentary of the same name;  you’ll get tunes from all three aforementioned artists, plus more from the Icelandic String Octet, Matmos, Gudmundur Kristmundsson, Zeena Parkins, Mum, and Ghostigital.  If you’re already a fan of Icelandic music, you’ll dig this comprehensive and entertaining overview;  if you’re not already a fan, just listen and chances are you will be.