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April 25, 2007

I’m From Barcelona - Let Me Introduce My Friends - EMI International
Have you ever heard of a rock band consisting of 29 members? Well, you have now - this Swedish group, helmed by main singer-songwriter Emanuel Lundgren, is creating a stir in the modern pop-rock world with their latest disc, and for good reason. Whimsical, sugar-coated, a little silly, and a lot catchy, these songs will catch you off guard amidst the rest of the musical world, which is well-known for a little emo and a lot of angst. Which, of course, makes this set quite refreshing, especially songs like the xylophone-tinged “Oversleeping,” the uber-big “Ola Kala,” the travel-wise “Collection of Stamps,” and the pretty “The Saddest Lullaby” - all flavored with quirky instrumentation and the zest for life that hallmarks I’m From Barcelona.


Jesse Malin - Glitter in the Gutter - Adeline
Bringing the ages-old struggles of life into a more modern setting, Jesse Malin sings of the details of his own life (or so it seems) in an effort to identify with his listeners. Malin’s approach works beautifully, in large part because of the inflections in his voice, which is well able to carry the emotions that his lyrics speak of. But that’s not to say that this set is maudlin - it’s reflective, yes, but in a more uplifting way, from the hit-repeat fusion of “Prisoners of Paradise” to the encouraging “Don’t Let Them Take You Down (Beautiful Day),” from the well-crafted “Love Streams” to the super-pretty “Aftermath.” He did have some assistance from the likes of Ryan Adams and The Wallflowers’ Jakob Dylan, but overall, it’s still mostly his (beautiful) show.


Aqualung - Memory Man - Sony
Aqualung, otherwise known as British singer-songwriter Matt Hales, has done it again with this album - his second U.S. release, it perfectly showcases his penchant for smart, lush pop songs and wistful balladeering. The set - written by Hales himself, along with collaborators Ben Hales and Kim Oliver, might start out on an up note, with the first lo-fi single “Pressure Suit” and the different-for-Aqualung (meaning more guitars) “Cinderella,” but it’s not long before the tracklisting winds back around to what Hales does best; namely, crafting those atmospheric love/love-lost songs his fans wait for. Other highlights here include “Outside,” the appropriately meandering “Vapour Trail,” and the slightly gritty closer, “Broken Bones.”


Idlewild - Make Another World - Sanctuary
Their first offering on their new label, Idlewild spent a mere six weeks hard at work on these ten songs, which they recorded with longtime collaborator/producer Dave Eringa in
Edinburgh, Scotland. Something of a throwback to the beginnings of their sound - which held more rock influences than recent albums - they’re still harnessing the powers of Roddy Woomble to anchor those howling vocals, perhaps best displayed on the disc’s first single, “If It Takes You Home,” and additionally utilized on such tracks as “No Emotion,” “Future Works,” the impressive and quirky “Ghost in the Arcade,” and the album’s closer, “Finished It Remains.” Label change or not, Idlewild’s sound remains their own, with just enough new punch.