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Jan. 17, 2007

Shiny Toy Guns - We Are Pilots - UMVD

There were two earlier demo versions of this disc released before UMVD decided to set loose this particular version on the world, so it’s interesting to see what made it to the very polished and carefully-produced final, final, final set.  Focusing on the band’s not terribly unique but very enthusiastically-delivered version of electro-pop, most of the songs here are pretty darned catchy, and are very danceable.  Although the more appealing tracks are generally the ones with layered vocals, there’s still quite a bit here that works beyond that, too.  Highlights include the sci-fi-esque “When They Came For Us,” the elegant “We Are Pilots” and “You Are The One,” the oh-so-disco “Don’t Cry Out,” the appropriately-titled “Le Disko,” as well as the sleeper “Starts With One.”
 

Justin Timberlake - FutureSex/LoveSounds - Jive

Have you seen or heard Justin Timberlake lately?  Did you catch him on SNL? Have you sung along to one of his radio hits?  Yup, that’s JT - now evolved so far from his stint in N’Sync that it’s hard to believe he was ever in a boy band. Sure, sometimes he’s a little over-the-top with that whole “SexyBack” thing - but it’s still pretty impressive how he combines pop and funk to make for a distinctive sound that’s easily trumping anything that Michael Jackson left us with. Not to mention he knows both who to draw from and who to invite in to his new party. He draws heavily on the influence of Stevie Wonder, and collaborations with the likes of Timbaland and will.i.am push things yet another notch up. The talent’s definitely there, so let’s hope Timberlake won’t grow too big for his britches (cough - Kanye) and will continue to grow as a musician.
 

The Shins - Wincing the Night Away - Sub Pop

Long in the making and much-anticipated, The Shins will likely both delight their indie fans and alienate a few of them with this effort, which makes a bid for recognition beyond the indie charts. Mainstream?  The Shins?  Sure - it’s not that they’re selling out, it’s that they’re honing further in on what makes their melodies great, and that’s bound to appeal to a wider audience. The familiar Shins pop-rock sounds are here, like on the epic grunginess of “Phantom Limb,” the epic, sweeping tune of “Sleeping Lessons” and the peppy “Turn on Me” - but their experimental side is also peering around the corner, washing string sounds over “Red Rabbit,” playfully breaking up the synth on “Spilt Needles,” and even trekking in a bit of hip-hop on the forceful and interesting “Sea Legs.” It’s all what Shins fans are probably expecting, plus quite a bit more.
  

Mos Def - True Magic - Geffen

For those worried that Mos was going to abandon his music career in pursuit of his successful film work (The Italian Job, Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy), fear not - the talented Mos the Multitasker is on the case, and he’s delivered yet another unique, expressive effort that you’ll enjoy more with repeated listens. Produced by The Neptunes’ Pharrell Williams with addition production from Minnesota and Preservation, the title track is first off the starting line, with Mos speakin’ it like he means it, and that genuine yet confident vibe continues on through his pointed delivery and lyrical skill.  Some of the beats could’ve been sharper, but all in all you’ll like the Mos Magic of such songs as the against-The-Man “Dollar Day,” the catchy “Fake Bonanza,” and the appealingly sing-songy “There is a Way.”