4Play: Editors, Mission of Burma, Weezer, Castenets

Jan. 24, 2010

Editors - In This Light and On This Evening - Fader/Sony
Giant washes of guitars and even more fervent vocals from frontman Tom Smith are the hallmarks of Editors’ latest set, as are topics ranging from conspiracies and hushed message-sends to man vs. machine scenarios. The songs themselves are perfect fits for the lyrics in most cases, most notably the mysterious and urgent “Papillon,” the somber military drums and darkened, low-tone vox of “The Big Exit,” and the Ultravox-reminiscent instrumentals of “The Boxer” and “Like Treasure.” It may be a somewhat post-apocalyptic set, but it’s certainly an impressive one.


Mission of Burma - The Sound The Speed The Light - Matador
Post-punkers MOB are well known for working brightly with their own unique dichotomy of sonic noise and prettiness, and there’s plenty of that still here. The difference with this album, though, is that they’ve put more of the spotlight on the hooks and the song structures, even while wrapping those punky attitudes and racket around the arrangements. “Good Cheer” sounds precisely like that - all boisturous clamor and grins - while “Blunder” marches along with more determination; and tunes like “Feed” and “Slow Faucet” borrow a little shoegaze for their balladry.



Weezer - Raditude - Geffen
Seven records in, Weezer still - well, sounds precisely and exactly like Weezer, complete with Rivers Cuomo’s distinctive vocals and those memorable choruses. Yet it’s also a more raucous, dare we say rawk! effort, as the production often seems to hang right on the edge of control and the songs throw in just enough unusual off-balance twists to keep you off-guard. “Love is the Answer” melds cool ‘60s soul and folk-pop, “Can’t Stop Partying” belies its title with regretful minor tones, and “Love is the Answer” adds Bollywood (!) sounds just to keep you on your toes.




Castanets - Texas Rose, The Thaw, and the Beasts - Asthmatic
Raymond Raposa and his ever-morphing cast of musical pals have strided a long way since Raposa started releasing Castanets music on his own on CDRs. Now on his/their fourth album, Raposa sticks to his trusted formula of blending country, experimental folk-rock, and blues into noisy pop songs that rely as much on electronics as they do on rustic guitars. “No Trouble” adds in organ and sharp, metallic drums to craft an ominous sound; “My Heart” finds Raposa wittily dedicating himself to a beloved; and “Down the Line” blends a basic ballad with piano flourishes.