Album Reviews
ON TRIAL
Live
(Molten)
Denmark's On Trial is one of Scandinavia's leading (Northern) lights in psychedelic rock. The quintet does nothing the Electric Prunes didn't do 25 years ago, but the band is so into its chosen idiom and so good at writing tunes in that style that aren't simply pastiches that it's impossible to bitch. A lot of it comes down to singer Bo's charisma, of course, but songs like "Lovecraft," "Flashing Ghast" and "Blinded By the Sun" are just kickass rock tunes, given an extra OOMPH here from the live presentation. Live is a great place to make the acquaintance of On Trial. Michael Toland
RICH ROBINSON
Paper
(Keyhole)
Older and more flamboyant brother Chris got the attention in the Black Crowes, but it was arguably younger, more thoughtful sib Rich that was the heart of the band. Blossoming as a singer and songwriter on Paper, Robinson makes meat-and-potatoes rock that retains a contemplative edge. "Know Me" and "Begin" keep the bluesy rawk faith without sounding like mindless party music, while "Forgiven Song" (guest starring BR549's Donnie Herron) and "When You Will" indulge in soulful balladry. Robinson uses his famed guitar skills for texture and framework here, rather than gratuitous soloing. I could never quite bring myself to be a Crowes fan, but I'll be happy to put myself in Rich's camp after hearing Paper. Michael Toland [buy it]
DEXTER ROMWEBER
Blues That Defy My Soul
(Yep Roc)
Dexter Romweber's third solo release is a high flying rockabilly/retro-surf/blues experiment with screeching guitars and a sizzling honky-tonk mentality. Romweber has populated this disc with retro-sounding rock tunes like "The 309," as well as roots-blues influenced songs like "Man Walks In." "Rockin' Dead Man" is a jumpy swinger that commands your attention. Blues That Defy My Soul is a gripping, if not intriguing, record, that demands multiple, consecutive listens. Romweber's music is combustible, flashing from one song to the next. Dexter has captured the soul of several eras on this disc and it's like visiting a famous landmark for the first time—you recognize how everything is supposed to be. Lance Looper [buy it]
THE ROOTS
The Tipping Point
(Geffen)
Hip-hop is ailing, with copycats of copycats busting tired grooves, rapping endlessly about pimping and bling bling. Yet here come the Roots, playing real instruments (with samples thrown in, of course), laying down infectious organic grooves and broadening the lyrical scope—a bit. Songs like "I Don't Care" and "Don't Say Nuthin'," while funky, relapse into boasting just for the sake of it. But the poignant "Guns Are Drawn" hints at what may come. If any band on a major label is going to lead hip-hop in a new direction, put your money on the Roots. Michael Toland Brian Briscoe [buy it]
SENSATION JUNKIES
Once For the Money
(Sarathan)
Just when I'm about to give up on indie guitar rock, a band like the Sensation Junkies comes along. Not only does this Seattle foursome have one of the best sobriquets I've heard in a dog's age, but its music is excellent. Frontperson Chrisopher [sic] Blue and his buds boil 40 years of rock music down to its essence of six string-driven melody, putting psychedelia, power pop, roots rock, indie rock, the blues (on the memorable "Painkiller") and even some Latin sounds (the politicized "Basta!") into the food processor and coming up with a tasty entrée. (Though I'm a bit disappointed that "Space Country" doesn't live up to its title.) At times the Junkies almost sound like U2, minus the arena-sized production and overbearing egos. Blue's lyrics are intelligent and intriguing as well. Once For the Money is a superior debut. Michael Toland [buy it]
BILLY JOE SHAVER
Billy and the Kid
(Compadre)
Billy and the Kid is actually two records. First and foremost, it is the final work of Eddy Shaver, the son of country legend Billy Joe Shaver. Secondly, it is Billy Joe's tribute to his son, who died of a heroin overdose while recording what became the basis for this album. Billy Joe took those original recordings, and with "visits" from Eddy, filled out the edgy rock sound with some really genuine, rootsy songs. Billy and the Kid's first track, "Fame," is probably the most Billy Joe-like on the disc. Alternating between Eddy's screaming guitars and Billy Joe's outlaw country timbre, this record is way better than I expected. It is interesting to hear Billy Joe's take on the music Eddy wrote. Wouldn't it be great to have Eddy's take? Maybe he'll pay us a "visit" and give us his impression. Lance Looper [buy it]
JOE TURNER
Between Two Seconds
(Camera Obscura)
Multi-instrumentalist Joe Turner's day job is holding down the drum stool in the underrated Northeast psych rock ensemble Abunai! Between Two Seconds is of a piece with that band's work, with closer attention paid to song structure and less of Abunai!'s folk jones. It's still rich psychedelic rock and pop, with engaging melodies and a thoughtful outlook. "Hills of Pennsylvania," "When You Will Wake Up?" and the title track will make fans of the style—hell, anyone with a taste for memorable melody and busy arrangements—grin, and "Perfect the First Time" is a great epic closer. Wonderful. Michael Toland [buy it]
