25. Johnette Napolitano-Scarred
27. Stephen Marley-Mind Control
29. Soulsavers-It’s Not How Far You Fall, It’s How You Land (review)
Three major label albums that seem disparate, but actually make for a nice shuffle playlist. Or, to say it another way: Three great tastes that go great together. First, Johnette Napolitano’s new album is as dark and depressing as you’d expect from the former frontwoman of L.A.’s semi-underground alt-rock cult “Concrete Blonde.” I saw CB in concert three times back in the day, and few bands could get a crowd as whipped up as them (at least without having a mosh pit). Napolitano has mellowed a bit, eschewing some of the rancor of her older material (see: God is a Bullet, Still In Hollywood) for a softer dark vision of the world, offering a phenomenal cover of Velvet Underground’s “All Tomorrow’s Parties.” But she can still kick it up on tunes like, “Save Me” and “Scarred.” And her cover of Coldplay’s “The Scientist” blows away any other cover of that tune.
But after hearing this record, you’ll probably be drained and disillusioned, so turn right to the latest offspring of the Legend himself. Stephen Marley’s new one is nowhere near as good as Jr. Gong’s, “Welcome to Jamrock,” but it’s still a very-much slept-on release. The title track and single is unsurprising but catchy, but deeper cuts like “Hey Baby,” featuring Mos Def, and “Iron Bars,” with brother Julian, are great examples of modern hip-hop/reggae.
Looking to come down after the party? Turn to Soulsavers. Mark Lanegan is all over this record, with his deep rich voice, doing originals and covers in the Southern gospel style. Not to be missed: The closing, extended cover of “No Expectations” by The Rolling Stones.
Note: These are all major label releases.
No Expectations (Rolling Stones)-Soulsavers
All Tomorrow’s Parties (VU cover)-Johnette Napolitano
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December 7, 2007 at 12:34 am |
“No Expectations” is my favorite song on the album. A fan did a video for the song and its so beautiful/haunting.
Lanegan can do no wrong in my book, especially during his parts on Its Not How Far You Fall, its The Way You Land
check it out
http://www.myspace.com/soulsavers
March 11, 2008 at 12:03 am |
[...] Washington-born Mark Lanegan is a man of questionable background, apparently having done at least one year-long jail stint, and his songs generally reflect his personal history, making him a gangsta rocker. Some of you may know him from his days as the lead singer of Screaming Trees, one of the more underrated Seattle/Sub Pop supergroups of the ‘90s. (In my opinion, their songs and live act were more interesting than Alice in Chains, Soundgarden, and possibly even Nirvana.) Lanegan has also associated with Queens of the Stone Age, as a vocalist. Recently, Lanegan recorded with Isobel Campbell on Ballad of the Broken Seas. (I confess, this album didn’t do it for me, but I understand that it was mostly the work of Campbell.) Last year, he provided vocals/writing skills for the fantastic Soulsavers project, one of the best albums of 2007. [...]
August 11, 2009 at 11:07 pm |
[...] Washington-born Mark Lanegan is a man of questionable background, apparently having done at least one year-long jail stint, and his songs generally reflect his personal history, making him a gangsta rocker. Some of you may know him from his days as the lead singer of Screaming Trees, one of the more underrated Seattle/Sub Pop supergroups of the ‘90s. (In my opinion, their songs and live act were more interesting than Alice in Chains, Soundgarden, and possibly even Nirvana.) Lanegan has also associated with Queens of the Stone Age, as a vocalist. Recently, Lanegan recorded with Isobel Campbell on Ballad of the Broken Seas. (I confess, this album didn’t do it for me, but I understand that it was mostly the work of Campbell.) Last year, he provided vocals/writing skills for the fantastic Soulsavers project, one of the best albums of 2007. [...]