Flyleaf Between the Stars Loud & Proud Records Producer: Don Gilmore Devotees of multiPlatinum nu metal rockers Flyleaf may be saddened by the departure of lead singer Lacey Sturm, but it would be shameful if past memories prevented them from devouring the group’s present incarnation. New vocalist Kristen May’s pitch-perfect emoting is a constant draw, swinging effortlessly between sexy cooing and ultrasonic rage. The consistently hooky, pop-centered melodies don’t hurt either, making this album a welcome excursion, even though the band’s faux rebellious posture signals yet another nail driven directly into hard rock’s bleeding heart. – Andy Kaufmann Karen Haglof Western Holiday True Morgan Music Producer: Steve Almaas Karen Haglof comes up with a likeable set of catchy and well-played songs in the country/ roots-rock vein. Her voice is endearing, strong, matter-of-fact and honest, and her powerful slide guitar work propels the music down the rockin’ railroad tracks of her unique western vision. The lyrics are inventive and sometimes wryly sarcastic, such as on “Musician’s Girlfriend Blues” (“I know the wounded loner stance makes fans sigh and swoon”), where producer Mitch Easter also makes a surprise guitar visit. This is the best female Americana release since Car Wheels on a Gravel Road. – David Arnson Chick Corea Trio Trilogy Stretch Records/Concord Jazz Producer: Chick Corea Legendary 20-time Grammy winning jazz pianist/composer Chick Corea’s spectacular new trio of veteran upright bassist Christian McBride and drummer Brian Blade (the rhythm section of Corea’s recent Five Peace Band) is so versatile, soulful, energetic and inventive live that they need three discs (culling performances from across the globe) to capture their expansive spirit. They tackle classic Corea tunes, jazz standards, unreleased originals and, most amazingly, introduce his kaleidoscopic half-hour long “Piano Sonata: Moon.” – Jonathan Widran Amp Live Headphone Concerto Plug Research Music Producer: Amp Live Amp Live, one-half of Zion I, has a knack for creativity—see his fantastic hip-hop remix of Radiohead’s In Rainbows feat. Too $hort and Del the Funky Homosapien. On this, his newest solo work, Amp Live writes a concerto the way he knows best: programming, producing and digital arranging. Headphone Concerto may not need wine and cheese, but listeners will definitely want a quality set of headphones to truly enjoy this juxtaposition of sounds. Standouts include “Last Wall” (feat. the Grouch & Eligh) and “Ihearthiphop” (feat. Planet Asia, Opio, Mike G, Gift of Gab, Codany Holiday). – Andy Mesecher 8 9 9 8 Slash (feat. Myles Kennedy & the Conspirators) World on Fire Dik Hayd International/Caroline Producer: Michael “Elvis” Baskette Whoever thinks rock & roll is in serious need of a remake should get a load of this. Here is modern rock in its purest form, with all its bite and melodic integrity still intact. Myles Kennedy is one of the “go to” guys when it comes to soaring, passionate vocals and joining Slash for another round is just a marriage made in heavy metal heaven. And in these times of multiple downloads and over-produced singles comes a complete album that boasts 17 songs, each with its own distinct character and chock full of riff-laden goodness. – Eric A. Harabadian Interpol El Pintor Matador Records Producer: Interpol Making complex, integrated rhythms and guitar lines sound simple is what these guys have mastered. Like their influences, Joy Division and the Smiths, the band makes the most use of spare components. Only Interpol’s fifth album since their 2002 debut, and their first in two years, it displays the serious work Interpol puts into their songwriting and recordings. The guitar shines on “Anywhere,” the monotone vocals work for the semi-heavy lyrics on “All The Rage Back Home,” and it’s all tied together with a rhythm section that creates a groove for thoughtful people, not necessarily a dance crowd. – Brett Bush Odesza In Return Counter Records Producers: Harrison Mills and Clayton Knight This electronic duo’s sophomore CD is a rare case of an album that is good, but sadly just isn’t good enough. While the release is certainly a nice 13-track journey through a chillwave landscape, it isn’t groundbreaking and the songs just end up sounding monotonous. Worthy tracks include “Say My Name” (the clear standout and possible party anthem) and “It’s Only,” both featuring Zyra, “All We Need” featuring Shy Girls, and “White Lies” featuring Jenni Potts. Unfortunately, the rest of the album is not worth repeated listens. – Victoria Patneaude Set It Off Duality Equal Vision Records Producers: Brandon Paddock, Tommy English, Matt Appleton Set It Off’s sound has spanned a few genres, starting out as pop-rock before maturing into what they refer to as “orchestral pop rock.” However, none of the band’s previous releases have truly shown off their potential. That is all in the past with Duality, which is not only a shining moment in their career, but a shiny piece of pop perfection. Utilizing strings, brass instrumentation and letting singer Cody Carson’s vocals soar to another level, the group’s sophomore full-length release will be a favorite among fans and pop listeners. – Victoria Patneaude 8 8 6 9 To be considered for review in the Album Reviews section, you must have a record deal with a major label or an independent label with an established distributor. If you do not, please see our New Music Critiques section. 48 October 2014 musicconnection.com
Analog Paradise. Green Day, Prince, Nicki Bluhm, Tony Sly, Warner, Capitol, Fat Wreck... 323.363.2339 www.mikewellsmastering.com June 2014 musicconnection.com 49
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