ALBUM PREVIEWS: Releases for the week of June 1, 2010
By REVIEWniverse Staff
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The Claynation is Aiken for this retro collection. (Photo: Decca)
Welcome to REVIEWniverse's latest service to you, our dear readers: Sneak REVIEWs. Every Monday, we will whisk you out of your post-weekend doldrums by offering a detailed preview of spotlight-worthy albums coming to download platforms and dusty record-store shelves near you the following week, giving all you audiophiles plenty of time ponder near-future purchasing choices. Click on "Subscribe" above, and you will automatically receive our weekly "Sneak REVIEWs" along with our regular articles.
So to kick things off, here's our take on what you can expect from artists as varied as Clay Aiken, Sleigh Bells, Taio Cruz and Hawthorne Heights, all of whom have new LPs landing down the week of June 1, 2010.
Clay Aiken Tried & True (Decca)
This is Clay's fifth studio album, and it features classic songs from '50s and '60s. The American Idol Season 2 runner-up does have a great ear for good melodic songs. To wit, Tried & True cuts like "Can’t Take My Eyes Off You," "Moon River," "Crying," Herman's Hermits' much-under-appreciateed "There's a Kind of Hush," "Suspicious Minds" and "Misty." Aiken also includes two songs he made his signatures on Idol: "Unchained Melody" and "Mack the Knife," which are the perfect vehicles for his soaring vocals. Congrats, Claynation, your idol will be out on the road with Ruben Stoddard this summer.
IN OTHER WORDS: Love his style or not, Clay's a great vocalist, and these terrific selections are right up his alley.
Sneak REVIEWs ANTICIPATION RATING: 8.7/10
Bom Ruffians Say It (Warp)
Loopy, angular Canadian trio who fit right in with the current atmosphere of mid-fi, classic indie-rock revival. Which, depending on your taste for such things, either sounds exciting or dreadfully mundane.
IN OTHER WORDS: You've heard this kind of thing before, particularly the theatrical vocals, but it has a certain trash-can-beat appeal that should strike favor with audiences looking for a middle ground between Vampire Weekend and Cymbals Eat Guitars.
Sneak REVIEWs ANTICIPATION RATING: 5/10
Taio Cruz Rokstarr (Mercury)
This satin-voiced British singer-songwriter is all over the charts with the Ludacris-guested "Break Your Heart," and here's a chance for the U.S. to see what this multi-talenetd performer has to offer. If the album is half as catchy and listenable as his current, "I'm only gonna break break your break break your heart," we've got a winner.
IN OTHER WORDS: Now that Usher has alligned himself with Justin Bieber, we need a new role model. Enter Taio.
Sneak REVIEWs ANTICIPATION RATING: 8.5/10
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Futureheads Chaos (Dovecote)
Unjustly disregarded by US fans and critics and cast aside by their record label, Futureheads are storming back with their second release on self-started label, Dovecote. And early listens to blistering new-wave ragers like "The Connector" indicate a slightly agitated take on their usual double-time power-chord overdrive.
IN OTHER WORDS: There is almost no explanation as to why countless jittery Brooklyn bands have been applauded for some variation on the Heads' nearly decade-hence formula, but trust us when we clarify that their records are nothing but catchy fun.
Sneak REVIEWs ANTICIPATION RATING: 7/10
Hawthorne Heights Skeletons (Wind-Up)
These now-iconic screamo flag-bearers have overcome tragedy (their guitarist, Casey Calvert, died in 2007) and industry obstacles (they were embroiled in a notorious lawsuit with former label Victory Records), and have readied their aptly named "Skeletons," a sure-fire Billboard chart-topper.
IN OTHER WORDS: The songs remain the same, but it's easier to root for this resilient group than their decidedly more self-indulgent peers.
Sneak REVIEWs ANTICIPATION RATING: 6/10
Jack Johnson To The Sea (Brushfire)
The sleepy surfer singer-songwriter returns with more songs about water. Didn’t I just hear all this at my local bar?
IN OTHER WORDS: Even the name of his label is aggravatingly inoffensive, but like lemmings, his mellow fans will follow him To The Sea.
Sneak REVIEWs ANTICIPATION RATING: 3/10
Tift Merritt See You on the Moon (Fantasy)
Stunning alt-country singer offers so much promise with each new release. The title track is a worn-and-weary beauty, buoyed by a large dash of Emmylou, Tift's honeyed rasp drives this gorgeous tease with ease.
IN OTHER WORDS: Can't wait.
Sneak REVIEWs ANTICIPATION RATING: 9/10
The Melvins The Bride Screamed Murder (Ipecac)
The immortal punk-metal acolytes continue to slosh around several genres nearly 30 years into their career, but know this: They're intense, and they mean business. They're also fun, funny and idiosyncratic. Expect Murder, their latest LP for Mike Patton's Ipecac imprint, to further their unmeasurable avant-headbanging influence.
IN OTHER WORDS: Listen, repeat, and then take two Advil and call us in the morning.
Sneak REVIEWs ANTICIPATION RATING: 8/10
Quitzow Juice Water (Young Love)
This low-fi/hi-brow act is ostensibly just Erica Quitzow, who records in her Upstate New York home, and whose keyboard-driven, electronic-tinged songs range from Debbie Harry faux-rap to Go-Go's new wave and J-pop. It's sometimes wonderfully cheesy, art-school sensitive or out-there-wild, but it's always fun.
IN OTHER WORDS: Yes, the B-52's did have a child.
Sneak REVIEWs ANTICIPATION RATING: 8.9/10
Setting Sun Fantasurreal(Dig) (+1)
Another indie one-man-band experimentation, in this case via mastermind Gary Levitt. Erica Quiztow sometimes collaborates with Levitt, but, he's much more grounded than she... whether that's better or not is up to you. Levitt's songs are low-key yet urgent, and the instrumentation is wonderfully quirky at times, but the quiet determination of his songs comes across loud and clear. He's no doubt viewing his music through bright eyes.
IN OTHER WORDS: Likeable alt-folk.
Sneak REVIEWs ANTICIPATION RATING: 7.5/10
Sleigh Bells Treats (Mom & Pop)
Full-length from latest hipster outfit, anchored to their breakout underground hit, "Crown on the Ground." The digital release landed at an improbable No. 39 on the Billboard 200 last month. It's all fuzz and robot noises and buzzing and metal and M.I.A.-ish hip hop (they're on her label) and even some popolicious melodies. Brooklyn's got a winner here.
IN OTHER WORDS: Hard not to like.
Sneak REVIEWs ANTICIPATION RATING: 9/10
Steve Howe Trio Travelling (Live)
The ex-Yes guitarist and Asia axe-man is still touring with this son Dylan and his eponymous jazz trio, and Travelling finds them in fine scale-skating form.
IN OTHER WORDS: It won't wake up the neighbors, but Howe is a rare breed of old-fashioned virtuoso, and live is the way to experience this stuff. Even if via your iPod.
Sneak REVIEWs ANTICIPATION RATING: 6/10
Paul Weller Wake Up The Nation (Yep Roc)
The cult-legend former Jam frontman has come a long way from brattily debating the virtues of punk on late-night talk shows as a teennager 30-plus years ago (his appearance on Tom Snyder's Tomorrow Show alongside Joan Jett is not to be missed). And he continues to release vital punk-folk solo gems well into middle age.
IN OTHER WORDS: Weller's sustained presence certainly feels more purposeful than John Lydon arbitrarily reuniting the Sex Pistols or PiL every other year. And tracks like "Wake up the Nation" sound like they still harbor the potential to at least arouse a few apathetic indie-rock head-nodders.
Sneak REVIEWs ANTICIPATION RATING: 6.5/10
IN OTHER WORDS: Not a bad start to the summer, although it's time for the youthful indie bands to out-urgency the old fogies and mainstream hit-makers.
OVERALL Sneak REVIEWs ANTICIPATION RATING FOR WEEK OF JUNE 1, 2010: 6.5/10
What new releases are you looking forward to? Let us know in the comments section below.
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Comments
Thanks for the preview, review! I cannot wait!!
Check out Clay Aiken's Unchained Melody...all grown up! Awesome!
Since we can't post links, search Clay Aiken Tried and True 30 second teaser on youtube. :)
Was just coming to comment that I wish you had a more recent video of Clay Aiken. I see that Cara beat me to it. Honestly, his Unchained Melody at the PBS taping where he sang the songs from this CD was to die for!! I didn't think he could top his AI version, but he did. This is going to be one GREAT CD--the man can sing!!!
I've heard Clay perform the new CD live in concert and totally agree with your review. This CD is Clay at his best. Anyone who's a fan of great classic music will enjoy this CD.
I am so excited for Clay. I love his voice and he seems right at home with this cd. Brilliant!
I am so excited to hear Clay Aiken's new CD. Tried and True will be wonderful and I am sure it will highlight Clay's marvelous voice.
Clay's PBS Special taping was beyond amazing! His voice lifted the roof a bit on Mack the Knife -- and yet, his soft and tender way with In My Life was so beautiful. Can't wait to get this CD -- Hurry up, June 1st!
Also, check out the Decca site for a great interview with Clay and some video of the PBS taping.
I have heard the snippets of Clay Aiken's Tried and True CD on iTunes and amazon.... what a treat this CD will be, the voice is mature and beautiful, the arrangements are brilliant and upbeat.
Cannot wait to get my hands on this album.
Thanks you Examiner for a wonderful review.
I've heard Clay perform the new CD live in concert and totally agree with your review. This CD is Clay at his best. Anyone who's a fan of great classic music will enjoy this CD.
Thank you. Heared the snippets at youtube. The songs that Clay picked suit his voice and he made it all sound new
There is so much power in his voice and it sounded like they were able to capture it in this Cd . Can't wait !
Thanks for the good review. Yes - whether you like his style or not the man can SING. As others have mentioned, he sang Unchained Melody at the taping of his PBS Special and it blew the roof off. This will be a CD for the ages!!! I hope everyone checks it out.
Clat puts so much feelings into a song, that's what makes a great vocalist. HE IS ALL THAT AND MORE!!!
Thank You for the informative review of Clay's New CD. I have heard snippets and can't wait to buy it.
SORRY, MEANT CLAY
Clay has it all a great singer and a fabulous entertainerl love the snippets of all the songs.tries and true is a fabulous album. clays best to date.
Great review. It's true, Clay is one of the best vocalists out there today, if not the best. I was at the PBS taping as well. Not only does he shine singing these classics, but to hear him harmonize with Linda Eder, is incredible. He does it all. I cannot wait for this CD...
Thanks for the review of Clay's CD. We, his fans know he is a great singer and enjoy his music like nobody else's but it's nice people outside of his fandom can see it too.
Like the addition of your audiophiles as it gives us a taste of the artists/album. Guess your reviewers aren't fond of Jack Johnson's style, but he has a large following. He'll chart well despite these reviews.
Hooray for Clay. Best album yet. Sure to be a real pleaser with those who love adult music.
thanks for the review of Clay Aiken's new CD.I can't wait.So glad he recorded Unchained Melody, my favorite song he does!!!
Clay's album is going to be INCREDIBLE! Oh, by the way, it's Ruben STUDDARD.
thanks for the preview! Clay's voice is so amazing~
I am so excited to hear those pipes of perfection again. I have miss the talent coming out of his wazoo! The nation needs his voice for always
I listened to all of your choices. I like Taio Cruz's voice & his song is pretty good except why do they sing the same thing over & over again. Oh well guess it's easy to remember that way. I listened to his snippets on Amazon didn't care for them but would like to hear the whole song before deciding if I like the album. Most of these videos the loud music overtakes the singers voice,don't care for that I like to be able to hear the voice and understand the words so that you know they can really sing.I guess it's a good thing we all have differant tastes in music. Good luck to all of them with the new releases.
Well, I'm "tired and through" with the number and word games of sick individuals in the fandom. I would recommend that people who become new fans stay as far away as possible from The Clay Aiken Official Fanclub unless you want to risk being harassed via e-mail, text messages,phone calls, and mailings.
Nearly three years ago I received an email from "qsfigment@dahlm-"I believe what U have said"--June 2, 2007 to be exact. This was after I had written on the messageboard, "I believe 99% of Clay's fans want him to be happy and do the things in his life and career that would make him so". Someone posting as "Oscar" questioned my comment, implying that the fans didn't really know Clay. My post disappeared from the messageboard several weeks later -it also was taken off the master list of my posts. "Odd" wouldn't you say? Just who would have the power to have posts removed for no good reason?
Three years later the harassment still goes on. It's time for the truth. More to come.
That clip of Aiken from Idol so many years back reminds me of something extraordinary that I think not many people remember or realize. There have been a lot of talented male singers on the show - r&b/blues crooners, rough-voiced rockers, pleasant singer-songwriter types, even that high-voiced screecher from last year - but I can't think of a single one who had the pure tone, power & range that Aiken possesses. There's not been a voice on that show that even comes close. Whatever you think of his style, he is unique & singularly gifted.
Perhaps there was a reason the post was removed. I had written a response for Clay's blog "My Angels" where I had mentioned the 99%, and I said we wouldn't talk about the 1%. On June 9th Clay blogged and used the 99% figure and told his fans to ignore the 1%. I thought that perhaps he had read my blog comment, but didn't say anything since I had received the weird e-mail and didn't want attention. I do not know if my comment disappeared.
I had my e-mail address listed as private at the fanclub and had never given it to anyone there. I had never belonged to other boards, and my one and only address was used for the fanclub and family. (This info was included in a letter I wrote in late August to a fan mail address (not the fanclub)informing Team Clay that someone at the fanclub was giving out private e-mail addresses-I'll detail,later.
On June 10 an e-mail leeigelcap@londo -"Time to find it out"
All strange e-mails were recorded and deleted without opening.
Answers???
Thanks for the great review of Clay's new cd. You are so right... like him or not Clay has a beautiful voice and is a wonderful and fun entertainer.
I guess I was taking the advice to ignore. On June 19-marleneburtaywc "It is right" and on June 23 ccoxjeh@debbiem "Thank you", possibly related to a post where I said that I was a proud member of the 99% club started in a thread by another poster.
I stopped posting since it was all just too bizarre. I continued to read to see if anyone mentioned strange e-mails, unaware that things like that would only be discussed in private chat rooms in the swamps and dens of the fandom.
07-07-07 qusivez@winnick "Miss you always" Interesting date there for several reasons. I thought some nutcase was being a smart-aleck and decided to start posting again.
I choose a fun thread about Clay's "foot incident" on the plane and noticed that several well-known members of another board, who didn't normally share their humor with the lowly fanclub, were also posting in the thread.
My last post on the message board was on 7-14-07 and on 7-19 I attended the Clay concert in Philly. My last one ever
After the concert I wrote a comment on Clay's blog saying I had enjoyed his singing and banter. On 7-23 dzbsteverzbsisc "Thank ya". I believed someone wanted me to think that Clay was e-mailing me; sad, pathetic people who play games. There were no e-mails in August, so I guess "they" were busy.
I was angry that my privacy had been violated. Totally non-tech savvy, vulnerable, gullible, naive--a real "patsy" me.
On 8-31, I mailed a card with a funny dog on the front saying something about being "doggone nice" (stupid me) along with a letter to Team Clay informing them that someone at the fanclub(most likely a mod I thought then) was giving out private info on members. I listed the e-mails and stated the reasons why I was sure they were related to the fanclub. I said I was writing the letter, so I could "LET IT GO!" I ended with a message of support and a quote about "answers".
9-1-07 hdupreryssq@id " Tell me..." Only a disturbed person would send a creepy message like that
Thanks for a basically positive review. My only complaint would be the mere 8.7 rating. I know it isn't bad & is actually "good", but Clay's voice is pure magic & to me has never sounded better - 10 doesn't even do him justice.
Although I didn't think it was possible, I'm enjoying Clay's latest music more than ever. I've always been a fan & tend to prefer his upbeat songs, but I'm definitely LOVING what I've heard so far of "Tried & True".
Clay has always had personality, heart & EXTREME talent. I'm so happy to hear that his new CD showcases his gorgeous voice. I just hope lots of people get to enjoy it for a change, since surprisingly there are no scandals following Clay around this time.
I can't wait for the PBS special & whatever else is in store for Clay. I've never been prouder to be a fan than at this moment.
P.S. I'm sorry you had so many troubles Elaine, but believe me MOST of the fans are wonderful & wouldn't hurt a fly. Keep the faith & focus on THE voice. My Best
Meli-I won't be wasting my cash on the cd, but I have a few odds and ends to clear up before I "let it go." Thank you for your concern, but most Clayfans left are a reflection of the man and HIS voice-and that's a rather "wicked" thing.
On 9-14 I was reading at the OFC in a thread about Kim Locke and a reunited tour which Clay said was a no-go. Holly77 pops in and says if the media finds out, it could hurt Clay and fans should "let it go". Butterflyshine(head mod) rushes in and says the topic has been thoroughly discussed(it had not)and said "Let it go" several times and closed the thread. It seems my letter had been read.
9-17-07 gdknightaot@bra "Hey"-(Everytime You Go Away) gd- good or *** ****,now I think the latter. I guess someone knew that weeks later it would be announced that Clay would play Sir Robin in "Spamalot". Clay, close friends, Broadway insiders fit that bill.
On 9-16 I read a blog about "Fake Clay"-very convenient timing.
9-27-07 dhollimanwovub@"Look At This"
I'm glad I never opened the e-mail because I sure didn't want to see anything the holliman might want to show. I also wouldn't want to read anything gdknight had to say.
I guess I was supposed to think Fake Clay was behind the e-mails. However, I don't think FC would have the authority to remove posts from the OFC or would know Clay's future plans as Sir Robin.
Clay's blog on 10-2-07 "B A Part" was about sending in holliday stories that might be read at Christmas concerts. I had a pretty good story(not submitted). "TPTB at the OFC are AOK"-Yeah-only not
On 10-13 we cancelled internet service. I wanted to be left alone. Not to be. (See 800notes-602-667-0128longlostfriend or 800-813-6994youknowwho)
The funny thing is that I was going to "let it go" if the new year brought no new crap I realize when a person's phone numbers and addresses have been given to spam-scam-scum -bleep-
you can expect harassment for years. I've spent some time researching lawyers in case I need one.Bye
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