CURRENT ROTATION QUICK TAKES
FEB 2024
INTRO:
Who has the time? It has been said a thousand times before, but the convenience of infinite accessibility that subscription services provide is often countered with an overwhelming sense of ‘where to begin?’ syndrome. Beyond a few trusted online sources, I am lucky to have some close buddies with great ears who keep me posted on new music - especially that which might not be on my regular radar.
In a humble effort to pay-it-forward (and keep it simple), I will monthly post CURRENT ROTATION QUICK TAKES - a handful of albums that I have recently checked out - complete with brief thoughts and an ultimate Thumbs Up or Thumbs Down. Explore further as you care to. Cheers!
Grandaddy / Blu Wav - This hazy collection washes over like a familiar dream. Beyond ‘Wav’ in the title, there really does seem to be an intentional connection to an ebb and flow feeling that prevails throughout. The songs blur seamlessly in creating a through-line tapestry that rewards the listener with a fully satisfying sound experience. This definitely is one of those albums that deserves a full listen. Thumbs Up.
IDLES - TANGK - On their fifth album, the British outfit more than bests the high expectations set by their killer ‘21 release, CRAWLER (one of my Top Ten of that year). This new release offers a more textured layering of IDLES’ unique brand of punk-infused rock and the contrast of sonics provides a landing place that offers a reflective intensity. Thumbs Up.
glass beach / plastic death - The sophomore effort from the Los Angeles outfit packs a dose of wide-ranging musical styles (indie rock, modern prog, emo) into this collection. Though there are moments that peaked my interest, unfortunately, the overall effect felt a bit too schizophrenic and off-balance. Thumbs Down.
Gruff Rhys / Sadness Sets Me Free - I always find well-crafted indie baroque pop to hit such an on-target place. Prolific Welsh singer/songwriter Rhys delivers a smart collection that is equal parts intriguing and comfortable. Think of like-minded modern purveyors The National and Kings of Convenience blended with OG ‘60s groundbreakers like The Zombies and early Bee-Gees and you’re on the right track. Thoroughly enjoyable. Thumbs Up.
New Model Army - Unbroken - I have to admit, I’ve only ever been a peripheral fan of NMA. Not to say I don’t appreciate their unique mix of post-punk snarl and socially-conscious anthems, but I have found them to be a sort of one-note act that works best in smaller doses. That trend continues with this album, and by the end of the third track I felt ready to move on. If you are a more committed fan, my guess is that this album will be infinitely better received. Thumbs Down.
Mary Halvorson / Cloudward - Backed by the sextet Amaryllis (who all contribute in memorable ways), jazz composer/guitarist Halvorson charts a fairly frantic and tightly-wound gathering of tracks that, while possibly appearing challenging outwardly, seem to invite a closer intimacy. Almost pastoral moments of meditation are countered by dissonant experimentation - often within a single number - all of which kept me on my toes, but never bored. Thumbs Up.
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