CURRENT ROTATION QUICK TAKES
NOVEMBER 2024
INTRO: I have spent much of my recent listening going back to double-check albums released earlier in the year that caught my attention as contenders for my year-end Top Ten list (which I'm aiming to release mid-December). But that doesn't mean I've staved off checking out brand new releases. While none of the batch that makes up my November Current Rotation Quick Takes will end up in my Top Ten for 2024, there were some interesting moments and a few releases definitely worth the time to checkout. Enjoy - Cheers!
Dayglow / Dayglow
There really isn’t a whole lot going on the major label debut by Texas’ Dayglow (aka Sloan Struble), but there is enough of an honest approach that the simplicity won me over. Not as clever as Michael Penn or as organically enticing as Pete Yorn, yet armed with sharp-enough hooks and a compact musical statement - completely performed/recorded by the artist himself - to offer passable and pleasant enough guitar pop with a slight alt-lean. Standout Track: “Every Little Thing I Say I Do” - Thumbs Up and a Grade of C.
There really isn’t a whole lot going on the major label debut by Texas’ Dayglow (aka Sloan Struble), but there is enough of an honest approach that the simplicity won me over. Not as clever as Michael Penn or as organically enticing as Pete Yorn, yet armed with sharp-enough hooks and a compact musical statement - completely performed/recorded by the artist himself - to offer passable and pleasant enough guitar pop with a slight alt-lean. Standout Track: “Every Little Thing I Say I Do” - Thumbs Up and a Grade of C.
Hippo Campus / Flood
Generic, generic, generic! This isn’t a theological diss at all, but about the nicest thing I can say about this 4th album from MN band is that they sound like a second-rate Christian rock act. This is safe, uninspired music for…What is it Jack Black says to the middle-aged dad trying to buy “I Just Called To Say I Love You”? - “Do you even know your daughter? Wait - is she in a coma??” HAHA!! That is this album - music for a coma! Save your time - I wish I had. Thumbs Down and a definite failing Grade of F.
Godspeed You! Black Emperor / No Title As Of 13 February 2024 28,340 Dead
I entered this one like a blank canvas as I had never heard of this band. Coincidentally enough, the timing of my recent foray through the entire discography of post-rock forefathers Tortoise paid off as my ears seemed to be a bit more attuned to what this album unfolded. A pure instrumental affair, this collection comes at you - wave after wave - offering rough-edged meditations. The more ominous atmospheric numbers feel the strongest as they offer some really captivating range of textures. This is definitely music for a certain (focused) mood, but if you're in the right zone I would say it will definitely hit the spot. Standout Tracks: "Babys In A Thunderstorm" & "Grey Rubble - Green Shoots" - Thumbs Up and a Grade of B-.
Tank and the Bangas / The Heart, The Mind, The Soul
Ever since T&TB blew onto my radar with their unique rap/soul hybrid as demonstrated on their excellent Green Balloon (and most amazing “Ants” video), I have worked hard to stay connected and pay attention. Clearly, the band is working through a phase with album number four. The majority of the collection seems dedicated to a sort of self examination therapy session. Unfortunately, it was hard for me to connect. I found flashes of what I originally loved about the band, but too often felt only mildly swept along with the remorseful reflection that has taken hold of the steering wheel. Fingers crossed they bounce back with the fire & joy that made earlier releases so appealing. Standout Track: "Enjoy The Ride" - Thumbs Down and a Grade of C-.
Kim Deal / Nobody Loves You More
Given that Deal (iconic bassist for Pixies and bandleader for The Breeders) has never released a solo album, it makes sense that the stylistic range of this collection sounds exactly as it does - a decades-in-the-coming gathering of songs filtered through COVID era time spent curating them in the FL Keys. Surrendering to the slightly disconnected feels that all loosely benefit from a sort of island-time vibe that plays out in pretty interesting ways. As a fan, I was happy to simply celebrate hearing Kim’s voice. Better yet, the fuller whimsical instrumentation really offers some great nooks and crannies to enjoy. Standout Tracks: “Coast” & “Summerland” - Thumbs Up and a Grade of C+.
Wilderado / Talker
There is an immediate Americana, heartland feel to this album - which makes sense as the band hails from Oklahoma. This sophomore set is filled with straight-ahead songs that succeed in their direct approach - no frills are needed. The album swims by in its tightly-packed 36-minutes leaving a winning - if not necessarily remarkable - wake. Standout Tracks: “Higher Than Most” & “Waiting On You” - Thumbs Up with a Grade of a steady C.
Dawes / Oh Brother
I have enjoyed previous Dawes albums in a sort of arms-length way. Their sound and songs are OK and they flow along with the sort of back-to-basics laid back stylings of Avett Brothers & My Morning Jacket. On the duo’s 9th album, they seem to double-down on a more defined roots-rock groove - think Counting Crows in their prime. The good news is that they wear it well. I like the songs and the whole album plays well together. The bad news is that I was never fully drawn in. There is definitely a blur instead of a memorable return and it really felt like one focused listen was all I needed. Worth a listen, but not much more. Standout Tracks: “Still Strangers Sometimes” & “House Parties” - passable Thumbs Up and a Grade of C.
Odie Leigh / Carrier Pigeon
My daughter won’t like this review - as this is an artist they recommended (and just went to see live), but this album just didn’t do much for me. Let me rephrase - I just never found the right place as a listener to fall into the rhythm that this collection of lovelorn songs filtered through a 20-something prism was laying down. The intimate personal touches of the lyrics and the earnest vocal delivery works in the album's favor. The intentionally low-fi, under-produced sound of the album and relative sameness throughout? Not so much. Standout Tracks: “Conversation Starter” & “Either Way” - Thumbs Down and a Grade of a low C-.
