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REVIEWS
MUSIC: Xavier Rudd,
Dark Shades of Blue
With his new Dark Shades of Blue album, released August 19 on SaltX records,Australian singer-songwriter Xavier Rudd now stands with big-name acoustic artists like Jack Johnson and Ben Harper, for whom he was once an opening act.
Rudd's latest work differs from his usual acoustic guitar tracks and takes a turn for the darker and distorted sounds of his electric guitar. Rudd teamed up with sound mixer Joe Barresi, who is known for his work with acts like Tool. The result is a powerful and psychedelic sound similar to artists like John Butler and Ben Harper. While the album is much more aggressive than Rudd's previous work, he still manages to lyrically convey his optimistic perspectives and progressive politics through the music.
Tracks like "Edge of the Moon" mix Rudd's relaxed lyrics with his new electric sound."Edge of the Moon" features a catchy, distorted guitar riff accented by some upbeat, anthem-like vocals.Also excellent are "Up in Flames" and "Black Water," which showcase Rudd's incredible slide guitar skills.
Rudd belts out strong vocals over the mellow arpeggio of his electric guitar on "Shiver" for a relaxing change of pace from the rest of the album. The track's vocals tell a meaningful story of a young man at an important crossroad in his life, and help make it the best song on the album.
Overall, Dark Shades of Blue is a very good album, and Rudd's new sound proves he can do much more with a guitar and belongs next to great guitarists like Keller Williams and John Mayer.
Danny Nordstrom
MUSIC: Conor Oberst, Conor Oberst
Conor Oberst, in a song called "Eagle On A Pole" from his new, self-titled album, sings,"I tried so hard to settle down."
Settling down is clearly not something he's good at. Oberst, under the moniker Bright Eyes, has long been known as Omaha's golden child, a beacon of creative hope in a town otherwise known only for its zoo and the College World Series. But Oberst has been spending a lot less time in the city, recording his newest album in Teopotlán, Mexico. He even chose to release it on Merge Records rather than his longtime label, Saddle Creek Records, which he helped form.
The change seems to have done him good, however, as Conor Oberst is his best release since 2005's I'm Wide Awake, It's Morning, and a serious improvement from 2007's Cassadaga.
The story goes that Oberst and crew found a hotel made up of a few houses, rented it out, and went about recording, hanging out and meeting the locals. The album reflects this with its relatively mellow vibe and a strong focus on string instruments and big band numbers. It's reminiscent of a jam session attended only by people who are incredibly talented. On several tracks the listener can even hear
insects and people in the background. It's perfect music to play while spending a night with friends, or to have on in the background during a study session.
The songs also show a marked improvement in songwriting, something that's always been Oberst's strong suit. Songs are much more structured than they have been in the past, and Oberst's vocals are also stronger, especially in his lower register.
This album is a solid effort, and Oberst has pushed his own boundaries to offer fans something new and refreshing.
—Elise Stawarz
MOVIE: Mamma Mia!
As a rule, films patch-worked from old musicians' greatest hits albums rarely strike any serious chords with an audience.The familiarity is nice,but nostalgia alone does not a good movie make.Mamma Mia! breaks this trend by combining the catchy tunes of ABBA with a viable storyline which, despite its flaws, acts as a perfect canvas for both the songs and performers.
The movie tells a story as old as time. A young woman (Amanda Seyfried) about to be married doesn't know her father's identity. However, thanks to her free-lovin' mother's (Meryl Streep) oddly specific diary our ingénue can narrow it down to three successful men—played by Colin Firth, Pierce Brosnan and Stellan Skarsgard. She invites all three to her wedding which, needless to say, ends up causing quite a stink. Everyone gets so worked up, they just can't help singing about it.
The film's charm lies in its sense of humor. Though no actual winking occurs, the cast is clearly performing with tongues firmly planted in cheek. Complete with an impeccable chorus of singing and dancing elderly Greeks, a duo of over-the-hill sex-starved biddies, and an empowering parade of women singing "Dancing
Queen." Mamma Mia! will make even the most masculine man giggle with delight. But lest you think all is fun and games, there is a poignant side to this
otherwise pleasant fluff piece. Streep portrays the embarrassment and pain the situation has brought her with vulnerability that few, if any, could have attained, which culminates into the most heartfelt singing performance captured on film in decades. Is Mamma Mid! fine cinema? Assuredly not. It makes no attempt to be. However, it remains the best film surprise of the summer.
Matthew Crooks
August 28,2008
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