CD REVIEWS
Decemberists - Her Majesty the Decemberists
Released Sept. 9
In every library, there sits in the darkest and mustiest corner a creature akin to Decemberists singer/guitarist Colin Meloy. Caressing wrinkled, leather-bound texts, they summon literary ghosts handlebar-moustached pirates, rag-footed vagabonds, parlor debauches and the like. All of these relics masquerade about the Decemberists' new full-length on the Kill Rock Stars label.
It may seem like boring stuff, after all, there are those of us whom would rather light a book on fire than open it, but Meloy is so open-faced and impassioned about his unorthodox tales of love, loss and lust that you find yourself getting involved. The fact that these vintage vignettes are set in unabashed pop arrangements makes them all the more endearing. Yeah, there are wispy string backdrops, calvary horns and even a Theremin, but Meloy's creations shine brightest when highlighted by the shimmering guitar and organ flourishes of his able bandmates.
The album opens with Shanty for the Arethusa, a song whose structure mimics the sea of its subjects, starting calmly and turning wild by the middle, always maintaining a sinister air. And when Meloy's nasal voice urges you to "Tell your daughters do not/walk the streets alone tonight," you get the sense that irony is
no longer an option.
Elsewhere, we meet Billy Liar, a character energized by rickety barroom piano, and The Chimbley Sweep, which melds the sensibilities of Dickensian London with boisterous six-gun guitar.
Contributed photo
At worst, the Decemberists could be considered eccentric or unsuccessful Victorian revivalists. Although the album falters somewhat in the middle, there is no doubt that this is one of the strongest indie-pop records of the year, further cementing Meloy's reputation as a wildly unique and original talent.
Phil Torpey
KJHK DJ
2 a.m. to 4 a.m. Sundays
Grade: B+
Jaga Jazzist - The Stix
Released June 16
A drum machine, an acoustic guitar and a saxophone get together for a jam session.
This is one of many ways to describe Norwegian artists Jaga Jazzist's second release The Stix. Appropriately released on the Ninja Tunes record label, Jaga Jazzist joins and shares similarities to such artists as Cinematic Orchestra, Amon Tobin and DJ Food. The album consists of mellow, catchy jazz, for jazz lovers, but keeps the music going with the help of a mixer, sampler and drum machine, for those who need more of a beat. This perfect mix of "electro-jazz" is not only good to the ear but is also mentally stimulating. For those who don't like jazz because it might be too boring, or electronic music because it might be too crazy, this is the album that may change your mind about both.
-Collin LJoie KJHK DJ 4 a.m. to 6 a.m. Wednesdays Grade: A-
Los Amigos Invisibles - The Venezuelan Zinga Son Vol.1
Released
As the day melts away with the warm breeze of the tropics, Los Amigos Invisibles, now managed by
Jamiroquai's Long Lost Brother firm, bring you a refreshing cocktail of disco, funk, house, bogaloo, Latin beats and sexy grooves. From the sultry LatinLounge Gerundio to the banging Tito Puente-like cut Mambo Chimbo, the boundaries between music genres dissolve while congas and guitars make love to the beat of a new fusion: Discofunklatintropicalia. Produced by Masters at Work and special guest Dimitri from Paris, The Venezuelan Zinga Son is sure to make you sweat with someone else. The album is scheduled for release in October.
—Carlos Centeno Host of "Latin Lab" 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Saturdays Grade: A+
Mali Lolo! - Stars of Mali Released June 24
The Smithsonian's Folkways label has undertaken here to present a smorgasbord of traditional and modern styles emanating from Mali, which has the largest number of musicians signed to U.S. labels of any African country. The result is laid-back and intelligent. Malinese music is largely rooted in the griot, or storyteller tradition of West Africa. These singer/musicians, such as Kasse Diabate, are reminiscent of American Blues artists, precisely because Blues has its roots in West Africa. Electronic elements are incorporated in tracks such as Oumou Sangare's Ya La, and Les Escrocs contribute instrumental hip-hop to the mix with Pirates.
—Sam Hopkins Host of "Latin Lab/Transglobal Underground"
4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Saturdays Grade: B+
The Rapture — Echoes Released Sept. 9
Lined by a jazz player's meticulous attention to musicianship, The Rapture's latest offering, Echoes, displays the introspection expected of today's best indie rock. Echoes is, at the same time, pleasantly kinetic, surprisingly danceable -funky even. For those who appreciate music, The Rapture gives us a lot to appreciate in Echoes. For those who view music as a $12 ticket to a permanent chill or as an excuse to escape to some personal alternate world, do both. Chill. Escape. The amazing thing about an echo is that it comes back. With textured production and an urgent yet unobtrusive lyricism, The Rapture has ensured that we'll be coming back often.
—Cornelius Minor, II Host of "Voice Activated" 9 to 10 p.m. Tuesdays Grade: B
Various artists - Verve Remixed 2
Released Aug. 26
Jazz fans always remember their musical highs: "The evening I witnessed Latin percussionist, Willie Bobo's rhythmic dexterity or experienced Nina Simone's classic soul..." Newer school appreciators of dance, electronica, and downtempo have done the same. "The night the DJ left me no choice but to dance 'til dawn..." This brilliant CD is the second compilation from Verve Music Group that combines both of those feelings by forging a union of both of those worlds. What we love and possibly never knew about jazz meets what we always hoped for in dance. Remember the night the DJ saved your life? Consider this an at-home life-saving kit.
Cornelius Minor, II Host of "Voice Activated" 9 p.m. to 10 p.m. Tuesdays Grade: B+
22 jayplay
thursday, september 25, 2003