Something old....something new (#8)

"Hunky Dory" by David Bowie (released 1971)

   A grand statement and seminal album in David Bowie's career "Hunky Dory" finds all the pieces coming together which would result in the epic glam-rock masterpiece "Ziggy Stardust & the Spiders From Mars". The "Spiders" are all accounted for; Trevor Bolder - bass, Mick Woodmansey - drums and the great Mick Ronson - guitar. The songwriting is rich and powerful with the arrangements heavy on piano (courtesy of Rick Wakeman), outstanding lyrics, melody and deftly placed strings. Opening with the teen angst of "Changes" this album presents an impressive variety of music. "Fill Your Heart" and "Kooks" are pop delights performed in Bowie's Anthony Newleyesque vocal style. The weird and rhythmically engaging "Andy Warhol" and folk rocking "Song for Dylan" are heartfelt and genre appropriate tributes for two of his idols. The beautiful "Quicksand" is driven by piano, strings and Bowie's finest croon. "The Bewlay Brothers" is another strong ballad with atmospheric guitar and lyrics speedily tripping off the tongue. My two favorite tracks are the glam rocking guitar workout "Queen Bitch" which would sound right at home on "Ziggy Stardust" and the sublime "Life on Mars?" An incredibly moving piano driven tune with soaring vocals on the chorus,  gorgeous guitar breaks and heart aching strings sweeping it over the top. "Hunky Dory" is the first great Bowie album and a signpost of what was to come from one of this generations greatest musical artists.

"Here's To Taking It Easy" by Phosphorescent (released 2010)

   Phosphorescent is basically singer/songwriter/multi-intrumentalist Matthew Houck. He is joined on the album by a complete band and they produce an achingly beatific slice of rootsy Americana rock (think Wilco and Neil Young). Slide and lap steel guitars slither and swim through each song weaving a shimmering bed for Houck's cracked yearning voice. As the album opens you are swept up by the punchy horns of "It's Hard to be Humble (when you're from Alabama)". Most of the tracks lock into mid-tempo grooves that build to beautifully woozy choruses. The guitar interplay on each song is laid back yet spectacular, as if they are anticipating each other's moves (it's a beautiful thing). "The Mermaid Song" is a perfect amalgamation of all these strengths. "I Don't Care if There's Cursing" repeats a simple melody over and over so perfectly you can't get enough of it. "Hej, Me I'm Light" is a hypnotic mantra performed solely by Houck on instruments and vocals. Two more highlights are "Heaven, Sitting Down" which is a great singalong country classic in the making and the nine minute epic "Los Angeles" which  closes the album out on a very Neil Young like note amid dueling guitars and waves of pedal steel. This is a big sounding record that I like more and more every time I play it. Here's to taking it easy!

Something old....something new (#7)

Each week I will dust off an old favorite from my collection and also review a relatively new release that I have been enjoying. So buy 'em!

"Talking Book" by Stevie Wonder (released 1972)

   Stevie Wonder is an undisputed musical genius and "Talking Book" is a snapshot of him working at his absolute peak. His early pop singles were individual gems but his writing, performance (he plays almost every instrument on the album) and production work coalesce to create the album all his subsequent releases would be measured by. This tour de force of pop, soul and funk opens with the  bubbling singalong "You are the Sunshine of my Life". "Maybe Your Baby" follows with a deep funky groove assisted by some nice guitar from Ray Parker Jr. "You and I" is a beautifully sung ballad highlighting Stevie's soulful voice. "Tuesday Heartbreak" has omnipresent sax icon David Sanborn, but everything leads up to the LP's musical summit of "Superstition". Beginning with drums then followed by his distinct funk-flavored clavinet, punchy horns and snarling/wailing vocals Stevie takes us on one of the greatest musical trips of all time! It's a song with a groove so heavy you wish it would go on indefinitely (I guess that's what the "repeat" button is for). "Big Brother" has a bouncy melody pushed along by the clavinet/harmonica interplay. "Lookin' for another Pure Love" is a pretty ballad with some nice guitar from Jeff Beck and closing out the release is the hope-filled, blissfully epic "I Believe (When I fall in Love it will be Forever). Stevie's other albums from this period are remarkable ("Innervisions" "Fulfillingness' First Finale" "Songs in the Key of Life") but "Talking Book" remains my favorite.

"King of the Beach" by Wavves (released 2010)

   Wavves is basically Nathan Williams who began writing and releasing homemade lo-fi recordings as a teenager. With this release he emerges from his bedroom to record in a studio environment and the songs sparkle all the more for it. Things get off to a rollicking start with the driving guitar/drum title track and the energy rarely lets up. "Super Soaker", "Idiot", "Linus Spacehead" and "Green Eyes" further the manic indie magic. "When Will You Come", "Take on the World" and "Baseball Cards" are twisted 60s beach-flavored pop tunes. "Post Acid" is a big guitar clanging hit with a uniquely awesome bridge that will have you moaning, groaning and screaming along with Nathan. The entire album gives off a fun carefree party atmosphere which seems to accurately reflect Williams's slacker/stoner reputation. The twelve songs fly by and beg to be played again (which I have happily been doing for months). This is such a huge step forward for Wavves in every respect (writing, production, performance) that I can't wait to hear how the young Nathan Williams follows up this sterling sophomore effort. If your life could use a shot of super catchy indie rock noise give "King of the Beach" a spin (you'll be glad you did).