Casual Listening - Parissa & Iman Vasiri, Levon Helm, Masada Quintet

Casual Listening

a review of cool new music

by Jeff Pinzino

Special double feature!

June 26 & July 3, 2009

! Parissa & Iman Vasiri – Simplicity (world)

With pro-democracy demonstrations igniting across Iran, many Americans are getting a crash course in the history and politics of that country. Consider this disc extra credit. Even without knowing Farsi, you can still sense the sublime joy in Parissa’s interpretation of the poetry of Rumi. Iman Vasiri’s virtuosic playing of the tar, a plucked instrument that is a distant cousin to the Indian sitar, displays the best of the Persian classical tradition.

Listen to Parissa & Iman Vasiri "Chahar Mesrab, Avaz"

! Levon Helm – Electric Dirt (rock)

Helm manages to rediscover the exuberance for American roots music that defined his work with The Band, and 40 years later he’s produced an album that’s every bit as good as those classics. His folksy ballads and blues are almost giddy, lifted by a brace of musicians mixing electric guitar and organ with mandolin, harmonica, and vocal harmonies.

Listen to Levon Helm “Growing Trade”

! Masada Quintet – Stolas: The Book of Angels Volume 12 (jazz)

An energetic set of jazz impressions of Jewish themes. Saxophone giant Joe Lovano joins John Zorn in powering a superb ensemble. Spacious and introspective.

Listen to Masada Quintet “Haamiah”

* Naledge – Chicago Picasso (rap)

Score another exceptional album for the Chicago School of Hip Hop. The self-proclaimed “brainiac” unleashes a powerful lyrical flow that explores the micro-geography of the South Side. Like Kanye, Common, and Lupe, Nalege is smarter than the average bear, and dismisses gangsta posturing in favor of a self-consciously square but real vision of his world. Nalegedge won’t insult your intelligence – let’s hope that’s a trend that catches on.

Listen to Naledge "Blessed By God"(explicit)

Wilco - Wilco (rock)

For a band that’s earned a reputation for avant garde heartland rock, this album’s a crowdpleaser. Compelling melodies surrounded by sculpted sound – 31 flavors of guitar, keyboard, drums, vocals, and the occasional gong.

Listen to Wilco "Wilco (the song)"

Paulina Rubio – Gran City Pop (Latin)

If and when Latin music finally penetrates the American mainstream, I’m guessing Paulina Rubio’s voice will be one of the first you hear. She’s a Spanish-language Madonna, to the point that you assume she’s singing in English. And can you say infectious? There’s a reason the rest of the world can’t get enough of her.

Listen to Paulina Rubio “Causa y Efecto”

Rana Sahota – Khadke Glassy (world)

Sahota plays serious Bhangra, the Indian popular dance music that’s had a huge influence on everyone from club DJ’s to Bollywood composers. With crackling drums over a keyboard orchestra and urgent vocals, this is a modern masala that lingers on the palate.

Listen to Rana Sahota - "Don’t Say No"

Regina Spektor – Far (rock)

A satisfying set of quirky piano-pop from the artist that blazed the trail for the Lilly Allen’s and Katy Perry’s of the world.

Dinosaur Jr. – Farm (rock)

One of the most influential bands of the late 1980’s and early 1990’s still sounds great today. With a characteristic sound of heavy, fuzztone guitars and straightforward pop-rock tunes, Farm is an album built to last.

Listen to Dinosaur Jr. - "I Want You To Know"

Budos Band – The Budos Band EP (world)

Big Apple Afrobeat with a ‘70s retro vibe. Instrumental tracks dominated by a big horn section and electric organ. Super-groovy.

Listen to Budos Band “Mas o Menos”

Ben Weasel – The Brain That Wouldn’t Die (rock)

A glorious live punk album. Ben was the ringleader for many years of the Ramones-inspired Screeching Weasel, and his solo stuff keeps to 3-minute, 3-chord fast/loud gems.

Listen to Ben Weasel “Slogans” (explicit)

* highly recommended

! highest recommendation

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Casual Listening - Sarah Jarosz, Major Lazer, Cacique '97

Casual Listening

a review of cool new music

by Jeff Pinzino

Note: Sorry about the delay on this one – I’ve been having medical issues this week, now behind me. Next week I’ll be on vacation, so there’ll be two weeks worth of reviews when I get back. Oh, and happy birthday Casual Listening, now two years running.

June 19, 2009

! Sarah Jarosz -- Song Up In Her Head (folk)

Jarosz is one of the most talented of the next generation of bluegrass-inspired stars. A full-throated singer, compelling songwriter, and formidable instrumentalist on both banjo and mandolin, she's got a boundless future in music; don't wait for it -- her work now is already amazing.

Listen to Sarah Jarosz "Tell Me True"

! Major Lazer - Guns Don't Kill People, Lazers Do (electronic)

This is the album to out-cool all of your cool friends this summer. Inspired by Jamaican dancehall beats, Major Lazer uses an unbelievable range of samples (horses, cell phone rings, and of course plenty of lasers) to construct postmodern party music. The grooves are heavy, and sure to inspire nodding heads across the world.

Listen to Major Lazer "When You Hear the Bassline"

* Cacique '97 - Cacique '97 (world)

The Portuguese band Cacique '97 is further proof that the Nigerian jazz-funk style known as afrobeat has become a truly international phenomenon. A big horn section over a driving bassline and multi-layered vocals means Cacique '97 can hold their own among the best Afrobeat bands anywhere in the world. Besides, doesn't everything sound more laid-back in Portuguese?

Listen to Cacique '97 - "Eu Quero Tudo"

Rhonda Vincent - Destination Life (country)

Although Vincent is best known for classic bluegrass, she's got some countrypolitan ballads on this release that Dolly Parton herself would be proud to sing. A couple of Southern gospel tunes round out an exceptional set of roots music.

Listen to Rhonda Vincent "I Can Make Him Whisper I Love You"

Laura Izibor - Let the Truth Be Told (R&B)

Izibor has an enormous voice and a taste for retro-styled soul that set this album apart from the crowd. Hammond organ and horns evoke the Memphis sound, with a clear focus on the vocals.

Listen to Laura Izibor - "Shine"

* highly recommended

! highest recommendation

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Casual Listening -- Anti-Flag, Oumou Sangare, Mos Def

Casual Listening

a review of cool new music

by Jeff Pinzino

June 12, 2009

Follow me on the free music site Lala here

! Anti-Flag – The People or the Gun (rock)

Since the election of Barack Obama, outrage has taken a holiday. Even the Daily Show is biding its time taking potshots at Fox News. Meanwhile, millions of Americans are joining the ranks of the unemployed and kids are still coming home in body bags. Anti-Flag reminds us what righteous anger sounds like. Blistering punk grafted to stick-in-your-head melodies, and uncompromising lyrics that would seem crazier if they didn’t match today’s headlines. Whether or not you agree with the message, you’ll find it hard to ignore and maybe even be a little envious of a political voice that is neither cautious nor measured.

Listen to Anti-Flag “The Economy is Suffering…Let It Die”

* Oumou Sangare – Seya (world)

It’s been an amazing time for music from Mali, with Sangare’s album following weeks after excellent releases from Amadou & Mariam and Vieux Farka Toure. To my ears, Seya is the strongest of the three. With traditional string instruments, dense percussion and Sangare’s powerful voice, this album grooves hard.

Listen to Oumou Sangare “Sounsoumba”

* Mos Def – The Ecstatic (rap)

An exquisite-sounding rap album, with samples of Eastern ecstatic music on several tracks. Mos Def has some bravura lyrical turns and a message that is positive with some political and spiritual elements.

Listen to Mos Def “Quiet Dog”

* Dirty Projectors – Bitte Orca (rock)

Dirty Projectors bring an artistic flair to their music that puts them in a league with Talking Heads. Unconventional harmonies, angelic vocals, and instrumentation that layers guitar-bass-drums with violins, electronics, and whatever else happens to be on hand. There’s a complexity here that rewards multiple listens.

Listen to Dirty Projectors “Cannibal Resource”

Fernando Benadon – Intuitivo (classical)

The album, ostensibly of a modern string ensemble with clarinet and percussion, is chamber jazz that threatens to spin out of control but just manages to hold together. In actuality, Benadon has sculpted and assembled the improvisations of the various musicians, recorded separately. Given that compositional task, the cohesiveness of the musical lines is remarkable.

Listen to Fernando Benadon “Inverosímil”

Also of interest this week: Black-Eyed Peas, La Plebe, Iron Maiden, Trey Anastasio & Don Hart

* highly recommended

! highest recommendation

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Casual Listening - Freddie Hubbard, Mariachi Real de San Diego, Elvis Costello

Casual Listening

a review of cool new music

by Jeff Pinzino

June 5, 2009

Follow me on the free music site Lala here

! Freddie Hubbard – Without a Song (jazz)

When the jazz DJ starts naming personnel on some of your jazz favorites, you’re going to hear “Freddie Hubbard on trumpet” a lot. He’s among the most respected horn players ever to play jazz. So for Blue Note Records to unearth and release this live set 40 years after the fact is a musical event in the jazz world. He’s playing at his peak – crisp tone, muscular solos, and with a killer band egging him on (that’s Roland Hanna on piano, Ron Carter on bass, and Louis Hayes on drums for those keeping score).

Listen to Freddie Hubbard “Without a Song”

* Mariachi Real de San Diego – Mariachi Classics (Latin)

Mariachi is an art form best experienced in the open air. Mariachi Real de San Diego manages to capture in the studio the elation of the Mexican big-band tradition that comes out at weddings, parades, and other fiestas. Olé!

Listen to Mariachi Real de San Diego “El Tranchete”

Elvis Costello – Secret, Profane, and Sugarcane (rock)

Costello gets a rootsy Americana treatment on this record thanks to producer T Bone Burnett. With dobro, fiddle, and mandolin in tow, Costello picks up a layer of grit that intensifies his songs.

Listen to Elvis Costello “Born on a Day the Sun Didn’t Rise”

Eels– Hombre Lobo (rock)

A werewolf-themed rock set with the barely-under-control energy of the great Chicago blues masters. The fact that the recording fidelity is about that of a voicemail message only adds to the charm.

Listen to Eels “Tremendous Dynamite”

Big Blind – Circus Left Town (blues)

Hot electric blues with interesting tunes venturing way beyond the typical twelve bars. Heavy harmonica drives the sound, which creates an eerie funhouse mirror feel that riffs off the album title.

Listen to Big Blind “Like Me”

* highly recommended

! highest recommendation

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Casual Listening - Ashley Cleveland, Vieux Farka Toure, Black Moth Super Rainbow

Casual Listening

a review of cool new music

by Jeff Pinzino

May 29, 2009

Follow me on the free music site Lala here

* Ashley Cleveland – God Don’t Never Change (gospel)

Cleveland reworks depression-era gospel blues for the new age of anxiety, hoping these songs can bring comfort from the hereafter to the recently afflicted. She invokes the music of the early greats: Blind Willie Johnson, Mississippi Fred McDowell, and Reverend Gary Davis among others. Her settings range from simple acoustic to church gospel to blistering blues-rock. This is a deep river of music, and it’s encouraging to see a talented musician of the digital age willing to take a drink.

Listen to Ashley Cleveland “When This World Comes to and End”

* Vieux Farka Toure – Fondo (world)

Toure brings an outsized version of the Malian-style blues of his late father, Ali Farka Toure. His twisting electric guitar and vocal lines draped in reverb are spellbinding with or without a full band in tow.

Listen to Vieux Farka Toure “Wale”

Black Moth Super Rainbow – Eating Us (rock)

The mix of sound on this groovy electronic rock record is good enough to eat. Put on your best headphones and work your way through course after course: crunchy, silky, delicate, velvety, piquant, creamy. Melts in your mind.

Listen to Black Moth Super Rainbow “Born on a Day the Sun Didn’t Rise”

Wisin and Yandel – La Revolución (Latin)

A heavy reggaeton album from two masters of Latin rap-reggae. Close harmonies alternate with wild rap-en-español above rolling dance beats and synthesizers. W&Y bounce in ways you just won’t hear in American rap.

Listen to Wisin and Yandel “Encendío”

Dave Alvin and the Guilty Women – Dave Alvin and the Guilty Women (country)

You’ve just dropped in on a back porch country jam session. The musicians are spinning through different styles just for kicks. “How about a Cajun tune?” “You guys ever listen to Bob Wills?” “Try this blues shuffle.” Everyone’s having fun and no one’s taking anything too seriously. If the style they’re playing this time isn’t your thing, well, that’s just an excuse to go to the cooler and open another cold one.

Listen to Dave Alvin and the Guilty Women “Marie Marie”

Hot n’ Spicy – Hot n’ Spicy (jazz)

A three-piece band with the classic guitar-violin pairing that echoes Django Reinhardt and Stephane Grapelli. The style is easygoing, with vocals on most tracks, and interesting arrangements, including a moody take on the Beatles’ “Eight Days a Week.”

Listen to Hot n’ Spicy “Guitar Hero”

* highly recommended

! highest recommendation

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Casual Listening - Iron & Wine, Sparklehorse-Dangermouse-David Lynch, Steve Martin

Casual Listening

a review of cool new music

by Jeff Pinzino

May 22, 2009

NEW! Follow me on the free music site Lala here

! Iron & Wine – Around the Well (folk)

Iron & Wine is an ambassador from the future of American folk music. With impressionistic use of traditional instruments (banjo, steel guitar) and styles (ballads & blues), Iron & Wine unfolds quiet, penetrating lyrical portraits that approach the greatness of the best bards of the ‘60s. This two-disc set of previously (and inexplicably) unreleased work is split between early acoustic home recordings and more recent forays into psychedelia.

Listen to Iron & Wine “Loud as Hope” and “Carried Home”

* Dangermouse and Sparklehorse – Dark Night of the Soul (rock)

This is a moody and interesting collection, with a range that stretches from brooding to peppy to aggressive. The focus is on the songwriting of Sparklehorse’s Mark Linkous, and Dangermouse’s production gives muted hints of his work with other projects such as Gnarls Barkley and the Black Keys. There’s a different singer on each track, ranging from Suzanne Vega to Iggy Pop. This was originally intended to be released as a CD with a booklet of photographs by esoteric filmmaker David Lynch. Due to an unexplained disagreement with the record label, the booklet will be released with a blank CD-R and the instructions “Use it as you will.” Meanwhile, there are two places you can find the music – illegally through file-sharing services, or legally through what’s become one of the most consistently adventurous music sites on the web, National Public Radio’s NPR Music. Why major labels pick fights with their most talented and creative artists (Radiohead, NIN, Dangermouse) is beyond me, because in nearly every case what results is must-hear music, and the labels only make themselves more irrelevant than they already are.

Hear Dark Night of the Soul at NPR Music

And while you’re at it, try their All Songs Considered podcast, several other new albums on Exclusive First Listen, and an unbelievable archive of live Concerts

* Steve Martin ­– The Crow: New Songs for the Five String Banjo (bluegrass)

* Chris Pandolfi – Looking Glass (bluegrass)

Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out – Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out (bluegrass)

It’s a banjo-lover’s fantasy this week. Steve Martin is not only a formidable banjo player offscreen, he writes great banjo music in a range of styles. The pieces are primarily for small string ensemble, mostly instrumentals, with bluegrass and old-time elements – fresh ideas in traditional style. Pandolfi’s newgrass style is more adventurous, and the results are top shelf. IIIrd Tyme Out is more solidly traditional bluegrass, with tight vocal harmonies.

Listen to Steve Martin “Late for School”

Listen to Chris Pandolfi “Machines”

Listen to Russell Moore and IIIrd Tyme Out “Hard Rock Mountain Prison [‘Til I Die]”

Tori Amos – Abnormally Attracted to Sin (rock)

If you lost track of this singer-songwriter-pianist somewhere around “Cornflake Girl,” it’s time to start listening again. She’s writing some of the most attractive music of her career – solidly melodic tunes draped with downtempo beats and atmospheric orchestrations. There are also glimpses of the biting lyrics that made her early work unforgettable.

Listen to Tori Amos “Welcome to England”

Original Music and Songs Inspired by: Rudo y Cursi (world)

The movie that this soundtrack comes from (about two brothers from rural México who get recruited to play pro soccer) is getting a crazy amount of buzz. The soundtrack should turn heads as well, with all the cool kids of Mexican rock-en-español contributing. And if that’s not enough, the movie’s theme song is Cheap Trick’s “I Want You to Want Me.”

Listen to Juana Molina’s “Rudo y Cursi”

And Gael Garcia Bernal’s “Quiero Que Me Quieras”

* highly recommended

! highest recommendation

Check out the blog at http://casuallistening.blogspot.com . To subscribe or unsubscribe, or just to say hi, send an e-mail to jeffpinzino@gmail.com.

Casual Listening - Mark O'Connor, Bobby Sanabria, Steve Earle

Casual Listening

a review of cool new music

by Jeff Pinzino

May 15, 2009

NEW! Follow me on lala here

! Mark O’Connor – String Quartets No.’s 2 & 3 (classical)

If more contemporary composers were able to connect classical and popular forms with the confidence of Mark O’Connor, we’d be well on our way to reversing the exodus of audiences from the nation’s concert halls. The two quartets presented here are inspired by string band music (one is subtitled “bluegrass,” the other “old time”), yet show a thoroughly modern complexity, both harmonically and rhythmically.

Listen to Mark O’Connor – from “String Quartet No. 2 ‘Bluegrass’”

! Bobby Sanabria conducting the Manhattan Afro-Cuban Jazz Orchestra –

Kenya Revisited Live (jazz)

It doesn’t get any hotter than this. Sanabria is the new millennium apostle of Latin jazz, and he’s enlisted an orchestra to recreate one of the masterpieces of the genre. He’s even got Candido Camero, who played congas on the original recording with Machito 50 years ago. Five minutes listening and you’ll realize why every jazz musician of the day dropped everything they were doing and taught themselves to play this music.

Listen to Bobby Sanabria “Wild Jungle”

And for those who are interested, here’s Machito’s original “Wild Jungle”

! Márcio Local ­– Marcio Local Says Don Day Don Dree Don Don (bluegrass)

Local is one of the inheritors of Tropicalia, the rich stew of jazz, rock, funk, and samba that started coming out of Brazil in the 1960’s. You’ll hear casually sung (and sometimes rapped) Portuguese lyrics over horns, electric organ, and a bucketful of percussion. This is instant summer jam: just add beach.

Listen to Márcio Local “Samba Sem Nenhum Problema”

Steve Earle – Townes (folk)

Steve Earle has been waiting his whole career to make this album. The country-rock iconoclast is interpreting the work of Townes Van Zandt, Earle’s hero and mentor, who could be described as a rugged man’s Bob Dylan. Most of the western ballads receive a straightforward treatment with solo acoustic guitar. The rest are portraits in blues, bluegrass, roadhouse, or modern rock with a band configured to evoke the mood. What’s distinctive is the degree to which Earle owns these songs, many of which are as close to him as ones he’s written himself.

Listen to Steve Earle “To Live Is To Fly”

Meat Puppets – Sewn Together (rock)

The sound shimmers, the tunes grip, and the harmonies curl around you. Despite their storied underground history, what’s distinctive about the Meat Puppets today is that they come across as an ordinary band that’s very good at what they do. Anyone who followed R.E.M. through the ‘80s will recognize both the sound and the style.

Listen to Meat Puppets “Blanket of Weeds”

* highly recommended

! highest recommendation

Check out the blog at http://casuallistening.blogspot.com . To subscribe or unsubscribe, or just to say hi, send an e-mail to jeffpinzino@gmail.com.