Casual Listening 8-17-07

Casual Listening

a review of cool new music

by Jeff Pinzino

August 17, 2007

* Oreskaband – Oreskaband (ska)

Peppy, horn-driven, dance-friendly music as played by a group of hypertalented Japanese schoolgirls. Oreskaband are every bit as good as the best American ska. Energetic and fun.

* Eisley – Combinations (rock)

Vocal duets cry across a somber rock soundscape. Reverb-laden guitar work supported by piano and an occasional xylophone or hammered dulcimer gives an ethereal feel to an enticing group of songs.

Seldom Scene – Scenechronized (bluegrass)

Thick harmony singing distinguishes these veteran pickers, making characteristic bluegrass sound a little less lonesome. The band interprets a tasty array of classic Americana, including songs by Bob Dylan, Merle Haggard, and Cowboy.

Blaqk Audio – CexCells (dance)

If you’ve been holding onto a battered cassette of Depeche Mode’s Violator since sophomore year, this is your new favorite band. Blaqk Audio churns out infectious electronic dance tracks for the black-clad euro-club scene.

* highly recommended

! highest recommendation

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