Casual Listening 10-12-07

Casual Listening

a review of cool new music

by Jeff Pinzino

October 12, 2007

! Radiohead – In Rainbows (rock)

The rock album of the year. The title is apt, and listening is like swimming in a kaleidoscope of sound. Melodies ache across tumbling prisms with stylized drums and arching guitar lines. Multiple listenings each reveal new visions. Mind-altering music.

* Robert Pollard – Standard Gargoyle Decisions and Coast to Coast Carpet of Love (rock)

Pollard is the Pete Townsend of the indie rock world, with an unusual gift for writing songs that are both epic and catchy. Solid rock with a progressive twist. Taking a break from his band Guided by Voices, Pollard releases two albums this week. If you’re a fan, you’ll want them both. If not, flip a coin – you can’t go wrong.

Café Tacvba – SiNo (Spanish rock)

If Talking Heads were Mexican…okay, we won’t go there, but this is impressionistic art-pop that doesn’t take itself too seriously. From revved-up fun-punk to languid ballads, this’ll give you a sense of what the cool kids south of the border are listening to.

The Paschall Brothers – On the Road Right Now (gospel)

A capella gospel. The brothers take pages from the old hymn book and lay them bare with tight 5-part harmonies.

Slidin’ Slim – One Man Riot (blues)

Traditional delta blues slide guitar with distinctly un-traditional arrangements. Samples and electronica make up part of his backing band, yet manage not to distract from some fine fretwork.

In the blog this week: How much should you pay for the new Radiohead album?

* highly recommended

! highest recommendation

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