Casual Listening 1-11-08

Casual Listening

a review of cool new music

by Jeff Pinzino

January 11, 2008

! Left Lane Cruiser – Bring Yo’ Ass to the Table (blues)

Left Lane Cruiser’s high-voltage blues sound is downright nasty. Blistering electric slide guitar and leering vocals distill old-school Mississippi blues down to its rowdiest essence. This band has some major mojo.

* Kate Nash – Made of Bricks (rock)

Pop nouveaux with a British accent and attitude to spare. Nash gossips story-songs of modern love, and lack thereof. Lilly Allen fans should be jumping at this one.

Rhonda Vincent – Good Thing Going (bluegrass)

Solid bluegrass, country, and a dose of Western swing. Vincent’s voice manages high-lonesome and low-down styles with equal finesse. Vibrant roots music.

Zoom – Love Junket (jazz)

Exhibit A in the case to resurrect the jazz vibraphone ensemble. Organ and drums accent strong vibes work with straight-ahead takes on funky and familiar tunes by Jimi Hendrix, Joni Mitchell, and Neil Young.

In the blog this week: How to make a record for kids, Lupe Fiasco, Mago de Oz.

* highly recommended

! highest recommendation

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