Casual Listening 4-4-08

Casual Listening

a review of cool new music

by Jeff Pinzino

April 4, 2008

* Funky Kidz – Various Artists (jazz) released March 4, but too good to ignore.

An A-list of New Orleans funkmeisters give a Big Easy makeover to familiar tunes. Ivan Neville's Dumpstaphunk doing Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah? If you've got kids, you can't not get this album.

Lalo Mora – Le Canta a Mexico (world)

This musical-geographical tribute to Mora's native Mexico features a series of beautifully sentimental corridos, each an ode to a different region of the country. Honeyed harmonies and traditional style help make this a keeper.

Matthew Ryan – Matthew Ryan vs. The Silver State (rock)

Rugged songwriting in an alternative country vein. Raspy-throated vocals, literate lyrics, and a band that balances acoustic and electric guitars over a set of slow rockers. Ryan Adams fans will feel at home here.

Sun Kil Moon – April (rock)

Quiet, introspective folk and troubadour rock. Sun Kil Moon echoes the fragility of British folk icon Nick Drake in uncanny ways.

Van Morrison -- Keep it Simple (rock)

Easygoing blues and R&B. Morrison's at a point in his career where he doesn't have to prove anything to anybody, including himself. He's just singing music he loves, and it shows.

In the blog this week: R.E.M., Moby, The Sword, 25 Years of “Thriller”

* highly recommended

! highest recommendation

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