Casual Listening
a review of cool new music
by Jeff Pinzino
June 20, 2008
* Kirsten Price - Guts & Garbage (R&B)
The frontwoman for this soul revue has a killer set of pipes. Great backup singers and strong beats give Price's sound a feel like a 21st century Aretha Franklin. Hot!
* Grupo Fantasma - Sonidos Gold (Latin)
The original spirit of salsa -- huge horns, lots of percussion, and a deep groove that the players stretch out in. Music with a funky edge that defies you to sit still.
Amos Hoffman - Evolution (world)
Mavrothi T. Kontanis - Sto Kafaseli Sokaki (world)
This week I've come across not one, but two great albums featuring the Middle Eastern lute instrument called the oud. It's got a more percussive, haunting sound that enhances a variety of folk music. Hoffman is Israeli, and his expressive, minor-key runs are supported by flute and tambourine, bringing together virtuosity and a heritage sound. Kontanis's arrangements of Greek-inspired tunes are supported with more spare arrangements, but are equally illuminating.
King Khan and the Shrines - The Supreme Genius of King Khan and the Shrines (rock)
A dose of Indian kitsch adds a crazy twist to a classic garage rock sound. Shouted lyrics, fuzzy guitars, saxophone, and occasionally spooky organ keep the power chords coming. Barely on the sane side of Screamin' Jay Hawkins.
In the blog this week: Coldplay, Judas Priest, The Briggs, The Mannish Boys, Dan Tyminski
* highly recommended
! highest recommendation
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1 comment:
There are no back up singers on my album, except for me - Kirsten Price
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