Casual Listening Extra 6-6-08

Casual Listening

Extra!

June 6, 2008

! Fleet Foxes – Fleet Foxes (rock)

Layered harmonies and expansive, psychedelic textures invoke the fey side of 60’s folk-rockers like Fairport Convention; Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young; and The Byrds. An opaque, haunting album that deserves all the critical praise it’s getting.

In The Heights (Original Cast Recording)

The next iteration of the stage musical, set way uptown from Broadway in Manhattan’s Washington Heights neighborhood. Infused with salsa and hip hop rhythms, it makes for interesting listening whether or not you’re familiar with the story. The play is up for a slew of Tony awards, and while it doesn’t have the musical depth of West Side Story, it may end up being a similarly iconic musical for a new generation.

Tim Hockenberry – Back In Your Arms (vocal)

If they remade Casablanca, Tim Hockenberry would be the house band at Rick’s Café. His gravelly baritone powerfully delivers this set of sentimental ballads. Recalls Tom Waits before he got really weird.

Mojomatics – Don’t Pretend That You Know Me (rock)

Classic-styled garage rock, meaning rough-hewn, blues-inspired guitars and shouted vocals with honking harmonica solos. The rock and roll equivalent of the summer popcorn blockbuster.

* highly recommended

! highest recommendation

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