Casual Listening
a review of cool new music
by Jeff Pinzino
! Art Brut – Art Brut vs. Satan (rock)
Irrational exuberance personified. Art Brut’s singsong-shouted lyrics share enormous enthusiasm about everyday things like public transportation. Add tight punk-pop guitar and drums and you can’t help but giggle every time you hear them.
Listen to Art Brut “The Replacements”
Camalion – De Las Cenizas (Latin)
“Old-school” Reggaeton is the reggae-rap fusion that comes from the Puerto Rican underground of the 1990’s. Camalion was part of that scene, and is on a crusade to bring these sound back into circulation. Camalion remakes classic tracks, keeping the distinctive, heavy beat that made Reggaeton a dance favorite, but which new artists have increasingly put aside.
Listen to Camalion “Rebel Music”
Allen Toussaint – The Bright
A loving tribute to
Listen to Allen Toussaint “Bright Mississippi”
Mamane Barka – Introducing Mamane Barka (world)
Barka is the last living master of the Biram, a harp from
Listen to Mamane Barka “Alhadj”
The Boxmasters – Modbilly (country)
Classic honkytonk and rockabilly from a new band with attitude and serious talent. Twenty-four tracks on a double album, and you’re still left wanting more.
Listen to Boxmasters “Heartbreakin’ Wreck”
Big Bad Voodoo Daddy – How Big Can You Get? The Music of Cab Calloway (jazz)
BBVD have expanded to a full big band for this album of swing-era greats. Although it’s impossible to match Calloway’s vocal style, their reproduction of the huge sound of classic swing makes this a satisfying listen.
Listen to Big Bad Voodoo Daddy “Hey Now, Hey Now”
* highly recommended
! highest recommendation
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