This month our Music Editor, Liselle checks out the latest offerings from Matchbox 20, Lenny Kravitz and Ringo Starr (yes, would you believe it!). We also check out the darling new Juno Soundtrack, and give you the chance to win our album of the month, Little Voice by Sara Bareilles...
Sara Bareilles Little Voice: Stomping pianos, a little bit of attitude and an album full of radio friendly songs, Little Voice is a vibrant and well crafted record both in it’s conception and execution. With a unique voice and amazing vocal range, Bareilles shows off both her talent as a singer and a song writer. Commanding melodies and a soulful delivery makes for a very natural sounding album, all adding to her standout and effortless charm.
Juno Music Soundtrack:I heart Juno! This has got to be one of the best soundtracks of all time with music from The Kinks, Mouldy Peaches, Cat Power, Sonic Youth, Buddy Holly and Velvet Underground (among others). This is an album that’s sharp but innocent with an unapologetic youthful energy from its largely acoustic stringy guitars and catchy rhyming songs. It is also an album that has started my love affair with singer Kimya Dawson who features on six of the albums 19 tracks with a particular favourite being the somewhat twisted/sweet/catchy/funny ‘Loose Lips’.
Lenny Kravitz It Is Time for a Love Revolution:What is possibly one of Kravitz’s best albums to date, It Is Time for a Love Revolution expertly captures that 60s and 70s buzz with just enough modernising to bring it up with the play. Lyrically, Kravitz once again displays his dry writing skills with obvious rhyme on par with that of a 10-year-old but at least he’s getting the right messages across. All up, this is an enjoyable album and while not highly differentiated from classic Kravtiz, is still a commendable addition to any music collection.
Matchbox 20 Exile on Mainstream: Oh the irony! For a band that proudly calls their greatest hits album Exile on Mainstream, their six new tracks are anything but. These tracks nicely bridge their signature sound into a highly commercial sound, which bears the hallmarks of both the obvious pros and cons – catchy tick, different cross, instantly gratifying tick, prospect of longevity cross. Skip over to disc two and you have all those hits including ‘Long Day’, ‘Push’ ‘3am’ and ‘Unwell’ which still exude a sense of 90s charm.
Ringo Starr Liverpool 8: Peace, love and rock n’ roll! The iconic Ringo Starr returns with this highly anticipated gem of an album to bless our music loving ears with 60s inspired messages and bring the love back to this generation. A must own for any Beatles fan, Liverpool 8 (named after the neighbourhood where he grew up) is both charming and reflective, sincere and easy going. Ringo proves he’s still at the top of his game with a classic album that shows how this blast from the past is still way ahead of the rest.
Liselle
Do you want to win? We have three copies of Sara Bareilles new ablum, Little Voice to give away! To get yourself in the draw, simply name one other album reviewed in this month's article! Too easy!
Note: Have you moved house? Click here before you enter to check that your details are correct so if you win, your prize gets to you!Competition closes April 16, 2008.
I heart Juno! This has got to be one of the best soundtracks of all time with music from The Kinks, Mouldy Peaches, Cat Power, Sonic Youth, Buddy Holly and Velvet Underground (among others). This is an album that’s sharp but innocent with an unapologetic youthful energy from its largely acoustic stringy guitars and catchy rhyming songs. It is also an album that has started my love affair with singer Kimya Dawson who features on six of the albums 19 tracks with a particular favourite being the somewhat twisted/sweet/catchy/funny ‘Loose Lips’.
Lenny Kravitz It Is Time for a Love Revolution: What is possibly one of Kravitz’s best albums to date, It Is Time for a Love Revolution expertly captures that 60s and 70s buzz with just enough modernising to bring it up with the play. Lyrically, Kravitz once again displays his dry writing skills with obvious rhyme on par with that of a 10-year-old but at least he’s getting the right messages across. All up, this is an enjoyable album and while not highly differentiated from classic Kravtiz, is still a commendable addition to any music collection.
Matchbox 20 Exile on Mainstream: Oh the irony! For a band that proudly calls their greatest hits album Exile on Mainstream, their six new tracks are anything but. These tracks nicely bridge their signature sound into a highly commercial sound, which bears the hallmarks of both the obvious pros and cons – catchy tick, different cross, instantly gratifying tick, prospect of longevity cross. Skip over to disc two and you have all those hits including ‘Long Day’, ‘Push’ ‘3am’ and ‘Unwell’ which still exude a sense of 90s charm.
Ringo Starr Liverpool 8: Peace, love and rock n’ roll! The iconic Ringo Starr returns with this highly anticipated gem of an album to bless our music loving ears with 60s inspired messages and bring the love back to this generation. A must own for any Beatles fan, Liverpool 8 (named after the neighbourhood where he grew up) is both charming and reflective, sincere and easy going. Ringo proves he’s still at the top of his game with a classic album that shows how this blast from the past is still way ahead of the rest..jpg){kind=small}
