Shingai Shoniwa really sounds like Macy Gray. Her voice is shockingly similar. It's soothing, raspy with a hint of vibrato, and full of soul. She is the frontgirl for the Noisettes, a London based indie rock band. They're not rock in the conventional sense of rock though. This group is heavily influenced by jazz and blues, and on Wild Young Hearts it's noticeable the moment you push play. The first song on this album is fantastic. The drums are played with brushes, the acoustic guitar is jazzy and finger-picked, the bass is simple and supportive, and Shoniwa's voice shines in the most impressive of ways. These guys are awesome and naturally talented. You can listen to Sometimes here. Here is a video of them playing the same song live to demonstrate their abilities and energy. Definitely take a look. 4/5.
Minks - By The Hedge. I don't know what this Boston indie pop group was thinking. It's not that this album is horrifying, it's just meh... okay, I guess. Some of their songs are disjointed, unpleasing, and frankly quite "ew... no." The guitars are all over the place without a home-base, the drums pound away without any creativity, and the vocals are strained and sustained whines that detract from the rest of the band. Other times though, they resemble bands like Real Estate and Wild Nothing, which I really like. They are guitar orientated, building comforting melodies and rhythms that secrete the notion that there's nothing better than being where it feels like at home. I can't really get into this album, but some might. Here is a taste of one of the better songs. I'll let you decide from there. I give it a 2.5/5.
Callers - Life of Love. You know that song White Rabbit by Jefferson Airplane? Now name the singer of Jefferson Airplane at that time. If you can, I'm impressed. If not, read up. Grace Slick is an icon of the folk rock genre. What made her special was her psychedelic penchants and unreal voice. One of her close friends was Janis Joplin. If you haven't heard of Janis Joplin, you need to seriously reconsider what music you listen to. Anyway, the vocal style of Sarah Lucas, the frontgirl for Callers, is a fusion of Joplin and Slick's style. At this point, this album might seem pretty good. I mean, how can it not be being compared to Joplin and Slick? Don't let that fool you. There is a questionable distance between Lucas' vocals and the instruments. She towers over everything. It sounds funny, especially because her voice is so unique. This is not to say that her voice is bad. It's actually unbelievable. In addition, the other band members are clearly skilled; the guitarist is especially gifted. But all together, there's something wrong. I'm literally finding myself being all Jewy and saying, "Oy, I cannot do this." It's a mundane album full of empty space and incoherent arrangements. If it's any consolation, I'd see them live because I think their sound is interesting, but I wouldn't pay more than $25. Here's a taste. Verdict: 1.8/5.
Watch this video of Phoenix courtesy of La Blogotheque. I'm super jealous of the bride and groom.
Jokes to tell while sharing an awkward elevator ride courtesy of Laffy Taffy:
#242: What is black and white and red? A sunburned zebra.
#20: What do pigs give on valentines day? Valenswines.
#209: What do ghosts like on their beef? Grave-y
#214: When is a boxer like an astronomer? When he sees stars.
Best, Jonathan
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