October brings the first report cards of the year and parent/teacher conferences on top of everything else. It’s a lot. For that reason, it took me a while to process some of the new music from the month; in fact, I’m still processing quite a bit of it. So, I’m writing about some of these albums with fewer listens than I normally would and probably writing less than usual too. It’s either that or not write this time out and I wanted to stay in the groove. Let’s press play…
The Gaslight Anthem/History Books - I didn’t even listen to this one in October, though to be fair, it did come out right at the end of the month. Upon first listen, I wasn’t too sure about the production, but maybe I was just wanting to hear The ‘59 Sound or American Slang again. Upon second listen, however, I got locked in and it quickly became the album to listen to in my classroom while preparing for the day. The title track is a duet with Bruce Springsteen and hits that soaring anthemic sweet spot you would expect and want from the pairing. The opening to “Positive Charge” never fails to give me energy with driving drums and a “woo” that leads to a stinging lead guitar. It’s been 9 years since their last album, but for me they haven’t missed a step with this collection of rockers and more contemplative songs. Honestly, I’ve had to force myself to not listen to it constantly. Why I do that is a whole other topic, so let’s move on to the next one…
The Mountain Goats/Jenny From Thebes - This is a concept album that’s related to their 2002 album, All Hail West Texas, or at least a few songs therein. AHWT is one of my favorite albums from the group, but it featured a very different sound as it was solidly in John Darnielle’s lo-fi recording days. The band has long since expanded since then and Jenny… takes full advantage of that fact, including plenty of horns and even some strings. I haven’t really grasped the story yet, but there are strong individual songs for sure. “Murder at the 18th St. Garage” has some great Jon Wurster drum fills as it progresses and is definitely on the rockier side; the rest of the album is less so, but the music is always interesting. I suspect familiarity with the story will come with more listens, but even if it never coheres, that’s okay.
Israel Nash/Ozarker - I really liked Nash’s album Topaz from a couple years ago and this continues his winning streak. He traffics in melodic, full-throated rock, with passionate vocals and plenty of guitar solos. This album reminds me of recent Strand of Oaks, which is a definite plus in my book. If you were looking for a track or two to try before committing to a full 45 minutes, “Roman Candle” or “Pieces” would be a good place to start. Or, you can just dive in and when you get to “Shadowland” and its soaring “oh”s, you will either be all in or all out. I hope it’s the former.
Rinehearts/Full Bloom - I have fallen in love with a couple albums from Australian power pop bands this year (haven’t written about the other one yet). The first 2 songs didn’t grab on first listen, but like a lot of power pop, I now really like them as well. The song that initially grabbed me was “Call Me Up,” with its jangle-pop base, stacked harmonies, and call-and-response vocals in the chorus. It’s followed by “Blue Jeans,” which is bouncier before getting into some great drums fills with soaring wordless vocals over top. When I get to the end, I just want to start the whole thing all over again.
The Rolling Stones/Hackney Diamonds - It took a few days for me to listen to this when it came out and by that time, friends were commenting that it was a really strong listen and the overall consensus online was that it’s their strongest since…well, a long time ago. So, I had some expectations when I first listened…and I’ll be honest, I felt I had been lead astray. I eventually gave it another spin, though, and this time I felt like I got locked in with it. It isn’t a great album, but it’s a pretty good album and for a bunch of men who were born at the same time as my parents, that’s almost a miracle. For me, the strongest part of the album is the last third, beginning with “Driving Me Too Hard.” It really kicks in with “Tell Me Straight,” which is a fine addition to the “Keith songs on Rolling Stones albums” canon. Next up is “Sweet Sounds of Heaven,” which is a long gospel-tinged number with Lady Gaga playing the Merry Clayton role; I’m not a particular fan of Lady Gaga but this works. The album closes with “Rolling Stone Blues,” which has the effect of the band completing a career circle.
Uni Boys/Buy This Now! - Speaking of power pop, if you like that late 70s/early 80s style, this is an album for you. Check out opener “Let’s Watch a Movie,” which is kinda silly and kinda sweet, complete with harmonized “ooh”s and a sticky little guitar solo. If that does it for you, the remaining 11 songs should too.
Great list as always!