Red Stars Theory, etc
Off
Korn
Based on the few tracks that have sprung up they are a slightly above average bunch of musicians, but the singer has an intolerable whining way with both delivery and content. Ditch the shirt pronto!
On
Natalie Imbruglia
Nowhere near as bad as any other ex-Neighbours star. In fact, with sonic similarities to The Sundays and Tanya Donelly, and sampling folks like His Name Is Alive, Ms Imbuglia verges on Indie-gauche. The Waterboys-ish ‘That Day’ begs to be mashed up with something less jangly.
Red Stars Theory: Life In A Bubble Can Be Beautiful
Thank you Pandora. I like to listen to ambient rock when I work, so I try to guide the personalised radio thing in that direction. This is in the upper quartile of that deprecated genre. Two of the seven pieces here have vocals: one female and one male. A nice balance. Will listen more and report back.
Set Fire To Flames
Not sure where I heard about these bods — maybe I was just attracted to the name in someone’s p2p offering — but this really is the stuff. See review.
In Limbo
Limp Bizkit
Feels a bit odd to have three albums by a band of their reputation on my Zen, but the jury is still out after a couple of pretty decent tunes.
Cat Power: The Greatest
I have mainly liked Chan Marshall’s mournful songs and inspired covers, her gentle repetition and pleasantly inept playing. The occasional genius musical accomplice has helped, too, especially on Moon Pix. But, having made the mistake of reading about this album on the Matador website prior to listening, and trying but failing to endure its faux-Soul, I am left with the inescapable inconclusion that she’s gone all Rattle & Hum. Harnessing the drummer from Booker T & The MGs is cool, but trying to sound like Al Green (or indeed anyone else) isn’t. Now I am struggling to hear it without the wigga baggage. And Cat Power’s Achtung Baby may be just around the corner.
