Over Winter Break, I heard enough new albums to fill this column for the rest of the semester.
Here are four albums that really knocked my socks off. Maybe they can for you too.
Cake -- "Pressure Chief (Columbia, 2004) -- * * *
The only thing John McCrea really needs to worry about in the future is whether he'll ever be sued for plagiarizing himself. Not that I'm complaining, mind you. I have been a fan of his band Cake since way back in 1994 when I first heard the album "Motorcade of Generosity," and since then, I've made it a habit to pick up the new material when they release it every three years, like clockwork. If you're a fan of the band, you're going to love "Pressure Chief," the band's fifth studio release.
With such wide-ranging subject matter how could it lose? If you have ever wanted a song that personifies an abandoned dime, you've got it here. Or if you're into snide and sarcastic protest rock, you may enjoy their addictively catchy tracks "No Phone" and "Carbon Monoxide." However, this isn't likely to be an album that brings in new fans because, despite his talent, McCrea continues to preach to the converted rather than making any attempt to stretch beyond his band's limited success. This is why, after five albums, they still remain an indie treasure ... and why they'll still go down in alternative history as a one-hit wonder.
Kelly Clarkson -- "Breakaway" (RCA, 2004) -- * * * *
Okay, I'll admit to you, I'm an "American Idol" junkie. The irony is that I missed the first season, in which Kelly became a star, and yet she remains my favorite of all the finalists still releasing material. The key has been that Clarkson hasn't let RCA and 19 Entertainment shove pop schlock down her throat. She fought back, shelved her original debut, and came out two years later with "Thankful," one of the better pop albums of 2003. Now, 198 months later, she's back in the spotlight, deserving every ounce of praise she gets.
"Breakaway" is an album full of potential, and a lot has to do with the fact that she's working with producers who help her leap beyond the strengths of her debut. She's almost a pop chameleon, with a sound that could compare with Avril Lavigne ("Since U Been Gone") and Evanescence's Amy Lee ("Addicted"), changing from song to song without losing impact.
I don't think radio is going to know what to do with Clarkson a few years down the road, because she may be one of the few modern pop performers with the talent to survive the decade.
Gary Jules -- "Trading Snakeoil For Wolftickets" (Universal, 2004) -- * * * * *
I hold the five star review in high regard. It is reserved for the best of the best, and there have been many quality albums I've given four stars, resisting the impulse to call them classic.
But Gary Jules is one of those rare artists you can't help but revering. This album was originally independently released back in 2001, and no one heard it. Then, thanks to Universal cashing in by reissuing the album (with "Mad World" as a bonus advertising feature, the song that helped make the film Donny Darko a cult favorite), the world gets another chance to discover a gem.
This is absolutely the finest indie album you've never heard! A gentle, luscious California blend of Paul Simon with Neil Young, Jules has crafted an album that speaks for itself. Mild, soothing and utterly addictive -- I've probably heard it a hundred times since I bought it three weeks ago! -- there hasn't been an album that gripped me this hard in so long I can't remember. It almost sounds like it came out of a different era. If you heard "Mad World" before and thought it was a great song, just wait until you hear the rest of the album. You won't know how you did without it this long, I guarantee.
OFF THE RADAR
Stephen Kellogg -- "Lucky Eleven" (Independent, 2002) -- * * * *
I heard this album and wondered if I was the first to think he should be signed as quickly as an indie label could click its pen. Then I learned Stephen Kellogg did finally get that contract, with an indie label, and has a new album coming out in February.
That said, his independently released album "Lucky Eleven" is one of those rare efforts that blends the best elements of alt-rock with bluesy country. It is the Wallflowers' early efforts meeting up with a contemporary sound that compares with John P. Strohm (a former member of the Blake Babies). But don't take my word for it; this is the kind of heartfelt rock that would make someone like Ryan Adams nod in approval.
I found this, his third album, by complete accident and then kept smacking myself for not stumbling upon it sooner, even as I bought the rest of his discography. What will your excuse for missing this album be? Don't wait until later to hop on the bandwagon, get behind the wheel and drive!
Read More
Three Air Jam teams take home the win
October 12, 2012Nineteen teams shimmied, shook and flipped for a sold out John R. Emens Auditorium on Thursday night during the 25th annual Air Jam.
Bill Clinton Speaks at North Central High School
October 12, 2012Former President's Speech Could Have Effect on State Senate Race
