Pages tagged “dischord”

Dierks Bentley: Up On The Ridge

By Jeff Leven and Stephen M. Deusner at 9:00 AM on June 18, 2010

Yee-Haw By Jeff Leven Put away your cynicism about rolodex records—rarely do albums this star-studded sound quite so organic. Up on the Ridge comprises ambitious covers executed with modesty and respect, magnanimous co-writes and a loving attention to sonic detail; a true celebration of the state of modern country. A smoldering cover of Dylan’s “Señor (Tales of Yankee Power)” features gorgeous fiddle and mandolin interplay, while the wistful “Draw Me A Map” ranks among Bentley’s most poignant ballads, with its aching lead vocal performance; a chart-topper like this guy integrating as deep and disparate a group of performers as Kris... read more

Found in: Music, Reviews

Yeasayer: Odd Blood

By Christina Lee and Matt Fink at 9:00 AM on February 10, 2010

Needs a Transfusion By Christina Lee As proven on All Hour Cymbals and now on Odd Blood, Yeasayer knows how to set the stage for a great adventure. But while chipmunk falsettos may have replaced human howls on this interplanetary trek, these voices are still telling the same aimless tale. Starting with an intimidating first encounter, only now with distortion-voiced aliens (“The Children”), the band’s venture into a new world peaks entirely too early, with standout single the gurgling “Ambling Alp” replacing the last album’s chanting “2080.” From there, save for weak extraterrestrial stabs at R&B (“Love Me Girl”) and... read more

Found in: Music, Reviews

Jawbox: For Your Own Special Sweetheart

By Brian Howe at 9:00 AM on January 21, 2010

Dischord Records acquires and reissues ship-jumping post-hardcore classic During the 1980s, Washington D.C. punk music underwent a sea change in which ideologically rigid hardcore yielded to broader shades of emotion and artistry. In Minor Threat and Fugazi, Ian MacKaye straddled and defined this shift; the less iconic but equally great J. Robbins was by his side, first in Government Issue, and then in Jawbox, which melded ferocious power with heart-wrenching melody and rock swagger with intellectual urgency.... read more

Found in: Music, Reviews