More Record Reviews

Joanna Newsom: Have One on Me, Rating 7.7

“Have One on Me” is an ambitious 3 CD release from singer songwriter Joanna Newsom. Majority of the songs on “Have One on Me” are eight or nine minutes long and demand attention. Newsom accompanies her songs with either her playing the piano or harp. I found myself engaged more with the piano based songs. The harp songs as times got a little to RenFest for me. Newsom’s voice is often compared to Kate Bush and I couldn’t agree more. All in all a really good album, a little long but really good.

Broken Bells: Broken Bells, Rating 6.7

“Broken Bells” is a collaborative effort from Danger mouse and James Mercer, front man of “The Shins.” This album is neither great, nor bad. I guess it’s exactly what I expected a more funked up spacey Shin’s album. I’ve listened to it through a few times now and I feel like I get kind of bored with it. There are a few stand out tracks the will stay on my iPod but I’m not sure this collaboration needed to happen. I am more excited for a new Shins album.

Liars: Sisterworld, Rating 4.0

So “Pitchfork” gave Liars a “Best New Music” rating so I thought I’d check it out. I’m not sure if I’m just not hip enough to get it but I was bored from start to finish. I felt the band was trying to be weird and do something new which I respect but it just wasn’t working for me. To be honest that is the same initial thought I had about “TV on the Radio” when I first heard them and now they are one of my favorite bands but I don’t see that happening with “Liars.”