Thursday, July 5, 2012

July 3 Releases

After giving it some thought, I have decided that for the Background Impressions series, I won’t be pulling punches. If I really don’t like an album, I will be completely honest. I will not do an in-depth review, but I will include it in the Background Impressions

Atlantic Avenue – When The Lights Go Down

1 of 5 stars

Another container for the same dog food that has been pushed on unknowing pre-teens since the industry decided that pop-punk equals profit.

B-Side Players – Revolutionize

4 of 5 stars

As the song Soul Music alludes, “it’s not music, if it ain’t got no soul,” and this has soul in spades.

Jeremy Fisher – Mint Juleps

5 of 5 stars

Drawing from the vast folk tradition, the catchy vocal hooks and inspired guitar and mando work make for a particularly pleasant modern folk. Beyond the performance, the album is refreshingly well produced to get that raw, present sound that fits the music perfectly. Use of hard panning and the Haas effect combine for a wide soundstage that sounds like you’re sitting right in the middle of a jam for much of the album.

Gold Motel – Gold Motel

3 of 5 stars

Nothing new, but well done. Driving, seductive, dance-rock with fantastic bass grooves. Great flourishes from the guitar and keys.

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