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James Carter, Chasin' the Gyspsy *****/5
Chasin' the Gypsy made a spectacular first impression on me. I've enjoyed it more and more each time I've listened to it. JC has put together an
excellent album that is among his strongest work to date, and
dramatically different from his earlier recordings. He is immensely
successful in demonstrating his versatility as a player, composer, and
leader, as well as his deep respect for his predecessors. full review
James Carter, Layin' in the Cut ****/4
I came into these two discs expecting more from Layin' in the Cut than
Chasin' the Gypsy, because I've been very impressed with JC's funky
playing to date. Unfortunately, Layin' in the Cut did not meet my high expectations. The title track is remarkably mediocre, until the closing cadenza, in which JC pulls out his full bag of tricks, including the percussivve slap-tounging and multiphonics that he does so well. Layin' in the Cut is a mixed bag, with the excellence exceeding the mediocrity. full review
Bela Fleck and the Flecktones, Outbound ****/4
In their first outing for their new label, Bela Fleck and the Flecktones deliver an ambitious effort featuring many guests. These guests help the
'tones to field a much larger sound on this album with a far-ranging
global influence but still retain the typical Flecktone wackiness,
virtuosity, and innovation that have characterized the group. Outbound
is not an astoundingly spectacular album, but it does not disappoint.
The more I've listened to this album, the more I've appreciated and
enjoyed it. full review
first listen: Radiohead, Kid A
When I get a chance to listen to Kid A more thoroughly I might come closer to starting to understand it. The album is very dense and experimental.
Everyone who has written about Kid A so far has said that it is a
post-rock album. I was prepared to hear something different, but this
was very different from what I expected. It features lots of electronics
and synthesizers, drum and vocal loops. Kid A is very far out there. It
is very different than anything else Radiohead has done to date. full experience
Agents of Good Roots, Needle and Thread *****/4.5
After their less than successful major label (RCA) debut album, One by One, Agents of Good Roots return with Needle and Thread, an excellent album, recorded for RCA, but finally released independently. Working with producer Steve Fisk (Nirvana), Agents have produced a well conceived, consistent album. The sound has a gritty, edgy texture that is distinct from any other recent album I've heard. In the studio, the Agents have finally been able to capture the unique sound they have developed on the road and have created a sepactacularly compelling album.
full review
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