Trax
By Bliss 09/04/2008
MICHAEL FRANTI & SPEARHEAD, All Rebel Rockers (Anti) (3 stars out of 5)
After protesting war on 2006’s “Yell Fire” and traversing Iraq for his documentary “I Know I’m Not Alone,” Bay Area hip-hopper Franti lightened up, recording in Kingston, Jamaica, with celebrated producers Sly & Robbie. “Hey World” slams the PATRIOT Act, and the throbbing “Soundsystem” and “The Future” likewise vent sociopolitically conscious frustration, but Franti confesses, “I just wanna write a love song for a boy and a girl” on the irresistible “Say Hey (I Love You),” featuring dancehall chanteuse Charine Anderson. The upbeat dub and reggae rhythms recall the infectious, danceable spirit of earlier Spearhead albums. www.spearheadvibrations.com.
RODNEY CROWELL, Sex and Gasoline (Yep Roc) (3.5 stars out of 5)
Grammy winner Crowell cements his move away from the mainstream country where he forged his rep in the 1980s and ’90s with a reflective disc that’s more vibey and slower-paced than his last several acclaimed releases. Wisely, he just sings while South Pasadena über-producer Joe Henry keeps arrangements spare with top-drawer players, including guitarists Doyle Bramhall II and Greg Leisz and drummer Jay Bellerose. Among several songs assessing contemporary life from female perspectives, “The Rise and Fall of Intelligent Design” proves Crowell’s trademark wit’s still sharp-edged, while “Forty Winters” ranks among his most moving songs ever. www.rodneycrowell.com.
VARIOUS ARTISTS, Sounds Eclectic: The Next One (KCRW) (2.5 stars out of 5)
The sixth collection of live performances from KCRW’s tastemaking “Morning Becomes Eclectic” program amounts to an indie-rock manifesto. The Swell Season, aka Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova, open this pristinely recorded disc with a flawless reprise of their Oscar-winning “Falling Slowly” (from the film “Once”). Not all tracks meet that tuneful standard, but noteworthy contributions from the Shins, Seawolf, Orange Lights, Spoon, Great Northern and Bat for Lashes make this one of the most consistent “Eclectic” collections. www.kcrw.com.
JERRY DOUGLAS, Glide (Koch) (3 stars out of 5)
Alison Krauss’ invaluable bandmate shines brightly on his 12th solo album, swinging with fluid ease from bluegrass and newgrass to Celtic melodies, New Orleans funeral rhythms and heartfelt country, with sterling support from Earl Scruggs, Tony Rice, Sam Bush, Edgar Meyer, Lloyd Green and Travis Tritt (whose restrained vocal breathes soul and fire into Paul Brady & Michael O’Keefe’s “Marriage Made in Hollywood”). Throughout, the Dobro master’s graceful compositions and trick-bag of licks demonstrate how he’s elevated his instrument to centerstage status. www.jerrydouglas.com.
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