Trax
By Bliss 01/29/2009
THE BAD PLUS, For All I Care (Telarc):
(3.5 stars out of 5)
The progressive jazz trio outdo themselves with their newest release, fracturing beloved melodies and song structures by the likes of Nirvana, Pink Floyd, Wilco, Heart, Yes, Roger Miller, the Bee Gees and Stravinsky. That’s a template already familiar to fans of their previous albums, but it’s freshened here by the addition of Minneapolis rock singer Wendy Lewis, whose vocal restraint and precision provide a clean counterpoint to bassist Reid Anderson and pianist Ethan Iverson’s flights of rhythmic drama. www.thebadplus.com
KENNETH PATTENGALE, Storied Places (Milan):
(3 stars out of 5)
Songwriter/film composer Pattengale is often evocative of avowed heroes Tom Waits and Randy Newman, thanks largely to some twisted vocal affects, his eclecticism, odd meter shifts and taste for unusual musical narratives like “Memoirs of an Owned Dog” (“I had dreams of walking the world on my own/ Four on the floor every night all alone”). All are on vivid display throughout this savory, 13-track stew blending elements of troubadour rock, early 20th-century jazz, quasi-blues, junkyard percussion and varied acoustic instruments. CD release party at El Cid Saturday, Jan. 31. www.kennethpattengale.com
CROOKED FINGERS, Forfeit/Fortune (Red Pig):
(2.5 stars out of 5)
Peripatetic frontman Eric Bachmann’s storied restlessness informs this solid indie rock platter, musically and lyrically, from the hammering chords of “Cannibals” and the Springsteenian “What Never Comes” to the violins and woozy orchestration of “Let’s Not Pretend (To Be New Men),” flamenco-esque guitar riffs of “¡No Me lo Des!” and his anthemic “Your Control” duet with Neko Case. Ever intense, Bachmann engages questions of fate, choices and (in)humanity throughout with melodies, arrangements and imagery that hook the ear while also engaging the mind. At Bordello Monday, Feb. 2. www.crookedfingers.com
PINE LEAF BOYS, Homage Au Passé (Lionsgate):
(3 stars out of 5)
With members related to Cajun royals Ann Savoy and the Balfas, this youthful Louisiana quintet clearly know their Balfa Brothers from their Ardoins, honoring tradition with infectiously danceable two-steps and waltzes while investing thumping rock energy in numbers like “J’Suis Gone Pour Me Saouler” and “Parlez Nous à Boire.” Their lively collection also illustrates the music industry’s weird new world: its October digital release qualified it for its Best Zydeco or Cajun Album Grammy nomination — even though the physical disc doesn’t hit streets ’til Tuesday. www.pineleafboys.com
DIGG | del.icio.us | REDDIT