TRAX
By Bliss 02/04/2010
BEACH HOUSE, Teen Dream (Sub Pop):
(3 stars out of 5)
Recorded in a converted upstate New York church, the Baltimore-based duo’s latest full-length is all about coolly lovely atmosphere. The gauzy textures and nostalgic dreaminess make Mazzy Starr comparisons unavoidable, but Teen Dream is more rhythmically involving than Mazzy, not to mention Beach House’s previous releases. “Real Love” is a soulful surprise, while “Used to Be” and the organ-driven “10 Mile Stereo” are downright anthemic, at least within the context of vocalist Victoria Legrand and instrumentalist Alex Scally’s downbeat aural universe. beachhousebaltimore.com.
CORINNE BAILEY RAE, The Sea (Capitol):
(4.5 stars out of 5)
The well-publicized death of Rae’s husband in 2008 provides rueful context for the British soul-pop artist’s sophomore release. Sweet and funky celebrations like “Feels Like the First Time” and the grooving “Blackest Lily” counterbalance the pained introspection of the title track, “Love’s on Its Way” and the throbbing “Paper Dolls” (“Nobody told me I could be something”), as Rae’s delicate Billie Holiday-style ache suggests a nerves-bared vulnerability. A sophisticated leap forward from her lightweight 2006 debut. corinnebaileyrae.com
ERIC BIBB, Booker’s Guitar (Telarc):
(4 stars out of 5)
Fans of Bibb’s riveting solo concerts will be particularly appreciative of this acoustic project, recorded in a 19th-century Ohio general store with tasteful accompaniment from Grant Dermody’s harmonica. Inspired by an opportunity to play Delta bluesman Bukka White’s National steel, Bibb handily demonstrates his virtuosity on various acoustic guitars and adds significantly to his growing body of inspiring folk, blues and gospel tunes. Highlights: “Walkin’ Blues Again,” “New Home” and “One Soul to Save.” If you like White, Keb’ Mo’ or Bonnie Raitt, don’t miss this. ericbibb.com.
JOE PUG, Messenger (Lightning Rod):
(4 stars out of 5)
The Chicago indie-folker’s first full-length justifies the word-of-mouth buzz that heralded his debut EP. Pug’s throaty voice has a scruffy appeal, while his simply arranged story songs and lyrics connect with everyman poetry and lived-in wisdom, most notably with “Not So Sure” (“I told my dying father that a man should never weep/ Breathing was so easy then I wish that it still were”) and “Bury Me Far” (“War is older than mankind but it’s younger than grace/ Won’t you bury me far from my uniform so God might remember my face”). Opening for Justin Townes Earle at the Echo Feb. 11. joepugmusic.com.
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