Trax
By Bliss 10/07/2010
VARIOUS ARTISTS, The Roots of Chicha 2: Psychedelic Cumbias From Peru (Barbès): (4 stars out of 5)
The first “Roots of Chicha” compilation caused an international stir upon its 2007 release, partly for its rhythmically engaging sound, largely because it unveiled a hitherto unknown, infectiously danceable hybrid: Peruvian cumbia fermented with surf, boogaloo, Cuban and Peruvian folk and filtered through American psych-rock. This follow-up isn’t as groundbreaking but retains the original’s edgy sizzle as it focuses on 16 absorbing tracks recorded between 1968 and 1981 by bands from Lima’s slums and dancehalls. Excellent liner notes insightfully detail chicha’s evolution. barbesrecords.com
THE GAY BLADES, Savages (Triple Crown): (3 stars out of 5)
Jersey City’s self-described “trash pop” duo expand their lineup and team with the Hold Steady producer Dean Baltulonis for this solid sophomore release. Prone to fantastical ad libs onstage and in interviews, frontman/guitarist Clark Westfield and drummer Puppy Mills ditch the reality-spinning head games and play it relatively serious, sounding a bit like the musical spawn of David Bowie and Fine Young Cannibals. Highlights include “Mick Jagger,” layered with dirty riffs and “ooh ooh” harmonies, and the snappy “Try to Understand.” thegayblades.com
ERIKA CHAMBERS, Light at Eventide (self-released): (4 stars out of 5)
This Tennessee-based indie artist grabs ears and hearts with “Freedom/Birmingham,” a striking redemption
tale sung from the POV of a woman confronting the arsonist who torched her childhood home and family. None of the remaining 11 tracks reach that level of artistry, but several keepers sustain interest, as do harmonies from husband-&-wife duo Blue Mother Tupelo, who up the grit and groove in a hope-filled collection weaving gospel bluegrass with country
blues, soul-searching folk-pop and gypsy-jazz lite. reverbnation.com/erikachambers
WINGLESS ANGELS, Volumes I & II (Mindless Records): (3.5 stars out of 5)
Reissue of out-of-print 1997 album produced by and featuring Keith Richards, paired with companion disc recorded in northern Jamaica in 2004 with Richards on guitar, bass and vocals plus drummer Steve Jordan, electric violinist Lili Haydn and a host of Jamaican players, notably late great reggae-ska vocalist Justin Hinds. Listeners anticipating Stonesy riffs over rocksteady grooves, be forewarned: this is more akin to reggae gospel. Slow and swaying, it revolves around Rastafarian Nyabinghi chanting and drumming — what Richards calls “marrow music.” winglessangels.com
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