Elton John

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New Music - week of June 2, 2008

Weezer [the Red Album]
Weezer
Weezer’s sixth overall and third eponymous album, which shall be colloquially known as the “Red Album”, is another typical post-Pinkerton Weezer album. Rivers Cuomo does his usual thing, this time with a 70’s-porn-star-type mustache (I have no idea why, and you’d think his wife would tell him to shave it off). The first single is “Pork & Beans”, which is by far the least interesting song on the album. The video for it is hilarious, though, starring pretty much every annoying YouTube star from the past year or so.


I’m more interested in “Heart Songs” and “The Angel and The One”, which are ballads and really need more than the 30-second preview to analyze. They might actually dip back into Pinkerton territory if we’re lucky, or possibly Blue Album (”Sweater Song”) territory. But basically, it’s a bunch of tossed-off pop songs with noise guitars, drones, and a bouncy backbeat. And ain’t nothing wrong with that. (Mari)

Preview and download MP3s….

Perfectly Clear
Jewel
Jewel’s new album Perfectly Clear is Jewel doing her usual thing, but now they’re calling it “country”. I didn’t listen to Jewel’s albums until her pop-dance album, 0304, but here is a woman who is writing actual good songs. Her real genre is “well-written songs”, except there’s no genre called that. This particular batch are produced to remind me of “old” country female vocalists — no flash, just heartfelt twang. You could drop this album in the bin next to June Carter Cash and it would feel comfortable there. Fun fact: the song “Two Become One” was previously “2 Become 1″ on 0304. (Mari)

Anywhere I Lay My Head
Scarlett Johansson
Yeah you read that right, Scarlett Johansson the actress has recorded a cd! It’s all Tom Waits music and if anyone knows me they know I love Tom’s music. It’s a bit strange, sad, funny and emotional, just like the man. She was inspired by his music and wanted to try and bring it to the mainstream. David Bowie adds backing vocals on two tracks, “Falling Down” and “Fannin Street. She also recorded one original track, “Song For Jo,” which she co-wrote with David Andrew Sitek. I have to say she doesn’t bring the same sound or emotion to the songs but there really is no one like Tom Waits so that doesn’t surprise me. (Alicia)

Orphans: Brawlers, Bawlers & Bastards
Tom Waits
If you want to learn more about Tom Waits try “Orphans: Brawlers, Bawlers & Bastards”.

I feel this cd is one of his best as it touches the different sides of him, his music, and style.

Oh and if you really like him you can see him on tour this summer. But only if you can afford 425.00 a ticket. Just try the lottery first, if you win please let me know. Because even if you could afford the tickets I’m sure they will sell out in 2 seconds. (Alicia)

Tumbleweed Connection [ORIGINAL RECORDING REMASTERED
Elton John
When I want to feel old, I remember when the hot new artist in my high school years was Elton John. The piano, the voice, the passion, the songs. I remember borrowing the very first CD, “Elton John”. “Your Song” is one of the great love songs ever: “I hope you don’t mind if I put into words, how wonderful life is with you in the world.” We actually thought he was hot. Of course we had the big round records at that time. I do prefer the “pre glitter” Elton music best of all. These songs and arrangements do stand the test of time, and have influenced artists ever since, including NESP and OFTV favorites Taylor Hicks and Little Memphis Blues Orchestra. (Margaux)

Classic Cuts: Country Comfort, Burn Down the Mission

Elton John [ORIGINAL RECORDING REMASTERED]
Elton John
Classic Cuts: Your Song, Take Me To the Pilot.
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