Nellie McKay – Obligatory Villagers

Feb 272008

While I am in the mode of making amends to female singers, I’d like to mention Nellie McKay’s latest effort, Obligatory Villagers. I was first introduced to Nellie by a friend of mine who introduced her to me as “the anti-Norah Jones”. While listening to her double cd debut, Get Away From Me (a play off Norah’s, Come Away With Me), I was pretty captivated.

Get Away From Me was followed by a dispute with her label, Columbia/Sony, over what the length of her next effort, Pretty Little Head, would be. The label wanted a scaled-down 48 minute version of the album, while she insisted on releasing a 23 track, 65 minute version. The dispute eventually ended with the 23 track version of the album coming out on a Columbia subsidiarity label. While I applauded her for sticking to her guns and artistic integrity, I also thought the album lacked focus and was, for all practical purposes, boring. When Obligatory Villagers was initially released in September I found no reason why I should pick it up, what the disappointment with her last album and all. Over time, though, I kept reading and hearing positive things, so I finally picked it up.

Really there isn’t anything I can say about the cd that hasn’t already been covered by pitchfork and others, so as far as a “review” goes. I will say that the cd can be a tough listen at first. It’s sort of a cabaret meets Broadway meets jazz meets pop type sound. Those that are willing to tough it out will be rewarded once they find the groove. The album is catchy as hell once you get past the fact that she does the exact opposite of what you feel like she should do 50% of the time. Give it a chance, you might be glad you did.

Nellie Mckay – Mother of Pearl
Nellie McKay – Identity Theft
Nellie McKay – Zombie

Nellie McKay’s Official Site, Nellie McKay on myspace, Buy Obligatory Villagers

Amerykah disappoints…

Feb 272008

Damn Erykah. After 5 years this is what you give us? W.T.F.? Man, I was so hyped when “Honey” hit the internets. Now I’ve come to find out that much like a crappy movie, the best parts of Amerykah was in the preview. I dunno, maybe I just don’t get it. If I had to describe Amerykah in a single word it would be boring because that’s what I’m getting everytime I spin this cd. It’s like a sonic meditation for the stoned or something. Maybe that’s what it takes…maybe you have to be so stoned you can’t even fathom the notion of leaning up, grabbing the remote and pressing the skip cd button. I’ll still check out pt. 2 later this year but probably not without a try before buy listen first…this effort was so poor my Erykah confidence has been shaken.

Erykah Badu – Honey

Erykah Badu’s Official Site, Buy Amerykah

Eilen Jewell – Letters From Sinners and Strangers

Feb 262008

A while back I wrote that as a whole I do not listen to female singers. I managed to follow that up with 5 of my next 6 pieces being about how awesome some female singer was. Therefore, I would like to officially recant that earlier statement.

Within 3 songs of Eilen’s sophomore effort, Letters from Sinners and Strangers, I knew I had to do it. The cd is perfect for damned near every mood. Early mornings, late nights, sober, buzzed, half-drunk, fully-drunk, God’s own drunk…it does not matter. The cd broods, bounces and shuffles it’s way through 12 tracks of no-skip excellence. Whether she’s providing a fresh take on an old song like Charlie Rich’s “Thanks Alot” or Dylan’s “Walking Down The Line” or fleshing out impressive originals such as “High Shelf Booze” (which sounds like it could have been played in a Prohibition era speakeasy), you get the sense that Eilen Jewell is for real and here to stay. She’s Essential Listening for sure.

Eilen Jewell – Dusty Boxcar Wall
Eilen Jewell – High Shelf Booze
Eilen Jewell – Where They Never Say Your Name

Eilen Jewell’s Official Site, Eilen Jewell on myspace, Buy Letters From Sinners and Strangers

ninebullets.net coffee mug update:

Feb 262008

Remember those coffee mugs I mentioned a few weeks ago? Well, that’s it in the wild. Mine showed up over the weekend. It turned out really awesome and I can now officially give it my endorsement. If this is something that might interest you (mom?) head here to purchase yours. It’s perfect for that mid-morning hot toddy. I think I am gonna buy a few and offer them up as give aways on the site.

Also, yesterday was spent making a whirlwind journey of central Florida. Looking at electrical gear and light fixtures. I am back in the office today and standard updates will commence in or around the noon hour.

Cee-lo Green – One for the Road

From the ashes of The Weary Boys:

Feb 232008

Up from the ashes of The Weary Boys rises, The Woodsboss. The Woodsboss features former Weary Boys; Darren Sluyter, Brian Salvi and Cary Ozanian. They are joined by Tom VandenAvond, Molly Salvi and Sean Ziggler. There isn’t too much information available at this time. There is a single song posted on their myspace profile and a few show dates in their calendar. Speaking of thier calendar…what’s that I spy? Is that what I think it is? Well shit fire! It sure is. The Woodsboss will be playing New World Brewery in Ybor on April 24. I hope the old Weary faithful come out.

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