Entering the last few weekends of the year, I'm frantically trying to catch up on some 2017 releases and offer my thoughts on a few of them this week. It's a pretty mixed selection of bands that I've been following for years. Some were nice surprises, others not so much, but all in all, an interesting week of listening, not so much musically as simply for personal reference to my own not so distant past. More to come next week, so make sure you tune in. Enjoy.
Radio Moscow - New Beginnings: This is the sixth album from the hard rock trio, which has new members joining founder and core contributor Parker Griggs. This is another band, like last week's Buffalo Killers that is a bit of a classic rock throwback band, though on this record they leave the '70s hard rock sound in the rear-view a little bit more than on previous albums. It's heavier and faster than they were, but still blues based. "Driftin'," "Last to Know," and the title track are my favorites on a solid album, but one that I wish had a little more diversity. Too much of it sounds the same to be truly great.
Gwar - The Blood of Gods: The 14th album by the thrash medal outfit is their first record since founding singer Oderus Urungus returned forever to the Underworld. Blother, the founding bass player, takes the lead on this record which is certainly more traditional metal than some of the band's other offerings. Never one to take themselves seriously, this is exactly what it is supposed to be, fun metal that takes the music seriously if not the industry. "Swarm," "Fuck This Place," and "Phantom Limb" are my personal favorites.
Starsailor - All This Life: After eight years of silence, the Brit Pop band returns with their fifth album. There was an undeniable beauty to the sadness on their debut sixteen years ago that I still identify with. Later albums saw them move farther into pop rock, and this album represents their rebirth into that genre. Those who follow my Roundup will not be surprised to find that I'm not such a fan of this change. This is one of those albums that's okay if it's on, but not one I'd put on. At best, it's tolerable and mildly entertaining, but in the wrong mood, I could see myself hating it.
Masta Killa - Loyalty is Royalty: The Wu-Tang member's fourth solo record comes just as the full Clan releases their new album, and that's both good and bad in a way. It's nice that the Wu should get some visibility with the two releases, but it's not so great for Killa that his album is far outdone by the Wu. While this is classic Clan rap, it suffers from being uneven (as does the Wu album to be fair). But one of things that makes the Wu so appealing is the variety of styles the members bring. And while this album has the typical slew of guest appearances, it's far from being as dynamic as the group's effort. Worth listening to if your a Wu fan.
David Gilmour - On An Island: Released in 2006, this was Gilmour's first solo album in over 20 years, and only his third as of then. This is a very quiet, moody record. When Gilmour is playing guitar, it's as brilliant as ever, but the album suffers from its own quietness. There are a few standout tracks, but even more cringe worthy tracks that makes this one that even hardcore fans could do without, though I would still recommend giving it a listen, because as I said, when Gilmour plays, it's always great to listen to.
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