Weekend Music Roundup

The weekend has arrived, and right on schedule, the heat has broken and the weather is Fall-ish (at least today). In celebration, this weekend's choices reflect more of a fall vibe that stretches across many genres. There's some new releases on here that I'd been looking forward to. Some surprised, some slightly disappointed, but all in all, there's a lot of good vibes on here. Hopefully you'll find something to check out. Enjoy.

Lucero - Among the Ghosts: The eleventh studio album from the alt country band is their first in three years and may be one of their best. As always, Ben Nichols' voice elicits so much emotion in every syllable that it is hard to be transported into the heartache it describes. As they mature, they move closer into the Outlaw country vibe, and it suits them well. "Always Been You," "Cover Me," and "Long Way Back Home" are my personal favorites on a really good record. 

Lucifer - Lucifer II: This is the second album from the Berlin heavy rock band. I was terribly excited to give this a listen, I mean the name is great and they just look like some cats who can play some bitchin' heavy rock. I'd hoped it would be more heavy psych than it is, but as a blues based heavy rock, it's quite good. I also enjoy female vocals in that genre. All in all, I had high expectations which may have contributed to my overall sense that this is a good album, but not great. Worth checking out if you into the genre, I promise you won't hate it. "Reaper on Your Heels," "Faux Pharaoh" and the cover of "Dancing with Mr. D" are my favorites. 

Kyo Itachi and Realio Sparkzwell - Akira: I knew nothing about either of the guys involved in this collaborative album before listening to it, but a hip-hop album centered around one of my favorite movies of all time seemed like a can't miss. The beats and DJ work on this record are amazing, right up there with the eerie sound of Blue Sky Black Death. The rapping on it is quite good, though there are a few weaker tracks, as there are on most hip hop albums. Clips of the movie are woven into the beginnings of each song, are done perfectly. "Frankie Beverly," "Scandalous," "Diamonds on the Table," "Enemy of the State," and "Nothing Can Save You" are my personal favorites. 

Sweet - Desolation Boulovard: This 1974 album is the British glam band's fifth, and like a lot of albums in the past, the UK and US versions had different track listings. This review is the American version. This is the sound of Bowie's glam becoming metal. There are some riffs on here that would be copied by metal acts for years to come. I love coming across one of these albums that when you hear it, can hear the influence it had on so many records I know and love. "No You Don't," "The 6-Teens," "I Want to Be Committed," and "Solid Gold Brass" are killer tracks. 

Here Lies Man - You Will Know Nothing: The second album from the L.A. based acid rock band was released last month. It is a combination of several genres, ranging from stoner rock, afrobeat, and noise rock. This is an album dictated by heavy grooves, much like King Gizzard and The Lizard Wizard. This is one of those albums that does what it sets out to do very well. Nothing essential or groundbreaking, but nicely executed. "Animal Noises," "Memory Games," and "Blindness" are my personal favorites.