Seal Soul

Listening to: Seal, Soul

A review of Seal’s Soul (2008) At the beginning of his classic track “Killer,” Seal says, “It’s the loneliness that’s the killer.” And maybe that’s just it: after you marry a supermodel and get her to duet with you on … [read more]

Idan Raichel Project

Listening to: Idan Raichel’s Project

A review of Idan Raichel’s Project’s The Idan Raichel Project (2006) Am I dating myself (38) by talking about world music? Does anyone other than 35 plus year olds with a liberal bent still listen to world music? These days, … [read more]

Depeche Mode Violator Deluxe

Today’s desert island disc: Depeche Mode, Violator

A review of Depeche Mode’s Violator (1990) It’s hard to remember, from today’s perspective, just how powerful Depeche Mode’s Violator was when it came out in 1990. It neatly, elegantly bridged the gap between punk and mainstream pop while at … [read more]

David Bowie Heathen

Today’s desert island disc: David Bowie, Heathen

A review of David Bowie’s Heathen (2002) Released in 2002, this is – for me – Bowie’s most satisfying record of the 2000s so far. It demonstrates what rock can sound like today – well-produced, full, dense, interesting, full of … [read more]

Calexico Carried to Dust

Listening to: Calexico, Carried to Dust

A review of Calexico’s Carried to Dust (2008) And while I’m busy clearing the backlog of “CDs I must mention on my blog,” here’s a definite contender for 2008 Record of the Year. Calexico is an Arizona-based outfit that makes … [read more]

Lambchop OH

Listening to: Lambchop, OH (Ohio)

A review of Lambchop’s OH (Ohio) (2008) Despite the recording industry’s continuing contraction (not unlike the financial system’s), the world is full of beautiful music that’s worth hearing. One result of the long tail economy has been that there’s so … [read more]