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Spin This: CD reviews
CD reviews from The Tampa Tribune
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Published: November 5, 2009
KINGS OF CONVENIENCE:
'DECLARATION OF DEPENDENCE'
(ASTRALWERKS) **½
The Kings enjoy taking a gentle and minimalist approach to their music and it works for them. The Norwegian duo continues to bring the same softness to their latest release.
It's romantic and simple, with no harsh drums and no electric reverberation. It does include a couple of politically driven songs, such as "Renegade" and a song about diversity, "Peacetime Resistance."
Oddly and enjoyably, medium tempos "Mrs. Cold" and "Me In You" are about as upbeat as it gets.
Download this: "Me In You"
Sara Minton
BIG KENNY
'THE QUIET TIMES OF A ROCK AND ROLL FARM BOY'
(BIGGER PICTURE) **½
When a hit duo breaks apart for solo projects, it's natural to dig through the familiar new material to interpret who brings what to the partnership.
If this sober solo album is any indication, Big Kenny Alphin contributes more "save a horse" than "ride a cowboy" to the country duo Big & Rich. That he's made this collection of "What is life all about?" songs so listenable testifies to his songwriting and producing skills.
Download this: "Be Back Home"
Jeff Houck
TEGAN & SARA:
'SAINTHOOD'
(VAPOR) ***
It's not exactly Dylan going electric, but Tegan & Sara's transformation from folk-pop to new wave ravers has been a joy to hear and behold.
Surely the world can do without more pining harmonies and hearts on sleeves. But the world can always do with a single such as "Hell" - urgent, defiant and great for aggressive driving.
The sisters cut the sweetest melodies with lyrical lemon wedges, giving the brush off to ne'er-do-wells romantic and otherwise. "Sainthood" is pop with a serrated edge.
Download this: "Hell"
Curtis Ross
CDs are rated on a scale of zero to four stars.
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