_Four or More 2010 (Page 3)

Arturo Sandoval – “A Time for Love”Concord Records-out today!4.5 / 5 It is to Mr. Sandoval’s credit that his style is never forced, his tone always gorgeous, his timing impeccable. His latest album, “A Time for Love,” selects several American classics as well as a handful of classical pieces; the first of these, “Apres un Reve,” shows such a tender side of Sandoval, that it might pull you from the cookers on his magnum opus “Trumpet Evolution.” While our preferences lie just partial to “Evolution,” these love standards here are so well-crafted and honed that it’s difficult not to kick back and pop open aRead More →

The New Pornographers – “Together”Matador– out today!4 / 5 The first thing to notice on the fifth album by Vancouver’s New Pornographers is the heavy, deep cello and guitar providing the opening bassline to what is, for many, a highly anticipated return. To judge that this particular release is more “Together” as the name suggests, is to overlook the groups already gorgeous sense of balance and musical coherence; in fact, “Together” is just slightly less so than their previous (and wonderful) album “Challengers.” While that cello provides satisfying contrast on “Crash Years,” it seems slightly overbalanced on that opener “Moves,” and on “Your Hands (Together),”earningRead More →

Chain Gang of 1974 – “White Guts”Golden Gold-out April 274 / 5 The pure, blissful retro glee of the opener “STOP!” rides this Denver-based funk- contraption of club music all the way through. Chain Gang’s debut album is, in one word, hypodiscofunkatelikinetic; meaning, its pure drive and energy are enough to fuel several rocket ships and put you on the moon. We’re not going to lie and tell you these are the deepest of songs, lyrics that’ll get you wondering about life, the universe, and everything (to quip Douglas Adams), but Chain Ganger Kamtin Mohager knows the crowd he’s playing to, and those who appreciateRead More →

Horse Feathers – “Thistled Spring”Kill Rock Stars– out April 204 / 5 This folk/ Americana outfit from Portland, OR sways like grass in the breeze. With strings, banjo, and guitar, “Thistled Spring” evokes Iron and Wine’s smooth simplicity and emotiveness, eschewing distracting speed riffs and complicated structure in favor of a more straightforward approach. “The Drought” is simply gorgeous, with an ambling banjo and Justin Ringle’s aching vocals; “Starving Robins” brings a flowing, celestial guitar that explodes into uplifting violins. While just a step below Iron and Wine in terms of emotional power, Horse Feathers accomplishes much with very little, and for that reason, weRead More →