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Sam Roberts Band – ColliderRounder Records-out today3 / 5 Sam Roberts certainly can find a groove. The opener to the band’s fourth studio full-length hits a great stride, with a loose, loping guitar and the right amount of bounce to the rhythmic vocals. In all, “The Last Crusade” displays the kind of understated musicianship from the band as a whole that shows a steady head/hand at work. Collider, from this vantage point, would be the perfect pop/jam band album to cruise to (“Let It In”: eat that, Phish), except that it’s missing a couple things. First, the vocals: Roberts voice, despite a great sense ofRead More →

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Delay Trees – Self-TitledFriendly Fire Recordings-out tomorrow2.5 / 5 Mixed with a bit of shoegazery comes Delay Trees’ debut full-length, a dreamy, laid-back affair with a soft spring of pop in its step. And while “Cassette 2012” is a good start, with carelessly tossed vocals, soaring chorus, and a strong musical arc, it’s not enough to bring this album into your home. The fact of the matter is that here, the Nordic quartet doesn’t shock, doesn’t surprise, doesn’t pull themselves into uncomfortable territory. There are certain, almost ‘aha’ moments, when a band pulls the rabbit out of the hat and the audience wonders how itRead More →

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Fleet Foxes – “Helplessness Blues”Sub Pop -out May 34.5 / 5 As one of the most anticipated albums of the (indie) year, the Fleet Foxes have their work cut out for them. Having delayed the release of Helplessness Blues since announcing the sophomore album last year, critics and fans alike have been wondering: is this second release going to be as brilliant and polished pop-perfect as their self-titled debut? The answer to that question, is this: Helplessness Blues is good. Quite good. Rife with their celestial male harmonies (which are most of the show) and clean, classic guitar, Helplessness Blues will repay fans itching forRead More →

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Al Di Meola – “Elegant Gypsy”1977 Jazz fusion in the 70s was rife with guitar talent. John McLaughlin, Pat Metheny, and this guy (see glasses, left). Di Meola is a one-man band, and on Elegant Gypsy, he showcases his out-and-out rock-jazz style, never rushed, and chock-a-block with insane Yngwie Malmsteen-speed guitar riffs. This man’s talent makes us sick. So does his shredding (“Race with the Devil on Spanish Highway”) and, you’d’ve never guessed it, acoustic duet with Paco de Lucia on “Lady of Rome, Sister of Brazil.” At this point in his career, Di Meola had come off the breakup of star-studded Return to Forever,Read More →