The Hot 8 Brass Band "Rock With The Hot 8 Brass Band" (2007)

The Hot 8 are one of the young generations of New Orleans Brass Bands.  As such, this album seamlessly blends jazz, hip hop, R&B, & gospel into an exciting melange unique to New Orleans.  There's a simple, documentary style production involved, which allows for the party atmosphere from a live performance to come through.  It's 71 minutes of a hot greasy funky party.  It's not the same as seeing a Brass Band live, but it comes as close as I've heard.

Doug Paisley "Doug Paisley" (2008)

Doug Paisley seems to be a talented young songwriter well on his way to finding his own voice.  His debut harkens back to the folk rock sounds of the 70s.  But there is as much Bonnie Prince Billy here as there is Neil Young or John Prine.  The rough vocals (especially the on duets) are a giveaway that this is not some lost relic of the 70s, but rather a contemporary production.  Still, the warm analog sound would not be out of place among a collection of older material.  This is not a stellar collection, but it certainly has its bright spots, & offers quite a bit of promise for the future.

Lily Allen "It's Not Me, It's You" (2009)

This is where Ms Allen takes on the always tricky problem of the followup album.  "Allright, Still" was one of the brightest pieces of pop to be released in the decade.  It combined a sassy modern outlook with retro musical settings.

"It's Not Me" leaves me disappointed.  The sensibility is still there, but musically it's more similar to Madonna's club music than the R&B/ska of Allen's first album.  For my tastes, there's just not as much to sink your teeth into.

Possessed By Paul James "Cold & Blind" (2008)

I have to admit that I love the aesthetic on this album.  Just a guy & some basic instruments, overdriven amps & mics.  There's a rawness to the recording that you rarely hear aside from some old garage & rockabilly records.

Unfortunately, I just don't like the songs nearly so much as I do his later material.

Collie Ryan "The Hour is Now" (2009)

After a raised profile due to her appearance on The Numero Group's "Ladies of the Canyon" collection, this compilation appeared.  It contains selections from 3 self released albums from 1973.

I have to say that I have a hard time getting past the tonal qualities of her voice.  (My knee jerk reaction is that it falls into what I think of as the Joan Baez school of folk singing.)  It's a soprano with lots of vibrato.  The accompanying music is so simple & understated that I just don't have anything to fix on other than her voice.  And that just doesn't work for me.

Strand of Oaks "Pope Killdragon" (2010)

I really don't have much to say about this.  I was profoundly unmoved by this effort, & couldn't seem to make any sort of connection.

The Gun Club "Mother Juno" (1987)

It's funny how time plays with our perceptions of bands and their music.  I remember thinking in the 80s that The Gun Club had a very distinctive, tribal sound.  Now I can hear common elements from many 80s bands.  Realistically, I was very disappointed on relistening to this one.  I was excited for some really good 80s LA rock.  Instead, it just strikes me as mediocre.