Norah Jones-The Fall
Norah Jones’ label, Blue Note, is famous for jazz artists. Everyone who is
anyone is represented by Blue Note- Thelonious Monk, Miles Davis, Milt
Jackson (future leader of the Modern Jazz Quartet, and more names. But Norah
Jones’ new album, *The Fall*, actually strays away from her jazz roots we
heard on her debut *Come Away With Me* or any of her other albums. All of
the tracks have Jones’ signature hazy feel, but they’re all still carefully
thought out and well performed. It almost sounds like she’s straying into a
classic rock territory, which is especially evident on “Waiting” and “It’s
Gonna Be.” It’s refreshing to see Norah Jones step out of the box she’s s
comfortable in- a box that probably has her Grammys on display- and really
shine.
Recommended tracks: Chasing Pirates, Waiting, It’s Gonna Be
PD Kate wrote this
Michael Buble - Crazy Love
“Crazy Love,” Michael Buble’s fourth studio album, is an easy listen with a powerful punch. Each song runs in the area of three minutes and is sure to include a big-band vibe. “Cry Me a River” opens up the album and creates an eerie, jazzy vibe and leaves listeners wanting more of Buble’s voice- which, by the way, is “like butter.”The title track represents the album well- a cool collection of songs about love. It’s got a soulful mix of blues and jazz that almost gives the listener an audible hug. The first single, “Haven’t Met You Yet,” includes a good portion of the more pop-like harmonies. With a catchy tune that is Sara Bareilles-esque, it is a song that you will be singing in the shower.
Fans of Buble represent every possible age group. I originally purchased the album with the intention of giving it to my grandmother, but I ended up keeping it for myself! What I mean is that Buble and his band successfully keep the more old-fashioned style of big-band music alive and put their 21st century spin on it. If you are looking for a relaxing yet fun collection of songs with a singer that has a voice as sexy as his looks, do not look over, “Crazy Love.”
APD Whitney wrote this
Silversun Pickups - Swoon
2009's Swoon from California indie rockers Silversun Pickups is an interesting sophomore album. It shows a lot of evolution from their first full-length album Carnavas- the feel is the same, but it's more mature. It literally feels like a sophomore in school does- just getting comfortable but straying from where they're comfortable. The tracks on Swoon aren?t as simple as Carnavas but still carry a lot of weight. Every track flows well into the next one- even literally as the first track, "There's No Secrets This Year" trails off into "The Royal We" seamlessly. There's always something new to pick up every listen through, which makes Swoon refreshing over and over. It's given Silversun Pickups enough clout to open up for Muse March 13th, and it's all up from here.
Recommended Tracks: The Royal We, Panic Switch
PD Kate wrote this
Them Crooked Vultures - Self Titled Album
Them Crooked Vultures self-titled debut had a few different ways it could go- and each was wildly different. They could have sounded like Nirvana/ Foo Fighters, Led Zeppelin or Queens Of The Stone Age- but defied the critics and came out with a sound that is uniquely Them Crooked Vultures. They're the newest rock supergroup, following in the footsteps of groups like The Traveling Wilburys and Cream. Them Crooked Vultures are refreshing- members Dave Grohl, Josh Homme and John Paul Jones have perfectly combined their backgrounds and individual sounds that the album is so cohesive, you can't tell who brought what to the table. The album flows well, with each track giving something a little different than the others did. The album fits so well with Grohl, Homme and Jones' pasts, and will hopefully start a bright new future for the newest generation of supergroup.
Recommended Tracks: New Fang, No One Loves Me And Neither Do I, Dead End Friends
PD Kate wrote this
Lady Gaga - The Fame Monster
Lady Gaga's "The Fame Monster" is so amazing, I want to add the entire CD to our rotation. Sadly, I was vetoed on that one. But "The Fame Monster" is a unique album- it shows Lady Gaga going to more mature subject matter while still keeping things light- "Speechless," for example, is a pleading song to her father, but still manages to be airy and relaxing. "The Fame Monster" has its share of club tracks, don't get me wrong- check my new jam "Telephone" feating Beyonce- but it's good to see Gaga harnessing her massive fame to do what she really wants to do and view pop music as art, not just fluff. Look to "Bad Romance" for an example- the video is a freaky dance party, but the song's content is about facing what really scares you. People may only see Lady Gaga as a flash in the pan, but her maturation shows that she's going to be here to stay whether you like it or not. Hopefully while she's here, she'll turn out more albums like this one.
Recommended tracks: "Bad Romance," "Speechless," "Telephone" feat. Beyonce
Program Director Kate Wrote This
