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closeWednesday, Oct. 21, 2009
Lovett shows his idiosyncratic flair on new CD
Lyle Lovett
Natural Forces
****
Lovett’s first album in two years brims with Lone Star brio, as the Klein native pens a few fresh tunes and leans on creative compatriots like Robert Earl Keen for inspiration. Neatly split between originals (sure-to-be-staples like Pantry and Farmer Brown are wry, effervescent delights) and covers (dig Lovett’s devastating take on Townes Van Zandt’s Loretta), Natural Forces finds the idiosyncratic artist celebrating his artistic lineage as only he can, with an understated yet forceful flair.
Download this: Loretta
— Preston Jones
Flight of the Conchords
I Told You
I Was Freaky
***
Some of the novelty has worn off the Flight of the Conchords’ shtick in the short period between the debut of their cult fave HBO series, 2007’s The Distant Future and this sophomore disc (pushed from spring to fall). Stacked with songs from the show’s second season, it often feels like Jemaine Clement and Bret McKenzie are trying a little too hard; another strike is the pair’s infatuation with dance music, which moves the New Zealanders from their charming, folk-pop comedy. Freaky makes you laugh but not often enough.
Download this: Sugalumps
— Preston Jones
Mew
No More
Stories ...
****
For those who like elfin-voiced Scandinavians and can’t wait for the next Sigur Rós disc, then the Danish outfit Mew fills the bill. Although the band’s third album has less of a rock edge than previous releases — no doubt disappointing some of the faithful — it still has that blend of pop and pomposity, melody and melancholy that makes Mew distinctive. What’s really remarkable is that Mew is just a three-piece, making music that’s big and complex without sinking into annoying prog-rock pretensions.
Download this: Beach
— Cary Darling
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