The Listen List
Shakin’ up the eardrums this week:
Albums
1. “Beauty Queen Sister” by Indigo Girls – I find their consistency remarkable. I’ve been a fan since the beginning and have all their discs. There really isn’t a dog in the bunch. I like some better than others, but overall they just continue to make really good albums.
2. “Welcome 2 My Nightmare” by Alice Cooper – Huge fan of the original, so had to get the sequel. I think this is his best disc in mega years. It has all the elements that make the first one so great – a little creepiness, some big-ass arrangements, some vaudeville, and some good tunes.
3. “Mockingbird Time” by The Jayhawks – welcome back Olsen & Louris! Love those voices together.
4. “Modern Art” by Matthew Sweet – he always has moments of greatness and there are a couple here, but overall disappointing from the guy who made of my favorites discs, “Girlfriend.”
5. “The Best of” by DeBarge – say what you will about this sassy family and their 80’s Diane Warren hits, but their first two albums had tasty slices of smooth R&B. “All This Love,” “Time Will Reveal?” C’mon! Love ’em.
Songs
1. “Hide Your Colors” by The Jayhawks – for me, they haven’t lost their touch.
2. “In Real Life” by Demi Lovato – Bleu co-wrote and produced this great tune. The second half of her album has this song and others that move her toward a new maturity.
3. “Fall From Grace” by Meat Loaf – second track off of his forthcoming album that is already released down under. Another stunner from Bleu. Hope the US release of the album gets attention.
4. “Ready 2 Go” by Martin Solveig/Kele – this has been my summer jam! He has a series of video/webisodes for his new album and they are comical and interesting.
5. Any Beatles Song – I’ve got them all on my Nano and have been shufflin’ away this week.
