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New This Week
Aug. 5-11, 2008
By Kurt B. Reighley
Special to MSN Music
What does it mean to be an American today? From the looks of these
New This Week highlights, many things to various citizens -- just as it should
be.
Our government annually recognizes outstanding musicians, authors and other
creative types with the National Medal of Arts. Yet Randy Newman deserves something more, something unique. Like
a post as Minister of American Song. Who else could compose Academy
Award-nominated ditties for family films like "Toy Story," as well as scathing
attacks on slavery ("Sail Away") and corruption, yet always seem to speak from
-- and to -- the heart? "Harps and Angels" is Newman's first album of new material
since 1999's "Bad Love," and is well worth the wait. Originally published
as an editorial in The New York Times, "A Few Words in Defense of Our Country"
skews our nation's leaders with a mix of barbed wit and aw-shucks charm that
rivals Mark Twain. Musically, the 10 selections favor piano, Dixieland
jazz, and cinematic strings. But, when occasion calls for it, Newman supports
his wry lyrics with whatever style the words dictate, from hints of klezmer
("Laugh and Be Happy") to tongue-in-cheek "Oriental" ornamentations ("Korean
Parents").
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Americans are lucky to enjoy freedom of speech. Indie rock icon Conor Oberst -- better known as Bright Eyes -- has certainly taken advantage of his
First Amendment rights. Originally issued in 2005, his "When the President Talks
to God" is one of the most damning -- and downloaded -- protest songs of
the George W. Bush administration. On his new, self-titled album, Oberst largely
leaves behind politics. He left behind the United States, too: "Conor Oberst" was recorded in a temporary studio in Tepozlán,
Mexico. But Oberst brought along his gift for memorable originals, as evidenced
by "I Don't Want to Die (In the Hospital)," a rambunctious number that barrels
down the mountain with life-affirming abandon, and the vivid imagery of
"Get-Well-Cards." Although billed as a solo disc, the songwriter is accompanied
by a clutch of friends billed as the Mystic Valley Band, while engineer Andy
LeMaster served as co-pilot on this adventure.
America prides itself on being a cultural melting pot, and Brazilian Girls embody that tradition via the cosmopolitan
pulse of their third album, "New York City." Take the contributions of vocalist
Sabina Sciubba, who was born in Italy, raised in France and Germany, and now
calls Brooklyn home. She sings in more languages than most high schools teach,
including Spanish, French, German, Italian and English, often slipping between
several in the same song. Keyboard player Didi Gutman and drummer Aaron Johnston
are equally adept at fashioning far-flung grooves. While "New York City" retains
the nocturnal, urban energy that distinguishes the Girls' best work, there are
also forays into Fellini-esque soundtrack colors ("Berlin") and eerie ambience
("Mano De Dios"), plus a smoldering torch song ("L' Interprete"). Encore!
And then there is love, American style, on offer from Lloyd. "Lessons in Love" is the third full-length from the
Atlanta crooner, and the follow-up to his 2007 smash "Street Love," which spawned the hits "You" (featuring Lil Wayne) and "Get It Shawty." Not one to mess with a
winning formula, the 22-year-old sticks to a mix of club bangers and slow jams,
taking the listener through amour in myriad variations, from steamy lust ("Party
All Over Your Body") to heartfelt affection ("Have My Baby"). On the production
tip, he gets assistance from Tricky and The-Dream (the team responsible for
Rihanna's "Umbrella"), Polow Da Don, "Get It Shawty" mastermind J-Lack, and Eric
Hudson (Kanye West). The 12-track set also features a reunion with
Lil Wayne on the recent top 10 R&B hit, "Girls Around the World."
America loves its icons, especially when they rally after a rough patch. In
1968, Elvis Presley hadn't performed in front of a live audience in
seven years, and his formulaic Hollywood films had ranged from promising ("King
Creole") to perplexing ("Change of Habit") without achieving greatness. But his
'68 TV special, taped in front of living, panting humans in late June, and aired
to record-setting ratings that December, restored the King to his throne. To
celebrate the 40th anniversary of that triumph, RCA issues a special box set of
"The Complete '68 Comeback Special," four discs covering everything from
dressing room rehearsals to the final show. It includes 103 tracks total, of
which 20 are being made available to the general public for the first time.
Too much of a good thing? Well, Americans have been known to overindulge ...
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