Well, here we are in the holidays. And if you’re like me, you can never figure out what to get people. So, I offer the following releases that may be the perfect stocking stuffers. Of course, if your family and friends, like mine, doesn’t really like your music, or don’t like listening to CDs, I offer the following options: 1) a collage – cut out pictures from the liner notes and glue in a creative way 2) Melt down the plastic and mold into a statue of yourself 3) Just keep the CDs and re-gift that horrible sweater they sent you last year! Whatever you do, go check ‘em out!
Dido – Safe Trip Home – **1/2 – Even more sparse then previous releases, this album offers the unique songwriting of Dido, but not quite as poppy as previous releases. While there are some great moments (see “Let’s Do The Things We Normally Do”), it doesn’t quite hit the mark all the way through.
Belle And Sebastian – The BBC Sessions – *** – You may ask why you should bother listening to this, seeing as how it’s all just a bunch of old songs. But this album really gives a great view of this band and how they have evolved over the years. In addition, it provides a slightly different sound from the records, something about the more live feel gives it a certain energy that is different from the album’s energy.
Various Artists – This Warm December, A Brushfire Christmas – *** – A very mellow Christmas record, as would be expected from Jack Johnson and company. But it is a nice record to provide a little less snowy approach to Christmas songs.
The Spinto Band – Moonwink – *** – I almost forgot about this band, so was surprised to see they had a new record out. I like this one, maybe not as much as the first, but it’s good. It seems like they are still forming thier sound, but it’s fun to listen to.
Future Clouds and Radar – Peoria – *** – Shifting from thier two-disc debut to a mere 8 tracks, Future Clouds and Radar have a nice collection of sogns here. Much like the first album, some of the songs go on a bit too long, but it’s still a strong album.
Filed under: Reviews | Tagged: Belle and Sebastian, Brushfire Christmas, Dido, Future Clouds and Radar, Jack Johnson, Spinto Band
