Back in Britain now and predictably it’s throwing down with rain. I’m warming my sodden feet with a few of this week’s new releases.
Jenny Lewis Acid Tongue It’s difficult to imagine anyone as sweet-voiced as Jenny Lewis having an acid tongue, although this album has a slightly sharper edge than Rabbit Fur Coat. It’s still countrified indie, but this time Lewis is taking her influences from the roadhouse rather than the campfire, it’s bluesier and sexier.
TV On The Radio Dear Science I talked about this album having just heard a preview. Owing to a few problems linking to archive stuff, I’ve re-produced part of what I said here. I still stand by it.
“They’ve retained their Outkast-and-Jake-Shears-do-Prince-covers vocal vibes and Dave Sitek’s production is as intricate as ever, but Dear Science feels more polished, more shiny than Return To Cookie Mountain did. TOTR are clearly aiming for a grand sound here, and most of the time they pull it off, but on occasion there’s almost too much going on and the overall effect is muddied (I’m looking at you track nine.)
The highlight for me was the sixth track “Family Tree” which, with its wide, epic sadness, definitely has its roots in Arthur Russell. They repeatedly conjure up “the shadow of the gallows of your family tree,” and wrap it up with layers of synths and strings. It’s a tune that could break your heart.
Throughout there are some heavy nods to glam rock and Bowie in particular, but they’re blended nicely into a very TV whole. I have a strong feeling it will be a great album for repeat listening and a great album for headphones.”
Mr Scruff Ninja Tuna Only Mr Scruff sounds like Mr Scruff. Here’s what the man himself has to say about his latest album: “I’ve worked with having more live recordings, as opposed to only using stuff from the computer or the desk. I think it’s given a great balance between the fatness of the sound and the warmth and freedom you get from recording another person. It has a kind of mad jazz glory, I think it hangs together well and I’m really pleased with it.”
Mr Scruff has also done a dozen for us, so keep an eye out for that because he has excellent taste in music.
Any chance of Jenny Lewis in Canada? Seems it’s the only jurisdiction she’s not available in.
If it’s any comfort, Steve, it’s not available to the US either…she’s on Warner Bros. over here. I read an interesting review of Acid Tongue yesterday in the newspaper that said that Jenny Lewis has all but replaced Norah Jones as the queen of “Starbucks Sunday Music.” And I don’t think that was meant as a compliment.
I’m so jealous you all get access to Jenny Lewis. I’ll have to listen to her through some other means. Starbucks Sunday Music, hmm….
I couldn’t get into Rabbit Fur Coat, or the last Rilo Kiley come to that (liked what went before though). Should I bother with Acid Tongue?
The Mr. Scruff is avaialable in the US. Both Anna and our boy Scruff have it about right: fat, jazzy, sounds like Mr. Scruff, all good things.
I wanted to like Rabbit Fur Coat. Even after I bought it though, the only track I love, and still do, is the cover of Handle with Care. Really wonderful, that one.
Oh Anna, why do you torture me so?