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The Tampa Tribune

Published: October 19, 2007

THE BRUNETTES:

STRUCTURE & COSMETICS

(SUB POP) **

There's much to be said in favor of breezy pop music. For New Zealand duo The Brunettes, though, the breeze is everything.

That makes 'Structure & Cosmetics' seem the merest wisp of an album, its textures - each lighter than the next - adding up to a mildly sweet confection with no aftertaste.

Jonathan Bree and Heather Mansfield always use their indoor voices, as do their guitars, drums, keyboards - these, along with occasional horns, harmonica, etc., are applied in delicate daubs. The whole thing is more like a suggestion of music, rather than music itself.

Download this: 'If You Were Alien'
Curtis Ross
REBA:

DUETS

(MCA NASHVILLE) **

The power in an album of duets from a legendary artist such as country superstar Reba McEntire comes from the curveballs. You wouldn't think an odd pairing like Frank Sinatra and Bono singing 'I've Got You Under My Skin' would work, but it does because of the mismatch.

Unfortunately, McEntire's collection lacks such surprises. She hangs admirably with Kelly Clarkson on the American Idol's hit 'Because of You,' but there are too many songs where her singing partner virtually disappears.

How bad do things get? Justin Timberlake becomes a borderline background singer on 'The Only Promise That Remains.'

Download this: 'Break Each Other's Hearts Again' with Don Henley Jeff Houck
JOSH RITTER:

THE HISTORICAL CONQUESTS OF JOSH RITTER (SMG) ***½

This is a big, weird, wonderful composition that is so imaginative and complex, it's difficult to digest.

Ritter's songwriting is so dense, you can't wait to hear what he has to say next. The lyrics make you want to stop and pick them apart, until the irresistible pop music pulls you back in. The opener, 'To the Dogs or Whoever,' sounds like fresh Bob Dylan, but more accessible. 'Right Moves' has a groove that sticks in your head, like a perfect, classic pop song. But it's carried along, believe it or not, by organ and horns.

Much of the album is reminiscent of Paul Simon and Bruce Springsteen. But just when one influence seems clear, he shifts gears. And you have to listen again.

Download this: 'Right Moves'

Gretchen Parker

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