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The Tampa Tribune

Published: October 26, 2007

TRAVIS MORRISON HELLFIGHTERS:

ALL Y'ALL

(BARSUK) ***

Despite the implied ruralism of the title, Travis Morrison's second post-Dismemberment Plan album is decidedly urban, populated by cynical singles waiting for the end of their relationships, if not the world.

An art-punk with a serious R&B/hip-hop jones, Morrison's music combines his sources in fresh but seamless ways. His lyrics are full of witty details: 'Standing at the bar she says, 'Hey, don't you work for NPR? You're looking the type but I think you're all right and you're looking pretty good in those khakis.''

Also, there are two separate references to pie on this album, proof positive that Morrison has his priorities in order.

Download this: 'I'm Not Supposed to Like You (But)'
Curtis Ross
BROOKS & DUNN:
COWBOY TOWN
(ARISTA) ***

Is there a reason for Kix Brooks and Ronnie Dunn to do any heavy lifting after 16 years of performing? They could use an Internet lyrics generator and keep churning out platinum albums. Give the country duo credit for still taking chances on their 13th album.

'Ballad of Jerry Jeff Walker' (featuring Walker) is a great callback to '70s country. Brooks' vocals are a perfect match for 'Chance of a Lifetime.' 'Tequila' is so much fun, you'll want to drunk-call your friends from the concert to get them to listen to it over your cell phone.

Not everything works, of course. 'American Dreamer' and 'Drop in the Bucket' fall flat. So does the silly 'Put a Girl in It.' But there are more winners than losers on this disc.

Download this: 'Ballad of Jerry Jeff Walker'
Jeff Houck
ANNIE LENNOX:

SONGS OF MASS DESTRUCTION

(ARISTA) ***

Sweet dreams are not made of this. 'Maybe I'm still searching, but I don't know what it means - all the fires of destruction are still burning in my dreams,' Annie Lennox sings in 'Dark Road.'

As always, Lennox's voice is unmistakable. What's new is the woman behind the voice - a singer willing to expose fragility and self-doubt: 'There's no water that can wash away this longing to come clean,' she sings in 'Dark Road'; 'I'm tired of being so screwed up,' she confesses in 'Love Is Blind.'

Some of the lyrics are weak, and the AIDS charity single 'Sing' comes off a bit gimmicky, but Lennox's voice certainly makes up for these flaws.

Download this: 'Sing'

Dave Simanoff

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