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The Tampa Tribune

Published: August 7, 2008

BLACK KIDS:

PARTIE TRAUMATIC

(COLUMBIA) ***

Who knew a local band from Jacksonville would have the masses wanting to hang out with Black Kids - the indie rockers, that is?

Black Kids' debut album, "Partie Traumatic," is a delicious bite of an apple from a rock 'n' soul tree. The album is something familiar yet refreshingly updated for the new millennium with help from a synthesizer.

The track "I'm Not Gonna Teach Your Boyfriend How to Dance With You" is cranking from the jump, and "Hit the Heartbreaks" begs for a road trip.

Despite sounding slightly repetitive at times, the Black Kids are fun and talented and know a thing or two about good music. Partie on, Jacksonville.

Download this: "I'm Not Gonna Teach Your Boyfriend How to Dance With You"

Sarah Hoye

SCOTT KEMPNER:

SAVING GRACE

(02:59) **½

Scott Kempner probably is best known as the rhythm guitarist for The Dictators, but there's none of that band's proto-punk hilarity on "Saving Grace." The album continues in the Americana vein Kempner pursued with The Del-Lords in the '80s.

It's slow going at first. Kempner's voice seems plain, almost flat. So do his songs. What's this New Yorker doing in Heartland Rock territory? Give it a chance, and the more familiar sounds of the city - some Spectorish tambourines, some creepy Cramps rhythms - reveal themselves. So do Kempner's sharp, economical lyrics, most of which concern relationships, or people, in various states of disrepair, themes that work whether they're set in the plains or the boroughs.

Download this: "The Secret Everybody Knows"

Curtis Ross

SAM PHILLIPS:

DON'T DO ANYTHING

(NONESUCH RECORDS) **

Sam Phillips is artistic and experimental, that's certain. Her latest, "Don't Do Anything," is both, yet still comes up short. Many of the songs are too simplistic, and just where you'd expect a song to climax, it doesn't. One example is the opening track, "No Explanations."

The album is very theatrical, almost as if you can see her acting out the lyrics as you listen. "Sister Rosetta Goes Before Us" is very thespian-like and one of the more interesting tracks on the album.

While her style may sounds interesting, it's sadly forgettable and even awkward. As for "Don't Do Anything," Phillips is far more interesting than her latest album gives her credit for.

Download This: "Sister Rosetta Goes Before Us"

Sara Minton

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