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The Tampa Tribune

Published: December 26, 2008

TAYLOR SWIFT:
FEARLESS
(BIG MACHINE) ***

Is it a slur to say that Swift is the musical niece to Shania Twain? Probably, but such a comparison would accurately reflect the 19-year-old's current status as the golden princess of country music.

Like Twain, Swift is ransacking the music charts with her pop-flavored country. (This album, her second, had the largest opening sales week by a female artist in the United States in 2008.) Her style, all breathy and optimistic, borrows heavily from Avril Lavigne and Jewel.

Which, quite simply, is her appeal. Sure, her lyrics are emotional, vulnerable and boy-crazy, but at least they don't sound like they come from the lips of a 50-year-old double divorcee. (See: Leann Rimes.) Plus, the melodies are upbeat and catchy. Makes it hard to resist that kind of hummable earnestness.

Download this: "Hey Stephen"

Jeff Houck

BOZ SCAGGS:
SPEAK LOW
(DECCA) **½

It's too bad the whole pop stars singing standards notion has become such a horrid cliche in the past few years. The bad taste left by Rod Stewart and a few dozen smarmy Sinatra wanna-bes doesn't bode well for "Speak Low" getting a decent hearing.

That's a shame because "Speak Low" works a lot better than most albums in its category. Scaggs' music has long boasted an intelligence and sophistication rare for an ostensible rock performer. The distance from "Silk Degrees" to "Speak Low," it turns out, is not so great.

Scaggs sometimes lapses into over-singing, but a program of lesser-known standards and fine, subtle arrangements and performances raise "Speak Low" above the pack.

Download this: "Ballad of the Sad Young Men"

Curtis Ross

JAPANESE MOTORS:
JAPANESE MOTORS
(VICE RECORDS) ***

Yo, "Japanese Motors" is some solid music.

And bros, it's d-i-r-t-y. Not dirty as in nasty and gross, but dirty like made in your garage with old amps and whatnot.

On the menu is delectable surf-and-turf rock music, seasoned with salt water from the left coast. The 11-track label is perfect for road tripping or bouncing around inside a smoky club.

They have the ability to be some rowdy sun-tan garage pop dudes, such as on the track "Coors Lite," or show their California sentimental side on "Oh Brother."

What's rad about these fools is that in the recording shadows you can hear an unexpected laugh or a throat clearing. This ain't no studio-styled record, and that may be the appeal.

The four comrades may be from SoCal but they're definitely not O.C.

Download this: "Crooked Gun"

Sarah Hoye

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