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The Tampa Tribune

Published: July 31, 2008

AL GREEN:
LAY IT DOWN
(BLUE NOTE) **½

Al Green's previous two albums, 2003's "I Can't Stop" and 2005's "Everything's OK," were faithful recreations of the singer's classic '70s sound. Problem was, they sounded like faithful recreations - the pieces were in place but the songs and performances seemed as if they were tiptoeing to keep the façade from collapsing.

"Lay It Down," produced by Green with James Poyser and Ahmir "?uestlove" Thompson (The Roots), gets a little closer. The sound is warmer, the arrangements seem more intuitive and Green, as always, is magnificent.

Close, but not quite. The musicians sound as though they're too conscious of working with a living legend, and they're afraid to push Green too hard. Green needs a band that's on his heels, not on their knees.

Download this: "Lay It Down"

Curtis Ross

LOS LONELY BOYS:
FORGIVEN
(SONY BMG) *

Ever drive on the beach, get caught in the sand and spin your wheels trying to get out?

It's a similar experience listening to "Forgiven," the latest by Los Lonely Boys.

The Garza brothers trio out of San Antonio are fine musicians who together sing lush harmonies. But this album is less than the sum of its parts.

Neither blues nor Tex-Mex, "Forgiven" offers songs - such as "Heart Won't Tell a Lie" and the title track - that start off strong only to devolve into a mushy pulp of poppy pabulum.

The only really rocking song, "I'm A Man," shows that these guys have the chops. You just have to wonder what producer Steve Jordan did with them.

Download this: "I'm A Man"

Howard Altman

THE FUTUREHEADS:
THIS IS NOT THE WORLD
(NUL) ***

The momentum continues with The Futureheads' third album, "This Is Not the World." Back in 2004, they nabbed our attention with their cover of the Kate Bush song "Hounds of Love" from their self-titled album. They haven't slowed their tempo one bit.

"This is Not the World" is a modern take on 1970s pop-punk rock with catchy lyrics, choppy guitars and sporadic drum patterns. "The Beginning of the Twist" opens the album, delivering fast beats with danceable qualities. "Broke Up the Time" is the most convulsive track, almost overly so at points.

On the whole, The Futureheads know pop in the best way by dialing down the cheese and turning up the British dance rock elements. "This Is Not the World" is music to shake your hips to.

Download This: "Walking Backwards"

Sara Minton

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