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The Tampa Tribune

Published: November 13, 2008

KENNY CHESNEY:

LUCKY OLD SUN

(BNA)

Kenny Chesney's rise to the top of country music and four straight ACM Entertainer of the Year awards was fueled by hard work and energy. The latter is noticeably absent on his latest, "Lucky Old Sun."

That's not to say you won't enjoy it. For what it is - an introspective grab-a-Corona-and-plop-into-a-beachside-hammock set with one frat-boy anthem ("Ten With a Two") - it's quite solid. He collaborates with Dave Matthews on the CD's best song, "I'm Alive," and with Willie Nelson on the title track. The Wailers (the chart-topping "Everybody Wants to Go to Heaven") and Mac McAnally ("Down the Road") make strong contributions, too.

Chesney, at least for now, has traded his fast-paced country for islands, boats and contemplation. Which is all well and good, if you own a hammock.

DOWNLOAD THIS: "I'm Alive"

Marty Strasen

OKKERVIL RIVER:

THE STAND-INS

(JAGJAGUWAR) ***

Love and celebrity go together like - well, they don't go together at all, not if you want anything like real happiness. That seems to be the conclusion drawn by Will Sheff, Okkervil River's front man, on the follow-up to 2007's "The Stage Names."

Sheff doesn't deal in sweeping statements. He makes his point by making it personal. The disc is scattered with lives and love affairs flattened by fame, and if that sounds like a drag, it's not. Sheff's lyrics are smart and engaging and the band supports his stories and melodies with sympathetic backing.

This prolific act has racked up quite a catalog in a few years. "The Stand-Ins" is as good a place as any to dive in.

Download this: "Starry Stairs"

Curtis Ross

SWEATSHOP UNION:

WATER STREET

(BATTLE AXE) ****

Look, if T-Pain and Young Jeezy really aren't your thing when it comes to hip-hop, jump ship. Sweatshop Union is inventive and invigorating.

The crew is made up of a pool of Vancouver-based artists who have opened for Jurassic 5, Blackalicious and toured with Black Eyed Peas. That's street cred, people.

Water Street is a sweet album with 23 listenable tracks. Lyrics are conscientious and cerebral minus commercialism and bling.

Standout tracks include "Comes & Goes," about folks with too much time on their hands and "Oh My," a message about hard work and perseverance. This album is pure hustle and passion.

Download: "It's Alright"

Sarah Hoye

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