THE LEN PRICE 3:
'PICTURES'
(WICKED COOL) ***
Strange how power-pop bands always genuflect in The Beatles' direction when it's really The Who that combined the genre's two base elements best.
The Len Price 3 takes this to heart, countering sweet harmonies and simple melodies with banged guitars and bashed drums. They also borrow The Who's knack for storytelling, as on the title track's nasty little tale of a creepy photographer, the harrowing "If You Live Round Here" or the middle class caricature "Mr. Grey."
Cynics might say we've heard this all before, but trust me, you haven't heard it done this well recently.
Download this: "Pictures"
Curtis Ross
ELIZABETH FRASER:
'MOSES'
(ROUGH TRADE) ***
There's a pall over what should be a happy occasion, the return to recording of ex-Cocteau Twin Elizabeth Fraser. This wonderful single, which also contains two remixes, is now a tribute to one of the musicians who played on it, Jake Drake-Brockman, who died in a motorcycle accident in September.
It's delicious melancholy, though, not mourning, that suffuses the song, bolstered by French accordion and a sly melody. Fraser, as usual, sounds gorgeous and indecipherable.
Available for download, "Moses" will be released on vinyl Tuesday.
Curtis Ross
RJD2:
'THE COLOSSUS;
(RJ'S ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS) ***
You may not be familiar with RJD2's name, but it's possible you've heard his genre-defying music through projects ranging from "Mad Men" to video games. RJ's fourth album features his intricate instrumentals as well as tracks with vocals from guests such as singer Kenna and rapper/singer Phonte.
The instrumental tracks are generally superior to the songs that include vocals, but the CD exemplifies RJ's growth from DJ-artist to full-fledged musician.
Download this: "The Stranger"
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