The work continues on developing my top ten list this year, and it’s expected right on Xmas eve. Of course many great releases I’ve heard haven’t received a full posted review yet (sorry, Bleu!) but they may be listed anyway. Unlike previous years there will not be a poll, and it will be just my opinion this time. I will also be reviewing 2010 music well into the next year as I still have a pile to whittle down.
The Kavanaghs Christmas gift – FREE DOWNLOAD
It’s Christmas in Rosario, Argentina brought to you by The Kavanaghs. We’ve got a pair of singles “A song we all can sing” is the A side and “Coming home for Christmas” is the B side. Both are available as a FREE download at The Kavanaghs website
Elizabeth & the Catapult "You And Me"
Lead by the lovely Elizabeth Ziman, assisted by Dan Molad and Pete Lalish, they are known as Elizabeth and The Catapult. This one of a number of great albums this year that I didn’t formally review, but it’s sooo good you should check out The Other Side of Zero. The video is weird cause ET and Elizabeth hook up!
My Space | Amazon
Readymade Breakup "s/t"
Readymade Breakup has grown from a small indie band with power pop tendencies to being poised to break out to mainstream audiences. This new self-titled release is the band’s most mature outing to date, coming along just in time to add to my best of 2010 list. Lead singer Paul Rosevear’s vocals are more forceful, and Jim Fitzgerald’s guitar riffs are leaner, more into classic rock territory than ever before. The sound comes closer to Collective Soul’s brand of melodic majesty but with more energy.
“Inside All Along” has is an opener that that has all the right ingredients; heavy guitar riffs, Rosevear’s multi-tracked croon and a chorus that sticks in your head. “Just” and the anthemic “Waiting For You” are modern rock classics that should bring in a wider audience. When we get to “There” the pace eases up a bit, into a Counting Crows styled number only to roar back with “Unzip My Face” full of Cheap Trick influenced guitar acrobatics. The lone ballad here “Not Through With You Yet” showcases Rosevear’s distinct vocal style, as a near whisper grows to a wail. We end it with “Erased” a powerful Pink Floyd influenced slice of psychedelic pop. The album is only nine songs, so each one is carefully constructed and melodic all the way through. One of the best rock albums I’ve heard all year.
Band’s Site | Bandcamp
Anya Marina and Tomn
Anya Marina “Spirit School” EP
After a pretty good debut, Anya gives us a taste of her next album with this EP. Anya relocated to Portland, OR and really does a great job with the slow grooves on her lead track “You Are Invisible.” Her vocals still have that sensual half whisper, and the last part of the song uses dramatic strings. A standout here is the gritty dance rocker “Whatsit,” a collaboration with Dandy Warhol’s Courtney Taylor-Taylor. But my favorite is the title track, a note-beat perfect single that hits hard. Hopefully her next full length will take this approach, as “Spirit School” bounces along a killer bass rhythm with the catchy kid chorus “We’re rubber and you’re glue, and no matter what you say we’re gonna stay here right for you.” Anya is an artist that continues to grow and create great music with an attitude and depth that I haven’t heard since Sam Phillips.
Tōmn “Tōmn” EP
Tōmn (pronounced “tome”) aka Tony Maiella is a North American musician based in Boston who fuses rock and Brazilian music, creating lush pop arrangements. This rich combination of influences is really apparent on the melodic opening track “Primeiro Encanto.” Tinkling keys, flamenco rhythms and subtle guitar strums blend together quite nicely here. Tony also knows his way around a ballad as “Will I Still Call You Friend?” is very John Mayer-ish. The forceful “Off The Map” is a bit like Rick Altizer, with multilayered guitars and forceful vocals. Some of the quieter songs have nice little jazz touches, but they seem a bit half baked at times. Enough good stuff here to recommend though.
