Listen Up

Fast reviews of recent releases

A A A Comments Thursday, Aug 9 2007

Roky Erickson, You're Gonna Miss Me (Palm Pictures). Part of an ongoing effort to raise awareness and money for the tormented psychedelic songwriter, this companion soundtrack to the forthcoming bio-doc overlaps significantly with the more comprehensive two-disc compilation, I Have Always Been Here Before.However, a handful of rare live and solo performances are sure to delight completists and fanatics. — Eryc EylEulogies, Eulogies (Dangerbird). "I'm only one man," Eulogies creator Peter Walker begins, as if to forewarn that what's in store might not equal his solo efforts. If so, he's wrong. With reverb-drenched vocals, classic quiet/loud juxtapositions and emotionally honest lyrics, Walker's made a varied, compelling album that rises above the chaff. — Glenn BurnSilverSean Kingston, Sean Kingston (Beluga Heights/Epic). Kingston's "Beautiful Girls," a lite-reggae variation on "Stand By Me," is to imaginative songcraft what the fifty millionth Big Mac is to fine cuisine — and it's not even the lamest cut here. That honor belongs to "Me Love," which denudes Led Zep's "D'yer Maker." If Jimmy Page wasn't a Satanist before, this'll make him one. — Roberts

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Rooney, Calling the World (Geffen). Rooney's second full-length is a full-on flashback complete with a Tiger Beat-ready cover and a slew of pop compositions that meticulously recreate hit sounds from three-and-a-half decades ago. The result is a serviceable disc, but also an inorganic, rather generic one. It probably would have been overlooked in 1972, let alone 2007. — Roberts

The Velocet, A Quick and Dirty Guide to War (Eyeball). Singer/songwriter Michael Davison and his backing band of heavy hitters release a debut long-player of solid tunes, unimpeachable musicianship and irrepressible enthusiasm. Unfortunately, the Velocet lacks the critical unique characteristics or birthmarks that would distinguish it from the legions and prevent it from becoming indie-rock wallpaper. — Eyl

Kelly Willis, Translated From Love (Rykodisc). A little bit country, a little bit blues and a whole bunch of gritty temptation, Translated finds Willis showcasing her rich voice and solid hooks with tales of heartache and redemption. A rougher and tougher country music diva, Willis proves her mettle by countrifying Iggy Pop's "Success." Indeed! — BurnSilver

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