Listen Up

Fast reviews of recent releases

A A A Comments (1) Thursday, Sep 6 2007

Trey Anastasio, The Horseshoe Curve (Rubber Jungle Records). Even folks who hadn't heard that Anastasio pleaded guilty to attempted criminal possession of a controlled substance last April would know he was on drugs by listening to Horseshoe, a disc in which his guitar is almost always in the background. Nonetheless, the Afro-Cuban grooves and sassy horniness of his oversized band are consistently enjoyable anyway. Yeah, I'm surprised, too. — Roberts

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De Novo Dahl, Shout (Roadrunner). On Shout, De Novo Dahl's latest, Joel Dahl's vocals channel vintage Neil Diamond as he navigates his way through carefully constructed electronic terrain. "Shout" is a sweet-natured pop romp that recalls the Arcade Fire, with its chorus-like vocals and youthful exuberance, while "Sexy Come Lately" is an innocent yet blistering love song. — Rob Williams

Halford, Metal God Essentials Vol. 1 (Metal God Entertainment). In the late '70s, Judas Priest crooner Rob Halford was the baddest of the bad — that is, until he admitted he was gay. Now that homosexuality is as acceptable as long hair and tramp stamps, Halford is re-releasing some of the killer music he made while lying low. — Brandon Daviet

Bruce Hornsby/Christian McBride/ Jack DeJohnette, Camp Meeting (Legacy). First off, this isn't a wimpy commercial standards album. Respected pop pianist Bruce Hornsby tests his jazz chops with bassist McBride and drummer DeJohnette and goes way out with a challenging exploration that tackles Ornette Coleman, Miles Davis, Thelonious Monk and others. — Glenn BurnSilver

Charles Mingus Sextet With Eric Dolphy, Cornell 1964 (Blue Note). Bassist Charles Mingus hit his stride in the mid-1960s, as exemplified by this rare live performance. His band, featuring reedman Eric Dolphy, finds a perfect balance between iconoclastic individuality and dynamic group interplay. From mellow waltzes to the free-jazz edge, Mingus pushes the envelope — and his band — to exhilarating new heights. — BurnSilver

Various Artists, Home Schooled: The ABCs of Kid Soul (Numero Group). Many '70s-era juvenile bands aspired to be the next Jackson 5. None of Home Schooled's acts turned this trick, but a lot of them managed a glorious moment or two before their voices changed for the worse, including Triads ("If You're Looking for Love") and Patrizia & Jimmy ("Trust Your Child Pt. 1"). Growing up is overrated. — Roberts

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