I used to live on Overlook Avenue in Hayward, so this is the perfect CD for me to review. You get more of the same from Azure Ray’s better half. The percussion is mixed a little higher on “Masterplan,” but that doesn’t make it a rock song.
“Like It Does” could be a Neko Case cover, musically. It also reminds me of Mazzy Star and Innocence Mission. Nice company to be in. Something in the classic Azure Ray/Maria Taylor vein is “Idle Mind.” I have a special appreciation for this one because my last name is “Edelman,” and people used to call me “Idle Mind.” Well, some did.
The other track I can really get behind is “This Could Last a Lifetime.” Little bits of Kate Bush leak out in this one. Absolutely love this record. In the battle of Taylors, Maria once again kicks James’s ass.
Archive for October 2011
Maria Taylor “Overlook”
October 2, 2011The Decemberists “An iTunes Session”
October 2, 2011This act is an institution, and even if they’re headed into the December of their career, they can still bring it, even on Spirit Airlines. Fans will recognize all of these songs. Just consider it an opportunity to hear your favorites done anew.
“Calamity Song” is from their newest but sounds as good as some of the older tracks, such as “Shankill Butchers.” My favorite track is “This Is Why We Fight,” although that doesn’t have much to do with this rendition.
If you like their slower stuff, you’ll have to do with “The Hazards of Love.” There are worse things in life. Pick your favorite song and play it. No surprises here.
The Jayhawks “Mockingbird Time”
October 2, 2011No one took this one, and the Jayhawks are an institution, so I had to make sure they got their due. They sound the same to me as they always have, a band many associate with the mid-’90s, even if they’ve been around since 1985.
“Hide Your Colors” gives you what could be described as a power-pop ballad. “Tiny Arrows” is a little slower with hints of country. Like a lot of the tracks on this record, this one is long.
A straight-ahead ’70s rock sound mixes with power-pop on “High Water Blues.” The folk card is played during “Stand Out in the Rain.” The backing harmonies during the chorus are pretty sweet.
“Guilder Annie” also is a little bit more country. It tells a nice story. And that’s all we really want out of life is nice stories, right? The guitar stands out on “Pouring Rain at Dawn” and makes me think of Creedence Clearwater Revival.
If you know the Jayhawks, it’s exactly what you would expect. Otherwise, pull up a seat and check out what you’ve been missing.
Jared Mees and the Grown Children “Only Good Thoughts Can Stay”
October 2, 2011This is what today’s kids think a rock band is, showing the influence that the indie scene has had on the mainstream. I thought they were from the Midwest, but no, it’s our good friends in Portland again, doing what some call “uptempo major chord progressions.” Music types are as bad as wine snobs, I swear.
“Hungry Like a Tiger” sets the stage with male leads and female backing vocals. Hints of britpop and subdued power-pop leave a lasting finish. You want to make out with women that like this band, period.
The vocals are mixed really high in “WWJBD.” Despite this, I can’t figure out the wordplay from the title. I mean, it has to be a reference to WWJD, right? I couldn’t infer a damn thing.
The chorus of “Inaudible Song II” is some of the best on the record, and admittedly I can hear the Portland staple of female harmonizing here. The chorus of “Even Little Mountains” is also good. The organ is an excellent idea here.
“Juicy Fruit” combines the different elements of the album into one song. It’s a smart choice if you want to introduce people to the band. The last track is “Shake.” It does all the things last tracks do: lots of buildup to send you off in a fervor.
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