Heavy Rotation
It’s been a while since I brought this back, but here’s what’s been in heavy rotation this past week.
1. Tom Waits - Real Gone
The man just keeps getting better with age. Real Gone finds Waits delivering some of his most political lyrics to date, and experimenting with turntables and voice-looping for the first time. Highlights include “Sins Of My Father,” “Make It Rain,” and “Day After Tomorrow.”
2. Furthur - 3/27/11 Radio City Music Hall, New York, NY
This show is easily one of Furthur’s best of the tour. I’m drawn to the song selection as well as guest sit-ins from Elvis Costello, Larry Campbell, Theresa Williams, and Diana Krall. Elvis just delivers so well on some of these Dead tunes. Highlights include “Tennessee Jed,” “Ship Of Fools > It Must Have Been The Roses > Ship Of Fools,” and “Ripple.”
3. R.E.M. - Collapse Into Now
R.E.M. unleashed their best album in years with their latest effort. The band is at their strongest both musically and lyrically, and the end result is a clear, cohesive record that sounds like vintage R.E.M. Highlights include “Uberlin,” “Oh My Heart,” and “It Happened Today.”
4. Grace Potter & The Nocturnals - Grace Potter & The Nocturnals
I’m a sucker for Grace Potter. You could call it a guilty pleasure, but I say she’s right on point. While I usually gravitate towards her earlier, more folky work, I have respect for artists that try something new. This is definitely a pop album, but a damn good one if you ask me. Highlights include “Paris,” “Oasis,” and “Medicine.”
