New Releases
NEW RELEASES
By William Shea
Wilco • Being There • Reprise
As much as Jeff Tweedy, Wilco's lead singer and songwriter, hates to admit, he was a member of the exceptional 90s roots-due Uncle Tupelo, and as much as he'd like to forget that era, the music on Wilco's "Being There" is too reminiscent, too country, for us to forget these roots. But this country connection shouldn't lead one to think that Tweedy et al—Jay Bennett (guitar), John Stirratt (bass, violin, piano), Max Johnston (dobro, banjo, fiddle), and Ken Coomer (drums)—should be pigeonholed into one stylistic venture. On the contrary, the power of this compelling recording is the stylistic breadth Wilco takes. There are musical nods to the Byrds, of course, but the raucous R&B horns on "outtasite (outta mind)" is straight outta "Exile on Main Street"-era Rolling Stones; the vocal inflections and harmonies on "far far away" are straight Grateful Dead; the feel on the "dreamer of my dreams" is the same as early '70s Rod Steward and Faces; and the tape manipulations and swirling sonic effects on "misunderstood" and "sunken treasure" are pure psycho-tech Beatles.
One of the finest cuts is "the lonely 1." A lament about being an itinerant performer, this tune opens with an eerie steel pedal guitar and violin soundscape. At first dissonant, it mutates into a harmonious whine that supports Tweedy's sparse acoustic guitar line—quite beautiful.
The recording is strong throughout. Consider giving yourself a late seasonal gift. At over 70 minutes of solid music, you'll be happy.
The Ocean Blue • See • Mercury
Paul Kahlenberg, of Tower Records, suggested that I listen to The Ocean Blue and I'm glad he did. This Hershey, Pennsylvania-based pop/rock quartet is a very listenable group. Featuring singer/songwriter David Schelzel, guitarist/keyboardist Oed Ronne, bassist Bobby Mittan, and drummer Rob Minnig, their sound is reminiscent of The Smiths, and occasionally Simon and Garfunkel, but with an ample dose of psychedelic guitar thrown in.
Producter Dennis Herring (Cracker, Camper Van Beethoven) suggested the group record in Oxford, Mississippi. The result is an accessible yet laid-back sound, one laden with acoustic guitar sounds played over electric power chords. This guitar-duet effect works no better than on "Slide." The acoustic guitar propels he melody, but the supportive howling electric guitar emphasizes and demarcates Schelzel's lyrics. What one ends up with is a relatively sophisticated sound and a very catchy, hummable tune.
One warning: don't be fooled by the often lame intros on some of the tunes. Although a great pop tune is suppose [sic] to grab you immediately, some of these tunes don't. But invariably, within 20 seconds, each tune reveals the hook that is essential to exciting pop music. And there is an added advantage to The Ocean Blue's music: the tunes get stronger upon each listen. Pick this recording up today.
Alex Graham • Countdown • Schoolkids' Records
Community High School graduate Alex Graham has released a superb jazz recording on the local Schoolkids' Records label. Feature Graham on the alto sax, renown trumpeters Louis Smith and Joe Magnareli, local pianist Rick Roe, bassist John Webber and drummer Joe Farnsworth, this ensemble is tight and their musical interpretations are first-rate.
Now in New York City, Graham seems to have absorbed much since leaving Ann Arbor in 1990. His playing is crisp and distinctive, yet he fits in well with other musicians who have considerably more experience than him—Smith has played with Horace Silver and Cannonball Adderley; Webber plays with saxophonist Johnny griffin. One of the strongest cuts on this recording is Louis Smith's "Andre." Fast and boppish, Smith tears this number up. But Graham keeps up with him note for note; unintimidated and undaunted. Their trading solos are both powerful and masterful.
Graham's glissando technique is top notch on the standard "Jubilation." It's of little wonder that Graham has been able to attract such able sidemen. He is very, very good. On the classic Jerome Kern number "Can't Help Lovin' Dat Man" Graham's playing is simply beautiful. The slow tempo and haunting melody give Graham ample room to improvise. His rubato style and the mellow timbre of this tone clearly show that this first recording will not be his last. I hope he gets all the breaks. He clearly is an exceptional talent.