Whether it's with established artists like Leo Kottke or on his own, Mike Gordon, a founding member of Phish, seeks out gigs that require him to stretch. While the production grooming varies from track to track, Proof of Life is also an example of what judicious digital enhancement can do for a clutch of winning songs. Robert BairdĪTO Records/Megaplum ATO0620 (auditioned as CD). Oladokun has been quoted as saying she hopes these are "helpful anthems," and though sentiments begin to repeat themselves by the end, this is pop music with a future. Joy, Maxo Kream, and Noah and Chris Stapleton, who trades verses on one of the album's highlights, "Sweet Symphony."ĭespite parts being flown into the mix from all over, the balance and sonic image is reasonably balanced and not overly compressed. Several musical guests also add their talents, including the Manchester Orchestra, Mt. Oladokun wisely brought in producers Mike Elizondo, Ian Fitchuk, Dan Wilson, and Alysa Vanderhym. While her voice is expressive and strong, a tune like "Taking Things for Granted" and especially the bouncy "Somebody Like Me" catch the listener's ear with self-involved lyrics that would be a disaster in a less upbeat setting: "I've searched the rubble of all of my decisions/learned to say sorry for the things I do/though I don't want to/some days it feels so hard to get better/and I've never been as honest as I want to be/when I need help through." Here, they work. A native of rural Casa Grande, Arizona, Oladokun, whose parents are Nigerian, moved to Nashville and honed her gifts while settling in with that city's cool country-musical fringes. For those who bemoan the decline in the quality of songcraft in this century, Oladokun's irrepressible melodies and crafty-as-hell lyrics are reason for hope. Justin Francis, Sara Mulford, Court Clement, engs.įrom the opener, "Keeping the Light On," it's clear from the confident vocals, assured production style, and catchy hooks in Oladokun's songwriting that her debut full length is gonna be a knockout. Mike Elizondo, Ian Fitchuk, Dan Wilson, and Alysa Vanderheym, prods. Note to band: Leave the epics to Iron Maiden. Andrey HenkinĪmigo/Verve Forecast/Republic B0037036-01 (2 LPs). The album closes with "Inamorata," which, cresting 11 minutes, is Metallica's longest song to date. When the band opts for something different, like the neck-breaking, sinuous riff of "You Must Burn!" followed by the three-and-a-half-minute thrasher "Lux Æterna" (co-written with Trujillo), which closes the first LP, rays of earlier brilliance shine through. The best part of the songs are the intros, which mostly resolve into the plodding rhythm Metallica perfected on The Black Album and feature oft-monotonous solos by lead guitarist Kirk Hammett. But the mastering does bassist Robert Trujillo no favors, as the low end is often more of a feeling than a discernible sonic layer. The gatefold packaging is handsome and includes sturdy LP sleeves with nice photos of the band and a lyric sheet. As co-founders, primary songwriters, and producers James Hetfield and Lars Ulrich approach 60, they have solidified the current Metallica sound: slower, less aggressive, ideal for older fans who wouldn't be caught dead near a mosh pit. Seasons tracks its predecessors in form and formula: more than 70 minutes and more than 10 songs, most a minute or two longer than they need to be, the shorter tunes the most successful. 72 Seasons, the latest studio album and 11th overall, may just get them on the field in Las Vegas in 2024, or at least a residency at a Vegas casino.ħ2 Seasons is the fourth in a series of course corrections following the ill-conceived and -executed Load and Reload from the mid-'90s. The band is a Superbowl halftime show away from completing its transformation from subversive thrash-metal pioneer to American cultural icon. It is hard to believe that 40 years have passed since Metallica released its debut LP, Kill 'Em All. Sara Lyn Killion, Jim Monti, Jason Gossman, Kent Matcke, engs. James Hetfield, Lars Ulrich, Greg Fidelman, prods. Blackened Recordings BLACKND055-1 (2LP, CD).
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