A gang of new music has come out lately and frankly Funksman has not been able to keep up with the action. Today that all changes with some quick-hitting reviews that will give you a taste of what to expect from all of these new releases. Here it goes......
1. Wolf Parade- At Mt. Zoomer 8.5/10
Wolf Parade strikes back hard with their second LP by harnessing a more straightforward rock sound. Dan Boecker really comes into his own on "Language City" and "Fine Young Cannibals" through some desperate crooning and poignant guitar jabs. Meanwhile, Spencer Krug switches from piano to synth throughout the album giving At Mt. Zoomer a classic rock/ 1972 Bowie feel that was devoid on their first outing. There are still definitely some hints of the dance and disco present on Apologies to Queen Mary as heard on the lengthy track, "Kissing the Beehive." Overall I'd have to say that At Mt. Zoomer is a bit of a grower, but only because most of the songs lack any clear structure until you've heard them a couple of times. Standouts include "Soldiers Grin", "Language City", "Call it a Ritual", "California Dreamer", and "Fine Young Cannibals."
2. King Khan and The Shrines- The Supreme Genius of King Khan and The Shrines 8.2/10
When thinking about what adjective best described this album the one word that came to mind was "bombastic." From the blaring horns to the pounding drums to the shaman-like King Khan at the middle of it all, this LP brings the heat from start to finish. It's basically a best of compilation of King Khan and The Shrines' work over the years, and since they're not a US band this is a great opportunity to hear these guys blaze through some funk tracks. Imagine a parliament funkadelic on speed with a little black lips thrown in and your almost there in terms of what to expect. Overall a really enjoyable album, standouts include "Took My Lady to Dinner", "Welfare Bread", "Land of The Freak", and "Live Fast Die Strong."
3. Ratatat- LP3 7.5/10
Ratatat have produced nothing but consistent music over the past couple of years, and their fan base has grown far and wide as a result. So, in a somewhat unexpected move, Ratatat changed up their sound a bit for LP3 and while some supporters may be disappointed, their new direction is actually pretty good. In LP3 they may have lost some of their catchiness, but the overall vibe of the record is of some really interesting electronica that warrants multiple replays. Don't get me wrong, there are still jams like "Shempi" and "Falcon Jab", but they blend more readily into the body of the LP instead of standing out like bonafide singles. A solid effort by Ratatat, check out "Mirando", "Shiller", "Faclon Jab", and "Shempi."
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