Artist: ColdplayTitle: Mylo Xyloto
You will be interested if you are a fan of: Keane, U2, Coldplay's previous albums
Tell Me More: It's not hard to listen to Coldplay's latest album, the dazzling Mylo Xyloto, and imagine hearing the British quartet perform these songs in front of thousands of screaming fans at an outdoor festival in some exotic locale on a perfect summer night.
That's not to imply the 14-track album doesn't stand up on it's own. It does.
On Mylo Xyloto (pronounced my-lo zy-letoe), the band's fifth album, Coldplay and composer/co-producer Brian Eno have crafted an appealing and accessible collection of songs that grab the listener from the get-go. There is rousing material ("Charlie Brown," "Don't Let It Break Your Heart"), melodic gems ("Hurts Like Heaven," "Every Teardrop is a Waterfall") and evocative ballads ("Up in Flames," "U.F.O."). The band even teams up with Rihanna to explore decidedly new territory in the inspired "Princess of China."
Chris Martin has never sounded better, his falsetto and emotive vocals really shining across the disc and dancing in counterpart with Jonny Buckland's soaring guitar work. Although "Major Minus" too closely recalls the style of Achtung Baby-era U2, every other moment on Mylo Xyloto is a showcase for Coldplay's own artistic voice.
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Artist: Brian WilsonTitle: In the Key of Disney
You will be interested if you are a fan of: The Beach Boys, Brian Wilson's recent solo releases, Los Lobos' 2009 album Los Lobos Goes Disney
Tell Me More: Brian Wilson isn't the first rock legend to tackle the Wonderful World of Disney (music, that is). In fact, Los Lobos undertook a similar project several years ago on the aptly-titled Los Lobos Goes Disney. But there is little doubt that the interest and attention paid to Wilson's project revisting songs made famous in classic Disney movies has been especially intense leading up to the album's release on Oct. 25, 2011.
While there is no debate about the artistic merit of the Los Lobos effort issued in 2009, my praise for Wilson's In the Key of Disney is a bit muted. To be sure, there are versions here that shine; a Native American flute compliments Wilson's tender delivery on "Colors of the Wind" ("Pocahontas") and his fragile tenor conveys just the right amount of texture on the wistful "Stay Awake" ("Mary Poppins"). But elsewhere, Wilson's touch is not a perfect fit with the material. His voice fails to ignite a Tin Pan Alley-styled arrangement of "The Bare Necessities" ("The Jungle Book") until the end of the song, and "I Just Can't Wait to Be King" ("The Lion King") never seems to find its footing.
The disc ends in winning fashion, with Wilson's affecting delivery of "When You Wish Upon a Star" providing another dose of pixie dust showcasing the former Beach Boy's magic touch.
In the Key of Disney was obviously a labor of love for Wilson, and the songs here have been loved by children of all ages.
Perhaps it is Wilson's ability to champion that Disney magic that is the biggest reason to celebrate the meeting of two talents who have brought so much joy into a far-from-perfect world.
Get into the Key of Disney Here
Artist: The McClymontsTitle: Wrapped Up Good
You will be interested if you are a fan of: Taylor Swift, Pistol Annies, The Corrs
Tell Me More: When it comes to country music, my own tastes are firmly rooted in the alt-country sounds of Gram Parsons, Michael Ubaldini, Emmylou Harris, David Serby and Neil Young's Harvest. But I'm no snob; artists who employ well-crafted songs, strong performances and sweet singing (especially perfect harmonies) can win me over no matter what their musical style.
Just as Ireland's Corrs featured a group of siblings able to somehow blend traditional Irish music with modern-day pop, a trio of Australian sisters known as The McClymonts have magically bridged the seemingly-contrary worlds of authentic Americana and so-called "modern country music" to create something not only palatable but wonderful.
On the McClymonts' Wrapped Up Good, there is plenty to recommend. The songs may explore familiar territory (falling in and out of love), but the affecting "Take It Back," "I Could be a Cowboy" and "He Used to Love Me" come off as fresh thanks to the trio's powerful writing and singing.
The twentysomething sisters (Sam, Mollie and Brooke) from Down Under also handle the upbeat country-rock stuff with grit too, notably "Rock the Boat" and "Wrapped Up Good."
Get The McClymonts' new CD here
Artist: The BanglesTitle: Sweetheart of the Sun
You will be interested if you are a fan of: The Bangles' 1984 album All Over the Place, Matthew Sweet
Tell Me More: The Bangles' Sweetheart of the Sun marks the first full-length album from the band since 2003's Doll Revolution, and the first time since the early 1980s that the all-female outfit has issued an album without bassist Michael Steele (she left the band in 2005). But more than 30 years after the formation of the Bangs, sisters Debbi and Vicki Peterson and Susanna Hoffs have returned with a fantastic collection of songs on Sweetheart of the Sun. Produced by the Bangles and Matthew Sweet at Lolina Green Studios, the 12-track album is truly one of the band's best-ever releases. Those seeking the massive production found on modern-day recordings on acts ranging from U2 and Coldplay to Lady Gaga won't find that here. This is an album where the voices, guitars and everything else shines through the songwriting and performances alone. "Anna Lee (Sweetheart of the Sun)" brings immediate luster with its lush vocal harmonies and artful guitar lines; Hoffs' evocative lead vocal captures the melancholy on "Under a Cloud." Elsewhere the group delivers power pop jewels ("Mesmerized"), gentle ballads ("I'll Never Be Through With You") or just seems to be in the mood to rock and have a great time ("Ball N Chain").
Another note: Barnes & Noble is offering a special edition of the album that features two bonus tracks (acoustic versions of "Through Your Eyes" and "What a Life"). Get this version while you can.
The Bangles New CD on amazone here
Get the exclusive version available from Barnes & Noble here.
Robert Kinsler
