Wednesday, December 25, 2013

Better, Better, Bland (Music Reviews)


Released Sept 2013 
Neko Case - The Worse Things Get, The Harder I Fight, The Harder I Fight, The More I Love You A

Pearl Jam - Lightning Bolt B+

John Mayer - Paradise Valley C
 
Released Oct 2013 
Neko Case and Pearl Jam are two of my favorites; but, until their latest releases I thought their best music was behind them.  The Worse Things Get gives Furnace Room Lullaby a run for its money as the best album of her career.  Lightning Bolt is not Pearl Jam's best, but it's their best album in over a decade.  
 
John Mayer is an artist who has the potential to be one of the future greats.  Yet, the bland Paradise Valley would suggest otherwise.  Mayer is a brilliant dude with a tendency to do and say stupid sh*t - a perfect combo for making intriguing music.  However, as he mellows out and settles into Americana/adult contemporary territory I hope he doesn't get all top forty cheesy on me. 
 
Released Aug 2013 
Favorite tracks:
 
The Worse Things Get
Night Still Comes,
I'm From Nowhere
Nearly Midnight, Honolulu,
 
Lightning Bolt
Mind Your Manners,
My Father's Son,
Sleeping By Myself
 
Paradise Valley
                                          Dear Marie
 

 

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