Odds and Ends

Each week I use this space to post some mini-reviews, cool tracks, random thoughts, neat news, or whatever else I damn well please.

MiniReview
Grand Atlantic “Constellations” – Brisbane modern rock band Grand Atlantic is back with their third offering, following the acclaimed 2009 effort “How We Survive” (review here). “Constellations” has a darker, more solemn atmosphere to it in general, perhaps due to the fact that the album was recorded in an abandoned psychiatric hospital. Par for the course, Phil Usher unleashes some head bobbing riffs and has a smoky rasp that makes the music sizzle with excitement. The songs are powerful and exert a more prominent dose of psychedelic rock this time around, but I don’t feel that the melodic hooks are as sharp. Standout tracks include the epic opener, “Searchlights”, the engaging “Carved From Stone”, and the energetic blues of the first single, “Fresh Ideas In Home Security”. If you like Oasis, Jet, or Kings of Leon, be sure to check out Grand Atlantic here. “Constellations” will be available September 2nd.

Surprise of the week
Chad Smith is too busy on the road with The Red Hot Chili Peppers…so who is the replacement for Chickenfoot’s drummer? Hint: not Jack, not Diane, but…see here.

News
The new album from KISS will be called “Monster” (R.E.M. anyone?). Paul Stanley reports: "That was a pivotal album in the sense we were aware of who we were as a performing band, but we had to re-establish who we were as a recording band…There are no ballads”. Story here.

Details on the inevitable “deluxe” version of the forthcoming sophomore effort from Chickenfoot called “Chickfoot III”.

Sadly, we lost a few giants of songwriting. Nickolas Ashford, who co-wrote hit singles for the likes of Chaka Khan, Aretha Franklin and Diana Ross, and Jerry Leiber, who wrote hits for Elvis, The Drifters, and The Coasters.

Random iPOD song of the week
What a great old song! One of my favorite duets – Kenny Loggins and Stevie Nicks sound awesome. This song appeared on the excellent Loggins CD “Nightwatch” from 1978.

Review: Stevie Nicks "Trouble in Shangri-La"

I really hate having to write a bad review for such an iconic figure, but -dammit- you put out a piece of crap we're gonna call you on it. "Trouble in Shangri-La" (2001) is likely to please only the most die hard Stevie Nicks fans.

Stevie assembled an impressive team to help her with this solo effort, including Sheryl Crow (fresh off the heels of her successful first albums), "Heartbreaker" Mike Campbell, one-hit wonder Macy Gray (remember "I Try"?), Sarah McLachlan, and ace producer Chris Lord-Alge. And according to the linear notes, we have Tom Petty to thank for this mess, who evidently inspired Stevie to write these songs in 1995.

So what is the problem? It's a dream team but the songs are nightmares. Stevie sounds like Stevie should - commendable after all these years - but hearing her voice rasp its way through one snore of a track after another is just a heartbreaking waste. Sadly, she penned most of these snores herself, with only "Love Changes" and "Love Is" hitting a chord with me. "Love Is" features some trademark backing vocals from Sarah McLachlan, which definitely help elevate the track a bit from its slumber. The standout track, "Every Day" was written by other folks. For you Sheryl Crow fans, you may be pleased that she contributes backing vocals on a number of tracks and wrote the tune, "It's Only Love". One listen to it, though, and you'll realize why she gave it away. "Fall From Grace" is the only real rocker, but consistent with most of the other tunes, is completely forgettable.

iPOD-worthy: 5, 9, 13

Stevie Nicks - official site.

Check out the music video for "Sorcerer" (with Sheryl Crow):