Former eels bassist Tommy Walter has gone solo under the moniker Abandoned Pools. Humanistic has elements of his old band's alternative rock/grunge sound, but there is also a mix of electronica and pop. Walter has a pure sounding voice that sounds vaguely British at times, a combination of Matthew Sweet and Oasis. In addition to co-producing the CD, he also plays most of the instruments. Humanistic is a diverse collection of acoustic ballads, trippy pop, and gritty guitar. It's an interesting and entertaining combination.
Web Link: http://www.abandonedpools.com
Adam & the Ants - Live At the BBC
Stuart Goddard is a new wave pioneer. He changed his name to Adam and his band to the Ants in 1976. Adam & the Ants released three albums before Adam went solo, and scores of bands over the years have imitated both his look and his music. Live At the BBC is an essential CD for new wave historians. Adam & the Ants recorded three separate sessions for Radio One's John Peel in 1978 and 1979, even before their debut album was released. Their sound is raw, the lyrics and song subjects unusual. You can hear the evolution of the band in the three sessions. There is also a more recent session recorded by Adam Ant in 1995, which includes his solo hit "Wonderful", and the Ant classic "Antmusic."
Web Link: http://www.adam-ant.net
Laura Dawn - Believer
In listening to dozens of new CD's each month to write this column, there are very few that jump out of the speakers and grab me during the first listen. Believer is one of them. Laura Dawn is a remarkably talented artist, and has created a spectacular debut CD. Her lyrics weave an intensely personal story, and the songs range from folk to pure pop to alt rock to punk. Dawn has a strong voice, a wide vocal range and the versatility to croon like a diva on one song, and growl like a punk rocker on the next. Believer is one of the best debut CDs I've heard in a long time, and Laura Dawn has the look and sound of a star in the making.
