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ALBUM OF THE MONTH
Album: Miles Away The Scoop: An ambitious and sometimes startling debut that displays a depth of passion and character that's been sorely lacking from Lilith Fair alumni and descendents in recent years. While Gloeckner never had the chance to play the festival-and I hesitated to even invoke its name for fear of pigeonholing her-there's no doubt that the average Lilith fan would be especially thrilled to be introduced to the rootsy atmospherics of Miles Away. And, let's face it, those fans could use a new artist to rally around. While many of the old heroines have sold out, gone contently static, or simply disappeared, Gloeckner shows herself unafraid to take chances and channel a variety of approaches and emotional ranges. The bulk of the press thus far has been favorable (even naively hyperbolic), and critics have aptly honed in on the impressionistic lyrics, the lovely arrangements and the soulful voice that provides the connecting thread throughout. One element that I think has been neglected, though, is the aching, smoldering sensuality of many of the songs. Taken all together, it makes for a compelling addition to any CD collection. Each listener will have his/her own favorites, of course, but there isn't a track on Miles Away that calls to be skipped, an impressive feat for any album, but especially one that is so eclectic.Highlight Tracks: "Glimpse" and "Only 1" For More Info: Visit http://www.jengloeckner.com Artist: FEDERICO AUBELE Album: Gran Hotel Buenos Aires The Scoop: Quite possibly the sexiest album of the year (no offense, my dear Usher), and certainly one of its coolest. Argentinean producer Aubele avoids the many landmines offered by the electronica genre, leading to an album that-unlike so many others-refuses to go static. He wisely uses a variety of beguiling vocalists to take turns gliding over his consistently enjoyable beats. Aubele takes cues from dub, flamenco, reggae, folk music...you name it. His demos were enough to impress Rob Garza and Eric Hilton of Thievery Corporation, who took the project on for production. Anyone planning an after-hours chill-out-and looking to impress-would be wise to seek this one out.Highlight Tracks: "Ante Tus Ojos" and "El Amor De Este Pueblo" For More Info: Check out http://www.eslmusic.com Artist: CRYSTAL BRANDT Album: Bessie's Last Stand The Scoop: Crystal Brandt scores higher marks than most of her DIY peers, especially on the front half of Bessie's Last Stand. Responsible for playing everything-from guitars to keys to drums-and then producing on top of it, Brandt spices up her country-kissed arrangements whenever possible. Aside from a few lukewarm ballads later in the album, the results are songs that are very distinct from one another. Typically, the music is best when it kicks up its heels and taps its feet a bit, as on "Way Past" and "Know the Way." Vocally, Brandt is strong, womanly, and wise; a stark contrast to the dominant mainstream sounds of girlish teen-pop and overblown vocal hysterics (a la Jessica Simpson).
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