Artist: CRYSTAL BRANDT
Album: Voter
The Scoop: Released prior to the presidential election, Voter is indeed a concept album, but not of the "Rock the Vote" nature that one may assume from the title. Brandt's third album is about politics of a more personal nature. Seeking to break away from her last album (fellow Choice Cut recipient Bessie's Last Stand), she limited herself to only two or three tracks, usually meaning that the songs are built on nothing beyond Brandt's voice and her acoustic guitar or piano. Nothing else is needed. As with its predecessor, Voter is a subtle pleasure, patient and uninterested in wheel reinvention or home-run singles. It's primarily a folk album, but Brandt has a low, resonant voice that can also channel that perfect ache of the blues. The feel-good twang of Bessie has been largely excised, which lends the album a more consistently somber, introspective tone. Importantly, then, Voter feels more like a counterpart than "more of the same," hopefully a pleasurable third chapter in a long career.Highlight Tracks: "Explanation" and "Could've Been, Could Be"
For More Info: Visit http://www.crystalbrandt.com
Artist: JAKE BRENNAN & THE CONFIDENCE MEN
Album: Love & Bombs
The Scoop: No less an authority than Tommy Stinson said in this very column a couple months back that there are no modern kindred spirits to The Replacements. Surely, though, Jake Brennan merits mention as at least an agreeable descendent. While The Replacements emerged alongside a hardcore movement that was giving birth to bands like Hüsker Dü, Brennan himself was one the frontman of a band on the Victory roster (Snapcase, Atreyu, etc.). He's since found his passion lies more in the boozy quarters of Americana and vintage rock and roll. The fit is tailor-made. For Love & Bombs, Brennan, his band and some assorted friends and kindred spirits holed up for three days in Paul Q. Kolderie's new studio (the recording session/party is documented on the companion DVD Singer Songriot). The album represents their favorite dozen from the session, and it's a well-chosen and diverse grouping, from the barroom blazer that opens ("Shake 'Em On Down") to the last-call piano ballad that closes ("Goodnight"). Another highlight is the lively country duet with the scene-stealing Sarah Borges on "Two of a Kind."Highlight Tracks: "Two of a Kind" and "In My Stepdad's Truck"
For More Info: Check out http://www.confidencemen.com
Artist: PETER CASE
Album: Selected Tracks 1994-2004
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