Choice Cuts: February 2005

Artist: NEW ROMAN TIMES

Album: International Affairs

The Scoop: One of my favorite lyrics of the young year is "I'm sorry that it went so wrong when I sexed you." This bit of perfect poetry comes in "Absolute Beginners," the frantically forlorn closer to an album that digs its hooks in deep. Orlando's New Roman Times play an artsy brand of indie rock, sometimes strongly reminiscent of Pinback's unpredictable sound. Dan Owens and Josie Fluri trade off on vocals, deftly playing off each other. Fluri subscribes to the Kim Deal school of rumbling bass and high vocals, while Owens seems more taken by the messiness of Sonic Youth and the dense dramatics of The Arcade Fire.

Highlight Tracks: "A Scene from the Disco Era" and "Absolute Beginners"

For More Info: Visit http://www.thenewromantimes.com/

Artist: THE RED

Album: Burn

The Scoop: MORE FREE MUSIC. Well, for your friends. Buy your copy of Burn and you're heartily encouraged to "burn it forward," passing three copies along to friends. For those wanting a taste of a possible future, there are even flash drives available for purchase (containing the entirety of the album along with artwork and et ceteras). Red leader Marco Aiello is an articulate man when it comes to his passions, and this comes across both in and out of his songs (check out http://www.suite101.com/article.cfm/curr... for an interview from 2001..god, 2001?!). In that interview, he said the things that mattered most in life were music, food/drink, shoes, and love/sex. Burn is largely focused on the latter, and his earnestness on the subject, combined with the smart hooks and instant-singalong choruses, is such that it overpowers and forgives the occasional forced or easy rhyme. Aiello has a soulful voice with an occasional hint of David Gray, well suited for the gentle acoustics and light flourishes of keys and horns. The Red may be even better, though, when they shift into brisker tempos. Girls grow up dreaming that some sensitive soul will serenade them with these songs-these pledges-from outside their bedroom window. Well, maybe except for the one that goes "I don't love you."

Highlight Tracks: "Want" and "Run"

For More Info: Hit up http://www.thered.com

Artist: EDDIE TURNER

Album: Rise

The Scoop: Eddie Turner steps out solo with an album of wailing blues guitar, Cuban rhythms and the uneasy marriage of spiritual and sexual longing. Rise looks to keep the Hendrix flame burning brightly, and Turner

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