Choice Cuts: October 2001 - Page 2
© Adam McKibbin
Album: Why Men Fail
The Scoop: A melancholy collection from a southern singer/songwriter who fits comfortably among the likes of sensitive troubadours like Freedy Johnston and Richard Davies. Hubbard’s fragile falsetto is complimented by a veteran band that includes Peter Holsapple on organ and Garrison Starr on backup vocals.Highlight Track: “Speedin’” is Hubbard at his bucolic best, conjuring up visions of an empty interstate outside a small town. Besides being a solid all-around rock number—complete with Holsapple’s standout organ—“Speedin’” is the definitive mood piece for the album, a glimpse of the sun peeking from ‘neath the clouds.
Honorable Mention: Nostalgia doesn’t get much more wistful than “Her Father’s Buick.” “It was 1985,” Hubbard sings longingly. “And I felt fine / For the first time.”For More Info: Head over to http://www.parasol.com
Artist: Sam Bisbee
Album: Vehicle
The Scoop: Clever lyricism sets this album apart, hinted at even by song titles like “Ride Em Mower” and “Cubicle Love Song.” Bisbee hones in on the specifics of our mundane daily lives—stock options, television shows and unwashed dishes—and while it may not be revelation, it’s certainly refreshing in a time when the radio mostly whispers sweet nothings in your ear.Highlight Track: “Miracle Car” bookends the album (minus a hidden bonus track), and it features the catchiest pop melody on the album. Guest vocalist Leona Naess appears only on this and one other track; it would’ve been nice to have her around a bit more.
Honorable Mention: “Ride Em Mower” is a nostalgic trip for those of us who spent many summers cutting lawns, but also plays as a fantasy of children set free by a suburbia on fire.For More Info: http://www.sambisbee.com or http://www.terriblerecords.com
Artist: Charles Pillow
Album: In This World
The Scoop: Pillow conquers a variety of instruments—from english horn to tenor sax to oboe—on this new collection of original jazz compositions. The New York Times dubbed Pillow “an excellent soloist” and he doesn’t disappoint.Highlight Track: While the full band has inspired moments, two of the album’s brightest moments come when the band is stripped down to a trio of Pillow, guitarist Pete McCann and pianist Mike Holober. “Aria” and “Fraction” are the evocative pieces that result.
Honorable Mention: The jazz / world music hybrid is most apparent and effective on “Folk Song” and “Quiet Village,” which feature Pillow hopping from penny whistle to ocarina to clarinet to sax.For More Info: Visit http://www.summitrecords.com for listening and ordering information.
Artist: Telefon Tel Aviv
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