Howling, Growling Jesus Lizard Brutish, Yet Sophisticated
The Jesus Lizard
“Shot” - Capitol
Those who were afraid the Jesus Lizard might tone down its fearsome roar for a major label can rest easy: “Shot” is the band’s most bruising work to date. And the Jesus Lizard’s whiskey-soaked brutishness continues to belie the band’s musical sophistication.
The rhythm section’s awesome lock and singer David Yow’s inspired howl and growl may be the band’s inimitable signatures, but it’s the off-kilter subtleties of Duane Denison’s guitar work on such tracks as “Thumbscrews,” “Good Riddance” and “Too Bad About The Fire” that sets the group apart.
“Shot” is no leap forward from the band’s epochal Touch and Go albums, but as a major-label calling card, it shows that the Jesus Lizard is still a righteously scary monster.
Billy Mann
DV8/A&M
Discovered by producer Ric Wake singing in a stairwell, pop singer/ songwriter Billy Mann has a smooth, powerful voice and a clutch of quality songs. Highlights include the effervescent “Tossing Pennies (In A Well),” soulful ballad “Turn Down The World,” and the funky “Killed By A Flower.” A promising debut.
Dada
“El Subliminoso” - I.R.S.
Alternative rock trio returns with a splendid album that displays its ability to deliver quirky, catchy tunes with offbeat lyrics. Highlights of a set that should score at mainstream and modern rock outlets include “Time Is Your Friend,” the sardonic “Sick In Santorini,” the supercharged “I Get High,” the futuristic “The Spirit Of 2009,” and the infectious “No One.” A great new work by a band that never ceases to delight.
Martha Lorin
“A Celebration Of Ella With Paul Smith” - Cabaret Jazz
Accompanied by a solo piano, vocalist Martha Lorin delivers a wonderful collection of 17 songs in tribute to the ailing Ella Fitzgerald - the bow going not to songs introduced by the great singer but those recorded by her in her legendary songbook series for Verve Records. Lorin has a smoky voice utterly at home with the genius of Rodgers and Hart, Jerome Kern, George and Ira Gershwin, Harold Arlen and Johnny Mercer; pianist Paul Smith, who has played for Fitzgerald, manages to put Lorin up front while providing noticeably beautiful keyboard accompaniment. While lovingly paying tribute to Fitzgerald, Lorin is very much her own winning stylist.
Lionel Richie
“Louder Than Words” - Mercury
Set successfully weaves pop, R&B, country, and even classical by masterfully distilling each genre to its essence. Despite a recording hiatus spanning nearly 10 years, Richie resists the urge to return with a trendy splash. Instead, the former Commodore waded ashore, grounded in a sound that initially propelled the soloist to superstardom. However, he remains cautious of challenging higher creative terrain, perhaps to the detriment of capturing younger demographics. Conversely, the album’s road map, which keeps the vocalist on well-worn paths, should reinforce alliances among die-hard fans and laid-back listeners.