I’m plowing through my music “inbox” now. Here’s the latest poop:

• Danny Michel – Valhalla: not impressed. Not bad, but it’s a little wimpy for me.
• The Pipettes – We Are The Pipettes: ptoo. I wasted a good 15 minutes skipping through this album.
• John Frusciante – Sphere In The Heart Of Darkness: three good songs out of seven, but one of those songs (which was highly recommended by my brother) called “Walls” is amazing. If you’re into screaming, that is.
• Primal Scream – Riot City Blues: again, couple of good songs and the rest was unremarkable.
• Tilly & The Wall – Bottoms Of Barrels: see above. After the first couple of songs, you think, “OK, we get it, your percussion section is a tap dancer. Tell them to go take a break or somethin’…”
• Jose Gonzalez – Veneer: excellent. Stark & lovely, just one guy and his guitar. It’s mellow but fiery.

I also keep listening to the new Regina Spektor album Begin To Hope over and over. It’s broader than her earlier stuff; “Bettter” sounds almost radio-friendly, “That Time” sounds PJ Harvey sans bass, and “Apres Moi” sounds like Fiona Beethoven. Or Ludwig von Apple. Your pick.
[tags]danny michel, the pipettes, john frusciante, primal scream, tilly & the wall, jose gonzalez, regina spektor[/tags]