By Jake Shenker
I generally like to review three or four new releases, but after listening to Rob Thomas’ new album, I had to destroy my stereo system.
Wilco — Wilco (The Album) (Nonesuch)
Really, is there such a thing as a bad Wilco album? Depending on your preference, sure there is, but I can’t imagine a music fan who won’t appreciate Wilco’s newest effort. Wilco (The Album) is a carefully crafted, painstakingly well-written record that shines within an already impressive body of work. These guys have always written great songs, but these eleven tunes are, without exaggeration, the best they’ve ever put forth. Add to that the impressive, glossy-yet-organic production (think In Rainbows) and the surprising (and welcome) addition of singer Feist on “You and I” and I wouldn’t hesitate to call Wilco (The Album) one of the best new records of the year. Seriously.
Rob Thomas — Cradlesong (Atlantic)
Dear Rob Thomas,
Thank you. After the high of listening to the new Wilco album straight through, I needed a real stinker to bring me back down to earth. But seriously, why are you subjecting me to this? Your new album sounds like Creed threw up on a group of American Idol rejects. We all bought the first Matchbox 20 album — couldn’t you have stopped after that?
Don’t forget about Moby’s haunting and melodic new release “Wait for Me”
I loved the new Rob Thomas album. I had been watching his Soundcheck interview to get me pumped about it, http://soundcheck.walmart.com/rob-thomas where he goes all in-depth on Cradlesong. Has anyone else seen this interview?
FGM_Joel:
wow – not only do you like the new rob thomas, but you were excitedly anticipating its release?
… are you a nickelback fan?