Saturday, November 29, 2008

New Music! Bob Dylan, Isobel Campbell & Mark Lanegan, and David Byrne & Brian Eno

Tell Tale Signs: The Bootleg Series Vol. 8, Rare and Unreleased
Bob Dylan

Speaking as someone who doesn't typically get too excited about Bob Dylan, I have to say that this collection is definitely worth picking up. Recorded between 1989 and 2006, all the songs on the album are previously unreleased or rare versions of released songs. The album as a whole is thoughtful and polished, but you'll still get plenty of Dylan's characteristic grit!

Sunday at Devil Dirt
Isobel Campbell and Mark Lanegan

In their second full-length album together, Isobel Campbell and Mark Lanegan continue playing off each other in the same dreamy, sometimes hypnotic duets that characterized Ballad of the Broken Seas. On my first few listens, Sunday at Devil Dirt seems even more subdued and low-key than the first album - more sultry lullaby than sea shanty this time around. I would have personally liked to see a little more experimentation with these songs. Their voices - Campbell's honey to Lanegan's gravel - and artistic styles work together so surprisingly well that I'm really curious to see what else they can do. But if you couldn't get enough of the first album, this one is sure to soothe your need!

Everything That Happens Will Happen Today
David Byrne and Brian Eno

Yes! This long-anticipated album is finally here! And it's even good! Yes, there are shades of Talking Heads with a little "St. Elmo's Fire" thrown in for good measure. But mostly this album is a cohesive and highly creative collaboration between two top-notch artists. The sound is upbeat and trippy, even whimsical at times. Smooth vocals ride over percussive electronic mixes and twine with haunting guitar chords. Definitely worth the wait, in my opinion!

Has anyone had the chance to give any of these albums a good listen? What's your take?

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