Plan 9Wednesday, April 18, 2007In a year's release schedule some weeks will favor new artists while others seem to be given over exclusively to established acts. This week seems to be one of the latter. First up is the latest from Nine Inch Nails.
Trent Reznor himself has described the new "Year Zero" as something of a sound collage. In it he's extrapolating certain current trends about fifteen years into the future – and what he sees is not good. The album started with that concept and an experiment in noise conducted on a laptop during a tour, and turned into one of Reznor's most experimental albums of late.
Anyone in need on an industrial music fix should give this a listen.
At the opposite end of the spectrum comes the latest from Avril Lavigne. "The Best Damn Thing" is a return to the poppy punk of her hits from 2002 rather than the more brooding material from 2004's "Under My Skin.
" This is also her first album since her marriage to Sum 41's Deryck Whibley, so a poppy punk focus makes perfect sense. In addition, one of Richmond's favorites – The Cowboy Junkies – are releasing "At the End of Paths Taken." Despite the title, it's not a career retrospective; however, the band is experimenting with the formula, adding some string arrangements and more guitar distortion than the norm for them.
We also have this week's obligatory album from an American Idol alumnus. Bucky Convington's self-titled release splits the difference between Travis Tritt-style country and southern rock. Although his performance and the production is good, some reviewers have complained the final package eliminated his individuality.
However, a Nashville record deal is nothing to sneeze at, and we may see his style develop further in the albums to come.
Of course, there are some quirky releases to talk about. The Greyboy Allstars have a new album of funky, good-time music.
"What Happened to TV" is their first album in almost a decade. Fans of indie rock will probably want to check out "What's the Time Mr. Wolf" by The Noisettes or "Spells" by The Comas.
And lastly, C-ville artist Devon Sproule has something new. "Keep Your Silver Shined" has already garnered excellent reviews by the BBC, and this paen to Virginia life should make quite a splash stateside as well. By submitting feedback through this page, Richmond.
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