What We're Listening To: Ides of April Edition

It's tax day. I hope you got your returns filed, or at least an extension. I for one had mine done in February, but then again I'm a Virgo. Below the fold we have six new album reviews to soothe our tax-time blues, featuring Etta James, Janet Jackson, Miracle Fortress, Midnight Juggernauts, The Breeders and Los Campesinos.


Etta James—Her Best; The Chess 50th Anniversary Collection

Etta James started singing in church, but her real musical training took place in the blues bars of New Orleans, where she started singing at 15 years old. She was the Amy Winehouse of her day, only more talented. This is a good collection for the uninitiated, as it contains her biggest hits, such as "At Last" and "A Sunday Kind of Love," but her best are the bluesy tracks, like "In the basement," "Tell Mama," "I would rather go blind," and the amazing "Baby, what you want me to do." On that last track, performed live, you can feel the heat of a sexy-hot Louisiana summer night sweat right through your earphones. Touch yourself - Ben

Janet Jackson—Discipline

My co-worker sings in an R&B band that plays gigs around the metro area. We share a love of the blues and old school R&B, and sometimes we share music with one another. Early last week she put the new Janet CD on my desk and told me to listen to it. I haven't been impressed by Ms. Jackson since "That's the Way Love Goes," her sultry track from the "Janet" Album, and to be completely honest, I haven't completely enjoyed her since "Rhythym Nation." While I can't say that "Discipline" wows me, I have found it pleasant enough as background music. There are a number of interludes between Jackson and a personal servant robot that she interacts with, which strangely enough (strange? The Jacksons? No way!), actually works. Most of the music is smoothly erotic, and sets a mood that is instantly recognizable as quality sex music. I haven't paid much attention to the lyrics, but who really cares when you're busy fucking. - Ben

Miracle Fortress—Five Roses

This Canadian band's 2007 album has been on heavy rotation on my iPod lately. Lots of layered vocals over a fuzzy blend of guitars, synths, and both conventional and electronic beats. Not quite psychedelic, not quite danceable, but finds a happy medium somewhere in between. Standout tracks include "Have You Seen In Your Dreams" and "Hold Your Secrets To Your Heart." - Michael

Midnight Juggernauts—Dystopia

This Aussie band is often compared to ELO, but I guess I don't know ELO well enough to confirm that comparison. Tracks on this 2007 release combine heavy synths and synth beats with hearty vocals and falsetto, creating fun danceable songs that make you want to shake your ass and nod your head. Check out "Into the Galaxy" and "Road to Recovery." - Michael

The Breeders—Mountain Battles

A few years ago, the Pixies reunion made a stop at DAR Constitution hall here in DC. The first two or three songs were sung Frank Black. They then went into "Here Comes Your Man" and a reserved, but confident Kim Deal raised her head to the microphone and belted out "So long, so long" in the build-up to the refrain. In contrast to the nasal, quirky wails of Black, Deal's voice filled the room and almost gave me chills. While Kim Gordon, Bjork, and Kathleen Hanna often receive the most press and attention as female trailblazers during the alternative-90s-lollapalooza hey-day, Deal's song writing talent and mature vocals are unfairly overlooked. She probably likes it that way. Kim is back with her sister Kelley with a new Breeders album titled Mountain Battles. I just picked this up on Friday and haven't stopped listening to it. There is no punch-hit like Cannonball, but there needn't be. The album is consistent from start to finish. - Robert

Los Campesinos—Hold On Now Youngster

My boyfriend finds this band annoying. I think my boyfriend has lost his ability to feel joy. While the concept of seven english musicians delivering high-energy vocals over fast-paced, violin-inclusive music sounds irksome on paper, it sounds nothing short of awesome through your speakers. They passed my personal litmus test for good pop bands on "My Year in Lists:" A wonderfully catchy song in under 2 minutes that you spend ten minutes listening to on repeat. - Zack