Eleanor Friedberger- Last Summer

Last Summer is the debut solo album from Eleanor Friedberger, and it is just oozing with funk and talent. Most people will recognize Eleanor from the duo The Fiery Furnaces, where she is the lead singer and her brother Matthew Friedberger is responsible for most of the instrumental work. Last Summer is full of cool storytelling and has some of the most catchy bass riffs I have heard in a while. Even though the album’s style changes from track to track it still feels real and not forced or artificial like what you may find with some less confident artists trying to really find there sound. Without a doubt that is what Eleanor is trying to do but as she tries different styles you can tell she never loses herself along the way. For the most part Last Summer is enjoyable. It definitely is not the strongest album but I would still say it’s a must listen, if only for the originality of it.

Final Review- 85


Best Songs- My Mistakes, Heaven, Roosevelt Island

Cat's Eyes- Cat's Eyes

Cat’s Eyes is the newest project of Faris Badwan - best known for his work in the Goth Rock group The Horrors - and Canadian opera singer Rachel Zeffira. Zeffira is also known for her composing and use of different instruments. Cat’s Eyes is an interesting album that does a good job mixing classical arrangements with a ‘60s girl group vibe. In ways their music is similar to Nick Cave, especially when Badwan is controlling the mic with his low and deep voice. The duo is good at complementing each other, and a few of my favorite songs on Cat’s Eyes are when they are taking turns singing. The only parts of the album that are lacking are when Badwan is the only one singing. His voice is good but for the vibe of the album at times it can be a little too dark and that really hurts the overall flow.  All together Cat’s Eyes is a cool listen and honestly there is little to nothing like this out there in the music scene. This group should be producing 100 caliber albums because of how incredibly original and mind blowing they are but this Cat’s Eyes is just not there. Cat’s Eyes is going to be a group to keep your ears open for and I look forward to their future projects.   

Final Review- 85

Agnes Obel- Philharmonics

Agnes Obel is a Danish singer and song writer who has won a lot of critical acclaim. Obel’s debut album Philharmonics has gone double platinum in Denmark and gold in France. After listening to Philharmonics myself I can say she is one of the better female singer songwriters I have heard and for this being her debut album it is pretty incredible. Agnes Obel has a very clean and pure sounding voice and even when it’s distorted you just can’t disguise how truly beautiful she sounds. Even though I believe Philharmonics to be breath taking and gorgeous there is its down side. The music is always so low and melodic that at times it lacks that little punch it would need to be a truly great album. I can see Philharmonics music making its way into TV shows and movie soundtracks. I wouldn’t say Philharmonics is an everyday type listen but it definitely has a lot of charm and should be given a chance.

Final Review- 85

Dinosaur Bones- My Divider

My Divider really hits the ground running with the opening track “Making Light” and keeps your attention till the end. The Guitar work is really distorted and gritty, giving the music a good amount of a call back to classic ‘90s rock. Dinosaur Bones have the confidence of a seasoned band. They know what kind of sound they are good at and how to do it well. My Divider flows well but sometimes the songs run a bit long, and in the middle of the album it almost drags but then picks up again near the end.  All together My Divider is a superb debut album and I know that Dinosaur Bones is just going to keep getting better and better. 

Final Review- 80

Anna Calvi- Anna Calvi

Anna Calvi kicks off this debut self-titled album with “Rider to the Sea”, a great track featuring Spanish guitars that sets the mood for the album perfectly. Anna Calvi’s voice is full of attitude and power but the lyrics on most tracks are not the strongest. The best way to describe her style is dark, sexy lounge music. It has some of the same undertones that you would get from the Nick Cave and the Badseeds album Murder Ballads.  The overall musicianship is incredible with sexy guitars and deep bass driven drum beats. If you can’t already tell I was pretty blown away by Anna Calvi. This is the strongest debut album of 2011 so far. I cannot wait till Anna Calvi puts out another album.  

Final Review- 95