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Autumnal Grooves: New Music and a movie to warm you up when it starts to get cold
North Mississippi Allstars: Electric Blue Watermelon
ATO Records
It’s high time that the world knows just how good the North Mississippi Allstars are. “Electric Blue Watermelon” should be the record that brings these jam/festival regulars the mainstream appeal they deserve. Their unabridged, focused and, above all, true brand of rock ’n blues should be on everybody’s dessert platter. Is it sweet? Hell yeah, and juicy just when ya need it. “Mississippi Bollweevil” is dirrrr-tty and “Bang Bang LuLu” is a stomp complete with fife and drum.
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My Morning Jacket: Z
ATO Records
If any record should be your soundtrack to the fall season, this is it. This band from Louisville, Kentucky, has gotten better with each release, and like their label mates NMA, they are poised for the big time. Lead singer Jim James’ voice is melancholy and sparse; at times you can hear echoes of a young Neil Young. They’re rock n’ roll to the core but still enjoy taking the listener on a sensitive ride—without being too soft. “Wordless Chorus” and “It Beats for You” are hauntingly beautiful.
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Tristan Prettyman: twentythree
Virgin Records
It’s official. There is a surf rock movement. Twenty-three-year-old Tristan Prettyman completes the roster of surfing musicians with her Ani DiFranco-inspired acoustic numbers that leave listeners believing she’s Jack Johnson’s sister. But her songs strike their very own vibe. There’s no fluff or filler on her debut, and she wouldn’t have it any other way, because she’ll drop in on you at Swami’s in San Diego and flash a beautiful smile while doing it.
Nickel Creek: Why Should the Fire Die?
Sugar Hill Records
Who says bluegrass has to be about pickin’ and drinkin’? Nickel Creek shatters every single myth about the genre. Their harmonies would make Brian Wilson blush, and Chris Thile is a master mandolin player, one of the absolute best. I doubt if “true” country fans will get it, but folks who dig real music will. “Scotch & Chocolate” and “Stumptown” stand up with the best of bluegrass from anytime or place.
The Tangerine Dream (DVD)
Teton Gravity Research, 2005
Thanks to its core location in Jackson, Wyoming, and the party scene surrounding its releases, Teton Gravity Research has asserted itself as the top dog in the ski/snowboard flick pile. The Tangerine Dream proves why, with something akin to a plot and the obligatory bigger-than-last-year stunts. The best thing about TGR movies is that they are released on DVD simultaneously with big screen showings. $28; www.tetongravity.com.
Last Updated: Feb 24th, 2006 - 14:18:11
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