Reviews

The John Butler Trio – Sunrise Over the Sea

Written by Andy Royo

March 13th, 2010

Sunrise Over the Sea is JBT’s first U.S. Release and it’s phenomenal! You can tell by the first bluesy notes on Treat Yo Mama, to the soulfull roots rock throughout the entire album. His voice is as strong as the pickin. Its sounds at times like the Peppers Anthony Kiedis, but the awsome banjo reminds you that there is alot of roots soul to this project.
Drummer Michael Barker and bassist Shannon Birchall hold the rhythym section together rather nicely. The song “sometimes” a ten minute jam takes you on a Phish, String Cheese Sandwich Austrailian style. . . with three releases in Austrailia, it’s about time we got a piece over here to chew on!, and I’ve been chewin on this record for awhile . . .

Paul Westerberg – Folker

Written by Andy Royo

March 13th, 2010

Paul Westerber’s – Folker (Vagrant VR-0401-2) is his seventh post replacements LP. Folker is full of heart and fun. In some cases it resembles early replacements then changes gears to sound like the fine work on 14 songs (Sire 4S255). So having said that, this latest collection of 13 songs is a must hear. But don’t be fooled at first. Like all other past Westerberg LP’s this one too will be enjoyed even more after 6 or 7 times played. “Lookin up in Heaven” has great melody changes and clever lyrics makes you wonder why this guy isn’t played on radio stations anywhere else but college town stations. One would say the song “As far as I know” which was featured on the Vagrant sampler “(Another year on the street Vol. 3, vg-0397-2)” would appeal to a younger, hipper, folkier audience. But on the contrary is more like the Paul Westerberg you’re expected to hear. It has good guitar with nothing fancy and a clean well written bunch of songs that will keep you singing in your head as long as it’s in your player. The acoustic sounds good on Paul even with an edge toward the gritt.

U2 – How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb

Written by Andy Royo

March 13th, 2010

It took over 18 months to finish U2’s 11th studio LP. My personal thoughts
were as follows:
After the previous LP “All that you can Leave Behind” was released (interscope 524653-2), in 2000, it reminded me of old school U2. I even compared it to the Unforgettable Fire. Yes, it was that good!
Which brings us back to my point after the Unforgettable fire came Joshua Tree, which many won’t argue their finest work ever. But . . How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb . . . could, or in my opinion, be the best U2 LP yet. These 11 songs blend well. The first single “Vertigo” is fast paced with classic edge riffs, and will sell to everyone with an ipod. Just watch the commercial. . . with the exception of about 3 or 4 songs that were co-written with the edge, Bono wrote all the lyric. . . some very personal. The song “All Because of You” has a line I saw you in the curve of the moon in the shadow cast across my room” and there is the song “Man and Woman” says “How can I hurt when I’m holding you” suggest very personal feelings. Great changes, sweet chords and a pleasant blend of rock and ballads. But all the songs here are worth listening over and over.