LA ROUX -"La Roux"
(September 29, 2009)

La Roux is a British synthpop duo of androgynous musician/singer Elly Jackson and producer Ben Langmaid.  They incorporate heavy emphasis on throw-back, new wave, 80's synth. La Roux's style harkens back to when it was the thought that glitter and machines blended perfectly together. There is an old saying that imitation is the highest form of flattery, but in this case it becomes redundant. The "Material age of 80's" sound is rather prominant yet lacks the incorporation of anything new.  This kind of leaves the album stale as though it is something the listener has already heard. The self titled LP starts with one of its strongest songs in structure (In for The Kill). But with shrill vocals by Elly it is hard to imagine too many repeat listens.  She uses this technique on other songs as well, swaying from shrill to almost near deadpan. The lack of favorable distinction in the voice and the old atmosphere of the beats makes many of the songs unmemorable. On the album's middle tracks it's hard to tell one from another or even remember what they were trying to convey (example the blandly titled Colourless Colour).

Not to say that every song here is throw-away. La Roux has had major success overseas by riding the singles (In For The Kill, Bulletproof, and Quicksand).  These happen to hit that button of head-bobbing new wave that's become increasingly popular again and has been getting crowds on the dance floor. The best groove on the album - which finally molds the slinkiness of the past, and uses Elly Jackson's voice in a favorable sultry way - is Reflections Are Protection.  Also let’s face it; Elly Jackson looks plain interesting which helps to sell a pop album.  Impish, ginger-headed, boy/girl with futuristic pointy haircut makes most do a double take. That being said, none of this really saves this debut. Sometimes too much throwback equals too many throwaways.
(Grade: D) Highlights: Reflections Are Protection, In For The Kill

ARCTIC MONKEYS- "Humbug"
(August 25, 2009)

It's hard not to compare the critic's darlings Arctic Monkeys' first two albums "Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I Am Not," and "Favourite Worst Nightmare."  The Sheffield foursome has drastically changed its style from their previous ventures.  They have thrown out the crunchy, speed, hip-shaking, punk-like riffs that made their first two albums so acclaimed.  "Humbug" comes in with psychedelic fuzz reminiscent of The Doors or Cream, and never really lets up. The tracks roll in slowly without getting too overly worked and roll out just the same way, never dropping the beat and returning for that last snide hook that gave "WPSIA,TWIAN" it's pizzazz. The mood here is much darker. The sound is more of an empty carnival you would see in a horror movie than a dance floor or city alley. You can't help but notice song topics also took a shift: drunken tales of clubs, prostitutes, bar brawls, the fun of being youthful vagabonds and the life it yields have past.  Enter songs about a love/hate relationship (Crying Lightening), the love-longing for exes and settling with their sister (Cornerstone), and a weirdly sexual sounding help me plea (Propeller). Arctic Monkeys' knack for storytelling has changed from being very straightforward to utter lyrical vagueness.  But even with the change in pace, style, and wordplay the one thing "Humbug" definitely showcases is lead singer Alex Turner's voice. Turner now croons with more maturity on most of the songs.  He throws in some quick tempo verbiage every once and awhile,  but has never sounded better. The bratty tone has left both his voice and the overall music, but the smooth, underlying sleaze remains. All these changes may have come about working with Josh Homme from Queens Of The Stone Age or recording entirely in America.  No matter the case "Humbug" marks a new direction for Arctic Monkeys. It will probably alienate some old fans but surely attract some new ones.  All-in-all the album is consistently different, and not necessarily in a bad way.
(Grade: C) Highlights: Crying Lightening, Dangerous Animals

SOUNDING OFF:
It's the middle of the summer here and I'm getting a little nostalgic in the midst of all the barbeques, beach runs, and all-night house parties. I'm thinking about all the summer songs I used to enjoy.  Strangely, most actually had the word 'summer' in them. The ever so breezy “Summertime” by DJ Jazzy Jeff and The Fresh Prince and the angst driven “My Own Summer" (Shove It) by The Deftones top my favorite list of the past.  This year I have a whole album for my summer playlist. Basically anything on the entire LMFAO album “Party Rock” gets my cub rump shaking and ready for late summer action of all sorts.  What songs do you feel convey the idea of summer the most?  Party all-night songs, season love songs, or breezy beach songs? Maybe if you hate the summer altogether, angry songs may help you get through it? Let me know your favorites that just remind you of summer the most.

Our friend Sean -  interviewed just this May – has his finger on the pulse of the music scene. Beats, personalities and new releases…brought to you by a guy who knows his stuff. With a fresh, new perspective, Sean’s gonna serve it up hot and real. Look for his reviews and previews in the new Bad Cub Club this July. The cub’s sounding off!

Contact Sean using the following link.