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Kate Nash "Nine Sad Symphonies”
The Good: British singer/songwriter Kate Nash returns with her fifth album (her first in six years).
Cons: Nothing.
Bottom line: Nash is one of the few singers who can make a record’s completely downer songs sound witty, charming, and totally infectious. “Symphony” is full of melancholy, bad breakups, troubled relationships, and mental breakdowns. Even the backing tracks often omit guitars and solid beats, replacing them with delicate strings. Above all, it’s “Nine Sad Symphonies.” Add all of this up and it can feel like a never-ending task. Not here. Nash collaborated with producer Frederick Tahe to create a myriad of melodies that were rich one moment and playful the next. It’s the perfect complement to a woman’s lyrical tale of woe. Songs like “Millions of Heartbeats” and “My Bile” draw you in right away. A classic example of brilliant, melancholic indie pop. And, spoiler alert, those longing for a happy ending should get the closing cut, “Vampire,” which is the light at the end of a long, dark tunnel.
Would you like to buy?: Yes.
Joe Goddard “Harmonics”
The Good: British musician/DJ/songwriter/producer and Hot Chip co-founder Joe Goddard releases his third solo effort.
The Bad: Another solid side project by this guy, but not much else.
Bottom line: Goddard takes the lead on a few songs, but most songs feature guest vocalists, making this a departure from the usual Calvin Harris records. Singers like Findia, Oranje, and Hayden Thorpe add their own personality to smooth, steady, and thumping electronic pop tracks like the graceful “Destiny” and the seamless “Summon.” Featuring bandmates Alexis Taylor and Al Doyle, the moody “Mountains” is essentially an unofficial Hot Chip track. it’s okay. But Goddard’s solo work doesn’t feel as important as his work with his full-time band or other side projects like The Two Bears or Hard Feelings. “Harmonics” is effective throughout. But when you break it down, you realize that under other circumstances, several individual tracks would have been relegated to B-sides. Although this set is very fun and very danceable, I would say it is somewhat flawed.
Would I buy it?: Not yet…for sure.
Beabadoobee “This Is How Tomorrow Moves”
The Good: Filipino-born British singer/songwriter Beatrice Rous releases her third album as Beabadoobee.
Cons: Not really.
Bottom line: This young woman started releasing music independently at the age of 17 and released her first official album when she just turned 20. In 1975, after touring with Clyro and Taylor Swift, the producer gained so much attention that he decided it was time to record. He’s not much bigger in that field than Rick Rubin (Beastie Boys, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Metallica, etc.). Rubin facilitated the singer’s natural progression. Tomorrow Moves is arguably her most ambitious album to date. Tracks like “Take a Bite” and “Beaches” are classic examples of pop/rock perfection, with solid backbeats, punchy guitars, and memorable songwriting all perfect. They are melting together. But her more cheerful side still shines brightly on songs like “Real Man” and “Coming Home.” The transition from bedroom pop to a richer sound is well underway. Will the road ahead be equally smooth? I think yes.
Would you like to buy it?: Yes.
