Andy Bell, “Pinball Wanderer”
Welsh musician Andy Bell offers up his third proper solo effort.
“Wanderer” does indeed “wander” in spots. But this record is all about the vibes as opposed to traditional structures.
Bell has had an insanely prolific career since the dawn of the ’90s. He began in shoegaze legends Ride before moving onto Brit-poppers Hurricane #1. Many accused the latter of being nothing more than an Oasis ripoff. So Bell had the last laugh by becoming Oasis’ bassist from 1999 to 2009. From there, he moved on to Oasis offshoot Beady Eye. Then, Ride reformed and Bell launched his solo career concurrently. “Wanderer” now features elements of shoegaze (“Panic Attack”), subtle nods to trippy Stone Roses moments (“Apple Green UFO”), and dreamy electronic pieces (“I’m In Love”). Instrumental bitsshow off the guy’s delicate sense of melody. We get a mixed bag that works more often than not. The collection also allows Bell to try things he couldn’t within a band setting. This is his show.
Surely.
DJ Koze, “Music Can Hear Us”
German DJ/producer/electronic musician Stefan Kozalla releases his fourth album as DJ Koze.
Not really.
Koze has described the album as a “cosmic synapse rodeo.” I call it trippy. “Music” is a multicultural mix encompassing everything from rolling afrobeats to pulsating breakbeats. Guest vocalists harmonize in English (Damon Albarn), German (Sophia Kennedy) and even Japanese (Marewrew). You’ll never see the next twist coming. For a little over an hour, the record is constantly rousing, hopeful and even playful. The gloriously ringing “The Universe in a Nutshell” sets the tone; this is going to be an unforgettable ride. Multilayered instrumental “Buschtaxi” hypnotizes as it endlessly thumps forward. “Unbelievable”featuring vocalist Ada is pure romance, a love song written in dots and loops. “The Talented Mr. Tripley” is dreamlike jittery nonsense. One can pull “Music” apart into its individual pieces; none feel like throwaway links. However, I recommended taking it all in during one sitting — or should I say one “floating.”
Yes.
Perfume Genius, “Glory”
American singer/songwriter Michael Hadreas releases his seventh as Perfume Genius.
Maybe sequencing. The album’s most engaging stuff is all within its first half.
“Glory” is more of a collaborative effort than some of Hadreas’ past work. He put together a proper band this time, bringing in people like longtime partner and multi-instrumentalist Alan Wyfells, producer Blake Mills (Feist, Conor Oberst) and legendary session drummer Jim Keltner. Wyfells and Mills co-wrote about half the album with Hadreas. Songs like “No Front Teeth” and “Clean Heart” are graceful and pretty on the surface, but not completely happy-go-lucky underneath. Perfume Genius has always been about the juxtapositions. Look beyond the beauty and you’re dealing with anguish. And as “Glory” plays on, the drama grows more intense. “In A Row” is a rousing study in both the delicate and the harsh. “Hanging Out” is not exactly a casual night with friends. But that’s precisely why the record works. You bask in its light without ever feeling completely safe. Stay alert.
Surely.
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