Music Reviews

Here's a half-dozen reviews of CDs that I picked up recently:

• Flutterby by Butterfly Boucher - She kept mentioning to buy her CD when she opened for Sarah McLachlan, so I picked it up for way cheaper online that what it was being hawked for at the 'Dome. If it were up to me, I would have made I Can't Make Me the lead-off single, with its clever lyrics and emotional singing, rather than Another White Dash.

• Hello Starling by Josh Ritter - Another opening act for another Sarah (Harmer). Caught this humble performance at the CPA, so it sounded great and it was a more intimate performance. His rendition of Kathleen sounded familair but it took me a few days later to realize that I did heard this track before... via Liz Phair's recommendation as he opened for her earlier as well. Bright Smile Dark Eyes mellowed the crowd out while everyone (but me it seemed) laughed at the s&m reference in You Don't Make It Easy Babe.
  

• So Jealous by Sara & Tegan - This hometown twin duo's latest disc is garnering some critical acclaim. I was impress by their previous work, If It Was You, so I was definitely looking forward to this one. Listened to the CD a few times so far, nothing's caught on yet, so I'm still reserving judgement on this one...

• Folker by Paul Westerberg - Total disappointment. This guy's releases yo-yo's in quality. A few interesting tunes and a few good lines, but few and far in-between unfortunately.

• Wayward Angel by Kasey Chambers - Another disappointment. Her last CD showed a lot of promise and potential but it I think she takes a step back this time around. Maybe I will have to give it another listen when I don't have such a negative
  
• Futures by Jimmy Eat World - One of the best albums of the year. I could go on about how great it is, but I recommend that you listen to the whole album, but their first single, Pain, is a good start. Work and The World You Love are my two favs, tho Liz Phair's help and vibe on the former are an unfair advantage. I'm sure I'll be writing more about this disc in my annual Top 10 CD list.