a cinema of sunshine

______________New Releases 8.2.2011

Anthony B _ Rasta Love

Weed-tinged reggae from one of the biggest names in the genre.

Antigone Rising _ 23 Red

Pop-driven alt/country rules on this female quartet’s latest set.

Archers of Loaf _ Icky Mettle

2-disc Merge reissue of the seminal indie act’s debut album.

Bassnectar _ Divergent Spectrum

Aptly named set of experimental dubstep/trip-hop/IDM or whatever it's called this week. See "Plugged In," "Boomerang."

Boston Spaceships _ Let It Beard

Progressive classic rock on this epic 72-minute set from GBV’s Robert Pollard and co.

Bury Your Dead _ Mosh N Roll

Standard metalcore via Worcester, MA.

**Collections of Colonies of Bees _ Giving

Compelling instrumental post-rock from Volcano Choir members.

Drive By Truckers _ Greatest Hits

GA alt/country kings revel in 15 years of great tunes. Die-hards won’t want to miss the remix of “Gravity’s Gone,” and alternate version of “Uncle Frank.”

Every Avenue _ Bad Habits

Standard pop/punk via Michigan and Fearless Records.

Fountains of Wayne _ Sky Full of Holes

Fruit Bats _ Tripper

Upbeat psych-folk from Chicago native Eric D Johnson is sure to please for fans of the genre. See “So Long,” “You’re Too Weird.”

Greyson Chance _ Hold On 'Til the Night

Impressive but undeniably sappy pop from the 14-year-old youtube sensation.

Jesse Sykes & The Sweet Hereafter _ Marble Son

Whiskeytown co-founder moves in a darker, stranger direction. See “Marble Son,” “Birds of Passerine.”

John Hiatt _ Dirty Jeans and Mudslide Hymns

Legendary American songwriter offers up pop/rock and ballads with a classic voice. See “Damn This Town,” “All the Way Under,” “Train to Birmingham.

Keb’ Mo’ _ The Reflection

American blues legend gets help from some big names on his latest. See” The Whole Enchilada,” “My Shadow.”

Kenny Wayne Shepherd _ How I Go

Huge guitars and over-the-top pop hooks abound on the latest from Mel Gibson’s son-in-law.

Last Winter _ Heart & The Broken Compass

Solid alt/emo, RIYL Funeral For A Friend.

Machinedrum _ Room (s)

IDM from one of the leaders of the trip-hop movement. See “U Don’t Survive,” “Youniverse,” “Gbye,” “The Statue.”

Richard Buckner _ Our Blood

Highly anticipated record from alt/country hero and Brooklyn resident is an interesting, soothing blend of classic songwriting with adventurous production. See “Escape,” “Hindsight.”

The Ettes _ Wicked Will

Bluesey American Garage-rock. See “The Pendulum,” “You Never Say.”

The Wood Brothers

Established Colorado siblings finally unite after separate success (Medeski, Martin, and Wood; King Johnson). See” Shoofly Pie,” “Stumbled In.”

Trace Adkins _ Proud to Be Here

Pleasant, cheesy pop/country. See “Million Dollar View,” “That’s What You Get.”

Viva Brother _ Famous First Words

Decent pop/rock vie (via) Slough, England has it’s moments but may fail to capture the fan base the band is hoping for.

Wild Swans _ The Coldest Winter For A Hundred Years

Bookish, soothing folk/rock is not bad but suffers from 80’s syndrome. See “Liquid Mercury,” “Underwater.”

Ximena Sarinana _ Ximena Sariana

Interesting, upbeat pop from golden-voiced Mexican youngster on her English language debut. See “Different,” “Bringing Us Down,” “Lies We Live In.”

**recommended