FEB. 5, 2013
MUSIC RELEASES
Jim James – Regions of Light and Sound of God (ATO)The My Morning Jacket frontman possesses one of the most interesting voices in rock today. A vulnerable whisper transforms into a plaintive wail, a falsetto that reaches unfathomable heights or even a Kermit the Frog-like nasally moan in the blink of an eye. James' inimitable vocals shine on every track of his solo debut, Regions of Light and Sound of God, from the hip swaying "I Didn't Know Til Now" and tender "A New Life," to the searing "Actress" and hauntingly beautiful "State of the Art (A.E.I.O.U.)." And he shines even brighter on stage. See him sit in with the Roots on "Late Night with Jimmy Fallon" tonight or live at the Fonda on May 11.
Frightened Rabbit – Pedestrian Verse (Canvasback/Atlantic)
Some of Scotland's most significant exports: single malt whisky, Sean Connery and Frightened Rabbit. As the band has steadily built a worldwide fan base, they've continued to evolve and cultivate their sound, pushing limits even further with producer Leo Abrahams (Brian Eno, David Byrne, Grace Jones) at the helm of their fourth studio album – and first major label full length. Pedestrian Verse is anything but pedestrian. The quintet swings through Los Angeles on March 13 at the Fonda.
With the removal of the 'PA' from the end of his name, Matt Pond ventures out with his first official 'solo' release. However, he still displays the same straightforward honesty that lures listeners to his songs, such as the upbeat "Love to Get Used" and ultra infectious "Starlet." He performs at the Echo on Feb. 28.
Although I love Mariachi El Bronx, I've sorely missed new music from the Angelenos' original punk project, the Bronx, over the past five years. The fivesome just played two sold-out shows over the weekend in celebration of the release of their long-awaited fourth self-titled album, so I know I'm not alone in welcoming their return. While The Bronx (IV) delivers the hard-driving, body flailing punk anthems the band is known for, such as "The Unholy Hand" and "Youth Wasted," it also boasts tracks that allow you to catch your breath and are just begging to be sung along to, like "Torches" and "Life Less Ordinary."
Thao & The Get Down Stay Down – We the Common (Ribbon)
Thao Nguyen took a year off from touring and recording to immerse herself in family and community life in San Francisco. When she was ready to put her amazing vocal chords back to work on her latest album with the Get Down Stay Down, she also teamed with Joanna Newsom for a duet, "Kindness Be Conceived." They're doing a free in-store tonight at Fingerprints in Long Beach, and a set at the Troubadour on April 8.
Also available – Ballaké Sissoko's At Peace; Björk's Bastards; Chris Stamey's Lovesick Blues; Coheed and Cambria's The Aftermath: Descension; Companion's self-titled; Darkstar's News from Nowhere; Dog Bite's Velvet Changes; Edo G's Intelligence & Ignorance; Eels' Wonderful, Glorious; Feeding People's Island Universe; Frank N Dank's 48 Hours; Grouper's The Man Who Died on His Boat; Harry Connick, Jr.'s Smokey Mary; Hayden's Us Alone; The Hisses' Anhedonia; Holly Williams' The Highway; J Dilla's Music from the Lost Scrolls Vol. 1; Joe Budden's No Love Lost; Josh Groban's All That Echoes; Misfits' Dea.D. Alive!; Pacal Pinon's Twosomeness; Red's Release the Panic; Richard Thompson's Electric; Ron Sexsmith's Forever Endeavour; Silverstein's This Is How the Wind Shifts; Tim McGraw's Two Lanes of Freedom; Unknown Mortal Orchestra's //; Young Galaxy's Ultramarine
DVD RELEASES
Film – Directed by Robert Zemeckis, Flight tells the tale of a heroic, yet all too human, airline pilot played by Denzel Washington; Tyler Perry, action star, versus a villainous Matthew Fox in Alex Cross; Rashida Jones and Andy Samberg are the titular high-school sweethearts who come to a crossroads in Celeste and Jesse Forever; Deadfall stars Eric Bana, Olivia Wilde, Charlie Hunnam, Sissy Spacek and Kris Kristofferson; Kevin James and Salma Hayek in Here Comes the Boom
TV – Cougar Town: The Complete Third Season; House of Cards Trilogy: The Original UK Series Remastered; Southland: The Complete Second, Third and Fourth Seasons; National Geographic's Wild Alaska
Music – Mumford & Sons: The Road to Red Rocks
Also available – A Late Quartet; Diana Vreeland: The Eye Has to Travel; In Our Nature; Little White Lies; My Worst Nightmare; Side By Side; Somewhere Between; So Undercover; Toys in Attic; Tyler Perry's Madea Gets a Job: The Play
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