Latest music reviews, including Nicki Minaj, The Mars Volta, All The Young, Mari Wilson and Deer Tick
Deet Tick
Nicki Minaj: Pink Friday Roman Reloaded Deluxe Edition
I’M sure many people will claim Nicki Minaj is a ‘sellout’ with this release, just as they did when she unveiled Pink Friday back in 2010.
And there are a number of songs that are very poppy and accessible to a large crossover audience on this new album. But Nicki Minaj is an entertainer, not just a rapper. And she delivers a hook-filled, fun album of summer anthems on Roman Reloaded.
There really is something here for everyone, and while all 22 tracks on the deluxe edition aren’t winners, there are a number of potential hit singles that will be blasting at clubs and on the radio all summer long.
There are four songs right in the middle of the album that will likely be huge hits (Spaceships, Pound The Alarm, Whip It and Automatic).
The first half of the album is mostly rap, which is hit or miss, to be honest. Bypassing the awful track Beez In The Trap, there are some winners with Come On A Cone and HOV Lane. The album closes with a gorgeous electro ballad Masquerade.
Haters are going to hate, no matter what Minaj does. But nobody can make the claim she didn’t try to branch out to a bigger audience, and that she didn’t play to her strengths here. She’s a talent that’s still a work in progress, still improving. But these hooks are just so catchy, and most of the raps are so smooth, it’s hard not to enjoy this album.
To some, it will be nothing more than a guilty pleasure. For others, the soundtrack to their summer of 2012. But if you like Minaj’s last album, this is a slight improvement over the stylistically similar Pink Friday.
Release Date: April 2
The Mars Volta: Noctourniquet
THE Mars Volta return with their sixth album – entitled Noctourniquet – and it’s definitely a strong yet streamlined version of what they’ve previously released.
Produced by guitarist and songwriter Omar Rodriguez-Lopez, Noctourniquet contains shorter songs with less atmospheric interludes and a lot more emphasis on synth sounds.
Cedric Bixler-Zavala’s vocals are melodic and intense, as usual, but the addition of new drummer Deantoni Parks is a slight step back from the virtuosity of Thomas Pridgen, who made The Mars Volta the best progressive rock band on the planet for a while.
Highlights include the epic build-up of Empty Vessels Make The Loudest Sound, the awesome atmosphere of In Absentia, the intense groove of Molochwalker and the killer vocal hooks of Zed And Two Naughts, which is a strong end to the album. Noctourniquet is definitely a better album than the under-whelming Octahedron (where Thomas Pridgen was kept on a leash for the most part), but doesn’t really reach the amazing musical heights of their first four masterpiece works.
Nevertheless, it will definitely please fans of the band and their style of progressive rock.
Release Date: April 2
All The Young: Welcome Home
ROCK music like they used to make it!
If you can imagine an Oasis/Doves/Manics hybrid with, at times, a touch of Neil Young’s guitar, then you‘re just about in the land of All The Young.
A cracking bunch of lads from Stoke who know how to rock. You will find yourself humming these tunes for weeks to come, and Ryan’s lyrics are spot on.
OK, so there is a slight resemblance to Oasis, but is that such a bad thing? They deserve every success with this long-awaiteed debut album. Stadium filling indie-rock, here we come! Just a shame one of those stadiums isn’t in Yorkshire!
Release Date: April 2
Mari Wilson: Cover Stories
IN what is only her fifth official release (excluding compilations) in 30 years of making music, Mari Wilson invites you to her own late night supper club where she effortlessly pours out a heartfelt collection of songs that, unusually for her, have all been preciously recorded by other artists.
It’s a testament to Mari’s vocal intelligence and musicality that there’s not one dud in this set. Ranging from 60s covers to contemporary Nashville and even a Big Audio Dynamite number, every song on this collection is given an intimate and respectful treatment with both truth and integrity.
While Mari may be known for a certain retro image and style, here she uncovers new meaning and adds layers of pathos to songs as well known as Be My Baby and I Only Want to Be With You.
Through sublime renditions of Don’t Get Me Wrong and They Don’t Know, Mari demonstrates the confidence and experience of a singer who has stood her ground against the changing fashions of the music industry to ensure that we, the listener, are rewarded with beautiful interpretations of the work of, among others, Ron Sexsmith, Caitlin Rose, Bruce Johnson and The Brothers Gibb – just some of the eclectic choices of writers whose material has been lovingly brought together in one cohesive package.
Disney Girls, First of May and Dear Someone are filled with melancholy, while Own Side and Right About Now showcase the singer at her most relaxed and comfortable.
The voice itself is rich, smoky and as pure and clear as it always has been. Mari’s singing caresses the ears like a pair of velvet slippers soothe your feet.
The musicians surrounding Mari also deserve praise as there’s a gentle and complimentary pace to these recordings that not once detract from the beautifully crafted performances.
Let Mari’s rich and warm vocals waft over you and ensure that whatever the cares of the day have been, they will be caressed and sent into the recesses of your mind while Mari’s magic looks after your heart and your soul.
Release Date: April 2
Deer Tick: Divine Providence
A DEPARTURE from their previous releases, Rhode Island-based band Deer Tick decided to record an album that showcased their live show.
As a result, distorted guitars, come-hither vocals and memorable percussion embody their fourth LP, Divine Providence.
While the majority of the album brings to mind a rock club’s beer-soaked dance floor, while fans scream along word for word, Deer Tick also manages to reveal their serious side throughout heartfelt ballads.
Unlike earlier recordings, guitarist Ian O’Neil and drummer Dennis Ryan share lead vocals with frontman John McCauley. Never knowing what to expect, their fourth release offers loud, unapologetic rock ’n’ roll. Additionally, Divine Providence easily transports the listener to Deer Tick’s energetic live show and keeps him/her enthralled all night long.
With ear-grabbing instrumentals before McCauley’s raspy vocals enter, Deer Tick seize the listener right away on first track, The Bump. McCauley’s guttural growl is accompanied by heart-pounding percussion, jazzy piano parts and captivating whistles. All the while, a heavy bass beat is at the forefront of the track, while screams can be heard in the background.
Grungy garage rock at its best, Deer Tick garners attention on Divine Providence.
Release Date: April 2
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