New CDs arrive in stores today from a group of artists paying their respects, an Australian twin-sister pop duo and an Australian hipster-metal trio ready to take over the world.
Various Artists, “I Am the Resurrection: A Tribute to John Fahey” (Vanguard) Who exactly was John Fahey? Just ask M. Ward, who helped pull together this tribute to the overlooked guitar legend. Also on the tribute: Sufjan Stevens, Calexico, Devendra Banhart, Fruit Bats and Lee Ranaldo of Sonic Youth.
Veronicas, “Secret Life of the Veronicas” (Sire) What do you get when you combine two adorable 20-year-old Australian identical twins with shared musical leanings? The Veronicas, Brisbane’s female answer to Hanson. The pop here is a bit dirtier than Hanson’s debut – Jess and Lisa Origliasso have a penchant for Avril-styled pop- rock ballads you can sing along to. And that makes sense: They’ve worked with Lavigne’s producer Clif Magness along with Billy Steinberg (Madonna), Dr. Luke (Kelly Clarkson), Don Gilmore (Linkin Park) and the infamous Max Martin (Britney Spears).
Wolfmother, “Wolfmother” (Modular) Black Sabbath comparisons are inevitable with this young Australian trio’s debut: The drums are huge, and the guitars are even bigger. While Myles Heskett, Chris Ross or Andrew Stockdale aren’t quite Ozzy, that’s more a treat than a downer. This band is heavy but deeply melodic, and you’re sure to hear more more of its blend of the dark and the light.
– Ricardo Baca
