New records coming out today come from one of country music’s most prolific superstars, an indie rock powerhouse and a relatively new indie metal band wielding the power of buzz.
Toby Keith, “White Trash With Money” (Show Dog Nashville) The reviews for this album, Keith’s latest and the first released on his own imprint sans producer James Stroud, haven’t been kind. Reviewers are calling Keith lazy, saying his approach to making music – recording only enough songs to fill an album, never more or less – isn’t working as it has in the past.
Still, “White Trash With Money” sounds like more of the same – Keith’s Everyman observations slightly dumbed down and perked up with his Okie sense of humor.
Built to Spill, “You in Reverse” (Warner Bros.) It’s been more than five years since we last heard from Doug Martsch and his rock group, Built to Spill. But with the release of “You in Reverse,” the group seems to be settling nicely into this phase of its career. This is not to say the music has changed, but the band’s scope and influence have. Built to Spill has long been adored, but now the band seems more comfortable than ever in the role of elder statesmen.
Eagles of Death Metal, “Death by Sexy” (Downtown) The lore behind Eagles of Death Metal is almost better than the music. Queens of the Stone Age frontman Josh Homme formed the group with longtime friend Jesse Hughes. After recording a 2004 debut in three days, they recorded a sophomore record, “Death by Sexy,” in eight days with Jack Black, Brody Dalle and Mark Lanegan along for the ride. The result is an insanely fun and sexy romp covering metal, glam, funk and rock.
– Ricardo Baca
