Neil Young, “Chrome Dreams II” (Reprise, out Tuesday)
As an artist, Beck has always reminded me of Neil Young. They share very little musically, but their souls are similar in that they crave expansion, experimentation and old, creaky ballads that speak of heartbreak and triumph.
Both artists are known for alternating musical styles with each passing year or record. And while they know what best connects with their fans, they’re not afraid to do the opposite … until the next fan-pleasing record, that is.
“Chrome Dreams II” is that fan- pleaser. The songs sound as if they were recorded in a cavernous barn or dusty warehouse. The subjects – rural landscapes (“Boxcar”), everyday nature (“Beautiful Bluebird”), frail humanity (“Dirty Old Man”) – are familiar Young obsessions. And the final product is a record that sounds as if it could have been recorded in the ’70s. It’s familiar, but it’s also great.
Ricardo Baca
Dwight Yoakam, “Dwight Sings Buck” (New West, out Tuesday)
Certain projects make sense, such as Willie Nelson recording a reggae album. Other projects were fated to happen, including this fine covers record of Buck Owens songs.
Not only has Yoakam always been a proud student in the Owens School of Honky-tonk, but he was also an old pal of Owens’ before the legendary country singer’s death in 2006. They worked together, their styles blending together effortlessly like matching threads on a saddle. And it was through Owens that Yoakam developed his very own niche of alt-country.
“Dwight Sings Buck” is a tribute in the purest sense of the word. As Yoakam weeps through “Only You” and rambles in “Under Your Spell Again,” he’s jubilantly celebrating Owens’ musical and stylistic contributions to the world, letting the songs do the talking via classic solos and inimitable love-worn lyrics. Even though his name is on the CD’s spine, this record’s not about Yoakam – and he’ll be the first to tell you that.
Ricardo Baca
Carbon/Silicon, “The Last Post” (Caroline Records, out Tuesday)
This band’s name may be completely unfamiliar, but the voice that leads the way through this sprawling debut is instantly recognizable.
Listening to the first single, “The News,” it’s obvious that Clash co-founder Mick Jones has a new band. And while that should be good news, his latest project doesn’t live up to the sterling standards he set with the Clash – or even his later outing as Big Audio Dynamite II.
Jones, along with Joe Strummer, gave the Clash its unique snarl. And the sample-heavy Big Audio Dynamite II proved that he could manage just fine on his own. With Carbon/ Silicon, Jones is teamed up with his friend Tony James of Generation X fame. Their punk pedigree is undeniable. But equally obvious is their lack of relevance in 2007.
Past their prime, Jones and James have created a record of aging clichés. Punk isn’t dead, but this record is wrinkly and tired before the opening strains of “The News.”
Ricardo Baca
