It’s that time once again where I mention some of the albums that have been getting my attention lately. Some really great recordings have come out this year so far…
Gould, Brown & Black “Terraforming”
http://www.philgould.com/
Most of those who actually read this know that next to Rush and The Police, Level 42 is a band I’ve been following for very long time. Level 42’s original drummer Phil Gould, who is also an accomplished songwriter and producer, has released an incredible album with Rupert Brown and Neil Black.
“Terraforming” is one of those albums that makes me feel good no matter what I’m doing. It seems appropriate whether it be a rainy morning, a night out with friends or a walk downtown. If you like what you hear over at Phil’s myspace page, you’ll really dig this one. “Astral Vampires”, “Cremola Foam” and the title track are all brilliant cuts. Digital copies are up on iTunes, etc., but I recommend supporting Phil directly and picking up a limited (to 500) hard copy.
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Office of Strategic Influence “Blood”
http://www.osiband.com/
Kevin Moore and Jim Matheos’ “Office of Strategic Influence” is a project that I feel is truly unique. It’s a superb mixture of soundtrack like moods, electronic wizardry and smart, heavy guitars. Every recording released since and including the self-titled debut in 2003, has been extremely strong in my opinion. Kevin Moore’s voice is not necessarily a sound you’d expect to hear in a project like this, but it’s unbelievably perfect for it. And the drumming is nothing short of top quality…
The first two full length recordings had Mike Portnoy at the drums. I’ve always felt that Mike’s work with OSI is most definitely his best on any project I’ve heard. He’s reserved and “reined in” in such a way that perfectly suits the songs. It’s classic Portnoy only with a lot less of a paid-by-the-note approach. On “Blood” however, we have the incredible Gavin Harrison taking over the drum parts. His playing is absolutely inspiring throughout and feels very much at home in OSI. My only hope is that they choose to get Gavin for future recordings.
“Blood” includes an amazing track with Mikael Ã…kerfeldt entitled “Stockholm” where he sings the lead vocal and wrote the lyrics. As far as I’m concerned, all of the pieces on this album are the best they’ve done yet. Listen to samples at the official site (at the bottom).
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Magnetico “Songs About The World”
http://www.magneticomusic.com/
I found Magnetico via my fascination with the rhythm section in “The Big Pill”. Drummer Joey K. and bassist Corey McCormick have a special chemistry that you don’t hear too often and they’re both absolute monster players.
Through a few myspace messages back and forth with Joey K. (a super cool dude by the way), I found out about his and Corey’s work with Brazilian guitarist and vocalist Rafael Moreira. I immediately bought “Acid Guitar” which quickly ended up on my list of favourite recordings. He also mentioned Magnetico and to keep an eye out for the debut. Well this is it and it’s killer! Check out samples here.
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Amorphis “Skyforger”
http://www.amorphis.net/
I’ve only listened to this a few times so far but WOW! I’ve tried records by Finland’s Amorphis before and none of them grabbed me by the ears, so to speak, like this one has. It’s very dynamic and mature which is something I always welcome in metal. I need more time with this one but if you’re interested in Amorphis but didn’t know where to start, I’d try this one first. Check out “Sampo” here.
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Simple Minds “Grafitti Soul”
http://www.simpleminds.com/
Scotland’s Simple Minds is band I’ll always have a soft spot for. It started with “Don’t You Forget About Me” and I’ve been listening ever since. They’ve got about 17 studio albums and although I don’t like all of them, “Graffiti Soul” can be confidently added to the handful I love. If you’re a fan and liked 2005’s “Black & White 050505″, you’ll like this one too. Mel Gaynor’s drumming is as fantastic and on fire as ever. See the video for “Rockets” at the official site.
