First up is the Jenny Lewis & Johnathan Rice album ‘I’m Having Fun Now’

I think it is a solid effort – but frankly, not her best work. I love the Rilo Kiley albums, and her solo album, ‘Rabbit Fur Coat’, was so lovely, and ‘Acid Tongue’ full of gorgeous melodies. This new album was a duet effort between herself and her musician boyfriend – and they do work very well together (as evidenced on ‘Acid Tongue’).  Check it out if you are already a Jenny Lewis fan, but I wouldn’t choose it as the introduction into her sound.

Then I listened to John Legend and The Roots ‘Wake Up!’

I like this album, so I give it a thumbs up. As a covers album, it was interesting – I only knew 3 songs on the whole thing, so it was kind of an education!  The Roots are musical geniuses, and John Legend can slam the keys and sing it out… I like it.

Lastly, a copy of Brandon Flowers’ solo album ‘Flamingo’ was given to me.

I adore the song ‘Crossfire’. There are 2 songs on this album that I do not like: ‘Welcome to Las Vegas’ and ‘Was it Something I said?’.  Aside from these missteps, the album is really very good. I think Brandon Flowers has such a great, unique rock voice, and certainly holds his own as a lyricist.

What are you guys listening to?

Two albums that I have been listening to quite a bit lately:

Ray LaMontagne  and the Pariah Dogs – God Willin’ and the Creek Don’t Rise

Very good album, not exactly world-changing or anything, but a very respectable album by a talented artist. If you’re into folk music, and like a bit of a country-tinge, this is definitely something to check out.  Notable tracks: ‘Repo Man’,  ’God Willin’ and the Creek Don’t Rise’ and ‘Like Rock & Roll and Radio’.

The Black Keys – Brothers

OKAY. This is a great album. I love this. Here’s what I’ve decided they sound like: Creedence Clearwater Revival meets Muddy Waters in a dirty alley (where they both happen to be looking for a vintage clothing store so they can swap in some old tee shirts for bell-bottom jeans), and then they decide to head to a dive bar to play Eric Clapton covers (pre-’Tears in Heaven’) for all the free beer they can drink and $50.  Notable tracks:  ‘Tighten Up’, ‘Howlin’ for You’ and ‘Ten Cent Pistol’. 

Albums I am looking forward to: Jimmy Eat World‘s ‘Invention’, of course!!! Releasing September 28th. Also,  the Jenny Lewis & Johnathan Rice collaboration – haven’t heard of a release date for the actual album yet!