MUSIC

THE BLACK ANGELS: DIRECTIONS TO SEE A GHOST

The Black Angels: Directions to See a Ghost

Label: Light In the Attic

Release Date: May 13, 2008

Most people know this Texas band from their first EP and full length albums on the well known Austin label Light In The Attic. I will never forget the first time I saw these guys play, mainly because I imagined that seeing Big Brother and The Holding Company back in the 60’s was probably a similar vibe. Uber psychedelic, fuzzed out guitar with projected images all over the room. Very cool show. Their new album “Directions To See A Ghost” is definitely not much of a departure from their previous work. But I will say this; the album is almost worth buying for the artwork alone: a rare thing these days when physical CD’s are thought of as disposable at best and a pain in the ass at worst. There is no doubt that if you like getting stoned vand nailing hippie chicks that don’t shower this album will appeal to you. Everything about it is about mood and tone as opposed to hooks and structure. It’s a true 60’s throw back to the point that giving a real track by track breakdown is almost pointless. You really need an evening to drop yourself in to the most comfortable part of your couch or bed to really enjoy this album for all it is worth. If you are a fan of true blues, psychedelic rock this album and a shower should definitely be in your future.

Anderson van Luftsworth

PORTISHEAD: THIRD

[rating:3]

Portishead: Third

Label: Mercury

Release Date: April 29, 2009

So often a prolonged hiatus between albums fails, timing completely falling through the cracks. But Portishead’s tactic of forcing fans to hold their breath for an excruciating 11 years for a new LP has paid off. A dark voyage to things past, or an enchanted view of the future, songstress Beth Gibbons has never had a problem painting an otherworldly picture. Don’t fret, all the additional trappings of mid-90’s Portishead are there: minimalist drumming, lo-fi guitar, loads of echo. Immediate standouts include “Hunter” & “Silence”, two of the most visual tracks on the album. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself daydreaming of journeying through a monochromatic landscape. “The Rip”, a wonderful illustration at how successful their simple yet climactic song arrangements are. Of course there are little surprises such as the ukulele/barbershop quartet take on “Deep Water”. And I’ll be damned if the last minute of “Machine Gun” isn’t the theme song to the original Terminator film. Aside from these momentary drifts, Portishead satisfies wholly, proof that the fruit is better when ripened.

-ABC