It’s easy to see why R.E.M. holds their place as a powerhouse in alternative rock. They’ve been in the mainstream for more than two decades and have stayed fresh all the time.
R.E.M. gave us subdued and somber titles like “The One I Love” and “Losing My Religion” and upbeat warm rays like “Stand” and “Shiny Happy People.” Their ability to navigate moods with ease helps them stay on top in a scene crowded with flavors of the month. R.E.M.’s production techniques have also evolved, ranging from raw acoustic to elaborate rock backbone.
“Accelerate” is the band’s 14th album, and frontman Michael Stipe called it “a big change.” Stipe said the band spent less time making this album than any other in 20 years. This isn’t cause for alarm. It shows why R.E.M. deserves their spot in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
Recorded in Ireland, “Accelerate” is a bare-bones effort driven by guitar. There’s no keyboard here – a departure from recent albums. “Supernatural Superserious” and “Horse To Water” are distortion-heavy untamed howls. “Until The Day is Done” is a softer acoustic funeral hymn for lost times. They’re as diverse as ever, and Stipe’s enchanting voice hasn’t aged a day.
Portishead
“Third”
April 28
Island Records
Portishead is to trip-hop what The Beatles were to pop, and this long-awaited album feels bigger than Jesus.
Fans have been licking their chops for the past decade since Portishead went on hiatus.
Geoff Barrow’s intricate production on the group’s first two albums (“Dummy” and “Portishead”) showcased him as a prodigy behind the mixing board. Beth Gibbons’ haunting vibrato vocals gave Barrow’s grainy, antique sound just what it needed. Adrian Utley’s hollow and eerie effects on guitar made Portishead the Holy Trinity of trip hop.
“Machine Gun” is a fantastic return to form for Portishead. Driving electro-industrial effects give an unnerving set piece for Gibbons’ ghostly voice, which rides a cold graveyard wind.
“Third” is a highly anticipated album for trip hop fans everywhere, but newcomers should also pick it up to see what makes Portishead so incredibly unique.
The Black Keys
“Attack & Release”
Available Now
Nonesuch Records
The Black Keys made it cool to dig blues-rock again. That’s enough reason to love them, but it isn’t the only reason.
Dan Auerbach’s thrashing guitar shows the blacker side of the blues. His strained moans are as real as blues-rock can get. There are times when it’s hard not to hear echoes of Robert Plant in him.
Patrick Carney’s wild frenzy on drums brings out an up-tempo catchiness to the band. Carney took over as producer for most of their previous albums, but Danger Mouse brings his Midas touch to “Attack & Release.”
Danger Mouse has given his distinct samplings to Gorillaz, MF Doom and Cee-Lo. His work with The Black Keys seems like a fish-out-of-water situation, but it isn’t.
“Strange Times” features a commanding hook from Auerbach with subtle trademarks from Danger Mouse. If you want to hear three musicians in their prime, “Attack & Release” is a no-brainer.
