Mar 30, 2007

Spring pops, rocks and soars with promising debut albums

By Paul Freeman / Entertainment Writer

BUILT FOR THE SEA, "BUILT FOR THE SEA"
The San Francisco indie-rock band Built for the Sea makes a sparkling debut. The band conjures a haunting mood, reminiscent of Mazzy Star or Cowboy Junkies, but glides higher with the ethereally beautiful vocals of Lia Rose. The music finds its own mesmerizing tone. Rose's extraordinary songwriting gifts are evident in such gems as "Hypnotist" and "Move in Time." They are immediately involving, but further enthrall the listener with each subsequent play. Built for the Sea performs tonight at Bottom of the Hill in San Francisco.

GRUFF RHYS, "CANDYLION"
Irrepressible and irresistible Gruff Rhys, on a respite from vocalizing for Super Furry Animals, gifts us with another utterly charming solo album. Unlike his previous effort, with the somewhat more difficult to pronounce Welsh title "Yr Atal Genhedlaeth," this album is predominantly in English. He again allows his sonically softer, gentler, fantastical side to shine through. This prolific genius knows no boundaries of genre or imagination. His brilliant blending of folk, pop and psychedelic sounds soars. Friends such as High Llamas and Lisa Jen (9Bach) lend helping hands. Though a breezy, sweet, nostalgic air of wonderment prevails, the album tiptoes into darker realities, too. Standouts include the jazzy "Painting People Blue," the urgent "Cycle of Violence" and the epic "Skylon."

TYRONE WELLS, "HOLD ON"
Soul-rock singer/songwriter Tyrone Wells, who recently played Cafe Du Nord, presents a dynamic, attention-grabbing CD. This son of a preacher man opens strong with "What Are We Fighting For?" delivering a heartfelt, funk-accented message. There's hope in his voice of pain. But he is equally adept at love songs, such as "Sea Breeze." Wells could find a following among Dave Matthews admirers.

JULIA MESSENGER, "AND WE DANCED" and "PRODUCTIONS & COLLABORATIONS"
Dazzling Australian Julia Messenger offers not one, but two electrifying new albums. Her riveting electro-pop features hypnotic production and breathtaking vocals. These chill sounds pack infinite heat. Songs such as "Shiver," on "Productions & Collaborations," tend toward a sensually down-tempo feel. "Butterflies" floats with magical airiness. The title track of "And We Danced" rides a throbbing bass line into a keenly poetic examination of shattered relationships. Messenger's music entices with addictive allure.

EDDIE MONEY, "WANNA GO BACK"
Rock veteran Eddie Money is on the money with this good-natured collection of '60s covers, including such movers as "Higher and Higher" and "Good Lovin." His daughter Jesse joins him on this tuneful romp.

ELLA FITZGERALD, "THE VERY BEST OF THE COLE PORTER SONG BOOK" and "THE VERY BEST OF THE RODGERS & HART SONG BOOK"
On a pair of Verve releases, "The Very Best of the Cole Porter Song Book" and "The Very Best of the Rodgers & Heart Song Book," the penultimate pop-jazz vocalist Ella Fitzgerald makes every note a new thrill. Though you've heard these standards countless times by innumerable artists, you'll discover fresh and fabulous nuances in her warm and wonderful interpretations. "My Funny Valentine" is a perfect case in point.

JJ GREY & MOFRO, "COUNTRY GHETTO"
JJ Grey hits the Fillmore Saturday night where he'll unleash rootsy musical tales. Gritty lyrics, and searingly soulful rock, fan the Floridian's unflinchingly honest fire. This album reflects the Alligator blues label's expanding and excellent taste. The funky "Tragic" and driving "War" are outstanding cuts.

WYNTON MARSALIS, "FROM THE PLANTATION TO THE PENITENTIARY"
Wynton Marsalis' daring work, "From the Plantation to the Penitentiary," is important not only as a musical creation, but as a sociopolitical commentary. Through his eloquent trumpet playing and Jennifer Sanon's expressive vocals, Marsalis' profoundly affecting compositions explore disturbing corners of our society, as well as the perversion of the American Dream. Marsalis channels anger through African-American musical forms, painting a vivid portrait of a nation's hypocrisy.

PAOLO NUTINI, "THESE STREETS"
Nineteen-year-old Scotsman Paolo Nutini played the Independent last week. He boasts a mature, soulful voice that recalls Van Morrison, Alex Chilton and ubiquitous Dave Matthews, though Nutini occasionally drifts into James Blunt territory. It's a promising debut with such appealing tracks as "New Shoes" and "White Lies."

LANTANA, "UNBRIDLED"
The female country trio Lantana debuts with catchy tunes and bright harmonies. Dixie Chicks comparisons are natural, though the Dallas-based group has a ways to go to reach those lofty crossover heights, Lantana displays tremendous potential. Highlights include sassy "Country as a City Girl Can Be," lovely "Let Somebody Love You" and a rollicking cover of REO Speedwagon's "Roll with the Changes."

GRANT-LEE PHILLIPS - "STRANGELET"
Once the Grant Lee Buffalo frontman, Grant-Lee Phillips continues to impress with his fifth solo album. Phillips is an amazing songwriter. Add an engaging voice and compelling arrangements and you've got a CD you'll want to replay time and again. You may detect echoes of John Lennon, Robyn Hitchcock, Neil Young or Crowded House. The emotional waves of "Runaway" will make an impact on you. Each song demonstrates an understated, yet compelling lasting power.

DIR EN GREY, "THE MARROW OF A BONE"
The globally popular Japanese metal band is back with another journey into their loud, angst-filled world. This album has soft moments, not to mention strange ones, but stands as the group's heaviest release to date.

CRACKER AND MORE, "THE FIRST ANNUAL CAMP OUT LIVE" DVD
The release eschews slickness, presenting magnetic performances by alt-bands Cracker and Camper Van Beethoven, both fronted by David Lowery. Cracker's "Movie Star" and "Low" resonate. Guitarist Johnny Hickman is an undeniable force. Another offshoot, Monks of Doom, perform two songs, making viewers hunger for more.

THE QUEERS, "THE QUEERS ARE HERE" DVD
In their 20-year existence, this wild punk band has never lost its edge or sense of direction. The DVD captures the ferocious energy and raw excitement. Queers also have an exhilarating new CD, "Munki Brain," which celebrates in-your-face sarcasm, as well as a Beach Boys-run-amok vibe.

BIG AUDIO DYNAMITE, "BIG AUDIO DYNAMITE LIVE: E=Mc2" DVD
At a 1990 London concert, this second incarnation of Big Audio Dynamite, still led by Mick Jones, of Clash fame, delivered a tight set of their own genre-melding hits, closing with Prince's "1999." Deliciously danceable rock-reggae-beatbox throughout the eight numbers included here.