Inside Music Album Guide - 10/16/08

Inside Music Album Guide
Oasis, Tom Morello return with excellent entries
By Stephen Mason

Oasis – Dig Out Your Soul (Reprise) 4 out of 5
Recent years have been kind to Oasis. They’ve never deviated too far from what they became famous for; guitar-heavy alternative rock. Dig Out Your Soul is no different, as it follows the same format with remarkable effect. From start to finish, each song operates as its own little world. Rarely do the songs build to gargantuan force, rarely do they shift radically halfway through. Instead, they start and end the same way with an almost drone feel. “Falling Down” may be one of the best songs they’ve done in years, with an underlying organ piece overlapped by Chris Sharrock’s rollicking drum performance. Same goes for “The Turning,” with its sonic background wails and gritty guitar. A job well done by experienced veterans.

Ben Folds – Way to Normal (Epic) 3.5 out of 5
After several years, the piano rocking god has returned with a new slew of tunes and a new persona. Rockin’ the Suburbs (his first solo album) saw him as the spunky nerd poking fun at the MTV-watching high school kids, and Songs for Silverman had a calmer, father-like tone. On Way to Normal, Ben Folds has steeped into the more absurd, sometimes irrationally angry at the world. The most marked difference, though, is the use of electronics. No track better emphasizes that than “Free Coffee,” which is a fine track, but being surrounded by piano-heavy songs makes it feel out of place. The peak of the album is its center, the string-oriented “Cologne,” which harks back to the days of songs like “Army” from Ben Folds Five. This may be a transitional period for Folds, who, even with a less-than-enthusiastic entry here, is always sure to deliver a few wonderful moments.

Blitzen Trapper – Furr (Sub Pop) 3.5 out of 5
Imitating an artist isn't always smiled upon, and emulating them even less so. Blitzen Trapper, though, seem to break the mold. Their brand of psychedelic folk-rock is obviously heavily influenced by the four boys, but the elements of Americana and roots that they bring don't always necessitate Magical Mystery Tour references (though its not above CSN and Neil Young references). The title track is the band's strongest moment, which boasts of stability in their Americana roots. It's the story of a life with friends told in a more unorthodox way, but there are not many metaphors that work better; the singer compares his adopted family to a pack of wolves. Strange, yes, but certainly fitting and clever. What holds Furr back is its monotony, which starts to sag towards the middle and rarely picks up again. It's an interesting if not promising entry for a band that needs to shed all its detracting critics - who honestly aren't all in the wrong.

The Nightwatchman – The Fabled City (Red Ink) 4 out of 5
Tom Morello returns from his solo debut, One Man Revolution, with another batch of political folk ditties. Unlike his debut, The Fabled City incorporates far more than just his acoustic guitar. It’s still there, as is his signature growling baritone, but the embrace of the harmonica, lively drums, and electric guitar and bass enhance the experience. The sound being louder may not make his message louder, but it still holds all the sincerity that One Man Revolution did. “I will always stand beside you/Defend you and mend you,” is a promise Morello wants to keep, as he always seems genuine about his care for people.