Thursday, February 21, 2008

Casual Listening 2-22-08

Casual Listening

a review of cool new music

by Jeff Pinzino

February 22, 2008

* Carla Bruni – No Promises (rock)

I herby declare Carla Bruni to be the ultimate rock star. A supermodel who partied with a who’s who of the rock elite, she recently made headlines by marrying the president of France. Now she’s got a remarkably good album of folk-cabaret settings of classic poetry. Her breathy alto is simultaneously distant and intimate. Irresistible. Is there anything she can’t do?

* Bon Iver – For Emma, Forever Ago (rock)

Quiet intensity of lush vocal harmonies over a simple guitar. Gorgeous songs to curl up with on a snowy night.

Vinicius Cantuaria – Cymbals (world)

Cantuaria delivers perfect classic-style Bossa Nova. Effortless vocals with acoustic guitar give this music just the right degree of mellow intensity.

Shauna Burns – The Moon and the Fire Circle (rock)

Confessional songs strung together like pearls with cascading piano lines. Tori Amos fans will treasure this album.

Monade – Monstre Cosmic (rock)

Bright, mysterious pop sung in French. Monade is the side-project of Stereolab’s lead singer, and Monade has a similarly smart sound.

In the blog this week: Casual Listening snags 5 Grammys, Ray Davies, Time Again

* highly recommended

! highest recommendation

Check out the blog at http://casuallistening.blogspot.com . To subscribe or unsubscribe, or just to say hi, send an e-mail to jeffpinzino@gmail.com.

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