The first collection of originals recorded by Albuquerque’s own mutant bluegrass quartet, Young Edward—Robert Brettelle (guitar), Michael Polera (violin), Danny Garcia (bass), former Alibi editor Steven Robert Allen (banjo), everyone on vocals—won’t often astonish you, but it will make you real happy you stopped by. As insightful as they are quirky, the tunes conjure a world of sinners, losers, drunks, holy rollers and stinky-footed lovers—not to mention Albert Einstein—summoned by close, low-key harmonies, nice hooks, a feel for the blues and a terrifically offhanded live recording by Fast Heart Mart. Polera’s violin offers some particularly tasty work, from sweet to tart. (MM)
Beach House Teen Dream (Sub Pop)
I do believe Beach House’s third album may be its best yet. Front-lady Victoria Legrand’s voice seems to have morphed from the deep, Nico-in-the-’60s sound heard on her band’s first, self-titled release, into an elderly Lucinda Williams. Teen Dream starts out strong with the track "Zebra" and takes a pretty steady course all the way through. Highlights include "10 Mile Stereo," which makes you want dance (if you could just muster the energy), and "Walk In The Park," which takes you to a dream-pop world of music magic. (AGJ)
David Bowie Space Oddity (40th Anniversary Edition) (EMI)
One could argue that “Space Oddity” (the song) is one of the best tracks ever recorded. One could also argue that Space Oddity (the album) isn’t very good. That said, despite the fact that time with David Bowie is better spent in the ’70s era(s), it’s nice hang out with wee hippie David Bowie once in a while. He was so young, innocent and covered in paisley back then, unaware that he was about to become a purveyor of British glam rock and all of its glittery jumpsuits. (JCC)
