Philadelphia Weekly

MUSIC

On the Record: The Internet, Porcelian Raft, Aiden James & More

By Bill Chenevert

Add Comment | Comments: 1 | Posted Jan. 10, 2012

Come Sunday

(Decca/Universal/Emarcy)

Sounds Like: Mississippi-born Jones died at 91 two Mays ago, and his gospel/folk duets with stellar bassist Haden see the light of day—and they are stunningly pleasant.

Free Association: Expertly executed covers of American standards; no words, just notes.

For Fans Of: Chopin/Gershwin x the Duke, Metheny + Reinhardt, aging gracefully.

Ladysmith Black Mambazo

Ladysmith Black Mambazo and Friends

(Gallo/Listen 2)

Sounds Like: You know them from Graceland, but when this African singing troupe teams up for standard covers with stale and waning talent, things go horribly wrong.

Free Association: Strike one is Josh Groban, two is Natalie Merchant, three is Sarah McLachlan.

For Fans Of: Faux internationalism, tribal vases and fertility masks, NPR, patchouli.

Aiden James

Trouble With This

(Songster Sounds)

Sounds Like: The self-taught Philly native and sensitive bear’s third LP embraces emo electro, wrapping his benign, guitar-born lovesickness in synthetic beats and blips.

Free Association: For the lonely Bike Stop set who go home sad and heartbroken.

For Fans Of: Corey Hart x Owl City, Richard Marx + George Michael, hairy chests.

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