Philadelphia Weekly

MUSIC

On the Record: Young Magic, The Fall, Van Halen & More

Album reviews in 30 seconds or less.

By Bill Chenevert

Add Comment | Comments: 0 | Posted Feb. 22, 2012

Ersatz GB

(Cherry Red)

Sounds Like: Their 29th (!) album is their third record in a row with the same lineup, which is strange for them, but results in a typically awesome, high energy post-punk record.

Free Association: The Fall’s been Mark E. Smith’s life for 35 years—bitchin’ life, dude.

For Fans Of: Gang of Four/Wire/Joy Division/Sex Pistols, piss-and-vinegar old Brits.

John Talabot

Fin

(Permanent Vacation)

Sounds Like: The Barcelona-based producer’s debut of electronic compositions is dank, catchy, mesmerizing and an impressive recipe of disco, dance and indie rock.

Free Association: He doesn’t really sing, so the songs with guests are even more sick.

For Fans Of: Hercules & Love Affair + Nicolas Jaar/Matthew Dear, brilliant beats.

Van Halen

A Different Kind of Truth

(Interscope)

Sounds Like: Their first new LP in 14 years reunited with David Lee Roth, and it’s really not bad—transporting you back to ’80s metal, this time with a modern, gothic edge.

Free Association: Quickly racing toward 60 and still shredding impressively.

For Fans Of: Aerosmith x AC/DC + The Nuge, Cheap Trick/Bon Jovi, “Hot For Teacher.”

Prev| Page: 1 2