Philadelphia Weekly

MUSIC

On the Record: Monica, Of Monsters And Men and more!

By Bill Chenevert

Add Comment | Comments: 0 | Posted Apr. 17, 2012

Great Lake Swimmers

New Wild Everywhere

(Nettwerk)

Sounds Like: Pretty standard for the Canadian rock quintet who always nail inoffensive, warm and contemplative countrified-chamber folk with searing, clean vocals.

Free Association: This is how Canadian bands do (and do it well); they’re one of the best.

For Fans Of: Galaxie 500/R.E.M./Cowboy Junkies/Damien Jurado, Canuck Americana.

Monica

New Life

(RCA)

Sounds Like: As it turns out, this is not a comeback and she’s been putting out forgettable records regularly that pale in comparison to “Don’t Take It Personal.”

Free Association: The Brandy duet’s aiight; the Rick Ross joint’s solid; the rest’s just OK.

For Fans Of: Toni Braxton, K-Ci & JoJo/Blackstreet/SWV, mediocre gospel pop.

Of Monsters And Men

My Head Is an Animal

(Republic)

Sounds Like: Anthemic, exuberant chamber rock from an Icelandic six-piece who won a big Battle of the Bands and specialize in dramatically built boy/girl harmonies.

Free Association: Naturally being touted as “the new Arcade Fire”—remember them?

Page: 1 2 3 |Next