Philadelphia Weekly

MUSIC

On The Record

By Bill Chenevert

Add Comment | Comments: 0 | Posted Mar. 2, 2011

Adele

(XL Recordings/Columbia)

Sounds Like: Her debut, 19 (how old she was), was sick, and her sophomore, 21 (how old she was at time of recording) seems just as solid with a couple bona-fide hits and some growers.

Free Association: She makes my gay little heart go pitter patter.

For Fans Of: Dusty Springfield, Beth Ditto, big girls who can SANG.

Lucinda Williams

Blessed

(Lost Highway)

Sounds Like: Sad, thoughtful songs about stuff like suicide, war and love that feature Elvis Costello wailing on the guitar (not singing!).

Free Association: She’s famous/old enough that Rolling Stone will eat this shit up.

For Fans Of: Patty Griffin x Mary Chapin Carpenter, sage country ladies.

Ron Sexsmith

Long Player Late Bloomer

(Ronboy Rhymes)

Sounds Like: The quiet, critically acclaimed giant of folksy Canadian indie rock teams up with a hard rock producer (Bob Rock) for a very palatable, pretty pop LP.

Free Association: Covered/adored by superstars; a stranger to the people—s’a shame.

For Fans Of: Harry Nilsson, Randy Newman, Nick Lowe, unsung heroes.

Sean Rowe