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On the Record: SWV, Jason Mraz and More

By Bill Chenevert

Add Comment | Comments: 0 | Posted Apr. 24, 2012

Spiritualized

Sweet Heart Sweet Light

(Fat Possum)
Sounds Like: Grandiose and expansive with the support of choirs and an orchestra, the Brit outfit’s seventh is a marvelous bridge between gospel, blues and glam rock.

Free Association: Each song finds its way to a worked-up and dramatic sonic apex.

For Fans Of: Spacemen 3 x Pink Floyd, Suicide + Atlas Sound, drug-takin’ music.

Maps & Atlases

Beware and Be Grateful

(Barsuk)

Sounds Like: A simultaneously beguiling and catchy (lead singer Dave Davison’s voice is a polarizing one) sophomore effort of math rock is deliciously summery and fun.

Free Association: Fear not, the voice grows on you till it creeps over your ears like ivy.

For Fans Of: Dirty Projectors x Genesis, Yes/Rush/Don Caballero + Wild Beasts, math.

Jason Mraz

Love Is A Four Letter Word

(Atlantic)

Sounds Like: The Virginia-born fedora-wearin’ Bro inspired by Dave Matthews is still corny and saccharine, but the man can sing and here he goes for a vintage makeout music record.

Free Association: The Axis of Evil (Mraz, Jack Johnson, Dave Matthews) disbands.

For Fans Of: Ben Harper x Matt Nathanson, John Mayer/Gavin DeGraw, cheese.

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