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On The Record

Album Reviews in 30 seconds or less.

By Bill Chenevert

Add Comment | Comments: 0 | Posted Sep. 7, 2010

Ray LaMontagne and the Pariah Dogs

God Willin’ & The Creek Don’t Rise

(Sony)

Sounds Like: Husky McBeard finally gives his backing band a name, produces himself and countries it up a little more than usual on his solid, reliable fourth.

Free Association: Sung after whiskey, a pack of smokes and a mouthful of marbles.

For Fans Of: Joe Cocker, Van Morrison x A. A. Bondy, sad bastards.

Margot And the Nuclear So and So’s

Buzzard

(Mariel Recordings)

Sounds Like: Indianapolis- based octet is a gentle balance of whispy and garage rock, gentle and vicious on their third LP of hinted-at absurdist songs.

Free Association: Inspired by The Royal Tenenbaums’ Margot. Got it, makes loads of sense.

For Fans Of: Broken Social Scene, Arcade Fire, Sufjan Stevens with balls.

Fantasia

Back to Me

(J-Records)

Sounds Like: The Idol winner did Broadway and reality TV, now she’s “back” to smartly produced R&B with shiny anthems and bangers and a hot one with Cee-Lo.

Free Association: Included is the Color Purple’s “I’m Here”—yes you are, honey.

For Fans Of: Jennifer Hudson, Jazmine Sullivan, Faith, Toni, Mary.

Exile