Can't Sit Down, C.J. Chenier

Can't Sit Down, C.J. Chenier, 2011, :45

★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

This Chenier cat is the son of the late Clifton Chenier, who was known as the King of Zydeco.  I think C.J.  deserves to have the crown passed to his head.  He definitely makes it look easy.   Of course, you have to enjoy accordion-based blues-funk, but if you do, this is as fine an example of it as you can get.  Chenier's growly vocals and rollicking accordion keep your toes tapping. The original and cover songs blend seamlessly and have the immediate, electric feel of live in the studio records.  Favorite tracks: "Ridin' With Uncle Cleveland," the Tom Waits cover "Clap Hands," "Paper in My Shoe," Curtis Mayfield's "We Gotta Have Peace."

The Party Ain't Over, Wanda Jackson

The Party Ain't Over, Wanda Jackson, 2011, :39

★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

74-year-old Queen of Rockabilly Wanda Jackson proves she's still got chops and the party is still goin' on with this album of covers from the '50s to modern times, produced by Jack White.  Some reviews of this album say it's kitchy, or the song choices are odd and impersonal, or that White kept the songs at arm's length with fuzzy guitar and horns, not letting Jackson's thin, raspy voice shine by distorting it.  I disagree; I think Jackson does a great job, attacking the songs with the sashay of the young woman who dated Elvis, her knowing growl showing that she's not bemused by the song selections.  That said, I do enjoy the way  last track, "Blue Yodel #6," gives Jackson, mostly unaccompanied, a chance to yodel.  Favorite tracks: "Rip It Up," "Rum and Coca-Cola," "Thunder on the Mountain."

England Keep My Bones, Frank Turner

England Keep My Bones, Frank Turner, 2011, :44

★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Frank Turner, whom I consider a god among elder punk statesmen, was I believe at the peak of his powers when he released this stunning album.  Featuring twelve (in the original release) solid songs based on the twin themes of England and death, there's nary a stumble to be found, and the high points are dizzyingly high.  Turner is jaded and tired as the rest of us, but in song he fights the urge to give up by preaching optimism and unity.  Favorite tracks: "One Foot Before the Other," a masterwork; "I Still Believe;" "If I Ever Stray;" "Redemption;" the defiant and hopeful "Glory Hallelujah."

The Interpreter: Live at Largo, Rhett Miller

The Interpreter: Live at Largo, Rhett Miller, 2011, :45

★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Affable singer-songwriter Rhett Miller does an acoustic live set of his favorite songs, mostly solo.  After the live material comes some studio cuts, including another version of "Wave of Mutilation" with Joey Santiago.  There's nothing earth-shaking here, and the songs aren't exactly transformed and made his own, but everyone has a lot of fun.  Favorite tracks: "Homeward Bound," "The Birth of the True" (a song I'd never heard), "Cynthia Mask" (with Jon Brion on drums).

Thank You Happy Birthday, Cage the Elephant

Currently doing one album for each year, 1960-2020. Today: 2011. 

Thank You Happy Birthday, Cage the Elephant, 2011, :48

★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Indie rock, heavily influenced by the Pixies and post-punk.  Shrieking, yelping vocals, heavy guitar riffs, driving beats.  I would say that this is almost a four star album.  However, the straight hardcore noise of tracks such as "Sabertooth Tiger" and "Indy Kids" not my cup of tea. However, the parts I like, I enjoy a great deal. Not highly original, but extremely effective.  Favorite tracks: "Right Before My Eyes," "Flow," "2024."

Honey Pig, Bosley

It’s What-the-Hell-is-This-Wednesday! Wherein I listen to something I know absolutely nothing about. 

Honey Pig, Bosley, 2011, :37

★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Never heard of this band before, and I was missing out! It's modern blue-eyed soul-funk. These guys have a lot more cojones than the unjustly more famous Meyer Hawthorne. The songs on this album range from Prince-style pop-funk jams to muscly Otis Redding-style shouters. There’s even a hint of raspy Tom Waits-style maudlin sob story, but with swinging horns and catchy choruses. From the first moments of the first track, you're strutting through the '70s; by the last track, you're swinging in a '40s club. Excellent, exciting, energetic stuff. I definitely will revisit this band. Favorite tracks: "Neon Magazine," "Coca Cola."

We Are All Where We Belong, Quiet Company

We Are All Where We Belong, Quiet Company, 2011, 1:03

★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Chosen at random.  I didn't know anything about this Austin, TX band before I started to listen.  Not bad, but not really my kind of music, all grandiose and lush like u2.  Introspective, literate lyrics.  A tad overlong, with lengthy song titles, each with its own parentheses.  Favorite track: "You, Me, & The Boatman (Truth Is, I've Been Thirsty My Whole Life)."