NEW AND IN REVIEW
Badly Drawn Boy
Born in the U.K.
(Astralwerks)
Damon Gough, aka Badly Drawn Boy, continues to express a clear fascination with Bruce Springsteen — in a very cheeky British kind of way — on his appropriately titled fifth album.
After all, Gough's broad instrumentation would require a band as large as the E Street.
Isis
In the Absence of Truth
(Ipocot)
Recent Tool tour mate Isis continues its transition from hardcore act to one of metal's smartest bands with In the Absence of Truth. While definitely heavy in themes and grinding guitars, the album has tremendous depth and intelligence.
The Killers
Sam's Town
(Island)
Following '04's Hot Fuss with a disc even more rooted in '80s synth-pop melodies, The Killers are seen taking big musical risks on its sophomore album. What else would you expect from a Las Vegas-based band?
John Legend
Once Again
(Columbia)
One of the breakthrough names from this year's Grammy awards, Legend's second LP is becoming beloved for his R&B sound, tinged with hints of both gospel and hip-hop.
Hedley
Hedley
(Capitol)
This punk-pop act from across the Ambassador Bridge features vocalist Jacob Hoggard, who finished third on the second season of "Canadian Idol." Sadly, that's the most special thing about this premiere.
Tenacious D
The Pick of Destiny
(Maverick)
Jack Black and Kyle Gass are back with 15 new songs — many of which are as silly and funny as its self-titled debut — that accompany the duo's movie that's, er, silly and funny. No "Wonderboy" here though, folks.
Pilot Speed
Into the West
(Wind-Up)
How it became Pilot Speed is a bit confusing, but the band formerly known as Pilate, no matter what its current name, composed a majestic effort with Into the West. The opening "Knife-Grey Sea" is certainly download worthy.
Damien Rice
9
(Warner Bros.)
Irish singer-songwriter Damien Rice received well-deserved acclaim for O, his 2002 debut, and, alas, follows it with 9. If you have to pick between the two, go for the more creative, heartfelt and less boring first album.
Isobell Campbell
Milkwhite Sheets
(V2)
Campbell, a singer and cellist from Ireland, created the dreamy, melancholy Milkwhite Sheets — technically, the second solo album by the former Belle & Sebastian member, and the follow-up to her '06 collaboration with Mark Lanegan.
NICK'S PICK
Diana Ross
Diana
(1980/UME)
The supreme diva of Motown, with the help of Chic producers Nile Rogers and Bernard Edwards, became a full-fledged pop star with the hit "Upside Down" and Diana.
Contact freelance music writer Nick Brandon at NickBrandonMusicBeat@hotmail.com
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