Anthony DavidThe Red Clay ChroniclesBrash MusicA guy who adds guitarist Earl Klugh on his CD can't be all bad-smooth baritone Anthony David should be commended for that. And covering Level 42's big hit, "Something About You," and giving it a soul twist is more evidence of David's good taste, but unfortunately that doesn't guarantee the quality of every track on the disc. There are too many misses to make this standout, but David is someone certainly to watch and listen for. -tired antRoger Joseph Manning, Jr.The Land Of Pure ImaginationCordless Recordings
The Land Of Pure Imagination is packed with so much pop goodness, it's an embarrassment of riches. The ghosts of Supertramp, Queen and the Beach Boys linger over the whole affair, but it's all undoubtedly Roger Joseph Manning, Jr. Almost makes you nostalgic for AM radio.-Douglas AdamsRhymefestBlue CollarJ Records
Props to Rhymefest for releasing an album that's gone for solid songwriting rather than whispered hooks and wailing sirens. Don't think that this was all the doing of Rhymefest's fellow Chicagoan Kanye West. Sure, he produced a couple of tracks, including the catchy "Brand New," but this really does feel like Rhymefest's show. It's not perfect - "More" is kinda cheesy and "All Girls Cheat" can only disappoint - but when The Strokes get sampled on "Devil's Pie," it all kinda makes sense. -Douglas AdamsRex MorouxRoyal Street InnSelf-released
James Blunt better watch his back. There's a Cajun-bred, Texas-based singer-songwriter poised to stake out some of the Englishman's somber acoustic-pop territory. There are no overt references to the potent musical influences of his home state, but strains of it seep in like floodwaters. "For Kali" has a subtle Cajun lilt, for example, while "Vino Maliero" features zydeco veteran Terrence Simien on background vocals. But it's Moroux's oblique but evocative lyrics and compelling songwriting (e.g., "Extended Stay America") that really set this disc apart. (Album available at www.rexmoroux.com.) -Doug NewcombBirdy Nam NamBirdy Nam NamUncivilized World
A turntable album, huh? I thought the whole debate about whether turntables could be considered instruments was abandoned because no one could make an interesting album purely by manipulating vinyl. I stand corrected. Birdy Nam Nam are here to re-open that debate, and with their self-titled debut album they may have just won it. They're not afraid of real instruments either, augmenting their turntable creations with Rhodes keyboards and vintage synths. A commendable effort.-Douglas AdamsRandy Brecker/Michael BreckerSome Skunk FunkTelarc