More CDs have made it into the hands of the high school writers who make up the Deseret Morning News Pulse team:
JONNY LANG; "Long Time Coming" (A&M)*** 1/2
Jonny Lang's heart-rending voice and his blues style is certainly among the best out there. His lyrics are beautiful and are not just a collection of simple cliches. The music has good rythm and catchy melodies, which will stay with you.
One of the best things about this CD is the clean subject matter. While so much music out there is full of explicit material and lyrics, there isn't anything questionable about Jonny Lang's music.
For anyone who likes to listen to the blues, Jonny Lang is a great option. His voice has just the right rough feel to it, and his music is everything modern blues should be.
— Kathryn Ricks, senior, West Jordan High School
CHRISTOPHER O'RILEY; "True Love Waits: Christopher O'Riley Plays Radiohead" (Sony Music)***
I had never listened to Radiohead, but I found that this album satisfied even my "music-snob" standards, evoking a range of emotions. The piano entranced me with contemporary sounds. My impression wasn't that I was listening to a rock band-cover tune, but to a pianist playing a composer's piece.
The CD is loyal to Radiohead's music, though without the singing. Classical pianist Christopher O'Riley has done a remarkable job of capturing the sounds of Radiohead on the piano. The swelling of the dynamics makes one think of rolling waves at times, while at other times it's like a storm breaking out in the middle of a calm day. There are a variety of musical techniques involved throughout the CD, keeping one entranced until the end.
I must add, however, if you are expecting the sounds of rock with all the instruments, singing, etc., you'll be disappointed. But if you wanted Radiohead exemplified with some incredible piano playing, then you can find it here.
— Cindy Washburn, junior, Copper Hills High School
PORCH GHOULS; "Bluff City Ruckus" (Roman Records) ***
The Porch Ghouls are quite possibly the most refreshing sound out there today. The band's brand of eclectic blues-country jam music is a great departure from today's songs about "gangstas" and bling-bling.
The quartet is the first to be signed to Joe Perry's (Aerosmith) new label, Roman Records. The members show their grit and talent on this brilliant release. A cross between the White Stripes, Blues Traveler and the Grateful Dead, the Porch Ghouls will blow you away with raw, unpolished music, which is as refreshing as it is grungy.
The standard bass, guitar and drums archetype isn't exactly a staple within this young group. Eldorado Del Rey plays guitars and vocals, while Slim Electric plays the guitar and a diddley-bow. Randy Valentine plays harmonica as if it were a normal fixture in modern-day music, and Duke Baltimore plays a suitcase drumet. This is not just a fun little name for the drums — it really folds out of a suitcase.
If you're in the mood for a change or you're just simply burned out with music today, check out the latest release from the Porch Ghouls. Smells of the bayou and gumbo permeate this record and will be with you for years to come.
— Nick Parker, junior, Murray High School
SWITCHFOOT; "The Beautiful Letdown" (Columbia)***
Someone seeking a rock or even alternative-rock album after hearing Switchfoot's "Meant to Live" song may be disappointed. It's not that "The Beautiful Letdown" is a poorly made CD. Switchfoot is just a lot mellower than the radio would have you believe.
The album is pretty good, but it's not great. I don't hear anything that is uniquely Switchfoot's sound. Rather, I hear bits and pieces from other bands, such as the Foo Fighters and Soul Coughing. Also, the lead singer, Jonathan Foreman, often sounds like his heart isn't in it, or as if he's recording the CD so he can go to sleep. There's just something missing that keeps this album from being better.
These are minor complaints though, and overall this is a worthwhile CD with efficient use of stereo techniques, thoughtful lyrics and interesting computer effects that give the music its only unique sound.
— Zane Pendleton, junior, Copper Hills