Patty Griffin Live from Artists Den DVD
Watching or listening to Live from Artists Den left me feeling in need of a stimulant. At their strongest, the band adequately rocks a church.
(Explanation:The band plays in a beautiful New York cathedral which is probably the only appropriate setting for this type of sedate, acoustic music), but the weakest parts would make a VH1 Executive _sue.
(Explanation: Needless background stories on each song make the album feel like an episode of Storytellers, but with more obscure artists)
Especially notable is singer_ Griffin’s ability to dedicate songs to inane objects (her shoes, her dog, a trapeze artist). The sound is reminiscent of a reject from a Lilith Fair tour because each acoustic, weepy ballad gives singer/songwriters a bad name. In the end, you want to forget it with the rest of your parents’ music that somehow made it into your collection.
Watching or listening to Dreamboat Annie left me feeling emasculated. At their strongest, the group’s members can upstage any rockin, young whippersnappers. (Explanation: Thirty years after the release of Dreamboat Annie, sisters Ann and Nancy Wilson’s chops sound amazing if not better than the original recording.) The weakest parts would make a Zeppelin fan stop and rethink gender stereotypes. (Explanation:The encore finds the Wilsons covering songs that inspired the writing of Dreamboat Annie, including two Led Zeppelin covers. “What? Chicks playing Zep??? My mind’s blown … again.)
Especially notable is singer Ann Wilson’s ability to rock a flute without looking ridiculous (see: Anchorman; Jethro Tull). The sound is reminiscent of ’70s rock bands lacking any sense of irony because each song truly rocks. In the end, you want to play it with a new, feathered ’do.
Watching or listening to Make Sure They See My Face left me feeling sugar-high. At his strongest, the artist can turn some nipples out. (Explanation: the album could be the next big thing for hipster dance parties, at least until it lands on the radio in heavy rotation) but the weakest parts would make a Bono smile. (Explanation: After Kenna has his fill with some rocking dance tracks, he trades substance for sugary grandeur in the style of new, commercial-ready U2).
Especially notable is producer The Neptunes’ ability to create catchy yet forgettable songs. The sound is reminiscent of a Michael Bay film because it squanders every promise of originality for commercial viability. In the end, you want to serve _ it with twinkies and other food void of substance.
