Brown Study : All Things Reconsidered I

As I write to you today, we stand on the precipice. I'm certain you realize it, but it bears repeating: Chinese Democracy, likely the most significant and anticipated popular music release ever, will soon be in our hot little hands. One can't comprehend the amount of ink already spilled about this record. Teases have been endless, with songs leaked, only to disappear and be re-leaked years later with completely different arrangements. Hell, I'm dying just to see who's on this damn record. I mean, come on, if Brian May was cut out...

Nevertheless, before I kick back with my free Dr. Pepper and drop the needle on what is sure to be the most divisive record since Tusk (or at least Pinkerton), I decided the time was nigh to direct your attention to several records you may have missed over the past couple months.

The Pretenders - Break Up The Concrete
Hey, ladies. You know those skinny jeans that ya'll think are the cat's PJs these days? Well, let me introduce you to the chick that invented them, Chrissie Hynde of The Pretenders. We haven't gotten new material from Chrissie and her boys since 2002, and I'm glad to report that Break Up The Concrete is a return to form, thanks in no small part to Jim Keltner (the e. coli of drummers) and steel guitarist Eric Heywood, who has graced the recordings of Joe Henry, Richard Buckner, The Jayhawks and Greg Brown. Of course, I'm not the most objective judge, seeing as the last time I cried was at end of the Chuckie's Back episode from the second season of Beverly Hills 90210. You remember, right? Steve rides off on the bus to New Mexico to look for his birth parents while 2000 Miles plays in the background; one of the great moments of television history that also made me a Pretenders fan for life.

The Pretenders - Boots of Chinese Plastic

Wreckless Eric & Amy Rigby - s/t
One-time Sham and eternal Mod Housewife, Amy Rigby, teams with Stiff Records punk-pop legend Wreckless Eric for an album that sounds like it could have been recorded by the couple next door, assuming the couple next door were masters at writing beautifully understated pop songs that barely conceal a mile-wide mean streak. What's your pleasure, sailor? We got a eulogy for a totaled minivan, a scathing critique of the Naz's favored kicks and a travelogue of Margaritaville's dark underbelly. Even if this record doesn't sound the death knoll for the summer footwear of choice for misguided men (please, Gawd, please), there's no denying the wisdom of the greatest lyric of 2008: You can't kick ass in Tevas.

Wreckless Eric & Amy Rigby - Men In Sandals

The Weight - Are Men
I can't believe I never got around to writing about The Weight, because Are Men is really a tremendous debut record. This Brooklyn-based (seriously, what are they pumping into the water there?) band keeps one booted foot firmly entrenched in country-leaning Americana, yet they're not afraid to plant the other foot firmly in the ass of classic rock, and I mean that in a positive sense. Listen to Are Men even once and you'll immediately recognize hints of the usual suspects (Neil Young) some old lions (Bob Seger) and even some unexpected AOR mainstays (don't tell me that Johnny's Song doesn't sound like Thin Lizzy!). Some one call Craig Finn and get him to bring these boys on his next tour.

The Weight - Johnny's Song

Awake, My Soul - Soundtrack
What kind of friend would I be if I didn't drop something a little highbrow on you? Awake, My Soul is the soundtrack record that accompanies Awake, My Soul : The Story of the Sacred Harp, which explores the Southern tradition of shape note hymn singing. I won't even pretend that I can sufficiently explain shape note singing, and why should I when Matt and Erica Hinton spent seven years making a film about it? Suffice to say that the hymns (many of which date back to the early 1800s) are some of the most mind-boggling, disorienting and inspiring sounds you've likely ever heard emanating from humans. The soundtrack contains two dozen hymns from the film, as well as a second disc of modern artists (including folks like Richard Buckner, Doc Watson, Elvis Perkins and The Innocence Mission) performing songs inspired by Awake, My Soul. My hope is that listening to this record will get me as good with the Lord as if I spent an entire Sunday in a church in Alabama, without the humidity.

Panting For Heaven - Henagar - Union Sacred Heart Convention
Kedron 48b - Sam Amidon

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