Michael Lucarelli
Favorites
LMS Records
Michael Lucarelli8212;classical guitarist and U alumnus8212;has released a new record, titled Favorites. The album includes renditions of Led Zeppelin, John Lennon, Beethoven and Schubert compositions. Entirely solo, Lucarelli’s ambient guitar style makes for an interesting addition to any collection. An adaptation of “Stairway to Heaven” gives the listener a chance to hear Lucarelli play a song written by the guitarists to whom he’s attributed his early interest in music (Jimmy Page and Robert Plant). A gorgeous take on Mason Williams’ “Classical Gas” serves as an album highlight, as well as a dynamic version of John Lennon’s “Imagine.” Not to be confused with the relentless energy of contemporary rock ‘n’ roll, the record is best suited to enhance the background of a peaceful occasion. Lucarelli engineered and produced the record himself in Utah. – JC
Gomez
A New Tide
ATO Records
Gomez has spent the better part of the past decade trying to break into the American music scene. Their songs have been featured in hit TV shows such as “Grey’s Anatomy,” and they’ve played at SXSW and Coachella and toured around the country extensively. With the release of A New Tide, it doesn’t seem like the ball is going to drop any time soon. The band plays it safe while promising indie and experimental sounds and rhythms lie just below the surface of what the band is trying to offer. The album often sounds like a ’90s alternative band trying to break into the contemporary music scene. Alternatively, the album also sounds like a modern indie band trying to break into the Counting Crows and Dave Matthews’ scene (who consequentially happens to be the owner of ATO records). Still, A New Tide works as an album, albeit a safe one. “Lost Track” explores chiming fingerpicking softened with velvety violin playing and breaking down into epic proclamations of guitar bliss, rocking out in a way that sounds like the manifestation of a pillow fight. Songs such as “Little Pieces” bring the worst of the album with choruses that sound about 10 years too old for what the band is ultimately trying to do8212;create a country-esque indie sound in a modern landscape. – CS
Beirut
March Of The Zapotec and Realpeople Holland
Ba Da Bing! Records
The latest release from Sante Fe native Zach Condon’s band presents one of the most interesting dichotomies of new music to come out in some time. The album is split into two parts8212;March of the Zapotec containing Spanish- and Mexican-influenced Eastern European folk and the second half, Realpeople Holland, a surprisingly harmonic mix of electronica and Condon’s low-tinged, strained singing. Although his voice seems better suited for the kind of folk Beirut delivers, it fits nicely into a spacey electronic atmosphere. The ever-present accordion makes its mark on the band the way the piano did for Ben Folds Five. March of the Zapotec is the most charming half of the double EP, strengthened by the backing of The Jimenez Band, a 19-piece outfit from Teotitlán del Valle. Inspired by a trip to Oaxaca, March of the Zapotec adds the unique sound of the Hispanic funeral bands found in the region to Condon’s trademark gypsy style. The 23-year-old Gypsy eclectic is breaking new ground in his world of culturally diverse music that stays rooted in the American vision long enough to make this record a showcase of world taste and contemporary accessibility. – CS
