Discs for the Fall

Cee Lo Green is slowly but surely becoming a house hold name and that's a good thing. Green is back, sans his Gnarls Barkley partner Danger Mouse but he has lost none of his momentum and signature vocal styling's. This is Green's third and most cohesive solo disc, and when asked to describe his latest offering, he claimed it was like a Black James Bond flick. This may be true regarding the secret agent/movie styled title and ending tracks but the rest of the disc, is steeped in a serious retro-R&B sound with just enough of a pop/alternative edge to give it a modern feel. Cee Lo (aka The Lady Killer) fills the disc with the joy, pain, hurt and humor, of love. On the slower tunes ("Old Fashioned", "Fool For You") Green is the ultimate, old school, balladeer. On the more up tempo numbers ("Cry Baby, It's Ok) you may feel as if you are watching reruns of the 70's TV show "Love American Style" (Google it people) as Cee Lo creates some great lyrical vignettes to go with his amazingly versatile voice. Don't even think of asking if the man uses auto tune because the answer is a resounding no! The Lady Killer, kills it on all musical fronts and the only criticism is the fact that the song "F*ck You" should have been released in early July in order to become the song of the summer!

A+

Bruno Mars '" Doo-Wops & Hooligans

Many moons ago when record stores actually existed, there were artists who fit into the category known as Rock, Pop and Soul. Bruno Mars is a throw back to that generation. You have already heard his soaring falsetto on tracks by Travis McCoy, B.o.B. and he can claim a co-writing credit with Cee Lo Green on the "F*ck You" song. On his debut disc it is clear that Mars, on his own, is a gifted singer/songwriter who can shift from real r&b to pop to reggae in one fatal swoop. Stylistically, Mars is a cross between Frankie Lymon and Terrance Trent D'Arby. Lyrically Mars has created a blueprint about what women want to hear from their significant others and weaves a delicate balance between true love ("Just The Way You Are") the idea of partying and marriage ("Marry You") and the art of doing absolutely nothing ("The Lazy Song"). The disc reaches a truly magical moment on the acoustic number "Count On Me", a tune that outlines the true meaning and spirit of friendship. Mars is injecting true lyricism, talent and musicianship in the cookie cutter world of pop music. Let's hope Doo-Wops & Hooligans is the beginning of a beautiful relationship between the pop music world and Bruno Mars.

A

Weezer '" Hurley

On Hurley, Weezer are still geeky and still very tuneful. This time around however they have cranked up the guitars to eleven and even as they rock hard they are reflecting on the past and admitting that nerds do indeed grow up as well as get the girl. Stories of playing hacky sack when Audioslave was still Rage ("Memories") give way to questions about where all the intelligent females have come from ("Smart Girls"). Rivers Cumo can't help but get a bit reflective as he (and many of his peers) moves towards middle age with wives and kids. Weezer still knows how to kick out the geek inspired jams in the alternative music universe but on this disc, their inviting the families of said geeks to rock along with them.

B

Pete Yorn '" Pete Yorn

For his latest release, gifted singer/songwriter Pete Yorn gets together with Pixies' frontman Black Francis. Francis gets Yorn to release his inner 90's alt rocker but at times the result is a mixed bag. On tunes such as "Velcro Shoes", and "Precious Stone" Yorn and Black forge a great partnership of edgy garage rock steeped in melody and melancholy. On songs such as "Rock Crowd" and "Always", the partnership falters a bit and Yorn seems a bit lost lyrically. Overall the disc works best when Yorn's introspective and ragged melodies are wrapped tightly around Black Francis's garage rock ready production. The first time is always the trickiest. Let's hope they keep the partnership going.

B-

Matt Costa '" Mobile Chateau

Singer/songwriter Matt Costa takes a left turn on his latest disc. Mobile Chateau is a pop record in the classical sense of the word. Costa set out to make a record that has the sound and feel of mid-sixties era artists like The Hollies and The Beach Boys (circa Pet Sounds). The disc may confound Costa's hardcore fans but if you are a fan of classic pop music, the melodies and storytelling on Matt Costa's latest disc will have you begging for more. Costa spins a good yarn and on songs like "Drive" and "Johnny's Love of Majik" Costa weaves intricate stories while he takes a few chances musically. Pop music (in the classic sense of the word) is back in a big way and Matt Costa may be the one leading the charge.

B

Wait. Think Fast '"Luces Del Sur

Echo Park in LA has started to become a new hub for great indie bands/music and leading the charge is Wait. Think Fast. On their debut disc, Wait. Think Fast brings together their haunting melodies, swirling guitars and bilingual lyrics into one truly impressive modern rock package. On "Si Es Por Amor" and "Winter Lights" vocalist Jacqueline Santillan sounds like she is fronting the Strokes. Santillan has a hypnotic vocal style and coupled with the musicianship of Mathew Beighley and Thomas King, it's easy to get sucked in. Make no mistake, W.T.F is an indie band to be reckoned with and you can be sure that they will put Echo Park on the map with their infectious brand of indie rock.

B+