Thursday, June 03, 2010

Review: Grace Potter & the Nocturnals


















Live acoustic version of "Low Road" at YouTube

"The star-making machinery," as Joni Mitchell described it, is in overdrive for Grace Potter & the Nocturnals.

I don't like it. The roots-rock-jam band's new album is on sale for $6.99 at Amazon and at Best Buy. The latter's version contains video content.

The enchanting nouveau hippie depicted in the lovely "Low Road" video is largely absent from the new slick and polished eponymous album. The relaxed vibe on display here is spoiled by unflattering stabs at crossover.

I can't fault Hollywood Records. Their heavy-handed approach will probably pay off. Potter may soon enjoy the same level of celebrity attained by the Black Crowe's Chris Robinson and Blues Traveler's John Popper. (Careful, Grace- fame didn't necessarily agree with those men.)

Even though I don't care for the new album, I can't wait to hear songs like "Hot Summer Night" live. Grace Potter & the Nocturnals are an exceptional live act. An over-produced album shouldn't change that.


---
Boasting a King Crimson sample and dark lyrics, Kanye West's new single "Power" is a contender for my favorite song of 2010.

---
I'm thrilled that Roland White's I Wasn't Born To Rock 'n Roll has been reissued by Tompkins Square.

---
Prediction- Travis McCoy is going to be a huge pop star.

---
Credentials Hip Hop interviewed Signif. The new album by Milwaukee's answer to Speech Debelle is available as a free download.

---
Ollie Woodson of the Temptations has died. He's associated with the '80s hit "Treat Her Like a Lady".

---
Phono-Mode, a new vinyl shop, recently opened in St. Louis. The RFT has the story. (Tip via St. Louis Jazz Notes.)

---
Kansas City Click: I'm not too cool for classic rock. Kansas, Foreigner and Styx play Thursday at Starlight Theater.

The Black Keys are Friday's headliners at Crossroads.

The Hearts of Darkness hit Davey's Uptown on Saturday.

Zappa Plays Zappa Sunday at Crossroads.

(Original image by There Stands the Glass.)

2 comments:

bgo said...

Ah geez, bag man, it's not even summer and you already have a contender for favorite song of the year? Speaks volumes about the future of the music.

Happy In Bag said...

I think it's the other way around, BGO.