music
Tuned In: eels' sun comes out on 'Tomorrow'
"TOMORROW MORNING," eels (E Works)
Those who wished eels' dour "End Times" would indeed signal the end times for the mopey act get a fine compromise with the new "Tomorrow Morning." Front man Mark Oliver Everett does a near-180 with the latest, coming just months on the heels of January's "End Times."
Music: A classic pairing: Brian Wilson and George Gershwin
It was always a little frustrating to be in love with Brian Wilson and the Beach Boys. For every fabulous pop gem from the early years of surfing, cars and fun -- "I Get Around," "The Warmth of the Sun," "Be True to Your School," "Help Me, Rhonda," you name it -- there was just as much filler, throwaways like "Chug-a-Lug" or "Alley Oop."
Tuned: Fantasia's flight of fancy, 'Back to Me,' is slight
"BACK TO ME," Fantasia (J)
Regardless of the compassion you might or might not feel for Fantasia, her "Back to Me" is good enough to generate big hits for the singer, but, frankly, not good enough to truly deserve it.
Music: Country roads to wisdom
LEXINGTON, Va. - In October 1925, the Grand Ole Opry went live on Nashville's WSM radio, and America's cultural fabric was changed forever. This year, as the Opry celebrates its 85th birthday, country music continues to capture the American spirit and the essence of the country's values and priorities.
Music: George Thorogood's still 'Bad to the Bone'
George Thorogood is not a genius.
But he's very clever.
The Delaware Destroyer has a theory that he espouses on his website to neatly sum up the creative class, dividing it into two categories. For example, John Lennon is a genius, but Mick Jagger is very clever.
Tuned: Avenged Sevenfold's fatalism has credence
"NIGHTMARE," Avenged Sevenfold (Warner Bros.)
The worst thing about heavy metal is the overwrought angst the wealthy, adult band members manufacture to pander to their teen-boy demographic.
Yet in the case of Avenged Sevenfold's new "Nightmare," the agony is real -- if exploited.
Tuned: Ex-model David Garrett proves violins don't really rock
"ROCK SYMPHONIES," David Garrett (Decca)
Fine-arts groups across the country have tried heroically to rope in younger audiences for classical music, often with limited success.
Music: A soundtrack for the summer of '10
The summer is slipping away. Before you know it, all of your vacation days will be dust in the wind. If you're looking for CDs to make the trek out of town to your favorite vacation spot more interesting, look no further.
These are my candidates for best CDs of the year so far. They're all guaranteed accessible, too:
