The Planet Of Sound

Artist: Jane’s Addiction
Title: The Great Escape Artist
Released: 2011
Rating:

I had high expectations with the latest release from Jane’s Addiction.  Unfortunately I have to say it sounds like an overly overproduced album and falls short of previous efforts.  The best thing about the release is the limited edition version that at least provides you with what Jane’s Addiction does best – playing live!

Sure all the Jane’s ingredients are there but I am not loving it. Won’t stop me from looking out for their next release though. Still a BIG fan.

Artist: Skunk Anansie
Title: Wonderlustre
Released: 2010
Rating:

 It has been 11 years since the release of ‘Post Orgasmic Chill’ and the announcement that Skunk Anansie had called it a day. There was a Best Of album in between that time and Skin also released two solos albums.   Skunk Anansie however hit back with a really solid release in Wonderlustre.  You cannot look past the vocals of Skin – Powerful and in your face but then also has the ability to sound so sweet.

Stand out tracks for me are… well all of them.  This is the type of album you put on and can listen from start to finish and enjoy the ride from fast paced to mellow tracks.

Given the time between the last release and Wonderlustre, I can only hope the next effort does not take so long. Although I would be more than happy with Skin releasing another solo effort too.

Artist: Chris Cornell
Title: Songbook
Released: 2011
Rating:

A stunning release from Mr Cornell. For a live album this is amazing, it really shows how good Chris Cornell’s vocals really are.  All the hits are here, including some hidden gems.  I was lucky enough to catch him touring on the back of this release (recordings were made throughout the US leg of the tour) and I am glad I did.

Anyone who is a fan of Soundgarden would not be disappointed adding this to their collection, but really you should get this just for one of the best voices in the industry today and to hear him belt out some classics.

Artist: Black Francis
Title: Nonstoperotik
Released: 2010
Rating:

Artist: Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds
Title: Self Titled
Released: 2011
Rating:

I will be up front, I do like Noel Gallagher.  When I look back on his work with Oasis, it is hard to not recognise that he is a talented songwriter and sure as hell knows his way around a guitar.  So when it came time for Liam and Noel to split their separate ways I was excited to hear what direction Noel was going to take.

What we have here is a mix of genres from ballads to rock. While it may not be an Oasis rock n’ roll album, it certainly does not lose any appeal from me.  I personally would have been happy with Noel releasing a solo acoustic album, but it would appear he has decided to put Oasis behind him and experiment a little on this release – and that is a good thing. Might not be to everyone’s liking, but I like it.