“High Violet” The National 4AD
Three years after their heralded album “Boxer,” The National return with a record of swirling tension and polished beauty. Singer Matt Berninger’s singular deep baritone lends each song a contentious tone drifting below layers of reverb guitar and melancholy piano melodies. As with previous National albums, “High Violet” grows on the listener with each play, as repeated listens reveal new perspectives on the band’s subtle wordplay and dark instrumentals. With “Violet,” The National have created their most consistently affecting and rewarding effort as well as one of the best albums so far this year.
A
C. Abshire
“The Losers”Warner Bros.
“The Losers,” which is based on the Vertigo comic book series, is an hour and a half of testosterone overload, pedestrian action scenes and cheeky comedy. Three agents, led by Clay — Jeffrey Dean Morgan — are sent by the CIA to Bolivia with a special forces unit to kill a drug lord, only to find their own boss is trying to kill them. They then join forces with a sexy operative — Zoe Saldana — to get out of Bolivia and exact revenge. Unfortunately, the film leaves viewers at a distance, forgoing any character connection with the audience to mine a generic plotline and a half-baked ending.
C-
C. Abshire
The New Pornographers”Together”Matador Records
With its sing-along hooks and the band’s most rocking songs yet, “Together” is a welcome sound for The New Pornographers. Other than singer Dan Bejar’s dissonant take on “If You Can’t See My Mirrors,” the eight-piece indie rock outfit also gives a great vocal performance. Guest appearances by Zach Condon of Beirut and the horn section from Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings on “My Shepherd” give the band an interesting dynamic not found on earlier releases. Fans of the band’s older material and new listeners alike need to give “Together” a listen as it’s one of the best indie releases of 2010.
Grade: B+
B. Bourgeois
“City Island”Anchor Bay Entertainment
For such an easily paced film, “City Island” is a smart comedy about a vulnerable family that can’t quite seem to get it right. Andy Garcia and Julianna Margulies headline an excellent ensemble cast that packs just the right amount of laughs in this simple yet clever story set in the Bronx. It’s not hard to tell that all “Island” wants to do is entertain, and it hits the mark perfectly. The film’s comedy is bred with a heartfelt tone that will make audiences connect with its characters, comedy and emotion.
A-
M. Jacobs
“Forgiveness Rock Record”Broken Social SceneArts & Crafts On the Canadian indie collective’s sprawling fourth LP, 25 people collaborate during the course of 14 tracks, resulting in what can only be described as a musical extravaganza. “Forgiveness” represents a stark departure from the band’s former melancholy sound, featuring a bright mix of orchestral pop and alternative rock. Nineteen rotating members and guests experiment with a wide range of instrumentation, relying heavily on harmonized guitars and throwing in an occasional horn flourish. While the album is decidedly over-the-top, “Forgiveness Rock Record” represents Broken Social Scene’s most diverse and accessible release yet.
A-
E. Clausen
Editor’s Pick
Minus the Bear”Omni”Dangerbird Records
Minus the Bear’s first full-length album in three years is reminiscent of artists before their time but not as exciting as their own previous efforts. The indie-electronica band’s “Omni” is a slower, less volatile compilation than its others, and unfortunately it’s less interesting. But it’s fun to try and place the band’s influences. The Seattle-based quintet sometimes sound like Steely Dan, and lead singer Jake Snider’s voice sometimes resembles one-hit wonder Duncan Sheik. The drum work of Erin Tate consistently emulates Sublime’s sound. But he’s not strong enough to keep the listener’s attention to the unusual lyrics. The album is worth a listen, but it may be worthwhile to check out their earlier work.