“Minor Love”Adam GreenRough Trade Records
Former Moldy Peaches singer Adam Green continues his solo career with his latest anti-folk release, “Minor Love.” The songs are musically simplistic, and the lyrics aren’t amazing either — how and why he worked the word “flatulent” into two of the songs’ choruses is incomprehensible. Green’s vocals are more like speaking than actual singing, as he delivers one wry bit of sarcasm after another. But the joke quickly wears thin. His influences are obvious — he would sound exactly like Lou Reed if Reed had no talent and wrote terrible music. Elizabeth Clausen — D
 
“Separation of Church & Fate”Death On Two WheelsThe Ghost Umbrella/Favorite Gentlemen
The five songs from this second release from the Atlanta rockers have a soft edge that will find a wide audience. The first track and single, “Calling Us All Back Home,” is easily the standout of the EP. It’s light on instrumentals, heavy on voice. The effect is pleasantly mellow and calming. The song features a vocal solo at first, but it picks up and hits its stride when two other singers join. All the songs sound very similar, featuring a gravelly voice, guitar and sweet — if not especially creative — lyrics about love. Lauren Coumes — B-
 
“This Addiction”Alkaline TrioEpitaph RecordsAlkaline Trio returns after the failed mainstream experiment of 2008’s “Agony and Irony” by revisiting its early punk roots. Unfortunately, this back-to-basics approach feels forced, and the band never really recaptures the quality pop-punk sound for which it was once known. The songs are often completely uninspiring despite lively attempts by the band to sound urgent and earnest. There are a few memorable hooks and soaring anthems on “This Addiction,” but too often Alkaline Trio struggles to find an original and appealing edge.Chris Abshire — C-
 
“One Life Stand”Hot ChipEMILondon quintet Hot Chip’s soft dance sound gets softer on its fourth album, “One Life Stand.” The boys maintain their likably distinctive sound, but they fail to meet the danceable success of previous album “Made in the Dark.” “Stand” offers a few gems (“Hand Me Down Your Love” and “Alley Cats”), but Hot Chip neglects to offer the quantity of essential tracks “Dark” did. The album doesn’t completely lose the band’s dance mantra, but its members should revisit previous albums and remind themselves of what originally made fans fall in love with their smooth electro-pop vibes.Matthew Jacobs — B-
 
“Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief”Sunswept Entertainment”Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief” is like Harry Potter meets Greek mythology with a dash of “Twilight.”  The film has Percy Jackson, Poseidon’s demigod son, in a quest to return Zeus’ lightning bolt and save his own mother from Hades. It has all the makings for a blockbuster hit, including a star-studded cast of Uma Thuman, Pierce Brosman, Rosario Dawson and others. And lead heartthrob Logan Lerman could rival Taylor Lautner and Robert Pattinson. But the film pales in comparison to the Harry Potter series. It incorporates magic like the Harry Potter series, but doesn’t deliver any jaw-dropping tricks or scenes. The storyline is decent, but forgettable. But the modern twist to Greek mythology and hip portrayal of Greek gods makes it worthwhile. Kieu Tran — B-
 
“Shutter Island”Paramount PicturesIn true Martin Scorcese fashion, this dramatic thriller is sure to keep viewers on edge. He has learned how to create something truly gripping in this film after teaming with lead actor Leonardo DiCaprio for three previous films. Scorcese is a master depicting the deterioration of the human psyche (see “Taxi Driver”), but “Shutter Island” falls into some of the same motions of his pervious films. For example, its ending and numerous plot twists may turn off fans who were let down by the grand finale in “The Departed.” This film is one you’ll have to see for yourself — regardless of Scorcese’s hits and misses.Ben Bourgeois — B+
 
Editor’s PickJay ElectronicaRap artistControl Freaq RecordsEverything about the way Jay Electronica represents New Orleans rap is different. He’s a product of the Magnolia Projects, but he’s no Juvenile. He’s not interested in “azzes” or “shining every summer.” Maybe it’s because he’s been moving around big U.S. cities since the mid- ‘90s, living homeless multiple times — and he’s seen a lot. Erykah Badu’s leading man, Electronica produces abstract beats sometimes looping film soundtracks as backgrounds for his straight-up, stirring rap. None of his three best-knowns — “Exhibit C,” “Exhibit A (Transformations)” or “Just Begun” — have hooks. And he takes the high road with his lyrics. He’s just as witty Drake and old Lil Wayne, but he’s meaningful, strangely versed in Islamic and Hebrew expressions and well traveled. Electronica, Jay Elect, Almighty Elohim — whatever he’s called — is rap’s Mystery Man. He’s been called the Jack Kerouac of rap. He’s not only wandered around the U.S. but took a trip to Asia to film a snippet for his new track “Dear Moleskine,” and he seems to meld with every culture he comes across. He’s clearly trying to impress with his cultural knowledge. And he does. He collaborates with Nas, Mos Def and Talib Kweli. He’s endorsed by Diddy, and he’s produced by Just Blaze and J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League. But after two years of hype, he still hasn’t released an album. He’s been looping soundtracks and winding around the Internet instead of burning out early on an overlong mixtape and a disappointing album. He got attention early for his recycling of the “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind” soundtrack in “Act 1: Eternal Sunshine (The Pledge)” — 10 minutes of raps sans percussion, divided into movements. He’s different. Act II is slated to come out soon, but a real album won’t materialize until Act III, which will feature both “Exhibits” and “Dear Moleskine.” Until then, hungry fans can chase him down at Bonnaroo in June or scope the Internet for his new developments. He’s been everywhere, but he doesn’t forget his roots. He shouts out to Baton Rouge in “Exhibit C,” and his love for New Orleans isn’t a secret. Electronica’s verse in “Just Begun” off the “Reflection Eternal” mixtape with Kweli is the kind of New Orleans representation that sets him apart.  “Servin’ gumbo wit a shovel — Dawg I’m on another level.”Sarah Lawson—–Contact The Daily Reveille’s entertainment staff at [email protected]