Album:
Robotique Majestique Record Label:
Trashy MopedGhostland Observatory’s third effort announces itself as the breakout album it is intended to be. The aptly titled “Opening Credits” slowly swells over a dramatic 2-1/2 minutes like the soundtrack to 2001: A Space Odyssey before dropping into the tinny robotic beats of “Heavy Heart,” which sweeps upon an ominous bridge of Rush-like prog-rock behind Aaron Behrens’ breathy wail. “Dancing On My Grave” explodes as the club centerpiece, controlled and ripe for remix, while the title track drones Thomas Turner’s synth against Behrens’ punctuated agitation.
Most discerning music aficionados will agree that an artist’s best work isn’t always the stuff that grabs you on the first spin; a lot of truly great records only reveal their beauty and depth over time and many repeated listens.
Willie goes ’round in circles. Some of his work conveys stunning creativity, with just-right pacing and singing and gut-stringed bull’s-eyes from rickety old Trigger. Other times, he sprints through, giving only short bursts of brilliance, then easing on down the road a little too casually. This yin-yang tug of moods happens frequently on Moment of Fever.
After 16 years of being married to Paul Simon, it’s about time Edie Brickell got a good record out of the union. But the Simon she’s teamed with for the Heavy Circles isn’t the hubby; it’s her 35-year-old stepson, Harper Simon, who proves a compelling musical foil for the Dallas-born singer-songwriter.
