Editorial Reviews Music Review:
Music Review
The Security of Illusion [Original recording remastered]
Rachmaninov: Piano Concertos Nos. 1 & 4; Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini
Remix: Arabic Club Mix, Vol. 2
Stand Up [Content/Copy-Protected CD] [Enhanced]
Fasch: Ouverture/Concertos for corni du caccia
The Big Band Sound of Thad Jones and Mel Lewis featuring Miss Ruth Brown
Amazon.com
Shellac is back for another aural attack with 1000 Hurts, a more accessible album than previous fare such as At Action Park. Frontman Steve Albini has never sounded looser or more sarcastic than he does on the one-two opening punch of "Prayer to God" and "Squirrel Song"; the former finds the screechy one singing (!) wails of resignation over a punchy backing, while the latter has him sneering "Don't be surprised if I bust out crying" before indulging in some wicked aggro-arena stylings. Cage-rattling aces Todd Trainer and Bob Weston are given gonzo airlift by the big-room sound Albini loves to champion--it's helium light and lead heavy at the same time. The shorter tracks, such as "Canaveral" and "QRJ," allow for easy-in, easy-out rock fiestas, while longer cuts such as "Watch Song" give the rhythm section a workout. Another fine effort from Albini and company. --Jason Josephes