The Week in Albums: Apr. 8

Only two reviews this week, thanks to a relative dearth of interesting/well-reviewed releases. The coming weeks should be full of exciting stuff, though, including TV on the Radio, Panda Bear and Foo Fighters.

#1
Apocalypse
Bill Callahan
Drag City

Bill Callahan, formerly known as Smog, released his third album under his own name this week. 2009's Sometime I Wish We Were an Eagle was a major critical success, yet Apocalypse is a noticeably darker, more pensive record. There's something distinctly Nick Cave-ian about songs like "Baby's Breath," which has a spectral, mournful mood to it. The spiky "America!" devolves into an jagged, electric boogie halfway through, while "Riding for the Feeling" pares things back, resulting in a hushed, moving ballad. Apocalypse may be substantially less accessible than its predecessor, but overall, I find it to be a much stronger record. Callahan's imagery and melodies have never been stronger, while these downbeat songs are a great match for his calm, almost serene non-singing. Look for Apocalypse to show up on plenty of year-end lists come December.

Simon's Grade:



#2
Blood Pressures
The Kills
Domino Records

This week's other major release is Blood Pressures, the fourth album from the Kills. The half-American, half-British duo have received lots of free press thanks to singer Alison Mosshart's participation in Jack White's Dead Weather project. However, rather than capitalizing on the opportunity, the Kills have released an uneven, often boring album. Make no mistake: there are highlights here. The blistering "Future Starts Slow" is a force to be reckoned with, while the slower burning "Baby Says" and closing "Pots and Pans" show some previously unused versatility and musical range. However, Jamie Hince's grinding guitar riffs are too often absent and Mosshart's vocals seem phoned in. With each new album, the Kills' initial energy and aggression has dissipated more and more. The ratio of ballads-to-rockers is going in the wrong direction and I desperately hope this talented duo return to their strengths in the future.

Simon's Grade: