New Music Review

Belle and Sebastian The BBC Sessions 3 Stars

You may notice this group from the Juno movie soundtrack, but Belle and Sebastian have been making music for some time now. Their new 26 track, two-disk collection of recordings span from 1996-2001, featuring four unreleased tracks and a charming assortment of their already popular indie gold. Belle and Sebastian even lend their relaxed vocal and musical style to a few Beatles covers including "Here Comes the Sun". The BBC Sessions is a fantastic listen. It's twee Pop, with twee ideals, and a large folksy striped twee bow on top.

Jóhann Jóhannsson Fordlândia 4 Stars

Fordlândia is a reference to a story about Henry Ford's establishment of a rubber plantation in the middle of the Amazon in the 1920s. The preceding tracks cover the forest's revitalization from every aspect including many other characteristics of what Jóhannsson calls the "failed utopia". The theme takes comes full circle on tracks like "The Great God Pan is Dead" and a personal favorite, "The Rocket Builder". A strictly instrumental album, it is a sensation to the ears and a revelation to the intricate detail Jóhannsson pays to the recording of each sound.

Lou Reed Berlin: Live at St. Ann's Warehouse 1 ½ Stars

Berlin is a live concert album and film from a Lou Reed who hasn't played the original Berlin in over 30 years. Musically, the album is an amazing aural assortment, with fantastic guitar solos, and some quality back-up. But Reed himself is completely out of his league even for a live album. If for nothing, stick around for the musical quality, but when the jig is up, it's up, and hopefully this will be Reed's last attempt at music.