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Craig Finn
Clear Heart Full Eyes
[Vagrant]
Yes, it's better than the last Hold Steady album, which really hit a wall ("Rock Problems" indeed). And yes, country songs change up the pace in a tight and tuneful way that would be crucial for any solo debut. But times are tough when slowing down and crooning is your saving grace, especially when you have the voice of an automotive pitchman. Respect Finn's desire to distance himself from the (limited) lyrical universe he created, but don't assume he's got as many good stories about the recession. Word to the hipsters who think this might be cleverer than actual country: "New Friend Jesus" has nothing on Hayes Carll's "She Left Me for Jesus." -- Dan Weiss
Damon Albarn
Dr. Dee
[Virgin]
Can Blur fans worldwide start an intervention? If the dreams of a reunion aren't dead yet, listen to Dr. Dee. The days when Albarn could magically fuse Britpop and alternative influences are long gone. Here, he does his best impression of a poor man's album from The Dears, his vocals droopily lamenting over some laughable, minimalist orchestral arrangements. It's worse than it sounds, and that really says something. Logically at least, Dr. Dee's critical backlash should lead to some new Gorillaz material. After all, Albarn can't possibly want to show his face alone after this one. -- Nathan Mattise
Beach House
Bloom
[Sub Pop]
There's nothing exactly bad about the new Beach House album -- it's pretty much the blend of languid melodies, expansive soundscapes, and chill vibes you'd expect. Which is exactly the problem. See, we've already got three Beach House albums, and they all sound quite similar to this. Bloom offers slightly more refinement, sure -- the production is lusher, the songs slightly more confident -- but overall it finds the band doing exactly what it's been exalted for doing its entire career. We weren't expecting Beach House to make a death metal record, but we were hoping that the leading dream pop band would seek at least a slight change or advancement over its already very-well-established sound. We thought the band might, y'know, want to challenge itself. Call us crazy, but we're disappointed that Bloom is just more of the same. -- Ian S. Port
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