Oddfellows by Tomahawk

Released:  January 29, 2012
Rating:  ééé1/2
Genre:  Hard Rock

Tomahawk released their first album in 2001; three years after founder/lead singer Mike Patton's previous band (Faith No More) broke up. This is one of three bands he currently fronts (can you say overachiever?).

The album is almost universally loved by the critics, and musically it's better than the three and a half stars I've given it for pure listenability.  According to the industry it qualifies as Heavy- or Alt-Metal, but for the past few years that's meant, to me, too loud and too angry, with the music something you have to dig to find. This album has some great stuff on it.  To whit, Stone Letter, A Thousand Eyes, Choke Neck or Waratorium.  All have great musicality, plenty of hooks, interesting  rhythms and a touch of metal sludge.  (Okay, so Warratorium has a lot of metal sludge; shoot me.)

No Beginning, No End by José James

Released: January 22, 2013
Rating: ééé1/2
Genre: Jazz and Soul

Described by some as a Jazz singer for the Hip Hop generation.  I don't hear it.  I may be too old-school, but what I hear is Bill Withers in the 21st century (which I consider a good thing.)  New York City's Jose James lists Marvin Gaye as an influence and I can hear that too.  This is great as either a sound track to an easy day or for focused listening in a contented mood.

Both the opener  It's All Over Your Body and  Trouble remind me so much of Bill Withers, it's easy to forget he hasn't had a new studio release in almost 30 years. Or, try my favorite, the simple, beautiful  Come To My Door.