Despite Interesting Names, Bands Put Forth Uninteresting Records

Cat Power
There’s a feeling of betrayal when a bad cover comes on the radio. The recognition of “I love this song!” will often deteriorate into “Why would anyone ruin it?” after about thirty seconds. This sequence of feelings just about sums up Jukebox, Cat Power’s follow-up effort to 2006’s The Greatest. The album isn’t terrible—singer/songwriter Charlyn Marshall’s smoky voice could never completely ruin any song. But since these are all covers, they invite comparison with the originals. Because of this, it is less the quality of the album and more the knowledge of how great the originals are that is problematic. Marshall covers a broad spectrum, ranging from Billie Holiday to Hank Williams to Bob Dylan, and even includes a cover of one her own songs. Even then, though, she fails to surpass the original. Ironically, the only song that really stands out on this album is her new song, “Song to Bobby,” about Bob Dylan (echoing Dylan’s own “Song to Woody”). The song’s touching, honest, and emotional lyrics about the intimate connection that she develops with Dylan’s music resonates with listeners, reminding them of their own personal relationship with their favorite artist. Jukebox is a solid effort, but nowhere near The Greatest.
—Cedric Cheung-Lau

Vampire Weekend
Baring their fangs for the first time, Vampire Weekend released their self-titled debut album on Tuesday, Jan. 29. The Columbia-bred and over-hyped band revived most of their popular songs, revealing little material that was not on their demo. The album does have its highlights—there are a few songs that will resonate for many as the sound of 2008. Included is the upbeat “M79,” a track that recalls the band’s Columbia past riding the crosstown bus, “Walcott,” a pleasing, poppy tune about a summer on Cape Cod, the cute and clever “Oxford Comma,” and the single “Mansard Roof.” For one of the most anticipated albums of the new year, though, Vampire Weekend is disappointing. Many of the album’s tracks, in particular the songs that debuted on the album (such as “Bryn”), fall short of the expectations of both bloggers and critics. As a whole, is Vampire Weekend worth the $10 on iTunes? Probably not. But is it worth your time trying to get a hold of it some other way? Most definitely.
—Zach Dyer